 There has always been a camaraderie in networking with other authors and writers. I’ve been around a long time now, and it’s just common knowledge that we can all learn from each other. We’re all in this together, we’re all aiming for the same goal, and there is plenty of room for all of us. Right? That’s what…        I am so honored to have award winning author, Melissa Foster guest posting on my blog today. I’ve admired Melissa for a long time, and I’m so blessed to call her friend. Her newest release Come Back To Me, is so beautifully written and such an amazing story of love, hope, courage and strength. It… + 9 comments
November 7, 2011 - 11:34 am
A nice, revealing Post about character-building, and your own thought process. Thank you Melissa for sharing with Nicole and us. I love it when a rich character stays in my head like you describe: while I’m writing a scene or caught up in a great book because the characters are so darn interesting (yes, and especially, even the conniving ones!).
November 7, 2011 - 2:12 pm
Hi Justin, thanks for stopping by and reading the post. I am always amazed at authors who can turn their characters off. I am simply unable to do that and love a book that draws them out long after the last word is read.
November 7, 2011 - 4:27 pm
Good post. My best characters are the ones I bond with, the ones who tell me, “No! I’m not going to do or say that. I’m not who you thought I was.” In fact, if I don’t bond with them, they don’t turn out to be very interesting.
November 7, 2011 - 7:23 pm
Jan, I laughed at that. Yes, if we don’t behave they don’t behave, lol.
November 7, 2011 - 8:16 pm
Thanks for a great post. I never thought of it as “bonding”, but as a writer, you do bond with characters, and it is a wonderful experience.
November 7, 2011 - 10:21 pm
Hi Brandy, I think of characters are real people, so to me, they’re bonds that we build. I’m glad you stopped by for a visit and hope we connect elsewhere, too. Nicole, thank you for hosting me on your blog today. I’ve really enjoyed it and I look forward to many more collaborations. Write on! xo,
November 7, 2011 - 10:34 pm
I would love to read a book of your back stories!
November 8, 2011 - 12:15 am
I most definitely do bond with my characters. That’s why I decided to have open season when it comes to the number of books I intend to publish to my Freedom in Love series. I can foresee it going into, at least, six books but don’t anticipate announcing an end to it any time soon. One more thing: my characters write their own stories. I plan nothing – just go along for the ride. They continue to overwhelm me with the depth of the their feelings and insights. I fear I can’t seem to put my characters to bed. I’ve written about 2000 words this evening and could keep going but I do need to go to bed even if my characters crawl in with me.
November 8, 2011 - 6:41 am
I find characters very hard. I really enjoyed this post. Helpful. Cathy x  Dear Muse, Look here. I am seriously getting annoyed and it only seems to be getting worse. When I said I was going to participate in NaNoWriMo, I meant it. Throwing curve balls in my plans and making unexpected events show up, is not working for me. When I said I was going to win,… + 5 comments
November 6, 2011 - 10:31 pm
Lol! Yeah! Great post as always!
November 6, 2011 - 10:57 pm
May I forward this to my Muse as well? LOL Don’t give up, you can do it!
November 6, 2011 - 11:41 pm
Yeah, would you mind telling your muse to tell my muse to quit partying and screwing around and get her ass back home! I’ve been waiting for a few weeks now, and seriously, I’m going to replace her with a life-sized cardboard cut-out of Edward Cullen! That would at least inspire me to pretend! Ok…going back to my blog now.
November 7, 2011 - 3:18 am
very frustrating i know im in this spot aswell….like i cud kick that muses ass lol…
November 7, 2011 - 6:14 am
Hey Nano girl. I’ve been trying to reach you via email for days about our blog tour today. Can you zip me an email when you have a sec?  I did not write this, but rather stole borrowed it off the NaNo forums a few years ago. It is a compilation of people’s ideas of the various types of people that participate in NaNoWriMo. Too funny! It makes me laugh every year. Sadly, I resembled a few of them in past years. Maybe this year will… + 10 comments
November 1, 2011 - 8:21 am
Oh, I love this! I see myself in several, and am in denial about a few.
