10 Necessary Elements of an Author Website

Thursday, 2 January 2014

Here's one of my agenting secrets: If a query catches my interest and a website link is included in the signature, I will click on the link. There are certain things I expect to see on an author website and other things that add to the experience. Whether you're building a website from scratch or are planning to update a current one, here is a quick checklist of ten necessary elements for an author website.

Professional Photo

The photo on your website should be a step above an Instagram selfie. A first impression is still a first impression - even if it's online. If you don't want to pay a photographer to take professional head shots, it's easy to emulate the process at home. (Check out this blog post for some tips.)

Two Bios

A bio is a crucial part of an author website. Two bios is even better than one. Write a short bio with only the most important information. Then, write an even longer bio for those of us who are too curious for our own good and need to know everything.

Book Information

As an agent, this is the section of your website that I'm most interested in. Make sure you include brief descriptions of your completed manuscripts (and maybe even your work-in-progress). This is an easy way for agents to know what you're working on (especially if you write different genres and/or categories). Having book information on your website is also a great idea to entice potential readers early on. If you're already published, then you'll want to include links to where your book(s) can be purchased.

Contact Information

This is so important and often overlooked. Always include an email address that you check on a regular basis. A contact page is also a great place to include the name and contact information of your literary agent (if you already have one).

Publicity Page

This is where you can link to interviews, guest blog posts, or any other type of publicity you've taken part in. It's an excellent catch-all page to promote your smaller work.

Events Calendar

If you're a social butterfly, let people know what events you'll be attending. Listing conferences and other writing events shows that you are dedicated, willing to learn, and eager to network with others in the industry.

Social Media Links

I think it's safe to assume that one of the reasons you have an author website in the first place is because you want to promote your work. Having easy links to your social media accounts encourages potential readers to follow you whichever way is easiest for them.

Simple Design

Don't let yourself get too wrapped up in the design of your website. Clean and simple is best. Let the content shine through.

Recent Blog Posts

If you're going to have a blog attached to your website, make sure it is updated on a regular basis. There's nothing worse than clicking on a blog link only to see that it hasn't been updated in fourteen months. It's best not to blog at all than to only write a post once a year.

Something For Your Readers

Remember that it won't only be industry folks visiting your website. You get digital bonus points for having something special for your readers. It's up to you to be creative and decide what you have to offer.

comments | | Read More...

Writing Advice From... Britney Spears

Wednesday, 11 December 2013

Say hello to the girl that I am

You're gonna have to see through my perspective

I need to make mistakes just to learn who I am

("Overprotected" from Britney)

It can take a really long time to find your place in the writing world. Most writers excel at one genre or another and sometimes you need to make mistakes - and try out different things - before you discover just what your perspective is.

In one ear and out the other

I don’t need you

Your words don’t stick

I ain’t perfect, but you ain’t either

(“Kill the Lights” from Circus)

Always, always, always ignore negative reviews. Learn how to accept constructive criticism and brush away slander.

Stronger than yesterday

Now it’s nothing but my way

(“Stronger” from Oops!… I Did It Again)

It’s important to take a step away from your work before editing. Forget about the words you wrote and return to your manuscript at a later time. That chapter will certainly be stronger than yesterday.

Your body language says so much

Yeah, I feel it in the way you touch

(“Don’t Let Me Be The Last To Know” from Oops!… I Did It Again)

Don’t forget about body language. Dialogue and narration can only carry so much plot. Remember that your characters’ actions can say a lot about personality and motivation.

This ain’t no foolishness or f*ckery

I’m handling my business

(“Hot As Ice” from Blackout)

Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not really a writer. If you write words down on a page, then you have every right to call yourself a writer. You know your ambitions and you know why you do what you do. The amount of money in your pocket is no indication of your worth.

***
Now, watch this video. Feel inspired. Write.

comments | | Read More...

What is Magical Realism?

Friday, 29 November 2013

Too often I receive queries for science fiction or fantasy manuscripts because of my interest in magical realism. Magical (or magic) realism is not an umbrella term for speculative fiction. The genre is much more specific than the broad definitions of science fiction and fantasy. While elements of scifi or fantasy may be incorporated into the "magical" aspect of a magic realism story, a manuscript rooted in science fiction or fantasy traditions is not a magical realism novel.

