Articles in the Book and Writing Events Category

by Laura Cross

Book industry insiders estimate that ghostwriters author 60% to 80% of books published each year. And with book ghostwriting fees range from $10,000 to $100,000 per project — $10,000 being the very low end and $100,000 usually paid to more established writers (“celebrity” ghostwriters earn $250,000+ per book) – more and more freelance writers are discovering that authoring books as a “hidden writer” or collaborator can be a viable and lucrative career.

Here are three secrets to help you create a successful career as a book ghostwriter:

1. Learn How To Capture The Client’s Voice

The ability to capture and convey the client’s voice is an essential component for a successful career as a ghostwriter. Being able to effectively structure content and manage a project are also necessary skills for ghosting, but the ability to mimic the client’s speaking style and make it come alive on paper is the skill that will land you recurring, high-paying projects. Carefully listen to the client during your interviews and conversations (and review any available audio – videos, podcasts, etc. – as well previously published material written by the client) to learn how he or she structures sentences. Listen for specific phrases, word patterns, vocabulary choices, and tone, texture, and energy – and then practice recreating it until your words and the client’s words blend seamlessly.

2. Position Yourself As One Of The Experts In Your Niche

Are you the go-to writer for women’s fitness and health? Do you mostly write narrative essays or opinion pieces? Are you the how-to article guy or the relationship advice guru? Are you a freelance writer with a background in accounting or experience in social media? Ghostwriters who specialize in specific genres (such as memoir, finance and investing, or women’s issues) tend to be more successful than those who generalize. Capitalize on your experience and expertise by focusing your ghostwriting in one to three areas of specialization. Use your portfolio and online presence (website, blog, social media profiles and interactions) to establish and build your platform. Consistently deliver quality content and exceptional customer service to solidify and maintain your status.

3. Connect With Literary Agents

Literary agents are one of the best referral sources for quality ghostwriting projects. Many experts, business leaders, entrepreneurs, politicians, actors, television celebrities, sports figures, chefs, doctors, professors, gurus, and media-darlings-of-the-moment, lack the necessary skills to write a compelling book. Literary agents need to match their clients with professional ghostwriters or collaborators. Connecting with literary agents, and growing and nurturing those relationships over time, is an invaluable element to a successful ghostwriting career. (You can download a free chapter on “Finding and Selecting an Agent” from my book The Complete Guide To Hiring A Literary Agent at GetALiteraryAgent.com)

Laura Cross is an author, screenwriter, ghostwriter, freelance book editor, and writing coach specializing in nonfiction books and script adaptation (book-to-film projects). She writes two popular blogs, NonfictionInk.com and AboutAScreenplay.com, and teaches online writing workshops.

Laura’s latest book is The Complete Guide To Hiring A Literary Agent: Everything You Need To Know To Become Successfully Published. You can download a free chapter, view the book trailer, read the full table of contents, and purchase the Book in electronic format at GetALiteraryAgent.com.

Have you every considered ghost writing? Are you in the process of finding a literary agent? Laura joins us today on her blog tour. You’re invited to ask questions in the comments. What would you like to know?

In the first part of our two-part interview with Maine-based author Jennifer Greenleaf, we talked about her Virtual Book Signing Tour, taking place this entire weekend.

A master marketer, prolific author, mixed media artist, and mother, Jenny Greenleaf doesn’t believe in getting locked into one niche in her writing – or in her life. Her current titles include:

• 101 Mixed-Media Art Projects, How-To’s & Ideas: A Beginner’s Guide to Messy Art With No Rules
• Maine Living: One Writer’s Perspective
• While We’re Apart: A Fill in the Blank Book
• While We’re Still Apart: A Fill in the Blank Book

Her goal for 2010 is 12 publications in 12 months. In the second part of this interview, Jenny shares her extensive knowledge of the publishing industry.

You have five books already published, and three coming out soon … how long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing professionally since 1999, but my book writing experience started in 2006 (with The WonderDads Handbook for Raising a Girl Ages 0-10: A Month-by-Month Look at What to Expect, Developmental Tips, & Ideas for Activities: releasing spring 2010).  Prior to that, you could say I’ve been a writer ever since I could hold a crayon – it’s been an active part of my life for as long as I can remember.

Do you have an agent?
I don’t have an agent, though I did have an agent interested in my work in 2002.  I found him when I was researching how to sell some gift books I had drawn, then life got in the way and the project was put on hold.  The process of writing the book proposal and querying the agent was far more difficult than working on the books, which I found quite interesting.  I sent out 40 queries, and received one positive response out of all that work.

Who is publishing your titles?
WonderDads is currently publishing The WonderDads Handbook For Raising a Girl Ages 0-10, and I believe I found them through freelancewritinggigs.com. I sent them a query with clips, we did a phone interview, and then we sealed the deal with a contract.  It was a very simple process, and one I wish would repeat itself over and over!  I didn’t have to shop around the idea because they were looking for authors to write specific titles.  The rest of my titles are published through CreateSpace.com.

