After a weekend of laying on the beach in Florida with the love of my life, I have SO much more in my stash of wonderful things to use in my writings.
Smells, experiences, and tastes are all slamming around inside my head. I am eager to work on my journal of experiences so I'll have something to pull from later with no need to rely on memory alone. While my memory is great now, I don't know if it'll be so great in 20 years.
I posted a while back on reasons for keeping a journal like that when I wrote Write What You Know. I had never been to lay on a beach in Florida or ridden on/driven a Waverunner before this past weekend and the experience left me with a lot of impressions.
1. Waverunners slam into the water when you hit bumps and it feels like your bones are being smashed together.
2. Seafood tastes very different when you eat it near the water it came out of. There's more of a taste of the ocean and not so much a metallic taste or a blandness that comes from being in a can or being frozen and shipped inland.
3. Jumping into a swimming pool after swimming in salt water makes you feel heavier, like you strapped rocks on your feet.
4. There is no sight quite like sand dunes projecting from the ocean while a breeze teases your face to put you totally at ease.
5. Mother nature ROCKS.
I have also discovered that I love the smell of the sea. I don't know if that stems from growing up in Louisiana or from something that is lodged deeper within myself but I know I'm gonna try to figure it out.
My new series titled Mystic has a character from Florida in it. I am very grateful for the experience this weekend brought to my writing.
Remember to get your copy of The Abigale Chronicles - Book One by following either of the links at the top of this blog. Yassa is due out in just ONE week!! BE EXCITED! You've never heard a story like this one!!
That's all for today. Tomorrow, we will discuss something deeper.
Until next time, WRITE ON!!!
Jo
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Friday, May 25, 2012
Design Lesson Number 4 - Fonts
I see so many people make the basic mistake of combining more than two fonts for a book cover or using two different serif or sans-serif fonts on the cover of their book.
There's a reason you shouldn't do that: it looks like a mistake.
Even if it was intentional, it still looks like a mistake. If you use more than one font or hand-lettering plus a font, stick to ONE serif and ONE sans-serif.
What's a serif? Well, that's why I give you nice folks examples :)
Examples:
Well, now you know. Serif fonts can look eerily similar. There are other fonts too: Script and Specialty fonts that should also not be used in combination with more than one of the same.
Please, choose a MAXIMUM of TWO fonts for any project and stick with them. Avoid, at all costs, FREE fonts. The quality SUCKS on most of them and in the rights, you will usually find that they are not licensed to be used in projects for distribution. You could be sued. Same with photographs. Be very very careful and read the rights to the image you're buying.
Remember, we don't want our covers to look DIY.
I hope this helps in some small way. That was the four lessons of the week. Next week, back to writing!!
If any of you would like to have this information made available in a book, leave a comment and I will see what I can do. Of course it would be free, Silly!! :)
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
There's a reason you shouldn't do that: it looks like a mistake.
Even if it was intentional, it still looks like a mistake. If you use more than one font or hand-lettering plus a font, stick to ONE serif and ONE sans-serif.
What's a serif? Well, that's why I give you nice folks examples :)
Examples:
 |
| These are serifs |
Well, now you know. Serif fonts can look eerily similar. There are other fonts too: Script and Specialty fonts that should also not be used in combination with more than one of the same.
Please, choose a MAXIMUM of TWO fonts for any project and stick with them. Avoid, at all costs, FREE fonts. The quality SUCKS on most of them and in the rights, you will usually find that they are not licensed to be used in projects for distribution. You could be sued. Same with photographs. Be very very careful and read the rights to the image you're buying.
Remember, we don't want our covers to look DIY.
I hope this helps in some small way. That was the four lessons of the week. Next week, back to writing!!
If any of you would like to have this information made available in a book, leave a comment and I will see what I can do. Of course it would be free, Silly!! :)
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Design Lesson Number 3 - Color Spaces
RGB and CMYK - What's the difference?
A lot, actually. When you send something to a printer, it needs to be designed in CMYK because that's a 4 color process standard. If you design in RGB and send it away, they will convert it to CMYK before they print it. You can get some UGLY and unwanted results.
You can change the mode in Photoshop by going to Image>Mode>CMYK Do this BEFORE you start designing. I am going to give examples below of what the change can do to specific colors.
Above, you see on the left the colors chosen in RGB color mode. On the right, you will see those SAME colors in CMYK. Beware the change!! If you always design in CMYK, you will never be disappointed with your results.