Magical

In magical realism, the magic elements are a natural part of the world. The magic in the manuscript is often strange (it doesn't seem to fit in with the world as we know it), but it is accepted in the story. Excellent magic realism uses magic without making you think about it - the magic is seamlessly integrated with the real world.

Realism

Magical realism stories take place in a realistic setting. This usually means that the book is based in the "real world" rather than a fantasy land. Aside from the magical element, the plot is realistic and believable. The characters in magic realism stories are also very realistic and deal with everyday issues.

Magical realism is very much so an aesthetic style. There's a poetic nature to the prose. Not only is there a magical element in the plot, but there's also a magical element to the writing. The definition I like most to explain magical realism stories is: a literary genre in which realistic narrative is combined with surreal elements. This simple definition, taking into consideration the explanations of "magical" and "realism" above, are a good starting point when deciding if a story in fact belongs to this genre.

Even with this definition, everyone has his/her own opinion on what novels are considered magical realism or speculative fiction. There's a very fine line separating stories from magical realism and the realms of science fiction and fantasy. Some novels that can be considered magical realism are: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez, The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen, Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie, Everything Is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer, Big Fish by Daniel Wallace, Of Bees and Mist by Erick Setiawan, The Tiger's Wife by Téa Obreht, and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.

Share your magical realism book recommendations in the comments!

comments | | Read More...

Writing Advice From... Taylor Swift

Tuesday, 5 November 2013

It's 2 am and I'm cursing your name
So in love that you act insane
("The Way I Loved You" from Fearless)

A writer needs to have a tumultuous relationship with a manuscript. If you don't occasionally yell at your characters or threaten to throw your laptop across the room, then you're probably not as passionate about your work as you should be.

We're happy, free, confused, and lonely at the same time
It's miserable and magical
Tonight's the night when we forget about the deadlines
("22" from Red)

Sometimes you need to take a break. If there are deadlines looming and, like Taylor Swift, you can't figure out what emotion you're feeling then take a step back. Buy a bottle of wine. Watch your favourite movie. Spend a night out on the town ( I'm pretty sure that's what the cool kids say these days...). Do anything but work on your story and it's pretty much guaranteed that your writing will be a lot better the next day.

The stakes are high
The water's rough
("Ours" from Speak Now)

Writing ain't easy. Know what you're getting into before you truly commit. Whether you dream of traditional publishing or self publishing, be honest with yourself about what those paths require from you. There are a lot of books out there.

I remember when we broke up (the first time)
Saying this is it, I've had enough
("We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" from Red)

If you've abandoned a work-in-progress, make sure you evaluate why you stopped writing it in the first place before you start working on it again. Some ideas aren't meant to be books - and that's okay.

They never saw it coming
You hit the ground running
And now you're on to something
("Sweeter Than Fiction" from the One Chance soundtrack)

Writers like to socialize. Usually on social media, from the comfort of home, because writing is a solitary thing. Be really careful about what you blog or tweet or share with other writers. You don't want to give away all your secrets or share everything about your journey from struggling query writer to published author. Surprise the world with your talent.

***

Now, watch this video. Feel inspired. Write.

comments | | Read More...

Writing Advice From... Queen

Tuesday, 10 September 2013

I'm a shooting star leaping through the skies

Like a tiger defying the laws of gravity

("Don't Stop Me Now" from Jazz)

A writer needs to have confidence. You don't have to be extroverted or comfortable with being the center of attention. However, you do have to be confident in your work. You need to love your story in order for other people to love your story.

I've been with you such a long time

You're my sunshine

And I want you to know

My feelings are true

I really love you

("You're My Best Friend" from A Night at the Opera)

If this is how you feel about your book, then take a step back. Not because you're crazy, but because you need to be able to edit those words you love so much. You need to make cuts. You need to tear it apart. And also, you're probably crazy.

Is this the real life?

Is this just fantasy?

("Bohemian Rhapsody" from A Night at the Opera)

You need to absolutely know your genre. If you think you're writing a fantasy novel, then make sure it really is a fantasy novel. The best way to know your genre? Read other books in that genre. Not only will knowing your genre help tremendously when you're ready to submit your novel to agents and/or publishers, but it will also help you decide what is really important to your story. 

Each morning I get up

I die a little

Can barely stand on my feet

("Somebody to Love" from A Day at the Races)

Writing takes a lot of dedication. You'll be tired. You'll want to give up. Be prepared for your social life to disappear (especially when you put yourself on a deadline) and be prepared to make very little money as you spend countless hours in a coffee shop trying to write that one perfect sentence. Hemingway lived off of a diet of wine, so you'll probably want to stock up on ramen noodles. 

