Editing: The Writer’s Seven-Layer Salad

By Kait Carson

Seven-Layer Salad

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

2 tsps apple cider vinegar

1 cup frozen peas, defrosted and drained

1 head chopped iceberg lettuce

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup cooked and chopped thick-cut center-cut bacon

3 or 4 hard-cooked eggs, cut in quarters lengthwise

1 cup halved grape tomatoes

¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

¼ cup snipped scallion tops

Stir together mayonnaise, sour cream, and apple cider vinegar to make the dressing.

Evenly layer lettuce, cheddar cheese, peas, bacon, eggs, tomatoes, and Parmesan in a pretty glass salad bowl. Top with scallion tops.

Serve unmixed with the dressing on the side.

Don’t like something? No worries, change it up to your taste.

Those of you who follow me know I’ve been in edit mode with my novel, No Return, for the past year. Yep, not a typo. I think Leo Tolstoy wrote War and Peace in less time. Not really, rumor has it that Tolstoy took six years to write and edit his book, and some say it went through fifteen revisions. Not much over the course of six years, but when you stop to realize every iteration needed to be handwritten…well. My hand hurts. So does my head, but I understand Tolstoy’s handwriting was just as illegible as mine, which makes me feel a little better.

What took so long, you might ask? Last August I submitted the manuscript to a traditional publisher who rejected the novel in October with a lovely critique and offered to reconsider the book after editing. Yes, rejection stings, but this rejection offered a ray of hope. Besides, when I considered the suggestions, I realized the editor was one hundred percent correct, and thus began the editing saga.

Somewhere around the six-month timeframe, it occurred to me that editing is very like constructing a seven-layer salad:

•  First layer, outline if you are so inclined, or sit, stay, and write if you’re not.
•  Second layer, let the story marinate, and take a day or two and read the manuscript in its entirety. Any longer and you risk losing sight of the sequence of events and might miss the ever dreaded plot holes.
• Third layer, annotate every chapter, note if it needs to stay, move, undergo revision, or, heaven forbid, deletion. Because I write mysteries, while I’m in this phase, I list red herrings, the characters they affect, clues, the chapter each is resolved, and which suspect the clue or red herring clears or condemns. This is also where I add, delete, or combine characters. 
• Fourth layer, make the necessary revisions, construct a solution timeline. 
• Fifth Layer, reread the manuscript for continuity.
• Sixth layer, find and resolve overused words and phrases.
• Seventh layer, read one last time, make any necessary changes.
• Crunch topping, Submit.

I’m finishing up the seventh layer now and anticipate moving to the crunchy topping this week. I’ll let you know if we get to crack open that champagne bottle in my wine cooler, or open a bottle of Writer’s Tears when I hear. Wish me luck!

Kait Carson writes the Hayden Kent Mysteries, set in the Fabulous Florida Keys, and is at work on a new mystery series set in her adopted state of Maine. Her short fiction has been nationally published in the True Confessions magazines and in Woman’s World. Kait’s short story, “Gutted, Filleted, and Fried”, appeared in the Silver Falchion Award-nominated Guppy Anthology Hook, Line, and Sinker. Her nonfiction essay was included in the Agatha Award-winning book Writing the Cozy Mystery. She is a former President of the Guppy Chapter of Sisters in Crime, and a current member of Sisters in Crime and Guppies. Check out her webpage at www.kaitcarson.com and while you’re there, sign up for her monthly newsletter.

 

Writing Life Advice from Writers Who Kill by Judy L. Murray

If you’re a writer or a reader fascinated with the writing process https://writerswhokill.blogspot.com is a wealth of information and inspiration. We invite you to discover the world of the accomplished Writers Who Kill.

Each blog post can improve your own writing skills or introduce you to the writing world from a different perspective with years of ideas, writing struggles, and new resources. All the articles are listed within months of the year. Scroll along and discover a new view of the writing and reading world!

On Writing Inspiration:
Tips to Help Writers Stay Motivated by Heather Weidner September 11, 2026
Thoughts on Writing by Nancy L. Eady August 31, 2026
Where Do We Get Our Ideas? It’s Complicated by Maureen Milliken August 29, 2026
My Writing Journey: From Cerebral Reader to Thriller Writer by Lisa Malice Nov 9, 2024
Travel with Benefits by Paula Gail Benson August 20, 2024
An Interview with a Writer Rosalie Spielman by Grace Topping November 13, 2024

