However, as much as I truly value and enjoy this continual pursuit of knowledge, sometimes I need a break. We all need downtime while working on long projects, in between manuscripts, or even from just life in general.  

As such, this column will give you a handful of books, movies, and podcasts that are enjoyable enough to qualify as entertainment, yet still expand your base of literary knowledge. The items that will appear here are great for when you need a break from the world, lazy Sundays, or hanging with your (soon-to-be?) culturally inclined friends and family.  

Finally, I would like for you to know that, as a children’s picture book author, I am making it a point to include at least one item that is family-friendly or that can be enjoyed with school-age kids. This month’s pick masquerades as a children’s book but tells the remarkable story of the couple behind Curious George.  

That gem was found during my latest session of literary-cool-hunting, and so were these others: 

The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu: And Their Race to Save the World’s Most Precious Manuscripts by Joshua Hammer 

How did anyone pull this off? How did everyone pull this off? are the questions you’ll ask while reading through the escapades covered in this true story. 

Bad-Ass Librarians tells the harrowing story of an unassuming government archivist who, along with a network of citizens, became one of the world’s greatest smugglers of literature, saving over 350,000 Islamic and secular manuscripts from Al-Qaeda. 

This book should make all writers take pause, as it documents the undeniable evidence of just how important the written word is to a society.  

The Booksellers (1 hr 38 mins; Amazon, Apple TV, among other streamers) 

If you love bookstores, then this is the movie for you. 

It is a documentary released in 2020 and narrated by Parker Posey. This indie film gives the viewer an inside look at New York’s antiquarian book market. Watchers are given access to labyrinthine bookstores and book sellers who reside in apartments-turned-bookshops. Of course, the books themselves are objets d’art. 

Swooning is guaranteed.   

The Journey that Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey by Louise Borden 

Did you know that the manuscript for Curious George escaped, along with the author-illustrator couple, from Paris under Nazi Germany’s advancing threat? 

The husband-wife duo fled France on bicycles, traveled by train through Spain and Portugal, eventually taking a boat to Brazil. This extremely well-illustrated biography is styled as a lengthy picture book and worth checking out for the visuals alone. 

Although this book is listed as appropriate for ages 8-12, it truly makes for an interesting adult read.  

The Madman’s Library: The Greatest Curiosities of Literature by Edward Brooke-Hitching  

The Madman’s Library is a lushly illustrated collection of odd literary ephemera. It’s kind of like the Mutter Museum of books. From the chicken poet of Massachusetts to a book made of American cheese slices, this sometimes macabre compilation is wonderful to pick up and wander through if you have a few moments. 

It’s a personal favorite to consult when I need something interesting to write about and it has yet to let me down. 

WARNING: May cause excessive texting, OMGs and furious communication with other book lovers. 

Muse of Fire: A Shakespearean Road Trip (1 hr 23 mins; iTunes, Amazon, YouTube) 

It is my absolute pleasure to share this documentary with fellow DIY MFA word nerds. Muse of Fire started out as a grassroots project to explore Shakespeare’s works in contemporary times and garnered enough of a reputation to include Tom Hiddleston, Ewan McGregor, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen and several other names you will recognize. 

From students required to learn Shakespeare, to prisoners needing something that sparks their humanity, to the formidable list of award-winning actors, they all come together for this film has it all: two friends, one crappy car, and a review of iambic pentameter.     

(If you don’t mind a movie broken up into 4 parts, you can view it for free on YouTube: Part 1   Part 2   Part 3   Part 4 Courtesy of the Ewan McGregor Vault) 

Tell us in the comments: How are you going to start your Leisure Learning this month?

Melissa Haas is the author and illustrator of Catula: The Misadventures of Dracula’s Cat and The Night Before Christmas (NOW WITH CATS), among other books. Follow Catula’s whereabouts on Instagram @CatulaTheCat or download a free coloring page at www.catulathebook.com.

The post January 2022 Leisure Learning appeared first on DIY MFA.

While the scope of available writing tools might have expanded and access to resources increased, the fundamental principles that make a good writer remain constant and evergreen. To this end, here are five crucial traits historically found among successful authors.

1. Passion for Literature

Perhaps the most critical attribute needed for anyone to succeed at any endeavour is passion. This quality sets you apart from the horde in ways no other trait does—it makes you genuinely original. True love for literature begins with a passion for reading.

When you genuinely enjoy gaining access into the minds and thoughts of others as you read through their words, you find out that your burning ideas begin to take on a form of overwhelming coherence. A passion for reading bestows you with the uncommon ability to enthral your target audience thoroughly. 

