I love watching dance movies. Whether it is ballet, or hip hop, I simply love them. Why? Because the hero must endure. They must work hard, practice, face the challenges, keep struggling and then in the end – they succeed! They give the best performance of their life and win! It’s a feel-good moment that […]
Self Publishing – Lose the Stigma
I learned something interesting this weekend that I already knew deep down in my heart but still allowed the stigma to characterize my responses. What was that? Self publishing means you aren’t good enough for the traditional publishers. I tried to get into the traditional publishing houses. I tried to land an agent. I failed. […]
Using Amazon and Buy Now links
In this post I’m actually going to combine questions 8 and 10 together because they truly go hand in hand. Q. Do I need links to Amazon for my books on my author web site? A. I would! I would link to absolutely every bookstore and online shop I can. Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powell […]
How to market your author website
While I am not an expert on marketing, I do know enough to get by. I know that a website that doesn’t change grows stagnant. I know that Google is going to drop you down if you don’t add new content every once in a while. And I know that a website takes work, a […]
Testimonials and Reviews, are they impor...
In the world of web, the difference between testimonials and reviews isn’t much. Defined though, a testimonial is a statement and a review is a critique. While the terms tend to reflect generation, the Google generation vs the hand written letters generation, the point is that they are important. In the world of books, a […]
The importance of keywords
Keywords are the words and phrases that Internet users type into search box of a search engine, such as Google, to find what websites that match what are looking for. Keywords are the same in books when you publish them. The keywords you choose for your book(s) is just as important as the keywords you […]
Author websites, yes or no?
In the coming weeks I’m going to be discussing author websites. There are many questions regarding whether you need one, what you should have on them and how to market them. This first question is about their necessity. Q. Is it necessary for an author or writer to have a web site? Why? A. If […]
How to market on a shoestring budget
A few weeks ago I was interviewed for a column and wanted to share some of my insight to help future authors. This industry, the book publishing industry is a challenging one. It is chock full of pitted roads and sharp turns and navigating those streets are not easy. But as a fellow author, one […]
What is the best advice you can give to ...
Howdy y’all! I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted any updates but I’ve been busier than I ever thought I could be! .and I’ve survived! I must tell you that after building a house, it feels quite excellent sitting behind a computer at my brand new desk. I’ve spent most of this year […]
Do author websites need a blog?
Today’s question is a popular one, primarily because blogging can be time consuming. If you are spending your writing time writing something other than books, are you utilizing your time effectively? Q. Do I need a blog on my author web site? How do I gain blog followers? A. I go back and forth on […]
Free ebooks to get the word out
Today I’ll be focusing on a very important question in regards to marketing, Free E-Books. You’ve spent a LOT of time writing your book – to give it away for free – is it worth it? Well that depends… Q. Have you found it effective to offer free ebooks to “get the word out?” A. […]
How to successfully market your book
Last week I wrote about how I was interviewed for a column titled, Author Questions FOR Successful Authors. That was not only an awesome feeling of joy, but humbling as well because someone considered little ‘ol me a success! Insert big grin here. Well after typing up my responses I realized this was incredibly helpful […]
An Interview with Hamilton Troll
Good morning everyone, today we have a real treat for you! We are sitting down with Hamilton Troll the star of the award-winning educational children’s book series. Hamilton, what is the very first thing you want your readers to know about you? I’m about six inches tall. I live in a hole next to a […]
An Interview with Jared Jarren – Constel
Howdy folks, today we are going to interview the main character from the book “Constellation Crimes” because his story is as crazy as they come! Jared we hear you have a new book out and it’s all about you. Would you like to tell us about it? That’s right. It all started with an eerie […]
Gilmore Girls Revival: How it should hav...
I just finished watching the Netflix Revival of Gilmore Girls and I, like many probably, cried many times throughout the shows. In fact, I bawled like a baby, sobbing at the end when Lorelai and Luke finally got married. I have a lot in common with the Gilmore Girls, raised by a single mother, having […]
A picture is worth a thousand words…
First off, Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope your day is as perfect as this picture. That being said, I’ve been asked to give some more writing points so here is one: description is key. A writer is supposed to paint a picture with their words and here is a great way to practice that. Take […]
DEAR Texas Radio Interview Part 3
Interviewed by DEAR TEXAS Radio: Author Kathleen J. Shields tells all! The following weeks I will be posting short clips from my radio interview from Wimberley Radio 94.1 FM KWVH and their latest show DEAR Texas Radio. These questions really dug down deep into the mind of author Kathleen J. Shields where she discusses all […]
How to Write Great Dialogue
I’ve read quite a few articles and posts lately regarding dialogue and was shocked at how many people have issue with writing conversation. Writing a conversation is one of the easiest things to do (in my opinion) … but maybe it’s because I am crazy enough to talk to myself. Many of the tips and […]
Finding an editor for your book
You’ve written your book. It’s awesome! It’s 300+ pages of excellent story that you are absolutely certain everyone is going to want to read and will love – but is it REALLY finished? Have you edited it? I’m not talking about using the spelling and grammar check in Word. I’m not talking about reading through […]
Writing Prompts! “The rain was…”
Hello again. Here’s another writing prompt to get those fingers typing. Have fun with it and leave your few sentences in the comments below. “The rain was coming down so hard…” the windshield wipers simply could not keep up. I had them on high and felt like I was in a submarine under water. I […]
Square vs PayPal credit card processing
Many years ago my husband and I ran a business where we had a credit card processing terminal. It was a good size box that needed electricity and a phone line. Cost a monthly equipment fee, plus processing and transaction fees. It was quite nice to have even with the fees as it helped our business […]