On Writing Skills and Career Building:
Five Sure-Fire Ways to Kill Your Writing Career by Connie Berry August 27, 2026
There’s More to Writing Than Just Writing by Annette Dashofy August 23, 2026
Surviving the Editing Process by Judy L. Murray September 21, 2024
500 Words a Day by Martha Reed June 25, 2024
Website Rehab by Sarah E. Burr September 15, 2024
Insert Title Here by Mary Dutta November 2, 2024
How Do I Kill Thee? Let me count the ways by Teresa Inge June 3, 2024
Character Lessons by Lori Roberts Herbst October 4, 2024
Three Recommendations to Improve Your Stories by James M. Jackson October 1, 2024
Writing More Than One Series at a Time by Marilyn Levinson June 20, 2024
Getting Out of Your Safe Space by Susan Van Kirk February 5, 2026
Slowing Down Has Its Benefits by Debra H. Goldstein July 20, 2026
Don’t Create Your Own Roadblocks by Shari Randall June 10, 2024
Let’s Talk by K.M. Rockwood August 11, 2026

On Reading Enjoyment:
Prime Reading Cozy Months Ahead by Korina Moss September 13, 2026
A Bit of Fun About Reading and Writing Books by Molly MacRae August 2, 2026
What We’re Reading by Kait Carson July 30, 2026
Julia Spencer-Fleming’s At Midnight Comes the Cry (Review) by Margaret S. Hamilton October 9, 2025

As you enjoy these articles feel free to add your comments. We writers love to hear from you.

All the best, Judy L. Murray
Author, The Chesapeake Bay Mystery Series
https//:JUDYLMURRAYMYSTERIES.com
PenCraft First Place Awards
IPPY Gold and Silver Medalist
Silver Falchion Int'l Award
Agatha Award Nominee

Tips to Help Writers Stay Motivated

 

Tips to Help Writers Stay Motivated

by Heather Weidner

Today marks the 25^th anniversary of 9-11. It is one of those moments that I will always remember where I was and how the news affected me. Horrific news stories, the political climate, the economy, not to mention personal tragedies, can all hinder your writing and demotivate you.

Writing is primarily a solitary business, and a bad day, the grumpies, a negative review, someone’s snarky comment, or events in your life and the world can easily cause a writer to question everything.

Here are a few ideas that I have picked up during my writing journey that may help. 

• Look at the feedback/criticism. Learn from it, but don’t dwell on it.
• Keep control of that voice in your head. Be aware of your self-talk. You don’t need to make things worse by letting them consume you.
• Take a break and do something else for a while. Physical activity will clear your mind and get your endorphins going.
• Do something else that’s creative (e.g. paint, cook, draw, knit, sew…). It will boost your energy and your mood.
• Take a minute to be grateful. Make a list of things that are going well. You’ll be surprised at all the positive things in your life that you are thankful for.
• Volunteer or help someone else. You’ll often find that your troubles aren’t as challenging as what others are facing. You are also able to make a difference in someone’s life.
• Writing is work, and it’s a long process. There is a lot of waiting. Stay busy during the quiet times. The best advice I ever received was to write the next book.
• When something happens that you don’t like, take a minute to cry, scream, yell, or eat chocolate. Get it out of your system and move on. You’ve got things to do. Don’t waste precious time.

The writing journey is a roller coaster ride, and there are days that I don’t feel like writing. When that happens, I try to do some other book-related or marketing tasks. What do you do to keep yourself motivated to write?

If you or someone you know is struggling or in emotional distress, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7, to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Heather Weidner writes cozy crime fiction for readers who want justice with a sprinkle of fun and a southern accent.

Through the years, Heather Weidner has been a cop’s kid, technical writer, editor, college professor, software tester, and IT manager. She writes the Pearly Girls Mysteries, the Delanie Fitzgerald Mysteries, The Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries, and The Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mysteries. 

Originally from Virginia Beach, Heather has been a mystery fan since Scooby-Doo and Nancy Drew. She lives in Central Virginia with her husband and a crazy Mini Aussie Shepherd. 

 

Quick Motivators When You Don’t Feel Like Writing

By Heather Weidner

 It’s March, and the weather is finally getting warmer here in Central Virginia. I can’t wait to get outside. I love the spring weather, but sometimes, it’s harder to keep my writing routine on track when there are so many distractions.

 Here are few ideas that might help you get motivated or moving when you don’t feel like writing:

