Wandering Aimlessly into 2025

 

Typically, I'd have already written and shared a post where I look back on 2024 and shared what I'd accomplished through the year. I didn't do that for 2024. Why? Because 2024 sucked big time! I'd lost two jobs that I loved, haven't been able to find a new job that works for me, I've been scammed by "jobs", and I've dealt with a host of health issues within my family. I gained back some of the weight I'd lost. My cat died. All of this has led me into a depression that I'm still struggling to get out of. 

I've lost the joy in everything--writing, editing, reading, watching TV, working out, coloring--you name it, and it's become a chore for me. I truly feel like I'm aimlessly wandering into 2025, so I've decided to fully embrace this and use it to my advantage...

Before I get into all of my non-plans for 2025, I do need to reflect a bit on 2024, because it wasn't all terrible. So, here are my highs and lows of 2024...

HIGH: I went on a cruise with my best friend, daughter, and daughter's boyfriend who proposed to her! I was so happy to witness this and be a part of such a special moment. 

LOW: I was let go from a writing job that I loved. It was very unexpected, and the loss of income hit me hard. 

HIGH: My best friends bought a new house and are settling in, which means they will not be leaving Michigan! 

LOW: The publisher I'd been working with for over a decade closed its doors, leaving me without my editing job. Again, the loss of income was difficult, but more than that, I no longer had any job. What on earth was I supposed to do with myself all day now?

HIGH: Without any job, I now have all the time in the world to devote to writing!

LOW: Without any job, I have no money to pay for all the expenses that go along with being an Indie author. 

HIGH: I've redeveloped a working relationship with a serial book app and am once again selling licensing rights to my books!

LOW: My cat, Luna, died.

HIGH: We welcomed little Miss Daisy Ray into our home and lives. She's been such a bright spot in an otherwise lackluster year. 

HIGH: I went on vacation with my girls to Georgia, which despite all the problems we encountered, it was so much fun! I loved the aquarium and the Vampire Diaries Tour. 

HIGH: I read a lot more this year than many years before, and I've discovered a new-to-me genre that I'm obsessed with: Romantasy! My complete list is below.

HIGH: I finally managed to get my husband a French bulldog, which is a breed he's wanted for so long! This is Biskit, and he's 9 weeks old. He's got the attitude of a big dog in the body that right now is literally smaller than our cats. lol. 

So, like I said, 2024 wasn't all terrible, but you'll notice that I don't have many highs that involve writing or publishing. That's because I did very little of that this past year. I used to keep track of all my daily word counts, hours I spent writing, etc. I stopped doing that mid-year, and it was one of the best things I could've done for myself. And this leads into my non-plans for 2025...

In 2025, I have only one goal: 

FIND JOY !

This is how I plan to do that:

1. I'm not going to set a bunch of goals because I know they will only stress me out. 

2. I'm not going to worry about tracking my every moment and word written because that just makes me feel bad when I have days where I can't or don't want to do anything. 

3. I'm not going to berate myself for not writing or for choosing to spend the day doing self-care. Instead, I will live in the moment. 

4. I'm not going to force my muse. I know what personally sells for me in terms of what I write and publish. What sells doesn't necessarily align with what I want to write on any given day. So, instead of making myself write what sells, I'm going to let my muse lead me. 

5. I'm not going to be a prisoner to technology. I will spend less time on social media and more time doing the things I enjoy. 

