Elements of Effective Dialogue
The Happy Self-Publisher
by Lois Hoffman
3y ago
Dialogue is one of the fiction writer’s most powerful tools. But with great power comes great responsibility: while well-written dialogue can instantly engage the reader, poorly written dialogue can also easily turn the reader off. Kristen Kieffer at well-storied describes dialogue as a “complex literary powerhouse” – an apt description for such an important element of a fiction writer’s repertoire. Like any skill, learning to write effective dialogue takes time and practice. It requires you to carefully study the writing of seasoned authors to learn from their skill and adapt their techniques ..read more
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Writing through fear
The Happy Self-Publisher
by Lois Hoffman
3y ago
I am thrilled to announce the release of my latest book, Barriers: The life and legacy of Tom Evans. One year ago, John Sweeney, former editor of The News Journal, approached me about the possibility of compiling speeches and op-eds into a book for a former congressman. Although it isn’t exactly what I do, I was intrigued and met with John and Rep. Tom Evans at a little coffee shop near Tom’s home in Wilmington, Delaware. I settled into a booth when my soon-to-be client arrived—a man in his late eighties with an enthusiasm that belied his age. Once we exchanged pleasantries, he proceeded to te ..read more
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Writing Through Voice Dictation
The Happy Self-Publisher
by Lois Hoffman
3y ago
WWhen we imagine writing, we usually think of hands on the keyboard. It just seems natural! Throughout the history of writing, humans have had to use their hands, whether that be with good old-fashioned feather and ink, a typewriter, or the keyboards we use today. So when we hear about writing through voice dictation, it may seem like “cheating”: how can I be writing if I’m just using my voice? The truth is that writing through voice dictation can actually be a great way to improve your writing routine. Many well-known writers, such as Dan Brown, Henry James, and Barbara Cartland, have written ..read more
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Self-promotion isn’t as scary as you think
The Happy Self-Publisher
by Lois Hoffman
3y ago
Self-publishing has exploded in recent years. When you publish your book yourself, rather than through a traditional publisher, you retain your own creative vision. The world of publishing has never been so democratic! Nevertheless, self-promotion is increasingly more important for the writer regardless of whether self-published or published through a traditional publisher. Book marketing, after all, may just seem like an intimidating buzzword. When you think of book marketing, you may think of huge, multifaceted campaigns that target tons of potential readers, and you may think that you don’t ..read more
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Writing for the Long Term
The Happy Self-Publisher
by Lois Hoffman
3y ago
Although there are many people who want to write a book and share it with the world, fewer people end up seeing through with their project. We all know that it takes a lot of work to create something compelling that dazzles your audience. But for new writers, it can be difficult to imagine the days, weeks, and months leading up to the completion of your project. It may feel intimidating to think about all those hours you will need to spend at the writer’s desk: how do I know what to work on each day? What happens when I get a bad case of writer’s block? What if I lose track and don’t know how ..read more
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5 Simple Steps to Mindful Writing
The Happy Self-Publisher
by Lois Hoffman
3y ago
5 Simple Steps to Mindful Writing Do you struggle with writing daily?  Do you feel like you get what they call writers’ block?  Getting stuck does not have to be your reality.  If you change your habits, you will change your results. I just completed my first book, and the mindfulness habits I teach others helped me be a more efficient and better writer.  When I was running around in a stressed or busy state, my writing suffered greatly, and I would get frustrated. I got in the habit of writing early in the morning right after I completed my morning practice of breathing an ..read more
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Interview with Author Kate Szegda
The Happy Self-Publisher
by Lois Hoffman
3y ago
This week’s blog is an interview with Kate Szegda, author of the award-winning, middle-grade novel, Pharmacy Girl. Written before the current COVID pandemic, Pharmacy Girl is a story of hope during the Spanish influenza epidemic of 1918. What was your inspiration for writing Pharmacy Girl? The primary inspiration was my mother’s stories about having the flu when she was four years old. She and Aunt Juanita and Cousin Gen came down with Spanish influenza at the same time and were “nursed together in the front bedroom over the family drug store.” I wondered how the family survived without losing ..read more
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Why Self-Publishers Should Copyright Their Work
The Happy Self-Publisher
by Lois Hoffman
3y ago
This week’s post is from Bryan Tuk, a copyright attorney. Fellow writers, there’s never been a better time or greater need to take control of your own creative and professional life. There is a sentiment running through modern life that all information should be free. This really broke into the mainstream collective consciousness in the later 1990s when the creation of Napster allowed users to digitize their CDs and vinyl albums, and share those files at will.  The result was the near-total annihilation of the recorded music industry. Now musicians who used to be able to sell records — an ..read more
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Is Affiliate Marketing the Next Thing for Writers?
The Happy Self-Publisher
by Lois Hoffman
3y ago
This post is from freelance writer Echezona Enemuo who writes articles and blogs for various companies. Every day, thousands of writers emerge online as bloggers or copywriters who desire to make passive income through their books or freelance gigs on different freelance platforms. Most times, articles by self-acclaimed online millionaires overwhelm you with claims of making millions while asleep. Many bloggers make money passively, but it does not come easy as they paint it. Just like the act of writing itself, it requires consistency and patience. As a writer, you can earn passive income thr ..read more
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3 Ways Writing a Book Will Propel Your Coaching Business
The Happy Self-Publisher
by Lois Hoffman
3y ago
If you have a coaching business, you know you’re good at what you do. What you might not know is writing a book can make you BETTER. Three things will absolutely change when you embark on a writing journey. Your clients, your business, and YOU.  Your clients When you write a book, you examine everything about your target client– You devote time and energy to explore exactly who your target reader is: how old they are, where they live, what they value, what they fear, their pain points, and what they need from you. Mostly, you discover what inspires them to move toward a better future. You ..read more
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