Why did you opt to go the self-publishing route?
I ran into a lot of “issues” with traditional publishers.  I’m the type of person who needs control over the book’s content, as well as how it is presented on the page… I found myself butting heads a lot over these issues and desires, so I decided to forego it all and self-publish.

I’ve noticed that, while publishing houses do offer support in many ways there’s still a lot the authors have to do. So, there’s a lot of marketing and promotional efforts put on to the author’s shoulders that mirrors the efforts made by the self-published author.

Do you feel there’s still a stigma attached to self-publishing, or is that gone/nearly gone?
For some there is, but I’ve seen a greater acceptance for self-publishing compared to when I first heard of it in 2002.  Back then, those who self-published were often referred to as “slush pile writers” who couldn’t make the grade.  Now, self-publishing is viewed more as a business model is better understood.  When I learned that many authors, like Julia Cameron, started out as self-published authors I realized that those who turn their nose up at it might not know the true history of the matter and how beneficial it could be.

Would you recommend this route to most writers?
If you have the background, why not?  I’ve been writing professionally for ten years, so I feel like I have a lot under my belt in terms of quality and proven ability.  I wouldn’t recommend it to a novice writer because, after all, learning the ropes about the craft and business of writing is daunting for many without throwing in how to successfully market and publicize the book(s).

Is it your ultimate goal to have these titles picked up by a publisher, or is that not a consideration with your business model?
My goal, really, is to get the work into people’s hands.  I would love to see these books enjoyed and used by many.  If that means the work will be noticed and picked up by a publisher, that would be something to consider.

Thank you for being so generous with your time Jennifer. We want to wish you the greatest success with your writing goals and hope your books reach the many people whose lives you want to touch.

If you’d like to experience one or more of Jennifer’s books these four are available from Amazon right now and remember, this weekend Jennifer is also doing a virtual book signing, if you email her a copy of your receipt she’ll ship you out a custom bookplate designed and signed by Jennifer Greenleaf.

Jennifer Greenleaf visits WRA!

You might have known her before as Jenn Hollowell, a talented a Maine-based freelance writer and author who married in 2009 and became Jennifer Greenleaf. This weekend she’s promoting four titles through a virtual book-tour and signing.

Writer’s Roundabout contributor, Dawn Allcot, had the pleasure of speaking with Jennifer who has been writing for 10 years, and has much to share with both aspiring writers and professionals about organization, discipline, marketing and more. You can read more about her books on her blog, 12 Publications in 12 Months.

You’ve got a virtual book-signing going on this weekend. Can you tell us what that is and how you got the idea to do it?

I’ve decided to create a virtual book signing for a couple of reasons… Touring around to do face-to-face book signings just isn’t in the cards right now.  The next reason is because I wanted to open this opportunity to those who are living in other states, and even foreign countries.  For those who purchase any one of my books before or during the designated dates, they will receive a custom-made signed bookplate.

I heard of another author doing this years ago, but their name escapes me.  I remember participating in the signing, which was coupled with a message board discussion, and thinking it was a great idea.  Not only was this author able to reach their audience in real time, but they were also able to do it from the comfort of their own home.  This is a win-win situation for everyone, as far as I’m concerned.

Any other unique marketing ideas to promote the sales of your newest titles?

For the “While we’re Apart: A Fill in the Blank Book” series, I plan to send messages to Head Start and Advocates for Parents (and other related groups and organizations) about these titles. I used to serve on the policy council for the Head Start program when my children were pre-school aged, so I’m able to tap into that marketing avenue with a “familiar name.”

For all the titles as a whole, I’m going to schedule once per month virtual book signings (because several more titles are releasing throughout 2010). That way, each title can have its own custom bookplate and customers who missed out on previous signings will have the opportunity to participate again.

What are some of your most effective marketing strategies?

Social networking has been playing a huge roll in my marketing strategies. I’ve been able to use the “fan pages” on Facebook.com quite effectively in terms of creating events, sharing photos, sharing information about book progress, as well as links.  I’ve also found benefit in using Twitter.com to get the word out about my books, and book related events.  There are dozens more networks I plan to tap into as the year progresses.

Many experts tell writers they need a niche to build a platform, etc. Each of your books is in a different niche. Was that a conscious decision?

It was because I don’t want to lock myself into one particular topic. I enjoy flexibility, and I want to continue having the opportunity to write about whatever interests me.  I agree building a platform is important, and I’ll do that by building my name, rather than just one book.  I’m hoping that, when people hear the name Jennifer Greenleaf they’ll correlate that with “life” topics, rather than just one niche.