As promised, here's my complete reading list for 2024:

• The Game by Linsey Miller
• Little Monsters by Kara Thomas
• Pestilence (The Four Horsemen, #1) by Laura Thalassa
• War (The Four Horsemen, #2) by Laura Thalassa
• Famine (The Four Horsemen, #3) by Laura Thalassa
• Death (The Four Horsemen, #4) by Laura Thalassa
• Killer Content by Kiley Roache
• Lost in Michigan, Volume 3 by Mike Sonnenberg
• Kingdom of the Wicked by Keri Maniscalo
• Quarantine #1: The Loners by Lex Thomas
• Quarantine #2: The Saints by Lex Thomas
• Quarantine #3: The Burnouts by Lex Thomas
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Two Degrees by Alan Gratz
• Landry Park by Bethany Hagen
• Truth or Dare by L.L. Hunter
• Ever (The Ever Trilogy #1) by Jessa Russo
• Evade (The Ever Trilogy #2) by Jessa Russo
• Entwined (The Ever Trilogy #3) by Jessa Russo
• City of Bones (Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare
• No Escape by Maren Stoffels
• City of Ashes (Mortal Instruments #2) by Cassandra Clare
• Lying in the Deep by Diana Urban
• Room Service by Maren Stoffels
• Fright Night by Maren Stoffels
• The Cousins by Karen M. McManus
• The Stranded by Sarah Daniels
• The Girl Who Lived by Christopher Greyson
• Rhapsodic (Bargainer Series #1) by Laura Thalassa
• A Strange Hymn (Bargainer Series #2) by Laura Thalassa
• The Emperor of Evening Stars (Bargainer Series #3) by Laura Thalassa
• Dark Harmony (Bargainer Series #4) by Laura Thalassa
• The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
• To Kill a Shadow by Katherine Quinn
• 49 Miles Alone by Natalie D. Richards
• Last One to Die by Cynthia Murphy
• Come Out, Come Out, Whatever You Are by Kathryn Foxfield

So, how was your 2024? 

And what are you goals and dreams for 2025? 

How to Create Deep Point of View in Writing: 5 Sensory Tips for Immersive Storytelling

As someone who is heavily involved in books, from writing them to editing them to reading them, I have a lot of opinions on certain things. As an editor, one of my most left comments for authors is: Go deeper. How does this make your character feel? 

But, what exactly, do I mean by that? Usually I'm telling authors to show something rather than telling it to the reader. But more than that, I'm pushing authors to use more vivid language, to draw on the five senses to bring the story to life. 

How does an author do that effectively without falling into the trap of relying on telling and distancing words? Well, I'm glad you asked! Because today I'm sharing five tips for using sensory details to create a vivid and immersive deep point of view.

1. Show, Don’t Tell with Visual Descriptions

When it comes to creating a deep POV, showing rather than telling is key. Instead of simply stating that a character is in a beautiful place, describe what they see in rich detail. Think about when you're in a new place for the first time? What do you notice? How does that impact your impression of the place?

"The garden was beautiful and full of flowers.”

“Vibrant blooms of crimson and gold cascaded over the trellises in the garden, while sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting a mosaic of shadows on the cobblestone path.”

Tip: Focus on specific details that your character would notice. If your characters hates being outside, then their portrayal of the garden will be much different than a character who finds beauty in nature. It's these small, vivid details that help paint a picture in the reader’s mind, making the scene more immersive.

2. Immerse with Sounds

Sound can be a powerful tool in creating a deep POV, allowing readers to ‘hear’ the world your characters inhabit. In fact, auditory details can help ground the reader in the moment and make them feel like they are in the story with your character. 

“It was loud and noisy.” 

“The market buzzed with the chatter of haggling vendors, the clink of coins, and the distant wail of a baby. Rickety cart wheels squeaked incessantly along the path.”

Tip: Think about the layers of sound in a scene. Is there a background hum, like the distant roar of traffic or the soft rustling of leaves? Or is there a more immediate noise that dominates the scene? Like a horn blaring or the sounds of a rock concert. 

3. Evoke Memories and Emotions with Smell

Smell is one of the most evocative senses, often linked to memory and emotion. Incorporating scents into your writing can trigger an emotional response in your readers and deepen their connection to the story. This is probably one of the trickiest senses to incorporate without falling back on those pesky telling / distancing phrases. 

“The kitchen smelled good.”  

“The warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filled the kitchen, reminding her of holidays spent with her grandmother.”

