Understanding The First Rule Of Writing—Before You Start The Great American Book

Written by Marvin D. Cloud


Chaos and confusion come when established rules and procedures are not followed. Even mixing and matching systems to favor one’s own position can cause a great deal of consternation. In writing a book,repparttar first rule is to know and understand why you want to write inrepparttar 128447 first place.

In other words, you need to develop a theme that will answerrepparttar 128448 question of why you want to write. I usually get a blank stare when I ask a budding author, “What is your book’s theme?” Eventuallyrepparttar 128449 answer I get may berepparttar 128450 title of a manuscript.

When I explain that a title isn’t a theme, I then may hear, “It’srepparttar 128451 story of my life.” That is unquestionablyrepparttar 128452 number-one answer I get. There is a big difference betweenrepparttar 128453 title of your book and your theme.

While your title may berepparttar 128454 sizzle,repparttar 128455 theme isrepparttar 128456 flavor and is formally defined as a “recurring, unifying subject or idea.” This isrepparttar 128457 aim orrepparttar 128458 main message of your book. Generally speaking, in writing there are two themes:repparttar 128459 author’s theme andrepparttar 128460 book’s theme.

The author’s theme isrepparttar 128461 usual subject matterrepparttar 128462 writer handles, orrepparttar 128463 onerepparttar 128464 writer is most comfortable with. For example, a writer may find his forte inrepparttar 128465 subject matter of healing or forgiveness. Another may write most ofrepparttar 128466 time inrepparttar 128467 area of spirituality or motivation.

Don’t confuserepparttar 128468 author’s theme with genre, which isrepparttar 128469 category of writing. In addition to establishing if you are writing fiction or non-fiction, there are several categories your book may fall into. Some ofrepparttar 128470 most popular ones today are biography, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, romance, thriller/espionage, horror, inspirational, historical, and courtroom drama. Your book’s theme is whatrepparttar 128471 reader should learn most after reading your story. There are two answers that you as a writer shouldn’t give when questioned about your theme: 1) This book is about me andrepparttar 128472 things that have happened to me; and 2) A rambling, almost incoherent dissertation that leaves one asking, “Huh?” Every author should ask and answerrepparttar 128473 following questions: “Why am I writing? What am I trying to articulate? What kind of outcome willrepparttar 128474 story have onrepparttar 128475 reader and what isrepparttar 128476 outcome I’m aiming for?”

Framing Your Story: Writing Tips for Online Marketing

Written by Sarah Benoit


The Art Of Self Promotion

One ofrepparttar keys to small business success isrepparttar 128442 ability to develop, write, edit and design your own marketing material. In order to accomplish this goal a small business owner must learnrepparttar 128443 essential art of self-promotion. The Internet has opened many doors for small business owners and entrepreneurs to market themselves for little or no cost through online writing and publishing. To take advantage of this easy and affordable marketing opportunity all you need is time to research and skills to help you express yourself. Writing skills can be honed with creativity, planning and practice. Building your skill in this area helps create a more focused marketing campaign and increased confidence in your sales approach. Once focus and confidence are infused into your marketing scheme it can generate more leads, more sales and more exposure to your identified consumers.

Framing A Story

The Internet world is a place where small business entrepreneurs can be published and feature their expertise, problem solving techniques and personal success stories. This can generate networking contacts and qualified leads. Writing a story is like building a home. The most important part ofrepparttar 128444 house isrepparttar 128445 foundation andrepparttar 128446 framework. The framework must be strong and solid. The rest ofrepparttar 128447 article is shaped by your individual voice, humor, insight, educational content and clarity. Framing a story isrepparttar 128448 first step to writing an article that will stand out and catchrepparttar 128449 audience’s attention. There are three basic frames to consider. Choose carefully according torepparttar 128450 marketing goals you have set andrepparttar 128451 consumer audience you want to attract.

Frame #1 A Chronological Sequence

Framing a story with a chronological sequence is a standard in writing. Simply create a beginning, middle and end. The impression you leave with a reader is largely based onrepparttar 128452 opening and closing, so be certain these two areas are strong, clear and exciting. A powerful beginning is what catches a reader’s attention. The middle of an article should providerepparttar 128453 reader with a reason to continue. This is essential in online writing projects since Internet readers generally have a shorter attention span. The end should causerepparttar 128454 reader to remember your name andrepparttar 128455 information you have provided. Don’t be afraid to take risks! The more originalrepparttar 128456 article content isrepparttar 128457 more attractive your article will be for potential customers. Summarize your article inrepparttar 128458 beginning and end with fresh perspectives and angles. Don’t be too repetitive and make sure your article includes somethingrepparttar 128459 reader can take away.

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