OPTIONAL January 4th IWSG Question: What writing rule do you wish you'd never heard?
Reminder: The questions are optional and meant as a prompt if you struggle with what to post. You don't have to answer a question if you don't want to. :)
At the end of every year I like to provide links and summaries to some of my favorite posts that I shared on my blog. These posts are the ones that got a lot of engagement from readers or was one that I particularly liked because of the information it offered, or because it was simply fun.
Enjoy!
Reminder: The questions are optional and meant as a prompt if you struggle with what to post. You don't have to answer a question if you don't want to. :)
At the end of every year I like to provide links and summaries to some of my favorite posts that I shared on my blog. These posts are the ones that got a lot of engagement from readers or was one that I particularly liked because of the information it offered, or because it was simply fun.
Enjoy!
The best blog post from Write with Fey 2016:
Writing About:
1. A Hostage – A list of things to consider when writing about a character who is a hostage.
2. A Tsunami – This is the disaster for Book 3 of my Disaster
Crimes series, and it was the hardest Writing About post I’ve ever had to
write.
3. Oahu, Hawaii – Tsunami Crimes is set in Hawaii, so I shared 10
things I learned about Hawaii while writing this book.
4. Wrestlers – The most fun characters I’ve ever written
about were wrestlers, because I really got to be creative with their looks and
names.
5. Domestic Violence Awareness – I created this post to create
awareness for domestic violence. I share warning signs and talk about the
different kinds of abuse.
6. Zombies – In this post I shared do’s and dont’s that
zombie fans say can make or break a zombie book.
7. Stalkers – Stalkers are scary. I share tips to remember
if you ever write a story about a character being stalked.
8. Blizzards – What do you need to know if you write about a
blizzard? I offer 10 pointers.
9. Wildfire – I’ve experienced wildfire. In this post, I
share my memories of this disaster.
10. Halloween – This is my favorite holiday! I couldn’t
resist delving into this day with all of its fun. A story set during Halloween
should incorporate at least one of the things I highlight in this post.
Character ER:
1. Body Language – To add depth to a character’s actions and emotions, include body language.
2. Diet and Food – We don’t often think about a character’s diet, but so many people in real life eat special diets.
3. Flaws, Fear, and Weaknesses – Make your characters
realistic by giving them flaws, fears, and weaknesses.
4. Habits and Quirks – Habits and quirks can bring characters to life and make them memorable.
5. Your Character's Pain – We experience physical and emotional pain more often than we’d like. Our characters should experience pain as well.
Marketing:
1. 100 Marketing Tips – Every marketing tactic that I know. Includes a FREE pdf.
2. How to Create a Website – All writers should consider having a website. I provide a list of items that all author websites should have.
3. How to Design a Business Card – I offer steps and tips to help you craft a unique business card.
4. Twitter for Writers – This post includes a list of hashtags all writers should know.
5. Instagram for Writers - 20 Instagram Ideas – Writers can get creative with marketing their books and sharing their writing process on this app.
6. How to Create a Newsletter – A step-by-step guide to creating a newsletter and getting subscribers. Includes a FREE pdf.
Other:
1. Harry Potter Wand Art Project – Do your kids love Harry
Potter? Help them make their own wands!
2. Turtle Bread Recipe – This is a bread in the shape of a
turtle. It’s yummy, and it’s fun to bake with kids.
3. Pine Cone Ornaments – Use these natural decorations as
ornaments around your house or for your Christmas tree.
4. You Might be A Bully If – A list of things that bullies do. If you do any of these, vow to make a change today.
5. I f I were a Mobster – This was my first ever blogfest for 30 Seconds Before. Participants got to turn themselves into Mobsters. It was fun.
6. Homemade Dog Treats Recipe – Last year, I made dog treats for all of my families’ dogs, and they were a hit.
A big thanks to everyone who visits, follows, and comments on my blog. I do all of this for you! Next year, my blog is going to change significantly. There won't be any more posts about writing, publishing, or marketing. But a couple of my monthly planned posts can still help writers. I hope you'll stick around to see what I have in store. :)
Happy Holidays!
XOXO,
Chrys Fey
It must've taken a long tim to pull together all these links in one post! I'm really curious to see which new direction you're taking your blog in next year. I've seen a lot of other writers shifting their blog focus as well, to diversify, stand out from the crowd, and give back to the community.
ReplyDeleteIt did take some time to gather these and write a little something for them.
