Category: Creative Solutions

How to Narrow Down Your Story Ideas and Focus

3/23/2023

If you're anything like me, there's just not enough time in the day to get all your tasks done. And if you're a writer, imagine that ten-fold. Not only must you try to work around the house (cooking, cleaning, folding laundry), you have to take care of your family (or pets - gosh, they're a TON of work as well). Most of us have full-time or part-time jobs to contend with. Plus, we're expected to try to fulfill our dreams of being a writer, or at least keep the author engine going (cranking out books). But, how? It's all so exhausting!

As someone with 130 story ideas in progress, I can fully relate to your situation. Too many book projects, and so little time. But sometimes, you just have to narrow them all down and focus on one story. Honestly, I promise that will help you figure all of this out, and still manage to get something accomplished with your writing career.

First, let's completely eliminate the editing, publishing, and marketing aspects. That stuff comes later, after the work is done. For now, just focus on writing.

"But, Marie, I just have too much going on. Too many ideas, no time."

Makes sense. Me too. Believe me, I know. But the point is to make this situation a little more doable, right? So, what's next? How do we tackle all those story ideas or writing projects?

1. Randomly pick one. Even if you have to toss all the folders behind you (or move virtual files around) and work on what's left, just try.

Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash.

2. Focus on the story/project that calls to you the most. There will always be one that you feel really passionate about. Even if you're just going down the list of titles or file names, which one do you feel more drawn to?

3. Brainstorm genres or categories. Circle two. Choose one of those, and focus on a story which fits under it. If you don't have an idea for that genre yet, pick the latter.

"I'm still overwhelmed. Where do I start?"

1. Break the project into smaller, manageable tasks. By doing this, it takes a lot of stress off your goals.

Tell yourself you'll devote an hour per day to writing. Or even less, try five minutes, twenty or thirty minutes. Just give yourself enough time to complete a task. Even if it's just one tiny aspect of the project (such as two paragraphs), you'll feel a greater sense of accomplishment.

Try to complete one scene at a time, depending on your schedule. We all have distractions at home or around us in public. But, if possible, try to keep on the same train of thought. Or at least jot down specific notes so you won't forget the details. It's a lot harder to return to an idea that you've abandoned in mid-scene if you don't have a general plan. Later on, you can worry about sectioning your manuscript out into chapters.

2. Plot it out. Make an outline for your story or writing project. Now, I'm not saying that you can't be a pantster type of writer, if you're comfortable with it. But having at least a loose outline will help keep you on point. It also gives you the room to keep an open mind in case the muse throws a curveball, and then you decide to go in a different direction entirely. Plans can always change. There is no right or wrong way to approach your story.

3. Research your project for inspiration. Sometimes when I get stuck, it's not because I don't know where the main story is going. The reason is due to lack of information about a person, place, or object. Have a better picture in your head before you try to describe it. Research the setting. Where does the character live? What are his/her main hangouts? Favorite places to visit? What do you know about your MC's (main character) profession? You should at least have a general impression of their day to day life, and how the elements of the story may throw a wrench in their plans.
If you're writing fiction, you should also know your main character as well as you know yourself. Consider filling out a character worksheet. When the story is happening, you'll be able to ask yourself if that individual would really perform those actions.

"I've got nothing to work with."

This happens now and then. For some writers, they get stage fright. Not necessarily with public speaking, but instead with the concept of writing. How do I do it? How do I get there? Or rather, how to get from point A to B. No, the writing journey is not remotely linear. It looks more like this.

The big problem is that you're getting all caught up in what comes afterward - the business of writing - and you've forgotten to just enjoy the experience, the creation of the fictional world. Or, you've become overwhelmed with producing an idea that you can't bring it to fruition. True, there's a big difference between having a concept and actually putting it on paper. Or on the screen, whichever format makes you more comfortable. It isn't that you don't have any good ideas. Your brain is full of them, I promise. You're just getting bogged down with the thought of the end product. Rome wasn't built in a day. It takes time to get there, so give yourself a break.

Here are some possible approaches:

1. Find inspiration in the world around you. Get out and observe people and places. Enjoy nature. Do more walking. Take in the sights, sounds, and pay attention to the emotions they evoke within you. When you return, go back to your desk and write about what you noticed.

Current events, the people we know, even local happenings (sometimes crimes, of course) can inspire us to write. Think of your mind as a bucket in which to toss your experiences. The everyday stuff we go through is the perfect raw material that we can turn into a masterpiece.

2. Do more freewriting. Freewriting is a stream-of-consciousness writing exercise. The idea is to writing continuously, without stopping for at least five or ten minutes. You can go as long as you want, but the point here is to prevent yourself from getting bogged down in typical sentence structure or grammar. Just write whatever comes to mind, on a train of thought, even if what you're writing seems silly. Grab onto nearby objects to give yourself a creative boost, but keep the thought process going until you've basically puttered out.

You can come back and reread the passage. See if you notice any nuggets of wisdom, even sentences or paragraphs you could use to spur a project idea. Circle the usable sentences, phrases, and descriptions. See if they spark some extra creativity.

3. Try writing prompts or exercises.

Here is a list of options:
https://study.com/academy/popular/creative-writing-exercises-for-beginners.html
www.skillshare.com/en/blog/45-creative-writing-prompts-to-elicit-your-inherent-genius/
blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/
thewritepractice.com/creative-writing-prompts/
getfreewrite.com/blogs/writing-success/writing-prompts-60-ideas-you-can-use-today
https://smartblogger.com/creative-writing-prompts/
thewritepractice.com/creative-writing-prompts/
https://self-publishingschool.com/writing-prompts/
https://thinkwritten.com/365-creative-writing-prompts/
https://blog.prepscholar.com/creative-writing-prompts
https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/500-writing-prompts-to-help-beat-writers-doubt/
https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-exercises/
https://self-publishingschool.com/writing-exercises/
https://thejohnfox.com/2016/05/creative-writing-exercises/
https://writers.com/best-writing-exercises
https://writingexercises.co.uk/
https://www.dabblewriter.com/articles/writing-exercises
https://nicolebianchi.com/writing-exercises/

4. Read books about writing. There are numerous self-help books on writing. Check them all out on Amazon or your favorite bookseller.

Here are some suggestions:

Also, go ahead and subscribe to newsletters that help boost your writing performance. Here are a couple, to name a few:
www.livewritethrive.com/
ryanlanz.com/

Don't forget check out their archives for helpful posts.

5. Read more books. See how other writers are writing their stories.

Clay Blanks, Unsplash.

You don't want to mimic them (each writer has their own unique voice), but being familiar with books in your genre (and outside of it, simply for variety) doesn't hurt. This helps you recognize different writing styles.

I hope this article assists you in your writing journey...

As always, happy reading!

Check out our latest Writing in the Modern Age blog post here.

0 Comments

How Assumptions About Your Zodiac Sign Can Help You Become a Better Writer

3/7/2023

0 Comments

As writers, we're always looking for ways to improve our craft - skills we can add that will boost our experience level. Here's something you may not have considered...

Have you ever thought about how someone's assumption of your character may color your performance? As a Libra, I've always found it rather annoying to see that one main personality trait in the zodiac claims that all Libras are lazy creatures. Do I take downtime now and then? Sure. Everyone has to at some point, or they'll just get burnt out. But I'd never term myself as 'lazy'. My closest friends and fellow writers would probably tell you that I am far from being lazy in life, or in writing. I always have a long list of tasks to accomplish, and I do my best to get it done. If you're also a Libra, I'd wager you don't agree with that 'assumption' about yourself either.

Even if you don't exactly believe in astrology, that's okay. You can still beat these assumptions and come out a better writer. Let's take a look, shall we? Where does your birthday fall here?

Pikisuperstar on Freepik.