Has it been easier to market four very diverse titles at once, or has that been a challenge?

At first I felt challenged because I didn’t know which direction to take first.  It wasn’t until I was invited on to the 92 Moose Morning Show, and then Elemental Musings BlogTalk Radio Show that I decided to keep the titles in a group for the time being.  Then, I’ll branch out into segmented marketing efforts geared specifically to art, parenting, and travel.

Your goal is 12 publications in 12 months, and you’re well on your way. How do you stay so prolific?

I don’t believe in locking myself into one specific niche because I feel I’m missing out on opportunities for expanded success.  If the topic interests me, you can be sure I’ll be writing about it in the form of articles, blog posts, or books.  I’m an avid learner, and I’m also looking for more ways to educate my children; so writing has helped me achieve that in a very gratifying way.

When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?

I’m a mixed-media artist, and am frequently looking for opportunities to add creativity to my daily routine.  I love painting, using photographs in art, and working on collages.  This is another aspect of my life my children also enjoy doing with me, again further inspiring me!

Jennifer Greenleaf is visiting us this weekend and is happy to answer your questions. If you’d like to know more about Jennifer’s books, her experiences in publishing, or her years as a writer leave your comments below. Dawn continues with Jennifer tomorrow but in the meantime, check out her books:

• While We’re Apart: A Fill in the Blank Book (Volume 1)
• While We’re Still Apart: A Fill in the Blank Book (Volume 2)
• Maine Living: One Writer’s Perspective (Volume 1)
• 101 Mixed-Media Art Projects, How-To’s and Ideas: A Beginner’s Guide

“Each book has its own custom bookplate designed and signed by Jennifer Greenleaf. All customers have to do is forward their receipt to Jennifer once the purchase has been made, and then they will receive their signed bookplate. The email you need to use in order to receive your custom bookplate is jgbooksigning@aol.com“. So get yourself the book or books of your choice and get in touch with Jennifer.

The lovely, Michele Tune, returns to us today with more of her delightful charm, stunning integrity, and breathtaking generosity of nature. Today, we talk about Writing, the habit of regular writing and the courage to write through the fear.

Rebecca: Hi Michele. Thanks for joining us again today and for your generosity in sharing valuable time to talk with me. I know you lead a busy life, You always seem to be a powerhouse of writing and inspiration. I look up to your passion and professional enthusiasm as a freelance writer.

Rebecca: Whenever I see an update from you on Plurk or Twitter you’ve just finished a new post, are reviewing another fantastic product, writing up a storm, or in the market trenches.

Rebecca: I’ve written in the past about finding ideas and facing fear as a freelance writer. Many writers I talk to continue to struggle when it comes to embracing their ideas or putting words to the page.

Rebecca: Finally, I want to leave you open to share anything else you feel Writer’s Round-About readers might like to know.

Rebecca: Thank you again for your time, Michele. I feel like I’ve only just touched the surface of all I want to know about you and your freelance writing. Perhaps I’ll follow up this interview with another down the line if you’re agreeable to the idea.

Michele: I’d be honored, Rebecca! And thank you so much for your kind introduction, and for hosting this interview. I appreciate it!

Later this month, Sue William Silverman, author of “Fearless Confessions: A Writer’s Guide to Memoir” is visiting Writer’s Round-About as she travels the Web on her August Blog Tour hosted by Wow! Women On Writing. But before she gets here, I need YOUR help!

When Angela and Jodi of Wow! asked if I would take part in Sue’s blog tour this August I knew I wanted to be involved but I wanted to do more than just review “Fearless Confessions”. I wanted to give Sue as much launch as WRA could offer and not just for her book but the whole idea of writing fearlessly! As many regular WRA readers know, I’m a writer frequently plagued by fear and the idea of taking fear out of the writing experience appeals to me. What is the real secret to writing Fearless Confessions and can Sue’s guidance regarding memoir be taken into other writing genres?

Questions! The questions that sprung to mind compelled me to ask Sue to meet with me for an interview. But, to be honest, I’ve not had much experience with interviewing. That is where you come in. Sue is making herself available to our questions, I have a few of my own but would love to include your questions in my interview. What would you like to ask Sue? Do you have any questions about writing with fear?

As if having this opportunity to ask you questions might not be enough I want to give a copy of “Fearless Confessions: A Writer’s Guide to Memoir” to one special WRA Reader. I don’t know how many of your questions we will be able to include in the interview (hopefully Sue will have time to answer any that are not covered when she visits) but one of the questions submitted and selected for the interview will earn a copy of Sue’s book.

It really is that easy. Ask your questions in the comments between now and August 17th and you could win!

Earlier this month, Writer’s Round-About had the opportunity to talk to MaAnna Stephenson about her new eBook series, “Just The FAQs”. It is wonderful to be able to share this interview.

