Tag Archives: Wordsmithsix.com

And Now for Something Completely Different

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And Now for Something Completely Different

by Adam Huddleston

 

For the past several weeks, my blogs have focused on defining literary terms and giving examples of such. This week, I would like to begin something a little different. I don’t know if this is going to work or not, but I’d like to give it a try.

Each week I will be posting a bit more of a short story that I will be working on. Due to time and space constraints, I may be unable to submit an entire scene. The passages will be rough, with very little editing. When the story is finally finished (however far down the road that is), I may even attempt to publish it. Feel free to contact me with any constructive criticisms you might have.

Oh, and FYI, it’s probably considered a horror story. So, be forewarned…

 

Superstitions

Sit down friend.

I guess you’re wanting to know about that stadium collapsing. So sad. All those folks getting crushed like they was in a soda can. The news mentioned a “structural defect”. I don’t know about that, but I do know how (or better yet, why) that tragedy happened.

For as long as there have been sports, athletes have clung to a variety of superstitions and traditions. They think it’ll either improve their play or maintain their win streak. And no other game can boast of as many superstitions as baseball. It was superstition that brought down that building.

That and a whole bunch of dirty greed.

Bad Start to a Good Day

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Outtakes 247

Bad Start to a Good Day

By Cait Collins

 

Long weekends don’t always translate to a good start on the first day back to work. I have a bad habit of putting my keys on a dresser, in a coat pocket, or on a table instead of putting them in the Jadeite bowl on the counter by the front door. My carelessness results in a mad search for keys when it’s time to leave the house. This morning the keys were in their proper place, but when I parked my car at the office, I dropped the keys in my purse and got out of the car. The beautiful morning was shattered when I rounded the front of my vehicle and attempted to get my purse and computer from the passenger side.

I had no keys to unlock the door.

My Disney cast member key ring was safely tucked inside my purse and my purse was sitting on the front seat of my KIA. Thank goodness I remembered to grab my badge and display my parking pass before I got stupid.

God bless our security team. They could not unlock my doors, but they did provide me with a few numbers for locksmiths. Their recommendation was a company called Pop-a-lock. I called and was told a locksmith would be at my location in 20 minutes. While I was making arrangements for someone to come help me, the security guards kept an eye on my vehicle.

I was impressed when the locksmith arrived when promised. He opened the door in no time and presented me with a very reasonable bill for his services. One of our security guards patrolled the parking lot until I had paid the bill and was on my way to the building. I felt like I was really special because of all the kindness shown to me. Best of all, no one lectured me on being careless. I guess they realized I felt stupid enough.

This story really has nothing to do with writing except to introduce the possibility of a character. Imagine the heroine having an off day. Her car will not start. It’s getting dark and she’s waiting for a mechanic to try and start her very uncooperative vehicle. She’s alone and a little uneasy even though she’s inside her automobile with the doors locked. The parking garage is almost empty; her level is deserted.

A shadow falls across the rear window. She reaches for the canister of pepper spray on her key ring. The sound of a knuckle tapping on the driver’s window startles her. “Ms. Carson?”

She turns toward the voice and heaves a sigh of relief. “Are you okay? I got a call from Mr. Griffin saying there was a woman alone on this level.”

Our heroine cracks the window. “I’m fine, Mr. Porter. My mechanic should be here any minute.”

“Glad to hear help’s on the way. I’ll wait here until you’re on the road.”

“Not necessary, Mr. Porter. I’ll be fine.”

“I know that. But let’s not take chances.”

What if there’s a stranger lurking in the shadows? What if the heroine is truly alone? What if no one is concerned for her safety? And what if no one is aware she has a stalker?

Sometimes in the process of writing a work we overlook a character that only makes an appearance. But that presence has profound impact the story.

Basic Social Media for Writers

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Basic Social Media for Writers 

By Rory C. Keel

 

After mountains of research, hours of keeping my rear end in the chair and wearing out the keyboard, they expect me to do what?

Yes, that’s right, as a writer you need to have an internet presence on social media.

Recently, I was asked to present some basic materials about social media, to the Ranch House writers, a group of writers who occasionally gather for a meal and encouragement from others in the writing community.

This blog will be the first in a series of four, dealing with the basics of social media for writers.

What is Social Media

Simply put, social media is a varied group of internet based applications that allow YOU to create and share content.