We are the champions, my friend

And we'll keep on fighting 'til the end

("We Are the Champions" from News of the World)

Remember that you can't give up. As difficult as things may be (see the previous lyrics), there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Your book. Even though people like to think differently, not everyone can write a book. If you've written a sentence a chapter, or - go you - an entire novel, you have so much to be proud of. 

***
Now, watch this video. Feel inspired. Write.

comments | | Read More...

Writing Advice From... Justin Timberlake

Wednesday, 7 August 2013

Let me show you 'round

let me take you out

bet you we can have some fun, girl.

("Summer Love" from FutureSex/LoveSounds)

Don't forget about your setting. Pretend you're as cool as Justin Timberlake and cruise your reader around wherever it is your story takes place. You want to make sure the reader can imagine the surroundings. However, less is more. The key word in these lyrics is fun. Don't bring your manuscript down with too many unnecessary details.

You don't have to say what you did

I already know

I found out from him.

("Cry Me A River" from Justified)

You've heard it a million times, but I'm going to say it again: Show, don't tell. This is particularly important with 1st person narration. Don't simply tell the reader what a character is doing or what they are feeling. Instead, show it through action or, like the song suggests, dialogue.

Don't be so quick to

walk away.

("Rock Your Body" from Justified)

Writing isn't easy. There will be times that you'll want to throw your computer out of an open window or shred the handwritten pages in front of you into tiny pieces. Remember that you're doing it for a reason. You made the decision to try out this crazy adventure and you need to see it through until the end.

Now I'm just a junkie for your love.

("Pusher Love Girl" from The 20/20 Experience)

You will become addicted to your work in progress. Your characters and their problems will be the only thing you think about. You'll neglect your real-life family and friends as you become a slave to the pen (or keyboard). The first step is to admit you have a problem, then take a step back for a day or two.

I can't help but notice

you reflect in this heart of mine.

("Mirrors" from The 20/20 Experience)

Sometimes you'll see too much of yourself in your writing. This isn't always a good thing. Of course art is always a reflection of the artist (in one way or another), but you will have to make changes to your story. Remember that edits need to be made and you don't want to become so attached that you refuse to do what's best for the book.

***
Now, watch this video. Feel inspired. Write.

comments | | Read More...

Picture Books Aren't the "Easy Way Out"

Tuesday, 6 August 2013

The unedited version of this illustration is from Oliver Jeffers' Lost and Found.

Picture books have undeniable charm. The right one will stick with you for life. We all have a favourite and cherished book from our younger years. The perfect combination of illustrations and effective words can make anyone smile and your heart feel three sizes bigger. I'm still drawn to picture books. A beautiful cover illustration forces me to open the pages until I'm in a trance that others may call "reading an entire picture book in a bookstore." I have no children of my own, I'm an only child so there are no nieces or nephews around, and I'm not a children's book writer. Still, my picture book collection is slowly expanding.

Unfortunately, some writers think of picture books as the "easy way out." I've heard it many times and it's always disheartening: Someone gets frustrated with the idea of writing a novel (it's admittedly not for everyone) and decides instead to write books for children. I'm not against novel writers trying out picture books because some authors are talented enough to write both without any problems. However, writing a picture book only because they contain "a few simple sentences" is not the right approach.

Picture books are complex. The good ones, anyway. You know how difficult it is to compose a thought within Twitter's 140 character limitation? Well, try writing about achieving your dreams, the importance of sharing, the power of friendship, or how to deal with grief in thirty sentences. Writing a picture book isn't all about rhyming a few words together and cutting and pasting a cute illustration or two. Even Fox in Socks by Dr. Seuss required a certain imaginative mind and a mastery of the English language.

Picture books require very special writers. A picture book story either works really well or it doesn't work at all. There is just as much thought, hard work and imagination put into a picture book as there is in an adult fiction novel. It's silly to think that a smaller expected word count automatically means a picture book is easier to write. It takes a skilled writer to create a powerful story. 

comments | | Read More...

Writing Advice From... Jay-Z

Tuesday, 2 July 2013

The more space I get, the better I write.