It is such a pleasure to have this opportunity to talk about your new eBook series, Just the FAQs. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

1. First, what prompted you to write the “Just the FAQs” series of eBooks?

I took four years off from developing sites to do the research for my book The Sage Age – Blending Science with Intuitive Wisdom, which was featured in Publishers Weekly. When I began creating an online presence for that book, things on the Internet had changed and Web 2.0 had become popular. I wasted a lot of days trying to find clear resources to learn what I needed to know to get caught up with the new technology. Since that process was difficult for someone with my background, I knew it would be a nightmare for non-geeks. I simply documented the steps as I went through them and that’s where the material for Just the FAQs eBooks originated. I made sure that they were clear, to the point, and easy to understand for folks who had no prior technical experience.

2. What do you feel is the most important fact these books give readers?

I believe the most important thing these books impart is a sense of confidence built on a solid education so that folks feel very comfortable creating an online presence for themselves that works right the first time and gets results.

3. Who would most benefit from reading these books?

The books are beneficial to anyone who is just starting out with online marketing and wants to promote a product or share news with a target audience. Or, if you’ve been blogging for a while but don’t know if you’re getting the most out of your blog or are confused about how to best use RSS feeds, the eBooks can help take you to the next level. The new classes also teach advanced tips and tricks not covered in the eBooks. Also, folks who already have invested in a nice static site that is tied to their shopping cart but have never blogged can integrate a blog into their site very easily. The eBooks will help them get started on the right foot with that.

4. You’ve taken to Web design and marketing alongside your writing.
How important do you feel it is for professional writers and
freelancers to learn the fundamentals of internet use or the more advanced aspects of Web design?

An online presence is critically important to all writing professions now, therefore, it is almost mandatory that folks learn at least the most basic skills of how to make the Internet work for them. This will include becoming familiar with HTML code, not just for their own site, but to enhance posts they make on other sites that will help get them noticed and stand out from the crowd. Also, new widgets are being created every day that are handy tools that help make managing on online marketing campaign easier and more efficient. Knowing how to work with some of the code to customize them to suit your needs is helpful. Those are part of the advanced tips and tricks I teach in the classes.

5. What sort of impact do you feel the online world has had or will have on the future of writing and publishing?

Digital media is the future of writing and publishing, just as it has been for the music industry for the last several years. Increasingly more folks are viewing online or downloading digital media, whether that is music, podcasts, or videos. The popularity of the Kindle and other digital readers are increasing the demand for more writing content in digital format. Fewer folks are purchasing the tangible medium these days, as we’ve seen with the decline of paper subscriptions to newspapers and magazines in favor of the online only editions. However, I believe some print material will remain for at least the next few decades, including reference books and study material. However, most college students own a laptop and use the school’s digital library and resources everyday, so the trend toward digital reference media will continue to grow.

6. Along with reading your eBooks, where would you recommend a writer begin learning about creating an online presence?

There are literally hundreds of thousands of folks who claim to be gurus on this topic and I’ve been fortunate to develop relationships with some really wonderful folks who are degreed in marketing and help folks develop strategies that work for their product. So, even though there are a lot of people who can teach you how to write an exciting blog post that gets attention and results, there are very few folks who teach the basics of the technical aspects of creating a blog and using all the whistles and bells of it. I’ve attended many teleclasses where the host is giving out the most wonderful information about blogging, but so much of it goes over the heads of the participants because they don’t understand the lingo or know how to install some widget. I’ve found very few sites or other resources that give clear, concise information about the basics in a step-by-step manner where folks can build on their knowledge. In fact, when I first heard about RSS feeds, it took two days of intense searching for me to have a full understanding of what they were and how to get the most out of them. I had to visit multiple sites to finally piece together that there are three components to RSS feeds. I’m posting new articles on the Resources page of Just the FAQs every week or so to help others avoid that frustrating and time-wasting search and to teach folks what they need to know to get started.

7. I love the smart and fun presentation of the Just the FAQs eBooks.
What went into making each of the books? Do you follow a particular process when creating a new eBook?

Thanks, I had a lot of fun creating them. I’ve written several types of technical documents, including engineering change orders, training manuals for technicians, and end user manuals. This is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to include colors and symbols and make it fun and appealing to the more creatively-minded folks. I’m a woodcarver, multi-instrumentalist, and composer and I hang out with all sorts of creative folks, so I know how they think and what they like. In fact, I asked a few of my artistic buddies, who don’t feel very comfortable with techie things, to proofread the eBooks. They gave them a thumb’s up for ease of use and fun without being silly or verbose.

I’ve been an electronics engineer for so long that documenting a process as I go through it is simply second nature. Because finding the information was such an arduous task, I wanted to ensure that I had good notes for my own use. When my editor for The Sage Age heard that I was doing this, she began asking questions about her own sites, including her blogs and feeds. I sent her the documentation and she strongly suggested I consider publishing them. They are all step-by-step guides and all have the same color coding, symbols and layout.

