Everyone's A Lit Crit!!!

As a creative artist, there is a moment of sheer bliss and utter satisfaction when you reach the conclusion of your song, poem or piece of art. For a writer this is also true for our minds wander to the next adventure and we are eager to get started. Yet, for the reader there are mixed emotions. How many times have you arrived to the ending of a novel (especially a series) where you invested countless hours of reading and participating in the emotional journeys of the main characters? Finally, when the happy conclusion presents itself there is a yearning for more? You suddenly realize, in your heart, the story is not done. You want to know what happens next and it's so hard to let go of the fact that you may just never know. There is a form of heartbreak that occurs and emptiness. Does this all sound a bit dramatic? Yes? Well, that's because those who love fiction, as I do, want that fantasy. Fan fiction has become the solution for many readers as a way to fill this void. Because of fan fiction many a great writers are born. What else inspires the great (and some not-so-great) writings of many creatives other than the inspiring writings of other authors? Even those who are criticized for their lack of writing skills in regards to grammar, structure and creative process have found success (e.g. Fifty Shades of Grey author E.L. James). Ms. James was able to capture her audience with captivating content rather than smooth word flow...a move which allowed her to boast 65 million copies of her books sold worldwide in 37 countries (surpassing the Harry Potter series). The sales outcome of this book is in direct opposition to what Goodreads Reviewer, Katrina Passick Lumsden's, describes as "[t]he only thing that made the first 4% of this book tolerable was the fact that I read it aloud to my younger brother, and his frequent commentary was amusingly distracting." Sorry Katrina....I believe over 65 million people disagreed with you. To add further, I"ll give you one guess where E..L. James acquired her inspiration to write these books? That's right...The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer. Apparently, Fifty Shades of Grey started off as fan fiction but James soon found her characters taking on a life of their own. The Twilight Series books alone have sold over 100 million copies each and translated in over 39 languages (2010 Forbes statistics). Funny enough, one of the most respected and acclaimed authors, Stephen King, is quoted to say,
J.K. Rowling is a terrific writer and Stephenie Meyer can't write worth a dime. She's not very good." He says her secret is "writing to a whole generation of girls and opening up a kind of safe joining of love and sex in those books. It's exciting and it's thrilling and its not particularly threatening because they're not overtly sexual.(The Baltimore Sun)
My response to this is "So?" The fact is, in the marketing world this is what we call finding your "niche" market. Not every reader is going to like every kind of book, every kind of genre or every author that makes millions of dollars. People read fiction for enjoyment and believe it or not writers write (at least most do) for the exact same reason. So why not try? The way I see it, if you loved writing the book and you maintained the discipline and tenacity to finish it then kudos to you! Perhaps you will be the next James Patterson, Nora Roberts, J.K. Rowlings or Stephen King himself. Until then keep plugging away and write...write...write!

My December Challenge: Day 5

It was a great day! By the end of the day I had completed a very long chapter writing more than 1,000 words. I also managed on developing one of my characters even further. I find the first many chapters of my book is designed to get to know the initial personalities of my characters with some things altering and developing as we go along. It's exciting when I have to stop what I'm writing because its so good I need to dwell on it for a minute. I even found myself clapping my hands. Weird...I know! Oh well. :-)

My December Challenge: Day 4

Yesterday I was not as productive as I would like to have been. If you're like me each time you sit down and write you start by reading the chapter prior in order to get yourself back into the "zone". While this is a great method of connection it leaves the writer to falling into "editing mode". Don't get me wrong, the editing process is vital but I personally have chosen to do this on the end. Truth being if I was to spent all my time editing what I've already written I will never finish writing the rest of the book! Still, I did write and did edit...that's something to say the least. Today, I plan on working doubly hard to make up for it. So until tomorrow...

