Laura Sherman- The Friendly Ghostwriter

12/16/2024

“Point of view is a powerful tool. It can help you color a chapter, reveal characters and exposition, and best of all, withhold information. So be excited about point of view.” - Dan Brown

12/15/2024

Perspective – First Person

Imagine sitting across from a friend at a cozy coffee shop, sipping on a hot cup of joe. They lean in and say, "Let me tell you about this incredible experience I had."

That's the essence of First Person perspective. It's personal, engaging, and gives readers a direct line to the narrator's thoughts and emotions.

The narrative becomes a personal journey, a conversation between the narrator and the reader, creating an emotional bond that can be powerful.

One of the remarkable strengths of First Person is the intimacy it brings to storytelling. Readers are no longer distant observers; they are active participants, right there in the thick of the action.

The connection is immediate and visceral.

However…

There's a catch with using the person's perspective in writing fiction. Your readers are stuck with the narrator's perspective.
They only know what the narrator knows.

So, if your protagonist misses something, your readers miss it too. In other words, the hero needs to be in every scene.

As a first-time writer, experimenting with First Person can be an adventurous experience. Put yourself in your character's shoes and let the words flow from their perspective.

First Person is your go-to perspective in writing fiction if you want your audience to walk in the protagonist's shoes and feel their heartbeat.

12/14/2024

Test your ghostwriter

It's a good idea to test your top ghostwriting candidates by requesting they each provide a sample of their writing. This will allow you to see how well you work with them.

You’ll need to pay for the samples you request.

Please never ask a candidate to write for free. No professional ghostwriter should agree to that (if they do, they are far too desperate, which is a glaring red flag).

As they write for you, observe their process.

How much time do they take to write the piece?

Make sure they give you a deadline (and be sure they meet it). If they are late (for any reason), know that they will be frequently tardy if you hire them.

How does the writer respond to your feedback?

If they bristle at your suggestions, that doesn’t bode well for the future. On the other hand, if they accept all your suggestions with no discussion, this could be equally problematic.

A good ghostwriter/client relationship involves a healthy amount of give and take. That’s what will produce the best possible book. I will always give my clients my honest opinion and thoughts, but in the end, remind them that they are the boss.

After all, it is YOUR book!

12/12/2024

Problems Writers Face and Their Solutions - Part 5

Problem: I’m too tired to write

You sit down to write but feel exhausted after the day’s events. The kids were screaming over who gets the purple dish with the bunny or your boss asked you to stay late to do extra tasks because your coworker was out sick again.

These are just a few of the problems writers face every day; they leave one feeling wholly uninterested in writing a book.

Solution: Take the time to take care of yourself.

A writer spends calories doing mental exercises like writing (about 60 – 100 calories per hour). You need to eat properly and get enough sleep, or you won’t write well.

In addition, make sure you are getting physical exercise. Swimming, running, or even walking will help increase your energy, which will make you a better writer.

For me, I love to take multiple walks each day. I listen to Audibles, which keeps me doubly inspired.

Are you a writer with a problem I haven't covered? Let me know!

12/11/2024

This is very true for writers. No matter how talented you are, you must roll up your sleeves and sweat a bit.

Agree or disagree?

12/10/2024

Laura, how did you get into ghostwriting, anyway?

I found my first client through a friend of a friend of a friend, if you can believe. It was 2003, and I didn't know what a ghostwriter was. I just knew I loved to write, and I loved to help other people.

When Mr. Francesca found me, it all clicked. We ended up writing a few novels together. I asked him to write me a testimonial, and he was kind enough to oblige.

"My name is Antonio Francesca, and I am a novelist. In the past 10 years, I have come to both work and create on various writing projects with Laura Sherman. The most memorable collaboration concerns my fast selling novel called The Card House.

"Collaboration in writing something original, like the Card House, is a broad word that could mean a little or a lot. In my case, it was a lot. From the very beginning Laura worked with my creative ideas and between us we fashioned a first-rate novel. I cannot give her enough praise, as one can see with my heartfelt acknowledgements given on the first page of the novel.

"Today I am negotiating with a west coast film producer for three original manuscripts, and all have had Laura’s input and writing genius attached to them.

"I hope that the future for me and my writings will always have Laura right there, creating every step of the way."

Thank you for paving the way to a wondrous career, Mr. Francesca!

12/09/2024

Problems Writers Face and Their Solutions - Part 4

Problem: I just don’t feel like writing today!

Taking one day off from writing isn’t a red flag, but if you find that you feel uninspired to write day after day, that isn’t a good sign.

