Who are My Readers: Poll Results

September 17, 2015September 16, 2015 ~ Kristina Stanley ~ 14 Comments

Thank you to everyone who participated in this poll.

I’ve summarized the results here and added my thoughts of what they mean to me.

I’m happy to see I have a cross-section of readers even though I focus on mystery writing. The “Other” section included non-fiction (2), women’s contemporary, children’s (2), historical fiction (3), young adult (2), flash fiction, saga, memoir, sci-fi, paranormal and blogging. This tells me my blog has enough variety to interest many types of writers, so how could that not make me smile.

The data above tells me not to focus writing advice on a series just because I write a series. It’s probably a good idea to keep tips focussed on all categories.

So this one surprised me. I write on a MAC and thought most writers do. Guess I was mistaken her. I don’t think I’ll blog about writing on a MAC much.

Here again, I thought more writers would use Scrivener. It’s my writing software of choice, and I can’t imaging not using it. I do use MS Word when I submit my work to others.

Most people filled in the other category here. Using “nothing” was a popular answer, followed by Excel. I use Excel for every novel I write to keep track of details, ask my self pertinent questions about each scene, and to make notes. I wish there was a better way to do this, but I didn’t see any in the survey results.

This one is nicely balanced. I think many authors, regardless of how they are published, struggle to get the word out about their novels. Mystery Mondays is my way of helping other writers network their art.

Thank you for participating in the poll and giving me lots to think about when it comes to future blogging.

Thanks for reading…

#1 Question to Ask Yourself After A First Draft

September 12, 2015September 12, 2015 ~ Kristina Stanley ~ 8 Comments

You’ve completed a first draft, you look at the mound of papers on your desk, and wonder what next.

How do you look at your draft with new eyes. There is a lot of advice about putting your novel in a drawer for a few weeks before looking at it again, sending it to others for a beta read, reading it aloud etc.

But what if you want to do something more practical and immediate?

For each scene ask yourself: WHAT IS THE POINT OF THIS SCENE?

Try not to answer in a generic way.

An easy answer is: Moves the story forward.

To me, that’s too general. How does the scene move the story forward? Be as specific as you can.

Ask yourself: Does the scene

have an important revelation, clue or red herring?
develop a character? To me this means, does the reader learn something new about a character that is important to a story?
introduce a new character?
show character motivation?
give the reader a break after a high action scene?
give the reader action after a break scene (sometimes called a sequel scene)?
foreshadow, give backstory or contain an important flashback?
develop setting that is important to the story and not just setting for the sake of describing something?
close off loose ends?
solve the crime?

If you can’t articulate the point of a scene, think about removing the scene.

If the point of the scene is weak, see if you can take what is important in a scene and move it to another scene. Then delete the weak scene.

I use a spreadsheet to keep track of each scene. One column is dedicated to the point of the scene. If a cell remains empty when I’ve reviewed the entire novel then the scene must go.

Please share any tips you can add in the comments below.

I used this technique while writing DESCENT, BLAZE and AVALANCHE.

Thanks for reading…

If you’re interested, you can buy or download a sample of DESCENT at: myBook.to/Descent

Farley’s Friday: Bear Barking

September 11, 2015September 10, 2015 ~ Kristina Stanley ~ 11 Comments

Farley here,

I’ve finally trained my humans to understand my barks.

A deep growl followed by frantic, high pitched barks means: “There is a bear within 20 feet.” There is a lot of body language involved here too. Mostly, me putting my body between the humans and the bear, so the humans know which way to retreat.

Deep, in the throat, repeated barking means: “There is a bear in the area but not close.” I’m a herder by genetics, so…I herd them away to safety.

Howling, long barks mean: “There is an aggressive deer nearby.” My experience, a doe with a fawn can be cranky at the best of times. My front paws usually lift off the ground during this communication.

Cheery barks mean: “There is a deer, but a nice one nearby.”

Barking while running in a circle, repeatedly looking at my human, and wagging my tail means: “There is a squirrel, so let me go chase it.”

It’s exhausting teaching humans to understand my language, but since their sense of smell is lousy, they need to be warned if there is a creature in the neighbourhood.

After a strenuous session of teaching Kristina dog speak, we relax with a yoga class. I’m supposed to be doing the downward dog, but I’m just too tired.

Woof Woof.

Who are my blog readers?

September 8, 2015September 7, 2015 ~ Kristina Stanley ~ 21 Comments

My burning quest is to know more about who is reading and engaging with my blog. I’ve a computer mathematics degree, and it’s my nature to analyze data to make things (as in my blog) better. Today I’m focussing on writers.

So if you’re a writer, will you help me by answering a few questions?

Thank you for helping me!

Farley’s Friday: Mountain Water

September 4, 2015September 4, 2015 ~ Kristina Stanley ~ 8 Comments

Farley here,

It’s true, it’s early September, but the pond I’m standing in is part of a river that comes from the top of the mountain and it’s freezing.

Someone tell this boy to hurry up and throw the stick. He’s not paying attention to my eyes and my command. I guess he’s just not old enough to speak dog.

