writing Archives - K.V. Fischer

Publish Don’t Perish Tip #15 – Ask Yourself, “Why?”

Tip #15 in the Publish Don’t Perish Series is to ask yourself, “Why?” Whether your work in progress are your memoirs, a novel, or nonfiction work, why do you want to write it? What do you want it to accomplish? Who is your audience? The answer to these questions will help provide you with direction in what you need to do to get to the end, whether it should even be published, and how.

Who is your audience?

Before you start writing, the experts always ask you to identify your audience. Who do you want to reach? Your audience is key. To name just a few reasons for its importance, your audience dictates how you write your story, whether a traditional publisher would be interested in your story, and how you would market your story.

Amanda Cabot, time management, writing, publishing, books, articles, A Borrowed Dream, Cimarron Creek trilogy, fiction, non-fiction, deadlines, why write, dreams, fear, success, rejection, priorities — Who is your audience?

Answering this question, will also help you understand why you want to write your story.

The inspiration.

A dear family friend had a very unusual and difficult life. She reached out to me for guidance on writing her memoirs. I am not an expert in that area, nor do I hold myself out as a copy editor or content editor. The service I provide authors is on the legal end – either forming and organizing their companies or providing a legal review of their manuscript to minimize their risk of liability. Her quest, however, is the inspiration behind this article.

Why do you want to write your story?

I happen to be a member of an incredible group of fellow writers. As I reached out to my group on behalf of this family friend, the response I received from one wise member sparked this tip. It is all about the why, especially when it comes to memoirs.

writers, authors, resources, toolbox, encouragement, fun, romantic suspense, journey, writer’s journey, adventure, tips, direction, research, joy, funny, inspiration, thyme, time — Thyme for Writers

This fellow writer wrote his life history and found it to be a good experience. He didn’t write it for publication, but for himself and his family.

If you write it for yourself and your family, he offered these thoughts:

“1. There are no rules you must follow. This is your story so you can do what you want. It can be short or long. You can include stories that make you look near perfect or those that are embarrassing.

2. The other thing that motivated me to write it was a friend who said, ‘everyone should write their life history because if you do not, someone else will tell your story for you … and it will be wrong.’ :-)”

If you are writing for publication, I suggest learning the craft and obtaining the publishing guidelines.

When I wrote “A Beacon for Life,” it had a dual purpose. It was a way for me to work through my grief and assist others in working through theirs. To help others, I had to have it published by a traditional publisher. If I helped one person, I met my goal. Fortunately, my goal was exceeded beyond my wildest imagination.

If your goal is to reach others outside of your family and friends, stay tuned for Tip #16.

Why do you want to write?

Publish Don’t Perish Tip #14 — OPEN THE DOOR TO YOUR POSSIBILITIES IN 2021!

As we thankfully close the door on 2020, in Publish Don’t Perish Tip #14, we open the door to your exciting possibilities in 2021. Will those possibilities take us back to this world as we knew it prior to COVID – 19? No. The world will probably never be exactly how we knew it — we’ll have a new “normal,” but the possibilities will still abound in 2021 and beyond! As writers, let’s take a look at a few of those possibilities.

Take Your Passion to the Next Level

We write because it is our passion. It’s not easy — it takes courage. It’s a lonely road we often question. As writers, we want to make a difference in the lives of others. What we write can change a life, save a life, provide an escape from the difficulties of life … .

Persevere in your dream, your passion, and take it to the next level!

Persevere in your dreams, your passions, and take it to the next level!

Take Your Business to the Next Level

Writing is a business. As in any business, you need to gather your resources so that you have access to all the tools of the trade. Take it to the next level!

Have you set up a limited liability company or corporation? If you have, are you truly treating it as a separate entity so that there are no blurred lines from you personally? This is critical to avoid “piercing the corporate veil,” thereby increasing your exposure to personal liability.

