Presents for Your Social Media Manager

by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy

Whether you do it yourself, for yourself, for others, or have others do it for you, social media is a great tool to connect you with the world.

But we all know it can take up a bit of time. [I guess that’s why they call it “management”.]

Now, I’m not exactly an expert, but I’m also not-not one either. In my ventures with social media, there are a few things I’ve learned that make it easier.

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Presents for Your Social Media Manager

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Presents for Your Social Media Manager

Scheduling is prob’ly the first thing you need to manage. I recommend a scheduling app like Hootsuite. Hootsuite gives you a variety of options, from posting to all your sites at the same time, to scheduling them separately, to working with a team of contributors. With a range of prices from free to professional (read: not free), and somewhere in between, there are a lot of great reasons to give a year’s subscription to your favorite media ninja.

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Hootsuite for Social Media Management

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Hootsuite for Social Media Management

Another calendaring “app” I recommend is the old fashioned paper and pen system. You know my love for Happy Planners, yes? I have one exclusively for the use of tracking which posts are on which sites, who’s contributing to Frankly, My Dear . . . , and what’s coming up that I need to pay attention to (contests, celebration day, speaking engagements).

Frankly, My Dear . . . : My Blogging Planner

Frankly, My Dear . . . : My Blogging Planner

A camera comes in handy, not just for the writer, but for the social media manager as well. Let’s say y’all happen to be at a Christmas party together and one of you hates social media and so has hired the other to do it. Party A wants to take a picture of Party B in their Coolest Ugly Christmas Sweater at the Party C. Y’all best make sure your smart phone has the new awesome camera, or you have a digital at your side. You can also use an instant film camera, and take a smart phone photo of your print photo for a double shot of photographic greatness. If you do this, I recommend a middle-grade camera. Something you can have fun with and trust to give you decent pics. [Dear Santa, the Fujifilm Instax in Pomegranate Red is looking rather delicious. Just sayin’.]

Now, we all know media managers don’t live on internet alone. There’s this life-sustaining thing called coffee that makes the world a better place for everyone. An individual Keurig machine, a gift card to Starbucks, or a can of their favorite brand of beans goes a long way in keeping your manager functioning properly.

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Merry Christmas with Cafe du Monde

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Merry Christmas with Cafe du Monde

And while you’re at it, throw in a gift card to their favorite eatery or two and you’ll sustain them for at least another round of “Why did you put that online?” – “Because you pay me to” dialogue.

Let’s see, what else. Ah. A plethora of research and photo sites. There’s plenty of free stuff available, but if your topic requires a bit more, subscriptions to photo sharing sites or in-depth informational platforms (think online news articles) are a boost.

But wait. There’s more. Plates. Because no matter how much you give your social media ninja to do, if they’re really good at it, they can heap it high and keep it spinning.

Frankly, My Dear . . . : What's on Your Plate?

Frankly, My Dear . . . : What’s on Your Plate?

Books, magazines, or gift cards for such, anything that helps with research.

If you really want to spoil your social media person, think break time. A day-vay (one-day vacation), tickets to a movie, an evening out with friends. Let your ninja know they’re more than just your internet poster. Let them know you see them as a person, too.

But you know what you can give your social media manager that would mean the most? Your time. Sit with them, hash out your game plan, and work together. Knowing what you want from them, and that you trust them enough to accomplish your mutual goals, is the whipped cream on the pie. [Ooh. Foodie reference. And I didn’t even try!]

Happy Planner Page: Social Media MoJo

Happy Planner Page: Social Media MoJo

With a huge cup of coffee and always-typing fingers,
Happy Media-ing!
~Molly Jo

And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!

Sweeten my tea and share:

How Does Your Character Eat?

by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy

You can tell a lot about a person by the way he or she eats, especially on a first date. Can I get a whoot-whoot nod of appreciation here?

