Feed Me!

Feedback makes us grow - and sometimes cringe. But it's imperative to writers. We need to know what readers (and other writers) think.

So welcome to my October IWSG post promoting FEEDBACK! I appreciate my critique partners and readers so much! Especially when I start to doubt myself...

And that's why we need feedback. When it's negative or "constructive" we can improve. When it's positive we feel encouraged that we aren't completely wasting our time. So give feedback when you can, it's very important to a writer. BTW, silence can also be read as negative feedback. I have been guilty of that. 

So let's try to step up the feedback! I have a couple of friends counting on me right now, so I need to get to it!

Can you tell I've been at school for a while with all the memes? Not getting much writing/editing done, but I'm trying. Haven't given up yet... You hang in there too!

PS - Stop by the IWSG Anthologies page and check out images of our stories and how we see them... Good luck if you entered the latest contest!

Happy October, my spooky friends!

#writerslife Links and Survey Results - What are you looking for?

No fools on April 1 this year. It came and went without any teasing or jests. I was a little disappointed. But that's okay, I'm on spring break and enjoying my extra time off! Yippee!

I don't have any complaints this month for IWSG, so I thought I'd share some Useful Links & Advice for Writers in whatever stage of writing you might be in...

Stage One - Writing
**Believe it or not, this is the easiest stage! Here are some helpful links to get you through...

• Beta readers/CPs - I have some regulars, but I usually ask someone new with each book to get a fresh perspective
• Writer's Digest - awesome site for writing advice and writer chat rooms to ask writerly questions. It also takes you through all the next phases, with new agent articles and book event info
• Absolute Write - a total site for writers to communicate, bounce ideas off each other, and play writerly games - I had to give it up because I was having too much fun playing the games and not writing!
• The A to Z Blog Challenge - I made so many contacts through this challenge, going on right now! It's changed format to keep up with the times, but if you can get involved, it'll open your horizons!
• And of course, there's the IWSG! Beyond the monthly blog postings, the website offers many great articles full of writerly advice.

Stage Two - Finding an agent/publisher

• Query Shark - Janet Reid is the queen of queries and she tears them to shreds to help you get to the core of your query. Read and Learn!
• MS Wishlist - a continuous feed of agents and what they are seeking, right now!
• #PITMAD and more - twitter pitch contests held throughout the year with agents reading your blurbs! Hosted by Brenda Drake 
• Writing Contests - google and enter! smaller publications on your resume is a great start 
• Writing Conferences - google and GO! You can usually set up appointments to pitch to an agent which  is worth the experience even if you don't get a bite.

Stage Three - Marketing your book

• L. Diane Wolfe - this woman has tons of experience and great advice for marketing your book and more - check her out!
• Jane Friedman - I've been following Ms. Friedman since I started writing. She's got links, advice, news, and all the latest trends in the industry. Highly recommend checking her out.
• Book Events - google and GO! Get out there and sell. You have to start somewhere! (I've got lots of advice on book events)

Now for my #writerslife survey results

What's a good/constructive/funny comment you've received from a CP/Beta Reader or Editor?
It was tough to remember some, but here are a few that stuck out!

"n,lxdjfjgkzmgxdfbbbbbxkbzx... Oh! Sorry. Baby butt." - love this one!

It's a rough draft. Don't worry. You'll make it better. 

You're just sick! Meant in a nice way, I'm sure!

You just made me cry! two people said this =)

And here's one of mine - Hahahaha I always enjoy his brand of insanity in these books!

Lastly, I posted my quarterly newsletter this week with details about upcoming publications, my event schedule - where I've been, where I'm going (besides crazy) - and what I'm working on!

Subscribe to Tara Tyler's Newsletter 

#WritersLife Survey 5 - Critical Feedback

We all need feedback to improve our writing. So, this month's Writer's Life Survey Question #5 is all about our writerly friends and helpers.

Hey, I haven't heard much about the A to Z challenge - are you doing it this year? I considered it, but they've changed the procedure - NO LIST this year. 

I understand it's a huge undertaking to maintain the LIST, so I get why they want to try something new. Especially since it grows every year. Unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to get my post links on the website in a timely manner, since I can't go visit until after work or the weekends. This could be a good thing, though. Only serious participants will play. Good luck!

Meet the Muffins!

