Tuesday, 24 August 2010

Improving Self Confidence

Tell Me a Story

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The Jalón Valley, Costa Blanca
How to Increase Traffic to Your Bukisa Article
Eating Garlic is Good For Sex
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I've just published an article on Bukisa about confidence and how to increase it. I'd love you to take a look and let me know what you think about it.

Improving Confidence


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Without Reproach -a romantic mystery - try it.
Short Moments - 'Feel good' short stories

Tuesday, 17 August 2010

The Damage Done By Free Radicals

Tell Me a Story

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The Jalón Valley, Costa Blanca
How to Increase Traffic to Your Bukisa Article
Eating Garlic is Good For Sex
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I've just posted a new article on Bukisa called Reduce Free Radical Damage - Free Radicals And Antioxidants.

Hope you can take a look - tell me what you think if you do.

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Saturday, 14 August 2010

Ten Ways To Stay Happy

Tell Me a Story

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The Jalón Valley, Costa Blanca
How to Increase Traffic to Your Bukisa Article
Eating Garlic is Good For Sex
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"How to stay happy,

Tell me how to stay happy,

How to stay happy when life is so crappy"



How to stay happy when the going is rough? One of the most difficult things to do is stay optimistic when life is bumpy.

Nevertheless, maintaining a buoyant outlook is essential for every facet of our lives. A positive stance enhances our attitude towards jobs, family, and life. Yet what can be when things become difficult.

Read more: How to Stay Happy - 10 Cool Ways to Stay Happy


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Thursday, 12 August 2010

The Herb, Sage

Tell Me a Story

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The Jalón Valley, Costa Blanca
Writing Dialogue In A Story - 12 Cool Secrets
Eating Garlic is Good For Sex
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Okay, so I've just published a new article on Bukisa - Sage Herb Uses - Sage Supplements

I didn't even realise the damn thing was in my garden. I thought it was just another a pretty plant. If you've ever wondered just what all this herb Malarkey is about, try reading further.


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Without Reproach -a romantic mystery - try it.
Short Moments - 'Feel good' short stories

Wednesday, 11 August 2010

Heartwarming stories - Short Moments

Tell Me a Story

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The Jalón Valley, Costa Blanca
Writing Dialogue In A Story - 12 Cool Secrets
Eating Garlic is Good For Sex
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I've just published a new HubPage called Heartwarming Stories - Short Moments if you'd like to take a peep. It's a run-down on all the stories included in the Amazon Kindle edition of 'SHORT MOMENTS'.

All ten stories are award winners that have either been published in glossy magazines or been placed and published in international competitions, so 'they've passed the test'. They're also tear-jerkers in one way or another, so be prepared....


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Without Reproach -a romantic mystery - try it.
Short Moments - 'Feel good' short stories

Monday, 9 August 2010

The Great E-Book Debate

Tell Me a Story

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Moraira, Costa Blanca, Spain - My Local Resort
Writing Dialogue In A Story - 12 Cool Secrets
Eating Garlic is Good For Sex
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The great ebook debate continues, I suppose it will go on forever now. It's nice to see the perspective from another author though. I have my own ideas, I've already committed some of my work to ebook format on Kindle and have already had a few sales.

Mid-list author, Simon Wood has written an article voicing his opinions on the matter.


Simon Wood has had over 150 stories and articles published.
Read his article now Ebooks From An Author's Point of View

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Without Reproach -a romantic mystery - try it.
Short Moments - 'Feel good' short stories

Tuesday, 27 July 2010

Which author do you write like?

Tell Me a Story

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Moraira, Costa Blanca, Spain - My Local Resort
Writing Dialogue In A Story - 12 Cool Secrets
Eating Garlic is Good For Sex
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Just been to a site that has a new gizmo.

The site claims to detect which author, your style of writing is most similar to.

Apparently the first chapter of my novel, WITHOUT REPROACH, follows the style of William Gibson (author of Pattern Recognition, Neuromancer, Zero History, and Mona Lisa Overdrive)

Okay, I wish I had his fame and fortune as well - still, you never know.....

At any rate, give it a try and see what you turn out like, but treat it as a bit of fun rather than a serious project. Who Do I Write Like?

Next post

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Without Reproach -a romantic mystery - try it.
Short Moments - 'Feel good' short stories

Monday, 26 July 2010

Describing Texture

Tell Me a Story

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Moraira, Costa Blanca, Spain - My Local Resort
Writing Dialogue In A Story - 12 Cool Secrets
Eating Garlic is Good For Sex
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Writers, if you've ever been stuck trying to find that elusive word to describe a particular texture, look no more.

