Focus Group Audio Example

Last week I posted a little background information about setting up focus groups and just how helpful they can be. Well, today, I thought I would go ahead and post an edited bit of audio from the focus group I conducted. I recorded the entire interview and discussion, which was really helpful to me personally, but I have provided a small sample here showing just how helpful it can be.

It was amazing to get feedback, and even more exciting to realize that someone could actually be interested in my writing. The whole process turned out to be incredibly motivating.

Feedback Via Focus Groups

Image by Nebraska Library Commission via Flickr

Aside from my own immediate family, aka my younger sister, my eyes have been the only set that have glanced at the pages of my novel thus far. As it turns out, this fact has proven to be both good and bad. For one, since it is my first book, I haven't had to deal with the dreaded negative feedback that so often compels writers to cease writing. One the other hand however, I haven't had a chance to hear any feedback at all. Not positive encouraging feedback, or even helpful hints that could make my novel better.

So, with an anxious mind and a heavy heart, I set out to remedy those issues by setting up a focus group. The concept of a focus group is a pretty simple one, and it really can be set up in a variety of ways. the route
I chose to take involved a round-table gathering of sorts with a small group of individuals I felt would be a part of my target market. The results, or the conversation, that evolved from this meeting will be posted a little later on this week, but I have to tell you it was extremely helpful. Not only did I find myself surrounded by a group of people who were actually interested in reading my book, but I also discovered several aspects of my story that needed just a little more explanation.

To organize your own focus group, here are a few possible ideas/ guidelines you could follow:

1. Choose a format.
Will you be present? Will you give them a copy of your manuscript in advance? Will you all meet formally or will your focus group involve a questionnaire given online? After you answer these questions you should be ready for number two.

2. Choose/Gather your participants.
At this point you should consider the type of individuals you will involve in your group, as well as how you will reach them. This can involve anything from calling local book clubs to flacing fliers in book stores and libraries. Your methods are up to you, but if you choose to utilize a lier as advertisement for your event, be sure to include contact information for yourself as well as the qualifications you've decided upon based on your target market.

3. Create your materials.
Next you will need to create or gather the materials you will need to conduct your focus group. If you plan to give each member a copy of your manuscript you will need to provide copies. Also, I highly reccommend a timeline or series of questions created in advance to help facilitate the event and keep it moving smoothly and efficiently. For my event, I planned to read portions of my manuscript  aloud and let the group discussion evolve from there. I also had a series of questions to ask participants on hand in case the discussion got off topic (as is very possible when dealing with younger individuals and even adults).

4. Set up meeting time.
After finding all of the indivduals that are willing and able to take part in your focus group, I suggest finding a common time that works for them all. This demonstrates the importance of maintaining a file of participants and their contact information. Incentives for participation may also be utilized if you are having trouble gathering participants.

5. Conduct your focus group (record the event).
This is the easy, and by far, most exhilarating part of the whole process. On the day and time you've chosen to meet, get right down to business. An introduction is definitely a good idea, but keep it short. Also allow for a short icebreaker at the beginning to get participants comfortable with one another. I also HIGHLY recommend that you record the event in some way. Options for recording include simply taking notes, or even using and audio or video recorder. No matter the method you choose, make sure you have the permission of your participants, and if the participants are minors, you need the permission of their parents.

6. Compile your data/ make adjustments to your work as you see fit.
After the event, give yourself a day or two to digest all that you've learned before making any changes to your work. After this buffer period has ended, examine your recordings or notes and highlight or take note of the pertinent responses and advice. Remember, even if you don't agree with someone's opinion, you should serioulsy consider what they've said. Afterall, this sampling of individuals is representing the greater population of individuals who will or won't choose to read your book.

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Hollywood's Representation of Writers

I settled down to write a few days ago, and before I started I tuned the TV to AMC . There's nothing like listening to old movies in the background to get those creative juices flowing. Anyway, during one of the commercials I was surprised to realize that the 30th anniversary of "The Shining"  is quickly approaching. In case you've been living under a rock for your entire life, "The Shining" is a movie about an author and his family who end up in the world's creepiest hotel while he works on his most recent project. Long story short, this project ends up being the one that makes him lose his marbles, and the result is an intensely creepy horror movie.

Thinking back to this movie got me thinking about all of the films I've seen or heard of that are basically outlandish representations of the lives of authors/ writers. Whether they are completely ridiculous or not, they are often incredibly interesting and something worthwhile to occupy your downtime. Here are a few clips or trailers of these movies, enjoy!