Zodiac Signs, Traits, and Evaluation

Aries (March 21st -
April 19th)

Pikisuperstar on Freepik.

competitive
bold
ambitious
loves a good challenge
easily bored
adventurous
enthusiastic
energetic
honest

It helps to be ambitious when you're a writer. That's a good thing. Bored easily? Probably doesn't work if you want to stick to writing. But your enthusiasm will get you through some tough hurdles. And if you live for a challenge, I promise there's nothing trickier than trying to navigate this industry. So it looks like keeping on point with your writing goals won't be too much of a reach for you.

Taurus (April 20th -
May 20th)

Pikisuperstar on Freepik.

stubborn
dependable
savors luxurious experiences
loves serenity
hates big changes
determined
loyal
hard-working

Your determination will take you far. So, you dislike changes? Then, do your best to prepare yourself for several of them on this journey. However, your hard-working spirit will get you through some big hurdles on the way to being a published writer.

Gemini (May 21st -
June 20th)

Pikisuperstar on Freepik.

playful
spontaneous
charismatic
erratic
curious
quick-witted
know-it-all
uses humor as a crutch
flexible
versatile

You have a big personality. This dynamic approach will help more than hurt your public image in the long run. Your versatility gives you a greater chance of vaulting some of the barriers you'll encounter. The curiosity you have for greater knowledge will save you in the long run, as there are so many new things to learn in this industry. Also, consider using your comedic fallback to your advantage. Why not get into writing humorous fiction?

Cancer (June 21st -
July 22nd)

Pikisuperstar on Freepik.

has a strong sense of family values
sensitive
moody
temperamental
intuitive
guarded
sometimes interferes in other people's problems
has a lot of heart

Your sensitivity to the human condition will help you delve deeper into character development. Valuing family may give you a greater understanding of family dynamics, thereby providing the background for writing about those scenarios in stories. Don't always believe your 'busybody' ways are a bad thing. Writers are observers by nature. We can't help but spy and overhear things, just to try to understand people better. Use those observations for your own work. Just make sure that if you decide to base a character on someone you know, that you're covering your butt. Change names. Adjust some traits here and there. Alter his/her appearance, but keep the same emotions you drew upon with your first impression.

Leo (July 23rd -
August 22nd)

Pikisuperstar on Freepik.

confident
passionate
loyal
generous
dramatic
fiery
enthusiastic
vivacious
warm
creative
wants to stand out

Being confident in your writing career cannot hurt your progress at all. This will get you pretty far in life as well. Your passionate, enthusiastic nature can only improve the situation. Actually, I have no doubt that with all the wonderful traits of your personality, you'll be quite successful as an author.

Virgo (August 23rd -
September 22nd)

Pikisuperstar on Freepik.

usually stays busy
logical
systematic
problem-solver
helpful
practical
needs to feel useful
is a bit of a perfectionist
judgmental at times
trustworthy
full of ideas

I know a couple of Virgos and they're especially creative. That doesn't harm a writer at all. The problem-solving approach will only improve your awareness of writing styles and marketing methods. Staying busy is good. It may keep you on task. But you might have issues with writer burnout, so make sure you take some off and relax now and then. Your perfectionism will be a detriment only in the sense that you may not know when to walk away from your manuscript. We all have to step back at some point and let other people look at it (editors, critique partners, beta readers, even your readers). Know when to improve your work and when it's the right time to hand it over.

Libra (September 23rd -
October 22nd)

Pikisuperstar on Freepik.

loves balance/harmony
pursues justice
afraid of loneliness
prefers symmetry or equality
avoids conflict
sees all sides of an issue
creative
lives in a fantasy world
poor with decision-making
charming
diplomatic

Not all Libras are bad with decisions. The only one I can't make is which restaurant we should eat at. Ha ha. I often have no issues with making big decisions. I just do my homework first. As for avoiding conflict, I'm not sure that's always the case either. I can be combative when it counts.

In any case, your tendency to see all sides of an issue will come in handy, as you can write from different character perspectives. Plus, your charms are likely to entice readers into following your work. However, becoming a published writer can be a lonely journey, so make sure you surround yourself with writer friends who you can trust and people at home to whom you can vent your frustrations when times get tough.

Scorpio (October 23rd -
November 21st)

Pikisuperstar on Freepik.

intense
cunning
passionate
elusive
mysterious
complicated
dynamic
sometimes a betrayer
can't take life seriously
often has striking eyes
brooding
sees life goals as a game to win

Know when to be serious, about yourself and your career. If you really want this dream of being a published writer, you'll know the right time to put in the effort. Being mysterious with your writing persona isn't necessarily a bad thing. It could help draw in readers for your books.

Also, use that 'complicated' personality of yours to delve deeper into your characters. Make them just as complex and three-dimensional. Want to use an anti-hero for a main character? Go for it. We're not creating stick figures in the pages of our books, but instead real characters that real people can connect with.

Sagittarius (November 22nd -
December 21st)

Pikisuperstar on Freepik.

spontaneous
optimistic
academic
ambitious
known to be a traveler
opinionated
friendly, outgoing
finds it difficult to focus on one thing at a time
obsessed with self-improvement

Your passion for knowledge and exploring new places will help you achieve success in many ways. Research is key when it comes to writing. We need to know more about the different aspects of our characters and the settings in which they live. Use that natural curiosity to your advantage, to fill out some of the gaps in your writing. Try to implement the five senses on the page.

Additionally, your friendly, outgoing personality will further round your public image as an author. However, that difficulty you have with focusing might make you feel a bit scattered at times, unable to stick with certain projects. Just do your best to keep yourself on point by creating smaller, more manageable tasks for yourself each day. Some writers find it easier to have word count goals, some don't. Do what works well for you.

Capricorn (December 22nd -
January 19th)

Pikisuperstar on Freepik.

patient
disciplined
dedicated
known to persevere despite the odds
mature, responsible, duty-driven
has a good sense of humor
guarded
honest

Most of these are wonderful traits to have, especially for a writer who wants to be good at what they do. Your discipline and perseverance will get you through some tough times along the way. However, that greater sense of responsibility that you carry everywhere may defeat you in the long run. You might get discouraged by the usual obstacles that writers encounter on the journey. Rejections from publishers and literary agents happen. The problem is that this is a highly subjective business. People think they know just what they're looking for and they're not open-minded to another approach. Keep pushing forward, take some of the advice with a grain of salt, and try again with another individual or company. Someone is bound to take the bait, right?

Also, being a guarded type of person could work against you when it comes to developing a story. No one wants to be hurt, not in their personal life and not in their career. But it happens. We learn the lesson and move on. But some of us have built up walls around our hearts because of it, and tend to guard our emotions as well. The downside is that if you don't find a way to tap into it, at least on the page, you'll end up with characters that readers will feel they can't relate to. Or the character will appear less human. It's not a good thing. If someone identifies with your characters, they'll keep reading. They will end up tossing the book otherwise, and you don't want that. Just do your best to tap into some deeper emotions. Do the work of learning about your MC. Find out the character's motivation, what drives them to keep going or trying to get what they want. You'll thank me later, once the reviews come in.

Aquarius (January 20th - February 18th)

Pikisuperstar on Freepik.

highly intellectual
contemplative
innovative, inventive
progressive
eccentric
not very emotional
often an outcast
savors individuality
a bit close-minded
usually humanitarian in their efforts

Your thirst for knowledge and creativity can only help you in your writing career. Even if you aren't an emotional type, being a humanitarian by nature will help you with character development? Why? On some level, you have empathy for others. Own it. Use it to get into your character's head.

All creative types are proud of their individuality, what makes them unique compared to other people. But if you're taking as far as being too stubborn to change, or at least to try adjust your approach to writing or marketing efforts, it will only hurt you in the long run. Of course, you should always be yourself in life. Yet, if you intend to make it anywhere in this business, do your research on how all of this works. Some people who have been there before do have good advice.

