The post Fiction Authors: Weekend With The Writers appeared first on Lex Word Weavers.
]]>Lynette Eason has sold millions of copies of her novels. Millions. She knows how to write fiction that sells.
Over the course of four days and nine workshops and a one-on-one with Lynette, ten individuals will gain the tools to write great fiction at Weekend with the Writers
Limited to only ten participants, this (and more) is what’s happening over four days. Jan 11th-14th, 2023. Grab your spot while there’s still one left.
Lynette Eason
What’s included?
- Lodging – OCEAN FRONT ROOM In Myrtle beach at the Grand Cayman Resort (8 miles from the airport)
- All meals (except 1) and snacks (Prepared by a professional chef!)
- (kitchen available if you need to prep special foods)
- One page critique of first 2500 words (submitted ahead of time)
- Nine In-depth workshops designed around YOUR work
- Assignments that will be “checked” with immediate feedback.
- One 30 minute 1-on-1 with Lynette with the potential for more (She IS leading the ENTIRE weekend!)
- Comprehensive workbook that will be yours to keep
- Swag Bag
- Private Facebook Group
Check out www.weekendwiththewriters.org for more Information.
I’d love to see you there! —Lynette Eason
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]]>The post Why Most Authors Don’t Need Social Media in 2022 (Podcast by Thomas Umstattd Jr) appeared first on Lex Word Weavers.
]]>Listen to:
Why Most Authors Don’t Need Social Media in 2022
Novel Marketing by Thomas Umstattd Jr.
When authors think about promoting their book, their minds usually go directly to one method of promotion: social media.
But social media networks change so quickly. The advice you received at a writers conference in 2019 doesn’t necessarily work in 2022. Even the best social media methods of 2021 may not work in 2022. Therein lies the challenge for authors.
I’ve been helping companies, politicians, nonprofits, and authors use social media since 2007. I’ve managed hundreds of thousands of dollars in ad spend and innovative techniques that have swayed elections and influenced policy. Last year I released a history of Facebook for authors. A lot has changed for social media, and this article will address many of those changes.
Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, whether you’re traditionally or independently published, you need to be aware of the changes and costs of social media.
Opportunity Cost One of the most unhelpful questions authors ask is, “Will doing X help me sell more books?”
It’s a useless question because the answer is almost always “yes.”
“Will standing on a street corner waving my book help me sell books?” Probably. People get money panhandling, so you could likely sell a book from a street corner.
The better question is, “How does this promotional activity compare to my next best alternative?”
To make an accurate comparison, you need to know what your alternatives are. The more alternatives you know about, the better decision you can make about your next best alternative.
There are many social networks, and we’re going to explore the strengths and weaknesses of quite a few of them. But please note, the one sure path to failure is to try to be everywhere for everyone all the time. And contrary to what you might have heard, social media isn’t a requirement for authors.
You Don’t Even Need to Be on Social Media to Be a Successful Author
As I work with bestselling authors, I have noticed that the more successful an author is, the less time they tend to spend on social media.
What makes you a successful writer is… wait for it, your writing!
You can’t Facebook or TikTok your way to publishing success without first being a good writer.
In terms of opportunity cost, the next best alternative for many successful authors is letting go of social media altogether.
While many unpublished authors spend lots of time sharing advice with each other on social media, bestselling authors spend that time writing.
Avoid any literary agent or publisher who pressures you to do social media. Such pressure is a red flag that they are either an imposter or a bozo. An imposter is trying to deceive you. A bozo simply doesn’t know that he doesn’t know and confidently gives bad advice.
It often takes an author years to realize their agent is a bozo, so this litmus test is a great shortcut. There are many people in publishing who don’t know that they don’t know what they are talking about when it comes to marketing. But who knows, you might be a good fit for social media, so let’s talk about the different social networks…keep reading
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/novel-marketing/id721122555?i=1000547639203
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]]>The post South Carolina Christian Writers Workshop—June 5, 2021 appeared first on Lex Word Weavers.
]]>Join us for the Lexington Word Weaver’s South Carolina Christian Writers Workshop on Saturday, June 5th.
Our keynote speaker, the beloved SC novelist, T.I. Lowe, will lead two sessions: What the World Needs from a Christian AuthorandThe Truth About Fiction.
Following her final session, we invite you to bring your questions about writing in general, publishing, and fiction to our Q&A session with T. I. Lowe.
For our non-fiction writers, we’re offering three nonfiction workshops: How to Write a Dynamic Devotion, Create Inspirational Images, and Basics of Blogging. To make choosing easier, we’re offering each workshop twice during the day. (Bring your laptop if you’re participating in the Blogging workshop or the Images workshop.)
Lunch: Each ticket includes lunch of a Chick-fil-A sandwich, waffle fries, chocolate chip cookie, and a drink. Unfortunately, we’re not able to make special arrangements for allergies or meal preferences. If you have any allergies, feel free to bring your own lunch or plan to run out and grab a quick bite nearby.