Seriously. Think about it. Are they delicate? Do they play with their food? Do they take time to savor every bite? Or do they get right to masticating their steak? Do they take a bite of everything with one forkful? Or push the foods away from each other? Do they douse the meal with salt and other seasonings? Load up with butter? Or take it as it is? If they’re at a restaurant, do they look at the menu, ask for the daily specials, or just suggest their own version of what’s available? What type of restaurant is their favorite? Do they care that you’re at the table with them?

Whether you’re just starting to write them, or are introducing them to your best friend-reader, meeting characters is a lot like taking them on a first date to your favorite restaurant. Some of them will fit right in and know how to act. Others will take their cue from observation. And still others won’t care what anyone thinks.

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Osso Buco from Bella Trattoria, Mission Inn, Riverside

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Osso Buco from Bella Trattoria, Mission Inn, Riverside

Because writing is a holistic discovery that includes all the senses, taking your peeps to dinner is essential. Now, I mean this both figuratively and literally. Pros will tell ya, adding good food (like, oh, I dunno, coffee and beignets or maybe a specialty gelato) into your manuscript draws the reader in with something they can recognize. More than just for survival, food triggers emotions and memories. It can do the same for your characters, and lead them through their journey of discovery.

You can also use the #foodie reference by asking, “How would my character eat a Junior’s Cheesecake?” or “Do they fold their pizza in half?” Knowing how your characters eat will help you write them more accurately:

  • Someone who is afraid of sushi doesn’t often go parasailing
  • A traditional Christmas dinner leads to a character reminiscing and embracing heritage
  • Does your character thoughtfully sip their coffee or talk with their mouth full?
  • If your guy is willing to grab a coffee and hot dog from a street vendor, he may be more adventurous than his friend who wipes down the handle of the grocery cart before shopping
  • When your gal pal dunks her shortbread into a cup of hot tea, she might be willing to check out the new movie or bookstore, but less likely to go nightclubbing
  • Do they drink beer from a glass or a bottle? Do they abstain?
  • Is there an after-dinner cigarette involved? Or a stroll under street lamps?
  • Do they prefer a solid, four-course meal or do they pick snacks and finger foods from the buffet?
  • And what about dessert? Pie? Cake? Cupcakes? Chocolate? All of the above?
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Do your characters embrace flavor and choice?

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Do your characters embrace flavor and choice?

Giving your character the opportunity to express themselves through dialogue over a table of good food gives you the opportunity to show their mannerisms (and their manners!), and behavior patterns. How do they talk to those around them- waiters, patrons, tablemates? Do they order too much, leave food on the plate, eat from everyone else’s dish?

These are all insights that, whether you write them into your story or not, will give you the information you need to create a character your readers will relate to. And once they relate, they may even turn the page for that ever-sought-after second date.

[Look for The Character Cookbook by Molly Jo Realy, coming soon.]

Frankly, My Dear . . . : How Does Your Character Eat?

Frankly, My Dear . . . : How Does Your Character Eat?

With a coffee cup and a dinner date,
Happy writing!
~Molly Jo

And Frankly, My Dear . . . : That’s all she wrote!

Sweeten my tea and share:

Five Things Friday: Frankly Faith, Family, Food, and Fun

by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Five Things Friday

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Five Things Friday

So, I know the blog’s been a little eclectic lately. A bit of this, a touch of that. A few guest posts. But that’s just like life, isn’t it? I mean, are all your shirts blue? Do you only ever eat eggs for breakfast? Do you never hang out with different people?

I think not.

And that’s why this blog is a li’l bit of everything me and you.

Today’s Five Things Friday is the essential foundation of Frankly, My Dear . . . These five tenets are what FMD is built on. And just like a recipe or a closet, they’re made to mix-and-match. One wouldn’t be without the others. That’s why there are contributing writers, and many readers. We just blend together, dare I say it, like sweet and tea. And Frankly, My Dear . . . I wouldn’t have it any other way.