If you have not set up a separate company and treat your writing business as a sole proprietorship, you may want to talk to your tax consultant to explore the tax benefits available with a limited liability company or corporation.

wedding, wedding planner, books, Hidden Bloodlines, wedding budget — Karen VDH Fischer, MS, RD, JD

If you independently publish your work, you may want to consider setting up a company to limit your personal liability regardless. If you live in Colorado or Florida, I can help you, since I am licensed in both states and understand the passion of a writer and what’s needed to protect a writer’s interests. Feel free to reach out to me at kvdhfischer@gmail.com. My legal website, www.KVFischerLaw.com will be launched shortly. At this site, you will be able to find helpful articles for educational purposes among other things.

Get to the End

Do what it takes to finish your book — get to the end. Amanda Cabot wrote an incredible series with the acronym APODS that will help you do just that. In Tip #5, Apply APODS to Your Life, I provide a brief summary of the articles in Amanda’s series along with a link to each so you can delve deeper. I can’t recommend this series enough for every aspect of your life!

I am excited about the possibilities that 2021 will bring! What possibilities do you see?

Ready to Turn the Page on 2020

Without a doubt, we are all ready to turn the page on 2020. To say that there isn’t a soul who wouldn’t agree (except perhaps big Pharma and Zoom), would be an understatement. Although this year will be remembered for generations to come as the most difficult, trying time of our lives, there were and still are glimmers of hope and precious positive moments that soothed our souls.

far from family

For those of us who live far from our family, we most likely missed visiting them. Such was the case with me. I usually make a few trips a year visiting my family in Florida, but that was inadvisable during these times. I had hoped to see my “children,” but, that was also inadvisable. My daughter is a first level trauma doctor as a neurosurgery resident, and she is extra careful not to “share” what she may have been exposed to. My son works for Johns Hopkins APL in Maryland, and visiting was not recommended.

However, we are all becoming technically savvy, even those born before the invention of the computer (my mother is amazing with technology), and although we may not be able to visit the traditional way, most of us are visiting virtually through FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meet, or other video conferencing tools. The fact is, I have probably “seen” and spoken to my family more than I do in a typical year where I have visited.

I miss my hugs though.

working remotely

The work environment has drastically changed. More are working remotely from home. As an attorney and writer, most of my working days were done remotely prior to 2020, so in that respect, I was not greatly impacted, however, others had to get familiar with the technology and self-discipline it takes to become efficient and effective working from home. Because of COVID-19, I had to get creative with estate planning signing ceremonies where a notary and two witnesses were necessary. Yes, I made house calls, like old-time doctors in years past — my father made house calls. After going over all the estate planning documents via phone, I visited some of my clients at their homes, and provided direction for signing and witnessing through windows and glass doors. All good exercises for thinking outside the box

leaps of faith

Some of us made leaps of faith. I had been working for another law firm and decided it was time to hang my own shingle. For me, it was now or never. Quite a few of my clients came with me — they trusted me and was confident in my representation of them. I confess, it brightened my day and confirmed that my decision was the right one.

Novel – search beyond lies

This change in direction did affect the timing and goals for my novel, Search Beyond Lies. In Publish Don’t Perish Tip #11 — Be Accountable, I set my goal to have my novel ready for my professional content editor (Candee Fick) by December 1, and to my copy editor (Elizabeth Fenton) by Christmas. Alas, I failed to meet those goals. In order to handle setting up my law firm as well as meeting my clients’ needs, I put my novel on hold until a week ago and am back to writing between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. each morning.

Now, only one thing remains, getting my law firm’s website up and running. The Law Firm of Karen VDH Fischer LLC’s website will be launched on or before January 1, 2021 and may be found at www.KVFischerLaw.com. Let me know what you think after it’s up and running. My new target for Candee is the end of January.

Do you have positive moments to share from 2020?

Publish Don’t Perish – Tip #13: Gather Your Resources

As writers, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the process of getting that story from your head to “paper.” However, in the publishing environment we find ourselves in today, it’s important to gather your resources. Authors need to know how to edit their work, set up a business, get that book published (traditionally or independently), and market their book, among other things.

The purpose of this article is to present you with a resource page that will provide you with additional tools to make your journey easier. You’ll find experienced authors and professionals who can coach you, assist you with your writing, editing, technology, and business as well as marketing tips.