As I’ve mentioned a few times, make sure you have a good roadmap before you start. However, if your outline is good, but you are uninspired, I have an idea for you.

Solution: Some writers feel bored and uninspired if they know exactly where the story is going. They don’t feel like continuing because they know all the nuances of the piece.

One trick to keep yourself engaged is to leave off at a cliffhanger after each writing session.

Don’t conclude the scene, but leave it for the next day.

Yes, I stole this idea from Scheherazade, who stayed alive night after night by telling her husband parts of an exciting adventure, making sure to leave off before its conclusion.

12/08/2024

Here are a few tips on how you might find you memoir's theme.

Hello, I’m Laura the Friendly Ghostwriter! Are you writing your life story? If so, it's time to start thinking of the theme for your memoir. In this video, I...

12/07/2024

12/07/2024

Problems Writers Face and Their Solutions - Part 3

Problem: I need more time to research

Ah, yes. There is a fine line between conducting detailed research and procrastinating.

Don't get me wrong, research is an integral part of any novel or memoir.

The authenticity of your book is what will compel the reader forward, engrossing them in your story.

However, some writers get lost in the research phase and never begin writing.

Solution: Recognize when you have done enough research to properly build the world of your novel or memoir.

Your next step is outlining. Once that vital piece is done, you should begin writing your first draft.

Understand that as you write, you will naturally continue to research. You will even be researching when the first draft is done and you begin editing.

You don’t need to have all the research done before you begin to write.

Go forth and write!

12/06/2024

Problems Writers Face and Their Solutions - Part 2

Problem: No end in sight

You’ve been working on a book for months (or even years/decades) and there is no end in sight.

If you continue along the same path, how many more years will pass?

Solution: When a writer can’t complete their first draft, the problem almost always is a faulty outline (or a lack of one).

There is no roadmap and therefore the author often gets lost down a trecherous path.

Does that ring true for you?

Stop writing the first draft and create a new detailed outline.

Structuring your story (or memoir) is key to success. If you need help hitting the elements required for good storytelling, please feel free to contact me for a consultation.

12/05/2024

Problems Writers Face and Their Solutions - Part 1

Problem: When you sit down to write, are you easily distracted? Do you find yourself checking emails, Facebook, news, etc.? They are all popular diversions available 24/7.

In addition, interruptions from family members and calls from friends can make writing a book seem impossible. The hour you’ve set aside to write evaporates like a small puddle in the Arizona sun.

Solution: Allow yourself uninterrupted writing time each day. Find a nook in your home or consider going outside where no one will disturb you. If you look around your local coffee shop, you might find a few writers typing away.

Turn off your internet and cell phone. I know it's hard, but this is a must. No writer can write with interruptions every three minutes.

Without these common distractions, you will find yourself much more productive.

Let me know how you did!

12/04/2024

Cookie Monster is one of my favorite muppets. He makes a good point here:

12/04/2024

Desirable Ghostwriter Qualities

When you hire a ghostwriter, look for certain traits and veer away from others.

Communication is key for the ghost/author relationship.

DON’T hire a ghost who ghosts you. If they don’t call you on schedule as promised, that’s a red flag.

DO hire a writer who you can speak freely with. Do they strike you as sincere? Remember, this will be a long-term relationship.

Writing expertise is a must.

DON’T hire a fledgling ghostwriter who doesn’t at least have a few books under their belt. If yours is their first, that’s not a good sign.

DO check out the books your prospective ghost has written. If they’ve been in the industry for a while, they will have good samples to share. Make sure you enjoy the way they write.

In addition, DO research book reviews and testimonials from past clients and readers. If a book has dozens of reviews (not all five stars), that’s a good indication of their skill.

If you have any questions about what to look for in a ghostwriter, don’t hesitate to private message me.

12/03/2024

Are you wondering how to start writing your novel? Here are some tips:

Hello, I'm Laura the Friendly Ghostwriter! Have you been dreaming of writing a novel but don’t know how to get the ball rolling? Allow me to help you prepare...

12/02/2024

Have you wondered this?

11/29/2024

Mind your mannerisms

We all have them.

Do you twirl your hair around your pencil or stroke an imaginary beard?

Maybe you slap your hands against your thighs for emphasis when you speak.

Including these little habits in your memoir helps lend authenticity to your character.

If you have trouble spotting them, ask friends and family for their observations.

Then notice their traits. After all, they will probably be characters in your memoir.

Examine the way these important people in your life look at the world. How do they communicate to others without words?

What does their resting face look like?

What is their general mood?

Explore what makes them unique so you can write your memoir with authenticity.