Back to Blogging

I took a break for several months but am back to writing again.  Today I'm blogging over at Jennifer Hallmark's website, Small Acts of Kindness.  I hope  you'll stop by. http://bit.ly/1KhNnV6

Upcoming Writers Conference in Greenville

THE STORY CONTINUES

The Writer's Plot Writing Conference

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Furman University
3300 Poinsett Hwy
Greenville, SC 29613

Keynote Speaker:  Harold Underdown

Early Bird Special Price:  $80 until June 16th ($100 regular price afterwards)
Manuscript Critique:  $45 (first 10 pages)
Special Critique with Harold Underdown for rejected manuscript consultation:  $45 (first 10 pages)
Deadline for submission:  June 16th

Register online:  www.thewritersplot.com
10% discount for TWP members for all prices

Presenters include:

Harold Underdown – consulting editor, former vice president & editorial director at ipicturebooks, former editorial director at Charlesbridge, author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Publishing Children’s Books

Edie Melson– social media marketing expert, author of best-selling ebook, Social Media Marketing for Writers and a devotional, Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home When Your Soldier Leaves for Battle

Vonda Skelton – author of Seeing Through the Lies (for women), three Bitsy Burroughs Mysteries (for children), and numerous magazine articles for adults

Patricia Thomas – author of 7 picture books, including “Stand Back,” said the Elephant, “I’m Going to Sneeze!” as well as numerous magazine articles and short stories

Pam Zollman – award-winning author of 40 children’s books, hundreds of short stories and articles (for adults and children), and former editor at Highlights Magazine.

Alan Gratz – award-winning author of six children’s and YA books, short stories, magazine articles, plays, and several episodes of A&E’s City Confidential

Jessica Alexander – Associate Editor for Peachtree Publishing

Katya Jensen—Editorial and Subrights Coordinator for Peachtree Publishing

Diana Flegal– Literary agent with Hartline Literary Agency 

Social Media Marketing

Edie Melson has just released a new book essential for both seasoned and aspiring writers, Social Media Marketing for Writers.  I bought this resource and am certain to use it now and as a reference in the future as I continue to write.

Her book covers the essentials of social media, including the reasons for using it, finding a focus for your blog and what causes a blog succeed or fail.  Step by step, she teaches us how to create and maintain a blog. 

But she doesn’t stop there.  Instead, she gives us the tools we need to increase our audience and increase our marketing by navigating Twitter, Tweetdeck, and Facebook as well as tying it all into Amazon.  Last week I had the opportunity to interview her regarding this project. 

When did you start writing?

I actually wrote my first book—long hand—in the 8^th grade.  I began my formal writing career as a technical writer in the 80’s then had kids and began writing again seriously as they grew up.

What is your reason or passion for continuing to write?

I like to quote Isaac Asimov on this one.  “I write for the same reason I breathe; if I didn’t I’d die.

How did you learn about social media?  Did you take a class, read a book or just figure it out yourself?

I came into it quite by accident.  You could even say it was a sink or swim situation.  I accepted a job as a managing editor at a Christian magazine for college age men.  Everyone I worked with was young enough to be my son—and social media is the only way to reach that audience.  I had to become an expert or quit my job. 

What made you decide to write about it?

With my success came a huge sense of accomplishment.  It’s become one of my passions to show others that social networking is NOTHING to be afraid of.  If I can do it, ANYONE can!

What do you think the future of social media holds for writers?

Great question!  While I don’t think anyone can predict the future, I do think it’s exciting to think about where this trend is headed.

I think social media and writers are a match made in heaven.  Writing is all about building relationships—with readers, editors, agents, and other writers.  What better vehicle is there than social media?  It’s tailor made for writers.  After all, we communicate best through the written word.  And it gives us an unprecedented opportunity to connect with our readers. 

Edie Melson is a freelance writer and editor with over 16 years experience in the publishing industry. She’s a prolific writer, having published over 700 articles in 2010. She also has a popular writing blog (www.thewriteconversation.blogspot.com) and is a frequent contributor to many others. In keeping up with the leading edge of all things digital Edie has become known as one of the go-to experts on Twitter, Facebook, and social media for writers wanting to learn how to plug in. Get your copy for only 99 cents on Kindle or Nook,

Fighting Fear, Winning the War at Home, is one of Edie’s latest projects. This devotional book for those with family members in the military will debut in fall of 2011 with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas http://www.christiandevotionsbooks.com/ . 

Edie is a member of numerous professional writing organizations, including The Christian Pen, The Christian Writer’s View I and ACFW. She’s also an assistant copy editor for the Voices E-zine, a publication of My Book Therapy and a part of the My Book Therapy Special Teams Blog.

Married 30 years to husband, Kirk, they have raised three sons.

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Surprising lessons at a conference

BRMCWC last week was my first conference and was fantastic.  I met more authors than I could have ever imagined and, in addition to all the wonderful information I learned, God revealed something even more significant.  He showed me that even my limitations, which often frustrate and embarass me, can teach me more about other people's character and compassion I'd never have known otherwise.

Far from looking down on  me for my struggles, editors and fellow conferees encouraged me to keep honing my craft, to better tell the story God has put inside me.  What a wonderful lesson to learn in addition to all the information I gleaned from others' expertise in the field of writing.  Thanks to all those who played such a role in my life.