Guest Post - Nonnie Jules "Are You Playing by the Rules of Publishing?"

Hi all, today let me welcome to my blog my very first guest author, good friend and the heart and soul of Rave Reviews Book Club, Nonnie Jules!

Hello, and welcome to Day 12 of my two week-long, “JUST MY TWO CENTS” Blog Tour.  I’m here with the ever-supportive Leisl Kaberry, who is also a Rave Reviews Book Club member, but her support extends far beyond that of our book club members.

Next month will mark the anniversary of my burst onto the social media scene and during that time, I have published three REALLY GOOD books and have learned so very much about the industry.  Although I’ve been a writer for most of my life (actually, I was born one), I only just became a published author in 2013.  Some might say, “In that short amount of time, what does she know?” Well, I’m here to tell you that “SHE” has learned a lot!  “SHE” has taken the time to hone her skills in the writing department as well as her knowledge.  “SHE” has taken the bull by the horn and run full speed ahead in building her author platform and establishing herself in the writing industry.  “SHE” is making her name KNOWN.

On each stop of my tour, I will give you my TWO-CENTS on a particular topic from the writing industry.  I hope that what I am imparting, you will take, mull over, and then act on in the best interest of YOU.

With that being said, here is JUST MY TWO CENTS ON…

“ARE YOU PLAYING BY THE RULES OF PUBLISING?”

So, how’d you fare in English 101?  Did you get that evasive “A” or did you get that devilish “D” that scared everyone so horribly?  Well, fortunately I am a self-proclaimed English major!  I love English, I love words, and the dictionary is a book that I grew up reading as if it was my favorite novel.  That being said, there is a part of English where (in my old age) sometimes I get stuck.  I admit to being a little too friendly with commas.  I looooooooovvvvvvveeeee commas!  That’s obvious in my over-use of them sometimes. (Not very often, but I do have my moments).

But when I ask are you playing by the rules of publishing, I’m meaning more than just in your punctuation usage.  The rules of publishing go far beyond that.  I mean, there are un-written laws that if broken, could send you spiraling straight into writer’s hell.  And of course, that’s a real place because I READ it somewhere. 

Do you write in 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd person consistently, through-out one story?  Or, do you mix it up?  Do you like to NOT use that comma in a salutation, such as “Hi Harry?” You know, there are people who are sticklers for things like that.  I, personally, detest that particular comma because I like to write the way I speak, and when I’m greeting Harry, I’m not going to pause after the Hi.  That’s just me, so I guess I’m breaking some rules there.

But, there are those of us who go too far in breaking the rules of publishing.  You know who you are.  When you make huge mistakes and then say “I did that intentionally,” or “I like the way that looks,” you might be in trouble, not with the industry, but you’re trouble to yourself.  Let’s face it, some of these rules we can get away with breaking, but others are a definite no-no and a definite book-kill. 

Take the time to learn that which is MOST IMPORTANT in this industry, and sometimes what’s most important, is listening to others and taking their good advice, without defending your broken rules.  Trust me, if those broken rules don’t bring you down, this industry surely will!

Thanks for allowing me to share my two-cents with you today and if you’d like to follow my tour, please do so at www.nonniewrites.wordpress.com  and do share your thoughts!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

                                                                

 NONNIE Jules grew up loving books and everything about them.  She has traveled the world, jumped out of planes and climbed many mountains, all thanks to the wonderful world of literature.  She lives with her husband and two daughters on a very quiet strip of land in Louisiana, where red dirt roads and pick-up trucks go hand in hand.  She is the Author of three great reads at present:  "THE GOOD MOMMIES' GUIDE TO RAISING (ALMOST) PERFECT DAUGHTERS," 100 Tips On Raising Daughters Everyone Can't Help But Love!; "Daydream's Daughter, Nightmare's Friend" (a novel);  and "SUGARCOATIN' IS FOR CANDY & PACIFYIN' IS FOR KIDS!" Nonnie is also Founder and President of the widely-known Rave Reviews Book Club, as well as being a sought-after book reviewer with a strong "eye" for perfection. 

She continues to write from many different genres and hopes to teach and touch minds and hearts alike with her very unique style of writing.  She loves positive feedback on her writing and personally responds to each and every email.  Nonnie can be reached at nonniewrites@yahoo.com, on Twitter @nonniejules, and do follow her blogs WATCH NONNIE WRITE! {www.nonniewrites.wordpress.com} and ASK THE GOOD MOMMY {http://askthegoodmommy.wordpress.com}. 

Nonnie's feet are firmly planted in her two most important platforms:  Parenting & Support, where she continually invites the masses to join her.

BUY LINKS:

"THE GOOD MOMMIES' GUIDE TO RAISING (ALMOST) PERFECT DAUGHTERS," 100 Tips On Raising Daughters Everyone Can't Help But Love! – www.amazon.com/dp/B00CP62O56; www.createspace.com/4355124

"Daydream's Daughter, Nightmare's Friend" – www.amazon.com/dp/B00GLM2VVM;   www.createspace.com/4386308

"SUGARCOATIN' IS FOR CANDY & PACIFYIN' IS FOR KIDS!" – www.amazon.com/dp/B00IRIA0I4