The Author Toolbox — Candee Fick

Author Candee Fick accumulated over 100 of her favorite tools for authors and shared them in The Author Toolbox. She also provides mentoring, hands-on advice, and personal coaching in person for those in the northern Colorado area, or via Skype, or phone for those further away. Candee is also the acquisitions and content editor for a Christian press.

Watch your grammar – Amanda Cabot

Since the mechanics of writing is critical, it’s essential to watch your grammar. Amanda Cabot’s R & R: Raves and Rants provides you with that essential tool that will help you avoid those inevitable mistakes. In my article, Publish Don’t Perish – Tip #12: Watch Your Grammar, I provide a brief description and link to each of Amanda’s invaluable articles which can be found on L.A. Sartor’s blog, An Indie Adventure — another invaluable resource.

Pageant Wagon Publishing — Kathryn Ross

clove, lemon oil, cinnamon, garden, harvestwriters, spice, fall recipes, editors, healing, manuscript — Kathryn Ross

If you’re interested in a Christian writing mentor or an independent publisher who can help you develop your book idea into a print publication, you may want to reach out to Kathryn Ross, Author, Book Shepherd, Independent Publisher, Pageant Wagon Publishing, 856-205-9334.

Time management & the multifaceted solution to getting to the end -apods

Amanda Cabot’s APODS Series is an incredible must read for not only authors, but EVERYONE. In Publish Don’t Perish – Tip #5: Apply APODS to Your Life, hI provide a one stop post that provides a link with a summary of each of Amanda’s articles for your convenience. You won’t want to miss it.

legal advice for your business

If you live in Colorado or Florida and need assistance with your business, intellectual property concerns, or estate planning, see what Karen VDH Fischer LLC has to offer or email me at kvdhfischer@gmail.com.

If you have any recommendations for our fellow writers, please feel free to share!

Working With Other Authors by Candee Fick

Writing is both a solitary and community activity.

On the one hand, as a Christian romance author, I spend countless hours inside my head and staring at a computer screen as me, myself, and I brainstorm plots, characters, and themes before pouring rough words onto a page and then rewriting them into some sort of logical order.

On the other hand, what good is a story if there’s no one to read it? But before sharing my words with the book-loving community of readers, I also work with my critique partner and editor, not to mention multiple other people-run businesses for graphics, cover design, marketing, advertising, and my amazing review team. What started as a solo project soon includes a much bigger group all connected through the power of the internet.

Thyme for Writers, books, journey, writer, author, novel — A BOOK IS MORE THAN A STORY

My introvert-perfect work process took on a unique element when I was invited to be a part of a multi-author boxed set releasing on Mother’s Day.

For those unfamiliar with boxed sets, they are essentially a collection of ebooks by various authors packaged together and sold as a single unit. Readers get multiple stories for one low price and can discover new-to-them authors in the process. While authors can multiply their marketing budget and social media reach by pooling their resources.

It’s a win-win situation for both authors and readers. But, working with other authors to create a boxed set is not without its challenges. So, if you’re considering working with someone else in a co-author or collection opportunity, here are a few logistical items to consider.

Like most things in life, communication is key. For us, we created a secret group in Facebook where we could hold discussions, document our decisions, add to shared files, and hold each other accountable. We also set up a shared Dropbox folder to collect the stories and graphics images. As we grew closer to the launch, weekly updates were posted with short lists of things to do.

Another thing we did very early was create a comprehensive list of tasks and internal deadlines for each step in the process. Then, team leadership naturally emerged as we discussed our prior experience and thankfully nobody had to learn a brand-new skill in order to pull this off. Some were familiar with blurb writing, formatting, and uploading to publishing platforms. Others were good at editing, regularly shared in multiple other Facebook groups, or had leads to marketing outlets. A few already had paid access to graphics programs and were able to create our cover, 3D image, and other promotional images. Every task on our list was given a “point” person.

Even with plenty of advance notice, as those internal deadlines approached, a few of the authors in the group had to bow out for various reasons leaving us with five that were ready to move forward. So, if you’re creating new stories for a set instead of recycling previous work, either have a flexible release date, build in time for “life” delays, or bring more authors onboard early to leave you with a solid group in the end.