It is imperative to note that the passion coursing through your mind should be extremely vivid in your writing during character development and the description of emotional scenes. Always do your research properly to ensure you use the right words and phrases to transfer your passion and emotions from your mind to your readers.

2. Powerful Deductive Abilities

A spectacular author is not only able to appreciate the beauty of literature, they are also adept at spotting problems in it. Truly remarkable authors view other people’s writings like an art collector may view a painting—with an adoring, yet critical eye. As a great author, you must be able to appreciate the beauty of the piece you are reading while also being able to figure out the pitfalls in the text.

Pinpointing the problems in a piece of literature is not about detecting grammatical errors. It is about being able to view the storyline with a critical eye to figure out the point where the story begins to stray from its original theme. A great author must be able to honestly and constructively assess even the most exquisite pieces and find a way to make those stories a little better, at least from our own perspective. Identifying the perfect words and phrases to use is one of the critical abilities for writing a fantastic story.

3. Unique Imaginative Ability

The mind is like an arsenal to the prolific writer, and the deadliest weapon in that arsenal is your imagination. Some of the best stories the world has ever read have arisen from brilliant authors combining their personal experiences with their spectacular imaginations.

One particular story that comes to mind is Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. The simplistic yet deeply satisfying narrative of this book was created out of the author’s childhood experiences and his superb ability to re-interpret that creatively.

We must remember that being genuinely imaginative involves evaluating our experiences and using the power of our mind to complement these experiences with description. A visionary mind can write a moving script that conveys a variety of emotions and feelings from calmness and tranquillity to fear and violence. This helps make a book genuinely exceptional.

4. Superb Expressivity 

It’s one thing to be imaginative, and another to be able to express your ideas to move your readers to feel the exact emotions you want them to. A prolific author is a master manipulator who can conveniently wield the reader’s emotions in any direction they want.

One of the defining characteristics of brilliant authors is, therefore, their ability to evoke needed emotions in people, such as fear, anger, joy, surprise, and even unadulterated terror. Superb expressivity lies in being able to make the reader feel every emotion. While writing your book, using the most suitable expressions for every context is vital to penetrating your reader’s mind completely.

5. Long-Term Discipline & Commitment 

As an author, it doesn’t matter how talented, imaginative, or intelligent you are. If you are not disciplined enough to set personal goals and stick religiously to them, you aren’t likely to succeed. To become a prolific author, you need to master your mindset.

Writers tend to procrastinate a lot because they are not “feeling creative enough.” However, to succeed as an author, we need to be able to get past our emotions and relentlessly pursue our goals. The truth is, there will always be times when we don’t feel so motivated. 

This is where the line between good authors and legendary ones is drawn. To be truly phenomenal, we need to feel a deep desire to carry out essential tasks such as reading necessary reference materials, typing up our manuscript, and proof-reading our work—all within specific time frames. Discipline and commitment would help us stand out as we reach for the best-seller list.

Conclusion

Writing is one of the purest forms of art. Creating an outstanding piece of art requires you to dig painstakingly into the deepest recesses of your soul. Before you write, be sure to be in your element and to write straight from your heart. With passion and consistency, there is a world of infinite opportunity for the budding writer.

Never forget that achieving excellence as a writer is all about putting these traits into practice. If we are diligent enough to keep trying, eventually, we’ll attain the peaks of creative perfection we dream of.

Rachael Cooper is the SEO & Publishing Manager for Jericho Writers, a writers services company based in the UK and US. Rachael has a Masters in eighteenth-century literature, and specialises in female sociability. In her free time she writes articles on her favourite eighteenth-century authors and, if all else fails, you can generally find her reading and drinking tea!

The post #5onFri: Five Common Traits of Successful Authors appeared first on DIY MFA.

Self-Editing

Believe me, editors are thrilled when writers realize that they need professional editing. But finishing your first draft does not mean it’s time to start looking for an editor. Every writer needs some level of self-editing before submitting their work. Copious errors distract editors from getting to the heart of your writing and some editors may charge more when they see how much work is needed. A clean manuscript will ensure you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck and the best edits possible.

Editor/Writer Relationship

Not every editor and writer were meant to work together. It’s important to research and reach out to several editors to find the right fit. Look for people knowledgeable in your genre and be sure that person can meet your timeline and budget. Clear and honest communication before, during, and after is critical to working well with your chosen editor. 

