My (im-)Perfect Focus

by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy

My (im-)Perfect Focus
(Or, How I Learned to See a Better World With Blinders On)

~#~

NOLA NOTE: Before we get into today’s post, I want to thank so many of you for your encouragement and support. I received the second round of edits recently and immediately quit writing and reached out to one of my mentors to pull me in from the ledge. Okay, okay. I’m exaggerating. A little. Hey, I’m a fiction writer. What do you expect? Well, it’s not that bad. It’s like exercise and changing your food habits. Your outward appearance read the rest. . .

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That One Time I Recovered From My Writers Conference (With Scooby Snacks and a Wheelchair)

by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy

Note: This post is about four times longer than my usual. I hope you’ll read through it. I almost quit writing this week. Almost. Here’s how I didn’t.

First: Why did I almost quit writing? Simple answer: Life. Complicated answer: Life is complicated. I’m in my element at Blue Ridge. Extroverting on coffee on steroids. Learning. Sharing. Laughing. Writing. But this year there were many outside factors drawing my attentions and I had a hard time focusing on being in the moment. I am thrilled ecstatic exhaling and ready to get back to it. Thanks … read the rest. . .

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Edie Melson: Always Have Something Valuable to Share on Social Media, Part One

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

I teach writers how to build an online platform by investing thirty minutes a day in social media. I do this by utilizing a scheduling program (my favorite is Hootsuite). But, I also caution them not to spend much time talking about themselves, reminding them about Edie’s 5-to-1 rule.

For every 5 social media updates you share on any network,
you are only allowed 1 about yourself.

Remember, social media is not advertising. It’s a way of connecting with others online. These connections will come into play and be your cheerleaders when you are promoting a … read the rest. . .

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Edie Melson: Top 10 Ways to Make Yourself Miserable with Social Media

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

(Originally published on The Write Conversation. Reprinted/updated here with permission.)

Everywhere we turn we’re hit with the message of how great social media is. Don’t get me wrong, I love social media. But I didn’t start out loving it. I began my relationship with this new paradigm by hating it.

I don’t have a background in computers or marketing or anything that might make social media look interesting. Add to that fact that I’m a natural introvert, and you have a recipe for a disaster. Truthfully, that was how my relationship with social media began—as … read the rest. . .

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Edie Melson: How to Craft a Perfect Facebook Post Using Headline Techniques

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

(republished with permission. And be sure to check out my post today on Edie’s blog, The Write Conversation. ~Molly Jo)

With a compelling headline, a browser becomes a reader. In the same way, a compelling Facebook post gives the web surfer the impetus to visit your blog or buy your book. But what makes a great headline?

The best posts contain your entire message in one memorable bite…without spoiling the ending.

Here are some of the basic types of headlines:

  • Direct Headlines go straight to the heart of the matter, without any attempt at
read the rest. . .
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