DeleteYes, I've heard a lot of writers also saying their blog is changing. I guess it's time for change. :)
Remember all the posts indeed at my feed. Change you say? Should be interesting to see what comes to play.
ReplyDeleteAt least one of the post features won't be for everyone, but that's okay.
DeleteNo surprise the 100 Marketing Tips is a popular one.
ReplyDeleteNope, no surprise. ;)
DeleteCurious to see what you're going to do differently. And that will be a cool giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited about the change. I was losing stem with blogging about writing/publishing.
DeleteNo more writing, publishing, marketing posts?! Sounds like the new year is going to bring some big changes around here. :)
ReplyDeleteYup. Pretty big changes. But one feature still discusses those topics...in a way. ;)
DeleteI'll be looking forward to seeing what you have on tap. Cheers.
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
I hope you like the changes.
DeleteOoh, interested to see what you'll be up to next year!
ReplyDeleteI'm really feeling the pressure now. Eek!
DeleteThanks for sharing your top posts. You've written some useful tips in them! The blog hop sounds like it will be fun. I'm sure people will come up with some interesting stories.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Sherry! And thanks! It should be a ton of fun. :)
DeleteI can't wait to see what 2017 brings from your blog Chrys. Thanks for all the post this year and every year. You clearly worked very hard on them.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting more nervous now about my posts. I sure hope they're received well. :) Thanks, Sheena!
DeleteThose were great comments.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteSo many awesome posts! Reading through reminded me I wanted to do the pinecone ornaments with my son. And he just happens to be home sick today... Hehehe.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry he;'s home sick, but hopefully the pinecone ornament project will help him to feel better.
DeleteYou have had some great posts this year! Many I go back to for tip again and again.
ReplyDeleteThat's great to hear, Elizabeth!
DeleteYou posted some good stuff this year! I like your post about flaws. All well-written characters should have flaws, although I find that female characters with flaws tend to be judged more harshly than male characters.
ReplyDeleteFlawed female characters are judged more harshly. That needs to change.
DeleteGreat resource list, chrys. Isn't it stunning how much work you've put into your blog over one year? I'm bookmarking this page for quick access. I look forward to seeing your new blog reveal! Have absolutely loved and appreciated all of your resourceful posts, Chrys!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa! I actually am surprised how much I've put into my blog since I started it. Which is probably why I'm cutting back a little next year. I still hope to provide good, resourceful posts, though. :)
DeleteWow! Now that's an impressive list of excellent posts. Here's to more in the coming year. I look forward to reading them. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteThanks, C Lee! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
DeleteI cam back to wish you the same. Looking forward to sharing more blog fun with you in 2017.
DeleteThat was nice of you. :)
DeleteThanks for the list of links. I'll definitely be checking out some of the posts I haven't seen before. Like many of the other commenters, I'm very curious to see what your blog evolves into next year.
ReplyDeleteI hope you find them useful, Ellen. Thanks for commenting!
DeleteWhat a great idea to share all the best bits from the year in a round up post. Thanks for all the links. Sounds like changes for the new year . . . will look forward to seeing what you will be doing. Happy holidays.
ReplyDeleteI like to do these mashup posts at the end of the year. :) Though I'm not sure if I'll need to next year.
DeleteThanks, Suzanne! Happy Holidays!
You had awesome posts this year. A lot were really helpful. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAnd there's still more not on this list. :)
DeleteWow! Lots of great posts this past year and this is a helpful way to access them. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely curious what direction your blog will be going in 2017. :)
~Jess
You're welcome! I'm excited for my blog next year. I just hope everyone likes the changes. :)
DeleteGood idea. Then you can collect all your year end reviews, keep them together, and you have a blog review just ready and easy.
ReplyDeleteExactly!
DeleteQuite a list. Gotta give me some time to get through it. :)
ReplyDeleteThey will all be here waiting for you, Roberts. :)
DeleteWow! Awesome list! And a great way to remind us of all the posts.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kelly!
DeleteHmm...intriguing, Chrys! I look forward to seeing what the New Year brings for you and your site.
ReplyDelete2017 has to be better than 2016 for all of us, right? Right?
Happy holidays! Wishing you a wonderful season with your loved ones.
I sure hope that 2016 is better for all of us. I am skeptical, though.
DeleteHappy Holidays! I hope you and your loved ones have a blessed season. :)
Much hard work have gone into this most interesting post Chrys. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
You're welcome, Yvonne!
