POINT OF DIFFERENCE by Michelle Somers

For the past couple of months I’ve been immersed in writing the first in my Simply Writing Series of ‘how to’ books for authors. Aptly named, Simply Synopsis, this book has forced me to take a step back and view my writing – and indeed my writing career – in a different light.

I embarked on the task of analyzing the fundamental elements of a story, how to break them down and then how to build them back up again in the form of a synopsis. As I delved deeper into this process, something occurred to me that most of us fail to consider in regards to our story and the wily synopsis – what is our point of difference? 

Such an important concept, but sadly, so frequently overlooked.

Let’s face it, for most of us, the primary reason we write a synopsis is that we have to. Submission guidelines require us to do so if we wish to win that coveted contract from an agent or editor. The same goes for competition guidelines, if we’re entering a competition.

But where do we start?

Of course character GMC, major turning points and the black moment are vital. As is hooking your reader – that potential agent or editor – from the very first line. But what other than a well-crafted, well-written story will win you that publishing deal? Or that much sought after first place certificate.

I believe it’s what can be termed as ‘the point of difference’.

What sets your story out among the rest? What makes it irresistible, unputdownable, unique? What’s that one point of interest that will push it over the line and win you the contract and recognition you so desire?

Point of difference.

So, as I sat there, writing Simply Synopsis, my thoughts began to wander. In this day and age, where the internet factors so highly in exposure and promotion, we’re not merely selling a product, we’re selling a whole package. And more often than not, that package includes a part of ourselves.

The thought forced me to take a good, hard look at myself, and as a result, my author brand. Then came the questions: Who is Michelle Somers? What does she represent? What’s the Michelle Somers' point of difference?

Maybe those who have followed me through my journey to authordom might have a thought or two on the topic, but for me, I struggled. There are so many fabulous authors out there, so much talent and personality, how could I hope to be seen above the crowd? Sure, I keep writing, keep promoting, keep doing what I’m doing, following the mantra that the more books you have out, the more notice you get. But still, how could I make my mark on an already over-marked industry?

Believe it or not my inspiration came from within my story.

For those who have yet to read Murder Most Unusual, I’ll give you a hint as to its content: the title says it all. It’s a quirky story of murder and mystery and a place where fact melds with fiction. Stacey Holland is an author with a difference – she believes committing fictional homicide enables her to pen the perfect murder. And her partner in crime? A mannequin called Renaldo.

Sooooo… meet Renaldo. 

I recently attended a deep editing immersion course with the fabulous Margie Lawson.

One of the tips Margie impressed on me was around enacting my scenes. Do my scenes make sense? They look great on paper, but do they actually work?

A couple of us had a go at acting out some of our scenes and surprise, surprise, what seemed straightforward and workable on paper wasn’t so workable when it came to reality. And that was for the simple stuff, for example in my case, the slipping and sliding in the mud. 

What if guns, knives and dead – or soon to be dead – bodies were involved? What then?

That immersion weekend I had the other immersionists to help me. But what about those days I’m writing with no one but my lovely cat, Emmie, for company. What then?

Enter, Renaldo.

He helped Stacey make her murders, so why couldn’t he help me?

We attended our first convention together in February, the Australian Romance Readers Convention, and Renaldo was an instant hit. 

And soon after we enacted our first murder. Here are the results:

I now have the perfect participant in my mad schemes. He’s pliable, cooperative and always available. He’s captured my interest, and what’s more, I hope he’s captured yours.

What about you? Do you have a point of difference in your chosen field? If so, what is it? If not, can you think of something you could do to make you stand out among the crowd?

Please share! I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

Michelle Somers is a bookworm from way back. An ex-Kiwi who now calls Australia home, she’s a professional killer and matchmaker, a storyteller and a romantic. Words are her power and her passion. Her heroes and heroines always get their happy ever after, but she’ll put them through one hell of a journey to get there.

Michelle lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her real life hero and three little heroes in the making. Her debut novel, Lethal in Love won the Romance Writers of Australia’s 2016 Romantic Book of the Year (RuBY) and the 2013 Valerie Parv Award. 

She loves hearing from her readers, so please visit her website www.michelle-somers.com, or chat with her on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. 

The first book in Michelle's Simply Writing Series is scheduled for release in May 2017. If you'd like to know more, sign up for Michelle's newsletter on her website, www.michelle-somers.com or email her at michelle-somers@bigpond.com for more information.

Please note, Michelle's website is currently under construction - with an exciting new look coming soon! - but the button for signing up to her newsletter is still active.

Thanks everyone for stopping by! For reading, commenting, your support, love and fabulousness!
Can't wait to see you again next month 😊

My Bucket List: Victorian American West

by

Kristin Holt

Hi, everyone. I’m new.