Last—and this will make Karen’s lawyer brain squirm—were the legal and financial agreements. By bundling our stories, we were creating a single unique product and splitting the profits. The same person who uploaded the files for publication would also be the one responsible for receiving, splitting, and paying out our earnings with full transparency. In addition, by publishing “wide” to a variety of international retailers beyond Amazon, we all had to agree to restrictions about when and where we could publish our individual stories later. And while we didn’t draw up a formal contract, all of these decisions are documented within our group.

Our collection releases on Mother’s Day 2020 so while it’s too soon to know how effective our marketing efforts have been, early reviews have been very positive. And I’m sure there will be plenty of lessons to apply to the next time I participate in a collection.

Because collaborating with other authors has been an invaluable experience both personally and professionally.

———-

Love is in the Air: 5 Contemporary Christian Romances

https://books2read.com/u/3LDxaD ~ Preorder Price of .99

This collection of five brand new romances is sure to send your heart soaring. Journey from Canada to Georgia and Colorado to Paris by way of Michigan as these couples find love is in the air. All they had to do was look up.

Candee Fick is a multipublished, award-winning author. She is also the wife of a high school football coach and the mother of three children, including a daughter with a rare genetic syndrome. When not busy writing, editing, or coaching other authors, she can be found cheering on the home team at sporting events, exploring the great Colorado outdoors, indulging in dark chocolate, and savoring happily-ever-after endings through a good book.

Publish Don’t Perish Tip #9 — TREAT WRITING AS A BUSINESS

Tip #9 in the Publish Don’t Perish Series is — TREAT WRITING AS A BUSINESS. It is a business, whether full time or part time, depending on where you are in life. Since it is a business, you should treat it as one. What does this mean?

A Multifaceted Business

My earlier article explained how writing is a multifaceted business. It’s not just about writing your story, although that is a critical piece — without the story, there is no business. With that in mind, it’s important to reach out to other writers; know where your go-to resources are with helpful tools, hints, and knowledge.

Tools of the Trade

writing, publishing, story, fiction, novel, mistakes, writing mistakes, Thyme for Writers, journey, Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado, agents, editors, craft, skills, writers conference, tools, titles — The Author Toolbox

Your business needs to be set up with the tools of your trade. As a writer, this involves a number of electronic tools, including at a minimum, internet, a computer (unfortunately with electronic submissions, etc., the typewriter is history), printer, and smart phone. Because the author is expected to handle most of the marketing, even with a traditional publisher, additional tools include a website, social media, and access to someone who can help you in case of technical difficulties, which are guaranteed to occur.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, most people must work from home. For a writer, that’s the status quo. With more and more people working from home, there are additional considerations that can make life easier.

What tools do you recommend?

Publish Don’t Perish Tip #8 – MAKE LEMONADE FROM LIFE’S LEMONS

Life isn’t easy, and when you’re dealt lemons, Tip # 8 encourages us to make some lemonade. Right now all of us are in the largest crisis of our lives. To say that we were dealt lemons is a gross understatement, but we must make lemonade in the meantime.

As writers, you may ask, “What does that looks like?”

Relationships

Life is all about relationships, and the success of our books is all about relationships as well:

Relationships between our characters,
The feelings we stir between our readers and our characters (also a relationship), and
Marketing our books.

With today’s on-the-go society, very few families spend time together. The Stay-at-Home Order has provided an opportunity for families to spend time together and hopefully strengthen those relationships. Of course the opposite is possible, but we’ll be hopeful that’s not the case.

In today’s high tech society, we have the opportunity to reach out to each other electronically to continue our social interaction with others and deepen those relationships. It is also placing those who were not technically savvy to become more proficient. As writers, those are critical tools.

Emotions

It’s hard to make your characters’ emotions “real” without experiencing those emotions yourself. The COVID-19 pandemic has put us all in a position to feel emotions we may never have experienced — EXTREME, to say the least. We can use those emotions we feel to make those emotions “real” in our characters.