Tip: Use smells to evoke past experiences and emotions in your characters. A sudden whiff of perfume might remind a character of a lost love, or the scent of rain on asphalt could bring back memories of childhood summers. 

4. Bring Taste to Life

While taste might not be relevant in every scene, when it is, it can be a powerful way to create a deep POV. Describing taste can transport readers directly into your character’s experience.

“The soup was delicious!” 

“The rich, savory broth warmed her from the inside out, with hints of garlic and thyme dancing on her tongue.”

Tip: Be specific about flavors and the sensations they create. Is something tangy, bitter, sweet, or spicy? Does the taste linger or leave a sudden burst of flavor? Taste is especially important when creating fantasy worlds where foods are different from the contemporary world. 

5. Ground Your Characters with Touch

Touch can convey a lot about a character’s environment and their emotional state. Describing textures and physical sensations can help to ground readers in the scene and make them feel what the character is feeling. But the key here is to make the touch count. Don't show a character touching something just because. Make sure there's a reason behind it. 

“The bed was comfortable.” 

“She sank into the soft, downy mattress, the cool silk sheets soothing against her sunburnt skin.”

Tip: Think about how textures and temperatures affect your characters. Is the air humid and oppressive, or crisp and refreshing? Is the surface rough, smooth, sticky, or slick? But more importantly, HOW does this affect your character? 

I've often asked authors if they've ever read a book that they liked but didn't really connect with on a deeper level. That book that you finish and then promptly forget. And the answer is always inevitably yes. 

I firmly believe the reason for this is a lack of deep POV. If you're not fully immersed within the story and the characters, they won't leave a lasting impression, which is why utilizing the five senses is so critical. You want to make your readers see, feel, hear, taste, and touch everything that your characters do. 

Do you have any tips you'd add to this list? 

Any dos and don'ts you abide by when writing? 

Share them in the comments!

The Resurgence of Blogging: How to Thrive in a Video-Dominated World

Back when I first started in this industry more than a decade ago, blogging was just becoming popular. The experts unanimously declared that you couldn't be a successful author without a blog. Blogs were all the rage. Everyone was engaged in guest posts, interviews, book reviews, blog hops, and monetization. Whenever you needed information, you’d Google it, and a billion and one blogs would pop up!

In the early 2010s, the blogosphere was a bustling metropolis of creativity and information sharing. Bloggers were the influencers of the day, crafting long-form content that resonated with readers across the globe.  Almost daily there was a new blog popping up, and the excitement surrounding new templates and designs was a really fun time. 

According to Technorati’s 2013 Digital Influence Report, blogs were among the top five sources of trustworthy information for consumers, with 31% of online users finding blogs credible. The personal touch and in-depth insights provided by bloggers made them a reliable source for niche interests and expert opinions.

However, somewhere along the way, blogs began to fade. I'm not exactly sure when or why, but I’ve seen a lot of successful bloggers step away. Blogs that were once "the spot" to be are no longer active. Nowadays, everyone is saying you need to be on YouTube, TikTok, or doing a podcast if you want to be successful.

But is that really true? I'm not so sure. Yes, if video content is your thing, then go do it and have fun! But if you're anything like me, you prefer the safety of the keyboard rather than the spotlight of the camera. Surely, there's still a place for us bloggers, right?

In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards visual and audio content. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and podcasts have exploded in popularity. A study by Cisco predicted that by 2022, online videos would make up more than 82% of all consumer internet traffic, 15 times higher than it was in 2017. 

The ease of consumption and the engaging nature of videos have contributed to this shift. Podcasts have also seen a surge, with Edison Research reporting in 2020 that 37% of Americans aged 12 and older listen to podcasts monthly, up from 24% in 2017.

Despite the rise of these new media forms, my recent experience has given me hope that blogging as a creative art form isn’t as dead as I thought (and as everyone says). Last year, I participated in the Back-to-School Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt, a blog hop where readers would hop from one blog to the next, gathering clues to complete a phrase that would then enter them into a drawing for several prizes.

