Sep 4, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Labor Day is the unofficial ending of summer in the United States. Officially, it was founded in recognition of the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws and well-being of the country.
For me it ushers in the beginning of the holidays. This weekend is devoted to planning and prepping.
So on that note, I’m taking the day off to celebrate with friends and family.
Happy Labor Day, y’all!
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Happy Labor Day!
TWEET THIS: Frankly, My Dear . . . : Happy Labor Day! @RealMojo68
And Frankly, My Dear . . . : That’s all she wrote!
Sep 3, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Frankly, On Faith.
How often do we ask God for something based off what we think we need to get there?
Our life-filter is our own experiences, our own thought processes. But in doing so, we muddy God’s waters. We get caught up in our own mire rather than His refreshing life streams. We try to forge our own path holding old maps so close to our eyes we can’t see where we’re really going.
The best thing we can do is to get out of God’s way, and stop putting up our own detour signs to direct Him. After all, we’re not the architect of this world, He is. He knows which path we should be on, and when we shift focus from us to Him, we’re more able to see it.
God is not a God of the middle man. He’s a God of the end result.
Too often, we live life looking in our fogged-up mirrors. We view the world over our shoulder, based on a distorted glance at past experiences. God is asking us to pick up a clear window and look ahead. To look at Him in front of us, and to invite others to share the view.
God doesn’t care what’s behind us. He only cares that we keep moving forward.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart:
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.”
~Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
Let’s drop the mirrors and pick up a window, and just see how much more of God we can invite others to view with us. Where we see gravity, He sees the limitless universe.
Let’s shift our focus from what we think to what He knows, and see where He wants to take us.
Frankly, On Faith: Where we use a mirror, God uses a window.
TWEET THIS: Where we use a mirror, God uses a window. @RealMojo68 #faith #franklyonfaith
And Frankly, My Dear . . . : That’s all she wrote!
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Sep 2, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Frankly, My Dear . . . : 3 is the Key
Ever wonder why you see the same ad on TV during every commercial break for your half hour show? Studies show your audience is more apt to trust you and your service or product after three notices. The same is true for your social media presence.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : 3 is the Key
First, build your relationship. This is where you show more interest in knowing your audience than marketing your product or service. Second, show up again. Like a friend who invited them to coffee and follows through. Or that phone call you said you’d make. Just let them know you’re still in the wings. Third, remind them what you have to offer. This can be as subtle as adding your business name to a photo or meme, or a full-blown statement of what you or your company can do for them.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : 3 is the Key
You can change it up a little, but keep the theme of your message the same. Remember, you don’t want to drown your audience in redundancy. Your primary goal should be building relationships. And all healthy relationships are a two-way street. Get their attention. Maintain their attention. Offer them what they need. They always say third time’s the charm.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : 3 is the Key
TWEET THIS: Your #audience is more apt to pay attention after you’ve shared your message 3x. @RealMojo68 #socialmedia
With a three-day weekend and a social media calendar,
Happy relating!
~Molly Jo
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
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Sep 1, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Five Things Friday
True story. I’m on the phone with SuperGirl ~ our weekly two-hour catch-up call ~ and she says . . . Wait for it. Get this.
She says, “I don’t know if I’m going to Blue Ridge next year.”
MoJoWriterGirlsays “Say, whhaaat?!”
Of course, Blue Ridge isn’t Blue Ridge without my posse. And I’m super happy because during the interview for my now-you-know-about-it new career, I told them straight up, I need a week in May. I’m already committed to being out of state. They nodded. They approved.
So. Girlfriend. If I’m going, you’re going. You got that?
However, I understand that sometimes, as you so patiently pointed out, conferences may be out of reach financially. What’s a writer to do? I’m so glad you asked . . .
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Instead of a Writers Conference
For you, and for so many others, here are five ways y’all can grow your writing skills if you can’t attend a conference.
- Online podcasts. Oh, please. Like y’all didn’t see this one coming. In particular, I’m fond of Aaron Gansky’s Firsts in Fiction (and I don’t even get paid to say so!). Another good choice is Novel Marketing with Thomas Umstattd and James L. Rubart. You can Google whatever keywords you’re looking for and “podcast” and a plethora of choices pop up. Try audio only so you can listen in your car, or video so you don’t miss our pretty faces. Just sayin.
Firsts in Fiction cohosts and their photobombing producer
- Local writers club. These are great places to meet like-minded people. Let’s face it: When you’re a writer, the only time you fit in is with other creatives. Why wouldn’t you want to join the club? You can trade tips and tricks, hire guest speakers, and reach into the community for sales and marketing. If there isn’t a local club where you’re at, or one that suits your style, create your own.
Frankly, My Dear . . . Make Your Own Meeting
- Critique groups are another great source of feedback. Members commit to share their writing in progress and give honest opinions. Think of it as your pre-edit edit. While you’re writing your novel, your team can tell you what works and what doesn’t, which characters need more development, and what scenes are spot on. They can help you hone your first draft into a fine, and sometimes final, draft.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Critique Groups draw out the best in your manuscript.
- Learn online. You can find answers to almost everything online. From blogs on how to write better (The Write Conversation) to writing seminars to college courses and everything in between. And, bonus, you can do it any time, and in your PJs. How’s that for sweet in your tea?
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Learn Online.
- Magazines. For realz. What’s a writer without stacks of papers around her? [Note to self: Clear the sofa before next week’s dinner party.] Magazines can be everything from the craft of writing to a collection of stories in your genre to generic use as tear sheets to put in your story bible for reference. You can almost hear it, can’t you? Okay, I’m gonna say it. “There’s no wrong way to use a magazine.”
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Learn through magazines.
And there ya have it, all. So, I’m curious: How do you learn without breaking the bank?
TWEET THIS: When you can’t attend a #writers #conference, try these. @RealMojo68 #amwriting
With cozy sweats, a working pen, and a large coffee,
Happy Writing!
~Molly Jo
And Frankly, My Dear . . . : That’s all she wrote!
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Aug 31, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Firsts in Fiction cohosts and their photobombing producer
Hey, peeps. We’re gearing up for another great podcast next Tuesday.
And since I’m starting a new career swing this week and a little scattered, today’s blog post is just to encourage you to give us a watch.
Every other Tuesday, 6:30 pm, live at AaronGansky.com/firsts-in-fiction-live.
Next week our topic is The Care and Feeding of Your Idea.
What questions do you have about maintaining a healthy work in progress? Leave a comment and we’ll do our best to answer. You can also leave non-topic Ask The Author questions, too.
Now ain’t that a refreshing gulp of sweet tea?
TWEET THIS: How do you maintain the health of your work in progress? @RealMojo68 @adgansky @altongansky #podcast #amwriting #WIP
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