Colors that are most heavily affected by the change are: greens, blues, yellows, and oranges. Reds get dulled down as well but not quite as badly as the others unless it's a BRIGHT red.
So, start your design in CMYK and let your imagination carry you from there. If you never EVER intend to print your book, RGB it up :)
That's all for today. Time to write!!
Follow me on twitter! @writejomichaels
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
A lot, actually. When you send something to a printer, it needs to be designed in CMYK because that's a 4 color process standard. If you design in RGB and send it away, they will convert it to CMYK before they print it. You can get some UGLY and unwanted results.
You can change the mode in Photoshop by going to Image>Mode>CMYK Do this BEFORE you start designing. I am going to give examples below of what the change can do to specific colors.
Above, you see on the left the colors chosen in RGB color mode. On the right, you will see those SAME colors in CMYK. Beware the change!! If you always design in CMYK, you will never be disappointed with your results.
Colors that are most heavily affected by the change are: greens, blues, yellows, and oranges. Reds get dulled down as well but not quite as badly as the others unless it's a BRIGHT red.
So, start your design in CMYK and let your imagination carry you from there. If you never EVER intend to print your book, RGB it up :)
That's all for today. Time to write!!
Follow me on twitter! @writejomichaels
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Design Lesson Number 2 - Printing
Today, I talk about printing. For you indie authors, you need to listen up just in case you decide to print on CreateSpace or another site and wish to DIY. Remember, our goal is to not make it look DIY.
Bleeds, safeties, and folds, here we come!
What is a bleed? Bleed refers to the area around your artwork that is intended to be cut off. You want to make sure to extend any background color or other elements that you don't mind losing some of all the way to the edge of the template. MACHINES cut the book cover and they aren't as accurate as we'd like them to be sometimes. You will LOSE 1/4" of your artwork so your canvas needs to be 1/4" bigger (1/8" on all sides) than your final size. In other words, a 5.25x8 book needs to be designed at 5.50x8.25. Got it? Avoid bars (frames) that can be lost completely or cut wrong and be odd sizes.
Okay, you have that down. Now, what's a safety? Safety refers to the area that will not be touched by the machine even if it is 1/8" off. Your safety margins should go 1/8" INSIDE the CUT line (NOT the BLEED line). This gives you peace of mind that your words will still be intact when your book rolls off the presses. Be safe, not sorry.
Folds are self-explanatory. Remember that where the fold is, the safety should be 1/8" on EITHER side of that line. There is no guarantee that the paper will be cut just right and you need the flexibility of a schoochable fold. I love making up words...
On to the example!!!
This is what a standard template looks like. Take a minute and take it all in.
Tomorrow, we will discuss color space and WHY it MATTERS!
I hope you are all finding this informative.
Pop on over to:
Goodreads
and sign up for your chance at one of two free signed copies of The Abigale Chronicles! Giveaway ends May 29th! For those of you that prefer e-books, hop over to Smashwords and get a copy for just $1.99.
9am and time to write!!
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Bleeds, safeties, and folds, here we come!
What is a bleed? Bleed refers to the area around your artwork that is intended to be cut off. You want to make sure to extend any background color or other elements that you don't mind losing some of all the way to the edge of the template. MACHINES cut the book cover and they aren't as accurate as we'd like them to be sometimes. You will LOSE 1/4" of your artwork so your canvas needs to be 1/4" bigger (1/8" on all sides) than your final size. In other words, a 5.25x8 book needs to be designed at 5.50x8.25. Got it? Avoid bars (frames) that can be lost completely or cut wrong and be odd sizes.
Okay, you have that down. Now, what's a safety? Safety refers to the area that will not be touched by the machine even if it is 1/8" off. Your safety margins should go 1/8" INSIDE the CUT line (NOT the BLEED line). This gives you peace of mind that your words will still be intact when your book rolls off the presses. Be safe, not sorry.
Folds are self-explanatory. Remember that where the fold is, the safety should be 1/8" on EITHER side of that line. There is no guarantee that the paper will be cut just right and you need the flexibility of a schoochable fold. I love making up words...
On to the example!!!
This is what a standard template looks like. Take a minute and take it all in.
Tomorrow, we will discuss color space and WHY it MATTERS!
I hope you are all finding this informative.
