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My son recently brought home an English worksheet that had denotation and connotation on it. As the sheet pointed out, “a word’s connotation can give it a negative or a positive spin.” {Scope, Teacher’s Edition.}

The worksheet had word pairs with the same denotation but different connotations. I had a lot more fun with the sheet than my son did. :) Clever–sly, strange–unusual, childish–youthful. It was like a cheat sheet for spin doctors.

One of my favorite poems is T.S. Eliot’s The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock. You realize this isn’t an ordinary love song when Prufrock observes that the evening “is spread out against the sky/like a patient etherized upon a table.” The word choice, or diction, isn’t what you’d choose for a romantic poem or song. It sets the stage for the rest of the poem.

What if you’re having trouble finding the right word? You can mark the spot in your manuscript and just keep going. When you’re editing, though, you can check out this post on the Bluestocking Blog. Bluestocking mentions a lot of useful resources, including a reverse dictionary, a visual thesaurus, and WordWeb software.

What should you consider when you’re choosing a word? A great post by Juliette Wade on the I Like a Little Science in my Fiction blog offers four questions you can ask yourself when considering a particular word.

The Grammar Divas blog has an example of how word choice can show character.

To some degree, I think diction comes naturally to writers. Sometimes, though, I’ll make a lot of changes in my edits because I’ll realize I’m not quite conveying what I want to put across. And because I enjoy fiddling with words. :)

Do you spend much time on word choice?

Every once in a while I want to point out a couple of important resources for querying writers. These sites frequently don’t get the mentions that other sites do.

These two resources help writers protect themselves from scammers. It’s an unfortunate fact that there are people out there posing as agents or legitimate publishers who are targeting unsuspecting, hopeful writers.

Many writers are fairly easy marks. Many of us have wanted to be writers for most of our lives. We’re eager to share our work with others. We want to be published.

These scammers pose as a legitimate business, which means writers may query them. Posing as real agents or publishers they may say something complimentary about a writer’s query (or maybe it won’t even be the result of a query—it might be a random email sent to the writer that compliments their blog, etc.). They’ll butter them up a little. Then they’ll take their money.

You shouldn’t have to pay an agent anything upfront. They’re paid when you’re paid. My agent makes a 15% commission from what I bring in and she earns every bit of it. There should be no reading fees or critiquing fees.

Publishers should pay you. If you’re paying them, then you should realize that’s not a traditional arrangement. (If you’re fine with it, that’s okay. Just be very careful and realize there are other options.) If you’re wanting to self-publish, consider less-expensive methods like e-publishing directly to e-readers or print on demand services. Be the publisher, yourself. I did it recently, myself—my ebook lists the publisher as Elizabeth Spann Craig.

There are two excellent free resources for writers. One is Preditors and Editors.

Another is Writer Beware, which warns writers about various scams. It’s run by A.C. Crispin and Victoria Strauss who do a fantastic job as watchdogs. I’ve even emailed Victoria Strauss before and she very graciously checked into something for me.

You could also search forums like Absolute Write where writers frequently discuss their experiences with different publishers and agencies. Obviously you’ll sometimes come across a writer with a grudge there…just weigh what people say carefully.

If there’s a red flag that comes up somewhere in your research…well, naturally there are two sides to every story. But if the agent or publisher you’re in contact with has red flags flying everywhere…it’s better to just keep on searching.

It’s exciting to get an offer from an agent or editor…but it’s important to make sure they’re reputable and not someone preying on writers.

There are plenty of other resources, of all kinds, available for writers. What are some of your favorites (forums, sites, etc.?)

I’ve had a couple of questions lately from writers who are just starting to dip their toes into social media promoting.

They asked me which social medium I recommended. I think they were hoping that there was one main application that would cover everything that they needed to do for promo.

But I don’t think there is one application or platform that is The One. I think it depends on what each writer feels comfortable with.

If we don’t enjoy something, we’re not going to be in any hurry to use it.

Here are some popular ways to network and build a platform online.

Blogging. Blogging is a great way to become part of the writing community. It’s a good way to find support and information, too. Plus, it’s a way to build a daily writing habit/warm-up into your writing routine. There is definitely some work that goes into it, though. You’ll need to be prepared to post on a regular basis and visit other blogs to build readership and forge online friendships.

Facebook. Many writers find Facebook very addictive (which can be a downside.) But it’s a good way to interact, on a more casual basis, with other writers…and there are plenty of readers on Facebook, too. Consider having 2 accounts—a personal and professional one. That way old high school friends can’t post pictures of you on your professional account’s wall.

