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After SEVEN years of sharing writing tips, advice and discoveries, I've now moved my blog to my author website. You'll still get all the juicy secrets of the writing industry, enjoy guest posts from authors, publishers and editors, and learn techniques and strategies to get your work written and published. WAGGING TALES will remain active for anyone who's keen enough to search archives, but I hope you'll join us at the new blog: DREAM... WRITE... PUBLISH at:
Karen Tyrrell - author of STOP the Bully.
Today I'm sharing news and tips from Karen Tyrrell, a talented author, prominent social media enthusiast, generous person, mental health advocate, and one of the most organised authors I know.
Given the opportunity to help Karen launch her new book,
STOP the Bully, and interview her on any writerly topics, I wanted to know how she manages to pull all her promotions together. Enjoy the interview, there's some great tips, and one lucky reader who leaves a comment will receive a
FREE ebook copy of
STOP the Bully!
?
As widely as possible! I sought support and reviews from Kids Helpline and Kids Matter Australian curriculum. I sent out PDF review copies to reviewers. I emailed press releases to newspaper, radio and media. I rang bookshops, explaining the top selling points for
STOP the Bully, following up with book information sheets. Later I made appointments to show booksellers
STOP the Bully.
How did you organize your book launch?Four months ago, I chose
STOP the Bully release date as May 31st. I booked into Black Cat Books in Brisbane, who I have a great relationship with. I made sure my manuscript was Beta-read, critiqued, edited and formatted well before that date. After that I organised my Amazon launch, Blog Tour and release into shops.
How did you organise STOP the Bully Blog Tour?
I started months in advance, brainstorming authors and websites who supported me and my author brand. I sent out invitations to find out who’s available for the Blog Tour. I included a radio interview, written interviews and reviews. I pencilled-in a blog tour schedule then later I confirmed each blog hop. I’m giving away eBooks and signed copies for the best comments. My blog tour coincides with my Amazon launch.
How did you apply and get accepted into author speaking events?Research! Research! Research! I applied for events via an expression of interest, plus I sent them a tailor-made bio. After applying I made sure I followed-up.
How do you keep track of all your writing submissions and author events?I use a daily planner plus a monthly planner too. Each day I re-prioritise with a new to-do list with tick boxes, ticking off with red pen as I go. I tape up reminders and follow-ups onto my desk at eye level. Each night and morning I check my diary and motivate myself for the day ahead.
SYNOPSIS: Eleven year old Brian is hiding something. His life is falling apart. Dad aban-doned the family. Brian hates his new school. And now an aggressive bully attacks him every day. Can Brian STOP the Bully without revealing his shameful secret?
STOP the Bully is a riveting junior novel to empower girls and boys with assertive strat-egies. The mystery reveals the bullying dilemma from all perspectives. STOP the Bully raises BIG issues: bullying, family break-ups, poverty, self-esteem, cop-ing with change, friendship, forgiveness and reconciliation. *5 STAR REVIEWS: Kids Book Review, teachers and school counselors. Aligned with Kids Matter: Australian curriculum.
5% sales go to Kids Helpline to help Kids in Crisis.
STOP the Bully Blog Tour & BookGiveAway
Empower KIDs with assertive anti-bullying strategies!
WIN: Signed copies and eCopies of
STOP the Bully.
Leave a comment on any of the 15 hops June 2- 11
The MORE comments you leave the MORE chances you WIN.
WINNERS announced on June 16
http://www.karentyrrell.comBlog Tour June 2-112 June STOP the Bully Release Party & Reviews
http://www.karentyrrell.com Sally Odgers Interview
http://spinningpearls.blogspot.com.au3 June Jill Smith Review
http://authorjillsmith.wordpress.com Charmaine Clancy Interview
http://clancytales.blogspot.com.au4 June Kids Book Review CURLY Questions
http://www.kids-bookreview.com Sally Murphy QUICK Questions
http://aussiereviews.com/2014/06/karen-tyrell-blog-tour5 June Melissa Wray Interview
http://www.melissawray.blogspot.com.au Yvonne Mes Interview
http://www.yvonnemes.com6 June Ali Stegert Interview
http://ali-stegert.com9 June Bug in a Book Review
http://buginabook.org/category/childrens-books Jackie Hosking Interview
http://jackiehoskingpio.wordpress.com/school-magazine10 June June Perkins Interview
http://pearlz.wordpress.com Robyn Parnell Interview
http://www.robynopie.blogspot.com.au11 June Nicky Johnson Review
http://www.nickyjohnston.com.au/blog Literati Radio Interview 9am AEST
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/laliteraticarpelibrum
STOP the Bully is endorsed by Kids Helpline and aligned with Kids Matter, Australian curriculum. ISBN: 9780987274069 STOP the Bully is now available from Amazon.
By:
Charmaine Clancy,
on 5/20/2014
Blog:
Wagging Tales
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The competition to win a Kindle has been extended! I'll be holding a book launch at my local book store June 7, and all the people who come along to purchase a book and get it signed can go into the draw. The new closing date for the competition is June 14.
Online Book Launch
To celebrate the rising of Undead Kev I'm having a launch party and you're all invited! I'll be running an online book tour for Undead Kev and there will be some cool prizes; you could win a Kindle or an Amazon gift card, just by participating!The competition will run from now until the 31st of May and you can enter by:
- Purchasing a copy of Undead Kev
- Purchasing one of my other books (My Zombie Dog, or Dognapped? A dog show detective mystery)
- Blog about the book launch
To enter by purchasing one of my books, simply keep your receipt/order number and pop it into the rafflecopter entry form below. Hang onto your receipt for verification if you win! Purchases from the 1st of March to the 31st of May will be valid.
To enter by blogging, simply create a blog about the book launch, or email me for a pre-prepared blog post (this come in html format, you simply cut and paste it into your blog post. You can of course edit this post to suit your readers). Alternatively, email me some questions and I'll answer them interview style, or review the book in a blog post, including links to where the book can be purchased and to this competition page.
The winner will be announce here on the blog (and contacted via email) June 4th.
Enter
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By:
Charmaine Clancy,
on 4/6/2014
Blog:
Wagging Tales
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To celebrate the launch of my new book, Undead Kev, I'll be giving away a Kindle and Amazon Gift Card!When I wrote My Zombie Dog, a favourite amongst zombie-loving kids, teachers and grandparents, I never imagined turning the story into a series. The little undead dog told her story and that was the end of that. Until ...My Zombie Dog told the story of Zane, a teenage boy, who receives a horrible dog for his birthday. The dog dies, the dog rises... and there the adventure begins. However, one character who appeared just briefly won the hearts of many readers; his name is Kev. I received emails, messages and pleas from readers to write another story with more Kev time. I wasn't so sure, but Kev thought it was a great idea. So... Undead Kev was created. Here's a little about the book:
UNDEAD KEV
Kev was strange, sluggish and smelled disgusting ... and that was before he became a zombie!
Zane and Kev, best mates forever. Side by side, they’ve been through crayon chewing (Kev), nose picking (Kev), and losing their trunks in the public pool (yep, that was Kev, too). They even faced the zombie apocalypse together... until Kev got bit.
Can their friendship survive if Kev is a zombie?
Zane feels guilty and blames himself for Kev’s condition. Kev blames him too. But then Kev is kidnapped by invisible stealth-monkeys and taken to an evil government facility to be their next experiment. Will Zane be brave enough to rescue his ex-best buddy and save the friendship?
