Marketing Your Books

If you missed our November meeting, you missed a most helpful one. Judith Boling gave ua a wonderful presentation on book marketing.

Her first piece of advice was to spend most of your time writing.

All writers should have 2 biographies--one written in first person, one if 3rd. It should be rewritten as needed. For your purpose as a writer, it should be about your writing life.

Write an engaging blurb about your book.

Have a strong and engaging book cover.

You should have a website and/or a blog, or both.

For you blog, add new posts consistently.

You should have a good photograph of you for promo purposes.

On Facebook, also have an author page.

Focus on your target audience.

And another member sent this link about Search Engine Optimization for 2018.

https://backlinko.com/seo-this-year#chapter4


There will no meeting in December.

Marketing Your Books--Judith Boling

Nov. 18th, 10 a.m., in the Blue Room of the Visalia Library on Oak Street.

We’ll be talking about marketing. For writers, marketing your own books is one of the hardest things to do.

Judith Boling has been studying the subject and will present what she has learned. 

If you have marketing strategies that have worked for you, com share.

No meeting in December.

What the Library has to Offer Writers in October and November

Tulare-Kings Writers October meeting will be held Saturday, November 21, at 10 A.M. in the Blue Room of the Visalia Library, 200 W. Oak Avenue, in Visalia. Our speaker will be Rebecca Kemp, Librarian II who will update us on what the library has to offer writers in October and November. 

Tulare-Kings Writers at Taste of the Arts

Instead of a regular meeting, members of Tulare-Kings Writers, had a booth at the Taste of the Arts Festival in Visalia.

President Gloria Getman reported that the day was perfect.

Krista Lynn Shared Much Valuable Information

If you missed the last meeting, you truly missed out.

Krista Lynn shared many valuable tips about editing and much, much more.

She talked about self-publishing and how many people are going that route because many publishers are not editing or promoting. If you must do both, you might as well publish yourself.

Ways to punch up your writing:

List your characters, make sure the names aren't too similar.

Think about the setting, what is it like? You need to know where your characters are.

And your character, what kind of things do they do, do they talk a certain way, are they successful?

Go back through the manuscript and add things about the characters.

Characters must be up against conflict--have problems reaching their goals.

What does the character look like? What does he/she really want?

Pull out little characteristics--be consistent with mannerisms.

Self-edit.

Use power words.

Get rid of work like, it, that, just--and any word you use too often.

Read your manuscript out loud.

Instead of said, us something the character does instead for a dialogue tag.

Not too much back story.

She share much, much more.

Head on over to her webpage:

www.kristallynn.com

www.kristallynndesigns.com

Krista Lynn and our fearless leader, Gloria Getman.

Krista Lynn, Our Next Speaker, Saturday, September 16

The meeting is at 10 a.m., upstairs in the Blue Room of the big Library on Oak St., in Visalia.

Krista has a lot to offer us as writers. She'll be talking about editing our own work, her own writing, and her graphics business.

She will also answer any question we might have on those subjects.

 www.kristallynndesigns.com

It’s no mystery why Krista Lynn writes about the high desert ofwww.kristallynn.com Arizona. She grew up on a gold mine about 60 miles north of Phoenix. The closest neighbor was 6 miles or so down the Agua Fria River, or another 20 miles by dirt road. 

The magic and spirit of a rugged, isolated landscape where mysteries are carried on the wind, and whispered in your sleep are the multi-colored threads woven into her series.

Before embarking on the writer’s path, Krista taught physical geography and GIS courses at CSUF and Fresno City College a GIS program to assist agricultural research. She lives in California with her husband and a menagerie of dogs, goats and one spoiled horse while continuing to write the Canyon Trilogy and an anthology of cozy mysteries.

Blood Stones: The Haunting of Sunset Canyon   

Within Sunset Canyon, deep in the Arizona desert, the love a young woman feels for her mysterious lover grows deeper every year, though her heart stopped beating over a century ago - stilled by the one she loves. What magic could cause this? What ancient Indian witchcraft could hold her and make her part of The Haunting of Sunset Canyon?