Try this article and list of words.

Describing Texture

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Sunday, 25 July 2010

Starchild

Tell Me A Story - Articles
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You gaze at the stars on a warm balmy evening.
There is silence, not a thing to be heard. You fill with wonder. Astronomy, stars, double stars, universe, what's it all about?
It’s so huge up there. You feel insignificant, a speck, nothing. Astronomy makes us small. Surely we're not alone, there must be life out there?
.

Read more: You Are Starchild


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Friday, 16 July 2010

Knopf Doubleday say ebooks are here to stay

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Short Moments: Heartwarming Short Stories
Writing Dialogue In A Story - 12 Cool Secrets
All About Write - 10 Top Writing tips
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Tell Me A Story


I've just returned from two weeks in the UK, to attend my daughter's wedding. All went fine - hated making the speach though, but there again that's just me. I just don't like being the centre of attention.

I've been checking through the web and found a little snippet some of you might be interested in.

Apparently the book publisher Knopf Doubleday recently made a comment regarding their latest venture into eBooks:

“The ebook is here to stay. Publishers everywhere are in the process of expanding the number of new titles they plan to make available electronically, and in addition, are making available for the first time older titles that have previously existed only in traditional formats.”

I think it's another brilliant endorsement to ebooks - especially when you consider that not too long ago most of the publishing industry were knocking ebooks as just a 'fad'. Ah well, I'm on the bandwagon myself now, so I've made the committment.

next post

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Friday, 25 June 2010

Pitching to a publisher

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Short Moments: Heartwarming Short Stories
Writing Dialogue In A Story - 12 Cool Secrets
All About Write - 10 Top Writing tips
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Tell Me A Story


A really useful post here - definitely worth a look. We all need a hand in getting our pitch right, so who better than an insider.

Practical Hints and Tips on Pitching to Publishers from an Insider - http://bit.ly/9dtW8x


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Looking for

Good news for eBook writers

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Short Moments: Heartwarming Short Stories
Writing Dialogue In A Story - 12 Cool Secrets
All About Write - 10 Top Writing tips
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Tell Me a Story
.

In June, the esteemed AAP (Association of American Publishers) published the April 2010 book statistics, which thankfully indicates not only an increase in sales, but in the sale of eBooks.
Good news, especially in the light of my recent jump into eBooks.... Is this a light at the end of the tunnel?
.

“E-book sales jumped up 127.4 percent for the month ($27.4 million), reflecting an increase of 217.3 percent for the year-to-date.” (Statistics courtesy of www.publishers.org Press Center)
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The figures back-up the March 2010 eBooks stats, which jumped up 184.8 percent ($28.5 million). Idpf.org delivers a useful U.S. eBook Sales Chart every quarter, which displays the digital book increase in popularity:
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So it could finally be a glimmer of good news for the publishing industry - but too late for my publisher.......

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Thursday, 24 June 2010

All Rights Reverted

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Short Moments: Heartwarming Short Stories
Writing Dialogue In A Story - 12 Cool Secrets
All About Write - 10 Top Writing tips
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Tell Me a Story


Well, it's finally happened.

The financial problems facing the Western World have crippled a lot of publishers. Book sales are down, bricks and mortar stores are closing, publishing houses are in trouble, my own publishers being no exception - they have had to shut operations for six months and to be quite honest with little hope of recovering.

I hate kicking anyone when they're down, but you really have to cover your own backside.... so after a lot of deliberation, I sent a polite request to the publisher asking for full rights to revert to me - and the CEO has agreed.

It's a shame when any business goes under, but when it's one that you're connected to, you really feel for them

At any rate - the upshot is that I shall do a small rewrite of WITHOUT REPROACH then perhaps release it on Kindle... unless that is, some enterprising traditional publishing house jumps in with an offer...

I suppose I can take some small comfort in the knowledge that the novel was professionally edited and accepted by a publishing house - so it is up to commercial standard.


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Thursday, 17 June 2010

Writing Dialogue In A Story - 12 Cool Secrets For Writing Better Story Dialogue

Tell Me a Story

If you want to improve or understand dialogue in a story  then look no further. This is the article for you.