WIN
To celebrate the rising of Undead Kev I'm having a launch party and you're all invited! I'll be running an online book tour for Undead Kev and there will be some cool prizes; you could win a Kindle or an Amazon gift card, just by participating! The competition will run from now until the 31st of May and you can enter by:
- Purchasing a copy of Undead Kev
- Purchasing one of my other books (My Zombie Dog, or Dognapped? A dog show detective mystery)
- Blog about the book launch
To enter by purchasing one of my books, simply keep your receipt/order number and pop it into the rafflecopter entry form below. Hang onto your receipt for verification if you win! Purchases from the 1st of March to the 31st of May will be valid.
To enter by blogging, simply create a blog about the book launch, or email me for a pre-prepared blog post (this come in html format, you simply cut and paste it into your blog post. You can of course edit this post to suit your readers). Alternatively, email me some questions and I'll answer them interview style, or review the book in a blog post, including links to where the book can be purchased and to this competition page.
The winner will be announce here on the blog (and contacted via email) June 4th.
Enter
a Rafflecopter giveaway
My scattered brain has trouble keeping up with writing, blogging, studying and teaching lately, so I'm lucky to have a friend like Denise Covey to remind me today is the Insecure Writers Support Group day!
It's not surprising that I almost (and sometimes do) forget to post for IWSG each month, I've always had trouble working on multiple projects at once. My mind becomes distracted by all my other to-do tasks. Now I've been introduced to a new time management system that seems to work well, perhaps you'll get some use out of it too.
Focus Days.
Jillanne, a friend from Vannguard Writers, explained that she juggles multiple novels by giving each a focus day. I like this idea, because I also need to focus on my current studies for my Master of Letters that I'm undertaking through Central Queensland University. Basically, each writing project is given a day, and on that day, I don't let myself wander into research for the other projects. Now I can't spend a whole day on writing, as there are other tasks I need to attend to, such as marketing, sales, writing workshops, studies, teaching, etc, etc. Instead I allocate roughly half a day to each novel. I split my day into sections. Here's my current schedule (the blank spaces are for notes on what I've accomplished or what my goal is for that day).
I leave Sunday off, because if I scheduled EVERY day, I would be exhausted!
Undead Kev News
I'm running a blog tour for my new novel Undead Kev. There are some very cool prizes, including a Kindle!
Now I know there's the whole Blogger versus Wordpress issues for some people, so I'll also post the details and sign-up link here in the next day or two.
Writing Prompt: Through the eyes of a child...
Stevie Meets The Lone Ranger Stevie gulped for air, but there was none. Only water to fill his nostrils, throat, lungs. He twisted left and right, pushed his arms out in search of the surface, where the sun’s caress would ease life’s breath back into his aching chest. The sun fell further away and the water became dark, black, silent. There was nothing.
Or was there?
A flicker. A quick blink at first, then the light grew, expanded and exploded in noiseless grandeur. Stevie was in the light, he was the light.
Hello Steven.
He blinked three times, because the first two don’t count when you’re seeing things.
'Who are you?'
You know who I am, who am I Steven?
That’s right.
The old man came into focus now, his long white beard billowing in the breeze.
He smiled as though pleased with this comparison.
That’s how your mind chooses to see me. My image is your doing, but I assure you, I’m real and I have an important task for you.
'I can make you look however I want?'
That’s correct. Listen now Steven, you’ll be returning. There’s something very important you must do. The people down there need your guidance, otherwise—
The beard dissolved, a Stetson formed on his head and a black mask over his eyes. The flowing white robe became a fitted grey shirt with dark trim.
—There’s going to be a flood. A great flood. A flood to wipe the earth clean. Unless—
Stevie chuckled and pointed a finger at the image. 'You look like The Lone Ranger.'
Oh. Alright Steven, pay attention. This flood will come, but there is one way to avoid it. In your little town you must have the locals build a temple. Your family, friends and neighbours will think you are crazy Steven, they’ll… wait… The old man flicked his red arrowed tail and tentatively touched the curved horns on his head. That’s not funny Steven.
'Sorry.' Stevie looked down at his feet to appear shameful, but really he was hiding a grin.
You can save mankind from their own sins. Save them from the flood. You. One small boy from Warracknabeal can be their saviour. You want to be their saviour don’t you Steven?
Stevie looked up and nodded. Of course he did, he’d be just like… he blinked away the image of Superman before him. God wouldn’t like that. Problem was, thinking of the man of steel then got him to thinking…
Convince the people of your town to build a temple. It must be the grandest and largest temple ever built. It must rival the pyramids, the great wall. People will come from all over the world. They will pray and they’ll be… Steven?
Tears streamed down Stevie’s cheeks, down past his jaw clenched tight.
God furrowed his arched brows and turned his face down to take in his blue, red and gold fitted costume barely constraining his ample bust. He held up the golden lasso questioningly.
'Wonder Woman.' Stevie spluttered the words then broke into sobs of laughter.
God’s hands rested on his curved hips. His pretty face grew red with fury.
Stevie quickly turned him back into The Lone Ranger.
'Stevie…' God was his mother?
'Stevie… Oh dear Lord, you’re alive!' She pulled him up to sitting and hugged the soaking wet boy, then covered his cheeks with smears of her cherry lipstick. Once he was well enough to squirm from her embrace she released him and helped him to his feet.
The sun warmed his bare back.
'Oh Stevie, are you okay? I should take you straight to Doctor Henderson.'
As they made their way up the cleared path leading from the waterhole, back to the house, Stevie relayed his experience. 'I met The Lone Ranger!'
His mother laughed with relief. 'Yes? Please do tell me, what did he have to say?'
Stevie shrugged. 'It’s gonna rain.'
* * *
This story is part of the Write Edit Publish blog hop, each month you can complete and publish a story to their prompts. This month's prompt was... Through the eyes of a child. Now I'm off to read some of the great stories submitted!
Today is the Insecure Writers Support Group post. Each month we post about writing related things that we feel insecure about. This month I've felt more busy than insecure, as I have on my plate:
- Organising a Writers Retreat - a whole weekend of writing workshops in a gorgeous rainforest setting (for the curious: http://www.rainforestwritingretreat.com.au).
- Presenting author talks - I've been invited to schools and organisations to talk about writing
- Continuing my children's writing workshops.
- Teaching. I've put in my application to teach again this year.
- Learning. I'm undertaking my Masters in Writing through Central Queensland Uni, mostly I'll be doing research and writing a historical novel.
- Finishing and releasing my children's novels. I'm writing The Invisible Kid, editing An Accidental Mystery and finishing off Waracknabeal Kids.
Lots on! But I just take it one small bite at a time and I'll get through. Oh, and I should add to that list, releasing my next novel Undead Kev. Finally all ready to go to the printers! Here's a sneak at the cover:
Time for another Insecure Writers Support Group post. To join up, simply click on the badge:
Drawing a topic from my long list of insecurities, today I thought I'd tackle 'networking'.
Networking is a great buzz word in business, but for me, it simply means connecting with peers. Sounds less intimidating that way, doesn't it? And yet, it still scares me.
It's important to connect with others in your industry, especially for writers, as we are not conditioned to interact with the humans on a daily basis. Networking allows you to benefit from the wisdom of colleagues who have been through the trial and errors you're about to embark on. You can also meet industry professionals who can give you a helping hand to achieve your career goals. But I think, most importantly, it allows you to help emerging writers on their journey to publication -- that can be so rewarding.
And yet. I attend conferences, workshops, seminars, and I simply can not go up and speak to someone unless they speak to me first. I always convince myself I'm just bothering people.
Lucky for me I have the internet. You can approach people you don't know at all, converse, ask for favours, joke around, and all without ever having to look them in the eye!