  1. Frankly. Okay, Yes. It’s Southern. Yes, it’s Gone With the Wind. Yes, it’s, well, in a polite way, my way of saying I’m gonna be who I am and while I respect all y’all’s opinions, I’m gonna say it like it is. I hope that’s okay with you. And since the blog’s been around for a few years and is growing, I’m gonna assume it is.

    Frankly, My Dear . . .

    Frankly, My Dear . . .

  2. Faith. This is a biggie. I can say with certainty I would not be here without God and the peeps He’s placed around me. Y’all are my strength, my source of encouragement, my sounding boards. And I pray each day that I’m able to give as much back to you as you give to me. There’s such beauty seeing God at work in and around me, and I long to share it with each of you.

    Frankly, On Faith.

    Frankly, On Faith.

  3. Family. Whether it’s blood family, God’s family, or my writing family, I’m blessed by every one of you. Family are the ones who see your inner beauty when it doesn’t show. The ones who talk you off the ledge. The ones who let you tether yourself to them for strength and guidance. And they’re the ones who laugh and cry with you no matter what, no matter when. Just because you’re family.

    Frankly, My Dear . . . : New FRIENDS

    Frankly, My Dear . . . : New FRIENDS

  4. Food. There’s nothing better for me than feeding my people, and feeding them well. Food, drink, snacks, desserts. Doesn’t matter. The kitchen is my second favorite creative place and I relish making recipes. Heh heh. I said relish. But seriously. Food is more than essential. It’s a beautiful necessity. And I love sharing it with you.

    Frankly, My Dear . . . : The Unemployment Cookbook

    Frankly, My Dear . . . : The Unemployment Cookbook

  5. Fun. This is the “everything else” category: Writing, crafting, travel, reading, DIY, home improvement, Happy Planning. And coffee. These are the things that make us happy individually and collectively. These are the seasonings to life.

    Seattle Souvenirs

    Seattle Souvenirs: Coffee, honey, and books.

What are your favorite parts of life?

TWEET THIS: Five Things Friday: Frankly Faith, Family, Food, and Fun @RealMojo68 #5TF #fivethingsfriday #franklymydear

With open arms and a happy dance,
Happy Living, y’all!
~Molly Jo

And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!

Sweeten my tea and share:

NOLA: Lassiez Les Bon Temps Rouler!

by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68

This is New Orleans.
The past never stays buried.

After a broken engagement and the death of her beloved uncle, Penny escapes her nightmares by flying into New Orleans. She finds herself struggling to embrace a new future. Does that mean letting go of her past? What about her new friends ~ the ones accused of murder? In search of something she can’t identify, she discovers things aren’t always as they seem. Somewhere between the French Quarter and the bayous, she finds the answers she’s looking for . . .

And some she’s not.

Now she must uncover the truth between the lies.

New Orleans turns 300 next year. And I may or may not be planning a trip a la book signing.

Josie’s world is almost ready for you. In a few weeks, I’ll have the first draft of NOLA sent off to alpha readers, my editors, and a potential agent or two. Talk about exciting. Of course, I don’t know that the book will be published in time for the NOLA Anniversary, but do you honestly think that will stop me from going? Please, Sugar. That’s like saying tea shouldn’t have, well, sugar.

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Laissez les bon temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Laissez les bon temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)

It’s so great, y’all, that my accent is kicking in at the day job. Yup, that’s right. I was drinking sweet tea and calling them “y’all”, and ~ get this! ~ no one flinched. I mean, it’s like they heard me when I told them I was a creative.

It’s pretty fabulous.

This week I hit a milestone. I reached 79,000 words on the manuscript. Can you imagine? Seventy-nine-thousand. By the time you read this, I may even be over eighty. Them’s a whole lotta words, let me tell you. I can see the finish line. I’m dreaming up marketing. (You’ll help me spread the word, won’tcha?) And I’m feelin’ a little bittersweet. Because once NOLA is written, this relationship I’ve had with these characters for the better part of five years is going to change.

