Get Your Timeline Right: Write With Coherence

I recently read a Kindle book, but the timing of events in the storyline were so significantly off I had to stop reading. That is what prompted this blog post on timeline coherence. 

Publishing your story with Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is quite easy, even if you are new to self-publishing. Many self-publishers skip the hiring of editors or writing coaches and it's understandable. I don't hire one myself for my published books. That's because writing and selling ebooks hardly results in earning enough money to cover the cost of editing. I once paid $500 for a writing critique, and it was a bargain price. Since I have done editing for pay myself, I know what I would have to charge if I were an editor. Therefore, I prefer to do editing and proofreading myself. 

As I was reading the above-noted book, I could tell the author hadn't had it professionally edited. If she had, it would have had a better flow. That being said, this is something that can be self-taught too. 

So this tip is to help you as a writer become aware of the importance of writing your events in order. (This doesn't mean you can't do foreshadowing or highlight a dramatic event and go back to it later. Often, books start with an impactful event to catch a reader's attention. The details of the event are explained later in the story.) 

Backward Timing

Here is an example of something written with backward timing--the kind I want to point out in this blog post: 

My belly felt bloated. I walked the waters edge hoping movement would help me feel better. 

I entered the cafe and overlooked the menu. The meat-filled wraps looked appealing. I ordered one.

My blue dress was my favourite. I felt pretty in it.  Now I just felt fat. 

I bit into the wrap after the waiter brought it. Yum, it seemed to hit the spot. I sloshed down my diet Pepsi quickly. I wanted to get out into the sun before it set.

Years ago I'd been to this beach and loved it. There were no cafes on the beach at that time. I spotted the cafe and decided it was the perfect spot for a late lunch. 

In my opinion, this story goes all over the place. It isn't in sequence.  A writing coach or editor could point out improvements or even fix it for the writer. Simply, there should be a flow of the timing of events. Obviously, you don't mention a bloated belly before you've even eaten the sandwich and had the beverage that caused it. You don't eat at a cafe before even spotting it. 

Think Through Logically 

Many times, getting the flow right is simply a matter of thinking logically about how normal events of the day unfold. However, there are larger timelines that should be taken into consideration. For example, if you have relocated to a beach area apartment with your baby, it would be confusing to then discuss the progress of the pregnancy. This is because the reader understands that there is already a baby present.

Read from a Reader's Perspective

Yes, pouring your thoughts out on paper (computer screen) is a first good step when writing anything. And, as the author, it can be hard to see the storyline unfold in proper order. Nevertheless, it is essential to read your narrative from a reader's perspective to ensure that the timeline flows smoothly and maintains its intended coherence.

Blogging Is Great for Developing Your Writing

(reprint from 2011)

If you want to be a writer and don't have a blog, start one.  Blogging is free and it is something that will help to develop your writing skills.  

Actually, blogging accomplishes several very important tasks for writers:

1.  Whether you gain an audience or not, you will feel accountable to update your blog.  That will push you to write often.  

2.  Needing fresh content for your blog will stretch your mind.  You will think of new angles and approaches to tackling subjects so you don't repeat yourself.

3.  Knowing outsiders may see your blog, you will be more careful about sentence structure and grammar.

4.  Blogging is a little forgiving as far as errors go, and editing is easy.  Even professionals have spelling mistakes in their blogs.  They don't want to use up extra time or money by hiring a proofreader or editor to check their blog.  They like the natural flow of blog writing and they are able to publish their blog as soon as it is complete.  

5.  You will feel validated by getting the art of your writing into public view especially if the stats show people have visited. 

6.  If you gain followers who make comments, you can enter into some great two-way conversations.

7.  Blogging can help get you noticed as a writer.  You might even be contacted by a buyer who'd like to buy one of your blog posts for re-publishing.

8.  Your blog can become your personal portfolio of writing style examples.

9.  Blogging keeps everything nicely typed and organized in an archive.  It is virtual and should stay safe for a long time.

10.  Blogging becomes a type of diary.  It's fun to go back and see your development over time.

If you're starting out as a writer or are a writer who wants to develop your skills, try blogging on one of the free online formats.  Doing so will help you become an even better writer and you never know where that may lead.

Affordable Copyediting is Available

Typos and Edits 

Before you go and self-publish through KDP I want to share some points. I recently paid $10 for a book from someone I met on Facebook. Something in her post resonated with me causing me to make the purchase. I hoped I'd find some new direction and inspiration from her book.

