I just looked at the date of the last post I made here. Can't believe it's almost three weeks ago. Still it has been a very hectic few weeks.
So what's prevented me from blogging. Apart from lack of discipline of course.
It would be too long, to go through the whole month but let's take a look at my last week.
I'm in the middle of a new enterprise. Hosting a telesummit. Decided in April to have a go and am taking a training with Sharon Crawford of Spiritual Messengers Worldwide. Fabulous decision to have made.
Already the support I've received from Sharon has far outweighed the purchase price of the whole package. Why?
Well I've had an hour long one to one Skype session with Sharon, helping me become very clear about the reason for doing the telesummit, the title and the speakers I wanted to attract.
That in iself, the speaker selection, is such an intense process. Yes I need some big names to attract the audience but that's not the only reason to choose people. Sharon and her co-host on the package Tamra Fleming have some great advice on the first audio call in the package.
And the documentation you need. Without the templates they provide, I'd have been tearing my hair out.
That's only one part of the whole enterprise. As I go through it I'll post updates with my ups and downs.
So I have been occupied with that. Plus my normal work which included an article proof read. Since it was a medical article destined for a prestigious journal it had to be done with especial care.
Then there was getting the new website up and going. I got myself in a real technological muddle about that. When everything is finally sorted out I might confess to what happened. But the site is live, including the first of a series of audio and video interviews that I've titled Conversations about Writing.
Gives me all the excuses I need to be nosy about all aspects of writing, publishing and marketing.
Take a look at the site and let me know what you think. Sign up for the monthly newsletter. Who would you like me to interview? Can't promise I'll manage it but I'll certainly try.
http://www.eileenparr.com/
Added to all the other excitement this week, I almost invited a virus on to the computer, I ricked my ankle and broke a tooth.
Life certainly hasn't been dull this month.
Speak to you again soon.
As you can see June's busted out all over in all kinds of directions.
Saturday, 23 June 2012
Sunday, 3 June 2012
What stops people writing
Last week I took a trip over to Creative Coffee at the Phoenix Arts Centre at Leicester.
I had a fun time meeting other writers... and would be writers.
Did more listening than talking which is as it should be. Listened to one person who was moving from an IT career to being a freelance editor and proof reader.
But most of all I listened to people who wanted to write but didn't, couldn't or wouldn't.
Their woes were centred round five problems.
The more I write and the more different things I write, the less I believe in writer's block and this inspiration stuff. Yes you need the initial ideas. But... once that is there, the rest is steady determination and application.
Which means giving it time. At the moment I'm rewriting a draft of a book I worked on about eighteen months ago. I've set myself the goal of finishing the draft by the end of July. So I need to write about a thousand words a day to hit that target. I've worked out it takes me under the hour to do it.
For me the trick is just to write it and not look back. That's fatal. When I've done the draft I'll take a week's break then start to fix it.
2. I'm stuck in the research stage.
This applies to many academic people one of whom I heard about last week. Got a brilliant idea, loves research, now can't find his voice for the book.
There really is only one answer. That's to write. Once you're into the writing, especially as he's writing non-fiction, the voice will come.
3. I can't find a publisher.
This is the first question people ask me. And it's often from people who haven't started to write their book.
These days, the question's become more irrelevant for many people. Self publishing has lost its crummy image and turned respectable. Digital printing has brought down the cost to manageable proportions for most people. And social media has opened up the world to promote what you do.
It's the most exciting time to be an author.
4 I can't get it out of my head onto the page.
Fear. That's what causes this. I know because I've suffered from it.
While it's in my head my book is perfect. Absolutely perfect. Any publisher would snap it up in an instant and turn it into a worldwide best seller.
On the page it might lack something. So I'll leave it where it is.
Shame because only once it's on the page can somebody help you with it. And the thing about writers and people in the industry is that they're helpful. They love everything to do with writing and books. They're passionate and committed.
So if you're at that stage, take your courage in your hands and begin.
5. I can't find the right shape for the book.
This seems to be bound up with finding your voice and wanting to rely on the inspiration. I've been in groups where there's always at least one person with this approach to writing.
Without fail the tutor tries to persuade them to do some planning on the structure for the book. Simply because if you have a road map, it becomes easier.
I've heard stories of some writers who plan meticulously and never deviate from the plan. Some who plan then revisit the structure if they get stuck.
There are as many ways of completing a book as there are writers and you do have to find the way that suits you.. But that initial structure does seem to make sense - at least to get you going.
What I've realised in the ten years I've been writing for business and writing fiction and non-fiction for myself, is that if you're willing to accept help, there's no shortage of avenues to find that support.
Arts organisations, paid assessment services, writers' groups, courses, author events.