I’ll admit that when I joined, it was out of nostalgia for the good old days when these were so popular, but I really didn’t expect much. However, I’ve never been happier to be wrong!

That single post garnered upward of 500 views, 50-ish comments, and I gained quite a few new newsletter subscribers. I also saw an uptick in downloads of my first book, Eternal Curse, which is permanently free. For me, this was extremely successful and very reminiscent of years ago when these types of promotions were so popular.

This experience has reinforced my belief that there is still a place for bloggers. I, for one, am not giving up on mine. In fact, I'm re-devoting more time and effort to growing this blog. I've set up a regular blogging schedule with helpful, engaging content. 

I know the landscape of blogging has changed, and to still be effective, I need to keep adapting as well. But I'm hopeful for the future, which isn't an either or. Blogging shouldn't be competing with video or audio platforms but enhancing those. Just like there's enough room for every author and book, there's enough room for all types of content platforms! 

What do you think is the future of blogging? Is there still a place for it? 

Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments!

Mastering Co-Authoring: 10 Essential Tips for a Successful Writing Partnership

For anyone who has followed me on social media, you'll know I've been heavily involved in co-authoring throughout the years. I've had 3 different co-authors, and I'm sure I'll have others in the future. In fact, my alter-ego (Lexi Lawton) is in the early stages of planning a co-authored series. People are constantly asking me how it works and what the process is like. So, I decided it was time to share the secrets of my success.

Like everything else with writing, your mileage may vary and no two authors will do things the same. These are just my personal tips and experiences, but I hope they'll help if you plan to embark on a co-author journey. 

So, how have I managed to co-write so many books with different authors? Without wanting to rip our hair out, scream at each other, scrap the project, and give up on writing for the rest of our lives? Here are my top 10 tips for co-writing a book successfully:

1. COMMUNICATE

Communication is crucial. If you and your co-author can't or won't talk to each other, the project is doomed from the start. Talk often and about everything, even things unrelated to the book. Building a strong friendship is key to a smooth collaboration. Even after the projects are done and we've parted ways, I'm still good friends with my co-authors. We check in routinely and support one another.

2. NEGOTIATE

Disagreements are inevitable. Be prepared to negotiate and find compromises. During the editorial process for DANGEROUS LOVE, there was a scene where Dr. Parker falls to his knees. Our editor and Jody felt it was too much and should be removed. I defended the scene initially but eventually compromised, making the scene stronger as a result.

3. ESTABLISH EXPECTATIONS

Every author has their own processes and work speeds. Discuss and set reasonable expectations. If one author is more available, adjust the workload accordingly. For example, while writing INFERNO with David, he wrote most of the first draft due to my other commitments. To balance things out, I handled writing the query letter, synopsis, and a bulk of the edits.

4. CHECK YOUR EGO AT THE DOOR

There's no room for egos in a partnership. Believe in your writing, but be open to suggestions and changes from your co-author. Initially, it might sting, but it will result in a more cohesive and well-written story. And always remember that you're working with your co-author because you (hopefully) enjoy their writing, their personality, and you respect them as a fellow writer. You both have the same end-goals in mind. 

5. PLAN THOROUGHLY

Before you start writing, plan your book in detail. Outline the plot, develop your characters, and decide on the structure. This reduces misunderstandings and keeps both authors aligned. Personally, I am not a planner. I much prefer to just jump in and start writing. This is the reason I find it so easy to co-write with Rosie Somers. She loves to plot and plan, so we brainstorm together, but then she organizes all of it, and I can dive into the actual writing. 

6. DIVIDE RESPONSIBILITIES

Clearly define who is responsible for what. Whether it's writing specific chapters, handling research, or managing edits, having defined roles prevents overlap and ensures accountability. It also helps in leveraging each author's strengths. (See tip number 5 above!) Most importantly is to be realistic with this aspect. I cannot stress that enough. Don't commit to doing something you know you can't do. Whether that's writing about a topic you know nothing about or writing a set amount of words each day. Do what you know you can do, and when you can't meet your agreed upon responsibilities, communicate that with your co-author.  