November 1, 2011 - 8:25 am
@Lee, I understand completely. They make me laugh every single time I read them.
November 1, 2011 - 8:36 am
Just trying to work out which one I am – mainly a Silent Wrimo, I think, but I might be tempted to do a few word count shouts! Oh, and I’m a procrastinator too (self-evidenced by the fact that I’m leaving a comment here).
November 1, 2011 - 10:37 am
This was surprisingly detailed! By the time I got the end of it, I thought to myself — how much time did I spend on this, that I could have put toward my word count? ; ) LOVE IT!
November 1, 2011 - 11:02 am
Ha! I’m pretty sure I’m one of those “high word count – but not in the novel” types. ;-D
November 1, 2011 - 12:41 pm
This was awesome!
November 1, 2011 - 1:59 pm
This is brilliant! I think I’m a mixture of an ‘Oh wait, I can do it’ wrimo, a Pace yourself wrimo and a Silent wrimo. Haha! Really enjoyed reading this ;D
November 2, 2011 - 11:59 am
I am SO MANY of these! I’m a bit of a speedster, I must say, but I have a ridiculously busy schedule so I’m one of those – can’t remember what it was. And NaNoisms make me laugh so hard. I go online, it’s NaNoWriMo Ate My Soul that’s bookmarked on my computer, and it’s the NaNoisms and the Spork Room that I go to instantly
November 19, 2011 - 4:59 pm
[...] All About Writing – I found Nicole Humphrey Cook via her recent post on different types of Nanoers and stuck around when I discovered she shares some really useful writer’s tips (and is as [...]
December 2, 2011 - 10:22 pm
This made me giggle– I’ve seen some of these guys over the month. That said, I feel suddenly normal now.  I try to post this a few days before NaNoWriMo begins every year, and this year I forgot, but it’s not too late. It might be the day before, but it still will help any new participants. Enjoy! And feel free to add any advice you have in the comments field. National Novel Writing Month… + 5 comments
October 31, 2011 - 7:07 am
I’m not doing NaNoWri, but I love your points. Especially # 1 (yes, it’s all about the fun) and #7. I’m going to querying soon. I’d rather not have to wait even longer for a response because of all the NaNo projects from this year are being queried at the same time. While the queries will also be weak and poorly edited, it still takes time for the agent to read the (or read far enough to know to reject it).
October 31, 2011 - 8:23 am
Great suggestions. Having a writing buddy is key. Accountability can go along way, motivating you and even lending some encouragement.
October 31, 2011 - 8:45 am
@Stina, yes every year I can imagine what those poor agent’s go through. Yuck! Good luck with your querying!! @Sheri – The writing buddy thing was huge for me during my NaNoVentures.
November 1, 2011 - 11:05 am
Thanks for the “Heads Up.” This is my first morning of my first time and to my AMAZEMENT I wrote 1875 words without stopping. I am psyched (Yes, I know. it won’t last, but so far this is GREAT!)
November 2, 2011 - 5:02 pm
Good advice. Thank you. I just discovered NaNoWriMo yesterday after seeing the acronym around LiveJournal. I already have a little work-in-progress, but boy, does it need work. I am diving in. I’m so glad winning just means finishing. I found the song on youtube and thought it meant there was a competition. |
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+ - 39 comments
Debra Kristi - Beautifully put Nicole. Great rules to live and work by. At the end of the day it is always better to help others than to be self-serving.
Carol Riggs - I LOVE this philosophy. We’re not competing against each other (or shouldn’t be)–we’re supporting the writing/book industry and our fellow writers. Who else to be our friends than fellow writers, who understand us?
Nancy M. Popovich - This was worth the read. As someone that is just beginning to understand Twitter it was good to read. How you keep up, and remember names
is still a mystery to me
Rebecca Fyfe - I couldn’t agree with this post more!
