January Chat on Writing

Here I go again. I was just sitting at my kitchen table and like always, thoughts were running through my head. Earlier in the day I had read a couple of pages of an ebook that I have on my Kindle PC, the title "The Goddess of Fried Okra". They author has succeeded in creating believable characters.

Now with that said, it lead me to the thoughts of what an excellent writer is and what they do, what they know how to do.

An excellent writer is one who can make the reader hear the voice of their characters through the choice of words that they give as dialogue. An excellent writer writes with such style, depth and detail, the reader cam actually pick a main character out of a crowd. Through a writer's way with words, the reader can imagine and see the distinction of a southern belle, a New York charmer, or a British tycoon. You can see the characters unfold and come to life in the pages of the book.

An excellent writer will have the reader wanting more, not wanting to put the book down until they have reached the end. A good book leaves the reader with a satisfied feeling when the book has come to its conclusion.

An excellent writer knows how to make the reader feel the essence of each character and their situation, making the reader become one with the character. An excellent writer knows how to make a character pop out and become close friends with the reader.

An excellent writer can make the reader still hear the voice of a main character, even when the book is closed, because the character is still living on in the reader's head, making a lasting impression, which will cause the reader to search for other material by that particular author. All because the writer knows how to draw the attention of their readers, using their fabulous characters as bait, pulling the reader in and making a connection.


Just Another Thought
By Winona aka Nona

Just a Friendly Reminder

Today is President's Day, it is Monday, October 11. In two days my radio interview with Don McCauley will be airing. My interview will run for 24 hours. So, if you miss it on the 13th, you can always check it out on the 14th too. However, anytime after that, you will miss out. I am looking forward to listening myself, because it will be my first time hearing the interview. Am I nervous? You bet I am!
So, don't forget to tune in on your computer.

http://www.theauthorsshow.com

I am listed under "upcoming authors" so look for me....Winona Rasheed.

MY 9/11 Author Interview

I just had my second radio author interview about an hour and a half ago. It was awesome, though like always, I was a tad bit nervous. For some reason, I developed a scratchy throat once I was in conversation. That was annoying, I tried to subdue the urge to cough. Thank goodness this interview was being taped and not going on air live.

That was the big difference between my last radio interview, on blog talk radio...I was live right then and there, couldn't make any mistakes or the entire listening audience would have heard.

This experience today was more relaxing and Don McCauley, the radio host explained everything before we got started. He told me what was going to happen, and what I could expect. It was like I was sitting at my kitchen table talking to a friend over doughnuts and coffee. If there was any mistakes made, it would be alright, because the tape was going to go to the editing room. We talked about my new book, "Broken Voices" as well as chit chatting about writing and publishing. The entire interview lasted about 13 minutes. Now that was quick and to the point, unlike the other interview which lasted about 30 minutes. Mr. Mccauly covered most of the talking points. When the interview was over, our conversation continued for about another 15 minutes, it was then that he began explaining the process of marketing and publicity for authors. I learned so much today...it was just awesome, not a boring moment entered into the picture.

This interview will not be aired for about two weeks because of the editing process. But, I can look forward to my book and my name being announced on the upcoming shows of http://www.theauthorsshow.com Under the Chilren's section. The interview will run for a month, at least that's what I think he said for free. After that, I can purchase the the license of the interview show and use it in my marketing strategy. This is the route that I want to take if my finances are available when it is aired. So, I am keeping my fingers crossed. As a writer trying to make a name for herself and get my books out there...all I can say is that I want it all!

I will keep you posted when my interview is going on air. You knew I was going to blog about it! Just can't help myself.....I am so excited.

Until the next time...put me on your list of favorite authors and my books on your bookshelves. You can't have one without the other.

Hey there people. Just wanted you to know that this author has been a busy little bee. I have three author events to prepare for. Oh yeah, doesn't that sound super great?
On the 30th of this month, I will be appearing on the online blog Rack Radio show, and then on September 2, I will be appearing at a DC library open house with my books. Then on September 11, I have another radio interview.

As they said back in the day....this is groovy. I am loving this. There is so much to do after your book has been published. I plan on writing about this experience when all of the events are done. This will be one long blog I am presuming when I start writing about this experience.

Just remember writers, it's not over just because your book is published. You have to market it too, or else your book will sit on the shelf collecting dust bunnies. We have to help our books reach their targeted audience.

Author Interviews

As a dedicated writer, you can always find something to write about or talk about; especially if you have a blog or an author's website, which is a must have.

A writer doesn't always have to be working on their manuscript, or searching for new ideas for a new book. But, they must always keep their writing juices flowing, even if its nothing more than a few sentences a day, or a few paragraphs a week. You can always write or talk on any topic or subject that floats your boat. At least you are writing and telling what is on your mind.

This is what is on my mind today: Preparing for an Author's Interview

Now that your book is published and in the bookstores, that's not the end of the road for an author. Now you have to market it and promote it. After all, it's not going to fly off the shelves by itself. You have to put the wings on it. One way of doing that is through author interviews. Get yourself on TV and the radio. Do online author interviews through blog radio networks. They are fabulous!

When you have been booked to do an interview, be prepared! Get ready beforehand, before the big day. Most interview host will ask you for talking points for the discussion about you and your book. What do you want to talk about? Have your questions already prepared and know the answers. You do not want to become tongue-tied. After all, you have to know what you are talking about and sound like it too. Show confidence.

My first radio interview will take place at the end of August, and the same thing that I am telling you...I am doing too.

But, most of all, it doesn't hurt to have a fabulous publisher helping you along the way, showing you the ropes and giving you hot tips and advice as you prepare. I have a fabulous publisher with New Line Press, who is educating me on the process. Catherine, you are remarkable!

Do you have a fabulous, dependable and trustworthy publisher that you are working with?