Length of the Editing Process

The editing process has multiple steps and each step requires multiple pass-throughs of your manuscript. It may take several months to receive your edits back, and the entire editing process can last over a year (or even several). That’s not to say you’ll be old and grey before your manuscript is polished. But the editing process can’t be rushed. Be patient. We’ll get there.

Feedback from Editors

We editors are not here to crush your dreams or overwrite your voice. We are here to make your writing the best it can possibly be. Will that require critical feedback? Certainly. But every suggested edit is intended to lead you to a better story. We want to see you succeed. Always keep this in mind when receiving editor feedback. 

Post-Edit Review

Editors are not here to simply change your work for you and that’s the end of it. Edits are suggestions and the changes are tracked throughout the document so you can easily see what was modified. It is the writer’s responsibility to go through the manuscript post-editing and either accept or reject the changes. If you’re unsure how to do this, ask your editor for a quick tutorial.

Editing Investment

Professional editors work hard to help make your writing shine and they should be paid fairly for their work. Editing is an investment. If you’re looking for bargain-basement pricing, you’ll end up with low-quality editing to match. When you invest in quality editing, you have a much higher chance of seeing a return.

How to “Ask the Editor”

Have a burning question for the editor? Just ask!

Jeanette is always accepting questions for our Ask the Editor column. Send a few paragraphs introducing yourself and your question to Jeanette@DIYMFA.com. You can also send up to five pages of your WIP for critique. We do our best to answer every question we receive, so keep an eye out for our next Ask the Editor article. Your question may be featured!

Jeanette the Writer is an editor, coach, and freelance writer who wants to help others demolish their editing fears and finish their manuscript. As a former scuba instructor turned entrepreneur, Jeanette knows about putting in the hard work to pursue your passions. She has worked with authors, speakers, coaches, and entrepreneurs—empowering them with the right mindset, knowledge, and tools to help them tackle their editing goals. You can learn more about Jeanette by visiting JeanetteTheWriter.com.

The post Six Things Editors Want Writers to Know appeared first on DIY MFA.

Just so, as writers, we can “make our own luck.” We could say that it all comes down to knowing the right people, being in the right place at the right time or hitting just at the right trend. We could also say it’s all about the book, and outside factors don’t affect our chances of success. But neither of these is wholly true. When writing anything with the aim for publication–be it a book, a collection of poetry, creative non-fiction or short stories–there are certain things writers can do to improve their chances. Barring basic writing technique and craft, here are five ways we as writers can “make our own luck.”

1) Enter Stuff

There’s a lot going on in the writing community, online and in-person. One of the best ways to have a serendipitous moment? Show up. Go to the conference. While you there, attend the cocktail party. Don’t eat lunch in your hotel room. Meet people. I sat at a lunch table at the writer’s digest conference with a woman who has ended up being not only a great friend but also a great critique partner. We’ve been encouraging and supporting one another’s writing for years now. She convinced me to go to a retreat where I got my idea for my current WIP. And it’s an idea I never would have come up with on my own. Luck? Fate? Who knows? But I can say if I hadn’t been to that conference I never would have met her.

The same is true online. There are hundreds of contests every month, where you can win critiques of your queries, pitches or manuscripts. You can get one-on-one time with an agent. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s putting yourself in the path of opportunity. Which brings me to way number two:

2) Follow Up

Many writers are introverts. We don’t put ourselves out there. We’re worried about bothering people, over-staying our welcome or over-sharing. Also, many of us have been met with the dreaded blank stare when we tell someone, “I’m a writer.”

But you never know who you’re going to meet. For example, I met Gabi because I won a contest on her blog. She critiqued the first twenty five pages of my book. Her advice was invaluable, but nothing else happened. About a year later, I read on her blog that she was pregnant, and also that she was teaching a class. I decided to do something I normally don’t do–I reached out. I sent her an email congratulating her and wishing her the best in her class. Low and behold, there was an opening in her critique group at the time. Because I’d reached out and was on her mind, Gabi invited me to join. It was from this critique group that I met my entire writing community in New York and eventually started working for DIY MFA. Serendipitous? Yes. But that serendipitous moment never would have happened if I hadn’t followed up.

3) Read in Your Genre

This will make you lucky in both your writing and your community. It’s probably something you’re already doing. After all, we usually write what we love to read. But reading broadly within your genre–pushing yourself to study new authors–can only deepen your knowledge, experience and expertise. You’ll learn more about the conventions of your genre, what readers–and publishers–will expect from your book. Push yourself to try reading books that are outside your box.

