Marketing

Clear the Fog–Newsletter or Blog?

rldragomirwl

Give me some sugar! If you say this in London, you will receive sweet, white crystals for your tea, preferably one lump or two. If you say the same words in Savannah, you’d better pucker up!

Definitions—especially in the world of technology—may mean the difference between success and failure. One question I’m often asked by writers is “Should I have a newsletter or a blog, and what’s the difference?”

Think of your outstanding, well-written content as being scrambled and sucked up into the internet like Dr. McCoy’s molecules on a transporter pad. Where do you, the operator, want it to materialize? If you write a blog, it appears on your website. If you write a newsletter, it lands in your recipient’s email inbox.

ADVANTAGES OF A BLOG

Definition: A blog (or weblog) is an online journal where an individual, group, or corporation presents a record of activities, thoughts, or beliefs. It is theme-driven—readers are attracted by interest in the subject.

A blog drives traffic to your website, where hits accumulate and cause your site to rise in search engine rankings. The content’s lifespan is indefinite—it may outlive Dr. Spock or you may zap it with a phaser tomorrow. Posts can be searched, re-read, and discovered by new visitors to your website. They can be organized by category, popularity and/or metatags, and they can be curated into a library of your unique wisdom.

ADVANTAGES OF A NEWSLETTER

Definition: A newsletter is a tool used by businesses and organizations to share relevant and valuable information with their network of customers, prospects and subscribers. It is information-driven—readers are attracted by curiosity to know something.

A newsletter is a chimera. It lives in your subscriber’s inbox until they read it and/or zap it. You hand your phaser to them, and its life is in your reader’s hands. The advantage of delivering information by newsletter is that it is immediately accessible to readers without making them click for further content, thus improving the chances it will be read. It’s also a great way to promote accomplishments, giveaways, book launches, and personal appearances.

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Writers should use both tools for maximum impact and interaction with subscribers. Develop a blog page on your website and post regularly. Enable monitored comments, and be sure to provoke discussion and respond to comments. The standard “Subscribe to my Blog” WordPress widget is a security risk, in my opinion. A recent client of mine spent hours deleting more than 1,000 spammers (likely bots) who subscribed to her blog and whose information was stored in her database. Why give the Romulans access to a detailed blueprint of the Enterprise? It’s not worth the risk a well-aimed photon torpedo could crash your site.

Instead, when you post a new blog, send out a newsletter the same day with a link to the blog and an enticing summary that will drive traffic to your website to read the full content. Questions are better than statements for motivating clicks. Include on your blog page a form (embedded or pop-up) that allows readers to subscribe to your newsletter. I recommend the MailPoet plugin for WordPress to develop your email list and compose newsletters. It integrates into your website and is free up to 1,000 subscribers. Your newsletter may also include exciting news and/or engaging personal content which enhances your marketing brand. Newsletters may also be sent more often than you post on your blog.

Is the fog lifting? I hope so. If you have a different newsletter/blog strategy, please share your idea in the comments.

Make it so.

Rhonda

Hosting, Websites

Watch Out for Web Host Wolves

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Tasty, tender writer lambs gambol out to play on the internet. Looking for a friendly, reliable web hosting company (WHC), they nibble here and there until they find a scrumptious meal. They linger, eat, and then—SNAP! They are mangled in the jaws of a WHC big, bad, wolf. Their naiveté will cost them dearly.

Is this you? Have you purchased services from a WHC without knowing for certain you need them? Are there hidden charges souring your tummy? Have you been sickened by a lost domain or costly tech support?

