Thursday, June 30, 2011

Who is your audience?

Good writers
-Know their audience
-Write what that particular body of people needs and want to know
-Use a voice and tone that will reach their audience

For me, I have more than one audience. I have a lot of information to share.

Things that shape our writing
-Life experiences
-Imagination
-Education
-Roles
-Jobs
-Family

My primary audiences are as follows:
1-Parents & Educators
2-Business people & Entreprenuers
3-College students
4-Children

Who is your audiece? Wat have you written for them lately? What do you believe they want you to write about next?

Q. August
Motivate.Rejuvenate.Generate.
http://www.quaugst.com/

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Convenience at Borders

I love bookstores. Bookstores are a haven from the real world. It is there that you can find new worlds to transcend into.

Recently I stumbled upon the treasure of http://www.borders.com/ for used books and materials. The staff there was happy to help me search for what I wanted. We ordered items priced regularly at $25.99 and $16.99 for $2.65 and $3.46!!!! And I didn't even have to pay for shipping and handling because I had the items delivered to that particular store/haven. Talk about happy. My packages arrived about 1week later. You can utilize this service either at the counters in their stores or even from home. The key for me is the free shipping to the store.

Here is a sneak peak at what I got:



If you'd like to connect with me this week you can indulge in the same brainfood.

I am reading Molly Ringwald's (Remember her? The cute red-head star in 16 candles? The Breakfast Club?) "Getting the Pretty Back". 

I am viewing Rhonda Byrne's "The Secret."

What are you reading, viewing, and listening to this season?

Q. August

Motivate.Rejuvenate.Generate

Thursday, June 23, 2011

The thing about Quotes is...

"Sometimes I actually hated the book, even while I loved it."
- J.K. Rowling 

My favorite quote this week (listed above) is one written by author J.K. Rowling who penned the Harry Potter series. Within her online biography she uses those words to describe her journey writing the first novel.


Three ways to use quotes:

1- Weave them throughout your own book as examples of what your text is claiming
2- Use them as chapter introductions
3- Use them within beautiful vignettes as a take-away bonus for your readers

About authors and quotes...

Strong authors quote well, accurately, without error!
Strong authors are sure to give credit for ideas that are not their own.
Strong authors keep a journal of quotes that they like or that support their ideas. They do this so they don't have to rely on their memories.
Strong authors are usually quoted by others!


Q. August

Motivate.Rejuvenate.Generate.
http://www.qaugust.com/

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

E-books

Have You Read An E-book Lately?


Thanks to technology today's writers can offer their readers e-books.
E-books (or computer hosted books to the less informed) are trending heavily right now.



E-books sell because:

-Their availability
E-books are available on the spot and can be downloaded in minutes

-Their convenience
E-books are on your computer, Ipad, Nook, or whatever electronic device you choose for your reading.
Because they are electronic they are not heavy or bulky and can be brought along to the beach or flights with ease.

-Their reasonability
E-books normally cost a little less than the same book would cost in hardcover or paperback form.
Many e-books are offered free of charge.

-Their appeal
E-books are formatted for the computer, so many come loaded with bright photos and images laced throughout the text and are typically accompanied by a bolder and larger text.



Today's authors should consider offering their texts in both hard copy and e-book format. I myself have gotten into the groove of reading e-books. So far this year I have purchased 2.

Have you purchased any e-books this year? How was the experience? What is your preferrred book type?


Q. August

Motivate.Rejuvenate.Generate.
http://www.qaugust.com/





Friday, June 17, 2011

Reading to Succeed: 5 Strategies

Here are 5 ways to be sure your reading leads to success:

1- Have a goal in mind!
After reading the title and description of a book's content what do you think you could learn? Know what you are seeking to find and it will be that much easier to pinpoint once you begin indulging in your written text.

2- Have reading tools on hand!
If you have a highlighter in hand or post-it tabs you can save your pages without adding unwanted wear and tear on your books. It is much neater to place the sticky tabs on pages you want to revisit than to have a book full of "doggy ears" that you've given several pages.

3- Read from at least two different mindframes!
When I read I am reading from an educator's point of view, a writer's point of view, and a motivator's point of view. I get the most out of reading this way. I can appreciate the writer's style, construct, and presentation of information all the more.

4- Take away quotes!
When you read a line that evokes more emotion than all the others commit it to memory. The line could be a witty joke, advice, a moral, omen, or scripture. Memorize it and the author and recall it often.

5- Write about it!
When you have finished the book revist all the pages you flagged with post-its. Consider how you can apply what you've read to your own life. Summarize your findings, emotions, and ideas in a notebook. Write the author a thank you note of praise. Write an opinion of the book for others considering purchasing it. Mention the book in your blog.

These 5 strategies are sure to make your reading endeavors more successful. Can you implement any one of these strategies today?

Q. August

Motivate.Rejuvenate.Generate.
http://www.qaugust.com/