I know you wrote that you ate FB right now, but I just shared this post on two of my pages on Facebook, plus my personal page. I tweeted it too though!
Christina Fifield-Winn - You sound like a great person both in the literature arena and out. Thanks for the great tips, not just in terms of writing, but in life. You have inspired me to be more open and inviting than I have been…and I looovvee to read, so I’m happy to be supportive of my fellow writers. I also hope that anyone who reads me gets as much enjoyment out of my stuff as I get out of theirs. Thanks again for putting this out there, and don’t ever change!
Kelly Gamble - Excellent post, Nicole.
Patricia Eimer - Great post. Really easy ways we should all be paying it forward. After all, none of us got here on our own did we? We all had help.
Nicole Humphrey Cook - Exactly Patricia. Definitely not on our own. We all need help to get where we’re headed!
Thank you!
Nicole Humphrey Cook - Thanks Kelly!
Nicole Humphrey Cook - Christina, I am sure they will enjoy your writing as much as you enjoy theirs. It’s all about giving back and just being there for others. If we can’t all support each other, then I’m not sure what we’d have left. Thanks so much for your sweet words.
Nicole Humphrey Cook - Thanks so much for tweeting it Rebecca, and even for sharing it on Facebook. It’s still a great networking tool.
Nicole Humphrey Cook - It takes some practice to remember people’s names Nancy. LOL Once I got to know people better it becomes like second nature, it’s when they change their profile pictures on you when you’re used to the one they had – that’s the hard part.
Thanks for stopping by!
Nicole Humphrey Cook - Well said Carol. Thank you.
Nicole Humphrey Cook - I think it’s sort of like the whole phrase “Treat others as you wish to be treated.” So of course that is pretty much how I live my life. I hope others catch on eventually and spread the love and pay it forward too. Thanks for the great comment!
Ciara Ballintyne - Making friends is very important I think. People like people who interact. They don’t like people who just spam. So an author who takes time to make friends is going to have a more effective marketing strategy when they do (judiciously) promote their book than those who ONLY promote their book. I am more likely to take a look at a book by someone I intercat with. If I just get spam in my timeline and I have never interacted with that person, what motivation do I have to click on the link and check out their book? None.
Scott Morgan - A timely reminder full of good advice! Nice post.
Susan Jaymes - Very nice post and great advice.
Ursula Grey - Excellent post, Nicole. Thanks:-)
Ursula Grey recently posted..Interactive Book Covers
Geoffrey Cubbage - I think a lot of the time other writers are just shy about promoting fellow scriveners. The internet has made it seem a little creepy. Even if I really, really love someone’s book-and-blog, spending too much time on Twitter (or whatever social networking service) talking about how great he/she is starts to seem a little stalky.
So I think there’s some real reticence out there; a real desire not to be seen as that phony guy who just babbles about other people’s stuff in the hopes that they’ll return the favor or because he has an unhealthy attraction to the jacket photo or whatever.
Or maybe I’m the only one that overthinks this stuff? I’m willing to buy that, too.
Geoffrey Cubbage recently posted..The Reminder You Sometimes Need: Writing Is Actually Fun
Larry "FARfetched" Kollar - Good stuff here. #7a: add “and comment on their blogs!”
Larry “FARfetched” Kollar recently posted..Writing Wibbles
Skhye - But remember, the writing personality type tends to be a reclusive thinker. That could be why some folks don’t talk! But that US core value of competition is definitely lurking. Probably the reason behind your grumbles. *sigh* This list is essentially nice points to ponder when we need a reality check!
Kellianne Sweeney - Amen. So much can be gained by giving. I for one am very happy to have found such a wonderful crowd of creative writers to share this fantastic journey with.
Caroline Gerardo - You are the first writer who says they hate Facebook, as do I. Facebook has become so screaming busy I can’t find my cousins on the east coast.
One more thing I would add to your post. Remember to say Thank You.
If I forgot to thank anyone for their kindness please know I really appreciate any and all mentions, I glow a little when someone posts a comment to me and heaven knows writing is a solitary acitivity that we all need a little love.