Early in the development of the internet, most websites were static. In other words, much like a billboard on the highway, it was costly to change and no had ability to interact with consumers.

Today, social media platforms give writers the ability to create, share, discuss ideas, and publish user-generated materials.

These applications are often categorized into groups such as networking sites, blog sites, video Sharing sites and even photo sharing sites. There are hundreds of applications and Facebook, Twitter, Google +, YouTube and Flickr are just a few examples.

Will Social Media benefit me as a writer?

While there are many reasons an individual might use social media, for the writer it’s as simple as Business 101.

Writing is a business

Have you ever read the reviews of a restaurant before going out to dinner? Have you ever researched someone on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIN, before meeting for an appointment?

It is estimated that in 2015, 93 percent of all businesses will use some form of social media. For both consumers and businesses it has become the norm and is expected.

Using Social Media

Using social media as a writer allows easy communication between you and your readers. It is a medium that allows the ability to develop relationships by having accessibility to groups where individual time is not possible.

And finally, social media allows you multiple mediums to develop your brand as a writer. By blogging, posting, tweeting, google plus-ing, you can establish yourself as a writer and build a large readership.

Next Tuesday we will discuss which social media platform to use. See ya’ then!

 

Book Authors and Sales Tax

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Book Authors and Sales Tax

By Natalie Bright

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Members of the Texas High Plains Writers enjoyed an informative talk by accountant Dan Brown with ———at the May meeting in Amarillo.

One of the questions that we talked about, which we didn’t have time to fully discuss, involved collecting and paying sales tax for your book sales. Below I’ve listed a few blogs and websites with great information which will help clarify this very confusing issue.

SALES TAX

Ø Note that if you’re selling your self-published book through a dealer at a trade show, or an Internet retail entity such as Amazon.com or bn.com or a publishing service acting as a retail entity (such as Blurb or Lulu.com), the retail entity making the sale is responsible for collecting sales tax. “Sales Tax Facts for Book Authors” at publishing.about.com

Ø You may think that you are paying the appropriate sales tax because you pay the tax to the printing company when you purchase the book. But that tax is only for your purchase price, not the actual selling price. So unless you sell the book at your cost, you will have a sales tax obligation. “Sales Tax Responsibility for Authors” at writeyourlife.net

Ø Reimbursement for books sold through Amazon is considered a royalty and is not subject to sales tax. However, if you sell books through your website, at a book signing, or after a public speaking engagement, sales tax should be included if those books are sold within your state. “Sales Tax Responsibility for Authors” at writeyourlife.net

Ø There are exceptions: 1. selling to someone other than the end user. Generally, states only tax sales on the final user, so if you are selling your books to a bookstore or retail store for resale, you do not charge them sales tax. [NOTE: Most retail outlets expect the ability to add a 50-60% markup above your price. If you quote them a price too high, they may not be able to carry your book in their store.]

2. Selling to a nonprofit organization. In some states, nonprofit organizations are able to obtain sales tax exemption. These organizations should provide you a copy of their sales tax exemption certificate from their state.
3. Selling to out-of-state customers. Usually, you must collect sales tax from customers that live in your state.
Ø The best thing about publishing your own book through Amazon Author Central is that you are not the seller of record. This means you are not responsible for collecting the sales tax on the books you publish. Blog.taxjar.com

Ø Nexus is having a presence in the state which indicates which state you should be submitting sales tax to. Your “nexus” is the state in which you reside and do your business, however every state is different.

Ø Let’s say you’re selling your own book and you spend the summer selling your book at festivals across five states. Some states consider making a single sale in the state to create sales tax “nexus”, while others do not. Many festivals, book stores, etc. will have a bookseller on hand to sell your books for you. This generally includes collecting the sales tax. In that case, you would be off the hook for collecting sales tax. blog.taxjar.com

SELLING BOOKS

Being an indie book author these days can be daunting, but take a deep breath and consider the big picture. The opportunities for reaching readers today is truly amazing. Take off your creative cap and slip into your owner/entrepreneur mode.