7. USE COLLABORATIVE TOOLS

Leverage technology to your advantage. Tools like Google Docs, Trello, or Scrivener allow real-time editing and tracking progress. These tools help keep everything organized and accessible to both authors at all times. Personally, for every co-author project I've ever worked on, we've always used Google Docs. It's free and very easy to use, and I like that you can organize everything into neat little folders. 

9.  RESPECT EACH OTHER'S WRITING STYLES

Every author has a unique voice and style. Respect and embrace these differences. Instead of trying to blend them into one, use them to create a richer, more diverse narrative. For example, if you're writing a dual POV story, let each writer take on a single POV, which can serve to make each character voice different and unique. I co-write a book with Rosie Somers (currently unpublished) where each chapter is a letter of eulogy, and we took turns writing those so each letter / character had a distinct voice. 

9. BE OPEN TO FEEDBACK

Constructive criticism is vital for growth. Be open to feedback from your co-author and willing to provide it as well. But do so from a place of genuineness. Offer feedback because you think it will improve the story, not because you feel your way is better. Be willing to listen to your co-author's thoughts on whatever feedback you provide and then be willing to negotiate as needed. The most important part of his is to think about how you'd feel. If your co-author approached you a certain way, how would you feel and react? If the answer is not good, then think about that when providing feedback. Do so in a way that's constructive, helpful, and open for discussion.

10. HAVE FUN!

Writing with another person requires patience and flexibility. If you can manage it, have fun! Brainstorm crazy ideas, laugh about them, joke about mistakes, and congratulate each other on breakthroughs. Because at the end of the day, if you're not having fun, then why are you doing it? Embrace and enjoy the process, and if you find it's not working, take a step back and reevaluate. 

Writing a book is often a solitary experience. Sharing the process with someone else can be nerve-wracking and terrifying, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Co-authoring has allowed me to make wonderful friends and create books I'm proud of. By following these tips, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable co-writing experience.

So, if you're considering co-authoring, go for it! Embrace the challenge, enjoy the process, and create something extraordinary together.

Have you ever co-authored a book? What did your process look like? 

Do you have any other tips to add? 

Share your thoughts in the comments!

10 Essential Tips for Effective World Building in Fiction: Create a Compelling and Immersive Setting

 

Regardless of what genre you write, you will always need to do some form of worldbuilding, because each setting (even if it's our contemporary world) needs rules and laws and the culture that's unique to your book and characters. 

Creating a vivid and compelling world can be difficult though. The environment, culture, politics, and history of your world can all impact your characters and the story. Here are ten tips to help you build a strong, believable world that stands in the way of what your hero or heroine wants.

1. Develop a Detailed Environment

Your world’s environment shapes every aspect of your story. Consider the setting—is it isolated or connected to other places? Think about the flora and fauna, the climate, and the population density. Even if these details don't appear directly in your story, having a clear understanding of them will make your world more immersive.

2. Create a Complex Religious Landscape

Religion can deeply influence the morals, politics, and daily lives of your characters. Consider whether your world has one dominant religion or multiple conflicting ones. How do these beliefs affect the characters' decisions and the society as a whole? Is there a connection between religion and politics?

3. Define Family Structures and Social Roles

Family dynamics and social roles can add depth to your world. Consider the rules of marriage (polygamy, arranged, or free choice), the structure of families (nuclear or extended), and the roles of men, women, and children. These elements can create societal norms and personal conflicts for your characters.

4. Determine the Level of Technology

The level of technology in your world will impact everything from daily life to major conflicts. Is your world in a hunting/gathering stage, post-apocalyptic, contemporary, or futuristic? The technology available can influence the types of problems your characters face and the solutions they can devise.

5. Create a Believable Language System

Language is a powerful tool in world-building. You can create your own language or use an established one, but remember to make it relatable and not overly complex for readers. Specialized language and cursing can reveal what is sacred or taboo in your world.