For example, I write young adult fantasy, but am not a huge fan of romance. However, it was important for me to read Twilight, so I knew what everyone else was talking about! Just as scholars of Ancient Rome have gotta know Cicero, we as writers have to know our genre. Even if I didn’t particularly enjoy Twilight, it was a useful exercise to try to figure out why it worked, why it spoke to so many people. It gave me a lot to think about in my own writing–even if I’ll never write a sparkly vampire. Or any vampire at all.

Also, by reading and studying your genre, you can get to know other people writing in it. Following writers on Twitter or Facebook can be a great way to stay informed about what books are getting published, and also to meet friends and mentors who can help you on your writing journey. Sometimes, authors offer give-aways, critiques or host retreats or workshops. It’s a great way to get to know your “co-workers” in your chosen field, even if you live far away. And you never know when you’ll get lucky and win something–or meet someone–who will take your writing to the next level.

4) Read Outside Your Genre

Genres can be an echo chamber. While it’s so important to read the kind of books you write, it’s equally important to read books that are totally different. This will keep your mind–and thus your writing–fresh and unique. If you write Middle Grade, you probably don’t want to be inundated with only twelve year old voices. Reading at different age levels–or for different genres–can offer inspiration and also give your brain a break.

Sometimes, I read too much YA and have to back off it. This especially happens when I’m feeling down about my own writing. I’ll start comparing, seeing all my short-comings, or nit-picking the books I read because I’m, well, jealous. I can’t even enjoy the book, which is not good for anyone. That’s when I know I need to take a break. I’ll pick up a David McCullough book, or a book of essays. It will get my mind working in a new direction, give my brain a break, and maybe give me some ideas to improve my writing.

The important thing is to get to know your reading habits as well as you know your writing habits. Examine them. See what works. When you start getting fatigued or discouraged, or when your writing starts to sound like everyone else’s because you’ve read twenty paranormal romances in a row, it might be time to break out a historical. Most good books are not created in an echo chamber. We break out and change because we expose ourselves to new things. Your next great idea might be just around the corner, waiting in a book you’ve never thought to pick up.

A great way to find interesting books is to examine other writers’ Goodreads accounts. See what they’re reading. You might find some gems. You might also make a new friend. Because, as we all know, nothing brings people together quite like finding–and sharing–a good story.

5) Celebrate Others

If I ever get a book published, I want people to be happy for me. To tell others about my book. To read it. Talk about it. Celebrate the milestones along the way, like the cover reveal, the trailer, the publication day. When I’ve finished a draft, I want my friends to be excited for me. I also want some of them to read and critique it. And, of course, the flip side of this is doing these very things for others. In this way, we really do make our own luck.

By being good friends and supportive colleagues, we will naturally develop strong friendships and support networks. It’s incredibly important to have people who have your back, because, as we all know, the journey of writing a book and pursuing publication is anything but easy. Having relationships with people that you know you can count on is its own kind of luck.

And let’s face it–we’re writers. We’re a little crazy. A little obsessive. Maybe a little neurotic. We’re going to have some great days and some very bad ones. And even if craft, talent and a lot of hard work are what will take us the farthest, we could all use a little luck along the way.

Speaking of luck, Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

The post Luck of the Writer appeared first on DIY MFA.

As I approach it, I keep thinking of the children in Willy Wonka, standing just inside the chocolate factory. They don’t know what wonders await them. They only know that there are wonders ahead. That the place is huge. And they’re thrilled to be there.

And Willy Wonka tells them: “We have so much time, and so little to do! Wait! Stop! Strike that! Reverse it!”

When I ask about BEA, I usually hear one of two things: “Free books!” or “The Javitz Center is huge!”

So I’m approaching the weekend with the sage advice to bring a giant bag and wear comfortable shoes. And, also, Gabi’s wonderful guide from Tuesday. If you haven’t checked it out, you can do so right here.

That’s where I started my BEA planning. I tried to answer the question she posed: What’s in it for me?

Well, free books for a start. There are sixty six different industry talks. There are over a hundred authors. There are booths for every single publisher in the business. The chance to mingle with authors. Talks about the industry and writing. And did I mention free books?

And I’m hearing Gene Wilders’ voice in my head, “Come with me, and you’ll be in a world of pure imagination . . .”

So what do I hope to find at BEA? I’ve narrowed my list down to three things:

1) Books

Sorry. Have I not made this obvious? Books are not cheap. I’ve got a Nook, but I prefer a good old-fashioned hardcover. I’ll be collecting anything that might interest me. Fantasy books. Young adult books. Literary books. Thrillers. Anything and everything. You know what’s beautiful about a book? Even if you don’t like it, someone else will. So I’ll be bringing my biggest bag, filling it, and sharing the wealth.

