A Fiction Writer’s Secret Weapon: Show, Don’t Tell
March 17, 2023 by marianne h donley in category Ages 2 Perfection Online Class, Online Classes tagged as Age 2 Perfection Online Class, Leslie J. Hall, Show Don't Tell
Presented by: Leslie J. Hall
Date: April 10 – 21, 2023 (two weeks)
Registration Closes: April 18, 2023
Pricing: A2P Member fee: $15
Non-A2P Member fee: $25
About the Workshop:
Most writers have heard the advice, Show, Don’t Tell. But what does it really mean and how do we use it in our stories? In this workshop, we will review the meaning of Show, Don’t Tell and discuss how this tool helps us connect with readers in a deeper way. We’ll discuss what ‘tell’ looks like and how to change it to ‘show’ using point of view and setting. We’ll look at Show, Don’t Tell in terms of character and character reactions. Great for any level of writer in any genre who wants their stories to be tighter and more impactful.
Workshop Goals:
• Understand what the phrase means for your story
• Learn to identify ‘telling’ prose
• Know how to convert ‘telling’ to ‘showing’
• How to use point of view to heighten Show, Don’t Tell
When it is okay to tell
About the Presenter:
Leslie J. Hall the author of the Kaitlyn Willis Road Signs mysteries, a humorous, PG-rated, amateur sleuth series starring a NW code enforcement officer. She also writes women’s fiction and in training to become a book coach. Leslie loves to speak, teach, and share her passion for writing with others.
When not writing, Leslie volunteers for writer-related events, leads Write Night (a weekly virtual facilitated critique group), teaches beginning writing at community colleges in continuing ed, laughs as much as possible, and when not doing all of that, hangs out at the beach whenever possible.
She lives in Bremerton, WA with her husband and her pandemic rescue cat, Mia. Learn more about Leslie’s writing and her classes at www.lesliejhall.com
Real Talk.
March 16, 2023 by Renae Wrich in category Writing tagged as Multi-tasking, parenting, snow, Thin Mints, WinterReal talk rn…I have to give so much kudos to those of you that have mastered the multi-tasking of parenting, working full-time, and writing. I’ll fully admit that I’m not the greatest at it.
Last fall my youngest came home with a flier for the Girl Scouts. She waved that thing in my face and said, “Mommy, I want to do this!”
Being that both my kids are already enrolled in multiple sports, swimming lessons, and that she was just getting into the groove of kindergarten, I was a little hesitant. I’m so glad that I ultimately said yes because she’s truly found her tribe in this pint-sized troop, and it’s been a wonderful experience.
What I didn’t expect was that cookie season would be a FULL TIME SIDE HUSTLE!
I anticipated that there would be some time commitment, but let’s be real, six year olds are not equipped to manage the inventory and sales of this (at least my six year old isn’t). I can barely figure out the application used for online sales!! I had to create my own spreadsheet for keeping track of the cookie inventory that we’ll be responsible for if we don’t sell these things. For the love of Thin Mints, my sanity (and my waistline) is very much ready for cookie season to end.
Another thing that I need to end is the SNOW.
As I write this, Minnesota is experiencing our seventh snowiest winter on record. This miserable achievement is compounded by the fact that my husband injured his neck earlier this winter and I’ve been tasked with mastering the BEAST of a snow blower that we own. My husband is basically “Tim The Tool Man Taylor” and every motorized piece of equipment we own is unnecessarily massive.
Please send sunshine and red wine (It pairs nicely with Thin Mints).
Kitty Bucholtz, March Featured Author
March 14, 2023 by Kitty Bucholtz in category Featured Author of the Month tagged as Featured author, Kitty Bucholtz, romantic comedy, Superheros, Write Now Workshop Podcast
March featured author Kitty Bucholtz is a writer, podcaster, and a book coach. She has combined her undergraduate degree in business, her years of experience in accounting and finance, and her graduate degree in creative writing to become a writer-turned-independent-publisher turned coach.
She writes romantic comedy and superhero urban fantasy, often with an inspirational element woven in. She loves to teach and offer advice to writers through her WRITE NOW! Workshop Podcast.
Kitty has also created the Finish Your Books Coaching Program. Find out more about either 1:1 Coaching or Group Coaching on Kitty’s website. http://kittybucholtz.com/
Besides Kitty’s Coaching Program and WRITE NOW! Workshop Podcast, you will find her here at A Slice of Orange on the 9th of each month writing It’s Worth It.
Books by Kitty Bucholtz
The 2023 Bethlehem Writers Roundtable Short Story Award
March 13, 2023 by marianne h donley in category Contests, From a Cabin in the Woods by Members of Bethlehem Writers Group, Writing Contest tagged as Barb Goffman, Bethlehem Writers Group, Bethlehem Writers Roundtable Short Story Award, Writing contest
The 2023 Short Story Award is now open for submissions!