6. Establish a Robust Economy

The state of your world’s economy will affect the livelihood of your characters. Consider whether the economy is healthy or struggling, the types of jobs available, and the age of the workforce. Economic conditions can be a source of conflict and motivation in your story.

7. Outline the Political System

Politics can add a layer of complexity to your world. Is your world governed by a democracy, anarchy, dictatorship, monarchy, or communism? The political system can shape the characters’ lives, influence the plot, and create obstacles for the protagonist.

8. Use Prologues Sparingly

While prologues can be useful, they should be used sparingly. Avoid omniscient points of view, dreams, flashbacks, myths, or celestial explanations. If a prologue is necessary, ensure it adds significant value to the story without overwhelming the reader with information.

9. Avoid Info Dumps

Introducing characters and backstory gradually can keep your readers engaged. Don’t halt the story to provide extensive backstory. Weave it in naturally through dialogue and narrative. Starting your story in the right place helps avoid the need for excessive backstory.

10. Start Your Story in the Right Place

Beginning your story at the correct moment is crucial. Define what is normal in your world before introducing chaos. This gives readers a reason to care about the characters and the world they inhabit.

Creating a world that stands in the way of what the hero or heroine wants is a powerful storytelling technique. The environment, societal norms, political systems, and other world-building elements can all present obstacles and conflicts for your protagonist.

Imagine a heroine in a dystopian society where strict family structures and oppressive politics dictate her every move. Her goal might be to escape or change the system, but the world’s deeply ingrained norms and powerful leaders stand in her way. Each element of the world—the harsh environment, the scarcity of resources, the rigid social hierarchy—can be used to create tension and drive the story forward.

By meticulously crafting each aspect of your world, you can create a rich, immersive setting that not only enhances your story but also challenges your characters, making their journey more engaging and rewarding for readers.

What tips do you have for building an effective and engaging fictional world?

Fall Reading List: Must-Read Thrillers and Horror Books for Spooky Season

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Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the cooler weather, the leaves changing colors, apple season, and of course, SPOOKY SEASON! As usual, I'll be reading lots of thrillers, horror, and all-around weird books. Here's what's on my to-be-read list for this fall:

1. The Bargainer Series by Laura Thalassa

2. The Harbinger Series by Jennifer Armentrout 

3. Crowns of Nyaxia Series by Carissa Broadbent

4. The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward

5. Come Out, Come Out Whatever You Are by Kathryn Foxfield

I'm sure I'll end up adding more books to this list as the months progress, and as my reading mood changes, so will my book choices. But one thing that won't change is my need to read spooky books this time of year.

What's on your upcoming reading list? 

What books are you most looking forward to reading this fall?

Transform Your Communication: 5 Essential Tips for Mastering Public Speaking

As authors, we will all eventually have to speak in public. Whether that's doing a live reading, being interviewed, or speaking to people at a book signing, it's an inevitable reality for most of us. 

And it can be terrifying! 

However, public speaking is an essential skill that can significantly impact your personal and professional life. Whether you’re addressing a large audience at a conference, pitching to an agent or editor, or even just having a conversation with a friend, effective communication is key. 

So, I've compiled five essential tips to help you master the art of public speaking.

1. MAKE A STRONG FIRST IMPRESSION

First impressions are crucial. You never get a second chance to make a first impression, so it's important to make it count. 

• Dress Appropriately: Your appearance can set the tone for your interactions. Dressing appropriately for the occasion shows respect for your audience and boosts your confidence. Don't forget other personal hygiene, too: clean shaven, bathed, hair combed / styled. 
  
  
• Confidence is Key: Walk with confidence. A firm handshake, a warm smile, and good posture can make a significant difference in how you’re perceived. Remember: You belong there! That saying, "Fake it until you make it" rings true here. 
  
  
• Start Strong: Begin with a powerful opening statement or an interesting story. Capturing your audience’s attention from the beginning is vital.