• Get up earlier than normal to start your writing session. Sometimes, it helps if you finish earlier in the day when there’s still time to do something else.
• Editing/revising is the hardest part for me. I really have to focus (and stay focused) to make sure all the changes are made. I usually reward myself with a social media break, a walk outside, or a quick research break (scrolling through the internet) after I hit a milestone.
• Get a good, noise-cancelling headphone set. It’ll block out the world, and you can listen to your choice of music. (I have playlists for every mood (and type of writing task. This is my playlist of songs about writing.)
• Keep small pieces of chocolate or other favorite treat on your desk for writing sessions. It’s a great pick-me-up, and it’s a nice little reward.
• Keep some tactile toys on your desk (e.g. stress balls, Slinkies, or fidget toys) for a quick break. Sometimes, these help while you’re working through a plot hole.
• Take an exercise break when you need to get up and stretch. There are plenty of chair yoga and chair stretch videos online to get your endorphins going.
• If you have a pet, take a puppy or a kitty break. Sometimes, a burst of activity can get you moving again.
• Get your phone or your camera and go out and take some pictures. You can always use them for your blog or socials.
• Work on another creative project. This will engage your brain and your hands.
• Write some notes or emails to family and friends. It’s a great way to keep in touch, and it kickstarts your writing.
• Start a celebration journal and keep a log of your milestones and successes.
• Find an accountability partner who will help you stay on track.
• Take a 10-minute tidy-your-desk moment. You clear your thoughts and get a clean desk.
• Create a reward jar. When you reach a milestone, you get to pick a treat.
• And don’t forget to celebrate when you hit your milestones or make your goals.

 What do you do get yourself motivated?

Through the years, Heather Weidner has been a cop’s kid, technical writer, editor, college professor, software tester, and IT manager. She writes the Pearly Girls Mysteries, the Delanie Fitzgerald Mysteries, The Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries, and The Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mysteries. 

Her short stories appear in a variety of anthologies, and she has non-fiction pieces in Promophobia and The Secret Ingredient: A Mystery Writers’ Cookbook.

Originally from Virginia Beach, Heather has been a mystery fan since Scooby-Doo and Nancy Drew. She lives in Central Virginia with her husband and a crazy Mini Aussie Shepherd. 

 

Advice for Aspiring Authors from the Writers Who Kill

by Heather Weidner

June is the season of graduations and speeches about future adventures. To celebrate, I asked the Writers Who Kill what advice they would give to aspiring authors, and they provided a wealth of valuable information for folks at any stage of their careers. 

Find Your Crew

“Find a good supportive critique group. Learning how to provide a good critique will help your writing even more than the advice you get from your group."

~ James M. Jackson

“My advice to new writers: make friends in the writing community because writing is an up and down business, but they will be there to support you in the good and bad times (keeping you sane doing the thing you love).” 

~ Debra H. Goldstein 

“I’d tell new writers to find their tribe. Writing is a solitary pursuit, but not a lonely one. I highly recommend checking out Sisters in Crime and especially the Guppy Chapter. It’s the place to go to find encouragement and answers in a safe and nurturing environment.”

~ Kait Carson

“Seek out a writing community. Writing, for all its joys, can often feel like a solitary path. But even the most solitary journeys are made lighter with kindred spirits by your side. Surrounding yourself with fellow writers who understand the late-night edits, the plot twists that won’t twist, and the triumph of typing “The End” can make all the difference. Whether you connect through a local Sisters in Crime chapter, a virtual writing group, or a cozy nook within your own community, take the step to reach out. Speaking as a lifelong introvert, I can promise you this: having writing friends in your corner doesn’t just enrich your craft, it nourishes your spirit.”

~ Sarah E. Burr

Listening to Criticism

“Embrace helpful, constructive criticism and ignore hateful, biased, ignorant opinions of your work.” 

~ Margaret S. Hamilton

Perseverance

“Never give up! Building a writing life is a marathon not a sprint. Volunteering is the easiest way to meet your peer group, raise your profile, introduce your work to a wider welcoming audience, and make new life-long friendships!”

~ Martha Reed

“Just 200 words a day is a novel in one year.”

~ Judy L. Murray 

“Writing is work, and you need to treat your writing life as a business. Guard your writing time. It’s valuable. Also, invest in a good author headshot.”

~ Heather Weidner

“Keep on writing. Persevere. Get involved with fellow writers to learn your craft and critique your work. And keep on writing.”

~ Marilyn Levinson

“Don't stop and don't give up.”

~ Nancy Eady

“The difference between a writer who is published and one who isn't — the published writer didn't give up. Be too stubborn to give up.”

~ Grace Topping

Hone Your Craft

“Enjoy your writing. Love what you create. Share it with others in a writing community, in person and online. Listen carefully to other people's critiques (and bite your tongue when you want to defend your work) to find nuggets you can implement to improve. And then, give other writers the same courtesy.”

~ K. M. Rockwood

“Be patient. (I know, that's a hard one.) Focus on the writing before you spend too much headspace on publishing and all that entails.” 

~ Korina Moss

“Whether you're talking about life or about writing, you have to find your own way. What works for you? People are always asking writers about their “process.” Are they a pantser or an outliner? Do they write 1,000 words a day? Do they listen to music or write in silence? In the long run, you have to find what works for you. That might take a while in writing and in life.”

