A to Z Challenge - Libraries

For the A to Z Challenge, I’m posting promo and other tips for writers, along with a daily photo. (All photos taken by me.)

I could give you all sorts of facts and information about libraries. They’re great for those without a means to purchase books. They’re great for research. They’re a great place to discover new authors. And while many are closing, libraries still outnumber bookstores.

So, let me provide something you might not know.

Libraries don’t return books.

And once a book has been checked out X amount of times, it needs to be replaced.

Isn’t that great?

Visit other participants in the A to Z Challenge HERE

And your daily photo - "Lady of Sorrow"

I also wanted to post a picture of the wonderful homemade gifts I received from Ella. I sent her some doilies so she could make something pretty with them and she sent me these delightful items. Thank you, Ella.

$14.95 Trade paperback ISBN 978-0-9827139-5-2
$4.99 Ebook ISBN 978-0-9827139-9-0

Purchase at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Amazon Kindle, Amazon Kindle UK, and Powell’s.

A to Z Challenge - Keywords

For the A to Z Challenge, I’m posting promo and other tips for writers, along with a daily photo. (All photos taken by me.)

Search engines look for keywords and description. Keywords are found within site names, the web copy, and the metadata. We need to use the proper keywords (without over-using them) to ensure people find us.

Remember the Long Tail Theory - narrowly targeted products and services. Many people will find your site through multi-word and specific phrase searches.

Is there enough evidence on your website and/or blog to convict you of being the author or writer of ____? When people do a search, will they find YOU?

Think about it!

Visit other participants in the A to Z Challenge HERE

And your daily photo - "Kaleidoscope"

$14.95 Trade paperback ISBN 978-0-9827139-5-2
$4.99 Ebook ISBN 978-0-9827139-9-0

Purchase at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Amazon Kindle, Amazon Kindle UK, and Powell’s.

A to Z Challenge - Joy

For the A to Z Challenge, I’m posting promo and other tips for writers, along with a daily photo. (All photos taken by me.)

Joy might seem like a strange tip. But it’s the reason most of us began writing.

The danger lies in losing that joy. Many things can suck the fun out of writing - a story we’re not enjoying, too many pressures (either from promoting, deadlines, or expectations), negative response, or just plain burnout.

If you find your joy waning, it’s time to pull back and reassess. Why are you doing this? Is it too much? Are you still pursuing your goals?

You won’t make a lot of money doing this, so if you’re not writing for the joy of it, you are in for a miserable journey.

Do you still possess that joy?

Visit other participants in the A to Z Challenge HERE

And your daily photo - "Jellies" 

$14.95 Trade paperback ISBN 978-0-9827139-5-2
$4.99 Ebook ISBN 978-0-9827139-9-0

Purchase at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Amazon Kindle, Amazon Kindle UK, and Powell’s.

A to Z Challenge - Independent Bookstore

For the A to Z Challenge, I’m posting promo and other tips for writers, along with a daily photo. (All photos taken by me.)

With major chains shrinking or closing their doors altogether, the independent bookstore is becoming the last outpost for authors and readers.

Independent stores offer personalized service and often more than just books. They are usually more open to book signings, too.

Many belong to Indie Bound, an organization if independent bookstores across America. Their newsletter features recommendations from the stores, which can garner more interest and sales.

So, don’t forget your local independent bookstore!

Visit other participants in the A to Z Challenge HERE

And your daily photo - "Inside the Balloon"

$14.95 Trade paperback ISBN 978-0-9827139-5-2
$4.99 Ebook ISBN 978-0-9827139-9-0

Purchase at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Amazon Kindle, Amazon Kindle UK, and Powell’s.