As many of you know (meaning literally dozens), after harrassing you every Friday for two years with my writing tips, I put Ned’s Nickel’s Worth on Writing on hiatus while turning that series into a book: Pearls of Writing Wisdom From 16 Shucking Years as a Columnist.
Set for release this August (no, really), it’s a writer’s survival guide that Editor’s Weekly is already heralding as, “A handbook for writers as inspiring as a life-skills pep talk from Dr. Jack Kavorkian…”
And what Master of Horror® Stephen King has touted as “An essential part of every writer’s tool kit, unless they know a good mechanic.”
But enough accolades!
The reason I bring this up is because, yesterday, the first of 12 video vignettes from my book was released at Gliterary Girl Media and Port Hole Publications. Thanks to Hollywood director J.J. Abrams and special effects wizards from Industrial Lights and Magic, the imagery and storytelling are truly spectacular! And by that, I mean in the latest Star Wars movie. Neither J.J. Abrams or ILM had anything to do with my video.
Then again, neither does Jar-Jar Binks. So, technically speaking, our movies do have something in common when it comes to production value.
Below is the link to the first installment, “Three Survivor Skills All Writers Need.” You can access future videos each month at either Gliterary Girl (a website for writers, about writing and the writing industry, including tips, book reviews, publishing trends and more) or Port Hole Publications (home of my publisher and video sugar momma sponsor, where you can find my book or inquire about how in the heck I ever got published having your own book published!
In all seriousness, I started writing My Nickel’s Worth as a way to help other writers avoid some of the mistakes I made, as well as offer some inspiration when reaching your writing goals feels like riding a Hoppity Horse in the Kentucky Derby. I’m truly excited about this new opportunity to share what I’ve learned while still offering a few laughs. I hope you enjoy the video as much as I did pretending like I knew what I was doing. Your feedback, suggestions, threats, accusations and unwarranted praise are always welcome, especially if you can include them all in one comment…
Either way, thanks so much for reading… and now watching!
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Ned's Blog 
That was really fun! Well done. I’m also glad there were no zombies in it. Every time I hear the word “survival,” I think of zombies. Zombies have totally taken over our culture so today it’s hard to avoid them. I was thinking we need to start a zombie free zone and a 12 step group or something.
I have to admit that I’m a zombie fan, although not on a fanatical level. But only because I need to keep my wits about me in the event of a zombie apocalypse. That being said, I think a zombie-free zone is a great idea. And maybe matching leather jackets?
This was AWESOME!
Do you know what a difficult few months I’ve had without the NWOW series? I am so thrilled to see you back in this space, and I love the video format.
I’m also glad to know that I’m not the only one who “kills” off characters as they show up on screen…It doesn’t make us bad people, right?
Thanks so much, Michelle. It was hard giving it up, but once the dust settles I’ll be back at it again 😉
And no, it doesn’t make us bad people. (Repeat this phrase with me until we both feel better…)
Ha. “The back of Ned’s car.” If you run out of room, I have space beside my boxes of books in my attic.
This is some classy video-ing, Ned.
Perfect! I assume that’s where I’ll be sleeping if I ever come for a visit. (And thanks, Ross)
Oh, we have a garage for you!
I’ve heard of “Canadian hospitality.” Now I know it’s true.
This made me laugh, while also making me aware of shit. Thanks for the informative lesson. Screw that fitness trainer.
Hahaha! Glad you liked it, Christian. Mission accomplished, then. And I hear the fitness trainer is really fat now…
Oh, the irony.
Humorous, but truthful advice. Too many new writers/bloggers expect to be published right away, while some of us are doing it just for the fun. (Not to say that I wouldn’t accept a paid writing job if one were to come my way ….). Those of us with small readership can comfort ourselves with your statement that size doesn’t matter. There are times when I think back fondly to the early days when every single one of my readers would comment on my posts – now I don’t even know who many of my followers are, and I suspect quite a few are following just to boost their own numbers. I’m looking forward to the next installment in this series.
All excellent points. They other day, a blogger was telling me she was disappointed in the number of followers she had after six months, and that she was thinking about quitting her blog. I asked her if there was no blog-o-sphere, would she still be writing? She said yes. So I told her what difference does it make whether she felt no one was reading her on a blog or off a blog? The writing is the reason for writing. Everything else is icing 😉
Good advice to that blogger! I can’t tell you how many times I thought of quitting my blog. I’m glad I didn’t. If nothing else, it gives me something fun to do, and helps to keep me off the streets and out of trouble.
Exactly. You being off the streets is good for all of us… 😉
But – Thor’s hammer.
Best paperweight ever.
There should be meetings for people who constantly whisper “expendable character”. I’ll bring the cupcakes. Great post, once again!
