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Posted in publishing, writer life, writing advice

Writing Partner: Accountability Unleashed

Posted on by Erin McKnight

Let’s face it: staying motivated is like trying to keep a cat off your keyboard. It’s basically impossible. But what if I told you there’s a secret weapon to help keep you on task and move from WIP to a published novel? Enter the writing partner, your personal accountability superhero!

I won’t lie. I struggle to get up and write most mornings. Getting up early to write isn’t fun. It’s especially hard on the days when the sheets are at that perfect temperature, and, for once, my feline overlords aren’t demanding breakfast at the crack of dawn.

Unfortunately, enjoying the fact that the bed has accepted me as one of its own won’t get the book done. This is where having a writing partner comes in. Leaning on my commitment to them helps me get my lazy bones out of bed and to my keyboard.

A group of fellow writers and I have a standing appointment for writing sprints over Zoom. While we don’t keep track of attendance or make any specific demands, setting aside this time with others helps me stay motivated and on track.

Having a standing date with my writing buddy provides built-in accountability to do the work regardless of motivation. Even when I don’t want to do it for myself, not wanting to let them down gives me the push I need.

Writing partners are not the same as beta readers, but they can also perform that function. Some of mine have served as early critique partners, helping me whip my plot into shape before sending it for wider feedback. They are familiar with me and my writing style, so they know what to look for in my writing and how best to provide constructive feedback.

Having a writing partner provides accountability and support when you struggle to get words on the page. They can give feedback or ensure you show up to your computer that day. Whatever the case, these invaluable individuals are a great addition to any writing process.

Now, it’s your turn! Have you partnered with another writer, or are you still working alone? There is no “one size fits all” solution in writing, but having a writing partner is a helpful tool to help you get from daydreamer to published author before you know it.

Posted in writing advice

CONTINUE TO LEARN

Posted on by Erin McKnight

Albert Einstein said, “Once you stop learning, you start dying.” That’s a pretty serious comment. But it makes sense when you think about it. You become stagnate and stale when you refuse to adapt and grow. This is especially true for authors.

We develop and refine our style with every project we do. My first book and how I wrote it look nothing like what I’m doing now. We need to continue to learn and grow as authors to improve our craft and keep readers interested.

Read craft books.

There are thousands of craft books out there, and more are coming out every day. Don’t feel like you have to stumble around in the dark looking for a light switch. Learn from those who have come before you. A few of my favorites are “Anatomy of Prose” by Sasha Black, “Shut up and Write the Book” by Jenna Morecci and “Show, Don’t Tell Guidebook for Writers” by Ashley Earley. They all have been enormously helpful to me in my journey and development as an author.

Take a course.

This one is actually on my to-do list. One of the best things about our technology-enhanced world is the ability to attend classes and seminars from anywhere. Online learning platforms like Masterclass and Skillshare offer lessons on almost anything from the individuals who do it best. You can find the ones that best suit your needs and go at your own pace.

Join a writing club

Feedback is a critical part of learning. If you never receive feedback on your work, you can’t learn how to make it better. Writing clubs and groups where people share their writing and give feedback are invaluable resources. I know sharing an unfinished, unedited work with people is scary. Trust me. But it is so worth it. Learning from your peers before you spend hours on edits can save you valuable time, energy, and sanity.

Growing your craft is an essential part of being an author. Explore the options around you. Learn from other writers. Share your work with a trusted group. However you choose to do it, keep learning and growing. There is always more to know.

Posted in publishing, resources, writing advice

LESSONS LEARNED: What I took away from the release of my second novel.

Posted on by Erin McKnight

My second novel came out on August 29, and let me tell you – getting that baby up and out felt like a massive weight off my shoulders. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, which is great. Even better than the sales and reviews are the lessons I’ve learned during the process.

1. Skinny Draft

While writing this novel, I discovered that I am a far better editor than a drafter. I was introduced to the “skinny draft” idea about halfway through my first draft. The purpose is to write a draft of your story without worrying about small details that often stall the writing process. Focusing on getting the story right first helped me see more progress faster than trying to get everything in the first time around.

2. Progress Report.

I have to see progress. If I don’t feel like I’m getting anywhere, I get discouraged and want to quit. A lot of writers use their word count to track progress. This doesn’t work for me. It tells me nothing about where I am in the story or how far I have left to go. Switching from word counts to “signposts” for my progress shows me where I am and makes me want to keep going. 

