The Most Challenging Part In Writing A Book

Writing may be fun but easy? Who says? At some point, you will lose the idea, you will need a fresher angle, you have to find your way back to your trail of thoughts, you have to get inspired. Not counting the characters and their supposedly unique traits, the appropriateness of the setting, the symbolisms, the humor, the twists, the emotions, and the list goes on. Writing a book is never a stroll with your dog – it entails hard work. Very hard work.

Even those that are in the pedestal cannot dare say that book writing is done in just a couple of weeks. You may start fresh with ideas, laden with creativity but at some point, your flow of thoughts run dry so you grope for the light. You search for what’s missing. Then, you get back and try to fill the empty spaces only to discover even bigger ones.

Established writers share that there are a lot of challenges in writing a book. Here are the top 3 challenges authors meet along the way.

• Opening Scene

-          In here lies the future of your book. If the opening scene looks boring or uninteresting for readers, do not expect for most of them to make it to the next chapter. The world is moving in a fast pace. Readers do not like to spend time on things that are not worth it. The agony of writing and rewriting the opening scene always entails creativity (and abundant supply of it), and above all, bottomless patience.

• Climax

-          Readers expect too much in the climax that a book instantly gets praises on social networking sites after meeting what is expected of it, otherwise, bashers abode. The climax is expected to be the most beautiful, most heart-wrenching, most romantic, most magical, most wonderful, most tear-shedding, most spine-tingling part. And crafting is as mind-twisting, and heart-breaking and exhausting.

• Ending

-          After all, in this lie the final say of the readers. A good ending earns a mark in the readers’ minds and hearts. You do not even want to hear from your readers if it’s otherwise. Just as the opening scene is crucial, the ending is delicate. Just as the opening scene must be compelling, the ending should be heart-melting. And as a writer, you just have to exude creativity. And never run out of it.

• Writing through a good perspective

-          As authors, you need to write in a way that will capture the interest of the readers yet realistic enough to keep in touch with what’s actually happening. The characters’ (especially the protagonist’s and antagonist’s) line of thought should come from a fresh angle and is not generic. They should according to the behavior he/ she should supposedly possess and not according to what the author feels. The characters should think, act, and speak for themselves. This is nothing but mind-twisting.
That’s when a Writer’s Depot steps in the scene. You want tips to overcome these challenges? Book marketing tips? Self-publishing ideas? Anything about writing. Just take time to visit a Writer’s Depot and dissolve your worries.

It is true that book writing is easier said than done, but with passion, even a word can lead you to making a series. Just believe and, of course, strive hard.

Self-Publishing Going Mainstream

Change is a constant thing in this world – a cliché which is proven and tested. Not one thing stays as it is. And changes often end up with altered perceptions. A shift, then, happens.

Self-publishing, a form of publishing, is a good option for writers who’d want to do the business of selling their books, as well- a writer-slash-businessman. Self-publishing is possible with no huge costs. Know the facts and not the misconceptions. With it, one may realize that self-publishing is for real. It is an option for first resort and not the least. There are facts that support the self-publishing gaining its regard.

BBC announced that the speedy increase in self-published books across the world has caused major publishing firms to restructure. It is because, a few years ago, self-publishing was viewed as the option of last resort for authors. But this attitude is changing dramatically. Self-publishing is going mainstream.
The 2012 ISBNs show nearly 60 percent more self-published books than in 2011. It also reveals that in 2012, self-published titles jumped to more than 391,000 over the year 2011. And E-books continue to gain on print, comprising 40 percent of the ISBNs over 2011.

Another is that, according to a source, in 2008, for the first time in history, more books were self-published than those published traditionally. In 2009, 76% of all books released were self-published, while publishing houses reduced the number of books they produced.
If it was thought of that self-publishing is for last resort and does not sell well, there are loads of respected authors who have gone self-publishing. It includes, Martin Luther, Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Jane Austen, and Derek Walcott. Even the contemporary writer, J.K. Rowling had her Harry Potter series sold through e-book versions.

With self-publishing gaining its esteem, it is safe to say that change is inevitable. Though, perceptions vary. But change may spring from open-mindedness and optimism. One may never know, trying out a different road is the way to the publishing dream. It could be the road that will alter your perspective.

Promoting A Book Through Hashtag in Twitter

Technology has dominated the world. With people adept to many technological advances and companies constantly, unceasingly producing technological breakthroughs every now and then, where does an aspiring self-published author comes in?

