Tuesdays with Story

Tuesdays with Story
Writer’s Mail
October 6, 2017

Tuesday night a bunch of us sqooshed around one table at the Barnes and Noble.

Millie Mader read her poem, Innocence. A lot of good feedback and sadness about the subject of war. Some ideas for how to turn a line that referenced WWI into one that would fit into the stanza about WWII.

Tracey Gemmell read from her chapter 21 – 24, More or Less Annie ‘More or Less Annie’ is now the official title based on positive feedback. Chapters were considered well written and fast paced. The scene inside the cathedral provoked several interpretations. Jack suggested getting rid of many ‘she’ pronouns and giving a better description of St. Albans. Clarification of the meaning of NCIS, to delineate from the American meaning, was suggested.  Many thanks to all for your help.

In other news: Tracey’s presentation regarding her first novel, ‘Dunster’s Calling’, was well received at a library in the UK. She is currently learning how to write a query letter in order to reach out to an agent for her second novel. There are many resources online to help with this, but here is a link to one: http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/how-to-write-the-perfect-query-letter

Bob Kralapp read his short poem, Sunday Visit.  Most all enjoyed the small poem, with differing perspectives on “what it was about.”  Good to have Bob back with his poetry.

Katy Sullivan (part 3, “The Night We Met”) Similar feedback to last session and a discussion of Fan Fiction.  Katy will be submitting a children’s picture book next session.

John Schneller (chapter 16, Final Stronghold) Discussion about the logistics and point-of-view at certain sections, along with how big an egret might be and that vultures don’t circle at night.

Jack Freiburger (short story, part 6, “Jesus Walked into the IHOP”).  Many are enjoying the main character’s physical nature (“earthiness” said one participant).  Others wonder whether he ever orders waffles at the 24-hour restaurant.

The Power of Podcasts
BY GLEN TATE

Glen Tate published the ten-book 299 Days series in audio back in 2014. Since that time he’s amassed a 4.4 rating over 5,910 reviews. One of Glen’s most effective promotion tactics has been to regularly appear on podcasts related to his specific “prepper” genre. Here he shares his process for booking guest spots to discuss his books on popular podcasts.

I am not a full-time author. I’m an attorney in Olympia, Washington, who happened to sit down and write a ten-book postapocalyptic fiction series called 299 Days. I was surprised to learn about several aspects of publishing and marketing these books—one of which was the power of podcasts to sell books to niche markets.

Like many ACX authors, I don’t have a large marketing budget or a team of people getting me guest spots on media outlets. I have to do it on my own and preferably for free.

In order to understand how podcasts can help audiobook sales, you need to understand that my books appeal to a particular audience: people who wonder what life would be like if normal American society disrupted. Podcasts are perfectly suited to speak to niche audiences with specific interests. There are tens of thousands of podcasts on everything from birdwatching to javelin throwing to 1980s heavy metal bands. As an added bonus, podcast fans are listeners, making them the perfect audience for audiobooks.

Once I realized that podcasts could be a great venue for promoting my audiobooks, I set about figuring out how to connect with various hosts and get booked as a guest. Here’s how I did it…Read the full post at http://amazonauthorinsights.com/post/164976217288/the-power-of-podcasts-by-glen-tate?ref_=em_kdp_sept17?ref_=KDP2017_PUA

December Meetings

Our two December meetings will be held at Alicia Ashman Library in the strip mall on the corner of Old Sauk and High Point Road.  Google Map here.  We have the big room for both of our meetings.  Thanks, Millie!

October 17
Larry Sommers (chapter 1, untitled novel)
Paul Wagner (chapter 1, Rise of the Serpent)
Mike Austin (chapter, Riding with the Reed Gang)
Bob Kralapp (short story, part 2, “Faith”)
Tracey Gemmell (chapters, Casa Something)

November 7
Millie Mader (short story)
Rebecca Rettenmund (chapter 5, Hunting for Dad)
Jack Freiburger (short story, part 7,”Jesus Walked into the IHOP”)
Tracey Gemmell (???, More or Less Annie)
Katy Sullivan (children’s picture book)
Kashmira Sheth and Amit Trivedi (chapters, ???)
Jerry Peterson (short story)

November 21
Larry Sommers (chapter 2, untitled novel)
Paul Wagner (chapter 2, Rise of the Serpent)
Mike Austin (chapter, Riding with the Reed Gang)
Bob Kralapp (short story, part 3, “Faith”)
Tracey Gemmell (chapters, More or Less Annie)
Kashmira Sheth and Amit Trivedi (chapters, ???)
John Schneller (chapter, Final Stronghold)
Spooky Fifth Tuesday

The next Fifth Tuesday will be October 31^st (yes, that day) and hosted by Jack at his farm.  Directions forthcoming.  The writing challenge is to write a Halloween story, 500 words max.