When Darcy Peel left Dry Creek, Arizona, to go to graduate school, she thought she had left for good. She never thought she would come back to the small high-desert community nestled in the shadow of Prospector’s Mountain or that she’d have to go into the legendary red rock gorge known in Indian lore as the “Canyon that Sees the Sun.” But, now she is compelled to return and find her sister who is lost in the canyon—like her father and brother before her. 

Research documents and a little leather-covered book that her sister sent before she disappeared, offer clues and brings back memories and dreams of a young woman trapped in the canyon. On the trail to the truth, Darcy meets Alan Brandt, a young deputy with ties to her family’s past and possessing hidden abilities that link him to stories of ghost warriors. Can she trust him to help find her sister as he promises? Or is she being trapped by the mountain’s magic - seduced by her attraction to a man with an uncanny connection to the deadly legends?

Buy Links:

Amazon    

 

Reviews:

“Wow! That’s exactly what I thought when I finished reading the wonderful book by debut author Krista Lynn, Blood Stones: The Haunting of Sunset Canyon, Volume One. This story line is one that will keep readers engrossed from the first page all the way through to the very last!”
           Tracy A. Fisher for Readers’ Favorite

“Blood Stones: The Haunting of Sunset Canyon, Volume 1 is well-written, finely plotted, and a joy to read. I’m looking forward to the next book in this supernatural series. Blood Stones is most highly recommended.”
          Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite

“Krista Lynn's story of love, lies and mystical happenings in the high desert of Arizona is a journey to more than the mines beyond Phoenix. It's a journey inside Native American folklore, legends and beliefs. The advantage to a longer novel, like Blood Stones is that you really get to know the characters well and if it's written with talent by the time you finish the book, you miss the characters who've kept you company for the last 10 days. Such is the case with Blood Stones and I'm looking forward to the next novel in this fascinating series. Well done, Ms. Lynn.”                                                                    Kim Hornsby for “Kimmy’s Korner” book reviews.

Herbs for Writers

At our next meeting, Kathy Stevens will do a hands-on presentation on Herbs for Writers.  

She will share her version of a 1700’s recipe that was used to freshen colonial minds and help them stay focused on paperwork.  This recipe was usually stored in a decorative glass jar on their desk.  As needed, they shook the jar, removed the lid, and enjoyed the lively scent.  Peppermint, Spearmint, lavender, rosemary, and thyme are the herbs we will be using. 

She will have the herbs and some background on them.  You will do the mixing.  She’ll provide some zip lock bags for you to use.  You may want to bring a 4 oz. glass jar with a lid to store your treasure or you can wait until you get home to find one.  This recipe, which Kathy named Refresh Mint, retains its aroma much longer if stored in a glass jar.

Saturday, August 19^th, 10 a.m., the Blue Room in the Visalia Library, Oak St.,

You don’t want to miss this one!

Focus on Poetry/Next Tulare-Kings Writers Meeting

Sylvia Ross will lead a FOCUS ON POETRY at the Tulare-Kings Writers meeting this Sat., July 15th at 10:00 at the Tulare County Library in Visalia -  upstairs in the Blue Room.

Sylvia is planning on an informal discussion of the different styles of poetry, followed by sharing of favorite poems. Do you have a few poems tucked away in a desk drawer? Bring them to read and share. OR if you’re not a poet, bring a favorite poem written by another author.

Sylvia’s work has been featured in numerous poetry anthologies. In addition, she published a book of short works, poems and drawings entitled Acorns and Abalone. This talented lady has also written three historical novels: Acts of Kindness, Acts of Contrition,, East of the Great Valley, and Ilsa Rohe. under the pseudonym Stephenson Ross.

Next Tulare-Kings Writers Meeting

Creating Fictional Characters will be the subject of a mini-workshop at the meeting of Tulare-Kings Writers this Sat. June 17th at 10 AM in the Blue Room at the Visalia Library. 