~ Susan Van Kirk

“Read, read, read. Read voraciously in the genre you want to write but read other genres as well. As you're reading, notice. What do I love about this? Where do I start skimming?”

~Lori Roberts Herbst

“Revision is the key to success.” 

~ Molly MacRae

What was the best piece of writing advice you received? 

Through the years, Heather Weidner has been a cop’s kid, technical writer, editor, college professor, software tester, and IT manager. She writes the Pearly Girls Mysteries, the Delanie Fitzgerald Mysteries, The Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries, and The Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mysteries. 

Originally from Virginia Beach, Heather has been a mystery fan since Scooby-Doo and Nancy Drew. She lives in Central Virginia with her husband and a crazy Jack Russell Terrier. 

Seven Deadly Writer Sins

 by Kait Carson

I may have to borrow from Jimmy Buffett here if I run out of ideas, but hey, Jimmy, I remember you crooning at Bubbas, so ‘nuff said. Those of you who did not go to or hang out at the University of Miami in the early 1970s will have to make up your own stories. No, I did not know Jimmy Buffett, although I spent a lot of time listening to him when he played at Bubbas. I liked his style and Bubbas was across the street from my dorm. I did meet him one night in Sint Maarten. I was recovering from dengue fever, didn’t recognize him. When he introduced himself, I thought he was pulling my leg, and when he crooned Margaritaville just for me, I told him not to quit his day job. I doubt he’d ever thought of it again, but it’s a memory I cherish. Jimmy, I’m glad you didn’t take my advice, but a cappella? You didn’t sound like you!

How does that relate to writing? “Bank of Bad Habits” just played on my Spotify account and I realized writers have their own seven deadly sins. Thanks again, Jimmy, for the spark of inspiration.

#1 Thou shall not head hop. 

“What is head hopping?” Mavis asked. 

How can she not know? Peter wondered. She does it all the time. 

Jack shook his head in amazement and bit his tongue. Those two would argue over which way to screw in a lightbulb. 

“I have whiplash,” Kait moaned.

#2 Thou shalt not hide clues from your readers.

The key to keeping your books from hitting the wall when readers get to the end is to always play fair. This is harder than it sounds. When the sleuth stumbles across, uncovers, or develops a clue, the reader needs to have the information at precisely the same moment, even if they don’t realize the importance of the event. As a writer, I always feel as if a kick line of Rockettes is surrounding the fireworks shooting neon colored clue. My beta readers generally don’t have the same impression and only have the head-slapping aha moment at the end of the book when it all comes together.

#3 Thou shalt not make thy victim a saint.

Everyone has good and bad points. While the victim does not have to have a fatal flaw, he or she needs to be flawed enough to be a believable human. Those flaws may or may not be the reason he needs killin’, but they will generate empathy with your readers.

#4 Thou shalt not make thy criminal Satan.

Even a murderer’s dog loves him. See above for good and bad points. It’s essential that your criminal is human, and can hide in plain sight among the suspects, which brings me to number 5.

#5. Thou shalt not point thy finger at only one suspect.

Multiple suspects are required. Draw them out as if they are each the perpetrator and give every suspect motive, means, and opportunity. No one did this better than the two Dames, Agatha Christie and PD James. 

#6 Thou shalt not forget to resolve thy red herrings.

I read a book once that had more loose ends than my first attempt at knitting. Suffice it to say, I did not pick up another by that author. So, even if you don’t have a solution for a particular red herring (and there are times when life can imitate art) honor your reader and have your protagonist at least acknowledge it.

#7 Thou shalt not forget that writing is best accomplished in anticipation of chocolate and wine, or the libation of your choice.

There’s got to be some reward for long hours of sweating blood over your keyboard. A treat at the end of the day is a great motivator.

Writers, do you have a different list of sins? 

Readers, do you notice writerly transgressions?

Kait Carson writes the Hayden Kent Mysteries set in the Fabulous Florida Keys and is at work on a new mystery set in her adopted state of Maine. Her short fiction has been nationally published in True Romance, True Confessions, True Story, True Experience, and Woman’s World magazines. Her short story, Gutted, Filleted, and Fried, appeared in the Falchion Finalist nominated Seventh Guppy Anthology Hook, Line, and Sinker. She is a former President of the Guppy Chapter of Sisters in Crime, a member of Sisters in Crime, and Guppies. Visit her website at www.kaitcarson.com. While you’re there, sign up for her newsletter and receive a yummy, authentic, key lime pie recipe. 

 Strategic Planning and Your Writing by Heather Weidner

I recently completed a Strategic Training course for the day gig. A lot of the concepts, designed for planning and prioritizing IT and business projects, also translate to the writing world. Here’s what I learned.

