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Here’s a question submitted by Mylow. I thought my answer might be useful for other people, as well, so I thought I’d share it. (Ask your own question here.)

Mylow wrote:

“I submitted my book to a family member for editing. She was an English professor who does a lot of reading. She sent it back to me saying it wasn’t in book form but more like a screenplay because, she said, it had too much dialogue and character interacting. One of the points of my book is to get something out of the interacting (as far as real life is concerned) and the dialogue, I feel, is essential. Funny thing is, I don’t do a lot of reading myself but I write a lot, mostly poetry (this is my first novel). After browsing through a couple of other authors (one is a best seller) I found that there are novels that do have a lot of dialogue. My question is, can a novel be successful if it’s made up primarily of dialogue? Is it just the readers preference?”

My answer:

Yes, the amount of dialogue compared to description, etc., is somewhat a matter of style.

Having said that, however, you do have to add enough sensory details and other information to develop a scene and bring the character to life. Think about a screenplay–it’s for a play or film that depends on the props, facial expressions, tone of voice of the actors, etc. to bring it alive. Few people can get much out of just a screenplay.

So, in a novel, you need to provide the equivalent of what would happen on stage surrounding the dialogue.

I highly suggest you read a lot of novels before you attempt to publish your own.That’s the best way to develop your own “inner ear” for what works.

The best way to become a good writer is to write. A lot. If you haven’t listened to my teleseminar on “Writing Secrets Reealed,” you might want to check it out. I say that because the two exercises I describe and recommend, as well as the books, will do much for helping you become the writer you apparently long to become.

A shortcut (here’s a secret from the masters) is to take portions of works you admire–fiction that feels compatable with your style–and copy them out. By hand. I know one author (Michael Phillips) who flunked English in school, but became a best-selling author by following this method. Try it!

One of the best ways to “monetize” your knowledge is to create a membership site, and I wrote an article about how to do that, which you can read here.

In the article, I quote Jimmy D. Brown and why, from his experience, typical membership sites don’t work. Jimmy has a unique model for membership sites called “fixed term membership sites.”

His model makes sense to me. I think will work for A LOT of people who either have a nonfiction, how-to book (it would be very easy to “chop up” your content into chunks, which become lessons) or who want to write such a book.

(Jimmy doesn’t talk about using this model to actually WRITE A BOOK, but I say, when you’re done with your FTM, why not also turn it into a print book? My added twist. And if you want to go that route, I’ll show you how!)

The cool thing about Jimmy’s approach is, it will work for you even if you don’t yet have a book idea, because the very first lesson includes a Bonus that gives you 20 ideas for starting a membership site.

I am now on Lesson 22 of Jimmy’s Membernaire program, so I have seen a lot of this program. (Yes, you WILL be hearing from me about my new Fixed Term Membership sites. I have two programs coming up–one for writing a book, the other on marketing.)

I have taken a number of other courses from Jimmy D. Brown as well, and here’s what I like about him.

1. He has a knack for making things simple. Einstein said, “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” I think Jimmy hits this balance.

2. He makes so many things simple: coming up with ideas, writing, creating a web site, writing a sales letter. Everything you need to start your membership site in 48 hours, as he promises, is made crystal clear.

3. He fulfills his promises and doesn’t rely on hype. For instance, he really does show you exactly how to set up a membership site in 48 hours. Two 8-hour days is all it takes.

4. He teaches step by step. Again, very clear, exactly what to do each step of the way. He also gives assignments to keep you on track. And, if you really need more help, you can get his personal coaching at any time.

5. I learn at least as much from HOW Jimmmy does things as from WHAT he says. (Come to think of it, I learned that from him!)

THE BEST PART:

Jimmy always gives lots of examples and ideas. Again, it goes with being a good teacher.

In fact, as mentioned, right from the start in Lesson 1 of Membernaire you get a Bonus lesson of 20 Membership Site Ideas. So even if you don’t have an idea yet, this list will get your creative juices going!

It’s worth $27, I think, to at least get the first month of lessons and see what you think. With those lessons you’ll have everything you need to start your Fixed Term Membership site in 48 hours.

In fact, by the end of that month, if you keep up with the lessons, you’ll have your membership site up and going and bringing in revenue.

You know I am very picky about whom and what I promote. Jimmy D. Brown is one person I recommend without reservation, and I think this particular program is terrific.

You can always cancel if you don’t agree that Jimmy’s course will get you going on a very profitable venture. Check it out. I think you’ll be blown away.

Note: As of early this morning, there were only 94 openings left to the Membernaire program. I know it sold out fast 6 months ago, when he first opened it up. So I wouldn’t wait, if I were you.

