Tag: Author

The End of a Chapter…Tricks-of-the-Trade; “What does it mean?”

This phrase is used so metaphorically these days, we writers almost lose our grasp of its significance in our world!

And yet it is our world, our very breath of life.

As an editor my opinion is where we end our chapters is more important than where we begin; even though, of course, that initial first sentence is crucial too. The end, however, is what keeps the pages turning. Without that, we are lost.

So, fellow writers, take that book you’re working on and flip back through the ending of your chapters. Does it compel you to go on, to turn the pages in excited anticipation?

Another exercise that is very useful to authors of all genres, fiction and nonfiction, is to grab a book, published or unpublished, that you wrote some time ago. Perhaps even your first book? Look at the Chapter endings and the beginnings as well. I think you will be amazed at how far you have come as a writer. If not, then this is something you need to address.

Just some advice on the Tricks-of-the-Trade that aren’t tricks at all … just good writing practices for all levels of writers.

I am available through my blog and comments area for any questions on the fundamentals of writing, editing, formatting, and publishing advice.

Deborah A. Bowman, Clasid Consultants Publishing

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Seeing through an artist’s eye… Write what you see!

Oil painting by Mary Eunice Bowman (copyrighted 2016)

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Seeing through an artist’s eye
Opened a new world for me
As an author, I was penning the big scene
Forgetting bits of glory I should see
To create word paintings in delicate sighs
Of rich colors, graphic words, short strokes of awe
I see because of my artist mother; thanks Ma!

Deborah A. Bowman

LIMITED, SIGNED, FIRST-EDITION PRE-LAUNCH, ANNIE’S STORY, BLESSED WITH A GIFT

Please let me know who would like to reserve a copy of this book for the Signed, Limited-Edition Pre-launch. I will be getting back with everyone after August 7th with the particulars.

The Sky is the Limit!

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The sky is the limit if you but believe in yourself.

We write many books to collect dust on the shelf.

We want to attract readers, but competition is tough.

Finding the right promo can really be rough.

I see my dear friends, writers all, searching social media

To put out the word, reach for the sky, and tension relieve.

But I know we all would still write, even if nobody reads,

And put as much wordsmithing, editing, and proofreads

In every book, every blog, every post, every review

That we write for other authors to encourage and renew

Our humble opinions or assistance in a close-knit kinship.

WE ARE WRITERS!  

By Deborah A. Bowman

Tips and Trends on Book Writing, Regardless of Genre–Fiction or Nonfiction

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Books are my passion!

I’ve loved books, all kinds of books, from an early age. I love the feel of them, the weight of them, the promises and secrets they hold. I’ve seen a myriad of changes to books in my 20+ years of editing, newspaper writing and paste-up, and especially reading for my own enjoyment. I’ve read the classics and the quirky, the long and short, the profound and ridiculous. I’ve also seen trends change and writing evolve with each new generation.

Books and subjects tend to come in droves with similar information or fictional storylines. We went through formulated plotlines in romance where the author filled in a template, not deviating from the script. Now, it’s almost anything goes, and rules and formulas have fallen by the wayside. Here’s some recent trends that are taking over the industry:

  • Imaginative, unique cover designs, even on textbooks and nonfiction biographies, motivational/inspirational, and business books. Full-color covers with eye-catching designs.
  • Chapters no longer have chapter titles for fiction. Used to be a creative struggle to come up with catchy phrases that didn’t give away the next twist or turn in the plot, but not be vague either.
  • Short sentences; short paragraphs, and short, quick-to-read chapters or sections. The average reader wants to hurry through action-packed stories in the time it takes to ride the subway, bus, or carpool to work. Large books are daunting, heavy to carry, and overwhelming. eReaders have helped with the weight problem, but quick-reads are probably here to stay.
  • Series books are very popular, in short installments.
  • Dystopian futuristic disasters and fantasy books are in demand.
  • Erotica is not only out in the open, but explicit and HOT!
  • Confession nonfiction stories of lifestyle is available from celebrities and notorious villains.
  • Different point of views are assigned to each character in fiction with experimentation in 1st person present or narrated 1st person past tense instead of 3rd person past tense, where the author has access to all the characters’ feelings and thoughts simultaneously.
  • Political and historical nonfiction is written in dramatized novel-type language and flair.