THANK YOU!!!
Caroline Gerardo recently posted..Showtimes for the Novel
Patricia Gligor - Nicole,
I enjoyed reading your seven suggestions on ways for writers to “pay it forward.” Such a wonderful concept!
I wrote a post on my blog in September on the same topic, crediting the author of the book, “Pay It Forward,” which coined the phrase and inspired the movie.
Patricia Gligor recently posted..The Power of Words
Katheryn Lane - Great post! I think it’s so important that we do what we can to help each other. As you say, we are ‘in this together’ and should not be against each other.
Katheryn Lane recently posted..Murder, Ballet and God: an interview with Philip Catshill, author of the Mike Newman mysteries
S Cunningham Ortiz - Thanks for such a great article. You’re onto something big here!
sylvia stein - Dear Nicole,
I really loved your article and I agree with all of it , as aspiring writer, I have met so many authors through facebook and twitter and I have been introduced to their blogs and they are so awesome, and we should pay it forward!
Sylvia Stein
Brandy Walker - Thanks for a great post. Writers have to support and stick up for each other. It can be such a lonely path at times and only writers understand that firsthand.
Stacy Green - Excellent post. With all the talk of branding and marketing, the best – and easiest – way to get yourself out there is to simply treat others as you’d like to be treated. Build a network of friends and reciprocate. Great advice!
Stacy Green recently posted..Thriller Thursday: Bob’s Bazaar Bizarre
Amazing Links of Interest! - Indies Unlimited - [...] Nicole Humphrey Cook lays out 7 Simple Ways Writers Can Pay It Forward. [...]
Nicole Alexander - Great post, Nicole! It all boils down to what you put out, you get back (usually several times over). Thank you so much for this pleasant reminder of how we can all make the writing world a little better. And now, I’m off to RT the link to this post.
David G. Hallman - Hi Nicole – I starting reading through the list of “7 Simple Ways Writers Can Pay It Forward” with trepidation, fearing that as a relative newcomer to the Twittersphere I might be unintentionally violating some of the accepted writer community etiquette. With relief, I saw that I was able to put a positive check mark against each of your well-articulated suggestions. I have been delighted and encouraged by the collegiality that I have encountered to date. I hope it continues. Best wishes, David
Elizabeth Chanter - This is so true! I’ve recently started blogging and using Twitter. The support my fellow writers have shown me is amazing. Thanks for providing communities like this.
Elizabeth Chanter recently posted..An Excerpt…
William H.A. Williams - I absolutely love this article. I’ve written many books but recently wrote my first fiction piece. Social media is a great way for authors to stand together and promote our work. We’re in it together.
William H.A. Williams recently posted..These Boots Were Made for Writing
Alvin Edwards - I’m new to Twitter & sat back for a while to watch it. The interaction I’ve seen between authors on the site is amazing. Keep helping writers grow!
Alvin Edwards recently posted..Life means change… (excerpt from "Once in an Island")
S.E. Shurtleff - Thank you so much for writing about paying it forward. I released my first indie book in Nov. 2011 and marketing is slow going. But whenever I start to feel discouraged, I try to promote others. If other indies succeed it will help me out too.
Stacy - Beautifully written – I just found this post through a RT and I’m so happy to hear someone thinks like this (I was beginning to wonder!) I have subscribed to your blog as well. Writing is an isolating career and its so important to reach out to and support our fellow writers!
Gwynneth White - Hi I know this post is ancient, but still I support every word. Thanks for putting it so beautifully.
Gwynneth White recently posted..WE’VE BEEN SPOTLIT!
H is for Helping – 5 Tips for Helping Other Writers | All About Writing - [...] 5 Tips for Helping Other Writers A-Z April Challenge A few months back, I wrote a post titled 7 Simple Ways Writers Can Pay it Forward. I am still amazed that it happens to be my most visited post here on this blog. It makes me so [...]