Ish Happens...

Greetings, All!

Can you believe it has been almost 4 years since we spoke last? Where did the time go? (Seriously, Raychelle. Where have you been?)

The easy answer is that life happened -- in a big way. We writers have to keep a day job, right? More specifically, I went to work in the sales and marketing department for a nationwide home builder. I managed and wrote copy for their website, created and executed social media campaigns, and worked with prospective buyers among a host of other things. Gratefully, that tour of duty ended in March (more on that later). However, I am really proud of the work I did over there and I learned a bunch.

On a personal level, I got divorced, moved to Katy, and homeschooled Halima through high school and SAT's. Life is a lot simpler now since we downsized and have since moved on from the drama. I can feel my feet on the ground again and I am just trying to figure out my next moves.

Hopefully you will get/stay tuned into this space as I have some cool projects in the making that I would love to share with you all! At some point, I plan to resurrect "The Writer's Block", do some book reviews and editing, etc. For now, I just gotta do me.

Keep your pen to the paper! Remember, inspiration is everywhere...

The Voting Has Begun!

Raychelle Writes has been nominated for the Best Book Blog in the Black Weblog Awards (sponsored this year by Blogging While Brown). Voting in the semi-final round (9/15-10/1/2012) has commenced and I would really appreciate your support. The top five vote-getters advance to the finals.

Here is the link: http://www.blackweblogawards.com/blog/2012/9/15/black-weblog-award-voting-is-now-open-yay.html

Be sure to peruse all of the categories as some pretty fantastic bloggers have been nominated. I will be sure to keep you apprised of my progress.

Keep your pen to the paper! Remember, inspiration is everywhere...

When Asked for Apples, Don't Offer Oranges

This morning I read a post from literary agent Rachelle Gardner called, "Give Them What They Want". In it, she shares some feedback from a recent call for guest bloggers on her site. There were many pitches made that simply did not meet her guidelines. I can relate. In the last six months, I have received pitches from writers who clearly had not read my submission page. And why would someone offer to write a guest post about plastic surgery, childcare, or dating on a blog about writing? 

Offering budding authors a place to showcase their talents and build their online platforms is a great opportunity that isn't widely available. So it should not it be taken lightly. Therefore, when you find bloggers who are willing to share their space with you, it is important that your pitch is a good fit for their blog and your platform. Also, follow the guidelines for submission down to the word count and font. You may miss out on a chance to expand your audience because you failed to give them what they want.

Here is an excerpt from Ms. Gardner's post. Enjoy and take heed.

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"Give Them What They Want" by Rachelle Gardner

Back when I was in school, I embraced an important truth: If I wanted to succeed according to someone else’s standards, then I needed to give them what they wanted. It started with my teachers. To get a good grade, I needed to understand exactly what they wanted and give it to them. Using my own creativity and trying to give them something I thought was better wouldn’t always work. If I wanted to be brilliant and creative, fine, but I might sacrifice a good grade. If I wanted the “A” then I needed to give the instructor exactly what was expected.

This lesson served me well as I spent a couple of decades in various roles in the corporate and business world. To be considered a good employee and get promotions and raises, I needed to understand exactly what was expected… and do it. If creativity and innovation and big ideas were valued in that company, then that’s what I focused on. If simply doing your job was valued, then that’s what I did. As long as I was in an environment where someone else’s standards determined MY success, I always focused on what those standards were.

Success often depends on giving your boss what they want; giving your clients what they want; giving your professors what they want, giving your readers what they want.
You’re always free to write what you want, how you want. You’re free to approach the process of publication however you like. But when your success depends on other people, it’s smart to ask yourself: Are you giving them what they want? This applies whether you’re querying agents, pitching publishers, or thinking about your end reader. What do they want? Are you giving it to them?

Read the entire post.

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Keep your pen to the paper! Remember, inspiration is everywhere...

Where Do You Get Off Calling Yourself A Writer?