Frankly, My Dear . . . : NOLA research Cafe du Monde, map, New Orleans, manuscript by Molly Jo Realy

Frankly, My Dear . . . : NOLA research

So I thought I’d take today to look back and embrace the changes.

NOLA was originally going to be a short story about a young woman named Nola who had certain supernatural abilities. The more I toyed with the idea, the more I realized my subconscious had already turned the Crescent City into a character, and it couldn’t possibly be a short story. NOLA, the novel, was born.

The main character was renamed Penny Jo Embers. My original plot had her destitute and using all her savings to run away to New Orleans and buy a haunted typewriter. She was going to rent a room in an old house and tell her story. In my mind, it was a very black and white story. She also used a camera to document everything. But it soon became tedious for her to use both a typewriter and a camera. And, like I said, it was very black and white. I had the suspense, except I didn’t know what the suspense story was. So the camera, the haunting, the old house, they all went bye-bye. And Josie went through about eight dynamic changes before I found her story that stuck.

About this time, my friend Lisa told me about a woman in New Orleans who was selling cookbooks she had curated from family recipes. Since I had done the same, I reached out to this woman to see about ordering one of hers. That was the start of a very wonderful friendship with Ms. New Orleans 2014, Lindsay Reine.

Frankly, My Dear . . . Lindsay Reine's Cookbook

Frankly, My Dear . . . Lindsay Reine’s Cookbook

In the last three years, Lindsay has become my technical advisor, and at times, spiritual. She has always been available by email, phone call, Facebook, or text to let me know if something works or doesn’t work. And in true New Orleans fashion, she’s often answered my questions before I ask them. You’ll definitely find Lindsay’s influence throughout NOLA. We’re pretty much the real-life equivalents of Josie and Toni.

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Toni (#NOLA)

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Toni (#NOLA)

Y’all have seen the bits and pieces I’ve thrown out. And y’all aren’t stupid. I mean, it’s New Orleans, and I’m writing a mystery. There’s Voodoo, dysfunction, Rougarous, drinking, crime . . .

Frankly, My Dear . . . Truth is Relative (#NOLA)

Frankly, My Dear . . . Truth is Relative (#NOLA)

But there’s also friendship and . . . Well I can’t tell you what else because I don’t want to ruin it. Just know that as far as my NOLA research goes, Lindsay has been invaluable.

Now, the characters. Whew. Where to start? Well, I wanted the story to be Josie’s, and it is. But it’s also the story of her new friends Toni, Rain, and Rain’s older brother, Lou. There’s a cousin who’s also a cop. And a few other secondary peeps in the show. And by secondary, I don’t mean less important.

If you’ve followed me on Instagram, Twitter, or joined my NOLA Swarm on Facebook, you’ve no doubt seen some of the memes I’ve created. That’s a thrill, a joy, I get when I’m able to share parts of the book with you.

Frankly, My Dear . . . : The Mississippi River calls (#NOLA)

Frankly, My Dear . . . : The Mississippi River calls (#NOLA)

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Momma Tristan (#NOLA)

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Momma Tristan (#NOLA)

Music is also super important. Rain plays melancholy Jazz on the piano when he’s trying to figure things out. Josie still listens to the Strumbellas and Sideshow. Of course, everyone loves Sinatra. And, since the story takes place in October, there’s the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival.

Visit New Orleans will also get a huge shout out of thanks in the acknowledgements but they deserve it here, too. From the very beginning, they have kept the conversation going with helpful links, plenty of information, and just all around support. NOLA wouldn’t be NOLA without NOLA. Bonus: they follow me on Twitter. How stupidcrazyawesomehumbling is that?!

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Visit New Orleans

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Visit New Orleans

Have I forgotten anything? I think so! Can we take a minute and talk about the food? Hulloh, this is New Orleans! At every corner Josie’s discovering debris and muffaletta and maque choux and chicory and coffee and beignets at Cafe du Monde (no surprise there, folks!) and bananas foster and po’boys at Johnny’s and Hurricanes and so much more. [Note to self: Finish curating recipes for the NOLA Companion Cookbook.]