But I would like to improve my networking skills, so, I've decided to create a networking opportunity to encourage introverts to connect with other writers, face to face, without the need for even a tiny bit of courage! I'm coordinating the Rainforest Writing Retreat - a two day retreat set in the beautiful Gold Coast hinterland (for our Aussie writers). We'll have writing masterclasses with expert presenters and publishing advice. But more than that, we'll be taking part in planned networking activities.
Ever purchase hundreds of contact cards, but were too afraid to hand them out? One of our activities will have everyone swapping cards, you'll actually have a list of names that you must tick off as you collect their card. We'll also have 'get to know you' games, chat sessions and everyone teams up with a roomie for the twin-share accommodation.
So, if you've wanted to attend an event that meets your dreams--don't wait for it to appear, create your own!
My retreat:
Today I have a guest post from the vivacious Dimity Powell, author of 'PS Who Stole Santa's Mail?' -- Dimity will share the secrets for releasing and promoting a book written to seasons or annual events. Enjoy...
When I began writing my first junior novel for kids, I admit I was greener than a fir tree. I paid scant attention to season and time (and probably a lot of other things too) and how they would eventually factor into those all important publishing requirements – saleability and marketability. My intent in those days was purely to pour out the story which involved stolen Christmas mail, a crime that is most problematic and significant around Christmas time. Then, almost before I knew it, after four years, I had myself a published book and the rush was on to get it on the book shelves in time for its seasonal debut.
PS Who Stole Santa’s Mail? does not take place in a ‘season’ as such, especially when you consider Christmas falls within two opposing seasons. So my problem was not centred on children needing mittens versus sunglasses to read it, but rather would they bother reading it at any other time of year other than when the excitement of the festive season was burning bright in their eyes. Indeed, would anybody bother buying it for them at any other time of the year? Was I cutting myself short of any hope of return by targeting such a narrow time frame within which to sell? What type of publisher would even take such a risk?Fortunately I found one who would and did.
The Publisher:
Look around and you’ll discover a number of independent, smaller publishing companies willing to add new unknown talent to their collection of established and respected authors. It homogenises their small select lists and keeps them vibrant and innovative.
The Timing:
Like any other publishing house, they are or should also be, in tune with the seasonal nuances peculiar to the publishing world, a world revolving around salient selling times. For instance, post-Christmas, early New Year is prime time for flooding a thirsty market with self-help and self-improvement titles. Easter is a popular time to launch books of religious content and anything for children. October, November; leave it later than this and you’ve missed the sleigh for the highest retail revenue season of the year for most titles including all kids lit. Times to avoid are the flattish months between May and July and any time a new Diary of a Wimpy Kid book is released. Your aim is to let your book loose at a time it is going to gain the most public notice and sales appeal.
The PR:
Don’t expect an Indie publisher to have a full time publicist to hold your hand and guide you through the post publishing phase of promoting your book either. If you are lucky, you will be able to work closely with your publisher who should negotiate most of the marketing steps for you but will still rely on you to be your own PR person.
The Plan:
But how does this all translate to sales when you’ve got a book that screams Christmas and little else? Here are my tops tips for selling a themed book. They are by no means comprehensive nor fool proof and relate mainly to traditional publishing, but worth thinking about before you reach for your candy cane…err…pen.
1. First and foremost: don’t write one! No really, if you simply have to write a tale about Santa, then by all means do so. Write what wants to be written within you. Getting too caught up on ‘should dos’ will only hamper your creative flow.
2. Identify the seasonal or calendar relationships in your book. Mine, for example is clearly Christmas. Are there any niche markets that could benefit from this relationship? For example Christmasoholic collectors / hobbyists. They may have everything Christmas, but do they have your book?
3. Find the right publisher. Research and shop around for the right publisher to publish your book, themed or otherwise. Check out their lists, published authors, and read as much of their material as you can. Your kids’ picture book about the Easter bunny is not going to get past the front gate of Harlequin no matter how dazzling it is.
4. Connect the Concept. Have a clear and concise concept of how you intend to market and promote your book when the time comes. Include this in your query letter or submissions to prospective publishers to demonstrate that you’ve actually given the task serious thought. Connect the topic and date to all the potential markets for your book.
5. Be creative. Having a seasonally themed book is a superb launching pad from which to have a little fun and raise a lot of interest in your work. Think outside the square. I created a spread sheet for dozens of local and regional markets, and then rang each market organiser to gauge the best times to be there to sell my Christmas book. Turns out it’s not always before Christmas! Consider moving post-Christmas stock the same way the shops move last year’s tinsel and wrapping paper.
6. Consider local media: radio, newspapers, community newsletters, notice boards in local corner stores. Check out your local schools. Most include their own newsletters. Many welcome visits by published authors. Time this well though. Calling a school or local library to offer your services in November for December is often too late. Like everyone else, they book up in advance and schools vary significantly in their end of year term break-up dates. You may have to start your Christmas visits or the organisation of them in July. Use this in addition to your online and social media presence.
7. Hit the streets. Who are you really selling to? Seven year olds don’t usually buy their own books or presents. They may not even be in the position to be influenced by your amazing online presence and promotions, so think carefully about who is likely to buy your book for them. Who reads to or with the target audience you are writing for? These are the people who will want to know more about your book. Professional business clubs, groups and adult library sessions are all worthwhile places to offer your services. They are often in need of guest speakers about different topics and in exchange for sharing a bit about yourself and craft, may purchase a book or two. Again time these to suit your book topic or seasonal theme to cause greater impact and ‘need’.
8. Celebrate your season at different times of the year. Christmas in July for instance is taking a stronger and stronger hold in a society that needs little excuse to celebrate an event. Exploit this tendency to your advantage.
9. Approach reviewers. Book reviewers, especially children’s ones, often group theme based books together in reviews to showcase as many as possible to compliment that time of year. Think ANZAC based picture books, Christmas and so on. Don’t be afraid to send your books out there. The more you fire off, the more likely they will find their mark.
10. Go nuts with the theming. You’ve written your book about witches and goblins, so now go all out with the decorations and theming to accompany your presentations, book readings or launches. I have a grab box crammed with Chrissy things I use exclusively for my book, not to decorate the house with, for instance. It is always ready to go. Theme any activities you take along for kids to match. Collect other books that support your theme for extra visual interest. Is there music that suits or a book trailer? Use that too. Generate creative gifts to match your theme; pens, caps, Tees – or make your own. Create interesting give-aways for children if you are giving readings. In other words, value-add to your theme. I’m not suggesting you bake dozens of Harry Potter shaped biscuits to sell your witches book, (although I’d love to do this). It’s all about matching time, effort and expense with expected outcome. But the more pop and uniqueness you can associate with your seasonal book, the faster it will fly off the shelves.
The Result:
Of course it’s not wise to let your market theming get in the way of your main purpose; to write and share books with a largely paying audience. Just because you love tinsel and want to give out fruit mince pies at your book launch is not reason enough to pen a Christmas story. It simply won’t work. But if you have a season based book already, all is not lost. With a little lateral thinking you could be moving those elves off the shelves for many more Christmases to come.
Remember, there’s always next year! Now excuse me – I have a date with the Easter Bunny…
November certainly is a busy month! Not only are writers around the world rushing to complete 50,000 words in one month, and gents are combing out that Movember fuzz on their upper-lips, but it's also the month when plastic dinosaurs come to life!
Dinovember is the imaginative creation of Refe Tuma and his wife, as they dedicate every November to convincing their children the toy dinosaurs come to life at night.