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Saturday, 12 June 2010

Taking the plunge

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Short Moments: Heartwarming Short Stories
Writing Dialogue In A Story - 12 Cool Secrets
All About Write - 10 Top Writing tips
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Tell Me a Story

Okay guys. I'm about to take the plunge. After the response to my 'Bukisa' articles on writing, and from my blog posts offering writing advice, I've decided to take someone else's advice for a change.

I have several contacts on LinkedIn and a some of them have urged me to gather my writing experience and produce an ebook about it.

Well.... I've almost finished. I've been beavering away merrily now for quite a while - which is why there haven't been too many blog posts of late. I'm at the point where I'm re-reading and checking for typos and mistakes. I haven't settled on a title yet... But I'm hoping to have the ebook on offer in about a week.

So.... For those of you who like to absorb a little writing experience and know-how, I shall shortly have a book on offer.... so save your pennies and bide your time if you've been thinking of purchasing.

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Tuesday, 8 June 2010

Promoting your book

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Short Moments: Heartwarming Short Stories
Writing Dialogue In A Story - 12 Cool Secrets
All About Write - 10 Top Writing tips
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Tell Me a Story - tips

Promoting Your Book

The main problem facing new authors, more especial self-published authors, is coming to terms with the level of marketing required to promote their book.
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Creating an effective author platform, the use of various social media, and the supply preference for your book will all come into play. Here are some great articles to help you on your way.
.

Promoting Your Book

How To Market Your Self-Published Book
How Nonfiction Self-Publishers Can Become Keyword Naturals
Why Self-Publishing is a Long-Tail Business
Author Platform: What Are You Waiting For?
The New Marketing: Carol White at BAIPA
10 Ways Authors Can Find More Blog Read

How I Sold 10,000 Copies of My Self-Published Book
Is It Time to Kill “Jerry”?
Self-Publishing Basics: Book Review Sources
Self-Publishing Basics: How to Create Your ARC Cover


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Thursday, 3 June 2010

Publishing on Amazon Kindle is TOO simple.

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Short Moments: Heartwarming Short Stories
Writing Dialogue In A Story - 12 Cool Secrets
All About Write - 10 Top Writing tips
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Tell Me a Story - advice

Prospects for new writers to be taken on board by traditional publishing houses seem to be getting fewer. The number of publishers is getting less, and those that remain are becoming more discerning, and have reduced catalogue lists. The remaining publishers often select celebrity writers over unfamiliar, but accomplished writers... yet who can condemn them. Most are desperate to maximise their decreasing profits. Many publishing houses have permanently closed; my own publisher is having financial problems. The future seems depressing – yet does it have to be?

A lot of new authors are turning to self-publication and to e-books, seeing them as their saviour, and who can blame them. Amazon Kindle is rapidly becoming the author’s favourite choice, and has made the publishing procedure very simple.

The trouble when this happens is a vital editing link becomes missing. The numerous and rigorous checks that take place within the publishing house will not be there. The author MUST perform these checks or the quality of the finished product will be low.

Read more: - How to Prepare And Publish a Book on Kindle

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Monday, 31 May 2010

Mastering Descriptive Writing

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Short Moments: Heartwarming Short Stories
Writing Dialogue In A Story - 12 Cool Secrets
All About Write - 10 Top Writing tips
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Tell Me a Story


For some reason, a lot of wannerbe writers go over the top with their descriptive writing. In general, you should curb your enthusiasm for 'purple prose'.

Cut out those flowing passages and get back to nitty gritty words. Never use three words when one will do.

Don't waste time searching for obscure words, use plain English.

Get rid of those cute adverbs and adjectives - they kill your story.

For more, read How To Master Descriptive Writing


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Saturday, 29 May 2010

Short Moments - on Kindle

Tell Me a Story - Kindle

Okay guys, I simply have to share it with you. I have gone KINDLE.


I have written and published a collection of Heartwarming short stories called SHORT MOMENTS.

All the stories have been previously accepted by various publishers, so I know they pass the test..... they've been professionally edited for magazines.

My book publisher went belly-up during the economic situation so I took the decision to go down the route of KINDLE... After alI I get 35% royalties instead of the meagre amount from a paperback.

It's so easy to put your book out there, it's unbelievable. I think the problem with KINDLE is that too many writers might be tempted to submit below-par stories. If you want to publish, make sure your book is properly edited first.

If you've been considering it, consider no longer.