At the same time, I’ll be learning about upcoming books. What the industry is excited about and why. Hopefully, by the end of the day, I’ll have several books to look forward to in the upcoming year.

As if I didn’t have enough to read already!

2) Authors

There are hundreds of authors at BEA. They will be signing books. They will be on panels. They will be giving talks. They will be among us. I hope to find a few of my old favorites, and also discover some new writers to love.

3) Readers

It’s not really fair to lump everyone else at BEA into this one category. There will be bloggers, book reviewers, editors, publicists and agents. There will be unpublished writers. They will all have their own goals—their own answer to the question—What’s in it for me? But they will all be readers. Guaranteed. We got into this business because at some point a book set our imagination on fire. And I think that’s what I’m most excited about for BEA. It’s a place for readers to gather and celebrate one of the best parts of our lives – stories.

Geek out. I’m going to. As Willy Wonka says, “There is no life I know to compare with pure imagination.”

The post BEA Battle Plan appeared first on DIY MFA.

These days, with so many writing conferences available, it can be tricky to figure out which ones you should attend. Before DIY MFA, my primary challenge when it came to planning my conference schedule was the budget. Writing conferences can be pricey and even the less expensive ones–or those with  à la carte options–can add up.

Aside from managing your conference budget, you also have to manage your conference time. After all, inspiring and valuable as these events may be, every day you spend at a conference is probably a day when you won’t do much writing. Taking a few days away from your craft now and then is not a big deal. But if you commit to several events back-to-back, losing all that writing time will put a serious dent in the progress that you make on your current writing project.

There are thousands of options available these days: workshops, literary readings, retreats, conferences, and trade shows. With so many choices, how do you know that the conference you’ve selected is the right one? Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Figure out your conference goals.

Before you start signing up for events left and right, think about what you want to get out of a conference. Depending on where you are in a project or in your career as a writer, conferences can serve different purposes. Here are a few examples.

Do you have a manuscript that’s ready to submit? If so maybe a more publishing-focused event is the best bet because you’ll learn about the industry directly from agents and other professionals, and you may even get a few leads for where to send your book. Events that include a “first pages” workshop or pitch-slam session give you the opportunity to get your work in front of actual agents and get their direct feedback. While none of this guarantees publication, it can be a very informative experience.

On the other hand, suppose you’ve only recently started writing. In this case, a better conference for you might be something that will get you inspired and motivated to go home and keep writing. Look for conferences with inspiring keynote speakers, like the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) Winter conference in New York. Or you may also want to consider a retreat-style conference where you get ample writing time and workshops where you get feedback not just from faculty but other conference attendees (the Southampton Writer’s Conference is a great example).

Some conferences are what I like to call “multi-purpose” events because they can serve writers with different goals. A great example of this is the Backspace Writer’s Conference (coming up in May) and the Writer’s Digest Conference (happening this weekend). These conferences have multiple tracks with two or three sessions at at the same time. This allows you to select sessions and customize the experience to suit your goals.

Consider the logistics.

I’m lucky in that I live in New York City, where many of the big industry conferences take place. This means that I don’t have to travel far to get to these events and in the evening, I can hop on a subway and head back to my home for dinner and sleep. For many writers, though, going to conferences isn’t just about the investment of the conference itself but of all the travel expenses involved as well. This means that you’ll want to consider these logistics in addition to the cost of the conference itself.

There is some good news, though: even if you don’t live near New York, don’t assume that there won’t be a writing conference in your area. Some big organizations like AWP (Association of Writers & Writing Programs) and RWA (Romance Writers of America) move their national conferences from city to city each year so it’s possible that a big conference will come to your area sooner than you think.

Also, don’t underestimate the quality of local chapters and their events. Organizations like RWA, SCBWI, and other writing organizations  have local or regional chapters and many of these groups will conduct conferences or events of their own. This is a great way to get that conference experience but with more intimate groups, more individual attention and less travel.

Conferences are always more fun when you go with friends.

It’s so much more fun to attend conferences when someone you know will be there. Right now, I’m scheduled to speak at a couple of upcoming conferences. If you’re going to any of these events, let me know in the comments because I’d love to meet you! Here are the events I’ve currently got scheduled.

•  Backspace Writer’s Conference     May 23-25   (I’m presenting a talk with Dan Blank of WeGrowMedia.com)
• New Jersey SCBWI Conference     June 7-9     (I’m teaching one of the pre-conference intensives!)