Never fear. Your under-shepherd is here. The Good Shepherd doesn’t want his lambs fleeced, and I will shake my rod and staff at any company that tries to take advantage of you. Look out for these scams:

  1. Paying for your domain registration. Domain registration is free at most WHCs. Multiple domains (I own at least three) will cost extra, but at least one domain is usually provided free. If you are asked to pay for domain registration, graze somewhere else.
  2. Paying for an enhanced security certificate. If you do not have a shopping cart on your site that receives credit card payments, you don’t need an enhanced security certificate. Most WHCs offer a free standard security certificate that is very capable of handling security issues without extra charges. One client of mine paid $400 for several years of a managed security certificate, and she didn’t need it. Her site links to Amazon for purchases. When she called the WHC wolf (I won’t name them per se, but if you’re like me, you find their Super Bowl commercials overtly sexual and offensive), she fought until she got her money back. And we are switching WHCs.
  3. Extra charges (usually exorbitant) for tech support. Most reputable WHCs offer free tech support. If you are asked to pay extra for services (except migrating a site or recovering a site that has crashed), it’s a sign you may be prey of a wolf.
  4. Paying extra for enhanced e-mail services. You should be able to configure your email boxes without additional charges for third-party programs like Microsoft Outlook. Many people buy email add-ons, but they are just a fancy way to shear you bald.
  5. Paying for private domain registration. If your website or blog contains sensitive information that you do not want traced to you, you may need private registration. But most writers want people to find them on internet searches, and private domain registration is not necessary. If bad actors perform a WhoIs lookup, they will likely find you anyway despite your efforts to remain anonymous. Don’t waste your money. And be careful…some WHC wolves include private registration as an automatic add-on and you must manually deselect it. The same is sometimes true for other services.
  6. Limited access to WordPress plugins. Here I will name names, because I still bear bite marks. When I recommend WordPress to build websites, I do NOT recommend hosting from WordPress.COM. WordPress.ORG provides FREE software that can be installed on any reliable WHC platform. WordPress.COM is simply another for-profit hosting company. When I built my website, I was dunned for a higher monthly fee to use certain “premium” plugins that were free elsewhere. Disclaimer: this was several years ago, and their policy may have changed, but I’m still mad.

Do you have WHC bite marks? If so, leave a comment below, voice a warning, and allow other writer lambs to frolic the fertile fields of the internet in safety.

Craft

Critique Mystique

rldragomirwl

I’ve done it! My baby has been born! But wait…is that head a little too pointy? And what’s that—blood? Doesn’t she need a bath? Nurse! Help!

My “nurse” for my book manuscript is a professional editor. I thought my “baby,” my award-winning historical romance of 95,000 words (thank you very much) was perfect. Or I thought so until I received my first edited chapter as a sample. Her suggestions pointed out the flaws my lovestruck eyes couldn’t see, and I know when we’re finished, my bouncing, baby book will be ready for presentation to the world.

Perhaps you’re like me. I don’t have a six-figure advance yet. Nor do I have a contract. I only recently was signed by an agent. (Now you should be feeling better about your own career!) Nevertheless, I have invested a significant sum of money in an edit by a professional because I want my debut to be as successful as possible.

If you email me to ask the name of my editor, I might tell you—in about four weeks, and only with her permission.

A critique group is a tremendous asset. My group’s suggestions have immensely improved my writing skills. If you don’t have a critique group, consider forming one. Serious Writer Academy offers a $29 course taught by Johnnie Alexander and Jean Wise, and it would be well worth your time. Visit www.seriouswriteracademy.com for more information.

I also offer critiques for subjects and skills in which I consider myself to be a professional.

  • If you need a website, I can point you in the right direction, and consultations are only $35.
  • If MS Word is making you pluck yourself bald, I may also be able to help.
  • I might do proofreading and typeset a book for self-publication if you promise not to be cranky.

If you have a need, contact me at rhonda@dragomirgroup.com. You may also visit my business website: www.DragomirGroup.com.

There is no mystique—every writer needs a critique. Clean babies are attractive babies! Happy scrubbing!

Hosting, Websites

The WordPress.COM Web

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“Come here, little fly,” said the spider. “Doesn’t this look like a convenient place to land?” Many a fly has not lived to regret the decision to accept the crafty invitation.