Pop on over to:
Goodreads
and sign up for your chance at one of two free signed copies of The Abigale Chronicles! Giveaway ends May 29th! For those of you that prefer e-books, hop over to Smashwords and get a copy for just $1.99.
9am and time to write!!
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Design Lesson Number 1 - KERNING
I have decided to give four design lessons this week for all you indie authors. I know, I know, I am too kind...
Seriously, if you don't know the rules of design, your book covers will look like they were designed by you. We don't want that. We want them to look like they were done professionally even though they were done by you.
Today's lesson is on kerning. What the hell is kerning, Jo? Well, I'll explain... Of course I'm going to use examples, silly monkey!!
The sample text below shows kerned type and type that has yet to be kerned. The top one is set at 0 all the way across.
In order to kern, you must select the character preceding the letter you want to move closer, then click the kerning drop down and select a number. Sometimes you want to space letters out more, sometimes you want to move them closer. No matter what you desire to accomplish, it can be done with the kerning panel.
I see so many great book covers that would be SO much better with a little bit of kerning. Your art director will spend HOURS adjusting and re-adjusting so your book cover looks just right. Do a little kerning and you'll reach a whole new level with your work.
Tomorrow, I will discuss BLEED and SAFETY and how to use a template.
I hope this was informative.
Don't forget to pick up your copy of The Abigale Chronicles - Book One on Smashwords or iBooks for just $1.99! If you're a tangible book person, you can also pick up a copy on Create Space for just $5.99!
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
@writejomichaels
Seriously, if you don't know the rules of design, your book covers will look like they were designed by you. We don't want that. We want them to look like they were done professionally even though they were done by you.
Today's lesson is on kerning. What the hell is kerning, Jo? Well, I'll explain... Of course I'm going to use examples, silly monkey!!
The sample text below shows kerned type and type that has yet to be kerned. The top one is set at 0 all the way across.
The bottom example is set at -25 throughout then adjusted a LOT in the places marked with red and a LITTLE in the places unmarked. Some are at -50, some are at -75, and some are at -100. I went with visually pleasing.
Now, you can see that the bottom text is prettier. I used Arial to make it easier to play with for you.
In the example below, you see panels that are in Photoshop. If you can't see this, go to Window>Character and it will show. Click it!!!! Quick!!!
When you click it, you get this panel. Pretty freakin' cool, right?
This panel shows you the font (Arial) the style (Regular)
Font size (18) Leading (18) Super or subscript position (0) and KERNING (-50)
All that other stuff, we will address on another day. Right now, look at the KERNING panel ONLY.
In order to kern, you must select the character preceding the letter you want to move closer, then click the kerning drop down and select a number. Sometimes you want to space letters out more, sometimes you want to move them closer. No matter what you desire to accomplish, it can be done with the kerning panel.
I see so many great book covers that would be SO much better with a little bit of kerning. Your art director will spend HOURS adjusting and re-adjusting so your book cover looks just right. Do a little kerning and you'll reach a whole new level with your work.
Tomorrow, I will discuss BLEED and SAFETY and how to use a template.
I hope this was informative.
Don't forget to pick up your copy of The Abigale Chronicles - Book One on Smashwords or iBooks for just $1.99! If you're a tangible book person, you can also pick up a copy on Create Space for just $5.99!
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
@writejomichaels
Monday, May 21, 2012
All About Query Letters
Today, I post my query letter for a roundtable discussion that will take place via Rachel Horwitz
@rachelhwrites on twitter. Scurry on over there if you would like to participate!!
This is my pitch for Yassa:
***Updated***
When Temujin is ten, he murders one of his half-brothers in self-defense. That one act of brutality shows him the animal that lives inside his heart, sets into motion a string of events that bring a boy named Jamuka into his life, and gives Temujin the idea to write the law he calls Yassa. He marries his betrothed, Börte, only to have her kidnapped a week later by a rival tribe and sold at auction.
This is my pitch for Yassa:
***Updated***
Dear
Ms. XXX,
When Temujin is ten, he murders one of his half-brothers in self-defense. That one act of brutality shows him the animal that lives inside his heart, sets into motion a string of events that bring a boy named Jamuka into his life, and gives Temujin the idea to write the law he calls Yassa. He marries his betrothed, Börte, only to have her kidnapped a week later by a rival tribe and sold at auction.
