Should Aspiring Authors Build a Platform Before Publication?

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What do you think: Does building a platform help or hurt a writing career? Do you enjoy blogging, or do you consider it to be a waste of time?

I'm over at AlmostAnAuthor.com today discussing the importance of building an online readership -- even before you book is complete. Click here to stop by and join the conversation!

Monday's Minute Challenge: Writing prompt contest for teens & up!

A quick writing prompt challenge (and contest) for teens to get their creative juices flowing for the new week. A new prompt is posted, and winners are announced, every other Monday.

1. The entry must be between 150 - 300 words. (In order to see how many words your entry is, write it in Microsoft Word, or you can copy and paste it here.)
2. The deadline for the contest will be the Thursday after next. 
3. The winners will receive a badge for their blog.
4. The winner will be chosen based on the judges's preferences, as well as the following questions: Does this entry capture my attention immediately? Does it make me want to continue reading? Is the writing clear? They will also take into consideration the writer's voice and style--not necessarily technical issues, such as grammar, punctuation, etc. 
5. This is only for fun and to stretch your writing muscles--not necessarily to be taken too seriously. =)

 

The judge panel chooses these winners based on a point system. Keep in mind that the judges are not aware of which entry belongs to which participant until after the judging is complete.

Since there were four entries in the previous MMC, only two winners will be selected. Thanks to everyone who participated! =)

walk.

walk.

keep your head down.

don't draw attention.

we can't afford to be found.

not here.

not yet.

we'll be out of here.

and then we'll be off.

as fast as we can.

we're out.

the coast is clear.

no, let's keep a normal pace.

no one will notice.

our coats are black.

we'll blend in.

whistle.

whistle.

no sudden moves.

maybe they'll pass us by.

they have no way to prove

that we're behind this.

they can't.

not possible.

we're two friends.

wearing coats.

the night is cold.

they're gone.

went right past.

yes, maybe we should

get off the road...

oh. they're back.

only turned around.

run.

run.

don't get caught.

not now.

most definitely not.

not after all we've been through.

cross to the side.

cross to the left.

it's our only chance.

the river.

look here.

we can jump.

won't be so swift

as the other side.

have you got the note?

then 1-2-3.

we're off.

Congratulations, Maddie! Click here for your badge, and don't forget to claim your points here. =)

My fingers clench around the stick of the mask I’m holding up to my face. The masquerade ball is full of colors and feathers and disguise, but I take in none of it.
This was meant to be the best day of my life, but as of yet, it has been the worst.
I whirl at the sound of carriage wheels, careful not to let the mask slip as I look out the window into darkness. The carriage door is opened, and a tall, handsome man comes into my sight. Cedric. 
It’s him. He’s here. How did he find me? 
Suddenly I feel like a bird with its wings clipped, unable to fly and escape. The ball room is a cage, and I am trapped. 
But even captive birds may be able to find their freedom. 
The knocker bangs loudly and I immediately rush off towards the door that leads outside, not caring to apologize to the people I brush aside; there is no time for apologizes. 
The door swings open and I glance over my shoulder to see Cedric stepping into the room, his dark eyes searching. He’s looking for me. 
The heel of my shoe catches on a lady’s skirt, and I tumble to the ground, my mask skittering across the floor. The music stops. I hurry to collect myself and scramble to my feet. He’s already coming my way. 
“Selia?” He reaches out, but then draws back. “Are you alright?” 
“No, thank you.” My eyes flash angrily as I glare up at him. 
His brow furrows. “Selia …” 
“I don’t want to talk to you.” I say primly, giving a mocking curtesy. “Good evening, Cedric.” 
And with that, I run out of the ballroom and away into the night, my mask lying dejected on the ground.

Congratulations, Savannah P! Click here for your badge, and don't forget to claim your points here. =)

Thanks so much to everyone who participated!

Pin this!

• Submit your response in the comments below, or post it on your blog via InLink (below).
• Your response should range between 150 - 300 words. 
• The deadline for the contest will be the Thursday after next. 
• If you'd rather not submit your post in the comments or on your blog, you may email it to me instead.

Pin This!

Choose at least one:

Note: You can always combine the prompts into one entry.

(Optional) Write a passage continuing your entry from last week week (or whichever week you'd prefer). If you can, try to continue it using one of the following prompts.

• Write a passage using these items: bracelet, box, leaf (submitted by Savannah P.)
• Write a passage based on this picture (submitted by Maddie)
• Write a passage either incorporating this phrase OR based on this phrase:  
  
  

   "I told you we shouldn't have done that." (submitted by Mary B)

Post your entry on your blog!:

If you're posting your entry on your blog, please add your link below:

Submit your prompt idea!:

The prompts that are used for Monday's Minute Challenge are submitted by the participants. 

