How to Write a Book

Just Do It: How I wrote a book while life got in the way (guest post)

Kate Battestelli and daughter Francesca
Battestelli (yes, that Francesca Battestelli)

Guest post by Kate Battestelli
Author of Growing Great Kids (Charisma House 2012)
Kate's blog: www.thekitchenprincess.com
Kate on Twitter: @katebattistelli

NOTE FROM DIANA: See my intro to Kate here and why I asked her to guest-post on my blog.

Back in June 2010, I first got going on my book Growing Great Kids. I thought, piece of cake. I’ll get this puppy done by September. What’s that saying, “Pride goeth...?” It took a year for me to finish it. My heart rushed way ahead of my head, and for that matter, so did life!

During the first six months of writing, my daughter had a baby (our first grandbaby) and my husband lost his job. Both of those events took a lot of time away from writing, but once January came I knew I had to buckle down and get it done. Around March, I began to get some interest from publishers, which put the pressure on even more to finish my book.

The thought of writing is way easier than the process of writing and in the process I discovered something radical. To get something written, you actually have to sit down and write. Stunning, I know.

"Just say no"

Sometimes I had to "just say no" to lunch with friends or to American Idol, volunteering or even having a clean house. There were days when dinner didn’t get cooked and we made do with takeout.

Life happens and there is nothing we can do about it. But we can set goals and set aside things that aren’t going to get us closer to the finish line.

My goals were modest. I was hoping to write a chapter a week, but in truth that didn’t happen till the last few months when the pressure was on. I work well under pressure, yet I found I had to put pressure on myself when it wasn’t coming from the outside.

The "tyranny of the urgent" will often raise its ugly head, but it boils down to how much you value what you have to say. If there is a book inside you and you know it, it will take everything in you to make it happen.

Helpful advice

Here are some things that worked for me. My husband kept me accountable and on task. So if possible, find an accountability partner who can help you focus.

Also it was invaluable to have the structure from Diana Scimone, my wonderful writing coach. She took my embryo of an idea and helped me shape an elevator statement and objectives for my book. Then we worked on the chapters, broke them down into digestible chunks, and came up with a workable outline. I depended on that outline countless times during the writing process.

She believed in the book living in me but not yet down on paper and it made a huge difference. It’s one thing for me to believe it, quite another when someone else is cheering you on from the sidelines.

My advice: Value the book inside you. Set reasonable goals, sit down and write.

It won’t be easy but nothing worth having ever is. Oh, and I’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines!

 

Just Do It

I woke up this morning with that phrase on my mind: "Just do it."

No, it wasn't Nike asking me to endorse their products. It was about YOU. And your book. And me and my books.  And how in order to write a book you have to "just do it."

Honestly, there's no way around it.

So I'm starting a new series of guest posts on this blog by authors who've written books--either their first book like tomorrow's guest or authors who've written many books. I want them to answer these questions:

How did you just do it? 

How did you deal with distractions?

With the fear?

With the overwhelmingness of it all?

You've already read how I wrote a book in 20 days.

Tomorrow you'll meet Kate Battistelli who recently completed her book--and just sold it to Charisma House, a national publisher that's had numerous books on the New York Times best-seller list.

Kate is one of my coaching clients. Her book is called Growing Great Kids. She tells how she and husband, Mike, raised their daughter, Francesca, and nurtured the gifts they saw in her. In Francesca's case, it was music and singing.

Fast forward to this year when Francesca was voted Artist of the Year by the multi-billion dollar Christian music industry. She's the first female to win that award since Amy Grant back in the last millennium. Her music has been on ABC’s Extreme Makeover, The Biggest Loser, So You Think You Can Dance, Jon & Kate Plus 8, MTV’s The Hills, and all over the Billboard charts.

All Francesca's awards, of course, had nothing to do with Kate plowing through and finishing her book. Kate had to do what you and I have to do when it comes to book writing: Just do it.

So stay tuned for tomorrow when Kate tells her story of how she wrote her book. I want you to be inspired and motivated as she answers the question, "How did you just do it?"

Meanwhile if you need help writing your book, feel free to get in touch with me at diana@peapodpublishing.com. And don't forget I'm having a sale on personalized writer's coaching. Sale ends on Sunday, so reserve your spot before then. You can save 40-50% off my regular rates.

Thanks and I can’t wait to read what you write!

 

It's July...do you know where your book is?

UPDATE: Special rates on writer's coaching extended through December 31!

Welcome to the 2nd half of 2011. If writing a book is one of your goals for this year, I'd like to help you do it...

One-on-one personal writer's coaching
with book coach Diana Scimone

Announcing limited-time-only savings
Special rates available til July 31! December 31!

"Once I decided to write my book, I really didn't know where to start. Diana and I scheduled a coaching session by phone. This was great considering I live in South Africa and she lives in the States.

"This session was invaluable to me and in fact 6 months after the phone call my book was ready for editing. I can honestly say that without Diana's help I'd still be trying to establish some sort of order in my book."

--Kelly Horton, Durban, South Africa, author, Kelly's Song
www.kellyssong.com

Today Kelly's book is published and available to the world. If that's something you've dreamed of--writing and publishing your book--you can do it, too. Just like Kelly.

Maybe you'd like a personal coaching session to help you write your book. Here's good news:

Normally I charge $100 an hour for coaching,
but this month I'm holding a 40-50%-off special:

30-minute coaching session: just $30
(regularly $50--save 40%)

1-hour coaching session: just $50
(regularly $100--save 50%)

This is the same sale I held last spring and so many writers took advantage of it that I decided to repeat it to give you a chance, too!

Click the links above to reserve your coaching session today: 30 minutes or 1 hour. You can reserve a single session, 2, 3, or as many as you'd like.

Personalized writer's coaching

Can 1-on-1 writer's coaching help you write the book you've always dreamed of writing? Just read the testimonials below.

No matter where you are in the process--whether a simple idea or a half-finished manuscript--I'll help you get your book on paper, too.

In your personalized coaching session, everything we cover is focused on you. Fiction or non-fiction...adult or children's books. We can meet just 1 time, once a month, or whatever works for you. By phone or by Skype. I even pay for the phone call. :-)

Lock in your coaching session today. 

Important: We don't have to hold your coaching session by the expiration date, but you do need to reserve by then in order to get the reduced rate. After July 31 December 31, the links will no longer work, so please don't delay.

You can reserve 1, 2, 3, or more sessions--30 minutes or 1 hour--whatever you'd like. Just click the links to reserve today. I'll email you immediately and we'll schedule the time that works best for you.

You can be on your way to writing the book you've always dreamed of writing, just like the authors you're reading about here. Make an investment in yourself and your dream! Reserve your coaching session today!

You can do it, too! To take advantage of these special rates on personalized coaching, you must reserve by July 31 December 31. Don't miss this great opportunity! Questions? diana@peapodpublishing.com

 

* * *

 

These writers did it...you can, too!

"Writing a book was something I only thought about (for years and years), until I took Diana's workshop 1 year ago on How to Write a Book. I was so inspired by her tips and easy guidelines that I decided to meet regularly with her for coaching sessions. As a result, all the awesome material I've been storing in my brain for years is now actually being translated into my pen and onto the page.

"And guess what? I'm actually going to publish an amazing book called Move Your Assets...From the Chair, Not the Bank! If you have an idea for a book, Diana will help you turn it into a reality!"

