Proper Insults

Whether you’re writing a critical scene or just thinking of an unescapable reply to a condemnatory remark, we sometimes struggle to find a proper insult that will halt the evildoer’s actions. So, what is an insult? Let’s take a deeper look at this infected yet targeted word.

Microsoft Bing and Google define “insult” as: speaking to, treating with disrespect or scornful abuse, a scornfully abusive remark or action. Wikipedia defines “insult” as: An insult is an expression, statement, or behavior that is often deliberately disrespectful, offensive, scornful, or derogatory towards an individual or a group.

Now we need to dissect the why of it all. Why do humans tend to exhibit disrespectful and sometimes scornful behavior towards others?

Well, according to Learning Mind, disrespectful and scornful actions often occur because:

1. It’s a form of control.
2. Sense of entitlement.
3. Bully.
4. Lacks respect for their victim.
5. This is the only attitude they know.
6. They are afraid and go on attack.
7. Might take pleasure in causing pain or suffering in others.
8. One might be angry or in shock (as in being challenged).

We can either make the conscious decision to deal with these individuals the morally correct way by examining the circumstances or meet them with a “proper insult” (which is what this post is all about). Let’s dig into an era before the English language was compressed into a four-letter word as I share some of my favorite all time insults written by public figures.

I’d like to note that most of these insults are directed towards men however these pronouns are replaceable.

1. “You speak and infinite deal of nothing.” – William Shakespeare
2. “There is nothing wrong with you that reincarnation won’t cure.” – Jack E. Leonard
3. “His mother should have thrown him away and kept the stork.” – Mae West
4. “He is simply a shiver looking for a spine to run up.” – Paul Keating
5. “They never open their mouths without subtracting from the sum of human knowledge.” – Thomas Brackett Reed
6. “He had delusions of adequacy.” – Walter Kerr
7. “Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go.” – Oscar Wilde
8. “He has Van Gogh’s ear for music.” – Billy Wilder
9. “I didn’t attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it.” – Mark Twain
10. “He is a self-made man and worships his creator.” – John Bright
11. “He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire.” – Winston Churchill
12. “More of your conversation would affect my brain.” – William Shakespeare
13. “He can compress the most words into the smallest idea of any man I know.” – Jack E. Leonard
14. “I’ve had a perfectly wonderful evening but I’m afraid this wasn’t it.” – Groucho Marx
15. “He has no enemies but is intensely disliked by his friends.” – Oscar Wilde
16. “He is not only dull himself; he is the cause of dullness in others.” – Samuel Johnson
17. “I have never killed man, but I have read many obituaries with great pleasure.” – Clarence Darrow

The insults below are a compilation from movies, books, lyrics, television series and/or articles that are just too brilliant not to share.

1. “You are the least grateful offspring.”
2. “Those are hungry words from coming from viper.”
3. “Are you trying to convince me or yourself?”
4. “It’s impossible to underestimate you.”
5. “Titled is what you are.”
6. “Your words are as authentic as your mother.”
7. “What you have in intuition, you lack in intelligence.”
8. “You’re the reason God created the middle finger.”
9. “Oh, I would not associate you with humane.”
10. “Are your legs not as quick as your tongue?”
11. “You fight with words when fist are lacking.”
12. “Ah, I see that your evening has been colorful.”
13. “A scumbag is always a scumbag.”
14. “Someday you’ll go far. And I really hope you stay there.”

References:

Learning-mind.com/disrespectful-behavior-causes

Google.com

MicrosoftBing.com

Wikipedia.com

Figurative Language & Imagery

What is Figurative Language and why is it important? Figurative Language is the usage of words that go beyond their literal (actual) meaning and makes readers “figure” out what is being said rather than making it obvious. Figurative Language is important because it adds depth, color and makes any literary work a far more interesting read. It also provides a human element to storytelling while helping us understand ideas that are more abstract and complex.