First, some news:

I'm a lucky girl today! I feel like a semi-star cause I'm appearing at two prestigious blogs!

Alex J. Cavanaugh at IWSG

He's posting about publishing - check it out!

and

C. Lee McKenzie

is highlighting Curiosity Quill's CHRONOLOGY - our lengthy collection of short stories

which was also recently reviewed in detail by the super fantastic

Crystal Collier!

Woot and Woohaw!

And now, I'd like to introduce the 2015 A to Z - Muffin Commando Squad!

artwork by http://www.matusic.com/

C. Lee McKenzie is our fearless leader. She's tough but fair and very encouraging. Not a "drop and gimme fifty" drill sergeant. Sir! No, sir! (Thank goodness. I probably couldn't give her two!) And here's the rest of the squad:

Carrie Butler

Elizabeth Seckman

Tammy Theriault

Yvonne Ventresca

Patricia Lynne 

Tara Tyler R

Tyrean Martinson

Donna McDine

We're going to be instigating a Twitter Blitz, going undercover to attack our assigned bloggers with a spree of comments, and keep our section ship shape!

And lastly, don't forget to enter my February - Read away the Mid Winter Blues - Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

don't hide, have pride!

The Online Marketing Symposium is here!
Your fabulous hosts:  Arlee Bird, Yolanda Renee,Jeremy Hawkins, and Alex J. Cavanaugh.

We are supposed to share marketing ideas we've used and tell what worked or didn't work. And it doesn't have to be writing related. Promotion is promotion and it's all TOUGH!

So, first, my bad news.
My Detroit signing was a bust. There. I said it. But, I have to say, I wasn't too disappointed because I didn't do much to promote it. It was a holiday weekend, I was quiet and mousy and shy with the few strangers who came in to buy coffee, and I didn't do any advertising otherwise - I depended on the little coffee shop to promote.

It was a sad event compared to my other events which have been pretty good. I did the same thing I did before, but my connections in Detroit are much fewer than here in my home town. I wanted more traffic, but didn't really do much to bring it.

So, I learned from it! I'm going to have to reach past my friends and family and actually talk to strangers and be confident and put myself out there! I have had several opportunities to tell people I wrote (& published!) a book, but I feel like I'm bragging. I had to work at a concession stand with some other moms I didn't know very well. It was deadly quiet several times and I thought about bringing it up, but I didn't. I really need to get over that. It's so hard to promote yourself!

I also realized I needed help on the right way to go about organizing a proper book signing. So, I researched! My book launch party last July was a great success because I followed a plan. Now, I will follow another plan for future book signings. It's the only way I'm going to break the buddy barrier.

Here are some links I found that had great tips for a successful book signing event:

The Tricked Out Toolbox
Authors and Speakers Network
Writers Weekly
Balboa Press

I look forward to trying them out! I'll be in the Atlanta area March 24-28. And when I set up my signing, I'll let you all know! I hope I can meet some more writer/blog friends! (and see Sherry Ellis again! She came to my Cinci party on the day she was moving to ATL!)

I also look forward to reading more tips through this awesome blog symposium! Thanks for organizing it hosts!

And one more helpful thing! I came across this great opportunity if you are looking for a critique partner!

Megan Grimit is hosting a Twitter Critique Partner Matchmaking Party on Monday January 20. (TODAY!)

What: A chance to pitch your book to a bunch of like minded writers
Where: Twitter, of course!
When: January 20th from 10am-10pm EST
And You’re going to need:

1. A twitter pitch (140 characters or less to include the #CPMatch hashtag)
2. A few labels (this is my fave part!):

For the purpose of easy identification, please include (abbreviated for your convenience) a little about your critiquing style. (Note: These are for how you critique others work, not what you need for your own.)

• Do you get straight to the point- STTP
• Fan of the compliment sandwich- CS
• Are you brutally honest- BH
• How about a good copy editor- GCE
• Or are you more of an attention to detail type: ATD
• Maybe a critique partner beginner: CPB
• Plot hole hunter: PHH
• Do you give great big picture notes: BP
• Are you a few of these things? Go ahead and list as many as will fit in your pitch.

Here's an example of a #CPMatch pitch:

Trapped among bleeding walls, psychotic passengers, and manifested fears, can Olivia escape with her life? YA #CPMatch CS ATD

On the 20th, simply search through the feed. If something looks interesting, DM the person and get to know each other a little better. See what you have to offer each other. Then, SWAP A SAMPLE CHAPTER. You’ll never know if you really mesh well unless you see some feedback first hand. Give it a try and spread the word!