--Bethanne Weiss, Orlando
www.FuniqFitness.com

 

"I knew I had a book in me, but as a mother of 4 living in a foreign country, the obstacles seemed too great. How would I find the time? How could I do the research? More significantly, 'Where do I start?'

"After my very first coaching session with Diana via Skype, my fears were calmed and I came away not only feeling 'I want to do this' but 'I can do this.' Diana provided the personal encouragement I needed, as well as the professional know-how and practical steps to get started. I'm on my way!"

--RS, Germany

 

"Having Diana coach me through my children's book series has been a wise investment. She understands the publishing industry and how to write a book from beginning to end. Over and over her confident motivating manner inspired me to meet my next goal. She guides you through the book writing process and relays valuable feedback. Diana's coaching style is experience and commitment."

--LM, Pittsburgh, a writer I "meet" with by phone every 3-4 weeks. She's completed a series of 5 children's books and a parent's manual--all in less than 18 months.

 

"As a new author, I felt I needed guidance and a push in the right direction to get me started on the writing process.  Working with Diana gave me that push as well as strong encouragement that the topic I was writing about was something that needed to be heard.  We might have the germ of a great idea but it's essential to have someone qualified to give it shape and focus. 

"Diana did that for me and so much more. Her positive, affirming attitude and professional guidance was exactly what I needed to get my ideas organized and down on paper and to begin the writing process.  She provided the kickstart I needed to begin this journey. She is inspiring and motivating and I am so grateful to have found her!"

--Kate Battistelli, Orlando, an author whose book is under consideration by a publisher right now


 

Day 20: Done!

It's Day 20 of my adventure of writing an entire book (1st draft) in 20 days--and I finished the manuscript! Woo hoo!

I actually completed it yesterday, let it marinate overnight--and sure enough thought of something in the middle of the night that I added this morning. I emailed it to the publisher around 9 am.

Here's my tip for you today:

1. Go to your nearest bookstore.

2. Look at all the books on the shelf.

3. Realize that someone just like you wrote them.

Most of the books you see were not written by professional writers. People just like you who had a dream wrote them. People like you who have full-time jobs, families, and grass to mow.

You can write your book, too. I promise you, you can do it. You don't have to write it in 20 days, but give yourself a deadline, do the same process I did on Day 1, and write your book already!

How long have you been talking about it? You simply have to come up with a plan, stick to it, and write it.

I read this on Twitter during the 20 days (from @TommyTenney, whose books I love): "If you really want to do something, you'll find a way. If you don't, you'll find an excuse.”

You can find a way. No more excuses.

So what's next for Diana? The manuscript is now in the hands of the author, who will read it over and make changes. Then it will come back to me to do a 2nd edit. Our goal is to send it to the designer by July and the printer by August, with copies in hand by September.

I'm going to take a short break from blogging--at least on this blog. If you miss me :-) you can follow me at www.DianaScimone.com where I write about the fight to stop child trafficking.

Thanks for hanging in there with me for this 20-day adventure, for your emails and comments and words of encouragement. I couldn't have done it without you.

And now I look forward to reading what you write. If I can help you find the book inside you and get it on paper, just let me know.

Day 19: Connect the dots

It's Day 19 and I've almost completed my marathon of writing a book (1st draft) in 20 days.

Today I finished editing and fact-checking the manuscript.

Here's today's tip for you:

You know I keep the elevator statement (which is simply the point of the book in 1 sentence) front and center as I'm editing. Today I ran into a couple of chapters that seemed to have nothing to do with the elevator statement.

Whoops!

Did that mean I needed to do a complete re-write of those chapters at this late stage? 

Nope.

All it took was a rewrite of the opening few paragraphs--focusing them back onto the ES. The content was there; I just needed to connect the dots a little better.

I know I sound like a broken record (does anyone remember those?) by constantly telling you about your elevator statement, but you can see why it’s so important.

Tomorrow I'll look everything over one more time then click the "send" button.  You'll hear me cheering.

 

Day 14: Make it happen.

Day 14 of my 20-day quest to write a book was a lot better than Day 13. Somehow I managed to write 3 chapters today instead of the usual 2. (I had to do that in order to stay on track.)

I say "somehow" but it didn't just happen. Here's how I made it happen:

1. Schedule: I came up with today's writing schedule last night so that when I hit the keyboard this morning I knew exactly what I had to do: 3 hours for each chapter.

2. Focus: I had to focus all day to keep to that schedule so that meant really resisting distractions, and believe me they were calling my name. I still got in lunch, breaks, some phone calls, and checking in with the Twitterverse and the adorable Decorah eaglets. I finished the 3rd chapter a few minutes ago at 6 pm.

3. Stretch: 9 hours is a ridiculously long time to sit. I didn't have a FUNIQ class today, so I really gave Breakpal a workout (or Breakpal gave me a workout). I'm going to take a walk as soon as I click the "publish" button on this blog post. I need some fresh air!

4. Reward: Yup, I dangled a carrot before my eyes all day. Tonight is the season premiere of my all-time fav show, So You Think You Can Dance. I knew if I pushed myself to stay on schedule, I could watch it.

The end is in sight...only 5 more days to go! Watch this space for tomorrow's tip on how you can write your book.

 

The non-celebrity's guide to getting a children's book published

"If you're like me," says Jon Bard, managing editor of Children's Book Insider (CBI), "at least once a week you discover that some celebrity or another has signed a contract to write a children's book and you think, 'You're kidding me, right? That guy/gal is getting a book deal?'"

Been there, said that. It is frustrating.

But just because Madonna publishes a children's book doesn't mean you can't. The field is still wide open.

CBI has a great e-book on how to get published--and it's completely free. It's called The Non-Celebrity's Guide to Getting a Children's Book Published. You can download it by clicking that link. Once the e-book opens on your screen, right-click on it and save it to your own computer for future reference.

The section on how to write a query letter is particularly helpful. Whenever I teach a writer's workshop or coach an author, I'm always asked, "How do I contact publishers?" This will answer that question for you.

CBI Clubhouse has lots more great info for children's authors and illustrators including a free e-zine, online courses, how-to books, author interview podcasts, etc.  On Twitter you can follow Jon Bard: @Write4Kids_com.

* * *

A few years ago I was at an AIDS orphanage in Zimbabwe. Here are some of the precious kids reading my Adventures With PawPaw children's books:

We also went to the children's cancer ward at a hospital in Harare, the capital city. Here's one of the workers with PawPaw, who loved visiting the kids:

You can learn more about PawPaw on his very own site, www.adventureswithpawpaw.com.

3 options to publish your book

Ten years ago you would not be reading this post. That’s not because this blog didn’t exist 10 years ago; it’s because there weren’t 3 different publishing options for you back then.

Today with so many changes in the publishing industry, you have lots of choices to publish your book:

Option 1: Find a publisher.

I’m talking traditional publishing—the kind of publishers whose books you and I grew up reading. They still publish, and they might be interested in publishing your book.  

Advantage: They pay for and handle all the printing and distribution, so you won’t have a closet-full of books to sell.

Disadvantage: They accept fewer and fewer books each year, and you have to sell them on your idea. Most of the money from sales of your book goes to them and to the bookstores, not to you (because they’re putting out most of the money to sell your book). You get only a small royalty.

Option 2: Find an agent.

There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of agents all over the world. (Query Tracker and Author Advance are good places to find them.) Interest one of them in your book idea and they’ll work to sell your manuscript to a publisher and fight for a good deal for you.

Advantage: They know the publishers; many publishers won’t read manuscripts from non-agents (i.e., you).