What is Imagery and why is it important? Imagery is the language that creates pictures by invoking a mental image. It is considered to be of great significance because it brings a lifelike quality to literature through sensory language thereby boosting a reader’s experience. Sensory language improves a description by adding words to express how something felt, smelled, tasted, or heard.

Let’s look at some examples of Figurative Language:

Hyperbole – exaggeration for effect.

Example: I love you to the moon and back.

Idiom – phrases that mean something different than what they say.

Example: It is raining cats and dogs.

Metaphor – comparison of two things which are not alike but have some traits in common.

Example: Life is a highway.

Onomatopoeia – a word that sounds like the sound of an object or action is describes.

Example: The rustling leaves danced around in a circle.

Personification – suggesting that human traits apply to inanimate (lifeless) objects.

Example: The wind whispered softly.

Simile – comparisons of two things using like or as to create meaning.

Example: Cool as a cucumber.

Author’s Website

What is the purpose of an author website, and do you really need one as an author?

Whether you’re a published author or not, you absolutely need to be searchable, hence you’ll need a website. Readers, publishers, agents, and any literary party will more than likely open the google search bar and attempt to learn more about you as an author and your literary work.

An author’s website not only showcases your literary works but also provides the author professional credibility, instantly connects them with their readers and provides an opportunity to build an audience. An author’s website will serve as a hub for all of their literary works and it’s a place where individuals can get to know the author on a more personal level.

Think of it as your official online presence – a one-stop shop where you can market your books, share your writing content, and display what you have to offer your readers, potential agents and/or publishers.

So, what content should an author’s website contain? I highly recommend that you do your homework and research several authors in your genre before you proceed with an author’s website. Every author has different layouts and information that they share, however, I have outlined a few critical bullet points that will guide you when building your website and what it should contain.

Home/Landing Page – The landing page is important because it is the readers first impression of what to expect. It should quickly identify who you are and what you have to offer the visitor.

A quick “welcome” or “introduction”
Links to social media sites
Cover to your novels or literary works
Reader reviews and/or media coverage (if applicable)

About/Biography Page –Your author bio should always be written in third person. Learn more about how to write an author’s bio on my blog post labeled, “Draft a Compelling Author’s Bio.”

Start off with a brief description on what inspired you to write and then close with your personal hobbies and interest.
Be sure to include any credentials that credits your ability to write. Readers want to get to know and connect with you on a more personal level so why not take advantage and highlight it.

Books Page – You should have a books page whether you have published literary works or not. If you do not have any published works then highlight your work in progress and focus on any release dates, media coverage, etc.

Include a list of your books along with book covers, a brief description, links for purchase and any other relevant material that you are offering.

Contact Page – Readers, potential agents, publishers and even third parties interested in your books, interviews or speaking engagements will want to contact you. Do not miss these wonderful opportunities due to lack of contact info.

Include email address and mailing (if applicable)

Blog – I personally do not feel that a blog is a must, however, it can help drive traffic to your website thus providing more visibility for you and your book sales.

Be sure to write about something clever that will attract visitors to your site and keep it tasteful.
I’d like to note that writing a blog does take up a lot of your time so if you’re unable to commit, then do not even start one.

Disclaimer/Privacy Policy – This one is a must! Every website needs one to avoid plagiarism and to inform your visitors what happens when you collect their personal information like name, email, and even physical address. I would google a few examples to determine what language and information is applicable to your website.

Now that you know what information or content an author website should have, you need to move on to the most interesting yet confusing aspect of actually building it. There are several options and companies that offer hosting and website building, but which one should you use? Again, more research will be required before committing your hard-working money and investing time on building your website. If you have the means and don’t have the time to spare then hire a professional.

Website Platform – A website platform is your website builder where all of your content will be shared and posted. It is the foundation to your website and provides interactive features for your visitors. I must say that it took me almost two months to build my site but that’s because I was very particular on how I wanted it to look. There are lots of YouTube videos that can provide guidance on how to build your site and this can only be accomplished with lots of patience.