Here's how this works:

• You will be able to submit 3 prompts each week in the same format as above: three objects, one picture, and a piece of dialogue or phrase.
• On Mondays, I will choose 3 prompts that have been submitted by 3 different people.
• If your prompt is selected, you will receive 2 points!
• You may submit in the comments below.
• You must only submit prompt ideas if you have participated in this week's contest. Otherwise, your prompts will not be considered.  

Don't Wait for Inspiration to Strike: Good or Bad Advice?

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I'm sure you've heard it before: Professional writers don't wait for inspiration to strike in order to work. They discipline themselves. Force themselves to write, even when they come across a writer's block.

But what if the inspiration well is completely dried out? What happens when our lack of passion reflects in our story?

Although I do agree that professional writers should treat writing as a job rather than a hobby, I believe it's equally important that we do not lose our inspiration or passion. Yes, we need to discipline ourselves to write every day -- and every day, our inspiration well should be filled and ready to be poured into our writing.

But if it's not -- if the words refuse to come and we can't seem to grasp the passion we once had for the story -- it's OK to take a break. To close the laptop and participate in activities that will reignite your writing passion once again.

Personally, I've greatly benefited from this. Going into this new year, I was determined to write a fast draft of the sequel to Purple Moon. Determined to have it completed within only a couple of months.

But as I began to write, I felt as though I were swimming against a current, and it took every bit of my energy to write just a little every day. My writing sessions profited little. Fears about not meeting readers' expectations paralyzed my fingers and numbed my passion. I continued to try to push through as I've always been told -- but why force myself to write a story when the inspiration is lacking?

So, I allowed myself to step away from the story for a few days. I spent that time immersed in activities that filled my creativity tank and reignited my passion. Not only that, but I also listened to the sequel's soundtrack, added photos to its Pinterest board, and reminded myself of why I love Selena's story and why it must be told.

By the time I went back to writing, I was ready to pour this reignited passion into my book, which resulted in far more productive writing sessions.

If you, too, are going through a dry season, I highly recommend that you step away from your manuscript for a few days. Remind yourself of why you fell in love with this story to begin with. Make a soundtrack and storyboard for your novel.

Then, write a list of "dates" you can take with your artist self -- a list of activities that will fill your inspiration well once again and tear down your writer's block.

Here's my go-to list for overcoming a writer's block: 

• Spend time with my Creator.
• Go to Books-a-Million. Buy a book and a mocha from Joe Muggs. {I personally love Joe Mugg's mocha far more than Starbucks!}
• Read physical books. {Recently, I've been immersed in A Well Spring Series by Jim Rubart.}
• Listen to a variety of music, including your WIP's soundtrack.
• Scroll through Pinterest and Tumblr.
• Go to an art museum. {Art, photography, and music always have the power to fill my creativity tank and inspire me to write again. In fact, the story of Purple Moon was birthed through a photograph and a song by Tenth Avenue North.}
• Write in your journal. 
• Read previous journal entries.
• Make lattes.
• Make art journals.
• Color in a coloring book.
• Doodle.
• Take a walk. 
• Do pilates. 
• Watch a movie. 

You know what's funny?

I don't remember writing Purple Moon. Honestly. Writing the first draft took up probably 10% of the amount of time I invested in that book. And the reason I didn't come across a writer's block was because I wasn't writing for an audience; I was writing for myself. I was writing because I was filled with inspiration, had a passion for the story, and knew it needed for it to be told -- not because I was forcing myself to write.

From now on, I'm going to give myself permission to take a break when necessary. I don't want my stories to be written with an "I don't want to do this but I'm forcing myself to anyway" attitude. I believe my books will be far more powerful if they are written not just out of "duty", but out of passion -- just like I did with Purple Moon.

So here's my advice to you:

Write like an artist who is in love with their work. Edit like a professional who has studied the craft and wants to shape their book into one that their readers will enjoy as well.

Remember: While it is important to stay disciplined in your writing, your story will come across as boring if you remained bored with it as well. Drawing from an empty well is exhausting. Stay refueled. Stay inspired. And most importantly: Write not for publication, but because of passion.

Tweet this:

Don't Wait for Inspiration to Strike: Good or Bad Advice?
Can Taking a Break From Your Writing Reignite Your Passion?

~ ~ ~ 

Do you have an inspiration list? If not, what are activities you could add? Does taking a break help or hinder your writing progression? 