What's needed though from the writer is their participation. If you sit at home 'wanting to become a writer' but doing nothing about it you' ever will. Just as I'll never run a marathon because I don't run.
And it's a shame, because your book, could be the one that makes a difference to others.
I had a fun time meeting other writers... and would be writers.
Did more listening than talking which is as it should be. Listened to one person who was moving from an IT career to being a freelance editor and proof reader.
But most of all I listened to people who wanted to write but didn't, couldn't or wouldn't.
Their woes were centred round five problems.
- I haven't enough time.
The more I write and the more different things I write, the less I believe in writer's block and this inspiration stuff. Yes you need the initial ideas. But... once that is there, the rest is steady determination and application.
Which means giving it time. At the moment I'm rewriting a draft of a book I worked on about eighteen months ago. I've set myself the goal of finishing the draft by the end of July. So I need to write about a thousand words a day to hit that target. I've worked out it takes me under the hour to do it.
For me the trick is just to write it and not look back. That's fatal. When I've done the draft I'll take a week's break then start to fix it.
2. I'm stuck in the research stage.
This applies to many academic people one of whom I heard about last week. Got a brilliant idea, loves research, now can't find his voice for the book.
There really is only one answer. That's to write. Once you're into the writing, especially as he's writing non-fiction, the voice will come.
3. I can't find a publisher.
This is the first question people ask me. And it's often from people who haven't started to write their book.
These days, the question's become more irrelevant for many people. Self publishing has lost its crummy image and turned respectable. Digital printing has brought down the cost to manageable proportions for most people. And social media has opened up the world to promote what you do.
It's the most exciting time to be an author.
4 I can't get it out of my head onto the page.
Fear. That's what causes this. I know because I've suffered from it.
While it's in my head my book is perfect. Absolutely perfect. Any publisher would snap it up in an instant and turn it into a worldwide best seller.
On the page it might lack something. So I'll leave it where it is.
Shame because only once it's on the page can somebody help you with it. And the thing about writers and people in the industry is that they're helpful. They love everything to do with writing and books. They're passionate and committed.
So if you're at that stage, take your courage in your hands and begin.
5. I can't find the right shape for the book.
This seems to be bound up with finding your voice and wanting to rely on the inspiration. I've been in groups where there's always at least one person with this approach to writing.
Without fail the tutor tries to persuade them to do some planning on the structure for the book. Simply because if you have a road map, it becomes easier.
I've heard stories of some writers who plan meticulously and never deviate from the plan. Some who plan then revisit the structure if they get stuck.
There are as many ways of completing a book as there are writers and you do have to find the way that suits you.. But that initial structure does seem to make sense - at least to get you going.
What I've realised in the ten years I've been writing for business and writing fiction and non-fiction for myself, is that if you're willing to accept help, there's no shortage of avenues to find that support.
Arts organisations, paid assessment services, writers' groups, courses, author events.
What's needed though from the writer is their participation. If you sit at home 'wanting to become a writer' but doing nothing about it you' ever will. Just as I'll never run a marathon because I don't run.
And it's a shame, because your book, could be the one that makes a difference to others.
Friday, 1 June 2012
Eileen Parr; new writing resolutions in June
It's a month since I blogged. Part of me can't believe that a month has passed since I did this. But when I look at what I've put my energy into over the last month I can see clearly where the time disappeared.
Since the beginning of the year I've given a lot of thought about where I want my business to go. I have let it run down somewhat over the last couple of years. Taken a break from the fee paying work and paid attention to writing fiction.
At the moment that effort hasn't offered me any concrete results. No publishing contract or link with a literary agent.
It's improved my writing though. Sending some off for a professional review in January I was pleased with the assessment. Showed distinct signs of my having worked to some effect.
The thing is that I don't think I'm just a writer. Like it or not I have that something inside of me that wants to help others progress. Came out all the time when I was employed even when I didn't label it as mentoring. And after years of my profession being guessed as teacher, I did go into teaching.
Only when I had something I was passionate to share though. At that time aromatherapy and reflexology.
So it seems I can't get away from that and I've decided to give it another whirl, this time to help writers.
One of the fun things I've done in the last month is to record some video interviews about writing. I've started a series Conversations about Writing which will begin to go live when my new website goes live next week. There'll be some podcasts to; I recorded the first of those with Farhana Shaikh in Leicester last week.
And that was another thing that demanded my energy. The website. The writing of it is no problem. It's the technical stuff that drains my energy. Getting all the bits to work together.
Still I'm improving at that too. Taking responsibility for it. Been bad at that in the past, relying too much on others to sort it out for me.
So all in all, it's been a hectic, but productive May. Here I am ready to go with a new website... and a new plan.
Let's see where it all leads me!