Movies I've Seen and Enjoyed:

THE SHINING



SEX AND THE CITY



ALEX AND EMMA



SECRET WINDOW



JULIE AND JULIA

Why Use Literary Agencies

A few days ago I posted some information about a few notable literary agencies  in New York, but looking back, I feel like I failed to mention the importance of utilizing them. Until now, I have been focusing on the mechanics and processes of writing a manuscript, but once it is complete, the literary venture has really only just begun. Depending on where you look, different advice is offered about the "correct" next step to take. Some sources believe direct contact with publishing companies is the way to proceed, but far more agree that finding an agent is the way to go.

While both of these suggestions are out there on the web-o-sphere, neither really gives you the concrete reasons for why you should or shouldn't seek out literary agent representation. So, to remedy this, I have compiled a few common reasons detailing how an agent can help. This list isn't designed to make you chose something either way, but it should give you an idea for what they have to offer:

1. Literary agents have normailly worked in the field for some time, and their experience can go a long way towards giving authors helpful and accurate advice.

2. If agents aren't able to provide specific advice, they will, no doubt, be able to introduce you to an indivual who can.

3. Because their job is to know about the literary field, they often are able to inform their clients of the important innovations and developments within the industry.

4. Primarily, agents act as the professional advocates for their client's work. Once accepted, they do their best to introduce the product to the publishers  and editors that will be most interested.

5. Within the same vein as number four, agents will also know with publishers and editors who are most diffiult to work with or have the least experience.

6. Monetarily, agents will compile offers from publishers and editors and bring them to their clients. This eliminates the added worry of publishing fee negotiations, allowing writers to focus on their job without the added stress of financial maneuvers.

7. Overall, the agent will be your advocate, connecting your work with the most relevant industry individuals while ensuring a timely response.

New York Literary Agencies

After finishing a manuscript, you might be wondering what your next step should be. Well, if this is your first book, your best bet is to find a Literary Agency to represent your work. Most agencies represent several authors and their work, so they are always looking for new clients. Geographically, there are several areas in the world where these agencies can be found, including: Canada, United Kingdom, and in the U.S. (nearly every state). To help you get started I have located ten potential agencies within the city of New York. By clicking on the map's markers you will open an information box that gives the agency's name, address, a link to their home page, and a few key bits of information (what they accept, methods of querying, fees, etc...). If you're not exactly sure how to go about querying, just search their websites, but for a more detailed list of do's and don't's check back here in a couple of weeks where I'll be posting a blog on Query Questions.


View New York Literary Agencies in a larger map

Four Possible Narration Methods/ Techniques

My cousin recently re-introduced me to one of my favorite childhood fiction series, The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot. As a kid, I remember loving the fast and easy-to-read way in which they were written. Every storyline in the plot was told via Princess Mia's journal entries, online chats, emails, etc. Not only were the chapters interesting and unique, but they were just so darn relevant.

It wasn't soon after Instant Messenging programs became intensely popular in my middle school that these books came out, and it was really like reading an online correspondence from one of my friends. That aside, looking back at these books got me thinking, and I wondered, am I writing my novel from the most appealing point of view/ narration technique?

Here is a breakdown of these narration devices that should help you either decide which one to use, or re-evaluate the choice you've already made:

1. First Person Narration
(to learn more, click HERE )

This method is excellent if you want your readers to know exactly what one of your characters is thinking at all times. It normally includes "I, me, my, etc" statements and gives an in depth look at the feelings and emotions of a single character.

2. Second Person Narration

(to learn more, click HERE  )

This method is kind of crazy, and I have only read one book where it was used, and all of them were from my middle school years. This magical book was known as a "Create Your Own Adventure" book, and at the end of each chapter it would ask you a question, and send you to another chapter based on your decision. I didn't really enjoy this book (I'm a cover to cover kind of gal, no skipping around nonsense), and I can only imagine how tricky it was to create, so although it wasn't one of my favorites, I appreciate the work I know must have gone in to creating it.

3. Third Person Narration
(to learn more, click HERE  )

This method is generally used most often and occurs when the author narrates the story, describing the lives of the characters, revealing information for each throughout the book. (This is the method I chose to use, mostly because this is my first novel and its already a huge undertaking as it is. Maybe I'll get a little more creative with the next one).

4. Written Record Narration

Like the Princess Diaries books I discussed above, this form of narration is normally composed of seemingly compiled accounts from various sources. Aside from emails, online chats, etc, this can also include newspaper articles, speech transcripts, or the good old fashion snail mail correspondence.