Pisces (February 19th - March 20th)

Pikisuperstar on Freepik.

imaginative
intuitive
sensitive
known for empathy
romantic
creative
is often a social person
lives in a fantasy world
has no boundaries
everything is a sign to them
eager to recreate themselves

Many of these are great traits to have if you're a creative person. However, if you're especially sensitive, that leads me to believe you may not take criticism well. Who does, right? But constructive criticism is necessary in this business, at least when it comes to editing your manuscript. Make sure to carefully evaluate feedback from critique partners, beta readers, and professional editors. There may be some really great advice that could further improve your writing project.

Summary

Mind you, none of these are blanket statements. The aforementioned personality traits often occur within these zodiac signs, but not necessarily every time. And look, I'm not out to say astrology is all wrong here. People can believe in whatever they want. You're a whole person, complete with strengths and weakness. That's normal. But if you want to improve your craft, consider this.

As a writer, it might behoove you to shift your way of thinking now and then, to make room for better methods. Beat the system that's been laid out for you. How many times has someone told you that you couldn't follow your dreams because it was too hard, or that they didn't think you were capable of being successful at it? Who cares what they think? Your writing journey is your own. You should do it your way, but also take the advice of published writers into account. Well, unless he/she is being a complete jerk about it (ha!). But I am suggesting that as writers, we can use the zodiac chart to create something new.

So, the next time you come across your horoscope in the newspaper or somewhere online, take a moment before dismissing it as nonsense or even superstition. Use it to your advantage in your writing career. Prove those words or assumptions about your personality are wrong. Or, perhaps meet the same goals if the prediction turns out to be a positive sentiment. At least it's one way of looking at the zodiac in a different manner.

We can beat the odds. It's possible to take what you think you know about your sign and prove you're more than that. You're a writer. Beyond that, you're a person worthy of getting exactly what you want in life. Perhaps that's the takeaway here. Use your zodiac sign loosely. Fight those assumptions. Or meet them if you want. Prove it to yourself first that you have accomplished what you've set out to do.

Being a writer isn't about fame or money. It shouldn't be, anyway. It should be about your love for the craft - enjoying the creation of a story, poem, or essay. But that doesn't mean we can't have aspirations of being published, getting an award, or gaining some kind of recognition. Set small goals for yourself and you'll get there. Dividing your huge dreams off into smaller, more attainable tasks is just a better way to keep organized. As you reach each goal, you'll quickly realize that it was worth the harrowing journey, after all.

As always, happy reading! ♥

Check out our latest Writing in the Modern Age blog post here.

0 Comments

Explore the A to Z's of Writing by Marie Lavender

10/11/2021

0 Comments

Explore the A to Z's of Writing: an admin article by Marie Lavender

This week, I thought I'd take a moment to go back to basics. I would like to explore some terms we use in the writing industry. For newbies, you'll hear these from fellow writers or editors at your publisher at some point. Or, you might see them on how-to articles. And if you've taken a writing workshop at all, you've probably heard most of them. Even if you're a seasoned writer, it can't hurt to reacquaint yourself with these words or phrases, as well as to keep the following advice in mind. So, without further ado, let's explore the alphabet of writing...

Photo by Pawel Janiak on Unsplash.

1. A for Antagonist - The villain in a story, or at least a concept/obstacle which stands in the way of the main character (protagonist) reaching his/her goals or happiness.

Writer Tip: Always include an antagonist, or at least a barrier preventing the protagonist from getting what he wants, in any work of fiction. This automatically creates conflict, which heightens tension and moves the plot along.

2. B for Book - a published volume which includes a single manuscript, or a collection or anthology of several works. Such work housed within the book can be fictional in nature, fact-based, or even include poetry. There are full-length books in the industry, as well as shorter ones. A published 'book' may be in digital (ebook) or physical format (such as a trade paperback or hardcover). A 'chapbook' is often a shorter book written by one author, with numerous poems or short stories included.

Writer Tip: Whether you decide to get published traditionally or on your own, do your homework on your intended genre and make sure your manuscript is properly edited and formatted in advance.

3. C for Creativity - A type of self-expression for a writer or artist which may result in the form of writing, painting, sketching, or designing a work of art. Creativity is the act of turning new ideas into reality. Some businesses might ask an employee to implement creative problem-solving just to come up with a unique solution to an issue.

Writer Tip: Stretch your creative muscles by trying different mediums. Start writing in a separate fiction genre, go for an essay, or construct a poem instead. Another option would be to paint or draw a scene or element from your story. Some fantasy writers like to expand on the idea of world-building by making a map of that fictional world, a fun detail to include inside the book when it gets published. Create a shadowbox for a room in your house (use a specific theme), or even paint the wall in a new color.

Photo by RhondaK Native Florida Folk Artist on Unsplash.

Any of these creative endeavors can open your mind to new writing ideas.

4. D for Development and Dialogue

Development - You'll usually see this in reference to 'character development' or 'characterization'. A character is a person represented in a fictional tale. The story can be told from this individual's perspective.

Writer Tip: Know your characters well, especially the main ones. Even if you don't include every detail in the story, it can't hurt to know how a character would react to a certain situation. Be sure to add 'consistent inconsistencies' (for example, a thrill-seeker who is somehow afraid of heights). More than than anything, though, you must learn to listen to your main character.

Dialogue - The speech patterns and discussions between characters. This is separate from the internal thoughts (monologue) of a main character. Dialogue in a book should be as natural as possible.

Writer Tip: To exhibit realistic dialogue in a story, take some time to recognize the flow of conversations in real life. How do people talk? What gestures or sounds do they make during specific parts of the discussion? How do they emote or express themselves?

Photo by Kelsey Chance on Unsplash.

5. E for Empathy - A sense of fellow feeling for another person, or putting yourself in their place. This is a key component for any writer who intends to create a believable character. It's also necessary to add enough emotion which translates on the page so that readers will start to care about what happens to your character. The way you do, right? ;) If you have begun to wonder where you're going wrong, then try to connect better with your character. Learn more and imagine how they'd respond to situations.

I know I've done my job when I'm feeling the emotions that the character is going through. If he or she is sad, tears are probably streaming down my face, too. No, I'm not really crazy. This is just the writer's journey as the story progresses. It's no different than getting choked up while watching a dramatic film. When we write, the story plays out in our heads like a movie. So, why wouldn't we respond to that in kind?

Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash.

Writer Tip: Know the plot and main character well enough to express those facets within the story. Remember, empathy is deeper than sympathy. Readers will come back for more if you evoke the same emotions in them. Make the story and characters relatable.

6. F for Fiction - Often told in story or novel form, fiction is a creative work, concerning people, places, or events. It is not based in fact, though certain objects, historical figures, and actions which are mentioned can appear real. The key elements of fiction include character, theme, plot, point of view, setting, conflict, and tone. Fiction can be divided into different areas or 'genres'.

Writer Tip: Unfortunately, some parts of reality must off-set an imaginary world. The more of a relatable quality you can add to any story, the more likely a reader will connect with the characters and the events happening therein.

7. G for Genre - This describes the category that a specific book falls under. Some examples are romance, mystery, science fiction, and horror. You've likely been on Amazon and noticed all the sub-genres listed there as well. So, that leaves a lot of room for writers to put their stories.

Writer Tip: Try your hand at writing different genres. Use the following prompt:

Rain came down in sheets, a hard battle against each window, while lightning struck nearby. The raging storm outside, though, hardly compared to the one within.

Continue the story on your own from where the last sentence started. At the same time, think about the separate tones you can add to the tale to make it more romantic, mysterious, supernatural or spacey, and even creepier. Write four different versions, one for each genre - romance, mystery, science fiction (feel free to substitute asteroids for rain, as I know it doesn't rain in space), or horror. They don't need to be long stories or even finished, just enough to establish tone. Then, decide which one you like best.