I loved this idea and had to share it with my girls, wishing they were still young enough to believe in magic dino toys. Oh what fun I could have had with our elaborate collection of all things prehistoric when Emily was just a wee little palaeontologist in the making.
'Do the kids really believe?' She asked me.
'Id believe, if someone did it for me,' I responded, and perhaps my tone was a bit wistful and nostalgic, because the next morning I awoke to this:
 |
| The dinosaurs got out of their tub! |
 |
| They snuck out of the garage... |
 |
| And migrated up the stairs. |
 |
| One got into the cat food... |
 |
| Pinkachu was NOT impressed. |
 |
| Things may have gotten out of hand. It's always fun until a saurus gets stir-fried. |
Want to check out the original Dinovember characters? Check out Refe Tuma's blog:
or join in the fun with your own pics on the Facebook page:
Those whacky Dinos, what will they get up to next?
Guest blog by:
Wool. E. Mammoth.
'Forget Jurassic, Pilocene was the Coolest!'
Today I'd like to introduce you to an incredibly inspiring author. Karen Tyrrell, Australian and Author, has found her niche in writing by focusing on a cause close to her heart. Karen writes about mental illness; she's published two non-fiction books on the topic and is now releasing her picture book for children, Bailey Beats the BLAH, which deals with depression in children and strategies they can implement to deal with the condition. But it's not just for those touched by mental illness, Bailey could be an kid, after all, we all feel Blah some days!
I was fortunate enough to attend the launch of Bailey Beats the Blah and even got to participate in a mini pantomime of the story! Okay, it wasn't the leading role, but I think I was well cast as Fuzzy, Bailey's dog.
Enjoy Karen's interview:
Karen, through your writing, you're fast becoming well known as an advocate for mental health issues, a topic often whispered about and swept under the rug in our culture-- when did you first realise you were needed as a mental health champion?
I slipped into that role after my first shocking announcement of the title of my memoir, Me and Her: A Memoir of Madness. Word spread I spoke honestly about my experiences with mental illness and how I recovered. Community organizations requested I speak in public forums at hospitals, clubs, and groups and on radio and TV. Each time I spoke out I gained more confidence.
Were you met with any resistance from friends, family or the public when you decided to produce your memoir and guide on mental health?
I received different reactions ranging from curiosity and stigma to warm support. Some family members were concerned I would reveal their personal details. I chose to concentrate on my personal experiences only. With Me and Him: A guide to Recovery I focussed on my husband’s secrets and the profound impact his revelations had on both of us.
And which people have been your biggest supporters in this journey?
Support has come from a wide cross-section: my family, friends, neighbours, teachers, writers and mental health organisations … and from complete strangers across the world.
'Bailey Beats the BLAH' is a very unique idea for a children's picture book. Please share how the idea for this story formed.
I wanted to write a story about a boy who didn’t want to go to school, who experienced tummy aches, who believed he had no friends. As a teacher I came across many kids like this. I wanted the reader to become emotionally aware of what Bailey was going through, so he/ she will be able to reflect on his/her Blah feelings too. And how he could change.
And lastly, how can parents or teachers use this book to help fight stress, depression or other mental health issues with children? Are there strategies they can implement?
Bailey Beats the Blah can be used to initiate conversations on feelings, emotions, moods and simply how cope with ‘Blah’ days. Children can act out the story by downloading the puppets from my website. Teachers & parents can ask questions: how did Bailey overcome his Blah days. How can YOU change your day from Blah to ha-ha- ha? What can you do to keep yourself happy?
Bailey is aligned with Kids Matter program, part of the National Education curriculum and supported by counselling service, Kids Help Line.
FREE children's activities and FREE teacher notes can be downloaded from KarenTyrrell.com
WIN: Copies of Bailey Beats the Blah, a signed Bailey artwork by illustrator Aaron Pocock and a picture book assessment with chief editor at Book Cover Café. Leave a comment on any of the 16 hops on the Bailey Beats the Blah tour Nov 3rd -18th. The more comments you leave the MORE chances to WIN.
Today I am an insecure writer. Mostly I'm insecure about missing an insecure post. Seems every month I forget it's on. So, here, on Thursday, is my Wednesday Insecure Writer's Support Group.
One of the many, many, many things I'm insecure about is launching a new book. How about you? I'm terrified no one will turn up to the book launch and when organising a virtual launch, I hate asking people to post for me. But I've learned two things that I hope help you too:
- People want to help. Seriously. We love seeing one of our online buddies do well with their new book.
- We all know at least one person who does a brilliant job of launches. Learn from them. Watch them and basically, do what they do. Reach out to them and ask for advice.
I have a friend who does an amazing book launch. For her new book Bailey Beats the Blah (I'll be posting more about that tomorrow), Karen Tyrrell presented a pantomime while she read her story to eager children! I adore Karen for the work she does promoted mental health issues (and because she's just a really nice person), but mostly I adore her for allowing me to dress up as Fuzzy and take part in the performance. It was my shining moment!
dream... write... publish has moved!
You can check out the new site at:
As part of the WEP Blogfest, I'm sharing a Halloween-themed short story today. This story features Zane, Kev and Elise from MY ZOMBIE DOG in an all new tale:
Once Upon a Halloween
I lean in, the torch illuminating my solemn expression. Outside the wind howls and our tent rustles. It’s the perfect backdrop for my Halloween story. 'Once upon a time—'
Elise exhales a dramatic sigh and makes a show of dropping her shoulders.
'Something wrong Elise?'
'S-boring Zane. Don like 'pon time stories.'
'Yeahsh,' Kev agrees through cheekfulls of marshmallow.
My turn to sigh. 'Fine. A long time ago, in a faraway town—'
'Uhhhghhh.' They complain in unison. A marshmallow bounces off my forehead.
I point the torch at my little sister. 'Do you want to tell the story?'
Elise shrugs. 'Spose to be scary.'
Kev scrambles up from his sleeping bag. 'Zanie boy here doesn’t like scary stories—do you Zane?'
Elise giggles.
'He gets so scared he needs to leave all the lights in the house on when he sleeps.'
This is totally unfair of my so-called buddy. It was one sleepless night, I’m really not that easily scared. The torch light dims and we are thrust into a moment of darkness. I shake the torch until finally the light flickers back on. Phew.
'Wan a story with a sseep.'
'A scary story with a sheep?' I ask.
'Yeah, and a turtle.' Thanks Kev.
'How is a sheep and a turtle scary?'
'Zaaane.' Elise’s bottom lip pokes out.
'Okay… One dark and stormy night a sheep and a turtle set out to cross through forbidden tunnel—'
'Why would a sheep and turtle want to go through a tunnel?' Kev asks.
'Because… they were meeting with a duck at the fountain in town. So anyway, they set toward the forbidden tunnel and the turtle says—'
'Why’s it forbidden?'
'Because there were rumours that a scary monster lived under it.' Pretty proud of that one, made it up on the spot.
'Eh, that’s alright, but it’d be better if one year ago to the day a horrible, horrible murder took place right in the middle of that very tunnel.' Kev snatches the light and flashes it on his face. His ginger eyebrows are casting fuzzy shadows on his forehead and it’s creeping me out.
I cough and nod my head toward Elise.
'Wan’ scary hobbible murder story!' She squeals.
Great. She’ll probably have nightmares.
'Ohh, I don’t know Elise,' Kev says, 'Zane might get too scared!'
Elise giggles.
'Will not! I’m fine!'
'You sure Dude? Remember what happened last time we went camping?'