Frankly, My Dear . . . : No Blackened Salmon (#NOLA)

Frankly, My Dear . . . : No Blackened Salmon (#NOLA)

But I’m at a place now where I have to keep my mouth shut and write the ending. Which means ain’t nobody getting any new memes for a while. Well, at least not too many.

NOLA, like New Orleans, is rich with character, setting, ambiance, failures, successes, fear, love, hate, denial, acceptance, monsters. But there’s plenty of good times, too. And so much more.

Truth be told, the main character of NOLA is New Orleans itself.

And I can’t wait to take you there.

TWEET THIS: #NOLA: Lassiez Les Bon Temps Rouler! @RealMojo68 @VisitNewOrleans #amwriting #letthegoodtimesroll

With a plane ticket and an autograph pen,
Happy being!
~Molly Jo

And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!

Sweeten my tea and share:

Recipes: Freedom Cupcakes and Patriotic Kabobs

by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68

[Originally posted July 4, 2013]

For you new followers out there, thanks! This repost from a few years ago is still quite popular, and I didn’t want you to feel left out.

Happy Fourth!

What better way to celebrate a birthday than with delicious cupcakes? And what better celebration than the birth of our nation?

I wanted to do something fun for the Fourth of July that would inspire you into your own kitchen with a touch of creativity.

FREEDOM CUPCAKES

Red, White, and Blue Cupcakes with white topping and red and blue sprinkles

Freedom Cupcakes

Looks great, right? You ain’t seen nothin’ yet! And the recipe? Easy-peasy.
But first, take a look at these mouth-watering photos:

Independence Day Cupcakes with Flag

Freedom Cupcakes with Flag

Hooray for the Red, White and Blue!

Hooray for the Red, White and Blue!

Independence Day Cupcakes with Flag

Look at those layers!

Independence Day Cupcakes

Rating: 51

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 33 minutes

Yield: 24 cupcakes

Serving Size: 1 cupcake

Independence Day Cupcakes

This festive Fourth of July cupcake is sure to please everyone from young to old.

Ingredients

  • White cake mix from a box
  • 1 1/4 Cup water
  • 1/3 Cup cooking oil
  • 3 eggs
  • Red and blue food coloring

Instructions

  1. Prepare a white cake mix according to package directions.
  2. Divide uncooked batter into three equal parts.
  3. Set aside the white batter.
  4. Mix blue food coloring into the second batter.
  5. Mix red food coloring into the third batter.
  6. Line a cupcake pan with red, white, and blue cupcake liners.
  7. Drop one large spoonful of blue batter into each liner.
  8. Using a clean spoon, drop one large spoonful of white batter onto the blue.
  9. With another clean spoon, drop one large spoonful of red batter onto the white.
  10. Bake according to package directions.
  11. Allow to cool completely. Top with white frosting, then add red and blue sprinkles.
  12. Decorate with a small flag.
http://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/04/recipes-freedom-cupcakes-and-patriotic-kabobs/

She's a Grand Ol' Flag!

She’s a Grand Ol’ Flag!

And for a little more fun with your food, try these!

PATRIOTIC KABOBS

Berries and mini marshmallows on pinwheel skewers

Patriotic Fruit Kabobs

Longer drink umbrellas, drink stir-sticks, or these cute pinwheels work great with this refreshing treat for the kid in all of us.

Carefully place foods onto the skewer.
I used a flavorful blend of red raspberries, white mini marshmallows, and blueberries.
Leave enough of a tip for the skewer to be “stuck” into a base before serving.

Serve with a small cup of whipped topping for dipping.

After you’ve enjoyed the food, you can add more or just play with the pinwheel!

CLICK TO TWEET: Frankly, My Dear . . .: Freedom Cupcakes and Patriotic Kabobs. @RealMojo68 #franklymydearmojo #freedom #food

And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!

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