8. H for Hook - A 'hook' is a sentence in the first paragraph of a scene or chapter which compels the audience to keep reading. If this is done well, the pop, so to speak, usually falls in the first sentence. Similarly, a 'closing' positioned at the end of a scene or chapter, should make the reader want to find out more. That means they're in it for the long haul, prepared to continue diving into the reading experience.

Writer Tip: Do your best to avoid losing the audience in the first chapter, but especially in the first paragraph. Draw someone in with a leading sentence that makes them wonder what happens next. If you effectively use the same technique for opening and closing each scene and chapter, you'll have nailed a big part of the author job description. The most challenging portion of landing a good hook, however is doing it for the whole project, in the first sentence of a story or book.

9. I for In the Middle of Things - This is a direct translation for the Latin phrase 'en medias res', a term we use in the industry for stating the best place to start a story - in the midst of some action. Sometimes, as writers, we don't realize the beginning until we've written other leading sections. For example, if your project entails a woman getting fired and how she handles it, breaking out on her own and finding a new career, you wouldn't want to start the story at breakfast time, right? No, you'd begin when she's hauling her butt - perhaps complete with a speeding ticket - to get into the office without being late, just to find out she's been let go. Or, you might start it right at those fatal words.

"Sorry, Julia. We've decided you're no longer a good fit for this company."
Um...what?

Photo by Pradeep Ranjan on Unsplash.

Exactly. Do you see how those punches to the gut can hook a reader into wondering how the character will react? Oh, no, she's been fired. What now?

Writer Tip: Take some time to decide where your story starts. Better to do that now than to be forced to cut out a whole section - one you thought was the beginning of the tale - later on.

10. J for Justice - My own term for the moment when a story's 'climax' and 'resolution' have produced a fitting end. For me, it usually comes when I'm reading a mystery, thriller, or romance novel. Book lovers both dread and relish this moment. They get peace, at long last, for everything in the story finally has reached a positive outcome. However, the story is over and the reader must move on, which is a regrettable conclusion.

Writer Tip: Make sure your own story has a sense of 'justice' by wrapping up all the loose ends in a satisfying way.

11. K for Knowledge (Research) - Your grasp of information which you've gleaned through an educational experience. With writing, the term we use is 'research'. It's a sometimes dreadful yet rewarding challenge. Some newer writers feel that research is a waste of time. Believe me, it isn't. There will undoubtedly be facts you need to learn just to fill in a character's personality or background. For example, we can't all know what it's like to be a firefighter, or how to describe a cottage in Somerset, England. That's what research is for. I promise you this is not a time-waster. Let's face it, your audience is intelligent. They 'know stuff', for lack of a better phrase. For example, historical fiction writers rely heavily on their understanding of past events, and how they can use them as a main backdrop for a story. The characters might be fictional, but the way the people interact with what really happened then offers the audience a sense of how some individuals must've responded to it at the time. Research is key here. Greater authenticity in a book attracts more readers. It's supply and demand, that's all.

Writer Tip: Break your large research tasks down into smaller ones. Look up one fact per day, or spend an hour per week filling in all the details you procrastinated about. Then, stop and continue next week. It might not look like it at first, but these little jaunts of research add up over time. Plus, once you have everything organized, you can just do a quick search for what you wanted to know. So, pull on your big kid pants and get to researching.

12. L for Literary Fiction - This sub-genre still includes all the rules of fiction, while invoking a deeper character study. The focus then moves toward conveying a message about the human condition, and sometimes an overall political or environmental statement. In literary fiction, the character must evolve in some way, perhaps even have an epiphany by the end of the story. A small population of readers tend to get snobby about this genre, calling it 'true literature'. Though some elements of each story may reflect other fiction categories, the intense depth of character portrayed in these books make them 'literary fiction'. Some examples of literary fiction are The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, amid countless others. Many of this genre's popular titles have been adapted into film.

Writer Tip: If you're more of a character-driven story writer, literary fiction may well appeal to you. You might find you're more comfortable writing here. Try it out...what can it hurt?

Photo by x ) on Unsplash.

13. M for Motivation - This is what drives a character to keep going. It's about the thing they want the most in life, and the actions taken to reach their goals. Motivation is a key element to recognize when learning about your main character. It will help that person attempt to circumvent the antagonist, or big obstacle, which is standing in their way. And sometimes, at least internally, the problem could be their own misconceptions about the world or themselves. Motivation can also be subconscious - a deeper dream - something that person has always wanted, even though they might not have thought it was possible. Perhaps they came from a foster care situation and always wanted a real family.

Writer Tip: Identify what motivates your character. What does he or she fully desire? What is the most important thing to them? What are they willing to do to get it? Also, what exactly is the problem in the story? What prevents them from reaching their aspirations? Eventually, it will all be buttoned up by the end of the story. But for now, what is driving your character forward?

14. N for Non-fiction - A written work which is distinguished by the very fact that it is, well, not fictional in any way. Usually, you'll find biographies or even autobiographies, covering real people in the world, whether he or she lives currently, or was instead a historical figure. Either way, that person has existed at some point, and they're the sole topic. Memoirs fall under this category. Creative non-fiction, or 'narrative non-fiction' as the more popular term, is when a writer constructs a story about a real person yet adjusts small details - names, personal traits or appearance, perhaps even smudges some dates - to protect those identities. The events that happen are real, and so are the emotions which stem from them. Yet, creative license allows the writer to embellish on certain facets of the tale, while still diving deep into characterization and finding out how someone ticks. The artist at the helm of a non-fiction work becomes the conduit for a real-life story to be told.

Other types of non-fiction include reference materials on various subjects - informational resources for those who might require them. Such resources can also include travel guides, books on philosophy, self-help or instructional guides of any kind (books on dieting, cookbooks, business success titles, and how-to manuals, among others). Journalism and humorous non-fiction are a part of this overall category as well, at least as long as the commentary relates to current events. Just for fun, I'll list several names of authors featured here on Writing in the Modern Age over the years who published works of non-fiction (some write in multiple genres). Some of those writers are Wayne Neely, Kathryn Elizabeth Jones, S.A. Soule, Cindy Fazzi, Dougie Brimson, Lance and James Morcan, Stefan Vucak, Mark Iles, Jim Anders, Rhonda Cratty, J.L. Smith, Lisa A. Snidernman, and so many more.

Writer Tip: Try your hand at non-fiction. Write an essay or an article for a blog. Keep track of your sources and make sure they're legit. Or, if you're truly passionate about a topic, maybe you'd like to write a non-fiction manuscript and submit it to a publisher.

15. O for Outline - A writer's outline is a little like a book synopsis, which is often submitted in a query to a publisher or literary agent. This is a detailed account of what happens in a story. Sometimes, brainstorming is used to create an outline. The outline helps to fill in some of the blank spaces for writers who are struggling to finish a book. At least, having an idea of the events that occur next gives them a sense of what to focus on during the project. Let's say that you, as the writer, have a general notion of what the book is about. But, how do you get there? Writing is rarely a linear journey. However, making an outline can benefit you, sometimes exponentially. Perhaps you know what the character wants in life, and have a basic idea of what he should do to get there. Yet, it isn't your life. This is the character's. His background, environment, and any assumptions he's made about the process will come into play. You must take all of these details into account. Look at the path like a roller coaster ride. There will be ups, downs, then twists and turns to reach the end. So, now knowing all that, what can we glean from it to make an outline?

Writer Tip: Start at the beginning, and think of possible scenarios which could happen. What might get in the way of your character's goal or goals? Obviously, you shouldn't overload the path with tragedy or anything. But, throwing in a few obstacles can't hurt. It heightens tension, and may eventually make your character more determined to get there. Try a brainstorming session to get some ideas flowing.