Writers face a similar choice when making their first website. They search the internet for recommendations, and most advisors say, “WordPress is the way to go.” I faced this choice a year ago. A web design software I used and loved will not be supported after this year, primarily because WordPress software is free. A tantalizing prospect, isn’t it? Free…

I’ve spoken with dozens of writers who followed me right into the WordPress spider web—the WordPress.com web, that is. I did not understand it is possible to install and use free WordPress software on almost any web host platform. I did what any reasonable person would do—I went to WordPress.com, signed up, and started building my website. I didn’t even know I’d been caught in a trap.

WordPress.com (dot com) is a for-profit business. Their goal is to earn money, and they offer web hosting in competition with many other web hosting companies (Bluehost, Hostgator, etc.) When I enrolled, I ponied up money for hosting at a higher rate than other reliable providers. I also paid to register a domain, which many other hosting companies offer free with their basic packages.

WordPress.org (dot org) is a non-profit organization, which promotes their free software and offers tips and suggestions for good design. They even have a page recommending reliable host companies, and explaining to poor, ignorant flies like me the difference between free WordPress software and WordPress.com offerings. Funny… WordPress.com is NOT one of their recommended host companies. Click here to see: https://wordpress.org/hosting/.

When I called to yowl about getting trapped in their web, WordPress.com did let me out of the web hosting package I bought. But they would not refund or release the domains I registered, and I paid an exorbitant price to keep them until I could successfully transfer them to my new host. Altogether, I flushed $100. I calmly told them they had offended the wrong person, and that I would tell everyone I know about their tricky web. This blog is the fulfillment of that promise.

Disclaimer: this happened to me almost a year ago, and a recent visit to their site shows they have reduced their hosting prices, likely in order to be more competitive as people have caught on to their tactics. They also offer free domains with their hosting packages. If you want to sign up with WordPress.com, be my guest. Just fly into their web with the knowledge you need not to get trapped into spending more money than required.

And know this: their “free” website option mandates a domain with “wordpress.com” in the URL, and they are free to place ads on your site which you cannot control. Before I switched Writers LifeHacks to a new host, my “free” site on WordPress.com had ads for an internet dating company! I won’t even mention even more offensive ads that appeared. I was mortified, and I could not remove them.

My best advice? Research web host companies before you enter a contract. Read not only the marketing on their website, but compare reviews from a neutral source. Here’s a link to help with your research: https://www.cnet.com/web-hosting/. I’ve learned to trust CNET reviews and recommendations, and two hosting companies I use are on their list. By the way—snark, snark—WordPress.com didn’t make their list. Read the CNET article all the way to the bottom, because there is excellent advice and information about website building after their top ten list.

If you appreciate this post, please forward the link to all of your friends, and leave a comment below. I’ll giggle while you do.

Flies of the world—unite!

Formatting, MS Word

Depose King Calibri

rldragomirwl

Has this ever happened to you?

  • Open Microsoft Word.
  • File.
  • New.

You’re ready to type in your new, professionally formatted document, right?

  • Click on document, begin typing.

NO!! (Expletive deleted. Its strength will depend upon your religious beliefs and how your mama raised you.) There is that Calibri 11 font! Again!!! I know repeated exclamation marks are passé, but how else will I adequately express the frustration of every writer who knows their submissions must be in a TNR (Times New Roman) 12 point font?

Perhaps you clicked “set as default” for TNR in the previous document you saved, and you assumed it would become the default for all new documents. I did that too many times to count, and my frustration mounted every time the command failed. Oh, how discouraged you may be to discover your Times New Roman king has been deposed by King Calibri—or should I call him Caligula? Ruthless, sadistic, pompous. Yes, these descriptors apply to Calibri.

I don’t know what Microsoft gods crowned Calibri king of the Word kingdom, but wouldn’t it be nice to see him dethroned? Just like back-stabbing, nefarious political operatives in a smoky back room, the king-makers at Microsoft have made it nearly impossible to crown a new monarch.

