Writing workshop for inspiring fiction writers

I was so blessed to be able to attend a free writing workshop at my local library.  The speakers were Dianna Love and Mary Buckham who co-wrote the book Break into Fiction.  It is a great book on how to keep your writing on track and avoid the "writers block" that writers tend to fall into. If you do the exercises and fill out the forms you should be able to work efficiently through your book in a reasonable amount of time.

Mary said that if you follow the format and answer the question in the book...you will not experience writers block.  Writers block happens when you don't know where your story is going.

I really appreciate the fact that these two very successful writers came out (Mary even flew from her home in Washington state) to give this workshop. Dianna lives here locally. They cared enough to share their experiences with us and I will always remember their kindness and encouragement. 

One thing I would like to share with you that Mary Buckham taught is the steps a reader will take in purchasing a book.

1. The first thing a person will do is look at the front cover of the book.  Publishers will pay money to have a book displayed with the cover facing out.  They know that the cover will be the first thing that draws a potential reader to your book.  If you will notice large book sellers such as Barnes and Noble and Boarders will have several books displayed on the shelf showing the front cover instead of the spine.

I always wondered why certain books were turned that way and how they picked which ones would be.

2. The next thing that he/she will do is flip the book over and read the back cover to find out what the story is about.  If they like what they read they will...

3. Open the book and read the first paragraph.  If they like it they will go on to the next paragraph.  If they like that one too they will usually read the first page.  If they like the first page, your are pretty sure of a sale.

Mary also said that people go into a bookstore pretty much knowing what they are looking for.  People don't go in saying "I'll just wonder around in the store and the first book that falls on me I'll buy."  A lot of people go straight to the genre that they like to read. 

If you are a new author it is very important that the reader is attracted to your book enought to pick it up and find out what it is about.  So marketing is very important. 

Dianna and Mary also said that what ever way you choose to market your book: Self-pub, ebook, large publishing house, you need to research each aspect of it so you can make an educated decision. 

I think that is very good advice.

Please post any comments that you would like to share as well.
Blessings,