Photo by Biljana Jovanovic on Pixabay.

Once the true course seems evident to you, write a detailed outline.

Actually, for a book project, the outline might even be longer than a polished synopsis which you'd send to a publisher. Just remember that your outline will provide a clearer route for the character's end game, and this will also make it easier to write the story. Some writers are pantsters and not knowing what happens next actually works for them - they see it as inspiring. Personally, I find it more reassuring to have an outline. That way, I can organize my approach. Cutting through the chaos makes me more productive. The choice, however, is yours.

16. P for Premise, POV, and Plot

Premise - The premise of a story is your personal pitch. It's basically the main idea for the book, often told in a few sentences. This is so foundational, as you can't move forward without it. Even pantsters need this general sense of the story to write.

Writer Tip: Let's say you have a thread of an idea, but you're not sure about it. Try this. Write five different yet basic story ideas, a sentence or two long for each one. Remember, you won't know all the details just yet. Pick the idea that calls to you most, the option that causes you to feel excited to dive in. Congratulations! You're ready to get to work.

Photo by PublicDomainPictures on Pixabay.

Point-of-View (POV) - Think of this term as a camera spanning the room. The angle portrays the character's perspective. I see third person POV (he/she) a lot in romance novels, though now and then, an author will surprise me. Romantic comedies are usually told in first person (I). Urban fantasy writers pick that approach quite often as well, perhaps to immerse the reader in a deeper perspective, which is sometimes more conducive to action-heavy tales. The point-of-view you select for a story is a personal choice, though.

Use one type of POV per story. For example, third person narrative versus first person POV. You can use both, but I wouldn't advise it. It gets too confusing, mainly for the writer. I tried it once with a mystery which I wrote (the victim in one scene, and then from the killer's perspective). It's better to choose one per book. If you're not sure which to go with, try writing a scene from both perspectives and pick the one that feels more comfortable. If you become familiar with it, the reader will sense that as well and feel connected with the story.

Writer Tip: Please avoid head-hopping. Stick with one POV per scene. If it's necessary to switch to another character's perspective, do a scene break and then change over.

Photo by Borna Bevanda on Unsplash.

Do not jump from one character to another, and then to the next one, over and over again in the same space. You will make your reader dizzy, certainly confused, and they'll be tempted to throw the book across the room. Believe me, I've proofread nightmare stories from fellow writers. And they weren't intended for the horror genre. So, just to be safe, use the perspective of one character per scene instead of hopping around. Other characters may interact with that person, but we won't know what they're thinking.

Plot - This is the sequence of events which comprises a story. Plot includes the beginning, middle, and end. Whereas the premise is the book concept, the plot is the storyline which comes alive on the page - it's everything that happens to the characters. Plot can be told, written, sung, or come out through film. There is no good novel without a great plot, and 'action' is what drives it forward.

Writer Tip: Take the idea you just came up with and start thinking about a main character, as well as some events that could happen. Remember motivation and how certain obstacles can stand in the way of a character's goals. See what kind of plot you can create.

17. Q for Query - An inquiry from a writer, usually in the form of a letter, which is sent to a prospective literary agent or publisher. This person is addressing the agent/publisher about possibly submitting their manuscript. Included in a query is often a brief synopsis and an overview of the writer's professional experience. Guidelines for each company vary; some want to read a few paragraphs or pages from the first chapter in advance. If the agent or editor-in-chief at the publisher is interested in learning more, they may ask for a larger sample of the book to read, or even request the full manuscript. At some point, they will get back to the writer with their response. Most will say six weeks is a good waiting period, but it can last much longer.

Writer Tip: Always check the guidelines for each agency or publisher you're querying. They all have different rules. And don't be discouraged if you don't hear back from them right away. People get busy. Just turn to other tasks to get your mind off the anxiety of waiting, or you can keep querying with other agencies. Remember, rejections are par for the course. A form letter is typical. If you receive any detailed feedback, consider the suggestions. The decision to change anything is up to you, though. Don't let someone else's words deter you from your goals. Keep trying and keep writing.

Photo by Arif Riyanto on Unsplash.

18. R for Reader - A reader is someone who peruses and absorbs books, and he or she is often a bibliophile (book lover or collector). This is your eventual audience. A good critique partner will look at your story from the perspective of a writer, editor, and reader.

Writer Tip: Choose your trusted circle of crit partners and beta readers wisely. The best feedback should challenge your assumptions about the story and help improve your writing. This will get you well on the path so that a real reader can see your book once it gets published.

19. S for Setting and Sensory Details

Setting - This is the character's environment. It's where the story is set, whether that is a city we know, or one we've never heard about. Finer details - by using description - help to paint a clearer picture. It can be the main character's house, their workplace, or some other area where they visit.

Writer Tip: Try to describe a place you know or a location where you'd like to travel. Use your memory to fill in the details. Or, do some research online. Implement the tools we have at hand, such as the street view on Google Maps or through studying pictures you find online (or at a historical society), to make the setting come alive.

Sensory Detail - A more specific way of describing a person, place, or a thing. What color? What type of fabric? What brand name? It's not just a tree; tell us what kind. Writing experts will advise you to use the six senses. Try the main five first (sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing). We don't need to go as far as to say that the final sense is supernatural or anything. Let's just state that the sixth sense is intuition. As humans, we all get certain vibes about a person or a place. That's what we try to tap into as authors when writing a story. Short of coming off as an omniscient narrator, you can work in somehow that the character 'senses' something is wrong, or even life-changing. You can be less vague than that, but you get what I mean.

Photo by Emma Valerio on Unsplash.

Writer Tip: The more direct of a description you can include about the character's environment or the objects they interact with, the easier it is for the reader to visualize what you're talking about. What is the color? What is the object made out of? How does it feel to the touch? Is there a certain smell in the room the person just entered? By digesting these finer details, a reader will be able to better picture themselves in that fictional world with the character, therefore feeling more connected to the story.

20. T for Tension - An element in writing which is used to introduce a sort of low-level anxiety in a reader, along with the wish to find out what happens next. However, tension can be increased, depending on suspenseful or dramatic moments in the story. Tension is there to evoke emotion in the audience. You've probably noticed it with movies. In romance writing, a tense moment denoting an unspoken chemistry is often utilized. Even if the characters don't act on it, there are internal and external cues that make it obvious. Tension is used in mystery stories as well, sometimes to create a sense of dread. As aforementioned, we continue to experience tension when a character who has a goal gets thwarted by obstacles here or there. It is a simple way to add tension over time. Obviously, you can add more tension, if there is danger or by creating an immediacy to each scenario.

Here's a real-life situation we can all identify with: You need to buy groceries, but your weekly check got delayed. Do you ask a relative for a loan to tide you over, or try something else? Then...oh, great. The washer broke, so you are forced to go to the laundromat to get your laundry done.

Photo by Jeremy Sallee on Unsplash.

Well, that just made a bad day even worse. So, what actions can you take to resolve these issues?

That was rhetorical, but I think you understand the immediacy of the problem.

Writer Tip: Create ways to heighten tension for your character, or add a sense of dread for the audience. Perhaps the character is spying on someone because he needs to know the truth, but is afraid he will get caught. Write about the physical sensations he might experience. Also, what is he thinking?

Photo by Nourdine Diouane on Unsplash.

All of this will add tension for readers and they'll feel more invested in your character. Infuse a sense of urgency, so that the reader is squirming to learn what happens next.

21. U for Unreliable Narrator (or Reliable Narrator, diversely) - Reliability, or the lack thereof, is a way of measuring and declaring the quality of a story or its characters. Common sense can't hurt, either, at least with regards to a writer using it to make connections about how an individual will react to a specific situation.

