Creating Sound in Your Writing

How do you engage audio learners in your story? Many readers are visual people. They like to see things, and thus enjoy reading. (Which, by the way, I am a visual!) Audio people enjoy books on tape, music, and all things connected to the ears!

In order to draw your reader into the world you created on the written page, it is most imperative you entice them with their senses. Engagement of your readers happens with sound words. This is otherwise none as onomatopoeia: words that sound like are written. Please include words with flavor, resonance, texture, aromas, and pictures in the mind. Your readers will come back again and again when they know they can step into your world and feel as though they are actually living in the pages of your book.
Call out to your readers in a way they can relate!

Here is a wonderful list of sound words for inspiration:
clink, clang, clatter
boom, burst, explode
crunch, crackle, crinkle
gurgle, garbled, groan
murmur, cooed, whispered
plunk, splash, dripped
sizzle, splatter, splat
rumble, rick-a-shay, echoed
rattle, bang, creaked
whiz, whee!, whoa
thud, ker-plunk, drizzle
zing, zip, zoomed

Scents for Imagination

How many memories do you have wrapped up in a smell? Favorite cookies from Grandma? Perfume sprays from that special night?
The other day, I was cooking dinner and I had chicken broth in one pan and vanilla extract in another. The two combinations together reminded me of Thanksgiving and I suddenly got a familiar yearning for family.
Scents have a way of moving on our emotions the same way sights can draw us into another world or time. Don't overlook the power of scent to spur your imagination while writing. If a certain smell -perfume- elicits feelings of romance, and the character in your story is in love, spritz our favorite fragrance while you write. Are you writing a home scene where everyone is happy, comfy, and cozy? Bake some chocolate chip cookies and let the scent circulate around you. At best, light a candle you love. Your home will smell wonderful and your creative nose will inspire your pen.

Instant Inspiration

How do you inspire yourself? When you run into a brick wall, what is the best way to see light again? I don't recommend busting through it. That might hurt! But you can climb over it, or possibly dig under it. My next series of post will encourage your creativity through ordinary surroundings.

New writers, as well as established authors, occasionally walk around in the dark, needing some creative light to spark their pen! That is not always easy. What can you do to motivate your thought process?

For starters, take a look around you. What do you see? Flowers? Old books? Cars? People? Billboards?
Your inspiration could be right in front of you~
Look for fascinating colors, intriguing art, peaceful lakes, or rustling streams. Your sight has the power of  innovation through seeds of beauty. Or anger. Or fear. What scares you? Heights? Then take a look at tall buildings, or climb a mountain for views of height. Visit museums and look at the objects and artifacts on display. One small arrangement of jewelry, statutes, utensils, or tools might excite your imagination enough to pull you over that wall.

New Blog

I found a brand new website/blog I wanted to share with my readers. Be sure and visit
thepagecount.wordpress.com
Remember, this is a new blog. The author and owner will be adding post in the near future and you will be able to read great advice really soon. I'll be posting a guest blog, so keep your eyes open. Not bragging or promoting myself, you know!

Finding the Right Publisher

If you are a writer, or author, and want to publish your book, who can you turn to for help? Many traditional publishers do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. This means, you must have an agent before a publishers will even consider reading your manuscript. Yes, there are a few companies who take unsolicited manuscripts, but it is not as easy as you may think to publish your first book!

Finding the right publisher is extremely important for you, as the author. And that, is not as easy as it sound either. I spent days and days searching the web for the right one for me. I called many agents, browsed their web sites, talked to them over the phone, and then thought long and hard before i made my decision. I decided my best choice would be a self publishing company. I even drove for 5 hours to an appointment with them, discussed my book and all the options available for my book. I made my mind up right then and there that I liked them. SO I paid my fees and the deal was made.

After 6 weeks, I knew I had made the wrong choice! It took about 6 more weeks for my refund  approval. But I had already found a better choice. You know, just because a company is big and impressive doesn't necessarily  mean they are the best on the market!

I found a new, up and coming publishing company with extraordinary talent, friendliness, and helpful advice. I receive big time benefits with small town attention and detail. Who, you might ask, is my publisher? Sakura Publishing. so far, I am thrilled with my new choice! Now, please let me know which logo you like better. My publisher votes for the 2nd one. But I kind of like this one. But I like the 2nd one too! Vote for me, okay? Which one is the best?

I love the red and black "B's" and how they look like a butterfly. I also love the bold colors. The design seems to say, "Follow you dream, no matter where it takes.

This one seems a bit softer, more elegant and quiet. There is a simple elegance to this design.This design seems to say, "Your book is beautiful. Watch it bloom with your dreams."



Please come back and read my next article "Tips for Finding the Right Publisher."

Freelance Writing Tip

Do you write as a freelancer? Do you have a steady job? If not, and you constantly serch the web for a new gig, here is a great tip I have learned.
Clients want to see you work. They prefer samples. Some ask for on-line work. I have sent samples out, and never heard back from from the client, only to visit their website or blog and see MY sample published on the web page!
Now, I have a collection of samples I send out. These samples are already published, and I make sure and let my client know this and also include a link where the work can be viewed. This insures no one takes my work.
Also, you may keep on online portfolio.  This works well for me.

Top 5 Favorite Books

If you are a bookworm, like me, then you probably never leave home with a good book. I usually fall asleep in the wee hours of the morning because I just had to read just one more chapter. The following list is my favorite books. Maybe, you will love them too… You can find all these on Amazon.com

A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers

My all time favorite novel. I couldn’t put is down! Written during the height of the Roman Empire, it indulges your senses with gladiator fights, intrigue, romance, forbidden love. You will step into the world of the Romans, if only for a while. Everything you expect a great novel to have.

$10.19

Echo in the Darkness by Francine Rivers

The second book in the Mark of the Lion series, you will keep following Marcus, Hadassah, Julie, and Atretes as they journey through all the trials of the Roman world. I was captivated until the last page.

$10.19

Texas Angel by Judith Pella

Filled with edge of your seat betrayal and revenge, you’ll probable loose a night of sleep while reading this.

$11.69

(also available with kindle)

Yukon Quest 3-n-1 by Traci Peterson

If you enjoy reading about the Alaskan Gold Rush, you’ll love this series. I included the 3-in-1 because after reading the first one, you’ll want the next one. Why wait for delivery or the next trip to the bookstore?

$6.99

A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist

Another book I just couldn’t put down! This one had the subtle touch of romance that really wasn’t very subtle. Written during the early years of the American colonies. A must read!

$10.19

(also on Kindle)