3. Change Up.

Changing a deadline is okay. Yes, there are going to be some that are set in stone. Your editor must have your manuscript by a specific date to complete their work. That’s fine. But as an indie author, I am the one who decides when to start contacting them. The self-imposed deadlines I make to keep me on track are flexible. Life happens, and sometimes you have to slow down. I nearly burned myself out trying to meet some deadlines I set on this one. It’s better to move everything back than burn the candle at both ends and in the middle to meet a self-imposed deadline.

4. Process Evolution.

The way you write evolves. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. There is a reason it is called a writing process. As you learn more and develop your skills, how you approach a project changes. And that’s okay. My first novel went chapter by chapter, trying to make each one perfect before moving on to the next. It made everything longer and harder for me. Starting small and expanding is freeing for me. I’m sure my current process will change again. And that’s okay, too. We all develop and change, so our writing should, too.

What I’ve learned through bringing Coming Home into the world is invaluable. I could spend days discussing them, but we only have so much time. For my writers out there, how has your process changed? Leave me a comment below to keep the conversation going.

Posted in resources, writer life, writing advice

Authors & Social Media

Posted on by Erin McKnight

Social media is one of the things I both love and hate in this world. Hours magically melt away when scrolling Instagram and TikTok, fueled by serotonin-boosting funny animal videos. On the other hand, nothing else in the world can make me rage face as hard as some of the comments I see on these platforms.

As infuriating as these apps and websites can be, they are vital in building your author platform. It’s one of those necessary evils like taking out the trash or doing laundry.

For every piece of advice for authors on handling social media, ten others say to do the opposite. It comes down to this; there is no one size fits all solution. You have to find what works for you. 

Even so, there are some things to consider before starting your social media journey.

Author Brand

As an author, you are more than an individual. You are a brand. Social media is all about selling yourself. Yes, you want to sell books, but people are far more likely to buy a book to support someone they feel connected to or to help support someone whose content they enjoy. So consider the image you want to portray and find the platform(s) that best help you do that.

Images vs. Videos vs. Text

Every platform is designed to deliver a specific kind of content. You don’t have to do all of them. In fact, trying to could lead to burnout. Instead, think about how you can best get your personality across. Can you make videos for TikTok or YouTube? Only want to do pictures? Instagram or Facebook sounds like a better fit. Twitter is good for short snippets of text. No matter how you want to communicate with your readers, find the platform designed to fit your comfort level and focus your efforts there.

Engagement

This one is tricky. It’s not platform-specific but can help you narrow your focus. One-on-one interaction can be achieved through polls, contests, and a million other things. Think about how you want to form that connection with your reader base before diving into creating content. The platform you pick should align with your preferred contact method.

Organic Reach or Paid Ads

Okay, this one is a little different. Organic reach is the people naturally finding your content when scrolling through their feeds. Paid ads are screen space you pay for to put your content in front of the audience. This doesn’t mean you have to spend money to gain an audience. Every platform has an algorithm to push content to people based on previous history. Research the platform and see if you can find a way to use that data to boost your presence without dipping into your pocketbook.

Keeping these things in mind, I’ve decided to stick mainly to Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. They let me use images to draw interest and keep me from rambling for days on end. I can show my personality and interests in a way that is comfortable for me while promoting my work.

There is a lot more I could go into regarding social media, but I think it’s better to leave that to the experts.

 If you want to learn more about social media and the writing world, read Social Media for Writers: A Complete Guide for tips and tricks on every major platform.

Posted in publishing, writing advice

Do I Need a Website?

Posted on by Erin McKnight

Having a website is an important part of becoming an author, but it’s one most people neglect. I know I’d never considered it before starting my publishing journey. My focus was on writing compelling stories that let people escape reality for a while, not learning to build webpages.

I drug my feet on building my website. It was a frustrating process that had me ready to punt my laptop down the street more than once. I found myself questioning why I was even putting myself through this. The answer was simple.

Because you need it. Having a website gives you key things you need as an author.

Instant credibility

What will happen if somebody googles you and finds a big ol’ goose egg? Maybe you’ll get lucky, and they’ll see social media. That’s great, but anybody can have an Instagram account. Having a website sets you apart as a professional.

Build your newsletter

You have to have a newsletter. Period. It helps build a dedicated audience to drive sales by promoting your novels and events on a more personal level. You can even find beta readers you know want to see you succeed!

Showcase your work

There are only so many times you can post a promo on social media before people stop looking and keep scrolling. It’s an excellent tool for a release. Don’t get me wrong, but a website lets you dive deep into your work with evergreen content. Social media has character limits. When is the last time you saw a website with one?