Disadvantage: First you have to sell them on your book idea. If they take you on, you not only get the usual small royalty, but you have to give your agent a commission on top of it.

Option 3: DIY

There are lots of do-it-yourself options now: Self-publishing (companies that print your book and deliver them to your doorstep), co-publishing (they help you sell your book, offering you various publishing and marketing packages), and “do it all yourself” (you find your own typesetter, book designer, illustrator; you deal with the printer yourself; you market your book yourself).

Advantage: You keep 100% of the royalties.

Disadvantage: Depending on which level of DIY you choose, you could do 100% of the work. 

There’s no one right option for all authors. There are advantages and disadvantages to all 3 options. You just have to find the one that’s best for you.

* * *

Remember, you can’t publish what you haven’t written. So if you need help writing your book, just let me know. I'm hodling a special "sale" on personalized writer's coaching, good just through March 31: 

Normally I charge $100 an hour for coaching, but for the next two weeks I'm holding a 40-50% off "special":

30-minute coaching session: just $30
(regularly $50--save 40%)

1-hour coaching session: just $50
(regularly $100--save 50%)

Take advantage of these special low rates and lock in your coaching session today. We can meet by phone or by Skype from anywhere in the world. I even pay for the call. :-)

Important: We don't have to hold your coaching session in the next 2 weeks, but you do need to reserve by then in order to get the reduced rate. After March 31, the links will no longer work, so please don't delay. Questions? diana@peapodpublishing.com

 

Sample some wine...write your book!

Who wants to write a book? You know you do! Start 2011 by writing the book you've always wanted to write (but didn't know how). And sample some really great wine at the same time! 

“I’ve always wanted to write a book”
Wine Sampling and Book-Writing Workshop

Tues., Feb. 15, 2011, 6:30 pm

Cork & Olive Wine Bar
4247 W. Lake Mary Blvd
Lake Mary FL 32746
www.corkandoliveonline.com
map

$18 advance; $25 at door

Includes glass of wine, appetizers, wine sampling, and
1-hour workshop taught by writer’s coach Diana Scimone

For budding and experienced writers
of adult and children’s fiction and non-fiction

Other registration options below

Enjoy specialty wines and appetizers--and learn to write the book you’ve always dreamed of writing. In 1 fun-filled hour you’ll learn practical insights and strategic information that will help you:

• Move your book from dream to reality
• Overcome the pitfalls every writer faces (beginners & pros)
• Organize your thoughts and research
• Plan what to include in your book (and what to leave out)
• Fit book-writing into your already busy schedule
• Motivate yourself to keep moving forward

Diana Scimone is a writer’s coach, president of Peapod Publishing, and author of the Adventures With PawPaw children’s book series. She’s also author of the soon-to-be released children’s chapter book and wordless book, Born to Fly, and companion curriculum, all part of The B2F Project to stop child trafficking. She writes a regular blog on efforts to stop child trafficking.

“Very interactive and informative...and lots of fun.”

“Helped me start the process [of moving] from ‘vague idea’ to ‘real story.’"

“The information was very helpful [as was your] no-nonsense enthusiasm.”

Previous workshops have sold out, so don’t delay—register today! Click here or the "add to cart" button above to register by credit card or PayPal. Or mail your check payable to “Peapod Publishing, Inc.,” P.O. Box 951599, Lake Mary, FL 32795; include phone and email. Portion of registration fee goes to The Born2Fly Project to stop child trafficking. Questions? diana@peapodpublishing.com

Start 2011 by writing the book you've always dreamed of writing! (And enjoy some really great wine at the same time.)

 

Coming soon: Florida "How to Write a Book" workshop

One of my favorite places in Florida is the tiny lakeside town of Mount Dora, about 30 minutes northwest of Orlando.

And my absolute fav spot in Mount Dora is the fantastic Garden Gate Tea Room.

Here I am at the Garden Gate a few years ago doing a book signing for my Adventures With PawPaw children's book series (yes, PawPaw came too; he can't get enough Earl Grey tea):



In just about a month, you can dine at the Garden Gate AND learn how to write the book you've always dreamed of writing:

“How to Write a Book”
Writer’s Workshop and Brunch
Hosted by yours truly, writer's coach Diana Scimone

Sat., Jan. 8, 2011, 10 am – 1 pm

The Garden Gate Tea Room
142 East 4th Ave
Mount Dora, FL 32757
map

$45 advance; $55 at door
Includes brunch!

                                                           

Questions? diana@peapodpublishing.com

For writers and budding writers,
fiction and non-fiction, adult & children's books
Register here via credit card or PayPal.
Other registration options below.

If you’ve always wanted to write a book, but didn’t know where to begin, this workshop is for you! In 3 valuable hours, you’ll learn practical insights that will help you:

• Move your book from dream to reality
• Overcome the pitfalls every writer faces (beginners & pros)
• Organize your thoughts and research
• Plan what to include in your book (and what to leave out)
• Fit book-writing into your already busy schedule
• Keep yourself motivated and moving forward

I've helped writers all over the world write the books that are inside them -- and I want to help you do the same. This workshop is practical and encouraging, and will give you the tools you need to find the book inside you and put it on paper.

Gift certificates available -- makes the perfect gift!

Past workshops have sold out!

Seating is limited so don't delay. Register today here via credit card or PayPal. Or mail your check payable to "Peapod Publishing, Inc.," PO Box 951599, Lake Mary FL 32795-1599 (include name, address, phone, and email).

Start the New Year by writing the book you’ve always dreamed of writing!  (And enjoy a really great brunch at the same time.)

You've officially entered the home stretch.

Attention all writers (that would be you). I have an important announcement to make about you and your book:

You have officially entered the home stretch:

the last quarter of 2010. 

Remember January? If you began 2010 by saying, "This is the year I'm finally going to write that book," you have 3 months to get on it.

You don't have to finish your book by the end of the year, but maybe you need to pick up the pace? Maybe you can write a little more each day?

Chris Brogan, president of New Marketing Labs, a new media marketing agency, posted a great article on how he manages to write at least one blog post a day. It's called The Discipline to Write Daily:

My friend, Frank McMahon, asked me how I was able to write a blog post every day. The mechanics of writing daily are one thing. But it’s the discipline that really catches most people. Let’s talk about the discipline required to write daily.

Here's what Chris requires to write daily:

• Stillness
• A practice mind
• Curiosity
• Framing
• A fall-forward mentality
• Confidence

Chris is talking about writing blog posts every day, but the principles apply to writing a book, too. If you're having trouble working on your book every day, or every week, or ever, I strongly encourage you to read Chris' post. 

Earlier this week I finished writing the 70-page curriculum for The Born2Fly Project to stop child trafficking. It took an entire year to write it (not just me, but a team of people).

Believe me, it was not easy. Just ask my writer's group.

It took turning off the TV.

It took a ton of late nights.

It took countless team meetings and writing meetings.

It took giving up get-togethers with other friends.

It took focus.

It took discipline.

It took a lot out of me.

But it's done. You can finish your book, too. You really can--but it will take discipline.

If you've been to one of my workshops, you know what I always say: You cannot add writing a book to an already busy schedule. You have to give up something else to clear your schedule so that you have time to write.

You can do it.

If I can help coach you to write your book, just let me know. Click here to contact me.

* * *

Born to Fly is sponsoring a 1-day Twitterthon on 10/10/10 for The Born2Fly Project to stop child trafficking. Here's our goal:

Visit my other blog, www.dianascimone.com, for details. Or donate by clicking the orange ChipIn button here:

Here's good news #1 and #2 for book writers

"How can I sell my book?"