The problem with calling yourself a writer is that the amount of money you earn doing it determines whether or not you will be taken seriously. The perception is that we writers live this kick-back lifestyle strolling aimlessly along the beach searching for inspiration. Or maybe we have a cabin near a lake where we frequently sequester ourselves and write against a backdrop of birds chirping and the splitter-splattering of rain against the window panes. We lack discipline, work when they feel like it, and don't have much direction or ambition. If we are not New York Times best-selling authors (or Oprah Book Club selections--kinda the same thing), or we're not published in newspapers and nationwide magazines, or we don't have a master's degree in fine arts from a prestigious writing program, then who will believe that we are any good at what we do?

Truth is, writing is a tough grind. Making a living at it requires a skill set that includes the writing itself, editing, creativity, research skills, marketing, advertising, sales, communication, flexibility, being extremely disciplined and self-directed, working well under pressure, being incredibly organized (more or less), and must be able to play well with others. It certainly is not for the thin-skinned nor the faint of heart. It is a craft that must be honed as it constantly evolves. Writers often have a day job, or at least supplement their literary pursuits with author visits, speaking engagements, and freelance work. I heard a real estate broker say once that the people who are the most successful in real estate are the ones who show up the most, not necessarily the ones who are the best or the brightest. Therefore, it is imperative to keep improving your craft and keep showing up for yourself.

When I decided to take the plunge into writing last summer, I got a mixed response from folks in my immediate circle. I had gone back to school and completed my B.S. in Sports Management in three years topped off with obtaining a professional certification. When it was all over, I was burnt like toast. Aside from sporadic posting on my blog Journeys Fitness, I had no other outlets to share my experiences and the vast amount of knowledge I was acquiring. Several years ago, I had two articles published in a fledgling regional magazine. I knew then that I would find a way to return to writing. My passions are diverse and I become a student of whatever it is that I am trying to do. So, rather than talk the ears off of anyone and everyone who was within earshot about my latest adventure, I decided to champion my causes using the written word. Seven titles (with three more on the way), three blogs, steady paid freelance work, and a new business later, I am definitely in a groove. The best thing I ever did was ignore the naysayers and not let myself be discouraged.

So, if you want to write, then write. Don't worry about those snobs who have made the colossal error of judging you while in transition. No one comes out of the womb cranking out works that will appear in this century's literary canon. No one. We all have to start at the beginning. Often times the people who give you the most flack about your writing are people who either want what you have or are afraid of losing what they have. And let's face it--every book that you have ever read has been written by somebody who had some jerk tell them (either by words or deeds)  that it couldn't be done. Resilience and persistence pays. Get a good editor and/or someone honest with a good eye and apply their critiques. Make every piece you create better than the last. Remember, if you do the work, you will earn the right to call yourself whatever you want. Write on!

Can You Really Make a Living from Writing?

This is a question that lovers of the pen ask all of the time. For many writers, being able to express themselves using the written word is as necessary as breathing. I sincerely believe that all knowledge and experience is meant to be shared and writing is an effective outlet for doing so. But, how can we take what we love to do and get paid to do it?

Let me say first of all that the most consistent piece of advice I have ever heard about making a living from writing is: Don't quit your day job. And if you don't have one, then get one. If possible, choose a profession that will feed your writing. Non-fiction writers probably have an easier time achieving this scenario because their education and careers are their platforms. They write about their areas of expertise. A fiction writer, however, may draw inspiration in more indirect ways. Consider a defense attorney who is a budding children's writer. She might coach a little league team, be a scout den mother, or volunteer at her children's school. Maybe the stories she writes have underlying lessons about the importance of making good decisions and deciding to do the right thing in the face of adversity. The key is to use everyday life experiences to generate story ideas.

Once you can pay your bills, diversify your sources of income using your writing skills. If you have a great eye for detail, consider freelance editing, proofreading, or copy editing. Contribute to other blog sites by selling web content. Consider self-publishing an e-book on subjects related to your author platform. (For example, a romance writer might write a niche book on dating after divorce or the loss of a spouse.) Most importantly continue to work on your own projects. All of your side jobs will build your author platform, but eventually you will have to produce a finished manuscript for publication to somebody.

Who knows? You might become the next big thing in the publishing world. But until that time arrives, resist the urge to place all of your eggs in one basket. Create a balanced plan, be consistent, be patient, and keep writing!

Keep your pen to the paper! Remember, inspiration is everywhere...

Happy Blogoversary to Raychelle Writes!