Since the beginning of the year I've given a lot of thought about where I want my business to go. I have let it run down somewhat over the last couple of years. Taken a break from the fee paying work and paid attention to writing fiction.
At the moment that effort hasn't offered me any concrete results. No publishing contract or link with a literary agent.
It's improved my writing though. Sending some off for a professional review in January I was pleased with the assessment. Showed distinct signs of my having worked to some effect.
The thing is that I don't think I'm just a writer. Like it or not I have that something inside of me that wants to help others progress. Came out all the time when I was employed even when I didn't label it as mentoring. And after years of my profession being guessed as teacher, I did go into teaching.
Only when I had something I was passionate to share though. At that time aromatherapy and reflexology.
So it seems I can't get away from that and I've decided to give it another whirl, this time to help writers.
One of the fun things I've done in the last month is to record some video interviews about writing. I've started a series Conversations about Writing which will begin to go live when my new website goes live next week. There'll be some podcasts to; I recorded the first of those with Farhana Shaikh in Leicester last week.
And that was another thing that demanded my energy. The website. The writing of it is no problem. It's the technical stuff that drains my energy. Getting all the bits to work together.
Still I'm improving at that too. Taking responsibility for it. Been bad at that in the past, relying too much on others to sort it out for me.
So all in all, it's been a hectic, but productive May. Here I am ready to go with a new website... and a new plan.
Let's see where it all leads me!
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
Why should your prospective client trust you?
At the moment I'm enjoying a discussion with one of my clients, a health professional now running her own business but NHS trained.
She's asked me to write some information leaflets and part of what she wants me to get across, invisibly, is the extent of her training and why she is the best person to deal with versus asking advice of others less well trained than she is.
In some ways it's the 'you wouldn't ask your plumber to carry out brain surgery' argument. It's something that's very pertinent for any professional selling their services.
Why should the prospect trust you?
They've picked up your leaflet or visited your website, actively looking to buy what you provide. If you catch their interest you'll get a few minutes of their precious time.
But only a few minutes... and only if that invisble bond of trust starts to form.
One word may create the first connection... then a sentence. Maybe a whole paragraph catches their attention.
And you need to understand that their distrust has nothing to do with you as an individual - after all they don't know you.
It's a structure laid down layer by layer of bad experiences with professionals such as you....
... then add in some anecdotal evidence from friends and family... plus some scare headlines in the media.
There you are left trying to dismantle an obstacle constructed of scepticism, fear and downright distrust.
What questions are they asking themselves?
With health issues they might include:
How much will it cost me?
Will it hurt?
Do they actually know what they're doing?
How long will it take because I want to feel better right now.
My client thinks education is the key and I agree. It's a maxim Jay Abraham has preached for many years.
In practical terms for writing you have to start where they are. Not in your professional competence and I have to say sometimes arrogance but with their prejudice.
Accept they may have had a bad experience.
Accept you have to work hard to overcome that
and accept you have to make is clear in terms they'll understand that you know what you're doing.
That's always our challenge as writers but unless we can overcome that it will stop people contacting us. And that's our final goal isn't it?
What kinds of obstacles do you have to overcome to make a long term relationship with your clients?
She's asked me to write some information leaflets and part of what she wants me to get across, invisibly, is the extent of her training and why she is the best person to deal with versus asking advice of others less well trained than she is.
In some ways it's the 'you wouldn't ask your plumber to carry out brain surgery' argument. It's something that's very pertinent for any professional selling their services.
Why should the prospect trust you?
They've picked up your leaflet or visited your website, actively looking to buy what you provide. If you catch their interest you'll get a few minutes of their precious time.
But only a few minutes... and only if that invisble bond of trust starts to form.
One word may create the first connection... then a sentence. Maybe a whole paragraph catches their attention.
And you need to understand that their distrust has nothing to do with you as an individual - after all they don't know you.
It's a structure laid down layer by layer of bad experiences with professionals such as you....
... then add in some anecdotal evidence from friends and family... plus some scare headlines in the media.
There you are left trying to dismantle an obstacle constructed of scepticism, fear and downright distrust.
What questions are they asking themselves?
With health issues they might include:
How much will it cost me?
Will it hurt?
Do they actually know what they're doing?
How long will it take because I want to feel better right now.
My client thinks education is the key and I agree. It's a maxim Jay Abraham has preached for many years.
In practical terms for writing you have to start where they are. Not in your professional competence and I have to say sometimes arrogance but with their prejudice.
Accept they may have had a bad experience.
Accept you have to work hard to overcome that
and accept you have to make is clear in terms they'll understand that you know what you're doing.
That's always our challenge as writers but unless we can overcome that it will stop people contacting us. And that's our final goal isn't it?
