Labor Day!

The beginning of September begins with a long weekend before we swing into fall. Those in school get one more day off before classes begin. Stepping outside this week, a few days of summer warmth try to cling onto the new month but we dipped into the 70s this week with a few rainy days. Change is in the air again, and I’m working on my list of to-do items before the holidays begin.

What’s on my list? I’ve had my nose into two different books but their not mine. I’m helping other authors publish their first, and next book. Not only am I helping them edit final copies but I’m also guiding them on their launches when it comes to social media campaigns.

Some interesting conversations have taken place over the past few months, and I have to talk about the process of working with an editor. Writers, you need to set boundaries with your editor so that your voice isn’t lost in the process of fine tuning your masterpiece. Know why you want to keep some sentences as is, regardless of grammar. The point of editing is not to create a grammatically perfect novel, it’s to catch spelling errors or any major holes. The voice of your main character needs to stay consistent – meaning you should know how they speak and slang they use in every day conversations. For example, I went back and forth the authors on whether or not the voice of one of the novels uses contractions, and how often.

The next item on my list is getting ready for another event in a few weeks. I’m ordering books, creating miniature sculptures, and getting more prints of my artwork. The crazy cycle of staying up until the crack of dawn to finish new ideas before the show and prepare everything to be show ready is back in full swing.

If you plan on participating in fall events, you need to remember to post prior to your show so that followers now when and how to find you. At the event, you will need your books, business cards, author blurbs or sheets, pricing cards, petty cash for change, a way to take payments, the mighty signature pen, and any other bells and whistles to attract people to your table. During the event short TikToks and photos to share the excitement help keep your online audience interested and gets the attention of those looking for something to do. Follow-up posts after your event are the final touch. Doing all of these steps before, during, and after will give you plenty to post for an entire week.

Why do all the steps? Followers like to see your passion and activity. Seeing other people who are passionate about what they do inspires them to follow their own dreams. Everyone has a goal in life. Seeing someone else achieving their dream only makes it more real. So, keep sharing.

Well, I need to return to all my to-do’s. I hope you enjoy your long weekend and get some writing in. Don’t forget to take time to do something fun too.

Get closer to your writing goals with my Writer’s Journal filled with writing prompts and exercises. You can find a copy at https://www.amazon.com/Writers-Journal-Writing-Prompts-Notes/dp/B0931QRL7C.

~Yoon Ju

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