My December Challenge: Day 3

I am so stoked! Yes, I said stoked. Why? Because I can visualize the story coming into a turning point now. So many discoveries my characters are making about each other and themselves. I'm pretty sure when all is said and done there will be a lot of editing and reworking to do but knowing that I would have a finished product is the first step. I am still undecided as to whether I will self publish or send my work into a publishing company. I guess it will partly depend on the responses I get once I try to get feedback from other authors and my editor.

Yesterday, I managed on writing about 1000 words, keeping up with my social media responsibilities yet still do the laundry, cook dinner and clean up the kitchen; all while giving my kids (one at home and one in college) and my husband the family time they deserved. It's no wonder I had one of the best sleeps I've had in a long time.

Oh and remember, if you are a Twitterer you can follow me at @lorrper...Facebook @lperfictionwriter. If you would like to read excerpts from my book follow my book page @leyendadesangre

My December Challenge: Day 1

Yes, I realize we are already a few days in December. I guess I will just have to write through the New Year. While I did not write as many words as I would have liked(migraine headaches are the worst) I did manage on developing more of the characters I foresee coming into play. What an adrenaline rush! What started out as a simple fantasy fiction will develop into so much more. I have always been a free writer...this has been a major strength in my writing; the ability to right logically from one scenario to the next without an outline has been a major asset. However, now that I am working so many more characters and scenes into my story it will be vital to keep it all organized. So it looks as if I will have to bite the bullet, so to speak, and develop the outline. Still, I have decided to follow the advice of another writer and give myself permission to veer off the outline trail if the story or my characters deem it necessary. The plot of my book: A young woman finds herself in a place of doubt and self discovery when she finds out that she is the descendant of a long line of Clairsentient Vampires.

Inspiration in a Big City

Having been born and raised in the Bronx I was well aware of the hustle and bustle that would surround my Thanksgiving Holiday. However, I think it's important as a writer to change sceneries every once in a while...to take in new and exciting environments conducive to sparking a creative flow. I love nature and to be in it as it is a great inspiration to me and my writing. It's in a sense...hypnotic. Yet, I found my trip to the Big City to be equally inspiring. Perhaps it's the sparkling of the city lights or the fact that there is so much artistic talent in one place but regardless all I could think of while walking the city blocks was, "I can't wait to get back to my laptop to write". I am obviously an expressive person but what I am unable to convey with words I do with pictures. Good or bad shots you can guarantee I will have some kind of camera on me prepared to keepsake a lifetime of memories. An additional benefit is there is sometimes no need to add lyrics to a song...a picture often can speak for itself.

The Written Word

Ever wonder why people are addicted to social media websites and blogging? Sure, one of the reasons is because we're naturally curious creatures who have an appetite for secrets and gossip but its also because, for most people, writing down thoughts provide a sense of relief and expression. I remember in my very first literature class my professor had us keep journals. I honestly could not see the sense of it at the time but now I understand only to clearly. The fact is it is very therapeutic. There are things some of us want to say that have been buried down deep in our hearts but it has been hard to vocalize; either we're afraid of the reaction others will have to our words or perhaps it forces us to seek a resolution we are not prepared for. Self expression can be scary...we open ourselves up to all sorts of rejections and/or criticisms and it can have a devastating impact on us. Now that does not mean there will be less rejection/criticism with the written word but it can lesson the blow. There are even many thoughts that are perfectly okay to write down without sharing (I.e. diary/journal). Still there are times when we need to say things to people directly and we have the right to do so. Now that does not mean we should get on Facebook and tell Lisa off on her wall or profess our love to that friend we can not stop thinking about (some things should obviously be said/ or written in a one-on-one conversation) but there's nothing wrong with writing on your sibling's wall to say "I love you" or telling your bud or BFF how much you appreciate them (so long as you know the other person would be cool with it)... Not everyone does good with public displays of affection. Even when we are consumed with negative emotions such as anger or jealousy, writing out our feelings in a journal can be very soothing. I have heard where people write out frustrated emails to their employers without sending it. I would not recommend this method only because an accidental slip can be bad...really really bad. Still, there's no harm in writing a letter. So, the next time you have something on your mind and you have a need to release those thoughts consider writing them in a journal and see if it provides you with all the release you need.

