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Can they find you: Editor's Notes #278
January 09, 2019
Hello,

"Good writers may 'tell' about almost anything in fiction except the characters' feelings.
One may tell the reader that the character went to a private school (one need not show a scene at the private school if the scene has no importance for the rest of the narrative), or one may tell the reader that the character hates spaghetti;
but with rare exceptions the characters' feelings must be demonstrated:
fear, love, excitement, doubt, embarrassment, despair become real only when they take the form of events--action (or gesture), dialogue, or physical reaction to setting.
Detail is the lifeblood of fiction.
—John Gardner


In this issue:

1. Can they find you?
2. Tickled my funny bone
3. Interesting Web site
4. Writing prompt

1. Can they find you?
Is anyone looking for you as a writer? I hope so because you probably want to reach readers beyond the circle of family and friends. In the twenty-first century, the first place many people search for others is online. Is the writer in you available online? Can those who may enjoy your books find you?

Here is some of the information those who search for writers want to know.
  • Your bio. Details matter here. Choose wisely.
  • A list of your books. Include links to where books can be purchased. If you are not yet published, you can talk about the sorts of things you write.
  • Reviews of your books. For this one, you do need publications.
  • Your availability for presentations — those you give, not those you hope to receive. What sorts of groups could you speak to on topics like writing or on the subject-matter of your books?
  • Testimonials to the effectiveness of your presentations. You can present for free, or you can charge a fee. For some writers, the presentations become a significant additional source of income. For all, presentations expose your work to a wider audience.
I believe an actual Web site dedicated to you as a writer is the best format for professional exposure, but you may be more comfortable with other platforms. The point is to be sure that the information people want about you and your books is available in searchable form.

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2.Tickled my funny bone
Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut and still think they are sexy.

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3. Interesting Web site
Not every successful writer follows every piece of advice in the article below (including me), but each section is worth considering and possibly test driving.
https://justpublishingadvice.com/how-to-promote-yourself-as-an-author-and-writer/

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4. Writing prompt
I call this exercise Be an Alien Journalist.

Choose a common object. Imagine you are experiencing it for the first time. Describe it in detail without saying what it is. Use as many senses as you like.

I would love to see the result of this exercise. If you do send me your piece, don’t tell me what you are describing. Let me guess.

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