The post How to Choose the Right Conference appeared first on DIY MFA.

After several days of chaos and anxiety–worrying about and tracking down friends, family and colleagues–I finally ventured out into New York City to attend the Backspace Agent-Author Seminar. By some miracle, the hotel hosting the conference still had power (the blackout area started just a few blocks south). Despite many agents and attendees being unable to make it because of the storm, the conference was going forward.

Even though attendance was small, this was perhaps the most inspiring conference I have ever been to, and at this point in my career I’ve been to many. I’ve seen writers and industry professionals rally and pull together at these events before, but nothing compares to last week.

There’s been a lot of talk recently about how the end of publishing is nigh. Bookpocalypse, I call it. Will mergers make it impossible for writers to get book deals? Will the rise of self-publishing make agents and publishers obsolete? Will eBooks kill paper books? Will people stop reading forever? It feels like everyone in the book world is up in arms because publishing-as-we-know-it is on the brink of destruction.

Guess what: it’s not. At the Backspace Agent-Author Seminar, I saw evidence of this first-hand.

The publishing industry might be a business, but like any business it’s made up of people. As long as as these people work together and help each other, this industry will continue strong. I have a lot of hope for the book world, not because of the business itself but because of the people. And book people have a lot of heart.

Last week I saw agents who weren’t scheduled for sessions jump in and cover for others those who couldn’t make the conference. I saw writers encourage and support one another–no competitive attitudes there–and I saw them roll with the punches when things didn’t go as expected. I met industry professionals who biked in from areas of the city without power, writers from other continents who traveled for days to get there, and conference organizers who left home and family behind to run the event because they refused let people down.

We’ve heard many incredible stories surrounding the storm, and in no way do I mean to downplay the heroism of the first responders and volunteers who have helped so many get through this difficult week. But it’s easy to overlook the small acts of heroism, the moments of humanity and those everyday kindnesses that may not make a difference on a large scale but will mean the world to one person.

We hear about how publishing is full of rejection and disappointment, but this conference only reaffirmed why I love this industry and why I love my job. Events like this conference make me proud to be part of the book world and I am honored to have book people as colleagues and friends.

Writers, readers, agents and publishers: this week you are my heroes.

The post The Human Side of the Publishing Industry appeared first on DIY MFA.

1) People like to help. Let them.

I’ve assembled the new DIY MFA team and will be introducing them soon. What blew me away this time around wasn’t just the sheer diversity of talent in this group, but the passion and excitement. These team members are volunteering their time to help me build DIY MFA, because they truly believe in the program. Every single one of them said something to the effect of: “I’m excited with how DIY MFA is growing and I want to be part of it.”

When you hit the wall on your book and you need “a little help from your friends,” just ask. Our culture seems to frown on this idea of asking for help, as if it goes against that sense of personal independence and individuality we hold so dear. Nonsense. The smartest people are the ones who recognize their flaws and surround themselves with people who fill those gaps.

2) Be alert. You never know when you might meet an ally.

I’ve met writing allies everywhere: at conferences, in writing classes, while volunteering with elementary school kids… the list goes on. I once met writer at a candle store, who became my student. I asked her for an opinion between two candle scents and the rest is history. I met my mentor at a conference because I went up to him after he gave his talk and asked a question. You never know when you might meet someone who will be a huge asset to your writing life, so be on the alert.

When I meet people and have a conversation, I always ask for a business card. Often, I’ll jot down a note or two on the card of things I talked about with the person and ideas for following up. I store my business cards in a notebook and always have it handy by my desk.

3) You don’t need a ton of people to champion your work. You just need the right people.

I recently read a blog post by someone who was thanking the people who unsubscribed to his list. The logic was that if people who weren’t truly engaged unsubscribed, that made it so that the list was more likely to consist of people who were engaged and reading the newsletter. Don’t get me wrong. I always get that tiny pang when someone unsubscribes (the way I’ll probably always get a tiny pang when I get rejection letter of any kind) but I see that author’s point.

In the end, it’s better to have one true fan than a dozen so-so fans. Why? Because that one true fan is the one who’s going to tweet and Facebook share and write an Amazon review and otherwise champion your book. The same way that when I believe in someone’s work, I want to share it. I want to tell people how awesome it was because then I’ll seem awesome for just knowing about it. It’s win-win really. Find those true fans to champion your work, and the rest of them… live and let live.

4) Be passionate about your work and others will be passionate too.