'That was ages ago, and besides, I told you, I just had too much orange juice.'
'All right then… so the sheep and turtle approach the tunnel and the turtle’s saying how it was exactly midnight that the last animals were slaughtered in this very tunnel one year ago. The sheep looks at his watch—'
'Hey!' I protest, but Elise shushes me and turns attentively back to Kev’s illuminated face. I try not to look at his dancing eyebrows.
'The sheep looks at his watch and says, Hey it’s almost midnight now. Well sheep are pretty stupid because they continue on into the tunnel, which is very, very dark. Halfway through they stop and the sheep asks: did you hear that? They listen and there’s a scraping noise along the wall. It sounds just like a sharp knife being dragged along the stones. Scrape… scraaaape… scraaaape…'
I grab Elise’s arm. You know, just to make sure she’s okay. We both lean in close.
'They try to run to reach the exit of the tunnel where they can see a slither of moonlight, but ahead of them comes that same scraaaape…. scraaaape… and they see…' Kev’s voice trails off into a whisper.
I bite my lip and lean in closer.
'What? What do they see?'
Kev leans in too, so we’re all really close and he whispers, 'They see a shadow, it becomes clearer in the moonlight … and that’s when they notice its face…'
Friday the 13th stabbing music blasts from Kev’s phone.
'Eeeek!' I squeal, I mean, I think it was Elise who squealed.
'Zane scared!' Elise giggles.
Kev speaks into the phone, 'Yep … no probs … I’ll ask.'
'Dude,' he nods to me, 'it’s your mum, she wants to know if we want hot chocolate?'
I look out the flap of the tent and see mum waving from the kitchen window. Sure. Hot chocolate would be good, may as well have it inside, no point in making her bring it all the way out here. I very calmly agree and slowly make my way up to the house.
'Hey!' Kev calls after me, 'You don’t need to run!'
Find more spooky stories, or join the blogfest at:
Denise Covey is hosting a fun Halloween blogfest. We might not be big on the actual trick or treating here in Australia, but we do like our spooky stories!
Want to write something spooky for Halloween? Pop on over to Denise's site:
to join up. You could write a story... or a haiku!
On my new site for kids and teens, I show how to write a spooky haiku - you can check it out at:
I'll be sharing a story here on October 30, and I look forward to reading a few spooky tales!
Lately I've been reading a lot of guides on business success. One thing I've noticed every good marketing, sales, or business success book includes is this key piece of advice:
Find a mentor, someone who already does what you want to do. Model your actions and attitude on that successful example.
In other words, have a hero.
I have several heroes for various aspects of my life, but today I'll stick with writing. I admire many, but my hero would be:
Ray Bradbury
... because he gets it done.
This blog hop is hosted by Joy Campbell and celebrates the release of Saving Sam. Check it out on Amazon today!
Who is your hero?
Today, as a celebration for Yolanda Renée's new release, Memories of Murder, I sit down and get all cosy with the charismatic sleuth, Detective Quaid, and leave with a bit of a crush...
An Interview with Hawk
Emma, the housekeeper, ushered me into the great room and wow, what an understatement, more like a magnificent room. A huge stone fireplace warmed the space, and the huge windows provided amazing views of the valley to Anchorage. The furnishings were obviously antiques, but the room was comfortable and the amount of art was breathtaking.
Emma poured me a cup of coffee, and offered me a plate of cookies. I waved them off because Detective Quaid joined us. He shook my hand, and sat down opposite me in a wingback chair near the fire.
Quaid: I'm sorry, but I only have a few minutes, please proceed.
He did not settle back but sat up straight, his hands on his knees. I sensed he was sizing me up. He looked so serious, not tense, but rushed, almost worried. I considered the bad press he'd had recently and understood his reluctance to talk.
Charmaine: Thank you for agreeing to see me, I understand you're a wealthy man, why did you choose to be a detective?
He seemed surprised by the question.
Quaid: Money has nothing to do with it. I owe society my best skills, we all do. I believe that a job any job, well done, is a service to the spirit.
Then he shrugged.
Quaid: I find the work challenging, and rewarding.
Charmaine: I understand the Raven is an important symbol of the Tlingit tribe and that you're from the Eagle Clan, but your nickname is Hawk. How did that happen?
He almost smiled.
Quaid: A nickname by coworkers, it holds no bearing on the spirit or my place in Tlingit Culture.
Charmaine: Can you share a secret with us that wasn't revealed in the book?
Quaid: I have no secrets. Secrets are destructive in the wrong hands.
A fluster of activity interrupts our session, as Sarah arrives and is immediately at Steven's side.
Sarah: "I'm sorry, John was running late, forgive me. His arm went around her waist. He pulled her close and kissed her tenderly. He whispered something in her ear.
She smiled, and kissed his cheek.
He grinned. How handsome he was when he smiled. Not that he wasn't before, but wow, to have a man look at me like that, swooning would come back into vogue.
She finally acknowledged me.
Sarah: I don't mean to interrupt.
I stepped forward to shake her hand, but those two only had eyes for the other.
Charmaine: It's lovely to meet you. Why don't you join us?
Sarah: Oh, no. I'm really running behind, please excuse me. I am sorry for the interruption.
Steven walked her to the staircase, and watched as she ascended. I saw a changed man when he sat down. More relaxed, he couldn't wipe the smile from his face. I understood his earlier distraction.
Charmaine: What do you notice about a person first?
Quaid: Eyes, smile, ear lobes.
I knew he was thinking of Sarah.
Charmaine: What do people notice first about you?
Quaid: Most likely my race, but I hope the badge.
I disagreed, the first thing I noticed was his ice blue eyes, his long dark hair, and muscular build, but I kept my observance to myself.
Charmaine: What's the most important thing in your life? What do you value most?
Quaid: Sarah.
Charmaine: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Quaid: Family.
Charmaine: What is your biggest fear? Who have you shared this with? Who would you never tell this to? Why?
Quaid: Losing Sarah.
His smile disappeared.
Charmaine: I understand you're engaged. Will it be a formal wedding? He grinned again, and looked upstairs to where Sarah had disappeared.
Quaid: We haven't decided."
Charmaine: Well, congratulations. Can I ask a more serious question?
He nodded.
Charmaine: What is the one strong memory that has stuck with you since childhood? Why is it so powerful and lasting?"
His smile disappeared. He stood and walked to the windows. I followed; he turned to look at me.
Quaid: I was fourteen when I found my uncle. He'd been murdered. It's an unsolved case, and very personal.
Charmaine: I'm sorry for your loss. Are you working the case?
Quaid: Always.
Charmaine: Which living person do you most despise? I was told Scott Chase is a rival.
Steven's entire body tensed. His jaw clenched. He looked at his watch, then me.
Quaid: I'm sorry, it's late. We have a dinner engagement. Thank you for your patience.
He shook my hand and then took the stairs two at a time. He disappeared behind the same door Sarah had.
I was speechless.
Emma hurried over. She looked at me and shook her head.
Charmaine: What? What did I do, what did I say?
She pretended to zip her lips closed. She wasn't talking.
Charmaine: Off the record. Do you know what I had to do to get this interview, how far I've travelled? Tell me, what just happened?
Emma: Off the record?
I nod.
Emma: You mentioned Chase.
I was stunned.
Charmaine: He's jealous of an ex-boyfriend?
Emma nodded.
Charmaine: I see. How does Sarah feel about that?
Emma once again sealed her lips. The interview was officially over, and she walked me to the door.
Detective Steven Quaid, is a talented sleuth, but so in love with Sarah that even the mention of Chase's name rises his ire.
