Three (3) Tips for Writing Self-Help
“Most people become writers because they are haunted by secrets they need to tell.”
David Morrell, Lessons of a Lifetime of Writing
Ø Why do you want to be a writer?
Why do you want to write self-help?
Ø Writing Inspiration for Self-Help
o Can you be an instrument for change?
o What is our purpose?
o Is your goal to have others follow you?
o Do you have objectives and strategies?
o Will your stories grab your audience?
o Do you understand good writing is not enough?
o What is your passion?
o What moves you?
o What is the cause and effect for you?
o For whom do you need to be a voice?
o What makes you who you are?
o Do you understand it is not about you?
Ø How serious are you about being prepared?
Ø The Importance of Research for Self-Help
o Practice strict research rules – Primary and Secondary
o Stay focused on the goal at hand
o Have a vision for success to stay motivated
o Do your homework and study history
o Realize there is no easy way and no basic formula
o Take copious notes in interviews and lectures
o Carry a notebook and camera everywhere
o Listen to people and ask questions
o Read ferociously on your topic for complete understanding
o Learn everything you can about your topic
o Understand yourself completely
o Have a follow-up plan, but don’t be obsessed
“Research is the reward not the penance to be able to write.”
David Morrell
Ø What gnaws at your soul?
Ø What incident in your life has motivated you to write this book?
Ø The Voice and Structure of Self-Help
o Rely on ideas coming spontaneously from within
o Pay attention to your subconscious
o Don’t doubt yourself, write daily
o Involve all of your senses in your writing
o Be mindfully aware of who you are
o Be clear on your goals, objectives and strategies
o Harness a distinct subject matter
o Secure a specific approach and be original
o Remember the five W’s of reporting
o Give yourself a timeline
o Emulate others you admire
Ø Ask yourself why would anyone care if you wrote this book?
Ø Ask yourself if it will hold interest?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Patricia L. Brooks, President, Founder
SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS
RSVP - 480-250-5556 – patricia@plbrooks.com
SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS
Welcomes writer, publisher and business owner Pamela Swartz to share her expertise on the topic of Keeping a Backlist Title Alive
WHAT: Scottsdale Society of Women Writers Monthly Meeting
WHERE: NEW MEETING LOCATION: The Marriott Old Town, 7325 E. Third
Avenue, off Scottsdale Rd., South of Camelback – turn at the light - parking near hotel
WHEN: 5:30 to 7:30, Wed. April 29th, Please RSVP
WHY: The Scottsdale Society of Women Writers gives members access to events of interest, a format for exchanging ideas, an opportunity to network with other women authors, an alliance with businesses relating to writing and publishing and camaraderie and support.
HOW: RSVP now to Patricia at 480-250-5556 or patricia@plbrooks.com
SPEAKER: Pam Swartz www.cloudninepress.com
TOPIC: Keeping a Backlist Title Alive
Whether you are creating a new title knowing that it will become a backlist product or if you’ve got a backlist title that needs a lift, one of the most important things you can do is build your ‘backlist’ marketing strategy into your business model right from the beginning.
With this in mind, Pam Swartz will discuss how to draft a strategic plan that goes beyond the basics in order to successfully keep your books alive, outside as well as within the traditional bookstore venue, enabling you to harness the power of the backlist title.
BIO: Pam Swartz, nationally recognized author of the award-winning Arizona Getaways for the Incurably Romantic: 45 Sensational Destinations for Lovers and Dine Out Phoenix: Where to Eat from Chic to Unique, is widely recognized as an expert on Arizona’s dining scene and getaways for the romance-minded traveler. The founder of Cloud Nine Press, LLC, a publisher of travel books and dining guides, Swartz is also a contributing writer for a number of publications both locally and regionally. As the creator of Dine Out with the Chefs: A Celebration of the Culinary Arts, an annual benefit for the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Swartz celebrates the Valley’s exciting dining scene, attracting the top chefs in town. As the Cultural Arts Director for Lon’s at the Hermosa, she directs the inn’s popular “Artist in Residence” series, with guests that have included Jane Seymour, Diane Ladd, Aaron Elkins, Tito Puente Jr. and more. Swartz brings her marketing expertise to clients nationwide on select projects that include developing an initial concept to drafting and executing the strategic plan, to advising on the promotional campaign. Swartz was named as a ‘Women in Business 2007 Honoree’ by The Business Journal and the 2005 recipient of the Korwin Award for Visionary Leadership, an award given in recognition of an act or service by the Arizona Book Publishing Association. She is a past board director for AZ Book Publishing Association and a current member.