Yassa law states that, above all else,
you are to be loyal to those you pledge yourself to. There is only one punishment for breaking Yassa law: death. Deep conflict arises between Temujin and Jamuka when they go to rescue the beautiful and fair Börte from the kidnappers because Jamuka sees her, falls in love, and decides to take her for his own. In a fit of fever, Jamuka attacks Börte and tries to force himself on her. Setting aside the law for the love of a friend, Temujin casts the man out instead of killing him.
Jamuka is bent on revenge for being cast out and is driven to win Börte at any cost. As a result, the two men are plunged into battle over power and a woman. Love drives the conquering of the greatest continuous empire in History in the hopes that the victor will win the affections of Börte, who is being driven mad with her own choice while the men are crossing swords. Only one man can succeed and become Genghis Khan.
Jamuka is bent on revenge for being cast out and is driven to win Börte at any cost. As a result, the two men are plunged into battle over power and a woman. Love drives the conquering of the greatest continuous empire in History in the hopes that the victor will win the affections of Börte, who is being driven mad with her own choice while the men are crossing swords. Only one man can succeed and become Genghis Khan.
Yassa is a completed
90,000 word historical fiction novel set in 18th Century Mongolia.
Thank you for taking the time to read my query.
Thank you for taking the time to read my query.
Sincerely,
Jo Michaels
I appreciate all feedback.
That's all for today, folks!!
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Friday, May 18, 2012
Author Interviews are Fun!
I did an author interview with Jane Hanbury over at Booketta's Book Blog this week and I have to say, it was a lot of fun! I am rarely one to toot my own horn (a crux being an indie author) so talking about myself was difficult in a challenging type of way.
Jane asked me some difficult questions.
When in person, I can talk for hours about the story behind my historical fiction novel, Yassa. When asked to write out how I came up with the idea, I struggle. Not because I don't know, just because that question is hard to answer on paper. I know where the idea came from, but tooting my own horn about it is not something I am accustomed to doing.
I think I'm too humble. I love the story but I know it's not for everyone and I know there are people out there who will hate Temujin's wishy-washy personality. I just tried to make him human; because he is. We all make mistakes in life or do things we aren't proud of, so he is brought down a notch or two from almighty conqueror by having doubts about his relationship and reacting to situations in a way that's not acceptable.
There are people who will give me crap over Kutula and people who will argue that the story isn't quite true to History. I know that. It's fiction. I used my imagination.
There are people who will give me crap over Abigale and say that's not the way a 12 year old behaves. I know that, she's not an ordinary 12 year old. If she were, what a dull story it would be!
We write to spin tales for readers. If we didn't write, how dull would life be? Remember the movie, The Invention of Lying? It brings out a good point: without writers with imagination and the ability to tell a tale with some fiction in it, we would all be walking around dull, lifeless, BORING.
That's all for today. I am going to write the hell out of some books today!
If you haven't gotten your copy of The Abigale Chronicles - Book One, go get one now! It's great for young readers and has an element that will force them to stop and wonder what the heck is really going on.
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Jane asked me some difficult questions.
When in person, I can talk for hours about the story behind my historical fiction novel, Yassa. When asked to write out how I came up with the idea, I struggle. Not because I don't know, just because that question is hard to answer on paper. I know where the idea came from, but tooting my own horn about it is not something I am accustomed to doing.
I think I'm too humble. I love the story but I know it's not for everyone and I know there are people out there who will hate Temujin's wishy-washy personality. I just tried to make him human; because he is. We all make mistakes in life or do things we aren't proud of, so he is brought down a notch or two from almighty conqueror by having doubts about his relationship and reacting to situations in a way that's not acceptable.
There are people who will give me crap over Kutula and people who will argue that the story isn't quite true to History. I know that. It's fiction. I used my imagination.
There are people who will give me crap over Abigale and say that's not the way a 12 year old behaves. I know that, she's not an ordinary 12 year old. If she were, what a dull story it would be!
We write to spin tales for readers. If we didn't write, how dull would life be? Remember the movie, The Invention of Lying? It brings out a good point: without writers with imagination and the ability to tell a tale with some fiction in it, we would all be walking around dull, lifeless, BORING.
That's all for today. I am going to write the hell out of some books today!
If you haven't gotten your copy of The Abigale Chronicles - Book One, go get one now! It's great for young readers and has an element that will force them to stop and wonder what the heck is really going on.
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
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