The biggest problem as far as I can see, is book promotion. It's all down to the author.... there again, I don't suppose it's a lot different after all..... most publishers don't do a lot for their authors....

So, if any of you pass this info around, I'll be dead chuffed. ANY promotion will be gratefully accepted.

Friday, 28 May 2010

If You Can

Tell Me a Story


Inner Peace: This is so true
  • If you can start the day without caffeine,
  • If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and
  • pains,
  • If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
  • If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,
  • If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
  • If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
  • If you can conquer tension without medical help,
  • If you can relax without liquor,
  • If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,

Then You Are Probably The Family Dog!

.
.
And you thought I was going to get all spiritual!! You should have known better!

Thursday, 13 May 2010

Story Ideas

Tell Me a Story

If you struggle to get ideas for plots in your story try this gizmo. It might not be the best thing since sliced bread, but there again I like crusty bread torn off in chunks....

Plot Generator

Even if you don't need it, it's a bit of fun.

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Monday, 19 April 2010

Writing Novel Tips

10 Top Writing Tips, For Writing that novel

Before starting to write that novel, you should make loads of notes. You should scribble down all the associated ideas you can think of, and then sit back in that comfy seat and take time to analyse just what your brilliant story idea is all about. How much do you actually know about the background for your story? How much do you know about your characters? What about their jobs, their likes and dislikes, their friends, their taste in food?
  • What else should you be doing? Take a look at this article to see just what you should be up to…. 10 Top Writing Tips
next post ------------------------------------------------------------------ Looking for

Saturday, 17 April 2010

How to format a book


Format a book

Tell Me a Story - manuscript submission guidelines

















Format a book

The way an editor first perceives a book decides its prospects with that publishing house forever – it might sound severe, but I’m afraid it’s true.

A quick glance at your book will make or break it. Editors in publishing houses are innundated with manuscripts, and they are only human - little things can sway them. Wouldn't it be terrible if it was tossed to one side without being read, simply because it didn't pass an editor's eye-test or it fluffed on the submission guidelines.

Don't let yours be one of them - learn how to format a book in this Bukisa article - 20 Things You Should Know About How To Format A Book

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Tuesday, 13 April 2010

To Write a Better Story

To Write a Story

Tell Me a Story
- hints and tips













To write a story.

So, you've struggled against all odds and have finally managed to write a story. Quite rightly, you’re over the moon that it's now complete - yet is it....


It’s a hell of an achievement to write a story, most wannerbes rarely make it to the finishing line, so you deserve a pat on the back
in your own right. However, that first draft will seldom be equal to the exacting yardsticks laid down by most publishing houses.

What then must you do to bring it up to the standard required? What extra is demanded of you?


20 Ways To Write A Story Better

....Now you can polish your manuscript until it shines
....


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Monday, 5 April 2010

Book Strategy - Tactics to Start Your Book Campaign

Tell Me a Story - hints and tips











Book Strategy


It's far more difficult to sell a really good novel by a new author than it is to sell a poor novel by an established author.

New authors must fight their way against enormous odds. Often there is no publicity budget available from the publishing house - so what can you do as a new author? You must find a strategy to promote your book.

If you're struggling for ideas, take a look at Book Strategy - Tactics to open up your book strategy and promotion campaign


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Thursday, 11 March 2010

Mastering the art of Story Characters

Tell Me a Story - article













Story Characters - The critical component

Plot characters, story characters, call them what you may, they are the most important ingredient in your story.

You might strive for a perfect adventure, but unless your readers equate with your story characters there is no story. If readers don't care what happens to the characters, the tale will flop. So what can you do...... Well you can try reading this ..... 7 Cool Ways To Jump-Start The Story Characters In Your Writing


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Monday, 8 March 2010

Ingredients of a plot

Tell Me a Story - hints and tips

The Plot of a Story











Plot of a story


A lot of stories fail simply because the writer hasn't controlled the ingredients. There are certain elements that a plot must contain in order for it to be successful. Success is never guaranteed, but you can at least give your manuscript a fighting chance by following these guidelines.