The websites book is a little different. It’s written more in prose format and was developed from my years of experience working with clients, especially clients who came to me to completely redesign their site. They had no idea what they were getting into with the first one and made a lot of very expensive mistakes, including losing the copyright to the entire content of their site or not being able to get control of their domain name to point it to a new site. The book is full of information that will help you avoid these mistakes and create a site that both looks great and functions in a way that gets results. (I love your site, by the way. It’s very well done!) The websites book also contains the three worksheets I gave my clients to help them organize and gather the content for the site, which most folks get bogged down in doing because it seems so overwhelming. The only thing they had thought about before hiring a designer was making it look pretty. That’s only skin deep. You have to create content and functional aspects that capture your audience and drive them through the site. It’s the same reason grocery stores put the bakery up front, the meat counter at the back, and the dairy section on the last aisle.

8. We all began somewhere and I know from my own experiences that learning how to build websites and become known online often requires a great deal of trial and error. What sort of mistakes did you make as you learned the answers to the FAQs you share in your eBooks and how
have they helped you develop your skills?

Years of developing sites for non-profit organizations taught me a lot about being in the business of site development. They always wanted something that I didn’t yet know how to do, so I was constantly being challenged to learn and try new things. Of course, being an engineer or in any other technological field is that way. You may graduate, but you never get out of school.

I think the biggest challenge most everyone faces now is how to effectively and efficiently use an online marketing strategy. There are simply too many ways to market online to do them all. It’s important to develop a strategy that is a good fit for you and your product and have a site that lends itself to that strategy. At first it was important to develop a static website as an online brochure. Later, it became popular to post news on a blog as a way to drive traffic to your site. Now, you have to use micro-blogging and social network sites to drive traffic to your blog, which, for many folks, is integrated into the static site. The next wave that is already getting red hot is to use video clips on your site and in articles.

9. Creating a website, writing a blog, and developing a presence in article directories are all fantastic ways to build a writers brand.
With new opportunities becoming available on the Web every day, what else do you suggest a writer get involved in to develop their skill and personal brand?

As stated previously, videos are the next big thing. YouTube has created a culture of folks that want to watch instead of read. Internet radio and podcasting has created a culture of folks that want to listen on their iPod while they’re doing other things, like driving. So, it’s not enough to simply deliver great content now. The culture is demanding that it be entertaining and/or convenient too. Fortunately, there are lots of free applications that allow folks to create this type of content for themselves. Because of that, most of what’s on YouTube, internet radio, and podcasts is not produced by professionals nor is it always edited. It has a genuine, almost folk-feel to it. And that’s the key. The reason this low-budget production content is so well received is because of the cultural shift away from hard-sell marketing tactics to soft-sell, people oriented ways of building relationships between the seller and their target audience. It’s a natural extension of Web 2.0 and social media marketing, which is credited with creating two-way conversations between seller and buyer.

I’m moving in that direction with Just the FAQs. I introduced a podcast series a few months ago. Video articles and instructions are next on the to-do list.

10. You’ve already created several fantastic resources but I know most writers often think ahead to the next mountain. What are you working on now? Will you be adding new eBooks to the “Just the FAQs” series?

Besides the videos, I’ll be exploring WordPress this summer. My background was in enterprise level sites for businesses, but WordPress offers a lot of advantages for authors, musicians, and artists. I want to learn it at a developer’s level so I can create custom templates and widgets as well as add other functionality to it that’s not included with the original code. I’ll be expanding the eBook series to include the same type of information for WordPress that I’ve already done for Blogger, which is a much better platform for a small business to integrate a blog into their existing site very inexpensively without a huge learning curve. I’ll also be expanding the advanced section of the classes with this information too. I’ve considered doing a free teleclass at least once a month to help folks get started with the basics because I work with several editors and other marketing guru folks who need a little help getting their clients up to speed with the technology so they can help the client develop the rest of their marketing strategy.

Thank you so much for your time, MaAnna.

Thank you for the opportunity. You have great questions and it was a pleasure to answer them. I hope your readers find them informative.

MaAnna is visiting us at WRA today so if you have more questions of your own please leave them in the comments.

Each time a blog visitor comments on any or all of the blog stops, they will be entered in a random drawing for two free Just the FAQs classes. Not only that, but every commenter is a winner and will receive a copy of MaAnna Stephenson’s e-book the Quick Step Guide. If you haven’t already read her books, be sure to pick up the series at MaAnna’s Site, Just The FAQs.

Ok, I’ve been putting off drawing a winner, keeping you all in suspense or just making you all grumpy at me. lol In my defense this flu has kicked me to the curb and that is not much fun. What IS fun, is finding out which of my loyal readers will find their very own copy of Writer Mama in their mailbox very soon.

