Radio Ads - Tip 3

Identify sound effects. Since radio listeners can't "see" the action, and since many sounds are similar, be sure you set up the scene properly with narration or dialogue. If you're selling kayaks, you don't want the flowing river sounding like water running in a toilet bowl!

This Week On "Talk To Me..."

On Tuesday, April 28 my guest is Tom "Myerman" Myer, author of From Geek To Peak and owner of Triple Dog Dare Media, helping companies formulate coherent web strategies and social media (particularly Twitter) into the marketing bloodstream of his clients. Tom will be explaining to me just what Twitter is all about.

Tune in, Call in, Live! 347-327-9158 and talk to me...and "myerman"!

Can't tune in today? This show, and all my interviews, are available in the archives. Simply go to Talk To Me...Conversations With Creative, Unconventional People. www.blogtalkradio.com/rita

Guest Blogger This Week On Book Talk

I have the honor of being the guest blogger this week on Book Talk With J & J. Stop by, comment, win free book! http://booksbypickles.blogspot.com/2009/04/guest-blogger-rita-schiano.html

This Week on "Talk To Me..."

On Tuesday, April 21 my guest is author Rebecca Lerwill who will be talking her her latest espionage thriller, The Acronym the highly anticipated sequel to her 2007 award-winning romantic suspense Relocating Mia.

Tune in, Call in, Live! 347-327-9158 and talk to me...and Rebecca!

Can't tune in today? This show, and all my interviews, are available in the archives. Simply go to Talk To Me...Conversations With Creative, Unconventional People. www.blogtalkradio.com/rita

Feature Article in Chic Galleria

See the feature article in Chic Galleria, http://chicgalleria.com/women/2009/04/author-uses-personal-mob-exper.php

Visit the Reed Edwards web site for saving during their 2nd anniversary month!

From The Writer's Block...

Read your work out loud, particularly the dialogue. This is an excellent way to judge the nuances of rhythm and interpretation, or find odd-sounding modulations—cadences—that interrupt the flow of words in written text.

From The Writer's Block...

Having a compelling storyline is critical to good novel writing. Your characters, however, are the nuts and bolts of your novel. Your characters must be vivid in the mind of the readers. A good character is complex, yet fathomable; dynamic and three-dimensional. Know your characters' backstory. Create a biography, a psychological profile. Do you homework.

This Week On "Talk To Me..."

Tonight's guest is author M.J. Sullivan, author of Necessary Heartbreak, Book One in the When Time Forgets Trilogy.

Tune in, Call in, Live! 347-327-9158 and Talk to me...and Mike!

Can't tune in tonight? This show, and all my interviews, are available in the archives. Simply go to Talk To Me...Conversations With Creative, Unconventional People. www.blogtalkradio.com/rita

About Press Releases - 2

A few days ago I talked about writing a well-executed press release. Here are a few more guidelines to follow.

Tell the audience that the information is intended for them and why they should continue to read it. Deal with the facts and avoid excessive use of adjectives and fancy language. Don’t sell. A release which tries to sell or advertise will be “permanently filed.” Be factual, not promotional.

Provide as much contact information as possible at the top of the release and at the end: Event date, individual to contact, address, phone, fax, email, web site address. If photos are available, say so. Make it as easy as possible for media representatives to do their jobs.

The headline must grab the attention of the editor. It should summarize the information in the press release, but in a way that is exciting and dynamic.

Use quotes. I find that editors respond to my press releases because I structured it like a news story. If an editor doesn’t have to assign a staff writer to rewrite a press release, they are more likely to print it.

Hire a professional writer. They know the score and generally have good contacts with editors. A little investment can go a long way.