But I have found a weakness. Yes . . . (I chuckle like Snidely Whiplash.) I know how to overthrow King Calibri and dispose of his body in a watery grave, never to be heard from again unless I resurrect him.

It’s complicated. The file you need to alter is a template file named normal.dotm. It cannot be found easily—it is buried deep in a vault protected by dragons. Because I am a lover of freedom, I have decided to share instructions with you on how to find the file and alter it to make sure your default font—and other settings for that matter—apply to every new document you create.

Click the link below for a pdf with detailed instructions. If you have a question or a comment, please leave it below.

Click here for the pdf.

May your quest be met with success.

Keyboarding, MS Word

Keyboard Shortcuts – Zoom!

rldragomirwl

Sometimes my writer’s brain races like a Lamborghini. Thoughts, phrases, and words fly, and my fingers struggle to keep up.

A hairpin curve leaps into view. Internal dialogue, must use italics! Hit the brakes. My right hand spasms, not wanting to leave the keyboard. But it must move to the mouse, slide up to the italics icon, and click before returning to type.

Wait a minute. What was my next sentence going to be? The sound of metal screeching against the guard rail tells me I’ve crashed.

Don’t you hate slow-downs in your writing flow caused by mechanical or technical issues? We won’t even talk about Windows updates rebooting my computer overnight without my permission. But the scenario above is easily avoided by using keyboard shortcuts.

Every time your hand leaves the keyboard to manipulate your mouse, you’re losing time. If you add these incremental losses, they add up quickly. I like to work in the most efficient manner possible, and keyboard shortcuts increase my productivity.

For example, instead of using the mouse to turn on italics, hold down the CTRL key and type in the letter “I.” Zoom! Instant italics. When you’re finished, repeat the combination and italics is off. You can do the same to select bold face type, with CTRL+B.Dozens of keyboard shortcuts exist, but these are a few of my favorites:

  • CTRL+A = select all text
  • CTRL+C = copy to clipboard
  • CTRL+V = paste
  • CTRL+Z = undo (my extra-special favorite)

What is your favorite? Comment below to help your fellow writers.Here is a helpful link to other keyboard shortcuts. Find your favorite and go full speed around that hairpin curve. It’s Exhilarating!

Microsoft Word Keyboard Shortcuts

Yee haw!

Rhonda


MS Word

Microsoft Word for Writing Wranglers

rldragomirwl

Microsoft Word (MS Word) is a bucking bronco. Writers are like cowboys—we need to learn how to break that bronc into a working partner. Skill in MS Word will save you hours of time and make your writing stand out to agents and editors. A small investment now in learning basic skills will pay huge dividends later, and you’ll have a mostly tamed mount to help you wrangle words.

I’ve developed a handout for a workshop I’ve taught several times, and I’m making the handout available online by clicking on the link below. This is a copyrighted document, so please do not share it without permission.

This material was first taught in the Serious Writer Online forum, Writers Chat, and links can be found on my media page on my author website, at this link: Writers Chat videos.

Remember…sometimes, no matter how diligently you wrangle, MS Word will buck you off and refuse to cooperate. In that situation, take my advice— build a campfire, enjoy the stars, and try again in the morning!

Yee haw!

Rhonda

Microsoft Word Handout

Web Design, Websites

A Winning Writer’s Website

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“Fine, Rhonda. Okay. I know I need a writer’s website, and I’ve chosen a web host. I found a design template I like, but how do I know if the site I’m about to create will be effective and attractive?”

Don’t worry, writer friend. I’ve developed a simple rubric to help you evaluate your site according to four criteria: design, function, creativity, and content. The handout also contains hyperlinks to sites you can study for inspiration.

Visit my website at www.dragomirgroup.com, and click on the button “Hack of the Month” to download the rubric.

You’re welcome!

You may also view a live critique of one author’s website on the recorded video of the Writer’s Chat forum presented September 5. Click on the link below.

Rhonda
Writers Chat Website Critique