Getting along, keeping in touch, staying ‘in’ with what’s new, being updated – these are what self-published authors should do.

The social media has sported tremendous effects on the face of the world. People, even as they wake up or close their eyes late at night take selfies and post them on many social networking sites. Even the prince of Cambridge took one with a young lady. Twitter, being one of the leading social networking sites worldwide, has likewise played its role in this ‘addicting’ world of the internet.
The good thing is, Twitter does not only provide an avenue for you to express your thoughts or post your pictures; it is likewise one of the best and effective ways of book promotion. In this hi-tech world, even authors have to play in the addictive world of the internet through social media marketing.

If you are a Twitter newbie, you might get yourself confused with the hashtags all over the site. Hashtags in Twitter is a way for people to search tweets that are related to a certain topic. This is a perfect tool for authors as they can post business-related tweets to their accounts to draw in potential customers. With hashtags, people can search an author’s account thereby giving them a wide range of market. Furthermore, it does not only allow authors to identify and relate with customers, it helps them see what best appeals to his/ her potential readers as implied in their tweets.

Aside from these, an author can also check in his/ her competitors’ progress through looking at what’s trending or by looking up their accounts.

Pros the aforementioned things may be, but without proper technique and creativity, one might just lose the opportunity. One must be careful with what he or she tweets. Aside from the well-taken profile picture and contact information, an author should also tweet something with good content and intent. Though you may tweet for book promotion, you should see to it that you are not turning your account into a complete extension of your work place. Share photos, videos, articles, links, and casual experiences. Remember, people tend to get more attracted to those who display a sense of being ‘real people’. That is, people that have real personality.

Your tweets provide you an instant avenue to turn your followers to avid readers and loyal customers. Hashtags give you the luxury of getting your book searched, promoted, distributed and eventually get famous. Who knows, yours will be in the next top spot for what’s trending worldwide? Then, without notice, your book has already been one of the most in-demand books in the industry. Nobody’s keeping you from tweeting.

Guidelines in Achieving Effective Book Covers

Competition is inevitable. It is a non-negotiable fact that serves as grounds for distinction. To stand out is the key. It means going out of the way and undertaking unusual details to bring out the best. In this fashion, mediocrity is the enemy.

A book cover design goes along with the principle of distinction. Most people in the publishing industry believe that a cover is a book’s most powerful marketing tool. Judging a book by its cover applies in book publishing. Covers take a great deal on readers’ impression.

For authors to achieve an effective book cover design, here are some tips:

1. Do not show much of the character.

Better: Generate excitement.

If necessary, consider using a silhouette of the character or perhaps showing them in either small part or from behind. Enable readers to open and widen their imagination. Leave an element of mystery as to what the cover suggests. A really good book cover “talks” to its readers through choice of typography, imagery and metaphor.

2. Do not use over-thought typography.

Better: Use fonts and stock images carefully.

Over-thought typography is the main offender but using stock imagery can also destroy a book’s visual credibility. Fonts like Comic Sans or Papyrus are not advisable. These fonts are only acceptable if you are writing a humor book. Usually a cover should not use more than 2 fonts. Avoid the temptation to put words in caps, italics caps, outlined caps, etc.

3. Do not restrict the book’s imagery.

Better: Explore various graphic design elements.

Humans are visual creatures so give careful consideration to the book’s imagery. The design should draw and intrigue the readers.

4. Do not use cluttered and complicated covers.

Better: Be minimalist. Less is more.

Minimal style is timeless. It helps to focus on the book’s title and authors name. It shuns clichés. Also, the use of stock images is usually not the best way to tell potential readers what your book is about. Come up with a simple eye-catching idea that anyone will understand upon first sight.

6. Do not think like a writer.

Better: Nail your audience.

Think like a reader. Familiarize the book’s target audience. Make sure that the cover’s message will be conveyed clearly to the audience.

7. Do not entertain mediocrity.

Better: Seek assistance from a professional.

It is a fact that book covers are important in marketing. Do not pass up the chance of obtaining an arresting and compelling cover design. As a line goes, ‘two heads are better than one’.

In designing book covers, do not fail to remember that the output should call for distinction and excellence. Piles of books are waiting to be read just like yours. Do not miss out the opportunity of standing out. A quick glance on the cover should let readers feel something. Release that artistry in you.