Gloria Getman will lead the discussion of the three essential components of creating a character readers will care about. Participants are asked to bring a sketch of one of their own fictional characters to share with the group.

If you’ve never considered writing fiction before, this will be a good place to start. You will be able to draw on the experience of other writers who have created fascinating characters in the world of fiction. A handout will be available to help you bring your character to life. Experienced scribblers will enjoy sharing their favorite character.

Gloria Getman, author of two Deena Powers mysteries: Lottie’s Legacy and Birds of a Feather as well as three short stories in the anthology, Leaves From the Valley Oak. She is an active member of San Joaquin Sisters in Crime and current leader of T-K-W.

Writing a Memoir or Autobiography

Newell G. Bringhurst gave us some great insight about crafting an autobiography or memoir. He said that both words were used interchangeably about book written about one's own life. Generally an autobiography is written in chronological order and written in first person.

Memoir is written by the author and is more a kind of remembrance, certain aspects of his or her life--an emotional experience that stand out. It will contain some autobiographical elements..

Bringhurst feels that all biographies and even fiction, contain some relationship to the author's life.
He used biographies he wrote as examples:
Brigham Young, Fawn McKay Brodie, and The Mormon Quest for the Presidency.

He's told bits and pieces of his life story through essays.

He recommended reading autobiographies including the following:
Narrative of Frederick Douglass, Malcolm X, Eldridge Cleaver, and also the Memoir--Hillbilly by Vance.

He suggested the following book for directions:

Breathe Life into Your Life Story by Dawn and Morris Thurston. Some of the suggestions contained in it:

• Show a vivid picture for the reader to see, hear and smell what you're describing.
• Avoid expository writing.
• Zoom in on a specific dramatic incident from your past--sad, healing, poignant, etc.
• Use dialogue. Recall conversations, take literary license.
• Use dramatic tension to move the story along. Write it like fiction.

Ways to jog your memory:

• Draw a floor plan of your home.
• Draw a map of your home town
• List 5-10 life changing events, turning points
• Radio and TVE programs you enjoyed

As a group we discussed local writers who have written memoirs and autobiographies. 

CRAFTING ONES AUTOBIOGRAPHY OR MEMOIR

“Crafting Ones Autobiography or Memoir”

20 May 2017 Presentation to Tulare Kings Writers from 10 -12.

Visalia Library, Oak Street, Blue Room (upstairs)

by Newell G. Bringhurst*

 My presentation will focus on the process of composing one’s life story, be it an autobiography or memoir. My presentation will be divided into three main sections:  First, I will briefly describe my own fascination with the genre of autobiography/memoir—both from my own reading  of life stories written by accomplished authors, of note;  but also from the perspective of my own feeble efforts to relate my own life story—as inconsequential as that may seem. 

Secondly, I will offer suggestions/guidelines on the best way to undertake the challenging task of  describing one’s life experiences. Finally, time will be left for members of the audience to “brainstorm” concerning the craft and challenges of crafting their own readable autobiography/memoir.

*Newell G. Bringhurst is a retired professor of history and Political Science from College of the Sequoias, where he taught for 25 years.  He is the author/editor of  thirteen books, exploring various aspects of American history of race, religion, politics, and Tulare County history. 

Ronn Couillard's Visit to Tulare-Kings Writers Group

You missed a great meeting. We learned a lot about Mr. Couillard, his life, and how his investigation and prosecution of the Coin Dealer's Murderer turned into a book.

Mr. Couillard was a prosecuting attorney and the ADA for Tulare County as well as a Superior Court Judge. In these capacities he observed many interesting cases and unusual characters. His hobby was making many notes about both.

He joined the Exeter Writer's Group, and his notes became a book. He confessed to being a two-finger typist.