And the winner is… drumroll please!

Kimberlee Ferrell

Congratulations, Kimberlee! If you drop me an email with a postal address and I’ll get the book in the mail first thing Monday.

It’s great to be able to give away prizes and I’m looking forward to giving away more in the future. What do you like best about the contests you enter online? Do you like ones that are simple, your comment equals your entry with a randomly drawn winner? Or would you like to enter contests where you are judged on the quality of your entry? What makes a contest one you want to enter?

With his hit new book, “Pep Talks, Warnings & Screeds: indispensable wisdom and cautionary advice for writers“, just off the presses, talented author George Singleton, took some time from his busy schedule to visit Writer’s Round-About. He shares with us these 21 aphorisms most of which, as he says, “deal with keeping positive.”

Writing is a challenging obsession. Writer’s cannot succeed without dedication, courage, and a driving passion. We must be remarkable people who do not always follow fashionable trends or popular beliefs. We take significant risks, make grandiose leaps and extraordinary choices.

Take a moment from your writing to read George’s insights,
then get right back to those blank pages.

1. Develop Writer Reflexes
I have noticed that young drivers are apt to step on the accelerator of their cars when the traffic light turns yellow. Older drivers have learned that sometimes the light turns red prematurely, and perhaps a younger driver is waiting across the intersection. When the light turns green, that younger driver over there takes off, et cetera. Good. The world is fine.

In writing it’s all speeding forward with no peripheral vision when one begins. It’s how things should be. One needs to feel the pain of side-impact. Later, the writer has two options: either to be so paranoid of a collision that he or she quits writing, or be so aware of an unwanted collision that he or she learns how to swerve at a moment’s notice.

2. This guy walks into the bar and says…
If you understand that your story might be difficult for the reader to understand in terms of willing suspension of disbelief, then you can easily invent another character who must undergo hearing and living the story. Instead of “I fell into this hole one night when I was walking. The hole went something like 457 feet down, and when I got there I met up with a tribe of stuttering people who called themselves the Dir-dir-dirteaters,” maybe try something like this:

I sat alone in a bar. This normal-looking guy turned away from the bartender toward me and said, “Man. I just got back from falling 457 feet down into a hole where I met a band of stuttering people called the dir-dir-dirteaters.” He raised his eyebrows as if to ask what I thought about all that.

I said, “I got enough trouble, buddy. My wife just called saying she wanted to take a pottery course at the local community college.”

3. The Taste Sensations of Story
Of all the muscles in the human body, the tongue might be the most amazing. There are taste buds sprinkled all over the place—from what I can understand—that deal with Sweet, Salty, Sour, Savory, and Bitter. Good meals might properly include all of these sensations. So might short stories and novels.

4. Choreography or Chaos?
I have watched people in cities walking their dogs. It’s as if the dog knows exactly where he or she should go next. In a way, it’s an act of beauty, kind of like ballroom dancing, or pairs ice skating. I am not so certain, though, that a short story should be like this. Wouldn’t it be more fun and daring—for reader and writer alike—to be not quite sure where the dog might pull next?

5. Essential Tool: Scented Candle
There are many candles in the candle shop. There is not one of them that smells good to everyone. There is not one of them that smells bad to everyone, either. A story might not be for one editor or reader, but it might be for another.

6. Product Placement
I have gone to New York City in the past, gotten up in the middle of the night, walked out of my hotel room, and ventured down to the local all-night convenience store. This has happened more than once. This has happened every time I’ve been to New York, as a matter of fact. I’ve said, “Hey. Do y’all have any Goody’s Powders?” The clerk has always looked at me like I was out of my mind. One man told me that the doughnuts would arrive at five o’clock. I’ve said, “BC Powders? Stanback? I’m talking headache powders.”

I’ve learned that there are fast pain relievers that sell in the South that don’t sell elsewhere. My analysis: Their loss.

7. Shed Your Metaphorical Skin
You can tell when a snake is about to shed its skin. Its eyes get glazed over. It looks meaner than usual. And it will be meaner than usual. Once it sheds, though, it’ll return to being the loveable viper we all know and appreciate.

If you write long enough, there will come a time when nothing seems to be going as you wish. Maybe it’s a time to shed your metaphorical skin, and begin anew. I don’t mean trade in writing fiction for poetry, for God’s sake. I mean try writing from a different point of view than that which you’re comfortable.

8. Surgeons and Mechanics
The good surgeon knows where to cut, but the good mechanic knows his or her bearings.

9. Riding the Rapids
Kayakers know that if they tip over, it’s best to roll back upright immediately. Kayakers don’t know that hitting one’s head over and over on submerged and invisible rocks makes for a better story in the long run.