Writer Tip: Write about a character who is believable, more like a real person, with flaws, strengths, and internal conflicts, rather than a typical archetype you might often see in a certain genre or in a movie.

Photo by Ria Sopala on Pixabay.

Just make sure you cover yourself legally if you decide to base a character on someone you actually know or anyone in the public eye. Change the name and a few other details (their appearance and background). You still want to keep your friends, after all. Besides, you certainly wouldn't want to get sued over a defamatory statement.

For myself, I never base my characters on anyone in particular. I just offer the necessary information and let the reader's imagination fill in the rest. They probably all see the characters in different ways, at least until they get a look at the book cover, right? ;)

22. V for Voice - This is a fancy term for discussing a writer's individual approach to storytelling. It's basically their style. Every writer has a voice, and it eventually shows up in a manuscript. Most editors are smart enough to avoid messing with voice. There's also 'passive voice' versus 'active voice' when it comes to grammar. It's a separate thing entirely, and that has more to do with word choice and rephrasing.

Writer Tip: If you're worried that you haven't quite found your unique writing voice yet, don't be. You'll come into it naturally over time, especially with increased writing practice.

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash.

23. W for Writer - Someone who naturally gravitates to the art of writing novels, stories, poems, essays, or is even a blogger at heart. Other people prefer journaling. No matter the medium, a writer is a unique blend of crazy, creative, ambitious, and numerous other qualities that it takes to pursue his or her goals.

Writer Tip: Never lose the joy of writing. Always remember where you started and why it feels so perfect to let the muse take over, how much freedom you feel when you're in the writing zone.

24. X for X-ray - An extra pair of eyes couldn't hurt, at least to help out with proofreading your manuscript. ;)

Writer Tip: If you're looking for a proofreader or editor, don't ask a family member to read your book. Unless your cousin is a whiz kid at grammar, that's different. But this is a very tender stage for a writer, and you can either expect people to tell you what you want to hear, or the worst criticism you've ever encountered. You don't want that from your nearest and dearest. It's best to select an impartial party, someone who doesn't know you completely, and can separate their feelings from the bigger picture.

Photo by Anne Karakash on Pixabay.

You need REAL feedback - constructive criticism, someone who is willing to tell you what works and what doesn't. Hire an editor. Find a proofreader. Look for critique partners you can trust. Use beta readers. All of these people serve a different purpose, and can help to shape your manuscript into something you'd be proud to show the public.

25. Y for YOU - There is only one 'you', and you're the one directing your story.

Photo by Adi Goldstein on Unsplash.

Writer Tip: Without you, the tale goes nowhere. Your vision will keep the plot going, and the characters will eventually find a home with your readers. You know your story best. The creative train doesn't shift without you, as the writer, who puts in all the work to keep this engine moving.

26. Z for Zest - A little pizazz or unique flair.

Writer Tip: Throw in some zest. Use your own blend of spices. Write on a topic or create a story that moves you. Go for what you feel passionate about.

There are so many more terms and phrases which we use in the industry. This was just a sampling, my take on what is significant at the moment, as well as some related writing tips. I hope it all helped! ;)

Photo by Gerd Altmann on Pixabay.

Blogger Bio

Multi-genre author of Victorian maritime romance/family saga, Heiresses in Love, and 18 other books. Marie Lavender lives in the Midwest with her family and two cats. She has been writing for a little over twenty-five years, with more works in progress than she can count on two hands. Since 2010, Marie has published 21 books in the genres of historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, romantic comedy, dramatic fiction, fantasy, science fiction, mystery/thriller, literary fiction and poetry. An avid blogger on the side, she writes adult fiction, as well as occasional stories for children, and has recently started some young adult fiction. She also contributed to several anthologies. Though Marie has standalone titles on the market, her current published series are The Eternal Hearts Series, The Magick Series, The Code of Endhivar Series, The Misfits Series, The Blood at First Sight Series, and The Heiresses in Love Series. but she has many others planned. Her Victorian maritime romance sequels are returning, and the second editions of the trilogy will be released soon under her new publisher, Foundations Books. Discover more about her and her work at the following links.
List of Links:
https://linktr.ee/marielavender1

Check out our latest Writing in the Modern Age book spotlight here.

0 Comments

DIY Your Book Cover - Yes or No by Marie Lavender

7/29/2015

0 Comments

DIY Your Book Cover (Or Not) by Marie Lavender

If you’ve ever self-published or considered it at least, it probably crossed your mind that a good book cover would probably help to “sell” the book. It’s true that presentation is everything; how the sales page appears with the book description and the cover are extremely important. Often, if the book cover isn’t up to par, some readers won’t take an author seriously. The cover is half the battle in marketing. The rest, well the rest is how you reach your audience. But, that’s a topic of discussion for another day.

There are so many options out there these days. It seems that everyone is trying to sell you something, book covers included. I’m not saying there aren’t talented cover artists. I am amazed at the quality of work in the industry. There are just as many nonprofessional ones as well, who try to capitalize on the idea of creating a book cover. I won’t name any names, but I’m sure you’ve come across them before. They charge a lot of money, but the product just isn’t to your taste. And then there are the ones who don’t charge much at all, and you have to wonder what kind of quality you’re getting for so little. Are the covers they are touting actually theirs or are they using someone else’s work to sell their services? That’s why I won’t go to sites like https://www.fiverr.com/ to get a book cover. I'm not saying the vendors aren't legitimate, just that I won't take the chance if that is the case.

Getting a professional book cover can be expensive. Cover artists can charge anywhere from $30-79 for a pre-made cover or charge you hundreds of dollars for something custom made. Granted, if you go the custom route, I have no doubt that you’ll get what you request. The problem is that I have read the disclaimers on some of these sites. A few artists will expect you to pay the basic design fee, but then you have to go out and purchase your own stock images. In the end, your cost has gone up considerably. I’ve spent a lot of time ruminating about using a professional cover artist for certain books. I got lucky with my publisher because they front that cost. But, when you self-publish, the stakes are a bit higher. Let me give you some options that I found. They look good, right?

http://bookcover-designs.blogspot.com/

http://www.goonwrite.com/order.htm

http://coveryourdreams.net/pre-made-customizable-covers-from-79/

http://cheekycovers.com/

http://www.selfpubbookcovers.com/index.php
http://bookcover-designs.blogspot.com/

And then there are the options on the higher end of the scale.

https://www.hiretheworld.com/pricing/

http://ebookindiecovers.com/custom-orders/

http://aeternumdesigns.com/cover-art-design

Do the prices get worse? Oh, yes. Big name publishers will pay their professional cover artists anywhere from $500-1200 per project.

“Uh…yikes, Marie. That’s really out of my budget.”

No kidding. But, let's say one of the options could work for you. A lot of questions go into a purchasing decision.

1. Is this the right service for me?

2. By the time I am done using this cover artist, will I recognize anything from my original vision for the cover?

3. Assuming a pre-made cover is chosen, does the cover correctly represent my characters and story?

It’s all good food for thought, and a decision like this isn’t to be taken lightly. With so many cover art services out there, it can seem incredibly daunting. If you decide to go this route, exercise caution but use your instincts. If a pre-made cover just calls to you, shouldn’t you at least consider it? Maybe the muse is trying to tell you something. And if it’s out of your budget, go for something similar.

But seriously evaluate these different cover art services. Read the fine print. Do they have certain disclaimers you didn’t notice before? Are there hidden costs? Is the final decision yours? Some of the artists will go through three rounds with you when doing a custom design. I've worked with them before. They offer some possible covers or images for your approval and you pick the one or ones you like. Then they try to honor your wishes by incorporating other elements. They come back with a design, and you can approve it or say what needs to be adjusted. That is, hopefully, how most of them work, but you might want to stick with the ones that clearly outline their process just to be sure.