Twitter. Twitter, for me, is all about sharing resources and information and links to interesting posts. Some people do use Twitter to hang out and interact—but to me, this isn’t its strong suit, since the conversations are so fragmented there, as opposed to seeing a whole conversation on a ‘wall,’ like Facebook. Some writers have mentioned to me that they found Twitter difficult to learn.

Google Plus. Google+ is a new application that’s a lot like Facebook. One reason I’d recommend that everyone spend at least a little time on Google+ is to claim your name there. Google will make sure that their listing for your name is near the top of any search engine results (an easy way for readers to find you and your books online.)

But please—don’t force yourself to do something you don’t enjoy. There are so many different applications you could try, instead.

Got one type of promo you favor over others?

September is National Library Card Sign-up Month here in the States.

I remember my first library card…I felt like such a grown-up. And I knew it was opening up a whole world of reading to me.

I’ve spent much of my life in a library—reading and writing. It’s pained me recently to see libraries fall victim to budget cuts. In honor of libraries and what they’ve given me, I’m re-running my library post on how writers can gain from using their public library.

15 Reasons for Writers to Love Libraries

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to become a better writer. That’s a good thing because most writers don’t have a ton of money to throw around.

The library has all the resources a writer needs. It’s always been one of my favorite places on Earth. Here are the reasons why libraries are writers’ best friends:

Research

*Researching your book: Libraries have computers with internet capabilities. They have books and periodicals on a multitude of different subjects. They also have research librarians/information specialists who can help you with research and find reference materials to help you in your search.

*Researching your genre: You can easily check out a dozen recently-published books in your genre. It’s a quick way to see what publishers are looking for.

*Need help with grammar and writing style? The library will have reference books to help you. My favorite style book is Elements of Style by Strunk and White. It’s been around for ages.

*Books on the writing craft? Different libraries have different books, but there are some that will be in nearly every branch: like On Writing by Stephen King, Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, and On Writing Well by William Zinsser.

*Some libraries will have subscriptions to helpful periodicals like Writer’s Digest.

*For writers, reading is not only fun—it’s essential. Sometimes, though, we might struggle to find time to fit it into our day. The library can help with this. With a library card, you can check out books on tape and “read” in the car during a commute. Or download audio files to an mp3 player to read while doing housework.

A Place to Write

*Has your house gotten crazy? Kids/spouse driving you nuts? Is a coffeehouse too expensive? The public library is a great place to write.

Help With the Submission Process

*Looking for an agent? Look at the acknowledgements page in one of the recent releases in your genre. Agents are nearly always thanked.

*Another great way to find agent and editor names is by using Writer’s Market and Literary Market Place. Using these books at the library means saving lots of money—these books are expensive.

*Need help quickly summing up your book in a query letter? Look at back cover copy of novels in your genre.

*Don’t have email and you need to email some queries? You can set up a Gmail or Hotmail account that can be accessed from a computer at your local library.

Promotion

*Libraries are major book purchasers. Find out which libraries have your book. Go to WorldCat.org, which searches libraries for content worldwide. You just plug in your book’s name, hit the search button, and find the results. For a listing of public libraries, go to Public Libraries.com. You’ll get physical addresses, phone numbers, and websites (from which you can get the library’s email address).Send the acquisitions librarian an email or postcard with your cover photo, ISBN number, title of the book, publisher’s name, your name, release date, short summary, and any good review snippets.

*The librarians at my local branch are my friends, too. They’ve been incredibly supportive—my book is nearly always checked out of the library or on request because of their generous recommendations of my book to patrons. They’ve also put my book on a display with other regional authors.

*If you’re looking for a place to give a writing workshop or talk, your library usually has a meeting room that’s perfect for your event. Many of them will allow you to sell your book as well (it’s nice to give a donation to their Friends of the Library program if your signing is for-profit.)

*Libraries also provide locations for writing groups and book clubs to gather. For some writers, meeting with other writers and readers is a great way to network and find support and encouragement.

There are many expensive paths a writer can take toward professional development. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Writing shouldn’t have to cost more than the pen and paper you’re writing on.

Do you remember your first library card? How have you enjoyed your library over the years?

Please join me in welcoming my friend Deb Sharp to Mystery Writing is Murder today. I’m a fan of Deb’s Mace Bauer mysteries and can’t wait to see what Mama is up to next in her latest release, Mama Sees Stars.