Right now it’s 3:45 AM and I haven’t gone to sleep yet. Part of it is a feverish baby who’s been fussing off and on all night long. But mostly it’s because the idea for this post lodged itself in my brain just as I was drifting off to sleep and suddenly I was wide awake, writing the words in my head. I finally gave in, came to the office and got them down on the computer, if anything so I could quiet that monologue in my brain.

I don’t usually share my more eccentric work patterns. But if you look carefully, a lot of my Facebook action happens between 2-4 AM, or I respond to emails at the crack of dawn. Most people don’t notice, but the truth is, my brain is wired with DIY MFA 24/7. The truth is, I’m never happier or more excited than when I talk about this project, and in the end, that passion is contagious.

Be passionate about your book. Don’t tell people how hard it was to write it or how long it took, or how the publishing industry is out to get you because no one has responded to your submission yet. Instead, talk about what made you fall in love with your book in the first place. Share the things that make you passionate about the project. Your excitement will infect your listeners and they’ll be dying to learn more.

5) Do not underestimate the power of positive energy.

I attended BEA (Book Expo America) in June, and observed a few interesting trends. The large sprawling booths (mostly Big 6) were a zoo, so it was enough just for me to get in, say my pitch, get some business cards of key publicists and get out of there. The smaller booths were quieter and it was in those booths that I was able to have an actual conversation with authors, editors and publicists. In these conversations, there was a lot of “how can DIY MFA work with your imprint so we can help each other?”

All but one of the booths I approached were friendly, open and exuded positive energy. That energy was infectious so I picked up on it and responded in kind, leading to exciting connections.  My interaction at the one negative energy booth led to my getting screamed at because I had the gall to inquire after the possibility of doing an author interview. I cut the conversation short as graciously as possible and walked away. I realized later, as I walked down the aisle past that booth again, that there was a reason that booth was often empty of customers. Negative energy is like people repellant.

It’s all about building community.

In traditional MFA Programs, the community is already laid out. You have your workshops, your readings, your meet-and-greet mixers. The community is already there and all you have to do is join. When you’re doing a DIY MFA, it’s a little trickier. There is no cookie-cutter, tried-and-true model. You have to figure out the community part for yourself.

The advantage of this is that you have the freedom to build a community that works for you. For years I was part of a critique group where everyone was from a different walk of life and wrote very different genres. I found feedback from this group to be far more useful than any workshop I did during my MFA studies. At the same time, other writers might prefer a group of colleagues who write a similar genre or style. It all comes down to personal taste, but the beauty of building your own community is that if you assembled it yourself, it will always be the right fit.

The post 5 Lessons About Community that Writers MUST Learn appeared first on DIY MFA.

But there’s another wrinkle. Any author who’s ever gone to a conference or other literary event has run into “that guy” (or “that gal”). You know the one. He carries five copies of his manuscript in his briefcase and tries to find any excuse he can to shove it into the hands of an industry professional. This is the woman who pitches to literary agents and editors while in line for the bathroom, even though every website under the sun says that’s the #1 thing NOT to do.

“That guy” raises his hand during the Q&A and asks a question specific to his own book, something along the lines of “would an agent on this panel acquire a book like…” This is the writer who asks for your business card and the next day you find yourself subscribed to her daily email newsletter. And there’s no way to unsubscribe.

Don’t be “that guy.” (Or “that gal.”)

Most writers are not naturally extroverted or comfortable in situations where you need to schmooze. But that doesn’t mean that networking has to be a painful or icky experience. Just remember these 5 Survival Tips and you’ll be well on your way to networking bliss.

Essential Networking Tips for Authors

1) Business Card Etiquette

The trick to business cards is to have them handy but not to foist them on everyone who walks by. I was just at a networking event and I was amazed at how many people showed up without business cards. I mean, the invite said something like “mingle and network with industry heavyweights” but people showed up sans card. Sure, you shouldn’t be shoving your card in every person’s face, but if someone expresses interest in learning more about your work, wouldn’t it be good to have a card handy?

Tip: when choosing cardstock for your cards, go for something non-glossy. Sure, glossy looks super-pretty but ever try to jot down a note on a glossy card with a pen? Smudge city.

2) Have a Conversation

Some of the best connections I’ve made with people in the publishing business have occurred thanks to a conversation. Agents and editors are people too, and after hearing pitch after pitch at a conference, they probably find regular conversation refreshing. Who knows, you may discover something in common that could help you get to know this person on a much more meaningful level. Unless you’re actually in a pitch session at a conference, save your pitch for those who ask you about your book. Otherwise, focus on getting to know the person behind the title.