Whenever I teach a writer's workshop, that's the #1 question people ask.

My response used to be, "You can't sell what you haven't written--so write your book already!" But people STILL want to know the end from the beginning, so I've started including that information in workshops.

If you want to know how you can sell your book, here are 2 pieces of good news for you:

Good news #1:  Even if a traditional publisher doesn't publish your book, there are dozens and dozens of co-publishers or self-publishers who will.

Good news #2:  Even if a traditional box bookstore doesn't carry your books, more books are sold outside bookstores than inside.

That 2nd fact is HUGE news for writers. If you don't believe it, think about where you've bought most of your books lately.  Was it at a real live bookstore down the street?  Or was it on Amazon? Or even on a website or blog mildly related to the subject of the book?

Chances are it was online.  No matter who publishes your book, you can very easily position it to sell online -- with about 20 minutes of work. (You still have to drive traffic to those sites, but that's another post for another day.)

Here's the book that opened my eyes to the startling fact that most books are not sold in bookstores -- and showed me 14 successful self-published authors who've taken advantage of that fact: Make Money Self-Publishing : Learn How from Fourteen Successful Small Publishers, by Suzanne P. Thomas.

The case studies of authors of cookbooks, children's books, e-books, and more are very inspiring and informative.

So be encouraged. And meanwhile, if I can help you actually write the book you want to sell, just let me know.

Publisher's Weekly Fall 2010 Children's Books

Publisher's Weekly magazine just came out with the Fall 2010 Children's Books Announcements issue. If you want to write or illustrate a children's book, it's got loads of great info for you:

Sneak peak preview section listing dozens of publishers and the books they're about to released. This is a great way to see who's publishing what. 

FAQ about everything from why books seem to go out of print so fast to how publishers decide to turn a single book into a series

Digital children's publishing including e-books

And lots more. 

PW has lots of free (and helpful) e-letters including on children's, general, comics, religious, and even cookbooks. To subscribe, click here.

If you want to write or illustrate children's books, I'm co-teaching a fun workshop and brunch in Orlando this Saturday with illustrator Valerie Kosky. Want to join us? Click here for more info!

July workshop: How to write and illustrate children's books

If you’ve always wanted to write or illustrate a children’s book but didn’t know where to begin, this workshop is for you!

“How to Write and Illustrate Children's Books”

Workshop and Brunch

Sat., July 24, 2010, 10 am – 1 pm

The Garden Gate Tea Room
142 East 4th Ave
Mount Dora, FL 32757
map

Taught by writer's coach and children's book author, Diana Scimone
and
Children's book illustrator and author, Valerie Kosky

$56 advance; $66 at door
Includes Garden Gate brunch!

For budding and experienced writers and illustrators
of children's fiction and non-fiction

Register here via credit card or PayPal:

Other registration options below.

Questions? diana@peapodpublishing.com

This information-packed workshop is practical and encouraging, and will give you the tools you need to find the book inside you and put it on paper. In 3 valuable hours, you’ll learn practical insights and strategic information that will help you:

• Move your book from dream to reality
• Overcome the pitfalls every writer & illustrator faces (beginners & pros)
• Organize your thoughts and ideas
• Learn the practical aspects of children's book illustrating
• Discover 3 key elements of plot that will make your story sing
• Find publishers and learn how to contact them
• Keep yourself motivated and moving forward

Valerie Kosky and I can't wait to help you find the books inside you. Valerie is a professional illustrator and children's book author, and creator of the Armor Dill’m Adventure & Discovery Club children's books and curriculum. Here's Dill'm--pretty sweet, isn't he?

Valerie has taught art at all levels, including university, and has illustrated for national magazines and publishers. She's an encouraging and gifted artist and mentor who'll help you fulfill your dream of illustrating children's books.

You already know me. I'm a writer's coach, president of Peapod Publishing, and author of the Adventures With PawPaw children’s book series:

I'm also author of the soon-to-be released children's chapter book and wordless book, Born to Fly, and companion curriculum, all part of The B2F Project to stop child trafficking.

Valerie and I promise to make this workshop practical and encouraging--and give you the tools you need to finally publish the children's book you’ve always dreamed of.

Here's what past workshop participants have said (remember, none of them has ever written or illustrated a book before):

"This workshop was immensely helpful because it took [my] concept and made me understand the next steps I need to take."

"Very interactive and informative...and lots of fun."

"Helped me start the process [of moving] from 'vague idea' to 'real story.'"

"The information was very helpful [as was your] no-nonsense enthusiasm."

"There was so much information. It was great!"

"It assisted me with organizing my thoughts into an organized plan."

"You encouraged and inspired me."

"This was my first writer's event. It was so informative and encouraging. I wish it had been all day!"

Previous workshops have sold out, so don’t delay—register today!  Click here to register by credit card or PayPal, or mail your check payable to “Peapod Publishing, Inc.,” P.O. Box 951599, Lake Mary, FL 32795; include phone and email.

You can learn to write and illustrate children's books--and enjoy a really great brunch at the same time. Register today!

"How do I sell my book (which I haven't written yet, by the way)?"

Whenever I host a writer's workshop, I tell people that my job is to help them with the first step of their book-publishing adventure. I help them write their book.

When it comes time for Q&A, someone invariably asks, "But how do I sell my book?"

My response: "You can't sell what you haven't written...so write your book already!"

If you insist on knowing how to sell your soon-to-be-written book, trust me that I am not the go-to person for that. You'll notice the title of this blog--and my workshops--is how to write (not sell) your book.

For that info, talk to someone like Chris Brogan who is a New York Times best-selling author. I've gotten to know Chris on Twitter (@ChrisBrogan) and although he has a bazillion followers, he actually responds when you tweet him (hence part of the reason for his success).

Chris compiled a list of 21 ways to use social media to market your book. You can read it here: An Author's Plan for Social Media Efforts.

You will not like this plan. Not one bit. Because it involves a ton of work.  And that's why it works.

When I finally published my Adventures With PawPaw children's book series--after my own 13-year adventure--I realized that publishing the books was the easy part.  Selling them is the hard part.

So read Chris' excellent list, do what he says, and if you waver then follow his caveat at the bottom: It is not the job of your publisher's publicist to sell your book; it is your job.

But before you sell your book, please write it, okay? And if I can help you, let me know.

FAQ about freelance writing

Are you freelance writing while you prepare to publish the Great American Novel (or non-fiction book)?

Then check out the awesome list of dozens of FAQ about freelance writing, posted by Deb Ng on her site, Freelance Writing Jobs Network. 

Here are some of the FAQ that Deb answers:

• How to Land Your First Freelance Writing Job
• 43 Places to Find Freelance Writing Jobs
• 30 Types of Freelance Writing Jobs and How to Get Them
• Top 10 Freelance Writing Job Red Flags
• Set a Freelance Writing Rate Equal to the Task
• 8 Reasons You’re Not Landing the High Paying Freelance Writing Jobs
• Query Letter Writing: Dissecting a Successful Query Letter
• How I Landed My First Freelance Writing Job Without Clips
• What My Neighbor’s Teen Can Teach You About Customer Service
• The Freelance Writers Guide to Blogs and Blogging
• The Freelance Writer’s Guide to Twitter
• The Freelance Writer’s Guide to Facebook
• 45 Free Things for Writers
• 20 Tax Deductions for Freelancers
• And probably 100 more

Deb updates the site with freelance jobs daily and tweets helpful info throughout the day; follow her on Twitter @DebNg and @FreelanceWJ, and be a FWJ fan on Facebook.