DeleteHi Chrys - love having your blog to hand with all it's useful ideas and thoughts ... inspiring, and much valued. Looking forward to the changes - but I'm happy with all you give us! Good luck with putting things together for 2017 - you're always so well organised ...
ReplyDelete... and thank you for the links - all the best for a very happy Christmas and here's to your (and my) new 2017 - Hilary
Thank you for the confidence, Hilary!
DeleteMerry Christmas! Happy New Year!
You've written a lot of great and informational posts this year, Chrys. Looking forward to your new ideas. Also to the Blog Hop. Have a super week.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Beverly!
DeleteYou sure covered a lot of topics. Thanks for the recap. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
You're welcome, Anna!
DeleteA year-end recap is a great way to gauge the progress of a writer’s journey! This one not only emphasizes your tenacious energy, it highlights your extensive talents and willingness to share – I thoroughly enjoyed every post. And now as I look fondly forward to whatever your creativity bestows you’ve left us in tantalizing suspense not unlike one of those ticklish Christmas pickles! Way to go, lady Chrys ;-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the optimism, Diedre! Your one of my biggest cheerleaders, and I appreciate that. :) Thank you for sticking with my blog and being so nice. :)
DeleteI'm not a writer, but I have to say, the work, "information", you put on your posts is amazing! Can't wait to see what you do next year! Take Care!
ReplyDeleteThank you! That means a lot to me. :)
DeleteHappy Holidays!
such amazing and helpful posts over the year, thank you so much Chrys.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!
DeleteWow, you've been busy! I'm always impressed by the work that goes into all your helpful posts, and I'll look forward to what you have to share next. The blogfest sounds fun - I'll have to have a think about that one.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Nick! It makes me laugh when people say they're impressed. I just do what I do. I like to help. :D
DeleteWe'd all love it if you joined the blogfest. :D
It has been a pleasure reading all your blog posts. I think they are inventive and engaging. This is great blog and wishing you a Happy pre-Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Birgit!
DeleteMerry Christmas!
You've provided a lot of good tips in 2016. Now to go kayaking on Jan. 14 and to ride a big wave back to the island where fresh seafood has been deposited at my doorstep :)
ReplyDeleteMake that Jan. 20
DeleteKayak a tsunami. I like it. :)
Deletegreat references for your best of post!
ReplyDeleteand i will check my calendar for your hop - would love to help out!
ps - thanks for stopping by my Cradle Rock release tour!
merry christmas!
I'd love it if you could participate.
DeleteMerry Christmas!
Ooh, what significant change? I'm very curious now. Thanks for all these wonderful resources, Chrys! A writing advice I don't necessarily agree with is to kill all adjectives. I understand the theory but not "all" right? Adjectives, used well and in the right amount, can still do good for a story.
ReplyDeleteI love adjectives! :D
DeleteI am curious to see what changes the new year brings :)
ReplyDeleteI hope I don't disappoint. :)
DeleteCan't believe 2016 will be over in 10 days. It went by too fast. Thanks for a great year of helpful and educational posts. Looking forward to 2017. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
ReplyDelete2016 really did go by too fast. You're welcome, Lidy!
DeleteHappy Holidays!!! Happy New Year!!!
You always have the greatest content. Thanks for a great year of information!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Loni! And you're welcome!
DeleteI'm bookmarking these, Chrys. Thanks. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteGreat! Merry Christmas, Joylene!
DeleteOoh, since we're kinda new here and we missed a lot we're gonna have to check back through some of these. With that said, you're not allowed to change your blog in any way. Nope, we forbid change.
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
The Guys Who Change Their Blog Like Twice A Year
(PS Hope you have an awesome holiday season!)
Too late. The change is in motion. ;) I hope you both have a great holiday!
DeleteWhat a year! Congrats on all your accomplishments. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lux! Happy New Year!!!
DeleteOoh, that's a great resource. Thanks for collating all those posts. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Deniz! Happy New Year!!!
DeleteI like to do this, too, but usually in January. It's fun to look back over the posts of the year. I'll have to go through and see which of these I missed.
ReplyDeleteI do it for my last post of the year. :) Happy New Year, Shannon!!!
DeleteWishing you a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Nas!!!
DeleteI clicked through a few of your best ofs. Including your post on Oahu which I will be traveling to in the next month and a half. Thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteThat's great! Thank you. I hope you found them useful and/or entertaining. :)
Delete