WordPress – most website platforms partner with hosting companies that offers support to both. I have used WordPress for almost a year now and it has been amazing and user friendly.

Web Hosting – In layman’s terms, a web hosting company basically provides internet space for a fee and ensures that your website is broadcast on the internet around the clock. The web hosting company does not own your website but rather rents you internet space. Without a web hosting company, your website will not work. Now for the real question, which company should you use. I recommend to research what each company has to offer, the fee they are charging and the amount of time they will be providing this service to you.

Bluehost – I decided to go with this company because of the reviews, the fee was modest, and it was easy. They also provided a package which ended up being very beneficial, so I didn’t have to go to ten different places to get started.

Domain Name – Your domain name is your URL aka your web address. There are several ways to register for a domain name and to confirm whether the one you have in mind is already in use. Remember to keep your domain name simple, professional, and as clear as possible. I recommend using your Author name (whether that is your real name or pseudonym) so that it is easily searchable. So, where can you obtain a domain name? Your hosting company usually provides a package where you can purchase a domain name, hosting, domain registration and domain security. I would first:

Go to www.domainsearch.com to see if the URL you are thinking of using is available or already taken.

If the name you have in mind is not already taken then write it down and proceed to register it with your hosting site.

Domain Security – You will definitely want domain security which protects your personal information from being shared or sold to other companies. As previously mentioned, your web hosting company will usually offer a package that includes this feature.

I hope this information has been helpful and provides clarity for whenever you decide to build your website.

Beta Readers

Have you ever heard the saying “I just sent my manuscript to my beta readers,” and thought to yourself, what the heck are beta readers? Well, I know I did! I myself did not know what the term meant and whether I had made a mistake in not enlisting a set of beta readers prior to publishing my book, PNEUMA.

So what exactly are beta readers? According to Microsoft Bing, a beta reader is defined as “a person who reads a work of fiction before it is published in order to mark errors and suggest improvements, typically without receiving payment.”

Wikipedia defines a beta reader as “a test reader of an unreleased work of literature or other writing, who gives feedback from the point of view of an average reader to the author. A beta reader is not a professional and can therefore provide advice and comments in the opinions of an average reader. This feedback is used by the writer to fix remaining issues with plot, pacing, and consistency. The beta reader also serves as a sounding board to see if the book has had the intended emotional impact.”

Besides professional editors, beta readers are the second most important individuals to the publishing process. They are the first line of defense so to speak. With the right beta readers on board, an author’s manuscript will be closer to being polished for their editor. Now let’s dive into those bewildering questions that every writer is itching to know.

Why does an author need Beta Readers? I’m sorry to report that no manuscript is perfect, and mistakes are inevitable. This is where the beta readers come into play as they have the ability to point out inconsistencies in world-building, character description and plot lines.

How does an author find Beta Readers? There are several resources that an author can elevate to find beta readers. Members of writing groups or communities is a great place to start. Other options are acquaintances (not to be confused with friends), a colleague or friends of friends.

What characteristics or background should Beta Readers have? The beta readers selected to review an author’s manuscript must first and foremost be a reader, no exceptions! They must also be reliable, someone who can be trusted, is honest with their feedback and reads the genre that the author writes.

How many Beta Readers is too many? The number of beta readers will really depend on the feedback that the author is seeking. In my opinion, one beta reader is probably not enough but twenty might be too many as it will be hard to get through that much feedback in time to publish. Another obstacle to think about is that although an author’s beta readers have committed to read their unpublished manuscript, many will not even start or finish by the deadline set.

What does a Beta Reader get in return? Beta readers do not make money by reading an author’s unpublished manuscript; however, it can still be rewarding for them. Think about it, they get to read a genre that they love for FREE before anyone else! In addition to this, beta readers get bragging rights that they had input on the published work.

For my second book, I will not only provide my Beta Readers with an autographed copy but will also give them credit and mention their names under the acknowledgments page.

