Tamela Hancock Murray

Do You Give Them What They Really Want?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon August 8, 2013

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Last weekend, my husband and I attended a family wedding in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Though we didn’t have a chance to do much touring, we did drive through the town and neighboring Gatlinburg. We noticed that the shops, amusements, and attractions reminded us of another vacation spot we enjoy, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Except we were in the beautiful Smoky Mountains rather than at the sunny beach.

The tourist towns did their best to appeal to what their audiences want, yet each is unique. For instance, Tennessee boasts pottery made by local artisans while you’ll find opportunities to buy magnificent shells at the beach. Yet you’ll find frozen yogurt, putt-putt golf, carnival rides, concerts, restaurants, and other attractions at both locales.

Since I love books, I couldn’t help but make a comparison, and genre fiction came to mind. Each story holds elements of appeal to their audience. For instance, no romance novel is devoid of a heroine and hero falling in love. No mystery novel leaves the crime unsolved. Yet each story contains its own unique elements that readers will find fresh and enjoyable. Which is why readers keep reading!

Your turn:

What is your favorite vacation spot? Why do you return to it year after year?

What is your favorite genre fiction? What is its appeal to you?

Do you have a favorite author who writes a certain type of fiction, yet stays fresh?

Where Do You Want to Go?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon August 1, 2013

Earlier this week, my husband and I were watching American Pickers on The History Channel. For those who aren’t familiar with the show, it depicts the adventures of two businessmen who buy historical items from collectors. This occupation rarely takes them to pristine locations since they often find their treasures in neglected yards and storage sheds. This week, a declaration from Mike …

Category: Personal, TamelaTag: Location, Personal

Travel: The Businessman versus the Businesswoman

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon July 18, 2013

I thought I'd have a little fun today with the differences we experience in our house when getting ready for a business trip.

My husband preparing for travel:
1.) Make sure hair is freshly cut.
2.) The night before, pack bags. Wife has already ironed shirts and will be folding them to pack.
Me preparing for travel:
1.) Wash all clothes down to the last item so family will have clean laundry …

Category: Humor, TamelaTag: Humor, travel

Quit Your Day Job?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon June 27, 2013

Writers spend much time and effort creating books, and those who are serious about making a living -- or at least supplementing household income -- invariably reach the proverbial fork in the road when they must ask, "Do I have what it takes?" If you have reached this point, here are a few questions you may find helpful:
1.) Are you willing to rise every morning to face a blank computer screen or …

Category: Book Business, Career, TamelaTag: Career, Full-time writing

Meaningful Feedback

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon June 20, 2013

My family recently attended an annual one-man art exhibition by my uncle, Eldridge Bagley, at the Glave Kocen Gallery in Richmond, Virginia. Because my daughter, Ann, enjoys photography, I encouraged her to ask the gallery director his opinion of her work. He liked several of her photos, and guided her on which types of images would sell in Richmond versus which would be more appealing to buyers …

Category: Art, Communication, TamelaTag: Critique, Get Published

Really, You Don’t Have to Ask

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon June 13, 2013

Over the years I've seen lists of questions you're supposed to ask an agent before signing a contract. Some of the questions are excellent. But I believe if you ask others, at least at the stage when the agent is discussing the possibility of representation, you may have not done the right research ahead of time. I culled these questions from a number of lists on the Internet. Most of these …

Category: Agents, Book Business, Communication, Get Published, TamelaTag: Agents, Find an Agent, Get Published

Influencers and Etiquette

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon June 6, 2013

Recently one of my author friends needed a couple of people to act as influencers. She asked me to give her the names of people who aren't writers, which I think is a fine idea because readers in other professions will reach new audiences. I asked several people. None of them knew what an influencer is until I explained it. So when you are tasked to find influencers, feel free to direct them to …

Category: Book Business, Book Review, Career, TamelaTag: Endorsements, influencers, reviews

When Do I Write Book Two?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon May 30, 2013

Recently someone posted a question I get asked all the time:

After finishing my current book should I write the sequel or start something new?

This question is usually posed by a new author whose agent is marketing a series. The editors have not had a chance to weigh in with their interest in the series or lack thereof. Meanwhile, the writer is bored and wants something else to …

Category: Career, Craft, Creativity, Get Published, Tamela, Writing CraftTag: Craft, Sequel, Series, Writing Craft

Do Some Plots Break Their Contracts?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon May 23, 2013

In 1995 I watched the movie Cold Comfort Farm. A British comedy, the story was not without charm, though I wouldn't recommend this parody of literature for everyone. Early on, Aunt Ada, who seemed to be a bit crazy, said, "I saw something nasty in the wood shed."

Throughout the movie, I waited to find out what Aunt Ada saw. I waited. And waited. But the question was never answered, at least not …

Category: Art, Contracts, Craft, Creativity, Tamela, Writing CraftTag: Craft, Plot, Writing Craft