Need to get that plot of a story in order? Not quite getting it together? Maybe you need to take a peep at this Bukisa article --- How to become a writer - Ingredients of a plot


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Would you like to write an article and get paid for it - if so join Bukisa here
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Friday, 5 March 2010

Tell me a Story


If you're set on becoming a writer but never seem to get the opening right, take a look at this article on Bukisa ... BECOMING A WRITER

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Thursday, 25 February 2010

Editing your novel

Tell Me a Story - tips

Okay, so your novel is complete - or is it. The first or even second draft of a novel will rarely be up to publication standard. It might be a brilliant idea, it might have an incredible storyline, but unless it's up to scratch, no one is going to read it. Good novels aren't written, they are rewritten. Take a look at this article 20 Ways To Write A Story Better


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Monday, 22 February 2010

Job Snobs

Tell Me a Story - viewpoint

Have you ever been button-holed by someone who you know full-well is pretending to be in a job they are not? Some people just have to be job-snobs . Take a look at this article on REDGAGE

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Saturday, 20 February 2010

Promotion for new authors

Tell Me a story - advice

If you're a newly published author you're probably still in shock. When you finally climb down off your particular cloud nine you'll realise that your wonderful babe isn't selling quite how you'd hoped. There is no publicity budget and promotion verges on being non-existent.

So what happens next???

Take a look at this take on REDGAGE to see one way of increasing interest in your book.

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Wednesday, 17 February 2010

Easy money on-line

Tell Me a Story - advice

I recently talked about Redgage. At the risk of repeating myself I just want to point out the advantage I've had so far.

I joined just two weeks ago. Already my earnings are just a few cents short of $38, and all I've done is add some of my already published stuff. You can link to blog posts you've done, articles you've written, upload photos, anything you wish and bingo, money comes trickling in. The more posts you have the greater the trickle becomes.

Easy Money

You don't have wait for people to click on advertisements on your site like you do on HubPages, Squidoo or other article sites. You actually get paid by the NUMBER OF VISITS to your article - in fact if you have Squidoo, put a link to it and visitors will clock up cash for you.

If you fancy making easy money from stuff you've already written then take a look at RedGage here


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Creative writing tips, conflict and tension
Book writing, 20 ways to polish that manuscript

Monday, 8 February 2010

Injecting emotion into your story

Tell Me a Story - tips

Emotion is an important part of any writing. Without it a piece of work will be flat and without life.

If you ever wondered how to inject emotion into your story then take a look at this article on Redgage.

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Tuesday, 2 February 2010

Redgage - I'm smitten

Tell Me a Story - tip

Two days ago I joined an article site called REDGAGE. It's rather unique in that you can update your own blog material to it, refer your own articles from elsewhere to it, or link to your external material and photos. Effectively, you GET PAID to write on your own site - good or what?

You can also enter material and articles directly like any other conventional site.

The system of payment is per view rather than whether your reader happens to click on an advert. Some may like this way, some not; my own preference is that I like the method. I'm useless at marketing.

The point is, that not only do you get payment per view, BUT also paid by bonus. If your article is featured, you receive a nice little bonus payment. Now I realise other sites might have upfront payments, but not for writers outside of the USA. REDGAGE allow you to operate wherever you live. They send you a Visa card once you earn in excess of $25, with the card credited to the amount you've earned....

Now, as I said, I've only been on the site a couple of days, but already one of my articles has received a $4:75 bonus - a tidy little start to my article campaign.

Not only, but also

Not only do you get paid per view, and a bonus if your work is decent, you can also be entered into a daily raffle which pays $25. You gain points towards this raffle by either producing good content, by promoting the site, or by recommending a friend.

SO good people. If YOU want to try out this site -and why wouldn't you want to earn money from your blogs - pick up this link to REDGAGE and take a look for yourself.

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Creative writing tips, conflict and tension
Book writing, 20 ways to polish that manuscript

Wednesday, 27 January 2010

6 sites to Pep Up your Writer's Blog

Tell Me a Story - tips

Okay, as writers we can all do with a little help to pep up our websites and blogs. Writers want to write, not promote, but we all have to get stuck in, even though half the time we haven't a clue what we're doing.

I recently came across a few articles that offer help with traffic and blogs and thought you might find them useful as well.

  1. Video: How to bring traffic with the help of elertgadget and Google Desktop
  2. 6 Steps To A Killer Guest Post
  3. 7 Important Steps for Perfect Blog Promotion
  4. Faster Web Sites For Happier Visitors And Better Conversion Rates
  5. Get 10X Traffic by Content Distribution Method
  6. Promoting Your Blog Without Search Engines

Now we have no excuse for trimming our blogs and driving tons of traffic..... Well we can all live in hope can't we.

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Creative writing tips, conflict and tension
Book writing, 20 ways to polish that manuscript