10. Playing it Straight
You’re playing a video poker machine. The cards come out A, K, Q, J of spades, and the 10 of hearts. You have a straight. You’ve won the hand. Should you throw away that 10 of hearts and hope for a 10 of spades? What would a royal flush pay off? If you’re playing Deuces Wild, maybe there’ll be a two that shows up. That’ll pay off more than a regular straight, also.

Man. What to do, what to do?

You have a story that seems complete with a well-written, nice, normal, convenient, non-controversial, close-ended happy ending. It’ll get published in a journal that has a readership of 250. The editor says that it’s “an international magazine of fiction and poetry” because someone in Denmark subscribes.

Give me a break. If you teach at a small, small college that revels in its “professors” getting published so they can put an item in the alumni magazine, then send it to the little-bitty magazine. Be safe. Die, and have nothing worthwhile on your tombstone.

11. Scatter your Ashes
Once upon a time I had a pet snake. It lived in a terrarium, on a stand, by the back door. I named the snake Tennessee because it was long, and because my better half was brought up in Tennessee and I always said she was meaner than a snake to me. That’s the way I am. Ha! Anyway, one night I was letting out the dogs, they ran skittering helter-skelter and bumped into Tennessee’s cage. I’m not sure what he was doing—I’d just fed him—but a rock tumbled, and somehow he got his head squished. Tennessee died. Tennessee bled and rolled over and died.

I wasn’t happy with the dogs, understand.

As it ended up I burned Tennessee’s smush-headed body in the fire pit I have out back. I coiled him up in a ceramic ashtray, and set him atop some wood and New Yorker magazines I had. Later, I scattered his ashes in my garden. Whenever I ate tomatoes, or sweet potatoes, or jalapenos, or squash, or cantaloupe I thought about Tennessee the Snake.

In writing, it might be good to scatter all of your experiences into some kind of metaphorical garden. Let those ashes settle, and fertilize what you want to emerge later.

12. One Beautiful Flower
Even the smallest, skinniest, shortest magnolia tree puts out at least one good fragrant bloom a year.

13. Of Feeding the Homeless
My garden puts out way more tomatoes than I can ever eat. I don’t even like tomatoes, at least not every day. For a time I took the extras to a soup kitchen where the preacher and her comrades, I found out, spoke to the homeless people nonstop about how Jesus could save them, et cetera. Then it came to me that Jesus didn’t provide any tomatoes for these people. Why was Jesus getting all the glory and recognition for what people like I was doing? I didn’t understand.

There will be times when you publish stories in magazines, and that magazine will receive awards and accolades. You won’t. Other writers in your same issue will get selected for New Stories from the South, and Best American Short Stories, et cetera. It’s important to understand that it’s not a game, not a competition, not a spectator sport. It’s important—in this analogy—to leave Jesus on the sidelines, and concentrate on feeding hungry people.

14. Taking the Bank Shot
You’re playing pool. You’re playing eight-ball. There are two shots to make. One is a straight-in shot, to the corner pocket, from about three feet. The other’s a bank shot.

If you make the bank shot, the other balls are spread out in a way to easily knock them in and win the game. If you make the easy shot, you’ll have to work harder.

What to do?

I believe that you should try the bank. If it doesn’t work out, you lost and start a new game immediately.

15. Begin with Fundamentals
In the land of baseball, Gaylord Perry was known as a great pitcher who got away with throwing spitballs. Spitballs are illegal. In the world of writing, there have been a number of writers who’ve cheated in all the rules, e.g., Show, Don’t Tell. It’s important to remember that, before Gaylord Perry got to where he was, he perfected the basics. He learned the fastball and curve.

Learn the fastball and curve before trying to trick the reader with a spitball.

16. More Than One Way
There’s more than one way to get the honey-taste out of honeysuckle. There’s a best way, according to everyone. Understand that one way might be the best in Georgia, and another day the best in Virginia.

Understand that not everyone cares about honeysuckle.

Understand that you, as a writer, might be blind to putting poison ivy up to your lips.

It’s a learning experience, as they say.

17. Imitate the Dung Beetle
The poor dung beetle: Everyone makes fun of that thing, pushing poop around. It’s industrious. It’s obsessed and single-minded. It works not unlike Sisyphus, doing what it has to do. The dung beetle’s an insect worthy of every writer having tattooed on his or her bicep, if you ask me.

18. Blends and Concoctions
There’s a reason why white people have white children, black people have black children, Asian people have Asian children, and mixed-marriaged people have beautiful, interesting-looking children. There’s a reason why Neapolitan ice cream is more appealing than plain old vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry.

In fiction, it’s best to mix it up, too. Make a story two stories. Give a novel subplots.