Who are your customers: Writers need to know who their readers are, and it’s not everyone who likes books. Authors should look at their followers, their web and social media metrics, and their reviews to see if they can categorize who is buying and reading the books. Sometimes, it’s hard. If you don’t have data to look at, look at other authors who write books that are similar to yours. Look at their reviews and see which book bloggers and bookstagrammers are reading their work.

This helps you target your advertising and marketing to the groups who would be likely to be interested in your work. For example, from my metrics and demographics data, I can see that my readers are usually females between 20 and 60 who like animals, cozy mysteries, and humorous mysteries. I can create events, giveaways, and other promotions that would appeal to readers who have similar interests.

Wave your own flag: Sometimes, authors have trouble with promoting themselves because it feels like bragging, or they don’t feel comfortable being in the spotlight. Marketing, promotions, and building your author platform often force writers to step out of their comfort zones. It’s important to celebrate your wins and news. Try to keep your posts balanced. Your news/marketing items on social media should be 10 to 20% of your overall posts. And don’t forget to celebrate the successes of others!

Spend the time you have to on necessary tasks, but no more: This one is important for your time management. There are thousands of tasky things we have to do that don’t relate to your writing. The rule is to spend the time you have to on these things, but keep it limited. Remember that your job is to write your next book and to promote your work.

Plan for crisis situations to minimize risks: Always have a backup plan for emergencies. Make sure that you can get to your contact lists if your phone or email go down. Make sure that you backup your files. Your writing is precious, and there is nothing that will make a writer cry faster than to lose something you’ve been working on. Make sure that you keep your computer and phones updated regularly. These patches and updates contain security fixes. If you don’t apply them, your device is vulnerable.

Scan the environment and know your competition: Authors need to know what is going on in the industry and their genre. Read everything you can get your hands on. Peruse online or physical bookstores and see what is on the shelves and how books are categorized. Join writing groups for knowledge-shares and training.

Apply lessons learned: Critiques, rejections, and bad reviews don’t feel good. After you calm down, take the time to understand what the person was telling you. If there is something valuable in the feedback, take it as a lesson learned and find ways to incorporate it. Continuous improvement is a key part of your growth.

Writing is a business, and it’s important to have a strategy and a plan. What would you add to my list?

___

Through the years, Heather Weidner has been a cop’s kid, technical writer, editor, college professor, software tester, and IT manager. She writes the Pearly Girls Mysteries, the Delanie Fitzgerald Mysteries, The Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries, and The Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mysteries.

Originally from Virginia Beach, Heather has been a mystery fan since Scooby-Doo and Nancy Drew. She lives in Central Virginia with her husband and a pair of Jack Russell terriers. You can find more information on Heather and her books on her website. 

 

It’s All about Balance by Heather Weidner

Before I started writing novels, I was involved in some group anthology projects. For one series, we did almost one hundred in-person and virtual events in about a year and a half to promote the books. I enjoyed meeting people and talking about mysteries, but I soon realized a writing life needs balance. With so much travel, there was hardly enough time to write my novel.

Here are some tips that work for me to help me organize my time.

Make a schedule. I still have a day gig, so I have to schedule everything. I keep a calendar of key writing events and due dates. I have to stay organized, or chaos takes over.

• Try to write (or revise your work) every day. If you leave your project for a few days, it takes time to get back to the place where you left off. (I write from 5:00 - 7:30 every morning and then on my lunch hour. If I hit my word goal, then I’m done for the day.)
• Set your writing goals. To finish a first draft in a reasonable amount of time, I need a daily writing goal. I know if I stick to my schedule, I can have a completed first draft in about two and a half months. I have a running tally on a sticky note to keep me motivated and to see my progress.
• Sit down and write. When you are writing your first draft, just write it. Don’t stop to revise chapters or paragraphs. Make notes and keep going. If you fall into the rewriting trap, it’ll delay your writing process for months (or years).
• Plan your marketing. When I have a new book release, I create a spreadsheet (three months before and three months after). I track all of my online and in-person events, and I make sure I have plenty of time to complete guest blog posts and interviews. Make sure you track all your due dates.
• Organize your contacts. I hate spending time searching for something I know I have, so for things I want to remember, I make spreadsheets. One has all the blogs, podcasters, book reviewers, and other contacts that I like to follow. I add to this throughout the year, and it helps when I start planning my promotions.
• Organize your research notes. I also have a spreadsheet of ideas. I used to keep file folders of newspaper and magazine clippings. Now, I keep cool names, interesting locations, weird true crime stories, and names of resources in one document. It makes it so much easier when I’m looking for story ideas.
• Make sure that you’re also reading. It’s important to keep up with what’s being published and what’s new in your genre.
• And take a break for some relaxation or fun!

How do you balance your writing with the myriad of other things in your life? Let me know what you would add to my list.

