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| Credit: Author Joseph M Lenard |
Joseph, welcome back to Authors by Sasha! What motivated you to write your latest non-fiction book "How to Write a Book and Get It Published"?
I love doing podcasts and so very grateful for all who had me on to discuss “Terror Strikes: Coming Soon to a City Near You” and many of them queried whether I’d return for a follow-up to discuss Writing and Publishing in general. Happy to do so, we talked about so many things not covered by others in generic “How to Publish on Amazon” type books. That was the impetus to then put it in print too. A chance for me to aid other “considering to become Published Author’s” as well as a “behind-the-scenes” look for avid readers as to “How do books get published and become available for me to buy/read?”
How were you introduced to the craft of writing?
I have the artistic/creative gene in me from my father’s side of the family. My father was the Founder/Leader of “Ted Lenard Jr. and The Polka Kings” whom from you can still found their three official vinyl 33rpm and 45rpm releases. I dabbled in music, but then we didn’t have the Internet to directly release materials like we do today. So, I moved on more-so toward poetry, jokes (I’ve had a few local professional comedians indeed adopt a few of them in their stage-routines), short-stories, novels, and the like published locally. I’ve written a lot over the years, just “Terror Strikes: Coming Soon to a City Near You” and now “How to Write a Book and Get It Published: Hints, Tips & Techniques” (HTWABAGIP) are Internationally Published.
As a writer hosting a collection of blogs, poetry and books, what factors determine the type of writing you will produce next?
I love this Question!! In HTWABAGIP outlined how everyone’s “process” can “vary” and there is no 100% correct way. I provide Hints, Tips & Techniques, for consideration; but at end-of-the-day one has to go with what is “comfortable” for them. And in these respects, my writings are generally inspired by, come to me in my, Dreams – inspiration can come from anywhere, anytime, however.
If you had to define your style of writing, how would you describe it?
I jokingly say: HAPHAZARD! But seriously, I certainly intend to be “like no other” and along those lines in “Terror Strikes'' I introduced what no-one ever has before – not only the “Book within a Book'' writing style and formula, but shred the oft too used formulaic guidelines and added a “Blog within a Book'' as well as what I hope people find as “refreshing” and somewhat “different” style though Bowker “Score-It”TM Service said of, rates as, my Fiction writing like that of Dean Koontz. https://TerrorStrikes.info/scoreit But, of course, HTWABAGIP is Non-Fiction but covers all genres.
Joseph, your portfolio of creative work holds over two dozen copyrights. What do writers need to know about the importance of copyrighting their work?
Yes, copyright is important legal protection. There is, however, a corner, what was previously held-up in courts; not sure it still would be, consider at own risk; and as discussed in https://tinyurl.com/WriteAndPublishSupplement (additional FREE ADVICE, not in the Book), called “The Poor Man’s Copyright” which is to at least send certified mail several copies in sealed envelopes (to keep sealed) that would then have the postmark on the package. Again, CONSIDER AT OWN RISK, where possible officially get your work copyrighted.
Some creators face writer's paralysis because they're overwhelmed with the pressure of becoming a #1 Best Selling Author. This impacts their ability to produce quality content that can be appreciated by the masses. What have you learned about the writing space once you achieved the #1 Best Selling Author milestone?
It is a wonderful status to have, but do NOT put such pressure on yourself as to say if it doesn’t happen, you’re somehow “unsuccessful” in any-way-shape-or-form; as you can still sell plenty of copies without achieving such status. Write the best book you can, and then THE FREE MARKET decides!
The latest release "How to Write a Book and Get It Published" delivers guidance to writers to refine their craft. Please share an insight for each of the following references below?
A writing hint: Have book buddies! You need family, friends, etc., to “bounce ideas off of” and as noted in the EDIT chapter – edit, edit, edit, the more eyes on it the better – things can often be overlooked even by hired/trained/professional editors.
A writing tip: As the saying goes, you’ve likely heard: write about what you know! Fiction is often based on some reality, variations upon actual locations, create “composite characters” made up from traits (physical, psychological) of/from people you know (NOT be 100% a real person, unless you’re writing non-fiction. Obviously, this is a “brief answer” and be sure to read the whole HTWABAGIP to delve further into the full/whole concepts.
A writing trick: A trick I used Writing HTWABAGIP was; since I’d discussed these things with podcasters; to take some shows, have them transcribed, denote from which show they came, and included portions in the Book.
Joseph, what were some of the creative writing courses that you enjoyed while developing your communication skills? Is there a specific type of course that you would recommend to audiences?
Yes, every book has to have a beginning, a middle, an end, and can and usually does not include everything. I could not go in-depth about writing itself, and each person’s style will be different. I suggest, if you’re just getting started, or perhaps have not written many pieces yet, attend a community school (public, private, whatever) creative-writing course to help with additional tips on how to develop your own style.
How has your writing technique evolved over the course of your writing career?
Times, of course, change, and language to some degree has adapted too (at least, slang, regional dialects, colloquialisms, etc.) but beyond that I try to stay “traditional” as possible with language and my “style” pretty much stayed the same. However, having said that, a sci-fi book is generally written differently than a romance novel – for sake of wide example; and indeed discussed in HTWABAGIP.
In your opinion, what aspect of writing needs more attention in today's age due to the subtle shifts in the realm of human communication?