* * *

Reminder:  There are a few spots left for this Saturday's Field Trip for Non-Fiction Writers in Orlando. Deets here: Who wants to go on a field trip?

A lot of work (a LOT)

I'm constantly struck by how difficult the writing process is.

I used to think that writers were the only creative types who struggled with their craft. I assumed that artists, for example, would paint their paintings right the first time. Poets would jot a few notes on a page, and voila, a poem. Sculptors would know exactly where to tap the stone and a few days later would end up with a stunning work of art.

Then I became friends with a number of artists and I saw that painting is hard work. They plan; they sketch; they wrestle; they visualize; they research; they start all over again; they work; they work, and they work some more.

Why would I think that's any different from writing?  Because when we see a painting in a museum or hear a fantastic piece of music on the radio, we have no clue about the blood, sweat, and tears that went into producing it.

If you want to write something that's going to last a long time (and who doesn't?), you have to be prepared for a lot of work.  A lot more than you're thinking about right now.

You will get up early. 

You will go to bed late. 

You will miss TV shows, parties, and get-togethers.

You will hibernate from your friends and family. 

You will offend some of them. 

You will devote a lot of time to learning what you don't know.

You will think you are going crazy.

There is no way around that process. But if you know it ahead of time, you won't be surprised by how much work is required--and you won't be tempted to stop or be put off by the process.

I'm currently working on the curriculum that's part of The Born2Fly Project to stop child trafficking, and I'm going through all that and more. I'm on the 7th rewrite (yes, 7th) and frankly I wish it were finished.

And it could have been, but my writer's group won't let me stop rewriting. They know there's a lot more potential in the pages, and they're pushing me to make it the best it can be. I guess I'm grateful. :-)

There's no way around it. Writing is hard work. But like childbirth, once you hold your baby in your hands--your own book with your own name on the cover--you'll forget the pain. It will all be worth it. 

You'll see.

* * *

For more tips on writing, follow me on Twitter: @DianaScimone

Who wants to go on a field trip?

"Thank you for meeting with me yesterday! Our field trip was so much fun and inspirational that my mind won't stop! I came up with a very interesting section of my book this morning as a result."

What kind of field trip is this author talking about -- and would it help you write your book, too? Yes, it will!

Announcing
A Field Trip for Non-Fiction Writers

Saturday, May 22, 2010
9 am - 12 pm
Books-A-Million
Seminole Town Centre
Sanford, Florida (Orlando suburb)
Map

Limited to just 10 participants.
3-hour small-group session
$60 in advance; $70 at door

Click here to register today:

I love to take writers on personalized "field trips" where we study other books in their genre and work 1-on-1 to come up with their own brainstorming list and blueprint -- 2 key steps that you need to take to write your non-fiction book.

I'm always amazed at the transformation that takes place in writers who do this. It really helps them move to the next level of writing their books.

That's why I'm hosting a small-group Field Trip for non-fiction writers -- limited to just 10 participants. It will:

• Help you develop your own brainstorming list and blueprint targeted to your book
• Give you specific direction on what to include in your book (and what to leave out)
• Learn how to spot what works and what doesn't -- and why
• Show you how to organize your material into chapters and sections
• Guide you to prepare your blueprint so your book will "write itself" (well, almost!)
• Show you which publishers are selling books in your genre (and might be interested in yours)
• Push you past the fear that all writers experience
• Receive personalized 1-on-1 coaching from me in a safe and encouraging small-group setting

I normally charge $100 an hour to meet 1-on-1 with clients, but because we're meeting in a small group, your registration is just $60 in advance for the 3-hour session -- an affordable $20 an hour if you register in advance.

Invest in your dream of writing your book and click here to register today by credit card or PayPal:

Or mail your check payable to Peapod Publishing, Inc., PO Box 951599, Lake Mary, FL 32795-1599; if you register by mail, email me so that I hold your spot -- diana@peapodpublishing.com.

Most of my workshops sell out quickly, so please don't delay. Join us for this fun and super-helpful writer's workshop. Register today and write the book you've always dreamed of writing. You can do this!

* * *

UPDATE:  There are only a few spots left -- so register today! Email me for more information or to hold your spot! diana@peapodpublishing.com

Help for those "Help!" moments

If you're trying to write a book, you've probably uttered the word, "Help!" in the past 24 hours.  Or maybe the past 24 seconds.

One of the things that helps me through those "Help!" moments is my writer's group.  We meet semi-regularly, and knowing a meeting is coming up keeps us writing. After all, the hardest part of writing is...writing.  No one wants to come to a meeting and miss the opportunity to share what they've written and get valuable feedback, so there's always a mad scramble of creativity the week before we get together.

One of our unwritten rules is the "sandwich" critique  We're all taking a big step to share our "babies" even among trusted colleagues, and we have to know it's a safe place where no one will tell us not to quit our day job.

So after someone has shared a portion of the latest edit of their masterpiece, we start by piling on as much encouragement and enthusiasm as we can--white bread.  (You can always find something positive to say.)  Next we give our critiques--the meat.  And then we finish with another bit of encouragement--a little more Wonder bread. 

It's a sandwich of two pieces of nice fluffy white bread surrounded by some meat, and is a nice way for fragile artists to share their creative work and feel encouraged, not discouraged, by the process.

You can find more guidelines from Don't Forget to Write!, a book published by the 6' Ferret Writers' Group about building and maintaining a writer's group. (Book information is on their site, www.6ftferrets.com.)

If you google "writer's groups," you'll find lots more information.  (As with anything on the web, chew the meat and spit out the bones.)

We meet in person, although there are many groups that meet by internet.  My group has just 4 writers in it, which I find is a great number. Two is too few, and more than 4 means there's not enough time to really focus on everyone's work.  (We probably devote an excessive amount of time to eating at our meetings, so I suppose if you cut out the food, there would be more time for critique, but food is critical to the creative process!)

So find a few friends who also want to improve their writing skills and set a time for your first meeting.  Even if you think you don't know anything about writing your own work, never mind helping someone else improve theirs, you'll be surprised at how much you can help each other. 

During the time between meetings, study up on your craft, and you'll have even more to share at your next get-together.

You may say, "I'd love to join a writer's group, or start one, but I'm not a writer yet."

My response is, "Have you ever written even one word? A phone message?  A grocery list?  Then you're a writer."  Being published doesn't make you a writer.  It just makes you a published writer.  Years ago, long before I was ever published, I caught myself saying, "I want to be a writer" one too many times.  I started saying, "I'm a writer."  Because I was.  You are too.

If you belong to a writer's group and have some tips about what works (or doesn't) for your meetings, post a comment and share it with the rest of us.

Italy! Announcing an artists' and writers' retreat in Tuscany (really!)

 

Poppies in Tuscany, by Leah Wiedemer

UPDATE:  We've postponed this fabulous retreat til June 2011--so you'll have plenty of time to prepare!  We'll have even MORE exciting events for you (can you say "cooking classes"??). Stay tuned for details--or email Diana or Leah if you simply can't wait!

"My next stop was a fairytale village called Barga in northern Tuscany. It’s a medieval town complete with 4-story palazzi hugging narrow curving lanes. From my 3rd-floor window I could see much of the town and surrounding mountains. It was magic. Enchanted. I felt light headed, as I climbed the winding stairway to the top floor where the walls are frescoed and the rooftop views stunning."