("Change Clothes" from The Black Album)

It's so important to have your own writing space. Set aside a certain place in your house, or even a local library or coffee shop, and only go there when you want to write. It will soon become a habit, and every time you sit down in that place, you'll be more focused. Make sure this place - wherever it is - has as little distractions as possible.

I break the rules so I don't care.

("Run This Town" from The Blueprint 3)

There are so many rules out there about how to write, when to write, why you should write, etc. Break some of them and see what happens.

We must not let outsiders violate our blocks,
and my plot.

("Hard Knock Life" from Vol 2... Hard Knock Life)

Chances are good that someone isn't going to like your writing. And that's okay. If someone offers criticism that you don't particularly agree with, then there's no rule saying you have to change your story. Outside feedback is good, but you need to learn how to deal with it effectively and not let it change the story you need to tell.

Whatever she lacks, I'm right over her shoulder.
When I'm off track, mami is keeping me focused.

("'03 Bonnie & Clyde" from The Blueprint 2: The Gift & the Curse)

Find someone to edit your work. Find a writing partner to hold you accountable. Someone else looking for grammar and typographical errors is crucial because you can only skim your manuscript so many times before it all becomes a blur. If you write with someone on a regular basis, or share excerpts and chapter outlines, you're more likely to write faster - and better.

If you don't like my lyrics, you can press fast forward.

("99 Problems" from The Black Album)

If you're stuck on a certain part of your manuscript, move on. Everyone writes bad scenes sometimes. You can always go back to it later when you're not as frustrated.

***

Now, watch this video. Feel inspired. Write. (Warning: the lyrics are explicit.)

comments | | Read More...

Writing Advice From... The Spice Girls

Tuesday, 7 May 2013

Too much of something is bad enough.

Too much of nothing is just as tough.

("Too Much" from Spice World)

When considering the details of your plot, make sure you're not giving too much away. You want readers to continue reading. Someone is going to put the book down if they've already discovered what they've wanted to know. Keep them interested.

That being said, you can't withhold all the details. Plant seeds and let them grow throughout the story. Your plot should have a natural progression. Give your readers something, but not everything. It's a fine balance to figure out.

Look for the rainbow in every star.

("Goodbye" from Forever)

Is there a particular section in your book that you really love? That's your star. Read it through a few times and figure out what makes it unique. The dialogue? The suspense? The relationship between two characters? Whatever you decide is the true gem of that section is your rainbow. Find ways to integrate this rainbow into the rest of the book and, soon enough, you'll really love everything (and your readers will too).

Don't do it over.

("Move Over" from Spiceworld)

If it's already been done, don't write it again. Someone has already covered the love triangle between a human girl, a vampire, and a werewolf. Don't copy it. Sure, you might be tempted to stick to a formula (and to some extent, a formula is necessary for genre fiction), but you need to make it your own. Your story will stand out by being original rather than a homage to the Pride and Prejudice plot.

Who cares what they say? 'Cause the rules are for breaking.

("Do It" from Spiceworld)

As always when it comes to writing, the rules are more like "guidelines." You can read pages and pages of writing advice and a lot of it may not be applicable to your story or to your style. That's okay. If something isn't working for you then reinvent it.

Slow it down baby, gotta have some fun.

("Stop" from Spiceworld)

This might be the most important piece of advice of them all (thanks, Spice Girls). When you're feeling stressed out and on the edge of burning out, it's vital to slow down and take a break. You can't force yourself to be cured of writer's block. Put down the pen/close the laptop and do something else that you love (yes, there is more to life than writing).

***

Now, watch this Spice Girls video. Feel inspired. Write.

comments | | Read More...

Visual Inspiration

Wednesday, 1 May 2013

I am really excited about today's guest post. Sara from Sincerely, Sara is giving us a glimpse into her current work-in-progress and sharing the visual inspiration behind the two main characters in her novel. As some of you know, I'm a literary agency intern and I love getting to know authors and learning the motivations behind their stories. Sara's visual representations bring her characters to life. Hopefully one day, we'll all be reading a copy of the novel!

Sara's going to introduce herself before taking over the blog:

I'm a Creative Writing graduate student in New York and I spend my days writing my blog Sincerely, Sara, working on my book, doing homework, reading fantasy novels, watching way more TV than a person should, and daydreaming. I hope to be a published author one day!

***

So I'm writing a novel.

I've been working on the same novel for about three years now. Although I keep saying I want to finish the first draft, the truth is I've changed a main part of the novel and am re-writing almost all of it, so technically I'm on my second draft. This is also the second novel that I've started (though the first one hasn't been finished yet).