Getting past Writer's Block

Have you ever stood there watching the white abyss of your computer screen for hours? You keep telling yourself "any moment now" as if expecting a masterpiece to magically appear. How did that work out for you? Yeah, not so hot on my end either. Luckily, this is neither uncommon or permanent. Sometimes our brains and sometimes emotions are holding a bit too much and this can lead to a "burn out". It happens. Whatever you do do not get discouraged and for no reason whatsoever are you to give up. Try taking a walk, listening to your favorite music or even taking a hot bath. Grab a book and begin reading...after all An avid reader makes a great writer. Sometimes the best thing to do is to just write. It makes no difference if your first few paragraphs make absolute no sense. The point is to get your creative juices flowing again and the best way to do that is by just doing it. Luckily, advancements in technology and word processing software have made it easy to delete what you do not like. Now if you are old school and still prefer the notepad and paper method I hope you have a few erasures on hand....whiteout might work too!

Have you ever had Writer's Block? How did you get over it?

Reviving Myspace: A SWOT Analysis & WTH does that have to do with writing?!!!

Once the powerhouse of Social Media, Myspace, LLC must now fight for its ranks again in order not to find itself eventually out of business. Myspace clearly states on their website that the company caters to Generation Y with their use of embedded videos,live steaming, celebrity connections, televisions broadcasts, movies and an unending amount of games. “Myspace is also the home of Myspace Music, which offers an ever-growing catalog of freely streamable audio and video content to users and provides major, independent, and unsigned artists alike with the tools to reach new audiences. The company is headquartered in Beverly Hills, CA and is a subsidiary of Specific Media.”(myspace.com, 2012). At the present moment a majority of the sales generated by Myspace comes in form of advertisements from media related organizations. However, due to the nature of social media website,s it is highly likely that in the very near future other social networking websites will adjust their platforms to offer a similar experience as Myspace... leaving them out in the cold. While distribution on Myspace services is undoubtedly the internet, the advertisements on each page seem to offer a much more customizable experience. This may be a positive situation for marketers but not as much  for Myspace users.
Trends and taste are changing and the younger generations are getting older. They are tiring of the chaotic and music based environment offered by Myspace. So, how do we address these issues? The next step in the process is to figure out the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the company...otherwise known as SWOT Analysis.

In the my previous blog post (Can Myspace be Revived?) I spoke briefly about research. Research, as most writers will tell you, is the bread and butter to any good writing. Is some of it subjective? Depends. If I'm writing about a company I may offer my opinions but those opinions would be based on the factual information obtained...such as in this blog. Yet, the information I present will count for absolutely nothing unless I can "back up" my stance with the research I've presented. With that said, I am offering a SWOT Analysis...this gives us a clear understanding of how Myspace stands based on internal and external factors. While those items listed are not exhaustive...they are the items which turned up frequently in my research.

Marketing is no longer about the stuff that you make, but about the stories you tell.

                                                                                    ~Seth Godin, sethgodin.typepad.com

Long gone are the days when the primary means of communication consisted of a letter across the ways or a simple call from the home telephone. Today, there exist a phenomenon that has captured the obsession of the old and the young alike. When answering the question: what is social medial, Safko (2010) states, “Social media is the media we use to be social. That’s it.” (p. 3).  Social networking is no longer a means of simply sharing photos and letting people know about the latest trends but it is a complete form of communication. From video conferences and on-line gaming to market advertising and special cause advocacy…social networking possesses it all. “Social media marketing is like going to a networking event, a party, a trade show, sporting event, church, or anywhere that large groups of people gather.” (p.5). It provides a means for two way communication and is the primary reason as to why it has boost in popularity and effectiveness.