What do you think, is jealously a good thing, or a troublesome thing? What traits would you or have you overlooked for love?
***** *** *****
Memories of Murder
Yolanda Renèe
Decades ago, the seeds were planted …
Today, dark, fathomless eyes rake the image before him. One final task and the transformation is complete. Steady fingers screw intricately carved horns on each side of a stiff brow, and a gargoyle suitable for Notre Dame scowls from the smokey mirror in satisfaction.
A jagged smile rips through his smooth, hairless face, and inked, reptilian scales caress his naked body.
A laugh of hideous resonance emanates from his gut as the demons of hell welcome Lucifer into their fold.
In a dungeon-like chamber, his Lilith awaits. The kidnapped daughter of a nun, groomed to fit the final piece in the complex puzzle for world domination. Will Lucifer marry his bride, on the summer solstice?
Only two things stand in his way ...
His greed ...
And ...
Detective Steven Quaid.
***** *** *****
&
available at
***** *** *****
Yolanda Renée:
An adventurous spirit took Yolanda Renée to Alaska where she hiked the Brooks Range, traveled from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, and learned to sleep under the midnight sun.
She claims her vivid imagination as a blessing, a habit, a hobby, a calling and sometimes a curse.
Renée now resides in Central Pennsylvania with her husband, two sons, and Boston terrier, Patches.
You can find Renée here:
Today I have a guest on dream... write... publish! Paul Collins, from Ford St Publishing has released a new book and shares with us the journey (there's a few good tips for us packed in here too).
First, a little about Paul...
Paul Collins has written over 140 books and 140 short stories. He is best known for The Quentaris Chronicles (The Spell of Undoing is Book #1 in the new series), which he co-edits with Michael Pryor, The Jelindel Chronicles, The Earthborn Wars and The World of Grrym trilogy in collaboration with Danny Willis. Paul’s latest book is The Only Game in the Galaxy, book three in The Maximus Black Files.
Paul has been short-listed for many awards and won the Aurealis, William Atheling and the inaugural Peter McNamara awards. He recently received the A Bertram Chandler Award for lifetime achievement in Australian science fiction. He has had two Notable Books in the Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards.
He has black belts in both ju jitsu and taekwondo – this experience can be seen in The Jelindel Chronicles and The Maximus Black Files.
Visit Paul’s websites:
The Beckoning...
The Beckoning is Paul’s first adult novel. Check out the trailer:
Here Paul tells us something of the background behind his latest books, both out this month.
Matt Brannigan is a lawyer living on the edge. His daughter Briony is psychic and trouble shadows his family wherever they go.
Cult guru Brother Desmond knows that the power within Briony is the remaining key he needs to enter the next dimension. Once he controls this, he will have access to all that is presently denied him.
When Briony is indoctrinated into the Zarathustrans, Matt and psychic Clarissa Pike enter the cult’s headquarters under the cover of night to rescue her.
So begins Armageddon . . .
When I give workshops or talks in schools I inevitably get asked by students (and a few teachers) for tips on writing. My best tip is persistence. I’ve heard of authors who get a few rejections and place their manuscripts in a bottom drawer or even throw them in the rubbish. Remember, numerous famous books received rejections before they were finally published. I’ll always remember Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole. He committed suicide because everyone rejected it. His mother persisted with the book, and when it was finally published, it won a posthumous Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
Following my own advice I persevered for over thirty years with a book called The Beckoning. Initially it was Wind Chill, then Evil Intent, and no matter how many name changes and revisions, it failed to sell. It was typed on a counter in a St Kilda second-hand bookshop in the early 80s. Over the years it’s been digitalised, stored on 3.5 floppies/discs, CDs, zip drives, USB sticks and no doubt a few storage devices I’ve long since forgotten.
Damnation Books recently opened up for submissions. I thought, what the heck. I sent them three chapters as per the guidelines. Within two days they asked for the rest. Within two weeks they’d accepted it. Within five months it was published. My, how times have changed. It used to take up to 18 months to get a book into print.
So now it’s available in both ebook and print at Amazon. The Only Game in the Galaxy...
In a galaxy of cutthroat companies, shadowy clans and a million agendas, spy agency RIM barely wields enough control to keep order. Maximus Black is RIM’s star cadet.
But he has a problem. One of RIM’s best agents, Anneke Longshadow, knows there’s a mole in the organisation. And Maximus has a lot to hide.
As luck would have it, another book of mine came out this month, too.
The Only Game in the Galaxy is the third book in The Maximus Black Files trilogy. This is another tale of persistence. The first drafts were written many years ago. Ford Street published the first book,
Mole Hunt, in 2011. It was a success, especially for a small press.
Dyson’s Drop followed in 2012. So now
The Only Game in the Galaxy is available at
Amazon and at “any good bookshop” but also at
Ford St Publishing (with PayPal):
http://tinyurl.com/ojxxjz8.
I love anti-heroes – think Modesty Blaise and Artemus Fowl. They’re bad, really, in as much they’re up to illegal activities. But I always feel as though they’re Robin Hood characters in that they steal from the rich and give to the poor. Maximus Black is pure evil. He’s all out for himself and woe betide anyone who gets in his way.
However, here’s the odd thing. So many people have told me they were rooting for Maximus! The reason I believe major publishers rejected The Maximus Black Files is because the lead character has no redeeming features. But in a survey ran by ROR, questioning readers whether characters needed redeeming features, not one respondent thought they did. This flies in the face of everything publishers/gatekeepers believe.
Maximus does have a nemesis in Anneke Longshadow, but all the fan mail is directed at Max. Ah well. So much for my creating a unique character who everyone will loathe . . .
Wow. Thanks Paul for the insider's view of the publishing world!
I think the best lesson members of the Insecure Writers Support Group (IWSG) can take from Paul's post is to NEVER give up. Every manuscript has a different journey to travel and some may take longer than others to reach readers. Stay positive and keep writing!
Tales of Australia - Great Southern Land an anthology with place as a theme. Not just any place... AUSTRALIA.
This collection of novelettes feature stories varying in genre and style, but all brought together with the focus of the Australian landscape. Satalyte Publishing will release this anthology on September 27 (pre-orders are now open).
This up-and-coming small press publisher promises to reinvent Australian authors, and I must say, they've certainly succeeded with this Aussie author!
When Stephen Ormsby, Chief Editor of Satalyte approached me about submitting a story for Tales of Australia, I immediately said yes. Then I panicked. I've written novels, I've written short stories, but I'd never tried to pace out a novelette before! And furthermore, with no more instruction than an Australian setting, what would I even write about?
After a cup of herbal tea and a nap (quick fix for EVERYTHING), I got over my writer tantrum and started to think about the land I wanted to portray. What elements of Australia are important to me?
The story came in the form of a myth. As a kid I was fascinated by Dreamtime stories, the Indigenous mythology of our land. I love the way they intermingled land and people. I wanted my story to show the struggle of people, but also the imposing and never-ending land.
And thus, my post-apocalyptic tale, After the Red Dust was born. It's a story of belonging and longing and I'm thrilled to have it featured alongside some amazing Australian authors.
Stories featured in the anthology include;
Want to find out how us Aussie spin yarns and wag tales (tell stories)? Grab your copy of Tales of Australia - Great Southern Land on Sept 27, or pre-order from Satalyte Publishing.
"I use Grammarly's plagiarism checker because what I thought was an original idea for a novel about racism and poverty in the South, during the Depression, and told through the eyes of a 10yr old girl whose father is the local lawyer... might already exist."