There is another option, however, that you may not have considered. You can design your own cover.

“What? I could never do that, Marie. I’m not an artist.”

Well, neither am I. But, after a few times around the block, I’ve managed to do well enough on my own because I’m working within my budget for now. If you’ve been following me for awhile, then you know I’m all about doing these different parts of publishing and marketing on my own. For example, I even design my own book trailers.

I started attempting this DIY madness with book covers when I began self-publishing under other pen names in 2010. At that point, I used the distributor’s cover art wizard and manipulated certain elements within the image I’d purchased for the cover. I went back and revised the covers in 2012. Here is an early attempt of one book.

And here is the updated cover. Obviously, Amazon hasn’t gotten the memo that the cover art for the paperback has changed. LOL. But, it does show the new cover on Kindle.

You can see a full list of my books here. If you browse from the bottom of the list to the top, you can see the chronological order of my book releases, and what covers I used.

Five years later, I’m not perfect, but I think I have it down to a few great tools to use in order to come up with something to present to readers. So, I will offer a little advice.

If you’re going to try to design your own book cover, really think about what you want your cover to look like. Can you picture it in your mind or do you just want to look for inspiration in order to come up with something specific?

1. Theme.Think about the theme of your book. What is it about? What is the genre? If it’s romance, do you want to exhibit ‘romance’ or a specific element within the plot? If it’s mystery, what do you want to show on the cover? A dead body, a gun, a criminal, a detective? Any of those, or a combination of different things? I start by defining what this theme for the book is. Every story has a theme, or a specific idea you want to convey within the text.

2. Study.“What, Marie?” That’s right. You need to study book covers within your genre, and decide if you want to conform to the standards or try something a little different. Obviously, if it’s any subgenre of romance, you’ll want to include some element of romance while honoring your vision for the story. If it’s erotica or erotic romance, you need to be careful about how much skin is shown because Amazon has rules about it. The rules are: “sexy, but not sexual”. Explore the covers in the genre. Even if Amazon is allowing it, that doesn’t you’ll be able to widely promote it because there are a lot of limits, on, say, groups or pages on Facebook and other social media sites. Some types of erotica have a bad rep. So, just be careful if that’s the genre for your book.

If you’re focusing on another genre, the same rule still applies. Just see what's available, and know what you’re allowed to do. Always think about what symbols mean, and what negative connotations could be derived from them. Certain pagan symbols are often mistakenly associated with devil worship, for example. In any case, keep an eye on what’s out there. But, don’t be afraid to get creative either.

3. Images. Maybe you know exactly what you want on your book cover. That’s great! Perhaps you only want to explore images for inspiration. Either way, it’s never too early to start looking for an image that might capture the theme or idea of your cover. Sometimes I just look for images for character muses or to inspire me in even writing a book. I also use stock images in my book trailers.

But, let’s say you’re at the stage where you’re planning your cover. You’ll want to find a great site, a place that offers high quality images and is fairly affordable. There are so many stock image or photo websites. You’ll want to pay attention to the ones that give credit to the photographers or artists. Why? Because you’ll be paying for a special license to use them on the web or in print. Otherwise, you’re violating copyright laws and you do NOT want someone to sue you over this issue. And having said that, make sure that when you do decide on images and pay for them, give credit to the photographer on your copyright page for the book (i.e. image source – photographer, company or site you found it on).

As with cover artists, there are different ranges of fees for photos. I stick with the more affordable ones. Some sites want you to purchase a subscription, while others will allow you to do a custom price or a pay-as-you-go plan. I prefer to pay for each individual photo at a time. I can acquire them, and then add to projects. With certain sites, you can pay a specific amount for credits, then use the credits toward images. Those are good too, as long as they are within your budget. Here are some great sites that give you the ability to pay affordably for images. I know there are many more.

http://www.123rf.com/

http://www.bigstockphoto.com/

https://us.fotolia.com/

http://www.shutterstock.com/

http://www.mediabakery.com/

http://www.istockphoto.com/plans-and-pricing

http://www.dreamstime.com/credits.php?fcr=1

Here are a few expensive options, if that’s a route you’re willing to take. I found more in the past, but I usually avoid them. LOL.

http://www.stocksy.com/service/support

http://www.offset.com/pricing

http://www.maxximages.com/subscription/photo-subscription.php

“What about the opposite side of the spectrum, Marie? I’ve heard you can get free images.”

That is, of course, always an option. There are royalty-free no cost sites available as well. Here is the rub: can you really assure yourself of how legitimate they are? How do you know that someone didn’t steal an image and try to resell it? I leave the decision in your hands, but I can’t stress enough how you’ll still have to give credit to the photographer or contributor. I will list a few that are pretty safe.

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

http://www.stockfreeimages.com/

https://pixabay.com/

http://www.photobucket.com/

http://www.freeimages.com/

http://morguefile.com/

http://unsplash.com/

https://www.freepik.com/

For myself, it’s always better to purchase a license to use something rather than take it, shove it on a product and pretend I have the rights to it. Make sense?

All right. So, let’s assume you’ll purchase a stock image legally. Use the search boxes on these sites carefully. By that I meant that you may need to get creative in your search terms or keywords. It can quickly become frustrating when you can’t find what you want. Be prepared to spend time on this project, and take breaks when necessary for sanity. LOL. Take your time and breathe.

You also have to decide what size of image you need. Anything which is the size of your book cover or just a bit larger is always good because you can resize down to whatever you need. And cover software handles most of this for you. For cover images, I usually pick anywhere from 1300 to 2400 pixels. For other types of projects (graphic teasers, banners and bookmarks, I can go much smaller.

Eventually, I always find the perfect image and experience that “gotcha!” moment. It’s good to use your instincts in this case as well. If you feel so-so about an image or don’t like it all that much, don’t feel obligated to use it. Do you want to hate your book cover? No, you want to be satisfied with the finished product.

4. Layout. Let’s assume that you now have the image or images that you want to use. Now it’s time to get creative. Or…is it? Remember when I asked you if you knew what you wanted the cover to look like in the first place? Now is the time to really think about your images and how they’ll fit into that vision. And if you still don’t have a clue what the final cover will look like, that’s okay too. Maybe you’re a visual person and you need to see it on the page first. That’s when a few fun tools come in handy.

5. Designing the book cover. Most professional cover artists use special software, something that most of us can’t afford. Here are some links if you’re willing to go that route.

http://www.bookcoverpro.com/

http://graphicdesign.stackexchange.com/questions/29837/what-is-the-best-program-to-use-for-making-book-covers-digital-and-print

If you’re not willing to do that, some people use Photoshop.

There are also some free options. I know a few sites that let you edit images or transpose them onto backgrounds. Here are a couple I have used.

http://www.lunapic.com

http://www.picmonkey.com/
http://pixlr.com/

These tools are awesome because you can do so much with them! I often use them to cut out shapes or trim, even frame something. You can also change the lighting on a picture or include textures. Anyway, nothing is final and you can always save different draft files for each version. You can then start from scratch with your original image, knowing it’s still as perfect as it was. For a couple of those you can even change eye color so it truly looks legitimate (that one made my day!) Again, take your time with these tools. It’s so easy to get frustrated. Just breathe and learn how everything works. It’s okay to even use Microsoft Paint, but you will want to use it sparingly because it may not always look professional. (Update: PicMonkey is now asking for a subscription to save your work, but they do have great themes and photo effects.)

Now, how do you actually create a cover? Paint lets you resize items after the completed product, but if you want something truly authentic, there is a very cool tool you can use. Canva is my savior, and I have loved it since I found it several months ago. https://www.canva.com/

With Canva, you can select a type of product or project to work with (the dimensions are already set for you or you can do a custom size). For this one, I usually choose ‘Kindle Cover’ under the ‘Create a design’ option. Yes, it’s time to be impressed. This will be the size you need to upload to Amazon KDP or any other bookseller.