More Writing Time

Under normal circumstances, quite a few writers are not able to write full time because they still have to support themselves and their families. With the Stay-at-Home Order in place, those who are unable to work, have more writing time. Those who are now working remotely, can use their drive time for writing.

Support

There are so many concerns and variables associated with those concerns. Some of us have “children” who are on the front lines of this battle. My daughter is a neurosurgery resident who is in the forefront, along with the daughter of a fellow writer in my writers’ group, Jill Haymaker, whose daughter is an ER doctor.

Prayer is our sword and comfort. The medical staff are the heroes in this battle and need our support and prayers.

Let us stand together as a community of writers and lend a hand of support, encouragement, and prayer.

What recommendations do you have to pay our support forward?

Publish Don’t Perish: Tip # 7 — Don’t Forget the Chocolate

Since February is the month for love and heart health, this is the perfect time to share Tip#7 — Don’t Forget the Chocolate! Although any kind of chocolate can show love, only the right type of chocolate is healthy for our hearts and mind.

What’s the Right Type of Chocolate

Theobroma cacao is the botanical name for chocolate and it means “food of the gods.” As with most food items in today’s society, chocolate is processed every which way. Processed chocolate is high in sugar and fat with very little nutritional value. The right type of chocolate is dark chocolate with a high concentration of cacao (at least 70%).

Chocolate: Are You a Cacao or Cocoa Writer by Kathryn Ross

Kathryn Ross wrote a wonderful article, Chocolate: Are You a Cacao or Cocoa Writer? This article delves deeper into the differences between chocolate and cacao, and in her creative and talented manner, Kathryn applies it to your writing.

Potential Health Benefit

If you combine the right kind of chocolate with a healthy lifestyle, research shows that potential health benefits include:

improved blood pressure;
enhanced heart health;
decreased LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol); and
increased blood flow to your brain.

Valentine's Day, American Heart Month, Heart Health,Dark Chocolate, healthy lifestyle, February, love, candy, flowers, cards — Dark Chocolate – Good for Your Heart and Mind

Studies also show that dark chocolate may reduce the risk of diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels. Diabetes is a growing problem and a known risk factor for heart disease, with an even higher risk for women. Keep in mind, a healthy lifestyle is critical. For more information, check out my article, Dark Chocolate & Love’s Heart Healthy Month.

Your writing and life can benefit from the “food of the gods” so long as you combine it with a healthy lifestyle. Tip #3 — TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF will provide you with guidelines to make that a reality. Remember, your best writing, your best work, your best time happens when you’re at your best self.

How are you taking care of yourself?

Publish Don’t Perish: Tip #6 – Writing is Work

Writing is work. As writers, we understand what that means, however, our friends and family may not. This is especially true when you work at your craft from your home.

A number of writer friends have often shared their frustration with the constant interruptions they encounter from people they know. I confess to experiencing the same frustration as a writer. However, unlike the writers I know, I found myself in the perfect position for an experiment. With a Master of Science degree, I am quite familiar with experiments.

I joined a law firm as one of their attorneys in the areas of estate planning, business, and real estate more than a year ago. I confess to enjoying the practice of law more than I ever have in my entire career (I won’t reveal how many years that is, but suffice it to say it’s more than 20). I work with an incredible, brilliant group of attorneys and support staff. Another plus, is that although our main office is fully staffed (with 3 satellite offices), unless I am meeting with a client, I work from my home office — where the experiment begins.

I don’t write full time, but, I never did. I have practiced law since I graduated law school, however, when I moved to Colorado, I practiced more part time until I started with this firm. With the exception of my clients, my family and friends saw me as a writer, and interruptions were a constant problem. Once I joined this firm, while I worked out of the same home office, the interruptions ceased.

writing, publishing, legal iissues, — Writers Beware of the Legal Pitfalls

What does that tell us? That others considered my work as a full time attorney as a “real job” while my work as a writer was not. To say that is frustrating is an understatement, however, there are things we can do.

Treat writing as a “real job.”
Go to your workplace, whether it is a separate room in your home, an area of your home, the library, a picnic table in a specific park, or Starbucks.
Let your family and friends know your work schedule.
During your writing (work) hours, shut off your phone, do not answer your door, and do not check your email.

