RWA2018 Workshop Handouts
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Workshop Handouts ADVANCED CRAFT TIPS – Laura Drake • Start with conflict, not with crisis • Only show thoughts we could NOT guess. Even better, if the thoughts are the opposite of the dialog • Cut ‘filter’ words – it’s the difference between workman-like and a smooth, close POV read. Saw, felt, heard, tasted – think about the senses. • You can do much better than dialog tags • Showing is almost always better than telling – be sure you’re not doing both • BE the Dude • Speed up and Slow time • Say it once, say it well • Yoda: In writing there is only do or not do; there is no ‘start’ • Adverb adverse BEYOND THE ARCHED BROW Using Body Language to Show Instead of Tell Presented by SILVER JAMES What is body language? Body language = nonverbal communication. What does this mean? Body language is a way to convey information through conscious and subconscious gestures, body movements, postures and facial expressions. It can replace and/or reinforce verbal communication and can be used as an indicator of mood and intentions. A quick overview of emotions commonly used in romance: ANGER: Beyond the obvious reasons, it can also be an expression of fight-or-flight or an instinctive reaction to a threat. There could be an underlying fear of harm. Heart rate increases, pupils dilate, skin might flush. Adrenaline surges. Some signs of anger: Tightly crossed arms, hands flat or fists clenched Clenched teeth Shaking or stabbing a finger Jutting chin Narrowed eyes Facial/muscle tic ATTRACTION: Females: Pupils dilate and/or rapid blinking, crossing and uncrossing legs, licking lips Males: Appraising looks, framing (hands calling attention to masculine “attributes”) Attributes of an Alpha Male: Steepling the fingers Folding hands behind the back Thumbs sticking out from pockets when hands are in pockets (front or back pockets) Hands on hips Straddling a chair Hands folded behind the head while sitting Arms crossed with smirk, smile, or challenging expression on face Other Attitudes Closed to Conversation: Keeping hands in pockets Arms and legs crossed Sitting/leaning back Folding hands together on a table (creates barrier) Figure-four leg cross: putting ankle of one leg on knee of the other, then grabbing the calf/shin with both hands (more a male gesture) Openness/Honesty Exposing the palms/open hands Arms relaxed Legs uncrossed or stretched out Leaning forward Direct gaze Submissive Tilting head to expose throat (happens OUTSIDE of paranormal romances too) Slumped shoulders Doing things to appear smaller Lowered head/eyes Smiling (some people smile when upset/afraid in hopes of redirecting anger/attention) Stress/Distress Rubbing back of neck Running fingers through hair Crossed arms Self-hugging (crossed arms with hands gripping arms) One-arm cross (one arm across body to hold or touch the other arm—women keep a hand on a purse or back strap to make this look more natural.) Clutching a purse, briefcase, or…pearls. Adjusting cuffs or cufflinks (male version of peal clutching) Folding hands together at crotch level (men) Lying Face touching Covering the mouth/coughing to cover words Rubbing the back of the neck Lip pursing Hair stroking Playing with jewelry Covering the neck dimple (usually seen with females) Eye blocking—closing eyes tightly or even covering eyes with hands Rubbing palms on legs Hand wringing RESOURCES/MORE INFORMATION http://www.businessballs.com/body-language.htm http://changingminds.org/techniques/body/body_language.htm https://lonerwolf.com/body-language-signs-of-attraction/ https://lonerwolf.com/body-language-arms/ http://bodylanguageproject.com/ ©Silver James, 2018, for personal and reference use only More Than Words: Alternative Content Ideas to Reward Readers & Expand Your Brand 2018 RWA Conference Denver, Colorado Presenter: Lindsay Emory Description: It’s time to think outside the box of swag and freebies and, instead, focus on the idea of alternative content. Learn the benefits, costs, and establish goals. Sample ideas will be split between easy, moderate, and advanced. Brainstorm the big ideas that will make any author stand out in a crowded market. What is Content Marketing? A marketing technique of creating and providing useful and interesting information to attract and develop a core audience. “Content" is what you create from the world inside your mind. You use your imagination, your personality, your original thoughts and ideas and viewpoints to produce something new. For writers, the primary content we provide our audience are: *Books *stories *characters What about… A bookmark. A pen. A gum packet? A release day newsletter? Pictures of your wineglass on Instagram? - These things can build your BRAND, make your readers happy, but are not CREATED CONTENT {Test: Is it Swag or Is it Content?