One of the main things I was insecure about when I first ventured into creative writing was editing. Turns out, I had good reason to worry.
I stupidly thought good novels were created from inspiration, sweat and fairy-dust; that certain authors just had the magic and breathed engaging narratives onto the pages. Of course I was delighted to learn the existence of 'drafts' and that my first one was allowed to 'suck' because I could edit it later. Easy, right?
Ha!
My first manuscript to earn a finished draft was a girl's mystery novel filled with passive language, poor grammar and only one suspect character (not much of a mystery in this who-done-it). I was keen to polish the story, but had no idea how.
I sent it off to an editor. That was a mistake.
What? Wait a minute Charmaine (I hear you ask ... in a kind of a creepy little girl voice), you always recommend getting a professional editor. What gives?
You should get your work edited professionally before publishing, but not before you edit your own work.
My manuscript was in such a mess that after a few chapters of painful interactions back and forth, my editor gave up on it. Truth was, it wasn't ready for the editor yet.
1. You should polish your story as much as you possibly can before you send it out to editors or beta readers. So how can you best edit your own work?
Put your manuscript away for a while, come back to it with fresh eyes.
2. Utilise an editing program for the really obvious problems. Word Spellcheck is very flawed, but will at least get rid of some issues. A better version of this is Grammarly, which I use for my online writing (there's also a check box for you to paste your work on their website).3. Read books on revising before you take another look at your manuscript. I found these ones very helpful: Take up a course to find the best strategies for tackling your manuscript. There are plenty offered through writing centres or online. 
4. Study. You can find lots of courses on editing through your writers centre or online. I've said this many times before, Holly Lisle's How To Revise Your Novel is one of the best revisions courses I've ever undertaken (and there's been a few). Check it out, it will teach you so much about strengthening that first draft and tightening your story.5. Find a mentor. Someone who has more experience and can guide you through your manuscript's plot flaws and show you how to improve it.
Still want more on editing? Check out Denise Covey's guest post on writing, revising and editing at revisionseditions.
Build a better website with me is a series I'm sharing, covering my migration from Blogger to a self-hosted WordPress site. I have no experience or skills in the area of web-development, so I'm sharing my steps to help other bloggers through the complex WordPress system.
Installing WordPress
Log into your host site, and head straight to the cPanel, remember it looks like this:
The page scrolls down to show a LOT of options and management systems - you don't need to worry about any of that. All we will look at today is the section called 'Website Builders' (the one down from 'Mail' - I'll show you how to set up your own mail later).
The first icon under 'Website Builders' is 'WordPress'. You can click on that now.
What will appear if you're using Just Host is a diversion to a site called mojo marketplace. Don't panic, this is just the third-party company Just Host use to install WordPress themes (the backgrounds and designs). Mojo Marketplace sell lots of themes, but there are also plenty available from within WordPress for free. I'll show you where to get themes later.
This is what should appear once the page diverts:
Click on that shiny green 'Start' button!
Next, you have choose which domain you want to attach a WordPress site to. If this is your first site, you'll probably only have one choice.
With the drop down menu (next to the web domain name) it offered me a choice of including www. or leaving it out (http://charmaineclancy.com). I wasn't sure, so I use the name with the www. (If in doubt, have a guess and see what you can break!)
You'll probably get a warning:
Install directory exists and is not empty. Please confirm that it is safe to overwrite any content in this directory.
That's just because your host puts up stuff on your domain until you override it. Just tick the box to allow the installation to go ahead anyway.
On the next screen, don't rush to publish - first, tick the box for Advanced Options. Now you'll be able to put in the name of your website, and you can change the password (otherwise write down the one they show you because it's impossible to remember).
Click the green 'Install Now' button and your WordPress installation will begin!
Then you'll be greeted by this screen:At the bottom of the page you'll get the option to browse for templates through Mojo - those are paid templates to purchase. You can search for free templates from within WordPress.
To head to your new WordPress site (which will be looking pretty bare at this stage), go to the Login URL - you can click on the hyperlink with the '/wp-admin extension'. Your password will be the one you entered earlier (and wrote down... I hope... otherwise attempt to sign in and you can request your password if you need to).
You're all set! In my next Build a better website with me series, I'll show you how to install a template to your page (that's the layout and design of your website).
And now I have a big favour to ask. I'm testing the comment host, first I'm trying the WordPress comments with CommentLuv added (that means your latest post is automatically displayed in your comment). Some people expressed a problem commenting on WordPress sites, so I'm also looking at the Disqus option - a separate host to manage blog comments.
Do you have a preference?
I'm writing up my second post for the series Build A Better Website With Me - to show you how to install WordPress through your hosting site. I'll share that tomorrow - and a big thanks to everyone who's been helping me out with this transition!
Build a better website with me will be a series on blog posts covering my journey to migrate from Blogger to WordPress.
I outlined some of the reasons for my changeover in my previous post: Build A Better Website With Me. By keeping the beginning of each website-related post the same, those who are keen to learn how to use WordPress as their platform can follow along. But if you can do without the techie posts, it'll be easy for you to spot which ones to ignore.
Today's post is showing you how to gain a domain name through your host.
My host is Just Host (also called Host Clear). I can confidently recommend this host, they have treated me well, are easy to use and offer immediate online chat for solutions if you get stuck. There's a lot of others out there, and a few are ones I've tried that have disappointed me. There are other good hosts, but I can't recommend a product I haven't tried. Maybe ask around.
Once you're signed up with your host, and you have your log in details, go to the home page and log in.
This will take you to the 'cPanel' (control panel). It looks pretty scary! Don't worry, you'll never need to touch most of those buttons.For now, you just need to click on the word 'Domains' on that blue bar at the top.
 |
| Yes, I have a lot of domains |
See the search box in the middle? Use that to see if the domain name you want is taken. For example, I might search for dreamwritepublish.com (I did, and it's not available). I don't recommend changing to .net, if yours is not available, I think you are better off changing the name slightly (maybe dreamwritepublishonline.com).
Of course, as an author, you want your pen name as your webpage. If your name is Stephen King, there's a good chance you won't score your name, maybe you could be stephenkingnovels.com or stephenkingsbooks4kids.com. Choose something that is easy to remember. Hyphens are a bad idea, no one remembers to put hyphens in. I'd rather dreamwritepublishonline than dream-write-publish.com. Click 'Next'.
BEFORE YOU PURCHASE
There is a box automatically clicked for Domain Privacy. This means your details will not show up as the person who registered the domain name. Go ahead and keep it if that's important to you. I choose to unclick the box, because I don't care if my name is associated with the domain (I don't have any scam websites), and it costs an extra $9.99 for every domain you purchase.
You will have to tick the 'Terms of Service' box. And click 'Add to Cart'. Another good thing about Just Host, is they keep giving me free domain name credits (I don't know why), so today I'm purchasing iTeenMagic, because I think Matilda can add it to her magic site (she has big plans).
Go ahead now and purchase your domain name. You can purchase domain names from other places a couple of dollars cheaper, but then you'd have to import them into Just Host (or your host). Being new to website creation, I don't know how easy that is.
On the next page, click on the dark grey button 'Manage' (under 'manage my add on products).
Now you're at your 'domain list manager', and you'll see your domain name listed in a box in the bottom left-hand side of the screen. If this is your first domain and your main account, it should be called your 'primary'. See from the picture that charmaineclancy.com is my primary domain:
If, like me, you've gone a bit nuts and purchased the entire internet, the extra domain names should be converted from 'Unassigned' to 'Addon'. Just Host lets you add on as many domain names as you like and you don't pay any extra for hosting those sites.