Now, I do not pretend to be a website design expert. I’m learning something new every day. If you want to learn more about how to build one that will work, check out A Comprehensive Guide to Creating an Effective Author Website. You won’t regret it.

Posted in resources, writing advice

Know Your Genre: Guidelines for Authors

Posted on by Erin McKnight

Genre is a little word with big impact. Knowing the right way to categorize your story gives you insight into what it takes to make readers choose it over others on the shelf.

There are dozens of genres out there. Each one has its own standards and guidelines that set it apart. The most popular fiction genres are:

  • Fantasy
  • Sci-fi
  • Mystery
  • Thriller
  • Romance
  • Western
  • Dystopian
  • Contemporary

We can break each one down into countless subgenres. Check the link below for a more detailed list.

The Different Genres of Books (With Descriptions) | BookSummaryClub

Readers have set expectations for each genre’s length, tropes, and story structure. 

The length of a novel can be a deterrent for readers looking for a specific genre. A romance novel, for example, is usually 50 – 75,000 words. An epic fantasy, on the other hand, can easily be 100,000+. Writing a romance novel the length of Lord of the Rings can make readers raise their eyebrows or even pass on the book. While there is no hard and fast word count rule, keeping your story within the standard helps ensure your audience doesn’t turn away from it without at least cracking the spine.

Does anyone else remember the Twilight craze? Please say yes. I don’t want to feel old. This set off a massive trend of vampire and werewolf romance novels in all shapes and sizes. Knowing what is popular in your genre is essential to ensure it sells. If you are writing a shifter romance, but everyone is reading Christmas stories, it may sell poorly. That doesn’t mean you can’t write it. You may want to wait to hit the publish button or submit it to an agent at a different time.

Every genre has elements that define it. Romance novels have to have a happily-ever-after (HEA). If it does not have a HEA, it’s not a romance. End of story. Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy because they (SPOILERS) die at the end. It is a romantic story, but it is not a romance because of how it ends. If I didn’t know that was how it ended going in and snatched it off of a romance shelf at the store, I would be ready to go on the warpath at the end. 

Genre is making a promise to your reader about what they can expect from your story.

6 Current Trends In Popular Fiction Genres in 2023 | Writer’s Relief – Writer’s Relief (writersrelief.com)–

Knowing your genre and understanding how it works will go a long way in crafting a story your readers will love. It identifies your audience and gives you a roadmap to follow along the way. Do your research, and you will make your life that much easier.

Posted in writer life

Self-Care for Authors

Posted on by Erin McKnight

The term self-care didn’t exist when I was growing up. At least, nobody ever talked about it. I actually got an “I’m Third” award at a church camp for putting everyone else before myself. While serving others is good, there is a point that it turns into a detriment.

If you don’t care for yourself, you can’t take care of others.

Refilling your creative well is a phrase that gets thrown around a lot in the author community. I’ve touched on it before when discussing getting space from your work and vacationing. There is a reason this theme is preached with such rigor.

An author that is physically and mentally drained cannot create. 

While self-care looks different for everyone, I have found two primary themes prevailing over the landscape.

Simplify your life

Remove as many of the things that cause you stress as possible. That may require planning or purging, but the more “clutter” you can get out of your life, the less there will be to hold you down.

Reward yourself

You work hard. It’s okay to give yourself a little break. Eat some cake. Take a quick nap. Get a massage. Whatever that reward is for you, give yourself something to look forward to at the end of a grueling task.

Having your mind and body in top shape gives you more energy and makes finding motivation easier. When an author finds themself in a bad place in these areas, crafting stories can be nearly impossible.

Take a few minutes to check in with yourself and see if self-care needs to be put back on the menu.

Not sure where to start? Take a look at these articles for a few ideas.

Self-Care for Writers: 10 Ways to Avoid Burnout
Seriously, Take a Break: 12 Self-Care Tips for Writers

For me, it’s spending time resting. Lying on the couch with a good sheet mask and a cat to snuggle helps me recharge. What practices do you use to keep yourself in a space that is perfect to let your creative juices flow?

Posted in writer life, writing advice

Setback or Comeback

Posted on by Erin McKnight

Have you ever noticed that everything seems to go differently than planned? You research, build the most beautiful color-coded spreadsheet, and then an unforeseen variable knocks it out of alignment. Setbacks can stop us dead in our tracks or motivate us to achieve new heights.

According to Psychology Today, less than 20% of people successfully reach a goal on the first try. That’s a pretty low number. So what happens to the other 80%? How do they find the motivation to keep going?

