Growing LinkedIn

I am getting more active on LinkedIn and am curious if my WordPress family utilizes this platform? I have ignored it for years and the more I dig deep into the benefits of the site the more I want to kick myself for not joining years ago and taking it more seriously.

If you do use it, do you have recommendations on who should I follow? If you find my LinkedIn page through my WordPress post – send me message and I will follow back! 🙂 Comment your best practices for the platform. You can follow me on LinkedIn by clicking here!

www.linkedin.com/in/neasha

I have joined writing groups on the platform, posted articles on publishing and articles on how utilize the LinkedIn well. I have consumed so many how-to articles and watched hours of videos on how to do LinkedIn right. Slowly but surely I am growing.

Connect, learn, and grow through meaningful networking on LinkedIn. Your connections today could be the key to your success tomorrow.

 #LinkedInNetworking 💼🤝

Ernest Hemingway’s Iceberg Theory

A Dive into Subtext and Minimalism

Ernest Hemingway, renowned for his distinct literary style, introduced the Iceberg Theory, also branded as the theory of omission. Born from his experiences as a journalist during World War I and his desire to convey more with less, Hemingway’s theory focused on presenting only the tip of the narrative “iceberg,” leaving readers to infer the submerged complexities beneath.

In one of his most beloved short stories titled “The Old Man and the Sea,” Ernest Hemingway employs the iceberg theory, also known as the “iceberg principle” or “theory of omission.” He presents a minimalistic narrative style, revealing only the surface details while leaving underlying themes and emotions to be inferred by the reader. Through sparse dialogue and description, Hemingway hints at the depths of the characters’ experiences and struggles. For instance, the relationship between the old man, Santiago, and the boy, Manolin, is portrayed through their actions and subtle exchanges, allowing readers to deduce the profound bond they share. The novel’s emphasis on Santiago’s inner thoughts, his resilience, and the broader symbolism of the struggle between man and nature all exemplify Hemingway’s mastery of the iceberg theory, where so much more lies beneath the surface.

Ernest Hemingway didn’t explicitly label his approach as the “Iceberg Theory,” but he did convey the essence of this concept in various statements. He advocated for omitting unnecessary details and allowing readers to infer deeper meanings. One of his notable quotes that encapsulates this idea is:

“If a writer of prose knows enough about what he is writing about, he may omit things that he knows and the reader, if the writer is writing truly enough, will have a feeling of those things as strongly as though the writer had stated them. The dignity of movement of an iceberg is due to only one-eighth of it being above water.”

This quote reflects Hemingway’s philosophy of letting readers sense the submerged complexities without explicit exposition. While he didn’t explicitly outline the “Iceberg Theory,” his approach to writing and his emphasis on the economy of words and subtext have become synonymous with this concept in literary discussions. Less is more. This is something that I as an author struggle with and need to be conscious of when I write prose. The more I write, the better I am at attaining Hemmingway’s standards, or at least strive to reach.

Implementing the Iceberg Theory in writing offers several advantages to authors. Firstly, it engages readers by inviting them to actively participate in deciphering the underlying meanings, fostering a more immersive experience. Secondly, it allows for open interpretation, enabling a broader audience to connect with the narrative on a personal level. Furthermore, this approach lends itself to brevity, making it a powerful tool in short stories or concise narratives. Lastly, the theory demands meticulous crafting, honing an author’s skills in conveying profound themes within constrained word limits.

In conclusion, the Iceberg Theory epitomizes Hemingway’s belief in the potency of understatement. By skillfully revealing a fraction of the story’s depth and leaving the rest submerged, he paved the way for a writing style that encourages readers to become active participants in the narrative. Authors who adopt this approach harness its ability to captivate, engage, and challenge readers while honing their own craft to convey more with less. Hemingway’s legacy lives on through his Iceberg Theory, a testament to the enduring power of subtext and minimalism in literature.

Cracking the Code: An Entertaining Guide to Publisher Lingo for New Authors

So, you’ve penned the next bestseller, and now you’re diving into the publishing world. But hold on tight, because apart from characters and plots, there’s a whole new language waiting to dazzle you. Fear not, intrepid author! We’re here to decode the jargon and get you fluent in “Publisher-ese.” Let’s embark on this wordy adventure together!

1. Manuscript – I am sure you know this one, it is your brainchild: Your written masterpiece that’s ready to rock the publishing world.

2. Query Letter – The Elevator Pitch: It’s like condensing your entire story into a brief, intriguing chat with a potential publisher. Make it snazzy!

3. Literary Agent – Your Story Sherpa- This magical being guides your book through treacherous terrain, negotiating deals and battling dragons (okay, maybe not dragons).

4. Acquisitions Editor – The Manuscript Magnet: The literary magnet that decides whether your creation gets a thumbs-up or a heartfelt “next time, champ!”

5. Advance – An Early Payday: Like finding money in your jeans’ pocket when you least expect it, but it’s tied to your future book sales. Cha-ching!

6. Royalties – Your Book’s Allowance: A slice of the pie from every copy sold. The more slices, the happier the author.

7. Manuscript Editing Stages – Ninja Editors at Work:

• Developmental Editor – The Master Plan: A grand strategy to make your story shine like a diamond in the rough.

• Copyediting – The Grammar Guru: They fix typos, slay misplaced commas, and keep the prose in line.

• Proofreading – The Sleuthing Scientist: The last line of defense against those pesky typos that even spellcheck misses.

8. ISBN – Book DNA: A unique genetic code for your book that lets anyone identify it in a crowd.

9. Cover Art/Design – The Eye Candy: Your book’s fabulous outfit. Remember, we do judge books by their covers!

10. Book Formats – Dress Code:

• Hardcover – The Fancy Gala Attire: It’s impressive, but it might break the bank.

• Paperback – The Casual Chic: Affordable, yet totally stylish.

• E-book – The Digital Diva: Always ready to dazzle on screens.

11. Blurb – The Pickup Line: Think of it as your book’s suave introduction at a literary party.

12. Backlist and Frontlist – The Veterans and the Newbies: The experienced gang of books still making waves versus the fresh newcomers, sashaying in with their spiffy new covers.

13. Distribution – The Great Book Migration: Books going on a journey from publisher to reader, like migratory birds on literary wings.

14. Book Launch – The Celeb Extravaganza: Think red carpet, interviews, and your book strutting its stuff in front of the paparazzi.

15. Publicity – The Book Hype Machine: The maneuvers to make your book famous. It’s like sending your book to Hollywood!

16. ARC – Sneak Peek VIP Pass: A secret backstage pass to your book before it takes center stage. Just for the cool kids.

There you have it, fellow word-wizards! Armed with this playful dictionary of publisher lingo, you’re all set to conquer the realm of writing and publishing. Now, go forth and let your bookish brilliance shine. Remember, it’s not just about writing a book, it’s about speaking the language of the publishing universe. Onward to see your books on the coveted bookshelves, literary champion! 

Did I get them all or did I miss a bunch? If you think I missed some publishing lingo, I welcome your feedback. Share away and add the conversation!

#SpeakKind

Love & Mystery?

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Isn’t it funny how men show love? My husband listened to me for ten minutes this morning talk about how happy I was that for some reason we are getting the Hallmark Mystery Channel and I noticed they are airing Murder She Wrote old programs in the evenings. I used to watch these with my […]