When my first mystery came out four years ago, I was terrified. I
wasn’t as nervous about how the book would do as I was about how I
would do. My fear was one shared by legions of other authors. Nope,
not stingy, foodstamp-worthy royalties. Public speaking.

Before I share how I managed to tame that fear, I want to thank
Elizabeth for inviting me to Mystery Writing is Murder. I’ve learned a
lot from this terrific blog, and I’m grateful to be asked to
contribute. I know she’s spotlighted public speaking here before. My
take is a bit different, though. And the terror remains pervasive.
Many surveys show it as No. 1 on the list of human fears, followed by
death at No. 2. Jerry Seinfeld did a bit about the ranking: ”This
means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off
in the casket than doing the eulogy.”

In the weeks and months leading up to the 2008 release of MAMA DOES
TIME, I obsessed about having to talk about the book. Solitary,
introverted, I was well-suited to my former career as a newspaper
reporter. A crusty old editor told me early on to keep my eyes and
ears open and my mouth shut. Sounded like the perfect job description
to me.

”What if I forgot what I was going to say about the book?” I fretted
to my husband. ”What if I blather on and on and make no sense? What
if I open my mouth and nothing comes out?”

He poured me a glass of water and handed me a Xanax. Just kidding. It
was a glass of wine. ”Don’t worry,” he said. ”You’re over-thinking.
Just wing it.”

Wing it? That strategy may come naturally to my husband, a TV reporter
for NBC and a born ham. He’s the life of the party to my wallflower;
Mr. Loquacious to my Mrs. Laconic; the razzle to my dearth of dazzle.
But after 22 years together, he still doesn’t know that ”wing it”
are not words found in the vocabulary of his control-freak wife?

So, instead of winging it, I signed up for Toastmasters (
http://www.toastmasters.org/ ) I spent the three months leading up to
my release date learning how not to be afraid. The key to public
speaking is confidence, which can actually be learned through
practice. Who knew? The 87-year-old organization may not suit
everyone, but it definitely served my purpose. Many Toastmasters go on
to hold office within the group, polishing leadership skills and
pursuing networking opportunities. Not being much of a joiner or
networker, my intent was simply to practice through Toastmasters’
speaking exercises and competitions. I wanted to learn as much as I
could in a short period of time to vanquish my fear. For me, it
worked.

So much so that I invited a Toastmasters representative to come preach
the gospel to my fellow introverts at Mystery Writers of
America/Florida Chapter. The crowd we drew was among the largest for
any luncheon program this year. Here are five public speaking tips I
learned through Toastmasters, modified a bit for issues specific to
authors doing signings or appearances:

1. Arrive early and mingle, introducing yourself to strangers. Once
you start to speak, seeing those now-familiar faces in the audience
will help. They’ll be rooting for you.

2. Memorize an opening line and practice, practice it. It will get you
off to a good start and build your confidence.

3. Ask questions of the audience. It not only engages them, it makes
you feel less ”on display.” A safe one is ”How many other writers
are here today?” because lots of hands usually go up. You can then
introduce any other published authors in the crowd, because it’s a
nice thing to do … and it also takes the spotlight off you.

4. Unless you’re Meryl Streep or Al Pacino, resist the urge to read
long passages from your book. Even if you feel comfortable and your
delivery is lively — good eye contact, lots of pauses, audible
projection — still keep it short. A few passages, maybe three or
four pages. Any more, and you’re likely to hear snoring.

5. A few deep breaths before speaking will steady your voice. S-L-O-W
down. Rushing is a common beginner’s mistake. Drinking water is great,
but small sips are best. I learned the hard way that a giant swallow
may lead to a burp. Over the microphone.

Bonus Tip: No need to be fancy, but do dress presentably. Just because
we write in our pajamas, doesn’t mean we show up in our pajamas.

How about you? Any public speaking nightmares to share? Any successes?

Deborah Sharp writes the funny Mace Bauer Mysteries, set in a sweet-tea-and-barbecue slice of her native Florida. MAMA SEES STARS (September 2011, Midnight Ink) is the series’ fourth book, each featuring Mace’s wacky mama. Deborah has been interviewed on the Today Show, where she managed to string together some coherent sentences while not throwing up on Al Roker — major accomplishments for a formerly fearful public speaker. You can read an excerpt from Mama Sees Stars here:

http://mamaseesstars.com/