Lol! Deal! We can call it “The Dead We Know It Society”
I make the cupcakes a zombie theme….just so we keep our eyes open. 😉
Perfect. I’ll bring the ladyfingers 😉
You sir… Make me-LAUGH. Great tips , and thanks for the reminder that size doesn’t matter, I don’t want to forever and always be chasing that idea.
You are more than welcome, Kristin! And I think men have a harder time dispensing with the size-matters realization than women writers…
Not when those women are “dating”….
Hahaha 😉
SO damned good, Ned… You ARE the man.
I am still finding my voice – turns out I have multiple personality disorder – but it has been a blast trying out new forms, from haikus to well, full-on soul exposure. Actually, I’m sure writing IS my soul.
I think I now have ‘groups’ of readers, who come to see whatever appeals to their niches. As much as I’d like the stats to reflect all of them reading everything, I am happy to take that. This blogging adventure has been an awesome journey.
Your joy of the journey is apparent in your words, Robyn. Others see it and believe your voice, no matter which tone you take — and we’re all glad to be a part of the adventure with you 😉
Awwww, dammit, Ned… you’ve triggered the feels and now I have to come up with something reasonable to tell the co-workers why I started sniffling! 🙂
Thanks for that… and I mean it.
Just tell them you were thinking about me in a red thong. You’ll have their sympathy…
Just started laughing maniacally, and they’re hiding under their desks now, so you know, technically I’m alone to express anything I want now. Thanks, again!
Hahaha! It’s good to keep them on their toes 😉
Um…not sure how to break this to you…er…but this advice may actually be useful.
It’s okay! It’s okay! Calm down! Deep breaths! You’ll be fine.
I promise you: most of what you write is still complete crap and is totally useless. Your track record (and two LPs) are completely safe.
Just take it easy for a bit and try not to make too many videos (like more than this one) for the next few weeks.
I appreciate you adding some levity to a situation that could have left me spinning out of (more) control. I realize stranger things than my actually being helpful have happened — Trump running for president, for example…
Haha. I LOVE this. It’s so crucial to write for oneself FIRST rather than writing for your readers. I’ve had to learn that the hard way a few times. Yes, I am occasionally slow at getting it. That’s what happens when you’re a blogger/attention whore. Don’t judge.
Thanks, Kim 😉 and I wish I could use that reason when I’m slow at getting something at home or work…
“Why can’t you understand that you can’t put three sets of bedding in the washing machine all at once?”
“Because I’m an attention whore, OK?!?”
just keep me laughing, that’s all i ask…
I’ll do my best. If I pose naked, you’ll know I’ve run out of ideas to make you laugh…
That video is superb! It will be nominated in the “short docs” category. 😉 But seriously, lots of fun & good advice, too. 🙂
So… you’re not nominating me for an Oscar? *sigh* It’s because I’m Danish, isn’t it…
(And Thanks, Lynnette!)
Do you ever worry about what I call “the chameleon effect?” As in, (speaking for myself here) the desire to be all things to all people, to mold style or even one’s own attitude to, I don’t know, say, the commenter who most recently said the nicest things about a post you wrote, or perhaps because something you wrote seemed to gather the most praise, even though you liked other posts better.
Oh, and I think that “screw the fitness trainer” has already been taken care of.
Loved the video, by the way.
I don’t worry too much about unconsciously catering my writing to readers. Unless you want me to…
And thanks
Loved the video Ned. I’m with you on my uncanny ability to pick off expendable characters. Always a treat to see what I’ll find here when I visit! 🙂
Thanks so much 😉
Wonderful advice as usual! The only complaint I have is I need more videos! I completely agree that it’s good to tap into that feeling we used to have when we wrote as kids. I remember the pure thrill I had creating my own story. Sure, I wasn’t producing award-winning material (like my favorite “The Case of the Missing Leg Warmer”) and no one but my dad read it, but I was having fun anyway. (by the way, I have your columnist advice post still open on my computer for inspiration, all I have to do is take that leap and start getting rejected!)
Thanks, Darla. I’m already working on addressing your complaint. That’s the nice thing about having a production team of 1 with no union rules. And yes, there is something magical about tapping into that childhood “stream of consciousness” feeling when writing. Kind of like how you feel when you find an old cartoon you watched as a kid.
By the way, “The Case of the Missing Leg Warmer” sounds like it could’ve easily been an early Agatha Christie novel.
And I’m really flattered you still have my post open for inspiration. Unless it’s because the window is frozen and you don’t want to restart your computer, in which case I’m just sorry. Either way, go take that flying leap! Or just that leap 😉
Another book?
You’re getting stronger, Ned, while I’m… not.
Congratulations are in order, albeit a bit premature… much like me at times , sadly
It comes with age.
Getting stronger, I mean…….