Here’s a few more things to consider:

  • · If there is a hosting retail store at the book festival you have a booth at, absolutely take advantage of their ability to handle your books for sale. Be aware that they probably have a zillion things to do for the event. You can be persistent yet professional, but make absolutely sure your books have been ordered. I know of authors who have shown up to events to find they have no books to sign because the order was never placed. Do you leave or should you stay and hand out swag? It’s a horrible situation.
  • · Every state is different. In Oklahoma for example, a representative of the Oklahoma state taxing authority might collect tax there at the book festival. A form will be provided for you to complete and sign.
  • · I sell books at my cost to clubs and organizations because I figure it’s the least I can do after they’ve fed me, paid a speakers fee, and then sat through my talk. I consider the invitation to be a great opportunity to build connections with readers. This kind of networking is invaluable, plus I don’t have to collect sales tax.
  • · Seek out sponsorships for your books. There might be nonprofit organizations that will purchase a case of books for special events. Suggest that your book would make a great table decoration with one at each place setting. Ask for a copy of their tax exemption certificate and attach it to the invoice that you’ve prepared for them.

I hope this helps you. Business is done. Go write now, y’all!

Meet the Author – Natalie Bright

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Meet the Author  

Since the creation of WordsmithSix as a critique group, we have evolved in many ways. While every member is like family and brings their own valuable insights to the group, sometimes there are changes. Some of our members have moved on in their life’s journey, however their contributions continue to influence our writing forever. Others have filled the empty chairs and have started their journey into the world of writing.

Each member of WordsmithSix is excited about our writing journey. For the next few weeks we will dedicate a Sunday blog to letting our readers know a little more about who we are. Each author will be asked a few questions to help you understand their desire to write and what motivates them. Maybe their answers will influence you in your writing.

This week we are excited to feature one of our original Wordsmithsix members. An established Author and Blogger, her writing includes: Chicken Soup for the Mother of Preschoolers Soul “The Race”, Books – Oil People, Gone never Forgotten and West Texas Christmas Stories. You can find more about Natalie on her website nataliebright.com.

Please welcome Natalie Bright

When did you start writing?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been scribbling in diaries or writing silly poems, and then I began to write novels in high school.

Why did you choose the Genre you write in?
The stories choose me. My vision was to be a romance novelist because I’m been a lifelong fan of the genre, but the stories inside my head tend to be more for young readers. I honestly do not have any control over the characters that wake me at night.

What’s the best thing you’ve done to help your writing?
Found a great critique group (thank you WordsmithSix!). I read a gazillion kid lit books, and reread my childhood favorites with a critical eye. Why have those classics stood the test of time? Write every day. Stop questioning the why. Joined writing organizations directly related to the genre I write.

What’s your writing routine like?
There is no routine. I have two teenagers, a day job, community volunteer work; I write whenever, wherever I can.

How do you reach that personal place that allows the writing to flow?
Butt in chair, focus and do your job. Writers must practice intense self-discipline. No one is hovering over your shoulder telling you to work. I think this is what separates the successful writers from the ones that always struggle to reach THE END. It’s an endless internal battle.

Are you an outliner?
Sometimes. Every book is different.

What has been your biggest writing challenge?
Finishing one novel before the next spark takes over.

What advice would you give to new writers?
Just like any professional in any career, learn as much as you can about story craft and the publishing business.

What’s the most positive thing you could tell writers today?
I believe it’s an amazing time to be a writer. If you have respect for the craft and can find joy in the writing, then your work will be authentic. When writers view their craft like a business and they see themselves as a professional, both traditional and indie published authors can achieve great success. We have just begun to tap the potential of eBooks and the ability to reach worldwide markets. There are readers out there waiting for your stories.

The New Comer

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POST CARDS FROM THE MUSE

The New Comer

By Nandy Ekle

I’m not sure how long Neil Gaiman has been on the writing scene, but he’s fairly new to my list of faves. I had seen his name around the forums. I’d heard he was unique and his stories were excellent. Then, the movie Stardust hit the theaters and I was immediately in love.

Now I know better than to ever judge a story by its movie, at least if there’s a book that gave birth to a movie as a some version of the story. But I think that’s a testament to my interest in the book. The fact that the movie thrilled me enough to want to read the book should say volumes to the idea I had of the story.

And I have to say this was one time my instincts were spot on. The book, as much as I enjoyed the movie, was even better. Cute, fun, clever, layered, completely brilliant. The book has elements that the movie didn’t come close to touching on. And I was completely enthralled.

Then, Mr. Gaiman sealed verified my new found love for him again when I heard him read Stardust. I am a huge fan of audiobooks, and even though I’d read the paperback version, I used my chance to purchase the audio to listen to as I drove. And the fact that Mr. Gaiman was the reader gave me a feeling that I had found something special. I was wrong. It was not just something special. It was my find of the century.