If you’ve chosen ‘Kindle Cover’, you’ll see the page load into a white space where your book cover will go. Remember that ‘layout’ I was talking about before? Do you have an idea where you want your title to go? Do you have a series name or subtitle to add? And, of course, you’ll want to include your name as the author. There are ‘layout’ buttons on the left side of the page where you can select how each line of text lays on the cover. Be very careful about which elements you choose to use in Canva. Most are free, but some have paid options (like $1.00 or so). For the most part, I choose the free ones. In the ‘layout’ section, you’ll see sample book covers showing how the text looks on a cover. Be careful of the ones that look entirely centered with several lines of text in a column. Unless you’re willing to go with that option, you may not be able to change how the text lays because those elements are saved as templates.

Choose a layout that works for you and your vision for the book cover. It will automatically load onto the cover. Now you should change the font colors for the titles and subtitles, even the author name. Probably something bright like blue. Why? Because you’ll want to be able to see them when you load your images in. It might take a while to navigate around the page to select the different text elements. If you’ve ever designed your own greeting card using card software, it’s the same idea.

After that is done, select the full book cover using your mouse. You’ll see the dotted line outlining the size of the book cover. Then delete it. If it works correctly, you should still be able to see your text. If you mess up the preloaded text, you can add your own using the ‘text’ option on the left side of the page. Some are paid elements, while others are free. Be careful and use the free options if you don’t want to pay.

Now go to each section of text and when you click on it, you should see some options like color, size of font, type of font and a little arrow. Click on the arrow, and then go down the list until you find an option that says ‘move forward’. That will ensure that your font stays above everything.

Now, you need to decide if you want a basic color background or if you want to use your purchased stock images as the background for your cover. To put a color background in the page on Canva, just go to ‘background’ on the left side and select a color. To use custom colors, use the plus (+) symbol. There are also background templates, but some of them require you to pay, as aforementioned. Once you have your background color, you should see an option that says ‘uploads’ on the left side of the website page. There is a green button which says ‘upload your own images’. Click that to find your images. As the file uploads, you’ll see a small thumbnail of your image down below. Click there and drag the photo to your page. On the cover space, you’ll be able to resize the image as large or as small as you want. This is where it gets tricky. As you manipulate things on the page, you’ll probably have to use the ‘move forward’ option on your text once more to ensure that you can move it over your new image.

If you need to manipulate how an image looks, such as wanting a shape like a circle, you’ll have to use those tools that I mentioned above and then upload that image in. Using PicMonkey, you can go to ‘edit an image’, upload the file then choose the frame symbol on the left hand side. Pick ‘shape cutouts’, then it will give you shapes to choose from. You can alter the size of the circle or whatever shape you choose using the bar on the left hand side. If you want an angle for the image, you can alter that as well. Once you’re done, save and then upload the image to Canva. Make sure you keep it as a PNG image or the outside of the circle won’t remain transparent.You can bring the image into your project on Canva by uploading the file when your ready, and then dragging it to the cover page.

Next, go back to Canva in your browser and move your text around to where you want it on the cover. Make it larger if necessary, or even change the font type or color.

Now you need to think about layout. Where does the book title sit as opposed to your series title or your author name? Do you want everything centered? How does the text relate to the image you want to convey? Is it crowding your picture? Adjust as necessary.

Again, be prepared to spend a little time learning how to use this tool. If you have to, do a temporary project and play with the different options.

Once you have your cover designed to perfection, save it using the download' button in the upper right corner. It will save using Canva’s own file name so you’ll have to rename it when you find it in your ‘downloads’ folder on your PC or wherever your downloaded files save.

Another cool thing that Canva does is they save your projects so that you can go back in and edit them later. You just need to register for a free account. You’ll also see options to make your designs public, but don’t press that unless you’re willing to give up your rights to your cover.

(Note: You can also use Canva for other photo projects like your Facebook author page or Twitter page.)

And there you have your cover! Before you do anything, check the final product to be sure you didn’t miss anything. You can use Windows Photo Viewer for that. Now is the time that you may notice white space that you didn’t see before, or issues with the layout (title isn’t centered and such). Print it out if you need to. Make sure you are absolutely satisfied with the final product. Send it to a friend or someone you trust for a second opinion. It is okay to have five or six versions of a cover before you’re happy with it.

Another technique I use is doing mockup covers. I take an image I found online so that I can decide on the layout. That helps me figure out what I want for a cover before I make any purchases. Here are a couple of recent attempts:

And here are some recent projects that I did using Canva, only with purchased stock images.

UPDATE 12/10/16: I launched my own graphic design business back in June and here are few of the book covers we have offered.

PREMADES

CUSTOM COVERS

UPDATE 2/28/16: The Ambrosia website is now closed, but I will take custom project or orders for past premades. The full product list is here on my main author website.

This is another helpful article on cover design: http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2010/06/top-8-cover-design-tips-for-self-publishers/

By now, I hope you have a book cover that you love and can’t do without. It is my wish that I’ve helped you navigate the sea of decision in choosing whether to go with a cover designer or doing it on your own. Or, at least given you the steps to try it for yourself.

If you do decide to have someone else design it for you, that’s great too! Personally, I think Sherry Soule at SwoonWorthy Book Covers is fantastic! The point is that you find a cover you are perfectly content with.

Have a great rest of your week, and, as always, happy reading! :)

Check out our latest Writing in the Modern Age blog post here.

0 Comments

Writing in the Modern Age

Writing & Guest Author Blog

How to Narrow Down Your Story Ideas and Focus

How Assumptions About Your Zodiac Sign Can Help You Become a Better Writer

Zodiac Signs, Traits, and Evaluation

Aries (March 21st - ​April 19th)

Taurus (April 20th - ​May 20th)​

Gemini (May 21st - ​June 20th)

Cancer (June 21st - ​July 22nd)

Leo (July 23rd - ​August 22nd)

Virgo (August 23rd - ​September 22nd)

Libra (September 23rd - ​October 22nd)

Scorpio (October 23rd - ​November 21st)

Sagittarius (November 22nd - ​December 21st)

Capricorn (December 22nd - ​January 19th)

Aquarius (January 20th - February 18th)

Pisces (February 19th - March 20th)

Summary

Explore the A to Z's of Writing by Marie Lavender

Explore the A to Z's of Writing: an admin article by Marie Lavender

Check out our latest Writing in the Modern Age book spotlight here.

DIY Your Book Cover - Yes or No by Marie Lavender

Blog Archives

Get new posts by email:

Site Admin - Author Marie Lavender

A glance at Marie's books

Coming Soon

Blog Awards

Contribute

Cool new feature!

Attention

marieannlavender@

gmail.com

Disclaimer

Thoughts and opinions by guest authors do not necessarily represent any thoughts and opinions by this website's administrator, nor are they directly endorsed. All writings on the blog are subject to review and editing. Please visit our blog policy to understand the site's theme a little better.

Use our hashtag #WritModAge when you mention us!

Should you edit your own work? Definitely! - The Ultimate Guide to Editing a Book

Are you a technical writer? Look no further for some tools of the trade!

Love physical books like me? Check out this cool DIY link!

Sign up for Marie's author newsletter! Get on her mailing list @

Blog Categories

Aries (March 21st -
April 19th)

Taurus (April 20th -
May 20th)

Gemini (May 21st -
June 20th)

Cancer (June 21st -
July 22nd)

Leo (July 23rd -
August 22nd)

Virgo (August 23rd -
September 22nd)

Libra (September 23rd -
October 22nd)

Scorpio (October 23rd -
November 21st)

Sagittarius (November 22nd -
December 21st)

Capricorn (December 22nd -
January 19th)