Like a newcomer to the cocktail party (or neighborhood book club), I’ve listened (read blog posts), nodded (read responses), and smiled a lot (lurked). But I’m a stranger. It’s my turn to 'speak' and decorum insists I introduce myself. {waves!} I’m Kristin Holt. I write Sweet Victorian Western Romance.

Everything

on my personal bucket list is in the past.

1st drawing, Eiffel Tower, Public domain

Writing late 19th century characters and settings is my time machine, and facilitates achievement of my bucket-list. Researching every nuance of the locale and time period is a little too exciting. I’m able to visit, dwell, experience anywhere… all without leaving modern conveniences. Like central heat, air conditioning, and ice cream.

I spend so much time immersed in the 19th century, I catch myself thinking travel by train is the height of invention. Telegrams are the speedy way to communicate, not letters. And my heroes must allow time to saddle the trusty horse (or even longer to hitch the team to the wagon or buggy) before they ride out.

Kristin Holt (yellow rain jacket)

An 1896 character I’ve had simmering on the back burner (Andrew Proctor, The Doctor Claims a Bride) wants a Civil Engineering degree and to eventually build immense structures. His bucket list includes visiting the Eiffel Tower (1889), Washington Monument (1884), Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp, Belgium) (1521)… places I’ve been with the ease of domestic and transatlantic flight… and snapped digital pics. Naturally, Andrew's bucket list will go to war with his conscience and everyone’s expectations. [Cue maniacal laughter.]
 

Forthcoming Title

I can't sketch worth a darn. I have no interest in photography. Had I lived in 1896, I would have been forced to rely on my memory for every detail. And travel by boat. Without air conditioning. And drink water that tasted like a wooden barrel. And ‘bathe’ in a bowl. I use ‘bathe’ in the loosest of terms.

I’m a modern woman and adore modern comforts, yet I’m madly in love with the Victorian American West. Top priority on my bucket list in 2016? Spend more time in the 1870's, 1880's, and 1890's. I may flirt with 1900 and 1901, but my first love will forever be the last third of the 19th century.

You'll learn more about me, my books, and the Victorian American West at www.KristinHolt.com.

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Copyright © 2016, Kristin Holt, LC

Help! I Need Help With Branding!!!

By Judith Ashley

No, not the kind made with a hot iron or a tattoo.

I need help with my author branding.

2014 has been a busy year for me. By January 1, 2015 I’ll have published 4 full length novels and 5 short stories with a 6th one coming out by mid-January. In addition, by that time, I’ll have participated in 4 book signings. But most important, I’ve attended 2 writer’s conferences and several workshops as well as read a couple of author marketing books.

The author marketing books and several of the workshops talk about creating an ‘author brand’. This is where I need help—your help to be more specific.

What I’ve already done:

Named my series. Not an easy task. It took over a year to finally settle on The Sacred Women’s Circle series.

Hired Christy Caughie’s Gilded Heart Design to create the book covers for my The Sacred Women’s Circle series. My covers all have a cohesive design and if you look closely, you’ll see the ‘overlay’ which conveys the mystical/spiritual element that is in all the books. Check out the upper left-hand corner to see one of my favorite cover elements.

Hired Christy’s Gilded Heart Design to update my website and create a ‘new look’ that is part of my author brand.

Purchased Joel Friedlander’s Media Kit and created varied length bio’s.

But then I attended Emerald City Writer’s Conference in October and realized I need to be even more focused regarding my brand. One of the important pieces is to consistently label/market yourself. You’ll see excellent examples with B.A. Binns and Pippa Jay’s posts. Each post starts out with their name and their genre – a bit about what they write.

Here’s where you come in. I’ve written three short introductions (19 – 22 words) and I’d like your input as to which one best showcases my brand. BTW: the experts say 20 words is best because of how search engines like Google scan for content.

1. Welcome, I’m Judith Ashley, author of contemporary romantic women’s fiction and spiritual romance: stories that celebrate the journey from Relationship to Romance. (22 words)

2. Judith Ashley’s twenty plus years in sacred women’s circles gives her stories an authenticity that enhances a reader’s experience. (19 words)

3. Hi, I’m Judith Ashley. I write romantic women’s fiction with spiritual elements. My stories are all about journeys from Relationship to Romance. (22 words)

If you have other ideas, please share! Commenters will be entered into a drawing for a $5.00 gift card for Starbucks. Please be sure I have your email address so I can contact you if you are the winner! Drawing will be held 12/10/2014. If you want to know who the winner is, I’ll post it at on my Judith Ashley blog.