Through the years, Heather Weidner has been a cop’s kid, technical writer, editor, college professor, software tester, and IT manager. She writes the Pearly Girls Mysteries, the Delanie Fitzgerald Mysteries, The Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries, and The Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mysteries.

WHAT DRIVES YOUR CHARACTERS?

 By Korina Moss

What drives your fictional characters? No, I’m talking literally. What kind of cars do they drive? It’s a simple enough question, but for most writers, there’s nothing standard or automatic about it. The kind of car a person chooses can say quite a bit about them. 

The protagonist of my Cheese Shop Mystery series, Willa Bauer, drives a used second-generation CR-V (a car that came out between 2002-2006). It’s practical, reliable, and not fussy—all qualities that Willa possesses and likes in others. She bought it used years ago, which shows her practicality and her focus on saving her money to open a cheese shop. It’s also quite old, so she probably ought to think about getting a replacement, but she’s going to drive it until the wheels fall off (figuratively, of course). This shows that her life balance may be a little off-kilter sometimes, and that she’s a risk taker who perhaps ought to be more careful. 

All this characterization in just the mention of a car? Not by itself—it’s simply one of the building blocks of your character. More than gobs of backstory, corroborating who they are through the choices they make, as well as their actions and reactions, helps to create fully formed characters to whom readers can connect.  

Writers, tell me the type of car one of your characters drives. (Or do they bike or skateboard, like Mrs. Schultz and Archie, two of my secondary characters?) Readers, what do you think the car you drive says about you?  

PREORDER NOW

COMING OCTOBER 22ND

KORINA MOSS is the author of the Cheese Shop Mystery series set in the Sonoma Valley, including the Agatha Award winner for Best First Novel, Cheddar Off Dead, and the Agatha Award finalist for Best Contemporary Novel, Case of the Bleus. Her books have been featured in USA Today, PARADE Magazine, Woman’s World, AARP, and Fresh Fiction. To learn more, visit her website korinamossauthor.com where you can subscribe to her free monthly #teamcheese newsletter. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. 

 

Expanding Your Writing Resources

by Heather Weidner

 Recently an author asked me how to find book bloggers and podcasters because he had a book launch coming up. My advice to writers is to start this process early and not to wait until you’re about to launch your book. You need to grow your network of resources as an ongoing process. Here are some things that have worked for me.

• Most bookbloggers, bookstagrammers, and podcasters do what they do because they love the topic and interacting with others. It’s not good form to reach out or start following someone a week or so before your launch and then contact them for a favor. A lot of these folks have a very full calendar, and they book MONTHS in advance. As you build your author platform and your network, it’s always good to interact with them, know what they feature on their sites, and know their preferences e.g. do they want a physical ARC (Advance Reader Copy) or an electronic one? You should build relationships with book influencers (e.g. like, share, and comment on their posts). Don’t just show up when you want someone to help you publicize your book.
• Always be professional. You are your brand. Make it easy for people. Follow the submission instructions, provide all the information they requested, and have your press kit (bio, photos, book cover, book links) ready and organized.
• Start a list, spreadsheet, or other electronic file to build your contacts. A book launch is a massive event. You need to keep good notes of your contacts, what you owe them, and deadlines. I have a giant spreadsheet where I have tabs for each type of resource, their contact information, and notes. I also have a calendar to show deadlines and key dates before and after my book launches. When you’re a guest, you need to make sure you share the interview on your social sites.
• Find out who is out there and who is an influencer in your genre. This takes some research time.
• See where other authors in your genre advertise their books. What events or interviews do they participate in? When I see interesting services or events, I add them to my spreadsheet.
• Use hashtags on social sites to find people who like/follow a topic. You can look for topics like #bookblogger, #podcast, #bookstagrammer, #cozymystery, etc. When you find interesting people, follow them and interact.
• Join writers’ groups. All of the groups that I’m a member of have bulletin boards, Facebook groups, or Slack sites for questions and recommendations. Find your crew. Networking is easier when you know people who share recommendations.
• Volunteer. You meet so many people with great stories, ideas, and connections. So many writing conferences and organizations are always looking for people to help. It’s a great way to meet others and to help out a cause.

What other ideas or suggestions would you add to my list?

 Through the years, Heather Weidner has been a cop’s kid, technical writer, editor, college professor, software tester, and IT manager. She writes the Pearly Girls Mysteries, the Delanie Fitzgerald Mysteries, The Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries, and The Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mysteries.

 

 

Getting Your Writing back on Track

by Heather Weidner

 

What have you written lately? The day gig has been a little crazy. I’ve written performance reviews, several proposals, emergency announcements, and a couple of policies. There are days when my book marketing and writing projects don’t get as much attention as I’d like to give them, and sometimes, there are days that I just don’t feel like writing after work.