} What about… Extra chapters, novellas, epilogues? Newsletters? - These are great – but when fifty zillion other authors are providing free sign up novellas how do you expand your brand? What kind of content will set you apart? “Remember: You’re in the Content Business.” – Damon Suede / Heidi Cullinan, YOUR A-GAME All rights reserved, Quad Eight LLC., & Lindsay Emory Four Steps to Identifying your New Alternative Content: 1. Goals – a. Finding new readers b. Rewarding loyalty c. Spreading awareness / building buzz d. Creating a community e. Establishing yourself as an authority f. Fill in times between publication dates 2. Exclusivity – for ARC team? For readers who have finished your series? For anyone? 3. Availability – of your resources. How much time do you have? How much money? How much enthusiasm? 4. Profit – Are you selling this content? Or gifting it to the world? Reminder: This does not have to be about your books/ reading!!! But it should relate to YOU/ YOUR BRAND “Users engage most with content related to a brand rather than discussing the brand.” - Damon Suede/ Heidi Cullinan, YOUR A-GAME Alternative Content Ideas Simple - Requires limited time (10-30 minutes), basic technology • Recipes • Reading lists (your books, other authors' books, nonfiction books, news) • Curated lists - Tim Ferriss’ Five for Friday • Curated Photo collections on instagram/ Tumblr/ site -historical clothing a la Julia Kelly, Loretta Chase (NOT just reposting hunky guys. Again, difference between BRAND and CONTENT • Playlists • • • Intermediate - Requires 2+ hours, specialized knowledge/ technology, $100 or more • Games/ quizzes • Commissioned art All rights reserved, Quad Eight LLC., & Lindsay Emory • Screen savers • Knitting/ needlepoint patterns • travel guide (real or fictional) (think of JK Rowling) • Tasting notes (beer / wine theme) • Photo album template • Monthly Skype/ Zoom chats • Fantasy football draft - if you write sports romance, would your fans love to hang out with you for the season? Money could go to charity? • Nonfiction book to go along with your series (photography of rodeos, cake recipes, etc.)(original photos only) • • • Advanced - Requires 10+ hours of time, $500 or more and /or outsourcing technological expertise or assistant • Podcasts • You Tube channel - John Green • Exclusive media - songs, radio plays • Series/World Website - I.e. Pottermore. Journals, Diaries, Letters between Characters, Newspaper from town. You already have the world in your head - build on it. • Apps • Lead Tours - to Scotland! Hawaii! Cleveland! (May not have to do with your book – you might just be an expert on someplace that readers might like to go!) • Mini courses - A lot of writers doing these and focusing on other writers. Think what content a reader/ fan might want from you? • Subscription Boxes/ Exclusive Gift Sets (Might fall into ‘deluxe swag’ category, depending on what’s in them/ how you curate.) • Teaming up with other authors to create groups/community/shared content • • • Brainstorming session – Let’s discuss ideas and implementation! A+ Suggested Post-Conference Reading: Your A Game – Damon Suede & Heidi Cullinan All rights reserved, Quad Eight LLC., & Lindsay Emory Five Hints for Avoiding the Slush Pile Agents and editors receive thousands of submissions. Their desks are only so big. Hence the dreaded Slush Pile. Make sure your manuscript sits on the top of the stack. 1. Writing is an art. Publishing is a business. Learn the business Prepare yourself Network What’s your hurry? Critique partners, beta readers, contests (enter/judge) 2. Make them come to you. Media coverage Website or blog Agent/Editor appointments Contests 3. Follow Instructions Your query letter Book blurb 4. Don’t burn your bridges. Dos and don’ts Act like a professional 5. That dreaded grammar category. Dialogue Homophones Susan C Muller www.SusanCMuler.com Instagram for Authors Join the Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/Instagram4Authors/ TEN MINUTES A DAY INSTAGRAM – pick 1-2 from this list for 10 mins 1. RETURN LIKES AND COMMENTS • Click the heart icon along the bottom of your screen (mobile) • Tap on recent profiles who liked your post and like 1 or more of their posts • For those who commented on your post, like and comment on one of their posts 2. LIKE AND COMMENT ON NEW POSTS (3 min • Click the house icon on your home feed. Like and comment on posts from those you follow • Pro tip: the speech to text function on your phone can make for faster commenting, but check for spelling errors before you post! 3. FOLLOW NEW USERS • Use the magnifying glass search icon to see suggested pics and users based on your preVious interactions. Like, comment or follow on any that interest you (ideally in niche - books, writing) 4. POST A PHOTO WITH A CAPTION • Pro tip: take photos ahead of time in batches so they are ready to post later • End your caption with a prompt to encourage a response • Include releVant hashtags MORE TIPS I don’t know what to post • Find an account you like and try taking a photo similar to theirs • Repost another users photo with permission and/or tagged photo credit • Search your own book title (if published), repost & tag w/ credit.