Feel the feels

Missing a goal sucks. You’re allowed to be disappointed. Eat that box of Girl Scout cookies. Binge-watch your favorite TV show for the millionth time. Give yourself one night to indulge in the feelings. It’s how you know it was important to you.

Learn from it

Step back and evaluate what went wrong. What caused you to miss the mark? Did you forget to do something? Underestimate the time it would take? Look at it as a learning opportunity. Find where you misstepped so you can do better next time.

Do it again

If at first you don’t succeed… Just because it didn’t work last time doesn’t mean you can’t do it. It means you need to change your approach. Take the things you learned from the previous attempt and do it again. Success is measured in tiny increments. We may only notice the final result, but the little steps along the way make those big shiny moments of awe possible.

Every setback is a setup for a comeback. Look at it as a learning opportunity to rise above the fray and become better than you were before. This is the start of your comeback story. And who doesn’t love those?

Posted in writer life

Take A Break: Even Writers Need A Vacation

Posted on by Erin McKnight

I’m the type of person who gives 110% to everything I do. It’s allowed me to accomplish some amazing things. The downside is that I hardly ever stop to take a break, running from one activity to the next with little time to recharge. That has been my pattern for most of my life. 

 Recently, I took my first vacation. Hold your applause. It’s awesome. I know. My BFF and I set off on a week-long Disney cruise. Sun, sand, food, and more relaxation than my little body could handle. I turned off all my phone notifications and let the world fall away. In a word, heaven.

 I’d been so focused on my goals that I hadn’t realized how burnt out I’d become. Everything was focused on the next benchmark. Accomplishing the next goal. I knew I didn’t feel like writing. The thought of going over editor notes when I got back was paramount to torture. I could only see myself enjoying examining the back of my eyelids. That feeling vanished after I took the time to take care of myself.

 Coming back to the real world, I was ready to tackle it all. I’d written about five pages of brainstorming ideas for my next novel while on the ship. I raced for my inbox to see if my editor had sent my manuscript back yet. I was ready. I went from dreading publication this fall to looking forward to it.

 This brought me to one conclusion. Taking a break is every bit as important as putting in the work.

 I’d heard many things about the importance of self-care and refilling your creative well, but I didn’t get it until now. I knew it was something I needed to do. I just didn’t realize how low the water had gotten.

 If you’re feeling the burn and can barely look at your computer without envisioning setting it ablaze, consider this your invitation to put it all away. Unplug for a few days and let your mind rest. Not switch tasks. Rest. The way you will feel when it is over is beyond any sense of accomplishment you will get from trying to push through with your tank on empty. Believe me. It will be worth it.

Posted in writer life

Word of the Year 2023

Posted on by Erin McKnight

As the earth starts another trip around the sun, (yes I forgot to post before going on vacation) people around the world set resolutions for the new year. I am not one of them. Goals are great, but there is something about a resolution that feels more like lip service than an actual goal to me. That’s why I adopted a “word of the year.”

This idea came from the brilliant Brynn Donovan. I ran across her blog five years ago when I began researching writing techniques and the publishing process. I have followed her ever since. One of her posts talked about selecting a single word to highlight her intention and focus for the year, and I loved it!

I’ve been choosing a word for the year for a few years. Writing that word on a notecard and posting it somewhere I will see each day has done wonders. It reminds me of what I want to accomplish and redirects my focus when I drift too far off course. This year, I chose the word imperfection.

Now, before you all race to the comment section and launch into a million and one reasons why that is the worst motivator ever, hear me out.

2023 is going to be a year of major change for me. Those of you that subscribe to my newsletter know what I’m talking about. Things are coming down the pipe that will turn my world upside down. While I’m excited about them, I know they will come with a huge learning curve. Feeling out of control or unprepared drives me nuts. I want to get everything right the first time, no questions asked. In fact, I’m such a perfectionist that my mom once got me a shirt with “Prefectionist” on it. No kidding. People who know me know how much I like my control. All of that will have to go out the window this year.

Choosing imperfection as my word reminds me to let go and let life happen. I don’t have to be the absolute best at everything. The house doesn’t have to be white-glove clean every day. Meals that come from my kitchen don’t have to be Michelin star masterpieces. As long as I and anyone else in my care finish the day on this side of the dirt, it’s a win.

Setting intentions and picking a word to embody them is a powerful exercise. I encourage you to take some time to think about what you want to manifest in your life this year and pick a word to remind you what you’re working toward.

Leave a comment below to let me know what your word is so I can cheer you on. I can’t wait to see what we all accomplish in the new year.