--by artist Leah Wiedemer, from Roaming Artist blog

If Leah's description of Barga, Italy -- or her beautiful painting of Poppies in Tuscany -- are too alluring for words, you can join her (and me) for an artists' and writers' retreat in Barga this September!

Let's say you’ve always wanted to write a book...

...but didn’t know where to begin. Or you wanted to paint but are convinced you can’t draw a straight line.

This retreat is for you! 

Your instructors

Artist Leah Wiedemer and yours truly will teach all the classes--and we promise you’ll be inspired and encouraged to paint the masterpiece and write the best-seller that you’ve always dreamed of.

Leah is not only my good friend but also illustrator of my Adventures With PawPaw children's books and the soon-to-be-released Born to Fly wordless book.  She launched her art career in 1987 when she took a watercolor class, followed by study of master artists working in different mediums. Since that first step she's garnered many art awards and much experience painting, teaching, and exhibiting. She's taught art to children and adults, painted murals, worked as a chalk artist at Disney MGM Studios, and continued to study, paint, and grow in her craft.

You can see her beautiful work, including her enchanting scenes of Italy, at www.lwiedemer.com and on her blog, Roaming Artist.

I'll teach the writing classes -- and you already know me. :-) As a writer's coach, I've helped countless people all over the world write the books that are inside them. I offer numerous workshops throughout the year, personalized writer’s coaching, and this blog to help people write the book they’ve always dreamed of writing.  And I'd love to help you write your book, too.

Classes perfect for you!

Classes are for beginning as well as experienced artists and writers. Leah and I will teach 2 classes each (in English) over two weekends in September. You can attend 1, 2, 3, or all 4 classes. The more classes you take, the greater your discount (and you also get a nice discount if you register by June 15).

All classes will be at beautiful Casa Cordati in the delightful town of Barga. Here's what you'll learn in this charming setting (remember, you can take any or all of these classes):

Saturday, September 18
Drawing with the Artist’s Eye: Learn proven drawing techniques used by artists all over the world
Taught by artist Leah Wiedemer
10 am – 6 pm

Sunday, September 19
How to Write a Book 101:  Learn 7 practical steps to help you write the book you’ve always dreamed of writing
Taught by writer’s coach Diana Scimone
10 am – 6 pm

Saturday, September 25
How to Write a Book 102: Explore 23 valuable tools to make your fiction and non-fiction sing
Taught by writer’s coach Diana Scimone
10 am – 6 pm

Sunday, September 26
Beginning Soft Pastel: Learn color basics and how to work with this wonderfully portable and forgiving medium
Taught by artist Leah Wiedemer
10 am – 6 pm

Want more info? 

Contact Leah or me. Registration is limited in order to keep classes small, so don’t put it off. Save up to 50% and register today.

That landscape is waiting to be painted and that book doesn’t want to wait another year!

Register by June 15 for Tuscany artists'/writers' retreat and save up to 50%!

Michela's View, by Leah Wiedemer

UPDATE:  We've postponed this fabulous retreat til June 2011--so you have plenty of time to prepare!  We'll have even MORE exciting events for you (can you say "cooking classes"??). Stay tuned for details--or email Diana or Leah if you simply can't wait!

Registration fees are in euros; PayPal will convert to your local currency using the rate for the day you register. In parentheses below are rates in US $ as of May 1; rate will fluctuate. Prices are for classes only, not transportation, food, or hotels.  (Email me for that information.)

	Register by June 15	June 16-July 15	July 16-Aug. 15
1 class	75 euros ($99)	100 euros ($132)	150 euros ($199)
Any 2 classes	125 euros ($165)	175 euros ($232)	225 euros ($298)
Any 3 classes	175 euros ($232)	250 euros ($331)	325 euros ($430)
All 4 classes	250 euros ($331)	325 euros ($430)	450 euros ($596)

HTML Tables

Registration is limited in order to keep classes small, so don't put it off.  That landscape is waiting to be painted and that best-seller doesn't want to wait another year! Register today!

The Hero's Journey (and yours)

"I can't write fiction."

That's what I always said.  In fact, I said it so much, I began to believe it. 

Then 3 years ago I took my 3rd trip to Thailand -- this time to work on a children's book for The B2F Project to stop child trafficking.  And the book had to have a plot. 

What to do?

The first thing was to stop telling myself I couldn't write fiction!

The second was remembering a writing tool that my friend and fellow writer Cindy MacDonald told me about--called the "Hero's Journey." 

This is a classic story structure popularized by Joseph Campbell in his book The Hero With a Thousand Faces and later by Christopher Vogel in The Writer's Journey.

You can find some variation of the Hero's Journey in just about any adventure book or film--Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Wizard of Oz, Star Wars, Chronicles of Narnia, Charlotte's Web, and more.

When I started applying the 12 steps of the Hero's Journey to my own picture book, within an hour I had the rough outline of my plot. 

If you're faced with (and panicked by) writing fiction, the Hero's Journey might help you, too. Here briefly are the 12 steps; below I'll give you links where you can find more information:

1.  The Ordinary World:  The hero's normal world before the story begins.  It's what he's familiar with--his life up til now.

2.  Call to Adventure:  The hero is presented with a problem or challenge, an event that forces him out, the call.

3.  Refusal of the Call:  The hero refuses the challenge or journey; he's scared, full of doubts, etc.

4.  Meeting with the Mentor:  The hero meets a mentor to gain advice, encouragement, wisdom, and direction for the adventure.

5.  Crossing the First Threshold:  The hero leaves the Ordinary World and goes into the Special World; he takes the first step.

6.  Tests, Allies, and Enemies:  The hero faces tests, meets allies, encounters enemies, and learns the rules of the Special World.  This step shows him who his enemies and friends are.

7.  Approach:  The hero has hit setbacks during the tests, and may need to adjust his approach.

8.  Ordeal:  He faces the biggest life or death crisis.

9.  Seizing the Reward:  The hero has survived death, overcome his fears, and now reaches the goal.

10.  The Road Back:  The hero must return to the Ordinary World to tell others.

11.  Resurrection Hero:  Another test, the final threshold, where the hero faces death on the road back.  He must use everything he's learned to survive this final battle.  There is a transformation in him.

12.  Return with the Elixir:  The hero returns to the Ordinary World from the journey with the lessons learned, and uses them to help everyone in the Ordinary World.  He is able to go back and help his people with what he's learned.

Want more information?

The Hero's Journey

A worksheet to help you spot the Hero's Journey in various movies

Let me know how the Hero's Journey has helped you craft a plot.  You can post a comment on this blog by clicking the link below.

April "How to Write a Book" Writers' Workshop

Author and publisher Kathleen Schubitz of RPJ and Company, Inc., has asked me to teach a 2-hour version of my "How to Write a Book" workshop at her next Gathering for Authors, Writers and Book Lovers.

And since I can't resist the opportunity to help people find the book inside them, of course I said yes!

I hope you can join us in Florida on Saturday, April 24.  Reserve your spot today online or by mail.

The first hour of Kathleen's event is free and you can come to that without attending my workshop.  You can learn computer skills for writing and effective communication, tips for publishing, and more.

Details on these back-to-back events are below. Hope to see you at one or both of them!

* * *

How to Write a Book
Florida writer's workshop

with writer's coach Diana Scimone

7 practical steps to help you write the book
you've always dreamed of writing

Saturday, April 24, 2010
2:00 - 4:00 pm
$30 advance
(Come early for the free writers event! See below.)