What kinds of obstacles do you have to overcome to make a long term relationship with your clients?
Sunday, 13 February 2011
Editing; is it a lost art?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/feb/11/lost-art-editing-books-publishing?INTCMP=SRCH
While I had breakfast this morning I read the article above by Alex Clark. Since I do a fair bit of editing my interest was certainly aroused. From a very low key perspective I can agree with the points made by all the contributors.
I've always thought it to be the most difficult of skills, especially if you're trying to edit your own work. I've gone over pieces of mine half a dozen times, printed them out, left them and when I've gone back, found the most glaring of mistakes.
Alex Clark talks about the pressures of commercial publishing impacting on editing services. That's true but also there's a reduced expectation of the need for editing. After all if we have a spell checker programme, why would we need a human editor?
Sorry to be ironic but that's been put to me on more than one occasion as a serious question. I always bless those of my clients who despite their writing skills value the detached observation I can bring to their writing.
As a professional it amuses me to see the corrections in library books made by a previous enraged reader. And it does surprise me that for books frequently reprinted, mistakes continue to appear. Back to cost again I suppose.
The best editors as it says in the article, address not only the proof reading mistakes but the structure of whatever they're reading. I know I've benefitted from some observations on the small piece of manuscript I had assessed recently. Yes at first it can damage your ego and make you feel useless, but when you get over that, then there's a lot of value in what insights are offered.
Long live editors say I.
While I had breakfast this morning I read the article above by Alex Clark. Since I do a fair bit of editing my interest was certainly aroused. From a very low key perspective I can agree with the points made by all the contributors.
I've always thought it to be the most difficult of skills, especially if you're trying to edit your own work. I've gone over pieces of mine half a dozen times, printed them out, left them and when I've gone back, found the most glaring of mistakes.
Alex Clark talks about the pressures of commercial publishing impacting on editing services. That's true but also there's a reduced expectation of the need for editing. After all if we have a spell checker programme, why would we need a human editor?
Sorry to be ironic but that's been put to me on more than one occasion as a serious question. I always bless those of my clients who despite their writing skills value the detached observation I can bring to their writing.
As a professional it amuses me to see the corrections in library books made by a previous enraged reader. And it does surprise me that for books frequently reprinted, mistakes continue to appear. Back to cost again I suppose.
The best editors as it says in the article, address not only the proof reading mistakes but the structure of whatever they're reading. I know I've benefitted from some observations on the small piece of manuscript I had assessed recently. Yes at first it can damage your ego and make you feel useless, but when you get over that, then there's a lot of value in what insights are offered.
Long live editors say I.
Monday, 20 September 2010
Alan Plater
I watched Alan Plater's last play, Joe Maddison's War, on television last night.
It had all of his trademark quirkiness and compassionate observation. We've owned the Beiderbecke Trilogy for years and return to it whenever we want something that offers a sense of the ridiculous and wonderful characters.
This week my sister and I are making our annual visit to Scarborough for the jazz festival. I never had the privilege of talking to Alan Plater but I saw him in action at Scarborough a couple of times.narrating tales of unsung heroes of jazz with his usual humour and passion.
His recent death robs us of a superb writer and we'll be the worse for not having his wry humour to draw on.
It had all of his trademark quirkiness and compassionate observation. We've owned the Beiderbecke Trilogy for years and return to it whenever we want something that offers a sense of the ridiculous and wonderful characters.
This week my sister and I are making our annual visit to Scarborough for the jazz festival. I never had the privilege of talking to Alan Plater but I saw him in action at Scarborough a couple of times.narrating tales of unsung heroes of jazz with his usual humour and passion.
His recent death robs us of a superb writer and we'll be the worse for not having his wry humour to draw on.
Saturday, 11 September 2010
Di Slaney - 'sME Poetry Collection
Had a wonderful surprise in the post this morning. Di Slaney has sent me a copy of the poetry collection I reviewed for her. Looks wonderful- Black with gold lettering. Just what you'd expect from a successful graphic designer.
If you're interested in more details about the collection email di@diversity-nottm.co.uk
If you want to read my thoughts and Di's about the collection see http://writerslittlebook.blogspot.com/2010/08/di-slaney-businesswoman-and-poet.html
She very kindly acknowledges my help and more important the help of Jenny at Candlestick Press who I've mentioned before in the Writer's Little Book blog.
If you're interested in more details about the collection email di@diversity-nottm.co.uk
If you want to read my thoughts and Di's about the collection see http://writerslittlebook.blogspot.com/2010/08/di-slaney-businesswoman-and-poet.html
She very kindly acknowledges my help and more important the help of Jenny at Candlestick Press who I've mentioned before in the Writer's Little Book blog.
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