I'm Thankful for...

Yes, I know it isn't November yet, but I'm still thankful! Vikki, my wonderful friend from across the pond, came up with a fantastic idea to share our thanks in a blog hop and asked me to co-host. AWESOME! So here it is:

We are getting a jump on the November blogfest season! Some of you are doing Nanowrimo, but this could be a nice break and it doesn't take much! Just a thank you to your readers! And readers can be crit partners, betas, blog readers, published book readers, library patrons, or just the reading public in general! We thought it would be awesome if we all gave thanks at the same time and hopped around to revel in the love! Not to mention, Thanksgiving will be in the air at that time!

Here’s the rules, folks:

1. Sign up on the Linky List below.
2. Post thanks to your readers on your blog between Monday, November 5 and Wednesday, November 7 by 1700 UK/1200 noon EST US time.
3. And if you don’t have a CP and you would like to find one, go ahead and post a ‘personals’ ad. 
4. Be CREATIVE. Write a letter, a piece of flash fiction, a haiku, a poem, or a vlog. It can take whatever form you like. We’d like it if you kept it under 300 words but won’t be counting. 
5. Naming your reader(s) is up to you and feel free to link to them. 
6. Hop around and comment on other people’s!

Please grab a button! And it would be lovely if you'd spread the word! Oh yes, of course there will be PRIZES!

Vikki and I will each pick a winner, and jointly choose another overall winner, to be announced on Thursday November 8 on our blogs. They win:

• Vikki’s Winner: A Reader’s Report style full MS Critique, chosen for Most Heartfelt Post
• Tara’s Winner: A Banner for their blog (or other graphic), chosen for Most Creative Post
• Overall Winner: Both of the above prizes, for Best Overall Post!

Since Vikki is also my crit partner, I know her critique is a valuable prize! And I can't wait to give my thankful gift to her!

Lastly - for anyone on twitter, Vikki thought it would be fun if during the same period we tweeted thanks using the hashtag #thankstomyreaders for additional fun. She is vixatthemovies there.

I am rich!

Rich with friends! Thank you all so much for the kind words and support this week! I got several great CP offers! I'm very excited! Here, have some chocolate before it melts!

Now don't forget, Monday from 6 AM to 3 PM is the Christmas in July contest. To preview the wonderful agents who are the final judges, go peek at Michelle's or Ruth's. Polish those queries and tweak those opening pages. And for the top 30, these sweet ladies will be giving advice on how to improve even more before the final judging! Never hurts to enter a contest!


Have a great weekend! Stay cool!

I ain't too proud to beg

Famous desperate words...

For this month's IWSG I am WSCPB (Writer seeking Crit Partner/Beta)
Is it just me or are most of my bloggy friends YA? Yes, some of you are sci fi, romance, fantasy...but YA seems to be a really BIG group! I feel like me and my thriller aren't a desired match for betas/cps. I have also noticed that many of you already have your comfortable match ups. I have had a couple of great experiences, but they were more like one night stands - not sure if I'm supposed to call the next day (ha ha). I know for my book to succeed I need more eyes on it and I am willing to trade services. How do I go about getting and keeping a CP/Beta?!

Falling for Fiction is awesome for beta/cp mixers - but again, mostly YA (and I tried, but was rejected...boo hoo)

Rach Writes also did a cp match up - no matches for me...

And perfect timing, Miss Snark offered her services to help match up cps on Monday and will display the info on Wednesday! I put my name in for some of that action. We'll see if I get any takers.

And if any of y'all are looking, here is my current sitch:

• ready to query my thriller POP TRAVEL, would like final crit of ms and query
• starting a new fantasy MG with the August Camp Nano so that wouldn't be ready for crits until the fall
• I read/write sci fi, fantasy, thriller, not so much romance, no horror
• I work well with deadlines and am willing to trade MS, chapters, query letters at any pace and at any depth of crit level

How did you like my ad in the crit partner personals? ha ha! But seriously, if you are in a similar situation, looking for a solid crit partner, you can leave your email in the comments, or email me direct ->

taratylertalks /at\ gee male /dot\ c o m 

Thanks!