Woof Woof

Golfing and Skiing Together

August 30, 2015 ~ Kristina Stanley ~ 2 Comments

The award winning Greywolf Golf Course is a supporter of local artists, whether they happen to be a talented golfer or not. In my case, not so talented…Or maybe no golfing talent at all. But that didn’t stop the director of golf from enthusiastically agreeing to host my work.

The pro shop is now carrying DESCENT. I get a space right up front with the Greywolf logo and the books are already selling.

The local support just keeps on growing!

If you’re interested, you can buy or download a sample of DESCENT at: myBook.to/Descent

Thanks for reading…

Farley’s Friday: Small Town Livin’

August 28, 2015August 28, 2015 ~ Kristina Stanley ~ 7 Comments

Farley here,

You can’t see me, but I ‘m having lunch at the new sandwich deli in town. I’m sitting under a table, my butt is on Kristina’s feet, and I’m watching the day go by. I’m only allowed to eat from my dog dish, so I’m not actually having lunch, but the lovely deli staff brought me a bowl of water.

Check out the couple sitting on the bench. The lady is talking away and the dog is nodding politely.

“Psst,” I bark. “Come have some water.”

“Seriously, dude,” the dog barks back. “My human is telling a story.”

I chuckle, knowing he’d rather play than listen, but I get it and I leave him alone.

The thing to note is what a dog friendly place the town is. I’m at the deli and the other dog is on the city bench. Everyone is happy.

Woof Woof.

Are Fairy Tales Real?

August 27, 2015August 27, 2015 ~ Kristina Stanley ~ 25 Comments

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Today’s post is not about writing. It’s not about dogs. It’s about my real life hero and life-long partner.

Early one February, I met my husband, Mathew, and ten days later he proposed. I said yes in a heartbeat. I have no idea how I knew, but I knew he was the man for me. Sometimes you just have to go with your heart.

Six months after he proposed, we were married.

Today, we’ve been married 27 years, and since it’s August 27th, I thought I should share this anniversary.

And in case you’re wondering, I do believe in fairy tales and love at first sight.

What’s your most romantic story?

Thanks for reading…

The Dark Side of Alpine Skiing: Guest Post by Mystery Author Kristina Stanley

August 22, 2015August 22, 2015 ~ Kristina Stanley ~ 4 Comments

Thanks to Donna for hosting me on her blog.

Donna Galanti writes suspense, young adult, and middle grade fiction and is represented by Bill Contardi of Brandt & Hochman Literary Agents, Inc. She is an International Thriller Writers Debut Author of the paranormal suspense novel A Human Element, book one in The Element Trilogy, and book two, A Hidden Element, by Imajin Books. Books one and two of her middle grade series, Joshua and the Lightning Road, debut in 2015 by Month9Books.

Originally posted on Donna Galanti’s The Element Trilogy.

***

The Dark Side of Alpine Skiing
by Kristina Stanley

Death on the slopes can happen at any moment and still, speed is everything to an alpine racer. Olympic skiers attack a run at speeds in excess of 80 mph. The characters in DESCENT demand speed, and this demand causes injury and death.

Racers have specialized technicians who follow them on the World Cup circuit, striving to give each skier an advantage, to squeeze out that extra bit of speed from the equipment. The technicians file and wax multiple skis for each skier, always busy trying to give their athlete an edge over others. Resorts inject a run to turn the slope into a skating rink. Everyone wants to cross the finish line first. But at what cost?

… View Remaining Blog at: The Element Trilogy

Thanks for reading…

If you’re interested, you can buy or download a sample of DESCENT at: myBook.to/Descent

How to get FREE Advertising for your Novel

August 20, 2015August 19, 2015 ~ Kristina Stanley ~ 7 Comments

Besides the obvious guest blogging, tweeting, Facebook etc. there are ways to get exposure for your novel without having to spend cash. We all know it’s hard to make money in this business – okay not all of us – but maybe the newbies, so here is a list of places and methods that worked for me.

Try online magazines that cover your genre. The following showcased DESCENT in the mystery genre.

The Readers Gazette

OMNIMYSTERY News

Crime Fiction Lover THE SITE FOR DIE HARD CRIME & THRILLER FANS

If you belong to a writing organization such as Crime Writers of Canada, ask for placement on their advertising. This type of organization exists to help you.

Share your screen shots from Amazon or other sites. Let the big companies do the work for you. For example on July 26, 2015 DESCENT made #8 and one behind Lee Child in Amazon’s hot new releases in Mystery. Use these moments to be excited about your novel.

Share your success with your friends and thank them for buying your novel. The post below was shared throughout Facebook helping me with visibility in a crowded marketplace. Friends are amazing people who love to help you. Just let them know you need their support to spread the word.

Another author told me, “If you’re not excited about your book release, why would anyone else be?” So don’t be shy about sharing your news. We all want to hear about it and be happy for you.

Please let me know in the comments below if you have other ideas for free advertising. There have to other places…

If you’re interested, you can buy or download a sample of DESCENT at: myBook.to/Descent

Thanks for reading…

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