Randy A Brown

Author: Randy A Brown

  • Niche Site Duel 2.0

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    Non-fiction writers often write for specific niche’s. For this reason, many non-fiction authors run niche sites. To help me choose niche’s, and maybe even start my own niche site, I’ve decided to join Pat Flynn’s Niche Site Duel 2.0. The project will take you through choosing a niche, building a site around it, and make a nice passive income. This is an awesome project that I recommend trying. Even if you’re not interested in running a niche site, choosing a niche is still an important decision for non-fiction writers. You never know, you might end up with a nice passive income, but more importantly, you will learn a lot in the process.

    For more information see: Niche Site Duel 2.0.

  • My Influences – Authors

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    There are many authors that have inspired me in my writing over the years. Here’s a short list of some that come to mind in no particular order.

    Isaac Asimov

    I loved the I Robot short stories when I was a teen.

    J. R. R. Tolkien

    Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit are some of my favorites books for several reasons. I love the world-building, the characters, the good vs bad choices that characters have to face.

    H. G. Wells

    The Time Machine and War of the Worlds are timeless.

    Orson Scott Card

    I like Card’s work, like Ender’s Game, because it’s easy to follow and keeps my attention. What I like the most about Card though is his book How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy. This book game me the tools I needed to build an entire world and fill it with characters.

    Hannah C Brown

    Hannah’s my daughter. She’s been a story-teller ever since she could talk and a writer ever since she first learned to use a keyboard. Her fairy tale retellings are hilarious and I can’t wait to see them in print. She’s very inspiring.

    Robert Jordan

    Jordan’s Wheel of Time series is epic. What’s really cool is that he was able to keep the epicness going for 10+ books. That’s inspiring. I like his settings.

    R A Salvatore

    Salvatore has the world settings that I like. I also like the monsters and creatures; and the characters.

    Agatha Christy

    She’s simply brilliant. I love the way she intermingles clues throughout the story and I still miss who done it. All of the clues are there, with no information held back.

    Terry Brooks

    I like the settings of the Shannara series.

    Terry Goodkind

    The Sword of Truth series has interesting characters and settings.

    Jules Verne

    Verne writes long journeys and the story is as much about the journey as it is the destination.

    Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

    Sherlock Holmes and The Lost World are awesome.

    Robert E. Howard

    I like the settings in the Conan series.

    The Bible

    I can’t talk about writers and stories without talking about the ultimate writer and story. The Bible is filled with stories of struggles and war, trials and troubles, champions and overcomers, visions, dreams, prophecies, kings, peasants, slaves, archaeology, history, builders, creation, science, love, songs and wisdom, devotion and strength, and much, much more. The Bible is rich with ideas for characters and plot, and is great for all levels of story-building.

     

    This is just a quick list. There are many others I could mention. I don’t necessarily like everything an author writes- I’m just focusing on influence. Who are your influences?

  • The Creative Penn

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    It can be difficult to get motivated to write. It can also be discouraging when you think about the odds of becoming a published author. To help me with these issues, I’ve been listening to the podcast at The Creative Penn (http://www.thecreativepenn.com/podcasts/). The Creative Penn podcast is from Joanna Penn and available on her website TheCreativePenn.com. Joanna interviews authors, publishers, editors, and just about anybody else in the publishing industry. She also gives many tips on writing, publishing, and marketing. Her site and her podcast are great for a boost of positive thinking and I find her tips invaluable. Thank you Joanna!

    You can find her site here:

    Homepage – http://www.thecreativepenn.com/

    Blog – http://www.thecreativepenn.com/blog/

    Podcasts – http://www.thecreativepenn.com/podcasts/

  • Using Bing for Inspiration

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    Writing can become stale if authors use the same tired locations and descriptions too many times. Readers like to be taken to new places, but it can sometimes be difficult to dream up new landscapes, cityscapes, animals, settings, etc. Rather than just looking at specific pictures online, which tends to propagate ‘sameness’, sometimes a writer needs to be inspired by something a little more random. One trick I’ve used for a fresh shot of inspiration is Bing.com. Bing shows a new photo every day. Sometimes there’s nothing there to spark the imagination, but sometimes you might find a real gem in a landscape, or animal, or even a tree. One thought can then lead to another… and you never know what it might turn into.

    Check out today’s photo at Bing.com

  • Outlining your Book

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    Whether I’m writing fiction or non-fiction, I always write an outline for my book. There are many methods for outlining. Here’s a quick overview of my method.

    For nonfiction I write all the major points that I want to make. I arrange the points in the order I want to cover them. This is the sequence that I want my book to follow. Then, I write some information about each point. Each of these points becomes a chapter and the information becomes a summary. When I write the chapter I use the summary to make sure that I’ve covered all the points.