As a British man with a deep smooth voice, listening to him read his own work had me so hypnotized there was no way I could shut the book down at the end of my allotted reading/listening time. As I mentioned his voice is deep, smooth, and very British. But also, as the writer, he knew the story and he knew how to use that incredible voice to make the story come alive in a way Hollywood could not.

So I obtained more of his books. Neverwhere had my attention almost as tightly as Stardust. The Ocean at the End of the Lane, another story read by himself, amazing.

So, whenever it was that his first book was released, I wish I had met his writing much sooner.

Congratulations. You have just received a post card from the muse.

Verisimilitude

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Verisimilitude

by Adam Huddleston

 

The use of verisimilitude in writing is key to absorbing the reader and keeping their attention throughout the work. The device can be defined as the intention to provide believability to the narrative. This can be done through careful attention to the authenticity of the setting, characters, etc. It is important to remember however that just because a subject has verisimilitude, it doesn’t mean it is necessarily true. It may just appear to be true. For example, a well-crafted lie can seem to be accurate, but still be far from the truth.

BUTTON METHOD FOR WRITERS

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BUTTON METHOD FOR WRITERS
By Natalie Bright

The Button Method for Writers combines the psychology of a creative mind along with plain ole common sense, and is easy to implement. It’s guaranteed that you will experience an unbelievable increase in productivity and quality of work.

The Button Method is best explained like this:

1. Butt-On Chair
2. Write

The more you do, the better you become at the doing. Isn’t that true with almost every career? I heard the Butt-on tip early as a newbie writer, but honestly I haven’t always applied the method.

Two of my writerly friends have, and they are a source of great inspiration for me. Linda Broday and Jodi Thomas are both New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors. They’re currently writing series; Linda for Sourcebooks and Jodi for HQN. By writing, I do mean they’re ALWAYS writing. They both have set times every day, and rarely waiver from that schedule. They both practice extreme self-discipline.

I asked Linda one time how she manages to keep pushing herself, and she told me that when she’s writing, it’s the time she feels the most calm and relaxed. For her, social media and crafting blogs creates more anxiety than disappearing into her fictional world.

Jodi fell several years back and injured her wrist. During that same time, I twisted my ankle. We met for lunch and exchanged details and sympathies. Jodi says,” I asked the doctor to set my cast in a different way, because if I prop my arm on pillows I can still type with the tips of my fingers.”

I had planned to head home for aspirin and to prop my foot on pillows. Jodi went home to write.

Butt-On is the key.

Writing Benediction: Focus on the pure joy of crafting stories with words.

Empty Bubbles

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POST CARDS FROM THE MUSE

Empty Bubbles

By Nandy Ekle

  It’s like reading a cartoon with no speech balloons. It’s like losing a hand or a foot, or an arm or a leg. It’s like not having the ability to speak. It’s like opening your eyes to a dark room. It’s like holding your breath under water. It’s like sitting in a chair all night and staring at the wall. It’s like being hungry but your pantry is empty. It’s like having a pile of laundry but your washer is broken. It’s like opening the front door and seeing dark emptiness.

It’s like all the words you’ve ever held, stacked together, rearranged, played with, followed you around, jumped around inside your head have packed up and moved away.

It’s like not being able to write.

Congratulations. You have just received a post card from the muse.

Summer Reading

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Outtakes 246

Summer Reading

By Cait Collins

 

Summer is upon us and it’s time to think about vacations and hours by the pool. Question is, what do you plan to read during the down time? Here are some suggestions.

Good For The Money                                                            Bob Benmosche

The Obsession                                                            Nora Roberts

The Highway Man                                                     Craig Johnson

What We Find                                                             Robyn Carr

The Trials of Apollo The Hidden Oracle                   Rick Riordan

Dark Hearts                                                                Sharon Sala

Lone Heart Pass                                                          Jodi Thomas

God’s Eye View                                                         Barry Eisler

Legends & Lies: The Patriots                                    Bill O’Reilly

15TH Affair (Women’s Murder Club)                         James Patterson

Coming Soon

Bay of Sighs Book Two of the Guardian’s Trilogy   Nora Roberts              June 14, 2016

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child                             J. K. Rowling             July 31, 2016

DragonMark                                                               Sherrilyn Kenyon       August 2, 2016 (Original Pub. Date)

Grab a book and enjoy your summer.