The rise of social network sites (SNSs) from obscurity in 2003 to among the world’s most popular Web sites by 2006 has been remarkable, even for an Internet phenomenon. In February 2010, according to Alexa (2010a), the top-20 most visited websites included Facebook (No. 2), YouTube (No. 3, SNS features, but predominantly for video sharing), Twitter (No. 12, micro blogging site with SNS features), and MySpace (No. 17, but No. 6 in the United States). (Wilkinson & Thelwall, 2010, p. 2323)

MySpace lost its prominence in 2008 to Facebook although the company once was the gentle giant of social networking. Unlike Facebook, MySpace focuses much of its attention on young audiences with its music/video imbedding capabilities, its highly customizable profile pages and its encouragement of musical artist/fan base connections. It also includes blogs, groups, bulletins, widgets, and instant messaging as well as online advertising called MyAds. (Safko, 2010). This is perhaps why, although it is ranked 6^th in the United States, MySpace still attracts international users including notable organizations such as Operation Blessing International and Planet Aid. Even the current President of the United States, Barack Obama utilized MySpace as a highly functional campaign tool. According to Wilkinson and Thelwall (2010), “Among U.S. teens in 2007, the articulated reason for choosing either Facebook or MySpace was based on a perception of Facebook’s greater maturity/dullness” (p.2313). Tom Anderson, former president of MySpace, sold the company and now has his own Facebook account. However, this has not deterred the remaining creators of MySpace such as Brad Greenspan (founder of eUniverse), Chris DeWolfe (DE), Josh Berman and a team of programmers from blatantly describing to whom the company caters to....Generation Y.

Additional factors which caused Myspace users to seek refuge at Facebook are a concern over privacy and security and a dislike for the urban environment Myspace began to possess. This may continue to be a problem in the future if not addressed adequately. Myspace must also keep in mind that because its method of advertisement and communication resides on the internet the company must look into expanding its market otherwise it may fall short to additional online social media sites such as Friendster, Bebo, Fastpitch, Gather, KickApps, LinkedIn, MOLI, Orkut and now the growing Google Plus; each of which can easily adjust its platform to serve the needs of the same niche.

 What additional factors do you think you could come up with for each category?

Now, you are probably wondering again, "WTH does any of this have to do with writing?" Well, think of it this way. Suppose as a young child you have always loved dinosaurs. I don't mean just simply think they were cute...I mean really really loved dinosaurs and you spent most of your days reading about all the dinorsaurs you could think of. Now you are an adult and your love of dinosaurs is still as passionate as ever so you decide you want to write a book about dinosaurs. However, only about a month ago there was an explosion of dinosaur related books and it seems as if that subject is just over-saturated. So, do you just give up on your childhood dream and call it a night? Not necessarily. Research and SWOT analysis will provide you with the information you need to make a clear decision. By focusing on the the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats of the current books written on this subject you can determine the angle you wish (if you decide to write it at all) to take; this includes what genre and age market to write for. You may find out that the current books deal more with fictional stories of dinosaurs or stories related to their living habits. However, after much research and a SWOT of the market you realize the opportunity lies in crossing subjects matters...perhaps you decide to write a book that focuses on the relational habits of dinosaurs and how physiological needs determine our continued existence. Yet, making this work is highly dependent on your skills as a writer. My point? Know your market and figure out the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in your story telling.

Can Myspace be Revived? Part I

I had the opportunity to ask this question only recently during  a Creative Strategy and Execution class and I honestly believe that Yes it Can. I realize that Myspace has encountered massive criticisms...in fact, I am guilty of offering those criticisms myself. However, I am convinced that most of the problems have been due to a lack of vision...a clear cut vision that is driven by a target market. Now, you may be wondering what does this have to do with writing and the truth is that it has everything to do with writing. A good writer will be able to read something and determine whether the message is clear, concise and to the point. A good writer will be able to tell if the message is appealing or if it wasted words. A good writer will know when to say nothing at all.