You are all done registering your very groovy domain name! Maybe you chose your author name, or your blog name, or both. The next step is installing your WordPress theme, to do that you need to go to 'Hosting' (second word in the blue bar at the top of the page, right past 'Home').
This will take you back to the cPanel. I'll post all the instructions on installing WordPress to your new site in my next post!
If you are not ready to set up a new website, but think you'll want this information, don't worry, I've decided to put all these posts together into a guide for everyone as soon as I'm done (for free of course, if you want to pay, there are better experts on the subject!).
And if you get impatient and rush ahead and then get stuck? Don't worry, help is a click away! Up the top on the right-hand side, if you click on 'Help?', a drop-down menu appears:See that offer of a 'Live Chat'? Choose it! Don't be shy! The elves at Just Host are super friendly, can easily work out your problem and best of all, they don't judge you for making obvious mistakes (I know from experience).
Do you want to see how one of my sites is coming along?
Check out iTeenWrite - it's my new site for kids and teens, my aim is to inspire and teach teens to unleash their creative potential. I'm even offering free video tutorials. Let me know what you think of the design - what do you think the site could use?
Have you had a creative week? I have!
My focus lately has been on building a couple of WordPress sites (and my first post on how to start with your WordPress site is coming very soon). I've also taken a side interest in content marketing and analysing social media. Can't really say why, I think I wanted to know one thing or another and the subject became fascinating to me. My thoughts so far?
Connect, be yourself, talk to people not at them, drop the virtual - this IS the real world.
Another topic tickling my fancy is business philosophy, and how we can bring that to our decisions on how we exist and trade online. I am enjoying Tim Ferriss' The 4-Hour Work Week. I can relate to the line 'To have more quality and less clutter.'
I get carried away with research, and although I'm enjoying learning how to surf the new marketing wave, I've neglected my creative writing. So, I'm very grateful to the participants of Imagination Sparks Blogfest for providing me with some great writing prompts.
We had musical prompts, changes in POV, character interviews and lists, photo prompts and even studying commercials for story ideas. I love that everyone was relaxed about their posts, without giving or feeling any pressure to post at particular times - that was the message I hoped to convey. The end result? I would definitely do this blogfest again next year (watch this space... or the one over at WordPress).
After all, I'm all about lifting the stress at the moment :)
If you get the time, pop about and visit some of our participants:
Deadlines, obligations, accomplishments, and expectations... these words have been highlighted in my life lately with the big fluro yellow marker of stress. I need to let go a little.
Deadlines can be great for productivity, but not when the pressure outweighs the benefits. In Theories of Productivity I included the triangle theory - the idea that you can successfully prioritise up to three segments of your life at any one time, but accept that there are many more divisions which will have to wait their turn for attention (to read more, you can see that post here). The problem is, each of those departments wants to be at the top of the triangle all the time.
I love being busy. But I take advantage of that trait and pile it on too thick sometimes.
Do you convince yourself everything needs to be done NOW? I do.
My natural rhythm is to be an early bird. I love, love, love sleep and can't wait to curl up in bed each night and get excited to jump out of bed early each day. Not lately. I've stayed up until midnight on my websites tweaking, fixing and then mumbling curse words at WordPress. Then I drag myself out of bed early ('cause, you know, I'm an early bird) and walk around in a daze. Of course that leads to being unproductive all day, so I feel I have to stay up late to catch up and... well, you can see the pattern.
The solution
You didn't think I'd just depress you all for nothing? My solution was two part.
- Get to bed! Sneaky me, set a challenge for the family. For one week we all must be asleep by 9pm and awake by 6am. They took the bait. Three days in and I'm feeling great and getting more done each day than I could in a week when I was tired.
- Paint my nails. I was never much of a nail painter. It involves sitting still too long for me. But during my weeks of no sleep and high stress, I realised that was exactly what I needed. I paint my nails and then I CAN'T move or touch anything, or do any tasks until they dry. I do several coats so it takes a good hour to dry properly. I've also noticed family members seem to value my nail-drying time more than my work time. They leave me alone, do things for themselves, even offer to do tasks for me, all because they don't want to ruin my nail polish.
I appreciate that last suggestion might be tricky for some guys - but find something that makes you stop thinking and just sit still. You need time to take a big breath before you dive back under the ocean of deadlines, obligations, accomplishments and expectations waiting for you. This post is part of the Insecure Writers Support Group. To join up, click here:
Just a quick update to let you know, my paperbacks arrived!First the proof copy turned up. And I fell in love. The cover is absolutely gorgeous, and that's all thanks to bookcovercafe.com - fantastic team there. Even the spine has special details... And now I have boxes and boxes of books, all ready to distribute!
The paperback is not yet available online, but it will be very very soon.
In the meantime, here's a sneak extract...
... ‘Hey, Kitty-Cat.’ Jessica Jones. We shared a maths and science class, but that’s all we had in common. Jessica always had swarms of friends around her, and her happy voice twittered along the school halls. Yass was a close-knit country town and I was still an outsider. I felt stumpy and plain next to the tall blond girl. ‘Oh, uh, hi,’ I mumbled. Why are you here? I kicked at the ground with my shiny black patent shoe. My toes hurt and I wished I could go barefoot. ‘Are you a junior handler too?’ Jessica furrowed her brow as if the idea was puzzling. My stomach sank. Jessica would be competing against me. I would be pathetic, and everyone at school would hear how hopeless I was. ‘Uh-huh,’ I said. ‘I haven’t seen you here before. I guess you’re new at showing. I’ve been handling dogs since I was seven.’ She grinned. ‘This is my first.’ Spade pulled. Tug-tug. He wanted out of there too. ‘Last year I was regional junior handler,’ Jessica flicked back her curls and smoothed her hot-pink blazer. ‘This time I’m aiming for junior handler of the year, and I’ve got a good start already.’She checked out my outfit, cringed and slowly shook her head. ‘You’ve already missed the first three shows of the season. That’s going to put you behind.’ ‘Your dog is pretty,’ I said. And she was. The Afghan hound’s golden fur shone almost as much as Jessica’s own perfectly formed curls. I reached up and shoved my stubborn, loose string of mousy brown hair behind my ear. ‘Oh, Sheeba’s not mine,’ said Jessica. ‘I just borrow her for the show. The owners trust me because I’m an experienced handler.’ Sheeba gave me an aloof stare. My cheeks burned. ‘I have to walk Spade now.’ Jessica furrowed her brow, this time at my dog. ‘You’re going to handle him? Oh well, never mind, the judges will be looking at you mostly, not the dog.’ ‘Yeah, thanks.’ I strode away, Spade in tow....
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Congratulations on your story! I like myths; I like how they show that there are all these other possibilities for portraying people's best (and worst) qualities.
This sounds like a fantastic collection and I especially love the sound of your contribution. So glad you moved beyond your fear! Congratulations on being a part of this project.
Thanks Neurotic Workaholic - it was a new experience to work with other writers, and despite my nerves, I'm glad I did it :)
Thanks Julie, I was so nervous! It was definitely worth the worry though, I'm very proud to be mixed in with these great authors.
Well done on your story inclusion - sounds a good collection!
Love the title, congratulations! And you too, are a great author!
I am really excited for the release Charmaine and I have to say, I feel more than a little humbled to be in the company of such fantastic talent. Congratulations to you for your part in this little piece of Australia.
You're very sweet Yolanda!
Thanks Rosemary, it feels great to be included in a collective work.
Thanks Dean, it is exciting to part of this group collaboration, I'm the one who feels humbled! Well done on your piece. :)