Casselberry Library
215 North Oxford Road
Casselberry, FL 32707
map/directions

For writers and budding writers,
fiction and non-fiction, adult & children's books.

Register here via credit card or PayPal.
Or mail check payable to "Peapod Publishing, Inc.," PO Box 951599, Lake Mary, FL 32795-1599.

If you've always wanted to write a book but didn't know where to begin, this workshop is for you! In 2 valuable hours, you'll learn practical insights that will help you:

• Move your book from dream to reality
• Overcome the pitfalls every writer faces (beginners & pros)
• Organize your thoughts and research
• Plan what to include in your book (and what to leave out)
• Fit book-writing into your already busy schedule
• Motivate yourself to keep moving forward

I've helped writers all over the world write the books that are inside them -- and I want to help you do the same.

Here's what people said after recent workshops. Remember, none of them has ever written a book before.

"This workshop was immensely helpful because it took [my] concept and made me understand the next steps I need to take."

"I found the checklist of 7 steps very helpful."

"Very interactive and informative...and lots of fun."

"Diana was amazing. She really connected with us."

"Helped me start the process [of moving] from 'vague idea' to 'real story.'"

"The information was very helpful [as was] Diana's no-nonsense enthusiasm."

"It assisted me with organizing my thoughts into an organized plan."

"You encouraged and inspired me."

"This was my first writer's event. It was so informative and encouraging. I wish it had been all day!"

This workshop is practical and encouraging and will give you the tools you need to find the book inside you and put it on paper.

Limited seating. Register today here via PayPal or credit card. Or mail your check payable to "Peapod Publishing, Inc.," PO Box 951599, Lake Mary FL 32795-1599 (include name, address, phone, and email). Questions? diana (at) peapodpublishing (dot) com

You really can write the book you've always dreamed of writing!

* * *

Gathering for Authors, Writers and Book Lovers
FREE Monthly Event - Open to the Public

4th Saturday every month

1:00 - 2:00 pm

Casselberry Library
215 North Oxford Road
Casselberry, FL 32707
near side entrance of Library
407.665.1500 or 407.551.0734
map/directions

MEET & GREET new Authors. Books will be on display.
FREE books and other printed materials will be available.
Learn computer skills for writing and effective communication,
tips for publishing and more.

Bring a cold lunch, covered drink, questions, a notebook, and a friend.

Sponsored by RPJ & Company, Inc.
Kathleen Schubitz
www.rpjandco.com
Kathy@rpjandco.com

* * *

Hope to see you at both these back-to-back writers' events!

The Toy Fair

The 107th American International Toy Fair was in New York last week. Yes, there really is such a trade show.

Someday I will go to the Toy Fair and my children's books and related products will be center stage: Adventures With PawPaw , Born to Fly, and other books I'm working on right now.

Meanwhile I'm happy with my Toy Fair t-shirt. It features a delightful photo of executives sitting around a conference table--all wearing their bunny slippers.  

The Toy Fair caters to the $21.4 billion U.S. and $75 billion global toy industries--and that includes children's books.

If you're writing a children's book and looking for a publisher, here is Publishers Weekly report on last week's gathering, with some interesting trends:  Numbers Down but Spirits Up at 2010 Toy Fair.

Fear not. The number of traditional publishers is down, but they are still looking for high-quality books (which yours, of course, will be). At the same time the number of print-on-demand and co-publishers is going up, and their wares are getting better and better.  

So you have no excuse not to keep working on your book (children's or adult).

As I always say, you can't publish what you haven't written, so please continue writing. We are all waiting to read your book.

* * *

Publishers Weekly has some great (and free) e-letters: PW Daily · Religion BookLine · Children’s Bookshelf · PW Comics Week · Cooking the Books · PW Breaking News.  Subscribe to them here.

March "How to Write a Book" Workshop (yes, another one!)

If you keep showing up, I'll keep teaching.

The January and February "How to Write a Book" writer's workshops were overflowing--so we're holding another one on Saturday, March 20. If you want to write a book, I want to help you do it.

[NOTE: If you're not in Florida, but would like me to teach a workshop in your area, email me: diana (at) peapodpublishing (dot) com.]

Here's what we've got planned for March 20:

“How to Write a Book”
March Writer’s Workshop and Brunch

Hosted by yours truly, writer's coach Diana Scimone

Sat., Mar. 20, 2010, 10 am – 1 pm
The Garden Gate Tea Room
142 East 4th Ave
Mount Dora, FL 32757
map

$45 advance; $55 at door
Includes Garden Gate brunch!

For writers and budding writers,
fiction and non-fiction, adult & children's books
Register here via credit card or PayPal.
Other registration options below.

Questions? diana (at) peapodpublishing (dot) com

If you’ve always wanted to write a book, but didn’t know where to begin, this workshop is for you! In three valuable hours, you’ll learn practical insights that will help you:

    •    Move your book from dream to reality
    •    Overcome the pitfalls every writer faces (beginners & pros)
    •    Organize your thoughts and research
    •    Plan what to include in your book (and what to leave out)
    •    Fit book-writing into your already busy schedule
    •    Keep yourself motivated and moving forward

I've helped writers all over the world write the books that are inside them -- and I want to help you do the same. This workshop is practical and encouraging, and will give you the tools you need to find the book inside you and put it on paper.

Here's what people said after the February workshop. Remember, none of them has ever written a book before:

"This workshop was immensely helpful because it took [my] concept and made me understand the next steps I need to take."

"I found the checklist of 7 steps very helpful."

"Very interactive and informative...and lots of fun."

"Diana was amazing. She really connected with us."

"Helped me start the process [of moving] from 'vague idea' to 'real story.'"

"The information was very helpful [as was] Diana's no-nonsense enthusiasm."

"There was so much information. It was great!"

"It assisted me with organizing my thoughts into an organized plan."

"You encouraged and inspired me."

"This was my first writer's event. It was so informative and encouraging. I wish it had been all day!"

This workshop will help you, too. Only 35 seats are available so register today here via PayPal or credit card. Or mail your check payable to "Peapod Publishing, Inc.," PO Box 951599, Lake Mary FL 32795-1599 (include name, address, phone, and email).

Please don't wait too long to register. Past workshops were nearly full and this one will be too.

You really can write the book you’ve always dreamed of writing.  (And enjoy a really great brunch at the same time.)

* * *

NOTE: If you are not in Florida, but would like me to teach a workshop in your area, email me: diana (at) peapodpublishing (dot) com.

The Greatest Fear

If you're writing a book, you already know what your greatest fear is: "I'll never finish this book!"

If your book is a novel, you need to identify your hero's greatest fear, too. That's one of three elements that will help you weave a can't-put-it-down plot.  (For the other two, see here and here.)

What makes your hero panic? What keeps him or her up at night? 

Is she afraid of rejection? Does he fear failure? 

Heights? Dying? The family farm?  Her father, mother, or older brother?

Perhaps it's ridicule, control, or drowning. 

Maybe it's bears, sharks, or snakes (think of Jaws or Indiana Jones--although in Indy's case, snakes are more of a recurring gag; his greatest fear is probably boredom).

 Your hero's greatest fear keeps the story moving because it's one of the elements that he or she must confront and conquer (or at least try to) by the end of the book.

That's why plot whisperer Martha Alderson calls fear one of the "basic character traits that have the potential to create dramatic action scenes filled with conflict, tension, and suspense."