The book started off great. But then it led me down bunny trails. Reading it from the viewpoint of a writer who has done editing, her errors were glaring. There were grammatical errors, punctuation errors, typos, and so on. But what really bothered me was trying to understand the point of the book as it tended to stray.  

I've seen this many times. And I know it costs too much extra to hire a copyeditor, proofreader, or to have someone critique it. Now that I'm 'semi-retired' I'd like to fill my time, so I would be happy to give you a quote for your new project. Better yet, tell me what you can pay and the subject matter. I'll take a quick look at your project and let you know how I might be able to help.

Copyediting/proofreading service is purposely for self-publishers of books under 40,000 words (145 Kindle pages; 

160 double-spaced MS Word pages). 

Or articles of up to 1200 words. 

Yes, it is scary having someone else read your manuscript. But it can be well worth it. 

Finding Words for Your Story

I usually write non-fiction. In non-fiction, especially articles for web content, we need to write concisely. That means, we don't add in flowery description. While this blog is in first person, articles I sell are never written in first person. And, each writing project has its own rules.

Writing Your Story

Recently, I wanted to write my story. What I mean by that is a sort of memoir or creative non-fiction piece that describes a specific time of my life. This sort of writing demands flowery descriptions and can be written in first person. 

As often is the case, I want to write it to help others who might read it. But another benefit arose. While writing my story, I found healing and better understanding of myself and that era of my life. I thought most of the wounds of that part of my life had been healed, but it was remarkable how writing my story out in detail brought me even more clarity and healing. 

Adding Description

They say if you're going to write your story, you need to make it gripping. You do that by showing rather than telling much of it. And you do it by adding meaningful description. 

I'm not usually good at writing such details. The non-fiction writer in me finds it tedious. But I may want to self-publish my story on Kindle, so I need it to be all it can be. 

A tool I found which helped me put words to my feelings is a website called Descriptionari. This website is remarkable. You simply type in a word and it gives examples of compelling writing using your word or emotion. 

I used this site to teach me how to add touch, scent, emotion, and description. (I don't recommend copying the sentences into your story, but to use their examples as prompts. Then you can put it into your own words.) 

Other tools exist now in 2024. Artificial Intelligence (AI) ChatGPT and Grammarly will rewrite sections for you in remarkable ways. As long as the original thoughts were from you, there is no copyright violation to use the rewrite, though checking it for accuracy and rewriting it in your voice is advised. 

A remarkable thing happened for em while using the Descriptionari tool. The descriptions offered seemed to describe my pain in words I could not find myself. And in doing so, I found more healing. 

For example, during the era I wrote about, I cried out of confusion, disappointment, and sadness. Instead of simply saying "I cried" I put cry into the tool. Look at the sentence it came up with:

"It is my tears that keep my soul alive in the furnace of this pain. They cannot extinguish what has been, yet only carry me forward until a time comes when that searing pain is distant enough to forget more than remember, and maybe one day erase itself from my brain. So perhaps it may be an oddity to thank my tears and be proud to cry, yet if that's what saves me from becoming a monster, a person indifferent to suffering and sorrow, then crying is the smartest thing I can do."  

https://www.descriptionari.com/quotes/crying/ 

It was helpful to see the purpose in crying when put this way. The words above make me believe the writer had an experience similar to what I went through. In that interpretation, I found that perhaps in my suffering I was not weak, strange, pitiful, a victim, or odd for crying as much as I did. I was simply human. 

Should You Take a Writing Course?

Every day there are courses offered for writers.  There are online courses and there are writing coaches who will help you walk through the steps of writing.   

(I started writing in a creative writing course in high school.)

Do you have to take a course or have a degree to be a writer?  No. 

(But now, in 2024, I will share with you that I have looked at enough online jobs for content writers and similar roles and they all say the applicant needs to have a journalism degree. I disagree with the need for one but if that is their rule, I guess you can't get the job.)

To write, just write and see where the path leads you.  Do what suits your personality and skill level. Look up help online to improve your grammar. 

If you feel taking a course will help, sign up for one.  If a writing group is of interest, join one. There is always more to learn in the field of writing.

Writing for an online audience is also far different than writing more intensive materials. Look into tips for writing for online audiences if that is your goal. Much input can be learned online and through studying style guides. 

If you really love writing, you will also be a reader. Much can be learned simply through reading. 