To conclude the workshop, we’re excited to host an Author Meet and Greet. Along with T.I. Lowe, we’ll have several Word Weavers authors to meet and greet. A ticket is not required for the Meet and Greet. Invite your friends to join you. Please bring cash to purchase books. Not every author is able to accept credit cards.
T. I. Lowe will have the following books available for purchase:
Beach Haven – $5
Driftwood Dreams – $5
Sea Glass Castle – $5
Under the Magnolias – $15
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]]>How to Create a One-Sheet for Your Book Project Read More »
The post How to Create a One-Sheet for Your Book Project appeared first on Lex Word Weavers.
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At a writers conference, you’ll receive lots of questions from other attendees. One popular question is, “Do you have a one-sheet?”
If you don’t know what they’re talking about or don’t know how to create one, check out Serious Writer’s excellent post:
The Best One-Sheet Formula for a Writers Conference
If you’re looking for a list of Christian writers conferences, check out our list of conferences as well as our favorite online Christian writing education websites.
Conferences & Online Education
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]]>How to Use Track Changes in a Word Document Read More »
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Track changes make life easier when working with an editor or critique partner.
If using track changes in Word is new to you author and agent Bob Hostetler and YouTube make it easy to understand.
Read Bob’s article here: Learning to Use Track Changes
Watch this tutorial video on YouTube here: Word: Track Changes and Comments
If you have any questions, email us and we’ll do our best to answer your questions.
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]]>The Twelve Gifts of Word Weavers Read More »
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Our Lexington Word Weavers group gives writers an opportunity to grow within the context of community. Those part of our year-round friendship know the gifts of Word Weavers. If you haven’t been part of a Word Weaver’s group, please join us in the new year.
The Twelve Gifts of Word Weavers
(to the tune of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”)
The first gift of Word Weavers, a true love gift to me
A friendship that meets the whole year
The second gift of Word Weavers, a true love gift to me
Two oopsie fixes and a friendship that meets the whole year
The third gift of Word Weavers, a true love gift to me three Editors
Two oopsie fixes and a friendship that meets the whole year
The fourth gift of Word Weavers, a true love gift to me
Four or more critiques, three Editors, two oopsie fixes
And a friendship that meets the whole year
The fifth gift of Word Weavers, a true love gift to me
Show. Do not tell, four or more critiques, three Editors
Two oopsie fixes and a friendship that meets the whole year
The sixth gift of Word Weavers, a true love gift to me
Six fifteen training, Show. Do not tell, four or more critiques
Three Editors, two oopsie fixes and a friendship that meets the whole year
The seventh gift of Word Weavers, a true love gift to me
Seven PM start time, six fifteen training, Show. Do not tell
Four or more critiques, three Editors, two oopsie fixes
And a friendship that meets the whole year
The eighth gift of Word Weavers, a true love gift to me
Eight mistakes I missed, seven PM start time
Six fifteen training, Show. Do not tell, four or more critiques, three Editors
Two oopsie fixes and a friendship that meets the whole year
The ninth gift of Word Weavers, a true love gift to me
Nine PM end time, eight mistakes I missed, seven PM start time
Six fifteen training, Show. Do not tell, four or more critiques, three Editors
Two oopsie fixes and a friendship that meets the whole year
The tenth gift of Word Weavers, a true love gift to me
Ten tips for writing, nine PM end time, eight mistakes I missed
Seven PM start time, six fifteen training, Show. Do not tell
Four or more critiques, three Editors
Two oopsie fixes and a friendship that meets the whole year
The eleventh gift of Word Weavers, a true love gift to me
Eleven cups of coffee, ten tips for writing, nine PM end time
Eight mistakes I missed, seven PM start time
Six fifteen training, Show. Do not tell, four or more critiques, three Editors
Two oopsie fixes and a friendship that meets the whole year
The twelfth gift of Word Weavers, a true love gift to me
Twelve monthly meetings, eleven cups of coffee, ten tips for writing
Nine PM end time, eight mistakes I missed, seven PM start time
Six fifteen training, Show. Do not tell, four or more critiques, three Editors
Two oopsie fixes and a friendship that meets the whole year
May your writing be a gift to others.
Merry Christmas.
Lexington Word Weavers member Cheryl Simpson writes real stories from her real life — a life made whole through the gospel. Check out her blog @ Realing In Life
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]]>Tell Your Own Story by Carol Kent Read More »
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At one of our critique meetings, Word Weavers Lexington member Lori Hatcher shared a powerful article by Carol Kent called Tell Your Own Story.
Many of you asked for the link. Here it is:
Tell Your Own Story
Maybe you’re writing a memoir or blog posts where you share your story. Or perhaps you’re writing a novel with characters who’ve been through hard times. This article will help anyone share the hard parts of life in an authentic and helpful way.
Thanks, Lori, for sharing it with us!