I am only going to address this abstractly. Like I did, as a former I.T. guy, recognize we are in the Internet age, therefore most understand what a “blog” is and why I included such as a “variation from norms/standards” to be “different!” We’ve seen in our movies, presentation of information and plot points via social-media posts interactions; and some may want to include such in their book (especially, if targeting young adult audience)! As the saying goes: Know your Audience – and engage in what would attract them.
Based on your historical experience, what makes your contribution to the craft of writing unique?
Again, I’ve introduced the “Blog within a Book” which, who knows, is now “out in the literary world” and we’ll see how many may or may not want to adopt it as “something different and unique” versus (and your publisher and/or editor may give push-back, like mine did, but “Terror Strikes” was/is “my book” and something I insisted on keeping) as many in publishers are pretty “traditional” and “uncertain” (likely norms/traditions) breaking new/different ground.
What is the best guidance you've received when you started out your writing career?
I indeed had “Creative Writing” type classes in high-school and at the college (other post-schooling) settings and they are going to stay in the “traditional” realm for the most part; it is then up-to-you how much “outside the box” you decide to go/get as part of your style. So, take peoples’ advice with “a grain of salt” as the saying goes – take my advice: YOU BE YOU!
Many people have a story inside of them that needs to be penned and read by audiences yet they hesitate to pen their thoughts because the writing corner is perceived to be a crowded space. What have you learned about the publishing space during the past few decades?
Yes, true, absolutely a pretty much undisputed fact – the bookshelves at your local bookstore alone are crowded, and that is but a fraction of books available. Most books, these days, as much as I like to support local/small business and mom/pop shops, sold online are said to be 80%-ish all sold by/with/through Amazon. DO NOT LET THAT STOP YOU, write your best story, and let the free market (actual readers, not some advisor) decide if it will sell. There is a market for anything/everything – which is where there is a “MARKETING” chapter as once published you’re not done, time to promote and make people aware your book, what it is about, is available; indeed in that crowded space. But you are you, your book is yours, NOT another Author’s content – let people know you are an alternative to all the other “stuff” out there. Yes, there are a lot of books out there, more introduced weekly, however – people read lots of books, many often looking for “new/different” content, and some will make room for yours in their library.
What writing tip has contributed to your productivity in creating quality and time content for readers?
I’m sure those looking on, here, will understand. I can’t give away all the secrets here! LOL Please buy “How to Write a Book and Get It Published: Hints, Tips & Techniques” as I’m trying to make sure all know – this book goes well beyond just the “technical” how to put a book on Amazon. From conceptions, to ‘Writing, to Editing, to Publishing, to Marketing/Promotion’, and more therein.
Book covers are also discussed in "How to Write a Book and Get It Published". Some writers place a lot of emphasis on them while other writers discount their importance. How would you guide your mentees to understand the significance of book covers in the marketing process?
There is no 100% right or wrong answer – though most publishers will agree. You know the saying: Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover. That line is BUNK! Yes, judge people, as Martin Luther King Jr. says on “Content of Character,” however the first thing anyone/everyone sees it your cover – IT MUST GRAB THEIR ATTENTION, or they’ll never go to the back to see any synopsis or snippets to further attempt to entice them with/by (even if just online images, rather than physically holding it in a store). Then, hopefully, they may open it up (physically, or virtually if you’re offering a “sneak-peek” inside (which you should, where you can), to learn even more – potentially your “About the Author” or “About the Book” or your “Foreword” if you’ve had someone write one (which you should, as your “first review”) or potential “Praise for” section. All, of course, discussed the importance of in HTWAGAGIP.
From your observation, what are some common mistakes that novice writers make when working on their first book?
Insecurity! Remember the old Saturday Night Live “Stuart Smally” routine? Repeat “I am good enough” and GO FOR IT! Mistakes (aside from the obvious of mis-spellings and the like) can indeed also be a matter of opinion, everyone has one, that’s why we discuss Style (including a degree of Grammar usage), and again YOU DO/BE YOU – that is why you want to hire (and usually through a Publisher on their Staff) to aid with correction of mistakes/errors (while being sure you do not confuse “Style” and “Mistake” differentiations and what stays versus what indeed “Edit updates” you accept for/in YOUR BOOK! But, yes, early books, you will most likely want to “accept” most suggestions a professional editor is presenting in the edit phase of the process.
If you had to pen an additional chapter in your latest release, "How to Write a Book and Get It Published", what topic would you focus on and why?
What a PERFECT question. I say in the book, and during every interview, no book is every really fully completed – there will always be things that could be changed, added, reworked, etc., but comes a point (but not early on) where (and why there is a chapter on) DEADLINES AND CONTRACTS come into play. And, why, in both my Internationally available books there is an ONLINE SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION links, and HTWABAGIP is no different – check out https://tinyurl.com/WriteAndPublishSupplement for more.
Joseph, please share with audiences the latest projects you're working on and how they can support your work.
There are indeed several and I’ll share the “Working Title'' (yup, you guessed it, see HTWABAGIP all about the distinction) of two: “So Tired” and “Living Hell” as well as so many others in my head a few that have “Story Outlines” (yup, see HTWABAGIP for more on that) started – where any and every book should start. HTWABAGIP, due to so many asking for Tips, Tricks & Techniques, got bumped ahead of those! Keep eye on my Author Website for more: https://JosephMLenard.us.