Grow as a writer at your own pace. You should know when you're ready to take the next step of publishing a blog, writing a query letter, sending an article to a content site editor, signing up for personalized coaching, or sending a manuscript to an agent. 

The point is, there is no set path for a writer. 


Thick Skin

The field of writing can be tough on you, though.  You will have editors rip your work apart. You will want to be as prepared and knowledgeable as you can be. 

As you develop your craft, you will likely see yourself make dumb errors and feel embarrassed when important people point them out.  You will get rejections and have your feelings hurt.

Writers take the pain in stride.  They take what they're dished and pour it back into their writing to be used for good.

A great way to test your skills is to put a piece past an inexpensive proofreader or editor to see how you fare.  Another way to test your skill level is to send an article to an article site--preferably one that uses in-house editors that will scrutinize your work and offer feedback.  

I have learned a lot from the editors at Constant-Content.com where I have many articles for sale. I don't always agree with the editor's comments. Like art, some writing is subjective. But good grammar is also needed. 

Writing a Memoir? Here's Some Advice

Someone in one of my Facebook writers groups posted a question about how to structure a book about her life experiences. I suppose she was writing a memoir. 

I gave her this response and thought it might be a good blog post:

"I know writing this will be therapeutic for you. 
To actually sell it, you'll need to consider who would read it and why. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

How will your experiences inspire or enhance a reader's life? 

Why would someone want to read it? 

Is there a hook? 

(The primary purpose of a hook is to capture the reader's attention and engage them right from the start. A well-crafted hook can make the reader curious, eager to read more, and set the tone for the entire piece.)

Why would someone pay money to read it? 

If you were going to buy such a book, what would you expect from it? 

Will there be a point to the book aside from you having fun telling your story?"

The Point of the Book

I write non-fiction and often weave life experiences into my writing but I try to only do that if it moves the reader further. Illustrations should have a point that is connected to the theme of the book. 

Sometimes my writing presents a problem and provides some solutions and, in the case of a memoir, I'd think the writer would have life examples pointing the way for the reader to find solutions for themselves. 

I went on: 

"If you can find an interesting hook or define a niche topic, you'll have more success. 

Would it appeal to someone the same age you were at the time? Is it geared toward others questioning their faith upbringing? Can you explain what made you have doubts about your faith while still holding onto it? Is that likely to happen with a reader too from what you write? Who are the people who might be in a similar situation?

Once you identify the person you want to share your story with, write it as though you are talking to them over coffee. Give your reader points to ponder. Ask them probing questions."

That's my 2 cents.

Are you About to Self-Publish?

Motives and Focus

I believe some authors have the idea that writing a book makes them appear more legitimate or important. I believe one's motives for publishing a book should be better than that. 

That leads me to write this blog and ask some important questions:

What is your reason for writing and publishing your book? 

Maybe you do have a good story to tell or sage advice to offer others. Perhaps you've uncovered a niche market that is in search of a solution you can provide. Does that describe you? Then I'd say that's a worthy motive.

Is your motive for writing and self-publishing simply an attempt to earn lots of money? 

When I tell an average new non-fiction author what they can expect to earn from their book, they are sometimes offended. One friend said, "I can't charge a mere $5 for my book after all the work I've put into it!" 

That feeling is common, but ignorant of the truth regarding the book-buying market. People want to buy books at low prices. KDP has a price-setting tool to use and often it suggests a price point of $3.99 to $4.99 on my books.

Think about what you might be willing to pay for a similar book. 

(On a side-note, I think it is awful some people will pay $5 or less and then leave critical reviews. That hasn't happened to me, but I see it all the time. For $5 it isn't very kind to give a hostile review on a piece of work someone probably spent 1,000 hours writing. But neither should you give a 5-star review for something mediocre just because a friend wrote it.) 

I've seen some authors charge over $20 for their book. I'm not sure there is a market for such by unknown authors. I did purchase one and was shocked by how little there was inside the book. It was a good well-written and helpful book, but $28 plus taxes and shipping was extreme in my opinion. 

When you publish with Amazon KDP, you receive a mere percentage of each sale. Big buck earnings are hard to come by.  

Yes, authors put in hours upon hours to write and edit. Some work on projects over years. Some pay for critiques and editing. It adds up. 

If you self-publish, any marketing that is to be done is up to you.  

I don't mean to sound negative, but realistic. This comes from my place of being in the writing world interacting with writers for some time now. 

If you're about to self-publish, do it. But set the right motives,  and set realistic goals for your writing.