How to Know if You're Ready for a Literary Agent

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I recently began an internship with Hartline Literary Agency, and one thing I've discovered is how hard it is for a query to stand out in a slush pile. Agents receive multiple submissions per week. The truth is, they can't spend all of their time digging through these submissions. So how are you, an aspiring author, supposed to stand out in the midst of these proposals? 
Here's my advice: Wait. Wait until your work is 100% ready to be represented by an agent. Many--if not most--proposals that agents receive are submitted by writers who were not ready to send their book out to the world. They sacrificed quality of their writing for the sake of representation. 
So after you type THE END on your manuscript, pause a moment. Resist the urge to go rushing off to find an agent who will be eager to send your work out to publishers. 
Then, ask yourself these questions:
     1. Have I studied the industry and craft?
I don't mean simply reading a blog post here and there. Do you understand how the publishing industry works? Have you invested hours into classes, courses, and books that help take your writing to the next level? {Here are resources that might help.} And have you applied these techniques to your manuscript?
     2. Have I written my book to the best of my ability? 

Often, the idea of publication will cause us to rush the writing process, and therefore neglect to make our work shine. No, writing a book isn't necessarily fast or easy. But if we want to actually see our book in print one day, it's vital that we don't skimp in this process.
     3. Has my manuscript been critiqued and edit?

We writers don't always catch our own mistakes in our manuscript. This is why we need others who are familiar with the craft to look over our work with a critical eye. (No, a family member doesn't count ... ;) )  

     4. Is my idea unique and an appealing premise?

Being on this side of the industry has made me realize how important it is to have a unique idea that stands out in the crowd. If your idea is a fresh, interesting premise, then your chances of publication will be boosted tremendously. How can you summarize your book in 1 - 3 sentences in a way that doesn't make it sound like other books within its genre?
     5. Does the first page of my novel capture the reader from the start?

If writers took the time to rewrite the first chapter -- or even the first page -- of their manuscript, an agent may seriously consider their work. But unfortunately, this is the biggest mistake I've noticed amongst these submissions: The first chapter/page is loaded with backstory and info dump. Either that, or the story begins with an uninteresting, dull scene. 
Glance over your first page, scene, and chapter. Have you opened with conflict? Action? Does the scene move the story forward, or could the book begin later in the story? How can you weave in the backstory without giving the readers an info dump at the beginning? And finally, is the goal of your main character clear in that first chapter, and why would a reader be interested in following their journey to reach this goal? 

     6. Have I established a web presence?

Often, an agent or an editor will do an online search of a prospective author to see if they have an online platform. This is a biggie in today's industry. Even if you don't have hundreds or thousands of followers, it's important to at least set up social media accounts -- and possibly a website/blog -- so you can come across as professional and serious about your writing career.  ~ ~ ~ 
Remember: Agents aren't searching for writers to reject; they're searching for writers to represent. So if you want to make their job a bit easier, wait until you can give them your absolute best work. Then, when they read your compelling premise and are unable to put down the chapters you send, they won't even have to think twice about whether or not they should offer you representation. But this will only happen if you devote necessary time into studying, writing, editing, and establishing an online presence.
Tweet: How to Know if You're Ready for a Literary Agent via @tessaemilyhall http://bit.ly/1KDcCHE #amwriting 
~ ~ ~ 
If you have an agent, how long did it take you from the moment you wrote the book until you found representation? If you don't have an agent, what phase of the writing journey are you currently in?

Monday's Minute Challenge: Writing prompt contest for teens & up!

A quick writing prompt challenge (and contest) for teens to get their creative juices flowing for the new week. A new prompt is posted, and winners are announced, every other Monday.

1. The entry must be between 150 - 300 words. (In order to see how many words your entry is, write it in Microsoft Word, or you can copy and paste it here.)
2. The deadline for the contest will be the Thursday after next. 
3. The winners will receive a badge for their blog.
4. The winner will be chosen based on the judges's preferences, as well as the following questions: Does this entry capture my attention immediately? Does it make me want to continue reading? Is the writing clear? They will also take into consideration the writer's voice and style--not necessarily technical issues, such as grammar, punctuation, etc. 
5. This is only for fun and to stretch your writing muscles--not necessarily to be taken too seriously. =)

 

The judge panel chooses these winners based on a point system. Keep in mind that the judges are not aware of which entry belongs to which participant until after the judging is complete.

What is the point of my thoughts
if they stay
inside my head?
What good is my writing
when there is no one
to read it?
What sense is there in thinking
or dreaming?
It is all a waste, anyway.
Because me, I don't matter.
who would want to know
my feelings or ideas?
I'm just a little nobody,
Living on this earth and questioning
why.
And then I see it.
I look up to the
gray skies that
surround me,
feel the breath
which rolls off the sea,
hear the waters
crawl desperately to the
shore and collapse,
taking their rest.
I see how
You see it.
And I know
that
I am made
to share
my thoughts and feelings,
my dreams and writings,
and my little opinions
about the big wide world.
Because
if I've been touched by someone
then maybe someone is
waiting to be touched by
me.

