Sometimes it’s very challenging to keep your focus on the task at hand. For example, for the writer, sometimes you become distracted, or experience what many call “writer’s block”, when the mind just doesn’t want to go on, even if you do.
I was looking at a site today, http://www.gobrainev.com/, that offers help in training the brain in a very unique way through brainwave meditation. This is a six-part program that can help sharpen your thinking which is something you need as a writer. It also helps reduce stress, boost your IQ and more. I am not sure how it is done, you’re going to have to review the site for that, it’s not through anything mystical or psychic, and not brainwashing,
I visited the site and listened to the videos and found this to be interesting, I hope it is something that you will find helpful as we begin a New Year!
By the way, I’ve been out of touch during the holidays and hope that you had a wonderful Christmas and wish you the best in 2010!
If you have read my earlier post about Squidoo, you’ll know what a “lens” is, it’s a single page web site focused on a single topic using a large variety of “modules” supplied to you by Squidoo…you can do them quickly, and by choosing your “tags” or keywords carefully, can bring a nice number of visitors, and promote your book. If your book is on Amazon, you would do well to use the “Amazon Spotlight” module as one of a number you can chose from, and search for your book through the module feature, and once you find it, “add” it, that’s all there is too it. Then if anyone buys the book through your lens, you get a bit of money for it, and anything else they happen to buy while at the Amazon site.
This week, a lens entitled “The Complete Sherlock Holmes Collection” won the annual award offered by Squidoo to what they call “Giant Squids” (I know, it sounds a bit silly unless you visit and see what Squidoo is all about), an exceptional job done by a man who goes by username “Laddoo”, and when you’re there, be sure to click on his user id in the upper right of the page and view his other exceptional lenses.
But this gives you an idea of how you, a writer, author, publisher, or just anyone, can promote your interest.
Related Lens - the following is a “how to” on how to use the SquidLit lens which is designed just for promoting or sharing about books, includes a video on how to get started with Squidoo:
While this site is a resource with help for authors and writers, as well as reviews, The Authors Show is a place to listen to, or watch book reviews…they also have a newsletter that will help you if you are interested in information about publishing a book.
I am listening to a review right now as I type this…I don’t necessarily agree with what the author is presenting in his book, and it may be an entirely different book when you visit the site, by the way…but it is interesting to be able to hear the voice of the authors as they explain their books, and more. I haven’t watched a review yet, but it can be done from this site.
You can also complete a form at the site if you would like to be interviewed.
Authors, you may or may not be aware that Squidoo is a wonderful way to promote your books…it’s something that you can put together in a very short time to bring attention to your book, your website, your blog and more.
First, you must register. Squidoo is so easy, and provides you with many modules to make your page, and if you use good “tags”, choose your words carefully when you make your url - that means your “http”, or the “address” to your web page. Here is the address to my Squidoo Lensmasters page. If you aren’t a member, you can join using appropriate links there or at any one of my lenses that you might visit - http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/happynutritionist
If the terms “Squidoo” and “Lens” are confusing you, just think of it as a single-page blog. Squidoo provides a special lens template for books called “SquidLit”. Here is an example of a SquidLit I did recently: http://www.squidoo.com/heaven-by-randy-alcorn. You may prefer to use just the basic Squidoo lens if you prefer a brighter look, I’m going to use some of my html knowledge to brighten this one up later.
There are many tutorials available at the site, and I found the video below to be a quick explanation to give you and idea of how to get started…the same person that made this video made others, you can also visit YouTube and search “Squidoo Tutorials”. But like I said, there are MANY tutorials at Squidoo’s site.
Enjoy the video, and be sure to visit one or more of my lenses through one of the links above, and join if you aren’t a member already. Don’t miss this approach to promoting your book, yourself, or whatever you want to write about! It’s a great outlet for the writer in you, and each lens can bring traffic to your main site or blog. Now here’s the video:
I enjoy writing, but have never published a book…for now, I express myself and my interests through a website, and blogs…like this one. I have always loved books and have adjusted to reading ebooks, though giving up turning pages one by one has taken a bit of getting used to.
If you are an author, whether you have been writing for years, or are new, a website is a must…and by the way, when you do put up your site, please contact me so that I can write a post about you and put your site in my blogroll.
There are many web hosting services, may I suggest that if you want to appear professional you don’t use a free hosting service, but consider paying for your web hosting service. Find one with a good a price so you can build a site that doesn’t have advertising banners on it unless you chose to add them for your own purposes. You also have much more freedom, and can often put up several sites for the annual price you pay for dedicated server hosting. For example, take a look at webhostinggeeks.com, spend a little time there learning about dedicated servers. They have a blog at the site that was helpful, you may want to read the post about what to look out for if you’re considering very inexpensive service.