Stuff happens. Life and work often throw your writing off schedule. Here are some ideas to get your writing back on track.

1.      If you’re an early bird or a night owl, capitalize on that. Start your day earlier or stay up later to build in some extra writing time.

2.      Turn off the TV or electronic gadgets and use that time for writing.

3.      Use your lunch or mealtimes to build your word count. During the pandemic, I started writing during my normal commute times, and I was pleasantly surprised at the progress I made by adding two hours to my writing time. I still do that on my work-from-home days.

4.      Print out chapters and use waiting time to proofread or edit.

5.      Set a reasonable schedule or goals for the week and try to stick to it. You’ll be surprised how much your word count will grow when you write every day.

6.      Find a writing buddy or someone who’ll tell you if you stray. I have two friends on Facebook who remind their writer friends publicly that they should be writing. That’s always a good motivator.

7.      Don’t beat yourself up if you neglect your writing. Life happens. Get back to it as soon as you can.

What helps you stay on track?

Heather writes the Pearly Girls Mysteries, the Delanie Fitzgerald Mysteries, The Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries, and The Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mysteries. Originally from Virginia Beach, Heather has been a mystery fan since Scooby-Doo and Nancy Drew. She lives in Central Virginia with her husband and a pair of Jack Russell terriers. You can also find out more about her at her website.

 

 

Do You Invest in Your Writing Career?

By Heather Weidner

You as an author are your brand, and you need to treat your writing as a business. Here are some ideas of ways you can invest in your personal development and hone your skills.

• Do you have a professional membership in a writing organization? Many organizations like Sisters in Crime have local chapters. These groups can help you with training, programs, ideas, and writing opportunities. My memberships are invaluable. I cherish the friends and the networking opportunities they afford. My first traditionally published work was a short story in a Sisters in Crime anthology.
• Do you have a professional headshot? Selfies and candids are fun, but you need a professional photo for print media and the web. Selfies don’t have enough resolution, and if you try to enlarge it, it looks fuzzy. Invest in a professional photo. It’s one of the first things I spent money on.
• Do you invest in your training or learning? Professional organizations often have programs or learning opportunities. Check out online programs, YouTube videos, your local library, and your local colleges. Many offer low-cost or even free courses on a variety of topics that can help you on your writing journey. Don’t forget blogs and online magazines. There are tons of articles out there with good advice.
• Is your computer secure? Your writing is valuable. There is nothing that will make a writer cry faster than losing part or all of a manuscript. Make sure you back up your files.
• You need to make sure you upload patches and updates when they come out. These fix vulnerabilities in your applications or operating system. The longer you wait, the longer you’re vulnerable.
• Make sure you have anti-virus software on your computer and make sure it’s up to date.
• Do you have a brand?
• A logo for you and your books are nice. You can use it on your website and your socials to demonstrate your brand.
• Your platform (website and social media sites) should have the same look and feel (e.g., colors, fonts, etc.). My first work was published in an anthology with a red and black cover, so I did all my graphics in those colors. A publicist told me later that it really didn’t reflect my writing style. She told me to use pastels since I write cozy and funny mysteries.
• Make sure that your readers can identify your sites. A professional photo and a logo create a unified look. If your photo is a flower, readers often don’t realize it’s your author page.
• Update your site, your biographies, and book lists regularly. People don’t visit outdated or inactive sites.
• This sounds like Captain Obvious, but it’s often true. Make sure visitors to your website and socials know you are an author. Your banners, posts, graphics should all promote your books.

 Investing in you and your writing career are important. There are so many low cost/no cost courses, workshops, and opportunities out there to help you with writing and marketing.

What else would you add to my list?

Through the years, Heather Weidner has been a cop’s kid, technical writer, editor, college professor, software tester, and IT manager. She writes the Pearly Girls Mysteries, the Delanie Fitzgerald Mysteries, The Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries, and The Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mysteries.

Originally from Virginia Beach, Heather has been a mystery fan since Scooby-Doo and Nancy Drew. She lives in Central Virginia with her husband and a pair of Jack Russell terriers. 

 

What I Learned about Writing Advice by Heather Weidner

 When I decided that I wanted to write a novel, I bought every book on writing that I could get my hands on. I had quite the collection, and the advice varied greatly. I spent months reading and researching the perfect technique. Then one day, I had an ah-ha moment. I was doing a lot of reading and research, but I wasn’t writing. I spent all my free time trying to find out the best way to write without developing my own skills. So, I went through all my shelves and weeded through my collection. I kept a few that spoke to me, and the rest went to the Friends of the Library.

Try new things. Learn the techniques and conventions of your genre. If they don’t improve your writing process, ditch them and try something else. You have to find what works with your style and your life. When I was reading all the advice books, I was bombarded with outline, don’t outline, write every day, write when you feel like it, make a schedule, set a word count, don’t pressure yourself with daily word counts, use this style, and don’t use that style. It made my head spin.