He found a publisher through an article in the newspaper about another author who wrote a book about something that happened in Tulare County. As a computer novice, he was stumped by some of the requests by the publisher who was interested in his books.

He'd written the book in Word Perfect and it wasn't completely compatible with Word, so he had to transfer it and make lots of changes.

The book is now titled, Murder in Visalia--The Coin Dealer Killer. It will be available in October at Costco and all the usual places.

For those of you who'd like to come to one of these meetings, mark your calendar for the third Saturday of every month.

The Coin Dealer Murder

At our next meeting, Ronn Couillard will be our speaker.

Governor George Deukmejian appointed Ronn to the Tulare County Superior Court in 1987. He served there until his recent retirement. Our speaker will be Ronn Couillard

Upon graduation from Downey High School, Ronn Couillard joined the United States Marine Corps.  After active duty, he continued service in the Marine Reserve.  Ronn was graduated from Compton College, California State University at Los Angeles, and Southwestern University School of Law.  

He served as Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County and then entered private law practice.  Ronn taught criminal law and criminal procedure at Western State University College of Law. He authored the textbook California Criminal Procedures and other legal publications.  

Ronn became Assistant District Attorney for Tulare County. In this position he oversaw all criminal filings and trials, and personally prosecuted selected high-profile cases.

He will tell us about his involvement in the Coin Dealer Murder.

When: Saturday, April 15, 10 a.m.

Where: Blue Room, Tulare County Library, Oak St., Visalia

Next Meeting for Tulare-Kings Writers

When: Saturday, March 18

Time: 10 a.m.

Where: The Blue Room, big Visalia Library, Oak St., Visalia
(The Blue Room is upstairs, you can take the elevator or stairs.)

Topic: TIPS FOR WRITERS

Multi-published author, Marilyn Meredith, will go over some often overlooked tips that will make your writing better whether you write fiction or non-fiction. Handouts will be available

Marilyn is the author of two mystery series, the Deputy Tempe Crabtree series written as Marilyn Meredith, and the Rocky Bluff P.D. series written under the name F.M. Meredith. She was an instructor for Writers Digest School for 10 years, taught writing in various other venues, and given presentations and served on panels for many writing and mystery conferences.

Her webpage is:

http://fictionforyou.com/

Blog:

http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com

She is also on Facebook and Twitter under her own name.

New Publisher Information

Pace Press seeking new voices in mystery, fantasy and science fiction

FRESNO, Calif., Feb. 20 — Fresno-based publishing company Linden Publishing has launched a new fiction imprint, Pace Press, dedicated to publishing genre fiction, and the company is now accepting submissions from new fiction authors.

Linden Publishing, established in 1977, is a traditional book publisher that distributes its books worldwide. Linden has previously publishing only nonfiction. Linden’s new fiction imprint, Pace Press, launched this month with the publication of a contemporary fantasy novel, “Memortality,” by Cambria author Stephen H. Provost. Pace Press’ next release is “Fractured Justice,” a mystery novel set in Fresno, written by retired judge and Fresno attorney James A. Ardaiz, which will be released in October.

Pace Press is interested in developing new authors and is accepting submissions from both experienced and first-time authors. However, please note that Pace Press accepts manuscripts for publication on a selective basis, and not all submissions will be accepted for publication.

Pace Press is seeking submissions in the following genres: mystery, thriller, science fiction, fantasy, horror, romance, historical, western, supernatural/paranormal, or cross-genre with elements of any of these genres.

Authors interested in submitting to Pace Press are asked to submit a query letter containing the following:

—Full contact information, including your full name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address.

—Title and genre.

—Brief story synopsis.

—Brief author bio.

—Manuscript wood count.

—List of three to four similar books published in the last five years.

—Author promotional platform: Please describe your ability to collaborate with us in promoting your book through book signings, author events, your personal and professional networks, your online platform, and any other ways you can be involved in the promotion of your novel.

—Previously published work: If you have published other books, include sales data for each title.