Another thing you want to take some time to consider is whether you would like to do a blog or a website. Blogs are good if you want to write a post quite regularly…this keeps them active and they generally get more recognition by search engines. You can actually combine the two by having a site with a main page with your information, and a blog as part of the site.
If you have any questions or comments to add, please feel free to do so.
Books and eBooks are not the only way to express creativity in writing. What about the song writer?
Below is an article on the topic that is helpful, and if you click here, you will find a resource especially for those who write songs, or would like to learn more about writing songs.
Please enjoy this article by Tiffany Provost, titled “Tips on Songwriting“.
Music is a form of artistic expression that can comfort and enhance your life. Songs can creates memories and allow us to interpret our emotions and feelings through lyrics.
And, you know, it’s not too hard to write your own music too. With the right tips, just about anyone can write a great song. These helpful instructions will guide you on your way to song writing and bring out the musician in you.
Understanding music theory. The language of music is unique. It is known as music theory. If you can find someone to help you understand how music is written it will help you to write songs that other musicians can read. It is a universal language. It may not be a good idea to get a professional musician to aid you in writing songs though, if you have no time or patience. Another option is to use a special computer program so that you can concentrate on writing songs and not worry so much about the technical information.
Understand how songs are created. Even if you don’t understand music theory, you still need to know a few musical concepts in order to write songs. You can learn a lot about choruses, verses, the bridge and much more. If you expect the songs you write to be well receive they should have a similar makeup to popular songs you hear on the radio.
Write your thoughts down. If you always have a tune in your head, you ve probably had a good idea for a song the whole time. Until you slow down and ensure that the song can be enjoyable for all, you won t get very far. So, find the nearest napkin, tablecloth, tissue or notepad and scribble down your masterpiece.
Popular music. Understanding trends in modern music is the key to writing successful songs. Try to get a good understanding of lyricists, current bands and artists in the music industry. Usually a popular song will be unique, the song will have a good rhythm or beat, and the song will make you want to sing along. To be successful at song writing, you need to keep up with the trends in music.
It s important to write lyrics that will be considered strong and memorable. Words to a song give it a meaning. To appeal to the audience’s emotions you need to have lyrics that are catchy. While you will undoubtedly have some rhymes in your song, it’s important that it also tells a story. By finding the ‘hook or the catchy part of the song you re writing, and repeating it throughout, you are halfway there.
Accept advice. If you have written a song, get people to listen to it. Seek feedback from people you trust. Doing this is a pretty important part of the song writing process. Those who are impartial to the song will definitely see the flaws or weaknesses in your music even though you may not. Practice AND constructive criticism make perfect. All parts of the song should go together nicely and flow together. Record it to CD once your audience agrees that you ve got a great song. You can then decide whether to release your recorded song for others to enjoy or just store it in your archives.
In a competitive job market, you need to have the tools to compete and beat the competition, and I’ve found just the place to help you do so. I’ve spent quite a bit of time browsing an elearning site called learn.com.
This site is truly unique, and offers you the opportunity to watch your knowledge increase through their Skill Score® system. What you need to realize is that employers can also utilize the site to find potential employees, this is where your Skill Score® can work to your advantage.
While some will use the site to build their skills and make themselves more marketable, others can gain knowledge that will help them in how to use their computer, use common computer programs, or manage a business from home.
Another thing that those of you who are writers and publishers will be interested in knowing is that you can actually put together a course at the site, and receive a generous percentage of any income generated by your course.
Along with the skill-building courses at the site, there are accredited courses that you will want to explore.
Here are some terms that you will find at learn.com that you will not find anywhere else:
An award-winning LearnCenter® learning and talent management suite
A WebRoom® Web conferencing suite
A PeopleCenter® application builder
FormFlow® custom form creation
Presently there are 1,000+ titles in the learn2.com® online library.
You have spent many months putting down your dreams and plans for your book store, publishing company, or your book series, magazine or website. You do your best to put your presence out there, only to have your ideas stolen and used by a competitor.
Your business “brand” is what identifies your business..through your logo, your title, your name, your website, and anything else that makes your business uniquely yours. Once you have put in all that work “branding” yourself and your work, you do not want your ideas to be stolen or abused. This is where you might benefit from a trademark filing service to help you with your business plans. Such a service can help you in the following ways:
They can help you find out whether the image or other aspect of your business you would like to use to “brand” yourself is available
They help you register as well as renew your trademark.
They can protect your trademark by monitoring it
If there is an infringement on your trademark, or even your domain name, they will help defend you.
These are only a few of the services that are offered by thetrademarkcompany.com that might be useful to you as an author or publisher, or in any business for that matter.