2. DEVELOP YOUR SPEAKING SKILLS

Effective public speaking requires a combination of vocal techniques and engaging delivery. 

• Project Your Voice: Speaking from your diaphragm rather than your throat ensures that your voice is strong and clear. Take a deep breath and project from your gut. Be loud but don't scream. 
  
  
• Eye Contact: Making eye contact with your audience helps to create a connection and makes them feel included and engaged. If this is difficult, then choose one person in the audience who looks friendly, and make eye contact with them while sweeping your gaze around the room at others.
  
  
• Embrace a Persona: Don’t be shy! Adopt a confident "public speaking" persona. Pretend you're an actor playing a role if that helps.
  
  
• Control Your Pitch and Pace: Keep your pitch friendly and welcoming. Use pauses effectively – count to three in your head before continuing if you need to gather your thoughts. This will come across as thoughtful, not hesitant. Speaking too fast will make it difficult for your audience to understand you. Speaking too slowly will give the impression you have no idea what you're talking about. 
  
  
• Positive Body Language: Your body language speaks volumes. Always be approachable. Open gestures, standing tall, and moving with purpose can all enhance your message. Smiling is always an easy way to show that you're open to conversation, approachable, and friendly. 

3. UNDERSTAND YOUR AUDIENCE

Understanding and connecting with your audience is essential for effective communication. You don't want to talk about vampire fiction to an audience of literary critics. Or poetry to toddlers.  

• Everyone is an Audience: Whether you’re speaking to one person or a thousand, treat every interaction with the same level of importance. An audience of one is still an audience.
  
  
• Every Interaction is Practice: Use daily interactions as opportunities to practice your public speaking skills. From giving directions to chatting with a cashier, every conversation is a chance to hone your craft.

4. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!

The key to becoming a great public speaker is practice. And yes, I know some of the below tips can be awkward, but wouldn't you rather be awkward in private rather than in front of an audience of strangers? 

• Out Loud, Not in Your Head: Practicing out loud helps you get used to the sound of your voice and the flow of your speech. It also helps you work out any kinks in your delivery.
  
  
• Use a Mirror: Practicing in front of a mirror allows you to see your facial expressions and body language. It’s a great way to ensure you’re presenting yourself effectively.
  
  
• Record Yourself: Recording your practice sessions can provide valuable feedback. Listen to how you sound and watch how you move. Make adjustments as needed.
  
  
• Seek Feedback: Don’t be afraid to ask friends, family, or colleagues for feedback. Constructive criticism can help you improve.

5. OVERCOME ANXIETY

Feeling nervous before a speech is normal. Rather than try to ignore this feeling, embrace it and learn to manage it as best you can. 

• Preparation is Key: The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel. Know your material inside and out. Don't be afraid to bring note cards if doing so will make you feel more confident and less nervous.
  
  
• Visualization: Visualize yourself giving a successful speech. Imagine the positive reactions from your audience.
  
  
• Breathing Techniques: Deep breathing exercises can help calm your nerves. Take slow, deep breaths before and during your speech.
  
  
• Positive Affirmations: Remind yourself of your strengths and past successes. Positive self-talk can boost your confidence. Ask a friend or relative to help boost your confidence and lessen your nerves with a pep talk. 
  
  
• Focus on the Message: Shift your focus from yourself to the message you’re delivering. Remember, it’s not about you, it’s about the value you’re providing to your audience. For authors specifically, we're usually speaking to fellow book lovers, so you've already got that connection with your audience. So, do what you do best and talk about your book!

Public speaking is a skill that can be developed with practice and dedication. By making a strong first impression, honing your speaking skills, understanding your audience, practicing regularly, and managing anxiety, you can become a confident and effective public speaker. Remember, every interaction is an opportunity to improve, so embrace every chance to speak with confidence and clarity. And let's be honest, when we encounter fellow book lovers, the speaking comes naturally. 

What tips and tricks do you have for public speaking?