3) Compliments and “Thank You’s” Are Powerful

If you’re sincere, a simple compliment can carry you miles on building a connection with an agent or editor. Of course, don’t pay compliments unless you really mean them and are sincere, but don’t be afraid of them either. I think many people get nervous about paying compliments because they feel like it comes across as flattery or toadying. The truth is that publishing industry professionals are people and most people enjoy getting compliments.

Tip: Keep compliments private, short and specific. Getting up during Q&A and telling an agent that they’re your favorite agent in the whole wide world might be more embarrassing than complimentary for said agent. Going up to the agent one-on-one afterwards and thanking her for blog post she wrote on world-building because it really helped you craft the world in your book… well, who wouldn’t want to hear that? Being specific and to the point makes the compliment more sincere as does delivering the compliment privately.

Also, remember to treat all fish (both big and small) with equal respect. After all, today’s editorial intern might be tomorrow’s editorial director. You never know where people will be in the future so treating everyone with the same level of respect  is not only the nice thing to do, but also the smart thing.

4) Have a Master-Plan

When I go to any book-related event, I have a master-plan. Whether it’s to hear a specific author read from her new book or listen to an agent panel. For me, the master-plan often revolves around DIY MFA, both spreading the word to more writers and also recruiting authors and industry professionals for guest posts or interviews. But a master-plan doesn’t have to be so specific. When I’m chatting with writers, I always have a question ready: “Tell me about your writing?” I learn a lot about what the person just by hearing them talk about their current work in progress.

5) Bring Along a Wing-Man

I’ve been to conferences and literary events alone and they were OK. But go with a wing-man and things turn from good to great. First, with a buddy along, you can divide and conquer, covering more ground. For instance, if there are two interesting panels going on at the same time, you can split up and each attend one, then swap notes.

Also, don’t be afraid to refer your friend to people you meet. The other night at the networking event, I met a guy who was in the same field as my lovely wing-lady. Immediately, I knew the two would have a lot to talk about and as it turned out, not only did they have a common interest, they also grew up in the same town! Networking is all about building your network, and if you meet someone who could be a great contact for a friend in your network, why not introduce them and spread the networking karma around?

When all else fails…

If networking isn’t part of your DNA, I hate to break it to you but you’re just going to have to do it anyway. Remember that saying: “Fake it ’til you make it”? That’s what I do. I’m a painfully shy person, especially when it comes to schmooze and booze types of events. I’m notorious in my family for sitting through entire dinners without saying more than “please pass the butter.” For me, networking is something I have to do, so I do it. If I could just sit at home with a hot cup of tea and a good book, that would be my version of heaven. Instead, before every networking event my husband psychs me up–like I’m a quarterback going into my biggest game of the season–pushes me out the door.

And every single time I go to an event, at the end of the day I’m always glad I went.

The post Networking for Authors: 5 Survival Tips appeared first on DIY MFA.

Twitter Feeds for Writers

Elizabeth S. Craig

@elizabethscraig
An all-things-writers feed, especially tweeting links to choice articles from writers’ blogs. Recent tweet:

Porter Anderson

@porter_anderson
Quotes from writers and retweeted articles from writers’ blogs. Recent tweet:

Janice Hardy

@janice_hardy
Tons of great links to writing resources and tips on writing craft. Recent Tweet:

Jon Winokur

@advicetowriters
Quotes by writers, for writers. Recent tweet:

 Joanna Penn

@thecreativepenn
Tips and tricks for writing and info about e-publishing and indie publishing. Recent tweet:

 Ashley Barron

@dcPriya
Interviews with self-pub authors about their craft, their books and their business. Recent tweet:

 Gene Lempp

@genelempp
Advice on publishing, writing, and general creativity. Recent tweet:

 YA Lit

@4yalit
Photography inspiration and tips on writing craft for everyone (not just YA authors). Recent tweet:

Writer’s Digest

@writersdigest
News on publishing and publicity from a favorite writer’s magazine. Recent tweet:

Writer’s Relief

@writersrelief
Hints and tips on submissions and publishing in various genres. Recent tweet:

If you aren’t involved with Twitter yet, you should consider signing up. If the twitterverse seems big and scary, check out this awesome writer’s guide to twitter (by Debbie Ridpath Ohi AKA Inkygirl). Make sure to follow these and other writers in order to build your very own writing community on twitter. Their resources and advice can be priceless both as you improve your own writing and learn about the business of writing.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s Top Book Picks, and then on Friday we’ll party!

The post Top 10 Twitter Feed Picks appeared first on DIY MFA.