This is what worked for me. Again, if it doesn’t work for you, try another technique. Everyone is different and has his/her own preferences.

Writing is a business, and I needed to treat my work that way. It took me five years to finish my first novel and another two to get it published. I had to be more productive, and I needed a schedule. I knew that if I wanted to be serious about my writing and to have a series, then I definitely needed to speed up my process. I outline each book now. I also set daily word count goals when I’m working on the first draft. If I stick with my plan, I can usually finish a complete first draft in 2-3 months. I also don’t edit as I write. I finish the first draft and then move to the editing stage.

Your first draft is not your final draft. It takes a lot of rework and reviews to get it to a publishable state. There are very few writers who can create an almost-perfect manuscript on the first try.

I can’t state it enough. Writing is a business. Authors are required to maintain social media presences, host events, and promote their books. You need to make sure that one part of the writing life (e.g., writing, researching, revising, marketing, promoting) doesn’t take over and dominate all of your time. It’s a balance.

Remember, your job is to write your next book.

What is the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

Through the years, Heather Weidner has been a cop’s kid, technical writer, editor, college professor, software tester, and IT manager. She writes the Pearly Girls Mysteries, the Delanie Fitzgerald Mysteries, The Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries, and The Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mysteries.

Her short stories appear in the Virginia is for Mysteries series, 50 Shades of Cabernet, Deadly Southern Charm, and Murder by the Glass, and she has non-fiction pieces in Promophobia and The Secret Ingredient: A Mystery Writers’ Cookbook.

Originally from Virginia Beach, Heather has been a mystery fan since Scooby-Doo and Nancy Drew. She lives in Central Virginia with her husband and a pair of Jack Russell terriers. 

 

Persistence is Key for Your Writing Journey by Heather Weidner

The Brittanica Dictionary Online defines persistence as “the quality that allows someone to continue doing something or trying to do something, even though it is difficult” (Brittanica Dictionary, Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. Accessed January 2023).

Writing for publication is difficult, all-consuming, and often overwhelming. Each phase: researching, planning, plotting, writing, revising (and revising) takes a lot of time and energy.

It also takes a lot of courage to show others your work and to ask for feedback. The natural inclination is to want praise and accolades for the beautiful manuscript that you’ve sweated and bled over for months (or years). While praise is awesome, uplifting, and reassuring, you need the feedback that will help you get your work published. Publishing is a business. Agents and publishers are looking to represent projects that they can sell. It’s a crowded market out there. Your work has to be the best it can possibly be because you may get only one chance with an agent or editor. It takes a lot of work to get a manuscript to that point. Don’t give up.

Here are some ideas that may help you along your writing journey:

1.     When you think your manuscript is done, print it out and proofread it again.

2.     Check all the details like names, physical descriptions, and the story’s timeline for consistency.

3.     Run your word processor’s spellcheck after each major round of editing to catch any booboos you may have made correcting other things.

4.     Find a writing partner or a critique group and exchange pages or manuscripts. It’s best to find someone who writes and understands your genre.

5.     Know what’s out there in your genre. Sometimes, a manuscript can be rejected because an agent or publisher already represents a similar one.

6.     Make sure that you read your genre regularly to understand the trends and conventions. Read the acknowledgments page to see what agents and publishing houses produce the books you like.

7.     Find an independent editor, especially if this is your first manuscript. They can be pricey. I asked my writer friends for a recommendation, and I found an editor who specialized in mysteries. If it’s not in the budget, seek out a middle or high school English teacher in your area. Often many will do side-work at an affordable price, and they can help you with basic edits and proofreading.

When your manuscript is the best you can make it, then it’s time to do your homework and target agents/publishers that represent your genre. Follow all submission instructions.

Now, the wait begins. Sometimes, you’ll get a quick response, but others could take weeks or months. Use that time to write your next book and to build your author platform.

Persistence is key. Writing is a tough job with lots of feedback and rejections and rewards.

Through the years, Heather Weidner has been a cop’s kid, technical writer, editor, college professor, software tester, and IT manager. She writes the Pearly Girls Mysteries, the Delanie Fitzgerald Mysteries, The Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries, and The Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mysteries.

Her short stories appear in the Virginia is for Mysteries series, 50 Shades of Cabernet, Deadly Southern Charm, and Murder by the Glass, and she has non-fiction pieces in Promophobia and The Secret Ingredient: A Mystery Writers’ Cookbook.

Originally from Virginia Beach, Heather has been a mystery fan since Scooby-Doo and Nancy Drew. She lives in Central Virginia with her husband and a pair of Jack Russell terriers.

Heather's Website