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]]>Monthly Bonus Training Sessions Begin Monday for Members Read More »
The post Monthly Bonus Training Sessions Begin Monday for Members appeared first on Lex Word Weavers.
]]>Other writers talk about magazines they’re writing for, articles they’re working on, or assignments they’ve been given, but you don’t have a clue how to make that happen.
You think your writing is good enough to publish (maybe?) but you just don’t know what to do next.
Members, join us next Monday, from 6:15 – 6:45 pm, (30 minutes before our regular meeting) for the first of many Lexington Word Weavers Bonus Training Sessions.
WW Bonus Sessions are brief instructional times for Word Weavers members designed to help answer some of your basic questions about the writing and publishing world.
This Monday, author, editor, and freelance writer Lori Hatcher will give us practical tips on how to use The Christian Writers Market Guide 2018 to jump-start your freelance writing career.
Even if you’re not interested in becoming a freelance writer, learning how to use TCWMG will help you build your writing resume, experience the joy of seeing your work in print, and share your writing with others.
If you have a copy of TCWMG, bring it with you.
If you haven’t purchased a copy yet, I encourage you to get one on Amazon. At around $20, it will be one of the best investments you’ll make to move your writing career forward. If you don’t delay, you can receive it in time for the meeting on Monday. See you then!
Lori Hatcher
Hungry for God … Starving for Time
NOT A MEMBER? JOIN NOW
If you’re not a member, we invite you to join us now.
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]]>The Writing Wit and Wisdom of Author Steven James Read More »
The post The Writing Wit and Wisdom of Author Steven James appeared first on Lex Word Weavers.
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Meet the Speaker
If you’ve never had the opportunity to attend a writers workshop by best-selling author and storyteller Steven James, you’ve missed out.
We can fix that for you.
We’re bringing Steven to Lexington for the Serious Writer Tour Stop. Join us on May 26th!
But first, enjoy this sneak peek into his great wit and wisdom.
Why did you decide to become a writer?
Ever since my uncle told me stories when I was a kid I’ve been in love with stories and storytelling.
I started out telling my uncle’s stories to the kids at camp to bore them to sleep—and I was good at that!
Then one night a kid stayed awake and said, “Do you have any more stories?” And I had used up all of my uncle’s stories and had to come up with one of my own.
That was the night I felt like I had become a storyteller.
From there, over the years, I ended up penning my stories, and now telling stories is my life.
I think having a passion to be a storyteller is vital to doing this for a living.
What has been one of the most surprising parts of your writing journey?
Enjoying the research.
I never thought I’d be into that part of the gig, but I’ve really enjoyed getting to know amazing people and discover fascinating facts that I’ve been able to weave into my stories.
What’s one of the funniest experiences you’ve had as a writer?
I don’t know that it was hilarious, but it struck me as humorous.
A lady came up to me at a conference and said, “You are one of my biggest fans!” And I wasn’t sure what to say to that, so I just smiled and she reiterated, “No, no, no you are! You are my biggest fan!”
And so I said, “In that case, I’m glad to finally meet you.”
If you could only give one bit of advice to someone considering entering the writer’s world, what would it be?
Don’t publish your work too early.
With self-publishing these days, people are rushing to get their books in print and, while they might have good ideas, in almost every case they are publishing them too early before the story is as finely tuned as it should be.
If you were moving to a tiny island for a year, what three books would you take with you?
A book on how to build rafts out of palm trees, one on how to make food out of sand, and the Bible.
What’s one of the biggest mistakes writers make?
Outlining.
Writers need to learn to listen to the story and let it take shape without “plotting it out” or following some formula or template for it—unless you want to write formulaic stories, that is.
Not my cup of tea. I’d rather write original, groundbreaking stories than cookie-cutter ones.
Want to learn more from Steven?
Come to the Serious Writer Tour Stop in Lexington, SC on May 26, 2018.
Steven will be joined by authors Michelle Medlock Adams and Bethany Jett.
Don’t miss it. Register today.
Check out Steven James’ Website and His Books on Amazon
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]]>Ready, Set, Pitch Focus Group Read More »
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As we’re all working toward publishing, we’ve recognized the need for a new focus group.
Members are now invited to join the:
Ready, Set, Pitch Focus Group
This group will work on book proposals, pitches, query letters, and one-sheets.
Ready, Set, Pitch Focus Group Details:
Who:
WW members only.
Members may bring something to have critiqued or simply come to watch & learn.
What:
Meeting to critique & discuss pitching-related items (book proposal, one sheet, query letter, verbal pitch).
When:
Next meeting is on Saturday, April 28, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Where:
Melanie Shull’s home
How:
Standard WW critique formatting
Also bring questions, resources, etc., for a +/-30 minute sharing time.
RSVP:
RSVP to Cam Molineux (cam@cammolineux.com) if you’re planning to attend or have any questions. Cam will send you Melanie’s address.
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