The world has changed and so has our reading material.

Writers are filling shelves and tablets with new creative ideas. Something for everyone. We have turned a page in books and media.

Deborah A. Bowman

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The Past and How It Affects the Future

Gone are the days of history…

by Deborah A. Bowman

Gone are the days of yesteryear.
Gone are smiles, miles, tears and fears.
We of the present can learn from history.
Those of the future will fulfill our destiny.
The past comes alive as sins and wins are repeated.
Triumphs are heralded; Foes are defeated.
If only we could stop the challenges.
If only we could heighten the balances.
It makes me wonder as I ponder,
If all on earth have wandered
These paths before in yesteryear
And have returned with our hopes and fears.
History repeats itself,
But we remain ourselves
Through thick and thin, but in different skins.
Reacting the same way as we begin
Lifetimes in new bodies, when we are given
A chance to redeem our numerous sins
Or spread truth and love, strong and sage,
As we enter life in a future age.
Will I live again
Or is this the end?

Perhaps is this me in a previous life?

Probably my last beautiful fall day in my gazebo office…author at work

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HI TO ALL MY FRIENDS, AUTHORS, FELLOW BLOGGERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, POETS, ARTISTS, AND ALL THE GREAT PEOPLE I HAVE MET THROUGH MY BLOG. I HATE TO SAY GOODBYE TO THE BEAUTIFUL FALL COLORS. THEY INSPIRE ME!

DEBORAH A. BOWMAN

My New Tag Line

While developing my new business card for the writer/editor/proofreader/designer hat I wear (oh hum, I know so boring, but so necessary), I had a little help from a business partner to come up with my new tag line:

Clasid Consultants Publishing: More Than Mere Words and Pictures!

What do ya’ think? Comments, suggestions, snide remarks?

My love and passion is still fiction. I just need to find the time to write it all down! Then the hard part begins: the edit, the proofreading, the cover design, the fonts, the leading, the layout, the graphics, the logo . . . on and on and on . . . but the better it looks, the better you look. Another tagline I may use at some point:

Words are your “real” first impression!

Deborah A. Bowman, author, writer, editor, ghost writer, proofreader, designer, publisher

New Series of Writing/Editing Blogs starting after Labor Day

I’ve worked in the editing/writing field for close to 30 years. I saw the old-fashioned way of getting a book, business article, academia work, technical report, newspaper, newsletter, poem, song published. Now, I’m using the new, rapid, technology-based Internet publishing through my company Clasid Consultants Publishing.

Whew! Hold the world still so I can get off! That’s how I felt at first. I just couldn’t see how the two disciplines could meet in the middle. There are pros and cons to both. But with a little work, imagination, and creativity, I realized you didn’t have to sacrifice the high quality of the slow, old-fashioned publishing process to the super-fast technology of the Internet. You can have both!

Starting after Labor Day (yikes! Next week!), I will be doing a series of blogs on how the old versus the new can be combined to best represent your literary achievements and especially, YOURSELF!

Some of these tricks of the trade are quick, easy fixes that can add so much to the finished product. Some are more involved, but still do-able for all authors, aspiring first-timers to seasoned authors who use to let the publishing house handle all the details. Don’t you want to be involved in the process every step of the way?
Control is a powerful tool, when you know how to use it.

Just like any other talent, writing must be studied, learned, practiced, and adjusted to fit your audience, your budget, and your timeframe. Maybe you’re writing the right stuff, but showing it to the wrong people. Maybe you’re spending money to make money, but you never make any money. Maybe it takes you too long to complete your writing project, or you’re writing it too fast and leaving out the formatting, proofreading, editing that is essential to getting the manuscript read. I’ll have some free helpful hints to aid you in your research, your preparation, and your publishing.

Please share my free class/blog with your friends, work associates, and even your family. After all, who supports you the most in any writing endeavor, but your family? Whether it is fiction, nonfiction, a resume, a dissertation, or a personal journal?

Don’t be afraid, and don’t give up. We can learn together as we go through this evolving process. Suggestions and comments are always welcomed.

Until next week, enjoy the Holiday and let’s get down to work . . . together.

DEBORAH A. BOWMAN, PUBLISHED AUTHOR, POET, SPEAKER, WRITER/EDITOR