Once they realize you are not available during work hours, they will understand that you are working. Fortunately, I am an early bird and my writing time takes place before most people rise. My “workday” for writing begins around 4:30 a.m. with my workday as a lawyer around 8. For me, a perfect solution.

What is your perfect solution?

Publish Don’t Perish – Tip #3 – Take Care of Yourself!

It’s a new year and it’s important to remember that you need to take care of yourself! Your best work, your best writing, your best time, occurs when you are at your best self. With this in mind, there are a number of things you can do to ensure that you do — they are not time intensive, after all, you have to eat and move around.

I previously wrote a number of articles (wearing my health and wellness hat with my Master of Science degree in Nutrition and as a registered dietitian) that focus on a healthy weight, taking control, as well as exercise and stretching with the help of a friend and physical therapist, Diane Foley. To give you a jump start, this article will provide you with quick links and a brief summary with tips.

Remember, before you make any changes to your health care regimen, always speak to your physician.

START OVER/TAKE CHARGE: ENERGY BALANCE AND WEIGHT CONTROl

This article provides a great start with an overview of energy balance and its relationship to weight control.

health and wellness, weight control, energy balance, take charge, motivation, exercise, portion control, maintenance — It’s All about Health and Wellness — 5 lb Human Fat Model

Tip #1 – Write down everything you eat and drink. It may be old school, but it works.
Tip #2 – Use an app that helps you monitor calories and exercise.

ON THE ROAD TO HEALTHY LIVING: FOOLPROOF YOUR PLAN!

Guidance for developing reasonable goals and a plan is the focus of this article.

energy balance, take charge, motivation, portion control, maintenance — On the Road to Healthy Living

Tip #3 – Find yourself an accountability partner. Just as with writing, support is important with this aspect of your life.
Tip #4 – Remove distractions

THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL WEIGHT CONTROL

Portion control is the key. Learn the difference between a serving size and portion.

Fish, healthy, — Trout the Healthy Way Keys to Successful Weight Loss

Tip #5 – Add water.
Tip #6 – Fill up with fiber

LEAN BELLIES AND BODY TYPE

exercise, weight control, energy balance, take charge, motivation, portion control, serving size, maintenance — Body Type: Apple or Pear

Excess fat around the middle is dangerous, regardless of your body type.

Tip #7 – Use smaller bites and chew longer.
Tip #8 – Eat protein

LOW CALORIE ALTERNATIVES

exercise, weight control, energy balance, take charge, motivation, portion control, serving size, maintenance, food choice, low calorie alternatives — Supermarket – Low Calorie Alternatives

Recommendations are provided to replace high calorie foods with the lower calorie alternatives.

Tip #9 – Think a little smaller.
Tip #10 – After exercising, eat protein

EXERCISE IS KEY: A TRIBUTE TO OUR MILITARY!

My dad’s 87th birthday is next week. What better way to talk about what’s critical to your health — exercise. All of his life, and to this day, he exercises. Step in the right direction with the benefits of walking.

MOTIVATED? TIPS FOR CALORIE CONTROL

You are motivated when you are ready to not only take the weight off, but keep it off. This article helps you with the following tips:

Plan
Activities
Eating Behavior
Parties and Holidays
How to Monitor Yourself
Your Reward
Shopping

As writers, we spend most of our days sitting. The following articles will show you a few simple moves that will diminish your pain and leaving you feeling better.

What are your goals for 2020?

Who is your audience?

The inspiration.

Why do you want to write your story?

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Take Your Passion to the Next Level

Take Your Business to the Next Level

Get to the End

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far from family

working remotely

leaps of faith

Novel – search beyond lies

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The Author Toolbox — Candee Fick

Watch your grammar – Amanda Cabot

Pageant Wagon Publishing — Kathryn Ross

Time management & the multifaceted solution to getting to the end -apods

legal advice for your business

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A Multifaceted Business

Tools of the Trade

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Relationships

Emotions

More Writing Time

Support

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What’s the Right Type of Chocolate

Potential Health Benefit

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