How to honor and say thanks to the right people

You’re delirious with happiness. You’ve typed The End. But there is more work to do. We need to remember, someone helped us over the top. 

On the road to success, who helped you? Who encouraged you? There are a lot of people you need to add to the acknowledgment page.

How to master the acknowledgment page like a pro.

I recently had this very discussion with another writer. So, I was so excited to read a couple of good articles, Who Are You Going to Acknowledge in Your Book? By Judith Briles and Write Your Book Acknowledgments (Without Stressing Over It)By Tucker Max that gives us a good guideline.

What I learned from their articles:

  • Don’t get sloppy. People are going to read this page too.
  • Make a list before you start. Hopefully, this will prevent you from forgetting someone.
  • Important first and be specific as to why you are acknowledging them. What did they do to help you?
  • There is a difference in a dedication page and an acknowledgment page.
  • Dedication is short and sweet, usually mentions one or few people. And placed at the front of the book.
  • Acknowledgment is for everyone who helped you get to the end and is at the back of the book. You can mention, friends, family, beta readers, and all of the professionals that contributed to your book. Like designers, writing groups, even you’re babysitter. If you are grateful to someone for their help, add them here.
  • Be sincere, your readers can spot fake. But don’t go on and on either.
  • Unlike the dedication, the acknowledgment section can be as long as you need it to be. You need to find the between style and long-windedness.
  • However, if you don’t want to list each and every person, for fear of missing someone or not getting it right, you can do a blanket thank all type of acknowledgment. The choice is yours.
  • With both the Dedication Page and the Acknowledgment Page, make it personal. Make it readable and let your thankfulness shine through.

My two cents:

  • Unless you are certain they wouldn’t mind. Ask. Ask before you print someone’s name in your book. Even on the acknowledgment page. Better safe than sorry. Plus I think it’s considerate to ask permission.
  • Also, the Acknowledgment Page is optional, not mandatory. However, remember someone helped you finish and publish that book. Say thanks.

Click and read this important post to get it right.

Who Are You Going to Acknowledge in Your Book?

Write Your Book Acknowledgments (Without Stressing Over It)

Tell me…

Do you have an additional tip?

Who did you add to the acknowledgment page of your book?

Who do you think should be acknowledged?

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Do you need a little help describing voice?

How about 240 ways to show a character’s voice?

That’s right 240!

WordItOut descriptive words Jean'sWriting.com

Sometimes writers fall into a rut of using the same descriptive words over and over for our characters. This infographic helps avoid that particular pitfall.

Don’t reach for that thesaurus instead, save this list posted by CHRIS THE STORY READING APE’S BLOG.

Make sure your readers can envision the meaning of a conversation. Remember, readers aren’t psychic. Show them what your characters are implying. 

Some of these suggestions really got me going. I think using some of these descriptive words might help flesh out my characters a little more.

 

To get the entire list click the link below.

240 Words to Describe Someone’s Tone/Voice – Infographic…

What do you think, do you need more spice in the conversations?

Did some of these words give you ideas?

Do let me know!

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Writers, look at the apps I found

Wow! I’ve found another list of apps to help us.

Last week I wrote a post with a lot of helpful apps for writers. Then today I read a terrific article with ten more. Of the ten, I’m familiar with just two!

That’s right eight new apps! 

 

I don’t know about you, but I get excited when I learn about new tools that make my life easier. Whether it’s a light-weight vacuum, a new grill, a beautiful pen, or a new app for writers. Anything that helps my writing, keeps me organized, and on track, is alright with me. 

The two I’ve used before…

The apps from this list I’ve added to my writing aides file are…

  • Piktochart. This looks terrific for PowerPoint presentations, newsletters and graphs.
  • BibMe. I don’t do a lot of bibliographies, but you never know when I might.

Click on the link below and read Derek’s complete list!

Now tell me, which ones are new to you?

Did any of his app list look interesting?

Leave me a comment and share your picks. 

Ten Must-Have Online Writing Tools For Writers By Derek Haines 

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Are you still learning how to write what you mean?

Talking and writing are so different. Saying what you mean and writing what you want to say is not always easy.

So what about an online writing course?

Seems as if there are as many online courses as there are blogs. So how do you pick a good one? They all sound wonderful.

When testimonials and sales pitches hit my inbox, I ooh and ah over them like I’m paging through Neiman’s Christmas catalog.

Here are a few that make me drool:

WOW, Women on Writing, Writers Digest, Udemy, Youtube, and of course there’s Ted Talks. Don’t you just love Ted Talks? Then there are the Universities, online or local.

And I didn’t even try to list all the bloggers who offer classes. I don’t know about you but, I can’t just throw away hundreds of dollars every year. If I bite the bullet and purchase one of the many classes available it sure as hell better be worth the money. Not sure my husband would understand. And pointing out they are tax-deductible only works so many times.

Thanks to Y’all, I do learn something new about writing every day. And, I want to continue to learn and hone my craft. Now retaining all this information is another challenge. But, we’ll talk memory issues another time.

My big fear is that after buying an online course, discover it has little substance and is part of a larger sales pitch. Or the content is too elementary. I mean, Grammarly can pick out spelling errors. Sheesh.

So, back to my questions.

How do you know which one is best? Not just best in content but also best for you?

How do you feel about online courses? 

Have you taken any online courses you loved? Or hated?

Is there one you’d recommend?

What do you look for in a good writing course?

Talk to me, I love your comments.

Please head over and “like” my Facebook page at Facebook at jeanswriting . Or to connect with me, click the “write me” tab. Don’t forget you can follow me on StumbleUpon,  on Twitter @jeancogdell , and Amazon.com.

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