    For fiction I write all the major ideas and events that I want to happen. Then I arrange them in the order I want them to happen. Once I have the major outline I start writing more detail about the events. These become my synopsis of each chapter, which builds a synopsis of the book. When I’m writing the book I refer back to the outline and synopsis and this helps keep my thoughts straight and keeps me from having a character in two places at once (that can be embarrassing).

    Here are a few tips on outlining:

    The more detail the better.

    Use the outline to find plot holes, contradictions, repeat information, good flow, etc.

    Use the outline to pitch the book or story idea.

    Don’t be afraid to change it.

    Well that’s my very brief overview of my outlining practices. Do you outline? If so, what are your outlining methods?

  • Writing as a Hobby

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    I love writing. Many people like the idea of writing, but don’t pursue writing because they think they can never be published. Well, in today’s publishing world self-publishing is easier than ever because of ereaders like the Kindle and nook, and the ease of creating PDF’s, etc. Practically anyone can self-publish, but – publishing doesn’t have to be the only reason to write. Writing is a great creative outlet. I almost always have a story idea bugging that just won’t leave me alone. Writing is a worthy hobby because it’s fun, creative, and helps keep your mind sharp.

    One excuse I hear from would-be writers that are considering self-publishing is that they couldn’t make a living with it. That might be true, but even that’s OK. Selling even a single copy can be fun and make a difference for someone. It’s OK to not sell tons of copies if you enjoyed the writing process. Writing is the fun part. Even if there’s no icing on the cake with millions of sells, writing is still worth doing.

    Writing is free. Many hobbies cost lots of money. Some only have a cost of supplies. If you have a computer, then writing is basically free. Of course there’s the cost of electricity and wear and tear on the computer, but that’s really negligible.

    The main reason to write is because you enjoy it. Writing is a great hobby and I encourage everyone to give it a try.

  • What I’m Working On

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    I like to write both fiction and non-fiction. I’m currently working on several books in several categories. I plan to release them all on Kindle.

    Non-Fiction
    My non-fiction work is mostly Christian based. I’m almost done with a Bible marking guide. This one should be available soon. After that I will have several other books about the Bible and Bible study including journaling, Bible study how-to, and a few commentaries.

    Fiction
    I enjoy writing all types of fiction. I have too many fiction stories started, but I’m currently working on a fantasy adventure. I’ve plotted out most of the story and written over 1100 words of the first chapter.

    I’m considering releasing it one chapter at a time like an ongoing serial. It could go on for one year, giving me 12 chapters to write. I have 9 chapters plotted so far. One reason I like the serial idea is that it brings results quicker. I could see something completed every month and have a feeling of accomplishment. This helps keep me motivated and focused. If it takes me too long, I tend to get sidetracked and never finish. A serial would work like a comic book. I haven’t decided yet, but I’ll keep you posted.

  • Welcome

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    Welcome to my writer’s blog. This site will contain my thoughts on writing and news about my books.

  • Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World [Kindle Edition]

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    I am currently reading Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World by Michael Hyatt. It looks to be a great book for entrepreneurs and is currently on sale at Amazon. Here’s the description from Amazon:

     

    Michael Hyatt, one of the top business bloggers in the world, provides down-to-earth guidance for building and expanding a powerful platform.

    To be successful in the market today, you must possess two strategic assets: a compelling product and a meaningful platform. In this step-by-step guide, Michael Hyatt, former CEO and current Chairman of Thomas Nelson Publishers, takes readers behind the scenes, into the new world of social media success. He shows you what best-selling authors, public speakers, entrepreneurs, musicians, and other creatives are doing differently to win customers in today’s crowded marketplace. Hyatt speaks from experience. He writes one of the top 800 blogs in the world and has more than 100,000 followers on Twitter. His large and growing platform serves as the foundation for his successful writing, speaking, and consulting practice.

    In Platform, Hyatt will teach readers not only how to extend their influence, but also how to monetize it and build a sustainable career. The key? By building a platform. It has never been easier, less expensive, or more possible than right now. . .  The book includes:

    • proven strategies
    • easy-to-replicate formulas
    • practical tips

    Social media technologies have changed everything. Now, for the first time in history, non-celebrities can get noticed—and win big!—in an increasingly noisy world.

