How to use this Page

Whether you’re an author, freelance writer, online marketer, or if you’re in another field, you need a plan. You need an action plan, a GPS to get you started, keep you going, and see that you achieve your goals.

I found a great video of Zig Ziggle on Setting Goals (it's only 5 minutes):



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I’m excited that my new YA fantasy Parallel Visions is now out in the world! To celebrate, I’m having a contest. Help me get the word out about Parallel Visions, and you’ll be entered to win bookstore giftcards and an ebook reader. It’s $2.99 ebook, and $7.99 print. It’s up on Amazon, Kobo, and Smashwords (where you can get it in every ebook format, including for Nook), and will be up on B&N in a few weeks.

Parallel Visions deals with being different, domestic violence, attempted suicide, rape, and asthma, all in a fantasy setting. Like all my books, it’s also written with suspense and hope, and some of my own trauma and abuse experience.

Evelyn Fazio, the same editor who edited my books Scars and Hunted, edited Parallel Visions. I care a lot about Parallel Visions, just like I do all my books. I hope you’ll help me get the word out.



Check out the book trailer!

Help me get the word out about Parallel Visions, and you can win:

• 1 of 2 bookstore giftcards for $10 (at Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, or any other online bookstore)
  
• 1 of 2 bookstore giftcards for $5 (at Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, or any other online bookstore)
  
• A Kindle, Kobo, or Nook! (Your choice.)
  

You can get multiple entries to the contest:

• 1 entry for watching the book trailer
  
• 1 entry per tweet about Parallel Visions or my book trailer http://youtu.be/gcq1veOfnbI (up to 5 entries)
  
• 1 entry per post on your blog, FaceBook, Google+, or other social network about Parallel Visions or my book trailer (up to 5 entries, 1 per social network)
  
• 20 entries per ebook or print book bought of Parallel Visions (email me the receipt)
  

So you could have a total of 31 entries to the contest.

Contest is open worldwide, though the ebook reader is US and Canada only. (UK if the stores ship there.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I absolutely love this Banned Books video by Bookmans (an Arizona bookstore) to help launch the national (US) read-out from banned and challenged books for Banned Book Week CSept 30-Oct 6). The video shows Bookmans staff and customers each reading a single line from a banned or challenged book–reading wisdom, advice, and celebrating banned books.

"We'd like you to make an author video." This was in an email my editor sent me a few weeks ago. And my response was a cheerful, "Sure!"

Of course, I wasn't all that sure. I mean, an author video--that meant I had to videotape myself. And to be honest, I'm the type of person who tries to avoid cameras at all cost. The isolation and ability to wear yoga pants all day are big perks to authorhood in my book.

Not that I couldn't have seen this coming--I mean, Harper had listed an author video as part of their marketing plan. Anyway, I made a quick video. Edited it on my basic editing software, the stuff that was already on my computer. Only it looked... Well, pretty terrible.

So I made a better video. And I thought I'd share with you what I learned, so you can be awesome right out the gate.

1. Yes, you need an author video

Maybe your publisher didn't ask you for it, but an author interview is a great tool in telling the world about the great book you wrote. If you're an indie writer: what a great tool to promote your work, right? Especially if you're a middle-grade writer, like me. Author videos allow librarians, teachers and parents to hear you talk about the story, and why kids should read it.

2. Watch some examples

The best way to decide what you want your video to look like is to watch other writers strut their stuff. Some look at the camera, some don't. Some look like they had a stylist, and some look like they just fell out of bed. Just search for 'author video' on Youtube, and it'll toss you examples. I've pasted mine below, but you can do much better.

3. State your talking points

What do you want to say about your book? If someone were to interview you, what do you wish they would ask? Unless you're Stephen King, try to find a good way to introduce yourself and the book. Keep it to the most important stuff. You really don't want your video to run much longer than three minutes.

4. Write a script

Think about how your video will play out. Imagine what slides you'll use (for questions), and what you'll say.

5. Buy some software, if you can afford it

I started my video on Moviemaker, but it's pretty limited in its templates. I tried freeware, and even considered (briefly, until I saw the pricetag) buying a Mac.

Bottom line: unless you're a techie, you want to buy some software with templates. This blog, my website, the video--they're all built with them. Templates are your friend--look for video editing software that gives you sound effects if possible. You'll want to be able to adjust the sound, so look for that function. I made my video with Pinnacle (which set me back $80), but there are several alternatives for about the same price.

6. Shoot lots of video

Unless you're Oprah, you probably need a little warm up time in front of the camera. Videotape yourself answering the same question five times--your software will allow you to edit it. You can use a basic camera; just make sure your sound quality holds up. Shooting outside may be a bit ambitious...

7. Get images and music

Make sure you own the rights to whatever images and music you use... Buy what you need, or ask friends (my Paris pictures were graciously donated by my sister).

8. Have fun

So maybe seeing yourself on video is not your favorite thing in the world. But enjoy the creative process! Play around with your slides, transitions, and other effects. Make sure they fit the mood/message of your book.

I hope this is helpful for you fellow authors! Here's my video; let me know when you make yours, and I'll post it here on the blog with your permission.

I think these text-message airplanes from Moleskin are so cute! Or maybe they just appeal to the writer and reader in me. It’s word fun!

Thanks to @MikeCane on Twitter for the link.

More Susan Boyle–inspiring people everywhere! I think she helps people see that dreams can come true. And even though it can take a long time as an artist or writer, it can still happen.

See Susan Boyle interviewed in her home on CBS news, and get a bit of backstory about her that makes her even more incredible, and someone you really want to root for.

Watch CBS Videos Online

The second half of the interview, with Patti Lupone wowed by Susan Boyle.

Watch CBS Videos Online

Susan Boyle interviewed by Diane Sawyer, and we learn that she was bullied as a child and dealt with depression.

Susan Boyle discussed on ITV by judge Amanda from Britian’s Got Talent

NBC Brian Williams talks about Susan Boyle

Susan Boyle has brought good feeling to people around the world, with her movement from someone the audience snickered at when she got on stage, to the audience standing up to happily applaud her after she sang. If you saw the first video of Susan Boyle on Britian’s Got Talent, you’ll know how powerful it was. Now there’s another video (in two parts)–Susan Boyle interviewed on Larry King Live, and giving a brief performance.

To me, it’s so full of hope. I love how someone who doesn’t fit the traditional beauty is recognized as beautiful and talented for her incredible voice. She stayed true to herself, believed in her dream and her talent–and got recognition.

You may have already seen this YouTube video as it’s been making the rounds, but if you haven’t, take the time to see it. You may find yourself inspired or feeling happy, the way I did, after watching it.

The video of Susan Boyle from Britian’s Got Talent doesn’t have anything to do with writing or reading specifically, but I think it has powerful messages for writers and artists, as well as all of us–to never give up our dreams, to keep trying, and to believe in ourselves, even when it seems that there are circumstances or things against us.

I found this video inspiring, and I hope you do, too.

I thought this video of a librarian singing his own song about wanting people to bring back books was funny. I hope you enjoy it.