—Sample of manuscript: A sample of the first three to four chapters or the first 50 pages of your manuscript. If you are sending your sample as an email attachment, please submit in Microsoft Word format or PDF. Suggested manuscript total length: 30,000 words minimum to 90,000 words.

Queries may be sent via email to kent@lindenpub.com or mailed to:

Kent Sorsky
Pace Press/Linden Publishing
2006 S Mary St
Fresno, CA 93721

If Pace Press is interested in knowing more about your novel after receiving your query, we will request a copy of the completed manuscript for further consideration.

###

Minutes of the First Meeting

Tulare-Kings Writers

Minutes: TKW meeting, 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday 2/18/2017 in the Blue Room at the Visalia Library. Tulare-Kings Writers is under new leadership.

Introduction: TKW President Gloria Getman introduced herself to the room, including several newcomers. She then related information about a "core group" meeting that took place at the Porterville Library 1/21/2017.

Mission Statement: Vice President Judith Boling was assigned the task of creating a mission statement, which she read as follows: Inspiring, empowering, enlightening and supporting writers of all genres.

Membership Form: A membership form was also deemed important, again with Bowling as the creator. She passed out copies to all, to discover everyone's talents and preferred genres.

Critique Groups: Another task TKW is undertaking is to create a list of critique groups in Tulare County. President Getman added that, "If we run out of available critique groups, members can start one."

This was followed by testimony on the efficacy of critique groups by VP Boling and Hostess Coordinator, Sylvia Ross.

Boling: Critique groups challenge and encourage you.

Ross: Traditional and self-published author offered that she was inclined to put things off, and her critique group "prompted me and got me through it."

Boling: "One of my beta groups said, 'Your critique group really did a good job, compared to those without critique groups.'"

Springville resident and TKW Secretary, Carolyn Barbre, was volunteered to form a critique group in that foothill community, with Peyton Ellis and Deborah Sierra agreeing to participate. Details to come.

Beta Readers: Boling also encouraged members to volunteer as beta readers. "The more eyes on your book, the better," she said.

Presenters: Boling noted that TKW is "always looking for presenters,"  to speak to the assemblage each month.  TKW Media Manager Marilyn Meredith, with more than three dozen books to her credit, and a presenter par excellence, will be speaking at the Saturday, March 18 TKW meeting. She is always enlightening and always provides handouts.

FACEBOOK: Wishing to continue in the tradition of making announcements on the TKW Facebook Page, it became apparent that the only way to identify as being under new management, was to create a new page, with Meredith coming to the rescue. Please note that the only way to pull up the new page is to put a hyphen or dash between Tulare and Kings as demonstrated: Tulare-Kings Writers.

Future group events: VP Boling suggested having a one-day writers conference, perhaps in the spring of 2018.  Other suggestions included having a booth at Taste the Arts organized by the Arts Consortium--the official arts council of Tulare County, that takes place in downtown Visalia each fall.

Another project is to publish an anthology of selected authors' works, both fiction and non-fiction. Getman noted that she'd already undertaken this task for the Exeter Writers Guild, in creating the anthology, Leaves from the Valley Oak, through Create Space.

Secretary Barbre suggested attending the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books held on the USC campus April 22-23, 2017. It is reportedly the largest book festival in the country, and attendees are warned that there is "a lot of walking."

The last suggestion for this meeting was to "eventually do a newsletter," as suggested by Getman. Meredith noted that on her blog she has "all sorts of guest authors." That she puts up  book covers and bios and links to buy said books, and gets "300-500 hits a day." TKW authors are welcome.

Business Cards: Sylvia Ross, who is also an artist in her own right, designed TKW business cards and passed the design sheet around for members to vote on.

Secretary Barbre has traditionally written brief bios of new members. However this meeting covered so much ground, she will be introducing all new members next month.

Most of the officers dressed in a celebratory fashion. Hostess Coordinator Sylvia Ross provided gourmet cookies and hot coffee along with a small bank for donations, to reimburse costs