    Endorsements:

    “I’ve known Michael Hyatt for more than a decade, and during thattime I’ve seen him master just about every social media platform that’s hit thescene. He’s used blogging, Facebook, Twitter and more to expand his personalplatform from a successful book publisher to a leading national brand of hisown. Trust me, this guy knows what he’s talking about—so pay attention!” —DAVE RAMSEY, New York Times Best-selling Author, Host, “The Dave Ramsey Show”

    “A generous book from a man who knows what he’s talking about.Michael Hyatt has built a platform, and you can too.” —SETH GODIN, New York TimesBest-selling Author, We Are All Weird

    “Platform is absolutely essential to delivering value. As a big fanof Michael Hyatt, I’m excited he’s sharing this with you. Your job? Learn aboutthis and implement it. Your success depends on it.” —CHRISBROGAN, President, Human Business Works, New York Times Best-selling Author

    “Michael Hyatt is the authority on creating aplatform in our crowded world, and Platform is the definitive,step-by-step guide to building a platform—from the ground up. If you’re longingto become a true influencer in this world, Hyatt can teach you how. With Platform,Hyatt’s done the near-impossible: create a guide even more useful thanhis wildly popular blog!” —CLAIRE DÍAZ ORTIZ, SocialInnovation, Twitter, Inc.

    “I have watched Michael Hyatt build his own platform from the groundup to become one of the largest in the world. And he has done so with thestrategies and tips he outlines in this very practical book. Any author,speaker, or small business owner who wants a blueprint for getting the attentionand visibility they want, needs to read this book.” —JOHN C. MAXWELL, New York Times Best-sellingAuthor, and Leadership Expert

    “Michael Hyatt is a pioneer in social media who is now generouslysharing his ‘secrets’ with those of us who have been marveling at his successfor many years. Whether you are a seasoned writer, blogger, speaker and socialmedia enthusiast, or just now starting out, this book will help you take thatnext step and begin to build a platform of your own.” —DAN T.CATHY, President & COO, Chick-fil-A, Inc.

    “In today’s world, having an idea isn’t enough to land a book orrecord deal, get a movie made or find funding for your startup.  You needa platform: A connected following that’s ready to try, buy and spread the word.Final…

     

  • How to Discover Best Selling Amazon Kindle Nonfiction Book Ideas [Kindle Edition]

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    How to Discover Best Selling Amazon Kindle Nonfiction Book Ideas is one of the better books about writing and publishing for Kindle. Here’s the description from Amazon:

     

    How To Publish Kindle Books That Actually Sell
    Don’t Waste Months Writing Titles That Nobody Wants…
    ….Learn A Proven System For Discovering Winning Nonfiction eBook Ideas

    Find The Right Market Full Of Ready-To-Buy Amazon Customers

    You’re wasting time listening to the standard advice about Kindle publishing. You can’t write about any topic and expect it will become a best selling eBook. The truth is the Amazon marketplace is full of fickle readers. Most will only read a specific type of nonfiction book. If you’re not writing about these topics then no one is going to buy your book. It’s that simple!

    As an expert on niche research, I know what it takes to find proven, profitable markets. I use four free websites to discover where people are spending money. In my book, I show you these sites. Plus I teach you how to find the right niche that matches your background and personal interests.

    Generate Hundreds Of Book Ideas and Publish Your 1st, 2nd, and 100th Best-Selling Kindle Book

    The key to making a killing on Kindle is to follow a publisher’s model. You don’t succeed with a single title. Your best best is to locate a hidden niche full of hungry buyers who will buy everything you publish. That’s how the top authors really make money with Amazon eBooks.

    My guide details an additional four websites for exploring any market topic. You won’t have to guess what people will buy. Instead you’ll do a special type of research to decipher the language they use and locate the problems they encounter on a daily basis. In addition, you’ll discover the right way to get hundreds of profitable nonfiction book ideas.

    Discover 7 Secrets Of Highly Effective Kindle Authors

    You’ll need the right philosophy to win at the Amazon game. I’ve examined top-selling Kindle authors and discovered they have a specific mindset that leads tohundreds of daily sales. My guide details these 7 “highly effective” secrets and shows how you can adopt these winning habits.

    Use 5 Different Ways To “Hack” Amazon

    All the market research in the world won’t matter if you pick the wrong market. The only way to publish a best-selling book is to know if it’ something Amazon readers will buy. Fortunately I know the secret to determining the profitability of any nonfiction book idea. Specifically I use five tools to “hack” Amazon’s algorithm. You’ll learn:

      1. How to determine the average daily sales of any published title

     

      1. The quickest way to find related books in your marketplace

     

      1. A simple trick for discovering “hidden” book ideas

     

      1. My system for turning an unprofitable idea into a title that readers want

     

      1. How to use the top selling charts to find what’s currently popular in your market.

    There is a goldmine of information on Amazon. You just need the right tools to do the digging. With my “5 Amazon Hacks,” you’ll know…within minutes…if you have a best-selling book idea. Then all you have to do is write and publish your title!

    Would You Like To Know More?

    Get started right away and locate those best-selling nonfiction book ideas.

    Scroll to the top of the page and select the ‘buy button’ now.