19. Treating Heartworm
One time I told a veterinarian that my dogs wouldn’t get heartworm seeing as my dogs smoked cigarettes, and mosquitoes stayed away from smoke. Before everyone involved in animal rights’ organizations gets riled up, this is a joke.

But this is to say that any problem that occurs midway through a short story can be fixed, in theory. You can go change the point of view. You can cut out the subplot that doesn’t work and add another one. You can make the main character a minor character, and so on. There’s always a way to circumvent a major obstacle.

This is harder than it sounds. It might be time—if you understand the story to be flawed—to shelve the thing for a while and start another story.

20. Camp in the Complaints Department
The safest place for a fly to sleep?—the business end of a flyswatter. When the fly feels movement, he knows that trouble approaches. The best place to have stories fall into the writer’s lap?—standing near the Complaint or Returns booth at any retail chain. Nothing but conflict can take place and be witnessed easily.

21. Modern Convenience and Manufacturer Design
There’s no law that says you have to place eggs in the egg holder section of your refrigerator door, or the butter and cheese in that little cubby hole with the slide-down plastic window. There’s no law about keeping lettuce in the crisper drawer down below. It’s a suggestion, evidently, by the Refrigerator Manufacturers of the World.

There are no rules when it comes to writing fiction. But if you understand that there are safer, better, more convenient places to introduce plot, character faults, conflict, and the like, it might make it easier for you, and for the reader.

George Singleton, who was born in Anaheim, California now lives in Pickens Country, South Carolina. He has published over 100 stories in a variety of magazines and journals including The Atlantic Monthly, Harper’s, and Zoetrope and four collections of stories, These People Are Us, The Half-Mammals of Dixie, Why Dogs Chase Cars, and Drowning in Gruel.

Find these books by George Singleton

Tomorrow, Leo Babauta, the brilliance behind Zen Habits and Write To Done is making himself available to answer reader questions. Have you got questions about blogging or writing? Well, you could ask me, but this is a fantastic opportunity to ask someone who really is in the trenches?

With over 75,000 subscribers to Zen Habits and over 5,000 subscribers to Write To Done, Leo knows how to pull readers and captivate his audience. He understands what makes a blog work and how to work a blog to it’s fullest potential.

Tune in Tomorrow: “Ask Leo” Your Blogging and Writing Questions – 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday (Nov. 20, 2008)

Click here to find out more.

Yesterday, I worked flat out for eight hours in glorious Perth sunshine, amongst fun-loving company, in the beautiful vineyard covered Swan Valley, northeast of Perth City, Western Australia. This is my idea of freelance heaven. This is why people abandon their cubicles and steady income, come hell or paid sick leave, and throw their lot into a poky home office (aka the closet) and the uncertainty of bills piling high.

Who could imagine a day of wines, beer, cheese, sausage, nougat, and Margaret River Chocolate Company’s famous chocolate, in Perth’s Valley of Taste could be considered work? When was the last time you made an effort to be involved in work outside of your home office, outside of the drudgery of paperwork and away from your computer screen?

A Swan Valley Wine Tour Is Work?

While this sun shining Saturday hit my tax deductible expense account rather than my profits, the aspect of social connection and interaction involved has the potential to reap rewards well into the future. I might not have cashed a check for those eight hours but what I did cash was industry connections, job leads, and brand.

Who needs to invest several hundred dollars in a corporate advertising campaign when a day out amongst grape vines and exotic tea leaves offers a higher return on investment and fun!

Be Fun But Be Professional

One of the aspects I enjoyed most about this group of industry professionals is they are just that, professional. A wine tour could be the ultimate excuse to get completely trashed, throw up in the back seat of the bus and make inappropriate passes at women half your age, none of these things occurred because my twenty companions were professional. They were courteous, responsible, and considerate.

This is exactly what you must be if you want to make a good impression and experience a successful event. Yes, you can drink, in fact we all tried and tasted about twenty glasses of wine with various alcohol content over the course of a few hours, but you should be responsible. Remember where you are, who you are, and how you want to end your evening (preferably not with your head in a toilet).

Connections Are Key!

Finally, the greatest advantage an event like this provides is connection. Shoulder-to-shoulder with colleagues who have varying specialties and contacts. If you can be genuinely interested in your companions you’ll strike up conversations that naturally migrate to an opportunity to promote yourself and your business. Don’t forget to pass over your business card or collect contact details for followup.

Freelance, The Fun Way

Trust me, freelancing isn’t all about hobnobbing with the industry big wigs and drinking splendidly fresh, vine-ripened wines. These events come along once in a blue moon and the smart freelancer will pounce upon the opportunity and juggle their schedule to accommodate. Snap up as many chances to socialize in a relaxed setting because as freelancers we need to get out into the sunshine from time to time. As writers we thrive on human interaction. As business people we flourish in word-of-mouth functions.

It’s time to go hunting for the next great event! Did you say Christmas Party?