So what is it about? Well, I'm not going to say. A writer (I think J.K. Rowling) once mentioned that you shouldn't give away your story idea, and it kind of stuck with me, so I really only tell friends and people that I have to tell (like those in my workshop classes). Nothing personal. It's just that right now this story is like my baby and I want it to be protected.

But I can tell you that the two main characters are Henry Bell and Samuel Caden and that they live in what used to be New York City. Henry wants his life to remain exactly how it is. Samuel. on the other hand, is on the run; he wants his life to go back to how it was. One day Henry comes across Samuel and their lives are changed forever.

I like using Pinterest to collect inspiration for what I think Henry and Samuel would wear. Somehow it helps me envision them better. Plus, it's also fun!

Henry Bell (above), 28, is a history teacher. He's quiet, kind, shy, empathetic, he's very neat, patient, stubborn, and wants his life to remain exactly how it is, with the possible exception of finding a nice girl to fall in love with. Every morning, he drinks a cup of hazelnut coffee while reading the newspaper. Henry's style is classic and somewhat preppy (think English professor). In my mind, he looks most like the guy on the bottom, but clean shaven.

Samuel Caden (above), 27, owns a small construction company with a friend. He's friendly, laid back, compassionate, loyal, likes to laugh and joke around, he's messy, angers easily, and wants his life to go back to how it was before he became a fugitive. Every morning, he hums the same tune (which annoys Henry to no end). He always wear a bracelet with a carved stone bear on it. Samuel's style is rugged and casual. He looks most like actor Michael Rady on the bottom right.

***

A giant thank you to Sara for writing a great guest post! I hope you've enjoyed getting a sneak peak at Sara's characters. You can find Sara on her blog or at any of these social media sites: Bloglovin / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest.

If you'd like to write a guest post for I Believe In Story, you can contact me at the following email address: hello@ibelieveinstory.com. 

comments | | Read More...

A Challenge to Write

Monday, 22 April 2013

These prints are available in the shop: I Believe In Story.

I work in the publishing field and I'm always inspired by the passion and drive that writers somehow carry with them every single day. I often meet people who say they wish they could write, that they have a hidden desire to one day be a published author.

So do it. Pick up a pen (or disconnect your Internet and sit in front of your keyboard) and write something. Anything. Starting is half the battle and, before you know it, you'll be writing words that have been hiding in your brain - or maybe your heart - for years.

Everyone is a writer. Sure, we don't all have the same taste or style, but we all have stories to tell. You may not write a novel, but you could write a short story, a poem, a blog post. I encourage you to take some time this week (even if it's only an hour) and write something new. Reach outside of your comfort zone and see what happens. If you usually write blog posts, try a poem. If you usually write poetry, try a short story.

Push yourself to find creativity in everything you do. Share what's going on in your mind. If you don't tell the story, no one will. It is yours and it is art and it is meant to be written down.

comments | | Read More...

Boots, Hardi, and a Piece of Cheese

Tuesday, 26 February 2013

I believe that we are all writers. Underneath all our memories, the thoughts and opinions, every single one of us has a story to tell. (For most, multiple stories is more accurate.) Our inner writers evolve at a very young age. Think back to your childhood, or think of your kids now, and you'll know what I'm suggesting. As children, we're forced to create stories on a regular basis, inventing scenarios for our toys, making sense of the world around us, lying to get ourselves out of trouble...

Lately, I've been sorting through papers and attempting to re-organize my office. I came across a binder filled with report cards and assignments from my elementary school days (I'm still not sure what I should do with it all) and I loved reading some of the stories I wrote as a kid. The writing is quite terrible, but they are so filled with imagination. Some days, I wish I could get that imaginative spark back.

Our literary selves start somewhere. If you're reading this post, chances are you enjoy words, and stories, and everything that goes with them. What did your (very) early stories look like? Did you write poems? Lyrics? Is there any writing routine from your childhood that you wish you could have back now?

Behold, a story entitled Boots, Hardi, and a Piece of Cheese, written by yours truly in the third grade. Enjoy.

comments | | Read More...

Saturday, 24 November 2012

Image Credit: zelda-fitzgeralds @ tumblr

comments | | Read More...

Daily Book graphics #1195

Thursday, 11 October 2012

©1964

comments | | Read More...