Congratulations, Maddie! Click here for your badge, and don't forget to claim your points here. =) 

My footsteps barely make any sound on the polished floors of the castle halls as I run. Where are the servants, the royals? Everything feels deserted. The silence is eerie, and I’m reminded once again that I’m not supposed to be in here. 

I stop at a corner and glance around, trying to recall which way to go. I used to know this palace so well, but being banished for nine years has dimmed my remembrance of it. 

Biting the inside of my cheek, I choose to trust my instincts and dash right. Hurrying up a spiraling staircase, I begin to recognize things. Yes, this is the right way, a little higher and I would be near the princess’ chambers. I just have to get there undetected, or I would be one of the ones with my head in a noose at the execution tomorrow. 

I climb up the last steps and run left, not caring to quiet my footsteps, there doesn’t seem to be anyone to hear me.

Then I stop, panting, in front of the door to my destination. My fingers hover just above the doorknob. I really shouldn’t be doing this. But if I don’t Asher would be hanged tomorrow. My best friend would die. 

Gritting my teeth, I fling the door open. And freeze. 

Three guards stand in the room. Three guards I recognize well. Three guards that I had been so close to before I was banished. 

The nearest one turns to me. “Calvin.” His voice is without emotion. “Now do you think that was a good idea? Sneaking into the princess’ chambers unaware …” he tsked. “Did you really think that would happen?” 

No. I just had to try. But now it looks like both Asher and I will be meeting our Maker tomorrow.

Congratulations, Savannah P.! Click here for your badge, and don't forget to claim your points here. =)

My display flickers to life. "Hello, Wren." The cursor flashes at the end of the sentence, as though someone will be sending me even more words to read. "You may be wondering what happened to you." I was right. "Don’t worry, we won’t hurt you. Once you get used to your new body, we will leave you alone. Write what you want to say on a piece of paper, then look at it. We can see what you see.” I swing my legs to the floor, as I had done many times with my prosthetics. I fall to the floor. "Yes, you may want to take it slow, darling. It can be difficult to use your legs at first." I pause. My legs… are these just new prosthetics? I look down, seeing a pair of shiny legs laying on the floor, attached to me at the mid-thigh. Scar tissue rings the edge of the metallic limbs where they meet my skin. I scan my room in the old cabin. The bunk bed is still here, and my paper is still in the same spot. I pull myself over. Reaching my left arm up I see more metal - connecting to me at the elbow. My fingers are bare, my beloved ring gone.I grab a pen and paper. "What happened to me?" I scrawl.

"You were caught in an explosion at the ward. We had to give you new legs, a new arm, and we added some new circuitry to your brain."
I pause. ”So I’m a cyborg now?""No you’re a mechanically modified citizen (MMC).""So a cyborg?"The cursor blinks a few more times, as if the person is hesitating on what to say. Then I finally get an answer-three letters that send me into panic.“Yes."

Congratulations, Olivia! Click here for your badge, and don't forget to claim your points here. =)

Honorable Recognitions: 

1. Lace
2. Esther
3. Mary B

Thanks so much to everyone who participated!

Pin this!

• Submit your response in the comments below, or post it on your blog via InLink (below).
• Your response should range between 150 - 300 words. 
• The deadline for the contest will be the Thursday after next. 
• If you'd rather not submit your post in the comments or on your blog, you may email it to me instead.

Choose at least one:

Note: You can always combine the prompts into one entry.

(Optional) Write a passage continuing your entry from last week week (or whichever week you'd prefer). If you can, try to continue it using one of the following prompts.

• Write a passage using these items: mask, wings, cage (submitted by Olivia)
• Write a passage based on this picture (submitted by Maddie)
• Write a passage either incorporating this phrase OR based on this phrase:  
  
  

  "Sun? In July? You've got to be kidding me!" (submitted by Esther)

Pin This!

Post your entry on your blog!:

If you're posting your entry on your blog, please add your link below:

Submit your prompt idea!:

The prompts that are used for Monday's Minute Challenge are submitted by the participants. 

Here's how this works:

• You will be able to submit 3 prompts each week in the same format as above: three objects, one picture, and a piece of dialogue or phrase.
• On Mondays, I will choose 3 prompts that have been submitted by 3 different people.
• If your prompt is selected, you will receive 2 points!
• You may submit in the comments below.
• You must only submit prompt ideas if you have participated in this week's contest. Otherwise, your prompts will not be considered.