One of my favorite quotes is "Vision without action is Fantasy but Action without Vision is Drudgery" (author unknown). I mention this quote because as I stared into the media abyss of Myspace I noticed there was absolutely no method to this madness. I could not determine the theme of the entire website other than the fact it gave me a headache just looking at it. So, I did some research and looked up the vision statement created by the administrators of Myspace. According to the website:

Myspace LLC is a leading social entertainment destination powered by the passions of fans. Aimed at a Gen Y audience, Myspace drives social interaction by providing a highly personalized experience around entertainment and connecting people to the music, celebrities, TV, movies, and games that they love. These entertainment experiences are available through multiple platforms, including online, mobile devices, and offline events.

Myspace is also the home of Myspace Music, which offers an ever-growing catalog of freely streamable audio and video content to users and provides major, independent, and unsigned artists alike with the tools to reach new audiences. The company is headquartered in Beverly Hills, CA and is a subsidiary of Specific Media. (www.myspace.com)

Is it well written? Yes, it is. It describes exactly what and whom drives this social networking website and the many ways it accomplishes this. However, writing well is not enough. A company must offer its users exactly what it wants. The fact that so many users abandoned Myspace is a clear indication that it was not accomplishing this task. Now what? you ask.. Research. After that... well let's create a story. Yes, I said story. Let us create a fictional character that could represent an actual Myspace user and see what he can teach us.

Let's Meet Sean

Sean is a Myspace user. He is 20 years old and is a Hispanic male. He enjoys all types of music including hip-hop, RnB, rock, alternative, metal, salsa, merengue and some pop. He is a college student who lives with his parents but is working to try to get his own place. He works part-time jobs while going to school. He grew up in a household where music was a major part of their everyday lives. For him, not a day passes where he’s not downloading some music or walking down the street without his mp3 playing in his ears. When he gets home he relaxes by switching channels between VH1, MTV, and BET. When he hears a song he likes he’ll run straight to his computer and download it to add to his enormous collection. He looks for websites that cater to his interest such as entertainment websites and band pages. He’s pretty active on the social websites as well. He has a Facebook account to keep in touch with friends and family but will usually visit Myspace to connect to his favorite artists. See, Sean is musically inclined and has seriously been thinking about starting a band so he’s looking to make connections. Problem is it’s difficult to get past all the advertising on Myspace to get the help he needs and not to mention there seems to be more attention on already popular artists than those who need some kind of breakthrough. Don’t get him wrong, Sean loves the idea that he can see what his favorite artists are up to and really likes the live streaming of concerts and music related shows. He easily gets hooked on the games too. Yet, Sean gets frustrated when he has to click through numerous pages just to get to the screen he wants. So, if he did decide to start a band it does not look like Myspace would be able to help him unless he sent unsolicited emails and spammed anyone who would listen. Unfortunately, Sean has been the recipient of enough spam to know what a turn off it is…even to those who love music as much as he does.  So, Sean clicks off of Myspace and decides his next best option, if he was to get his band together, is upload the band’s performance to YouTube and attach it to all the social networking sites in hopes someone will listen. Sean now has to figure out how to connect to other local artists that may want to join a band but where does he start?

Sean suddenly remembers seeing some news article that said Myspace was just bought out by a company whose name he can’t remember and Justin Timberlake. Cool! Maybe now that an artist is in charge he’ll be able to make some positive changes.

As you can see, while this story should be brief, if written well, can offer insight into the target audience's likes and dislikes as well as their habits and lifestyle...an invaluable tool when trying to re-energize or reposition a brand. So the next time you come across a company that has lost the interest of its audiences see if you can figure out what they may be missing by writing a story that captures the lifestyles of its target market. You may be surprised by what you discover!

If this blog caught your interest then subscribe so that I may share with you my additional vision to initiate a "New Myspace". http://www.myspace.com/Help/AboutUs?pm_cmp=ed_footer