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America loves crime — but only in favorite TV shows, movies and books! If you gobble up the work of bestselling authors, could it be time to try your hand at the genre? My Startup Author Hacks title was only the beginning of concise instruction for new and experienced writers. Writing tips are helpful, but learning to create story structure, characters and vivid events will be far more effective. That's why the new addition to the 'Startup' bookshelf is all about crime. Fictional crime. The kind that entertains readers.  Crime becomes you! But ONLY when you write it down. To become a crime writer, you'll need some basic hacks. Some tools that will help you structure your novel, screenplay or short story. Or if you're into True Crime nonfiction, you'll also want some insights into the criminal mind. Look no further than your own being. The 6 Essential Steps are easy to master—if you'll be honest with yourself and make everything about your crime fiction very personal.
By taking simple steps to fully realize the characters and crime in your story, you naturally find a structure for your narration. No, you don't need a template. You need you. Your honesty. Your darkest and smartest thoughts. Your willingness to go there.  Are You Ready to Happen, New Author?
My motto is simple for people who know they want to write but somehow never begin: "Sit down and start up!" Ten minutes a day. That's all it takes to begin a habit. Write one true sentence. Then write a second sentence. Not fancy or profound, but true. DO IT NOW! Download Crime Startup Hacks here!
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Many young Nashville, Austin and Los Angeles recording artists are confident when making a new CD. Yet they balk when asked about writing a book. Instead, they let media write about the early years of success. Many of those magazine and newspaper stories may be very flattering. But do they truly express the artist? Behind-the-scenes feature stories often reveal backstage exploits or realities. Fans love that kind of thing. They want to know what it's like to be a star. Even more, fans want to understand the inner life of the artist, the way he or she lives life off stage. At any point in a career, these are key ingredients for a good book.  Where You Live is Who You AreIf you are a Country artist, where is your base? Nashville--Los Angeles--Austin, Texas? Each of those locations shape an artist. You've chosen that base camp for a reason. Express it in a nonfiction book. Make it a publishing event. Then make it available on your merchandise table. You can do this easily if you control that making and duplication of your title.  Ghostwriter and Publishing ConsultantThese days independently publishing a book is quite easy for musicians, songwriters and performers. The artist takes control of all aspects of the book's theme, content, timetable for publishing and price. My role as ghostwriter includes writing the manuscript and guiding the author -- you, singer-songwriter, blues master or folk singer -- in the design and launch phase.  Use Lyrics, Diaries and Social MediaTo begin, we must define the purpose of your book. Who are you trying to reach? Your fans, of course. But who are they, what are they like? How can you help them? Or merely entertain them? What do they love about your art and performances? Your personal story may guide your book. Chose a period of your life, or a series of events, that profoundly shaped you. Some of your stories will be very moving. We’ll dramatize as best we can, while keeping everything honest and direct. Candor and reliable information wins readers. But some of your experiences may be humorous, romantic or political. You might also build a book from your daily journal, social media, drafts of song lyrics and other sources, including interviews with your ghostwriter. I often conduct interviews over the phone, because artists are on the move, and face-to-face meetings are not always possible. We’ll keep these to about 45 minutes each, so that we both are fresh and focused. The title and subtitle of your book are very important. Review the examples below, and imagine your own titles.  When I Left Home My Story by Buddy Guy and David Ritz Reckless Daughter Portrait of Joni Mitchell by David Yaffe Innocent When You Dream The Tom Waits Reader by Mac Montandon and Frank Black Morning Glory on the Vine Early Songs and Drawings by Joni Mitchell Empire State of Mind How Jay Z Went from Street Corner to Corner Office by Zack O'Malley Greenburg and Steve Forbes Every Night Is Saturday Night A Country Girl's Journey To The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by Wanda Jackson, Scott B. Bomar Like Me Confessions of a Heartland Country Singer by Chely Wright  Have some questions about beginning your music memoir or road trip diary? Contact me for more info about the type of book that makes the best merchandise!
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April 2020
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