Click here for more from Martha's article on plot. Spinning a Plot by Marileta Robinson also has helpful info on fear as a plot device.

When your hero's greatest fear collides with her "I want" song and fatal flaw, it will create conflict and tension that will move the plot along--exactly what you want to happen.

So spend some time thinking about your hero's greatest fear. It will help you overcome one of yours ("I'll never finish this book!").

February "How to Write a Book" Writer's Workshop

We completely SOLD OUT for the January 9 "How to Write a Book" writer's workshop.  In fact, so many of you couldn't get in that I've scheduled another workshop on Saturday, February 20:

“How to Write a Book”
February Writer’s Workshop and Brunch

Hosted by yours truly, writer's coach Diana Scimone

Sat., Feb. 20, 2010, 10 am – 1 pm

The Garden Gate Tea Room
142 East 4th Ave
Mount Dora, FL 32757
map

$45 advance; $55 at door
Includes Garden Gate brunch!

For writers and budding writers,
fiction and non-fiction, adult & children's books
Register here via credit card or PayPal.
Other registration options below.

Questions? diana (at) peapodpublishing (dot) com

If you’ve always wanted to write a book, but didn’t know where to begin, this workshop is for you! In three valuable hours, you’ll learn practical insights that will help you:

    •    Move your book from dream to reality
    •    Overcome the pitfalls every writer faces (beginners & pros)
    •    Organize your thoughts and research
    •    Plan what to include in your book (and what to leave out)
    •    Fit book-writing into your already busy schedule
    •    Keep yourself motivated and moving forward

I've helped writers all over the world write the books that are inside them -- and I want to help you do the same. This workshop is practical and encouraging, and will give you the tools you need to find the book inside you and put it on paper. 

Here's what people said after the January workshop. Remember, none of them has ever written a book before:

"This gave me a structural basis and format to help get me started on my books. Diana's story, even though she got many rejections, was still successful. Very inspiring!"

"Thank you for a warm, creative morning that makes writing a book sound doable."

"It was a great encouragement. The analysis of the 7 steps and the time to actually work through the first few steps was very helpful. The information was so clearly presented and inspiring."

"I came to learn and get motivated--and that happened."

"It was well organized, logical, and didn't go off on tangents. I especially liked the first 2 steps. I can see now that everything else follows and this will keep me focused."

"I feel like I know how to get started now. I really liked the 7 points, especially the blueprint."

"I learned more in these 3 hours than I did in many college courses."

This workshop will help you, too. Only 35 seats available so register today here via PayPal or credit card. Or mail your check payable to "Peapod Publishing, Inc.," PO Box 951599, Lake Mary FL 32795-1599 (include name, address, phone, and email). 

Gift certificates available -- makes the perfect Valentine's Day gift!

Please don't wait too long to register. The January workshop sold out and this one will too.

Start the New Year by writing the book you’ve always dreamed of writing.  (And enjoy a really great brunch at the same time.)

The Fatal Flaw

I've been sharing with you some of the writing lessons I've learned as I've worked on the first book for The Born2Fly Project to stop child trafficking.  One of them is called the "I want" song.  The hero of your book (or film or musical) wants something--and what he or she wants is what the plot is all about.

You can read more about the "I want" song here.

Here's another powerful plot element--and what happens when it collides with the "I want" song.  This one is called the "fatal flaw." 

Every hero needs a flaw.  As writers, we fall in love with our heroes and we tend to make them too perfect.  That also makes them unbelievable.

No one--not even your hero--is perfect.  Every hero needs a fatal flaw.  That's what makes her human.  It's what we can relate to.  It's what gets her into all the trouble that carries the plot. By the end of the book, she's conquered it or it has conquered her.

Does your hero get angry too easily?  How about impatient?  Prejudiced?  Totally unorganized?  Late?  Controlling?  Codependent?  Narcissistic? 

You may be saying, "That sounds like the villain, not the hero!"  Your hero doesn't have to be possessed or totally controlled by his fatal flaw; it just has to be part of his character traits and his growth. 

It's what he has to learn to overcome.  It's how he grows as he learns from his mistakes.

The fatal flaw gets the hero into trouble.  The "I want" song keeps him going in spite of it.  When those two elements collide, your plot begins to take shape.

For more on this, just Google "fatal flaw writing" and you'll come up with a lot of tips, such as this from Dara Marks or this from the "unknown screenwriter."

I have a third plot element to add to this collision and will share it with you in another post.

Meanwhile, keep writing.  If your fatal flaw is procrastination, this is the time to take control of it.

If you need someone to help you along, I provide personalized writer's coaching by phone from anywhere in the world and am happy to help you get your book out of you and on paper. You can email me for more information.

Remember: You can't publish what you haven't written.  Take that first step in this new year and start writing what's inside you.

The world is waiting to read it. (Me, too.)

The "I Want" Song

A few months ago I told you about my 1-minute meeting with Broadway writer and director Stephen Schwartz (which followed a 2-hour talk). You can read about that here:

Lessons from Broadway--Part 1

Lessons from Broadway--Part 2

Whoops!

Lessons from Broadway--Part 3

Of all the brilliant things he said, there are four golden words he shared that I've remembered to this day:

The "I want" song

The hero of any musical or novel or film wants something--and what he or she wants is what the plot is all about.

Since Schwartz deals with music, he calls it the "I want song." As he spoke, he showed us how his musicals open with the hero singing his or her "I want" song.

Pippin, for example, features the beautiful song "Corner of the Sky" a few minutes into the plot. (Check out William Katt singing it on Broadway, with a little of Ben Vereen thrown in for fun.)

You can't get more "I want" than these lyrics: 

I've got to be where my spirit can run free.

Got to find my corner of the sky.

The rest of the musical is about Pippin's quest to run free and find his corner of the sky--with all the ups and downs and near-death experiences that his quest entails.

As you write your novel (or screenplay or musical), think about the "I want" song for your main character.

• What does she want so badly that she's willing to go through an entire book to find it?
• What propels him and practically drives him crazy in his quest to reach it?

Find it, and you'll find a valuable tool to help develop your plot.

In an upcoming post, I'll talk about another powerful plot element and what happens when it collides with the "I want" song -- which is exactly what your story needs to keep readers on the edge of their seats (or paying $200 for a ticket to see it on Broadway).

Tip: Make an Appointment With Yourself

Week after week (or year after year), you promise yourself you’re going to start working on your book.

But the end of the week (or year) rolls around and everything else on your agenda took priority. 

Sound familiar? 

That’s why it’s essential that you make an appointment with yourself to work on your book. On Monday morning, or whenever you schedule your week’s activities, block out a specific time slot when you’ll do nothing but work on your book.

• Don’t be too ambitious in the amount of time you set aside.  Start with an hour. (As you become more disciplined, you can increase the time.)

• Have a specific goal to accomplish during that hour. Whether it’s working on your elevator statement, writing your objectives, or researching a portion of a chapter, make it specific—something you can complete in one hour.

• Schedule your appointment for your most productive time, whether it’s morning, evening, or the middle of the night.

• Think about where your appointment will take place. If interruptions at work or home are a constant distraction, go to a neighborhood café or the library.

• Anticipate obstacles. As your appointment nears, there will be many reasons not to keep it. (Ask me how I know.) Be prepared—and be tough!

Writing a book is hard work and you have to approach it as you would any other huge task:  small bites at a time. 

Don't forget: If you live in Florida (or want to drop by for a weekend), I'm teaching a writer's workshop in early January. More details here.