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Author
Writing Memoir: Author, Narrator, Protagonist
by, Jill Swenson
March 17, 2015

Writing Memoir: Author, Narrator, Protagonist Memoir has become nearly as popular a genre as fiction. It’s the stuff of which movies are made. Almost everyone I meet thinks they have a story worth telling.  And today nearly everyone thinks they can publish their memoir. Brooke Warner, publisher of She Writes Press, recently suggested in The Huffington Post the pursuit of publication is a birthright. Finding… [Read More]

Filed Under: Author, hero's journey, narrative arc, narrator, personal transformation. Aristotle, protagonist
2 Comments
What does a book development editor do for an author?
by, Jill Swenson
May 21, 2013

What does a book development editor do? Professionally assess your manuscript or book concept for its publishing potential Offer critical feedback and editorial guidance Serve as writing coach as the author completes a manuscript Collaborate in the development of a winning book proposal Position and package the book concept to specific publishers Research what publishers are looking for in the current market Conduct market research… [Read More]

Filed Under: Advocate, Author, Book Development Editor, editorial services
1 Comment
The Four Bs to Be: Social Media for Authors
by, Jill Swenson
May 18, 2013

Social media marketing of books is an extension of the tried and true method of word-of-mouth advertising. Reviews and personal recommendations have historically  played a more fundamental role in a reader’s decision of what book to read than traditional advertising. Today friends and family share what they are reading on Facebook, GoodReads, Twitter. What technology adds to the mix is a way for authors and… [Read More]

Filed Under: Author, engage, friendly, present, Readers, share, social
2 Comments
In memoir, the narrator IS the protagonist
by, Jill Swenson
March 12, 2013
Memoir Writing Workshop

Memoir is not fiction, yet some of the literary conventions used in the genre of memoir are the same as those used in novels. Plot, dialogue, and character are three shared devices. Fiction and memoir share a structural emphasis on narrative arc. In fiction, this is called a plot line. After setting the scene and introducing the characters through some dialogue and action, there is… [Read More]

Filed Under: Author, Dialogue, fiction, narrator, protagonist, self presentation
2 Comments
Social Media for Authors: Baby Step 1
by, Jill Swenson
November 26, 2011

Creating Your Author Platform: Your Name is Your Brand Authors’ names are their brands, and satisfied readers exercise brand loyalty. They shop for titles by author name, and when they come across a real find, they recommend it to friends. Those friends do the same, and the chain continues. But a book is more than a cover or jacket. It is the embodiment of a… [Read More]

Filed Under: Audience platform, Author, Brand, Domain, GoDaddy, Google, Name, Strategic Social Media
4 Comments
Friendship Bread reviewed by Angel Lawrence
by, Jill Swenson
June 6, 2011

My friend Robin gave me a starter bag to make Amish Friendship Bread; sweet bread that tastes like a moist cake. For the first five days I opened the gallon sized bag to release the air and then seal it and smash the contents in the bag. On the sixth day, I added a cup each of flour, sugar and milk. Then I sealed the… [Read More]

Filed Under: Amish, Author, Baking, Book, bread, Community, connections, Darien Gee, Food, Friendship, Friendship Bread, Kitchen, oven, Pudding, Readers, recipes, Starter, Stories, yeast
No Comments
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