My oh my, how time flies! One year ago today I started my blog, Raychelle Writes, in an effort to network with my fellow authors, illustrators, lit folks, and book lovers. I was just getting started as an indie author and trying to learn and share everything I could about the publishing world. I have self-published 7 books with 3 more on the way this summer. Blogging has kept me writing consistently and has afforded me more opportunities as a freelance writer.

On this journey I have "met" hundreds of smart, talented, and creative people who are all a part of an incredibly supportive community. I am grateful to all of our followers and contributors to Raychelle Writes. Here are some highlights of what we have accomplished together over the last 12 months:

1)  On  July 13, 2011 Raychelle Writes was founded.

2)  We currently have over 70 loyal subscribers.

3)  Raychelle Writes has had over 20,000 page views.

4)  We have reviewed over 20 books in our Raychelle Reviews series.

5)  On January 9, 2011 we launched The Writer's Block and have since conducted over 80 interviews.

6)  We established a Raychelle Writes Facebook page  with 273 "Likes" so far.

7)  We have hosted over 10 guest bloggers.

8)  We have supported several book releases including my daughter's first middle-grade novel, Riley and the Kitchen Katastrophe!

9)  We won our first blog award!

10)We also hosted our first illustrator's contest, Sketch the Story!

So, what's next for us? Starting this fall we will offer an editing, proofreading, and critique service: Raychelle Edits. Raychelle Designs will  offer book cover designs and layouts. Raychelle Blogs for You will provide high-quality, yet affordable, blog content. So stay tuned for details!

For the next 6 weeks, I will be concentrating on finishing my next three books: Smart Girls Like You, Smart Boys Like You, and The Living Well. The launches will no doubt be pretty labor-intensive, so don't panic if I seem to be a little less active in my posts. My hope is that you will keep reading and contributing to Raychelle Writes. Together, we can continue to accomplish great things!

The Versatile Blogger Award: My First Award!

Fellow author Martha Steward (Darby's Story and Bangle Bear) recently nominated me for The Versatile Blogger Award. I want to thank Martha for honoring me for my work! Blogging is an integral part of a writer's platform and I choose to share it with my fellow artists. Martha recently interviewed on my blog series, "The Writer's Block": http://www.raychelle-writes.blogspot.com/2012/03/writers-block-interviews-martha-steward.html

A little kindness goes a long way. Pay it forward today!

Keep you pen to the paper! Remember, inspiration is everywhere...

Author Darlene Quinn Explains Why Writers Should Promote Each Other on Facebook

(Darlene Quinn's article sums it all up for me. Enjoy and take heed!)

"For some writers, self promotion is a hard pill to swallow. We are authors and artists, not sales people. Self promotion makes some of us feel uncomfortable and cheap. After all, they always say the hardest part about being an artist is selling your own work.

"For others, self promotion is easy and glides through Facebook like a bad virus. For the everyday family member, friend and fellow writer, the multiple postings and unreciprocated feedback can be distracting and downright annoying.

"The key to promoting your book on Facebook is to let others do it for you, while you promote the work of others.

"The number one rule of Facebook is to be Social, not self-centered. You cannot build meaningful relationships with fans or fellow writers by talking about yourself all the time.

"That said, consider these points in regard to promoting literature on Facebook.

"Announcements for book releases, awards and other literary achievements should be shared in a modest, yet effective, way. You on the other hand should also share the achievements of others within your network and groups. It’s so much easier for the Facebook audience to respond to a “suggested reading” or a “have a look at this new cover art” posting or “take a look at this new book trailer” share in the form of a third-party endorsement. This represents a trusted friend recommendation, as opposed to a used-car salesman’s approach to self-promotion.

"Are you getting the picture here? How many times have you entered a group and saw one random member monopolizing the posting thread with his or her own self promotion and thought, OMG, he or she is at it again!

"Imagine the power in numbers if we writers took one modest, yet effective, post and shared it with our friends and fellow writers. That is the viral power of Facebook..." Read the entire article HERE.

[Darlene Quinn is the author of Webs of Power, Twisted Webs, and Webs of Fate.]

Keep your pen to the paper! Remember, inspiration is everywhere...