The theme: Season’s Readings
Bethlehem Writers Group is seeking never-published short stories of 2,000 words or fewer for a chance to win.
Winners will receive:
First Place:
$250 and publication in our upcoming anthology: Season’s Readings: More Sweet, Funny, and Strange Holiday Tales
Second Place:
$100 and publication in Bethlehem Writers Roundtable
Third Place:
$50 and publication in Bethlehem Writers Roundtable
Click here for submission rules
The 2023 Guest Judge is renowned Short Story Writer and Editor Barb Goffman. You can read an interview with her here.
Other Books Published by BWG
Use Your Own Photos As Background Images In Your Graphics
March 12, 2023 by Denise M. Colby in category The Writing Journey by Denise Colby tagged as background images, Marketing for Authors, Social Media, Visual Content MarketingBackground images in graphics is something we don’t talk about much. Yet, when you see a social media graphic with a great quote, there most always is a graphic behind the words that helps communicate the message. So, if you plan to create your own graphics, choosing the photos you use in those graphics matter.
What to use as a background image
Nature is a popular choice, especially sunsets, sunrises, flowers, mountains or waterfalls. Images with animals are selected frequently as well, showing them all in their cute glory or in varying circumstances that can be funny or memorable. When we look at humorous posts, an image with a funny face or situation lends to the message.
The colors you use in your backgrounds is just as important. Sometimes the photo itself in the background may drive what color you use for your text in order for them to blend. But keep in mind, colors represent different things to people. Look up color choices, if interested in what emotion you want to convey in your graphics. And then choose your background image color accordingly.
I found this definition on the internet about using backgrounds in graphic design.
Backgrounds are the foundation of a successful composition. Background textures and colors create depth and contrast, allowing graphics to stand out and get noticed. Well-composed background images can help create space for you to overlay text.
Incorporating your brand in your background choices
Something to keep in mind is your brand. What is your brand? Specific colors in your brand? Do you have animals in your stories? Or what settings do you write most of your scenes? These all are ideas of what to use as background images in your graphics.
For example, if you write about cowboys, then horses and sunsets might be good options to include in your graphics. Every graphic should include your branding in some way. And think outside of the box a little bit to expand your branding content.
I found some 12 x 12 paper I liked and gave a historical look that I wanted in my background images. As I started using these to take pictures of books, bookmarks and other small items in my graphics, I liked the results.
Out of the few I first bought, I tend to use the same ones over and over because I like how the wood contrasts with all the types of images I’m creating.
If you know your brand and have a look, this is a great way to build consistency in your content. Try some things. It’s the only way to know what works and what doesn’t.
Taking your own photos and using them as background images
It’s important to note to not just find any photo off the internet. That’s actually taking someone else’s intellectual property. Instead you can find photos for free from certain apps, as well as purchase photos from several different resources.
Taking your own photos is a great way to create content. See if you can find things around you to be used as background images.
Start seeing backgrounds in the world around you
Some of this will take practice, but keeping an eye out for what you like is important. You have a brand and your brand is your style. Think about your readers, but I would focus on things that speak to you as well. A look, a vibe. All of which will come out as you build your content in your social media.
Be careful not to include anything people would be able to recognize. That’s not the point of a background image. And you don’t want something on your graphics that is someone else’s brand.
I’ve created a folder on my phone in my photos that is for background images. When I take a picture of something that I think would make a great background I save it in there so I can find it easily.
A little Disney magic in the background
One of my favorite places to find image backgrounds is Disneyland. Everything is clean and colorful and there are lots of choices available, from rock walls, boards, or the pathways. If you look around you can see things that you hadn’t noticed before, but they are part of the atmosphere. That’s what you want for your background photos. Something that blends in nicely but is clean and aestheticly pleasing.
I love going to Disneyland and taking pictures of the things around me. Disney thinks through everything, and it’s given me some great ideas for image backgrounds. Here are some additional examples:
If you zoom in close on something it can provide a completely different perspective and make the perfect background image.
I hope these examples give you some ideas for you to use in your content in the future.
Thanks for reading!
Denise M. Colby loves to write blog posts on marketing and SEO. She also loves to write about her word of the year. She creates social media graphics to highlight quotes from her word of the year. Take a look at this blog post on her 2022 word Work for additional ideas. Or the graphics created for her 2021 word Wisdom using the 12 x 12 paper mentioned above. Check out the new ones she’s created for her 2023 word Change. Or see more on her instagram or facebook pages.