Did I forget to mention that your Beta Readers are also great candidates in leaving a review right when the book debuts thereby increasing visibility with current and future readers!

Creativity

When I think about what this single, yet powerful word means to me, many cogitations come to mind: Motivation, Artistic Ability, Imagination, and of course Innovation. I believe that every human being possesses the valuable gift of creativity however, we all use the concept for very different purposes. And whether we believe it or not, our own individuality is what establishes how we explore and wield creativity in our daily lives.

According to Microsoft Bing, creativity is defined as “the use of the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work.” Britannica describes creativity as “the ability to make or otherwise bring into existence something new, whether a new solution to a problem, a new method or device, or a new artistic object or form.” And Miriam Webster cites creativity as “the ability to create,” and “the quality of being creative.”

All sources above have one phrase in common – the use of imagination. That use can lead to either an intangible or tangible artistry. Let’s explore each category listed below:

Intangible Creativity

Intangible creativity simply means that an idea (could be any type of idea), scientific theory or musical composition is formed. An idea just means that you have a thought or concept about something. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you will place that thought or concept into action. For example, landscaping – when designing your landscape with flowers and shrubs, the design part is categorized as using your creativity. You are being creative by deciding what type of flowers, colors, and design you would like to have, thereby using your own imagination. With that being said, we all have brilliant ideas or viewpoints, it just takes a different meaning once you have decided to act on those ideas and bring them into production.

Examples:

1. Idea: Isaac Newton – Laid out the principals of motion, gravity and calculus known as Newton’s Physics.
2. Scientific Theory: Santiago Ramón y Cajal – pioneered research on the human brain.
3. Musical Composition: Franz Liszt – composer, pianist, conductor, and teacher of the romantic era.

Tangible Creativity

Tangible creativity comes into play when an idea or concept generates a product or solution into existence. Some examples include but are not limited to an invention, literary work, or painting. All of these products or solutions were once an idea that someone brought into existence which took a lot of dedication and patience. However, if one is passionate about their creative artistry then the end result will always be a success. We all have the ability to be creative, but not all of our creativity will be considered of worth or value to everyone. That is not to say that we shouldn’t explore our own creativity. I believe that if every human being decided to explore and bring their ideas into existence then we would all benefit greatly from one another.

Examples:

1. Invention: Samuel Morse – invented Morse code
2. Literary Work: The Bronte Sisters – poets and novelist
3. Painting: Leonardo De Vinci – greatest painter in the history of art

Additional Resources: www. insights.som.yale.edu/insights/what-is-creativity

Social Media Presence

Every author should have a social media presence BEFORE their book is released, preferably months or even years in advance. An author with a strong online presence will have an advantage from a marketing standpoint which will also attract prospective literary agents and/or publishers.

The more followers an author has then the more books they could potentially sell to said followers. That’s why it is vital to build an audience that compels your genre, whether that be fiction, non-fiction, history, biography or just simply a collection of poems.

I have listed a few things you should be doing to increase your visibility on social media and turn followers into readers.

1. Create social media accounts with the tops six sites: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram (owned by Facebook), Snapchat, Goodreads and Youtube.
2. Post regularly and make it relevant to your book or author life.
3. Engage with your followers by posting interactive content with the focus to have those post shared.
4. Create a newsletter and ask your followers to sign up. Be sure to offer something in return in order to grow your list.
5. Host giveaways – if your book isn’t published yet then host a future giveaway which will draw attention to your literary work.
6. Offer insights or advice about your publishing journey to other authors.
7. Post personal updates – most fans/readers want to know more about their favorite authors so give them a sneak peek into your personal life. Keep it tasteful and be careful not to share too much.

The steps above should be the least cost-effective method in creating a buzz about your literary works while attracting fans which will increase your future book sales.

Research other authors in your genre to see what does or does not work that way you do not make the same mistake. Be creative in your own personal way and commit to posting as much as you are able.