One month or even one week from now, you could have your own FTM going! Remember, even if you don’t have a book now, or even a concrete idea, Lesson 1’s Bonus will give you 20 ideas from which to choose.

I just received an email from Lynette Chandler, who sends out excellent info on technology issues. (As someone who is somewhat tech-averse, I need all the help I can get!)

Lynette talked about the security issues with WordPress blogs and what to do about it. (Lynette says “regular web sites” such as XSite Pro sites are not necessarily any more secure, but I’m going to check on that with XSP).

Here’s what Lynette wrote, and the helpful info she shared:

“If you haven’t heard already, there has been a bunch of attacks to
WordPress blogs lately. If you go to WordPress forums and search for
security or hacking you’ll see it has gone on since before version
2.5.1. The most vulnerable sites are those running version 2.3.x but
there has been some report from people using 2.5.1

“It is not clear that those running the newer version were infiltrated
before upgrading. The official WordPress word on this is, version
2.5.1 is secure.

“But you know, this is more about what we as site owners should do to
make sure our sites are not so easily hacked. Look, every software
has their weak points. The trick to surviving a web site hacking is
to take steps so you don’t go through it in the first place.
Prevention is better than cure.

“Also, having regular *web site* backups are super important.

“I talked about this to my friend Elizabeth lately on her podcast.
You are advised to listen to it. Here’s the link.

“Some of the things discussed in the podcast are:

“1. What can happen if a hacking occurs (even if it is not a
Wordpress powered site - so if you don’t run WP, don’t sit back and
relax yet)

“2. Some suggestions how to lock down your WP and sites.

“In addition, here’s a blog post I made earlier with resources how to
secure your site.

“Finally… what do you do to find out if you’ve been hacked and how
to fix it? Here’s a resource that will be super helpful.

“Till the next time, stay safe and don’t forget to backup, backup,
backup.”

Thanks, Lynette!

Here’s a pop quiz for you:

How many ways can you think of to make your content (message) available to others?

(If you know the brainstorming technique I taught a few weeks ago, you can pull out a piece of paper and “cluster” your answers now. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, check out the Writing Secrets Revealed class to find out.)

Well, I wonder if you’ve thought of the one I cover in this week’s article.

It looks to be one of the easiest, and profitable, ways I’ve come across.

You’ll be hearing–and seeing–more about this very soon, because I plan to do this myself.

One of my subscribers wrote and asked this good question about web sites vs. blogs. I thought I’d share my answer here.

Carol’s question:

“I understand the difference between a website and a blog. Is XSite Pro for a static website or can it be used as a blog? You said you use Word Press for your blog. If I purchase XSite Pro, can I use it as a blog to post and update frequently?”

My answer:

XSite Pro is not something you can use with or as a blog. A blog is a completely different kind of software platform. XSP creates stand-alone web sites that you can make as small or large as you like.

I have just been looking at XSP V2, and I like it better than a blog in many ways.

The features are very powerful and easy to use (great documentation, with screen captures to walk you through each segment). A lot of what XSP does, you can do with WP plug-ins, I think–if you know how to get them and use them. If you tend to be techy, you might prefer WP blogs. My techy friend likes finding all these cool plug-ins. Me–I prefer to click a few buttons and let the program do it for me.

(By the way, their support is great, too. Fast turnaround, and clear instructions. I tested this recently because I just got a new computer, and needed to know how to get my stuff from old computer to new and integrated with V2.)

The ability to easily update content is one of the main attractions of blogs, and that’s why search engines love blogs. However, if you have a “static” web site where you can easily update content, you have the same search engine advantage.

With Site Pro, it’s extremely easy to update content AND optimize it for search engines at the same time. It’s just like typing something in Word, and then you click the Publish button and it’s on your site. But better–you have complete control over the keywords and page descriptions. With WP (which I like and do use), I have to trust that the search engines are picking up on the right keywords. Or, I use a plug-in (I think it’s called Header2 and there’s also one called SEO pack), but I have to go back and put the keywords in. I posted on both my blog and site last night, and with XSP it was much faster and easier to do. I find that XSP saves a lot of time.

Also, there are ways to add content automatically to your site, through RSS feeds and other ways I’m just learning about, with XSP. You can do that same thing with WP, I understand–again, IF you know the plug-ins and where to go. With XSP, it’s all in one place, there’s a manual to consult, and once you learn it, you get it working on all your sites.

Another thing that I like better about XSP is the control you can have over each page of your site. For instance, if you have an opt-in or squeeze page, you can make one page be that. With a blog, you likely need a whole new url to point to that squeeze page. And it’s another site to maintain, rather than a page over which you have complete control in XSP.

WordPress is good, and I have several WP blogs myself (this is one of them!). It just requires more techy skill and it seems like there are always upgrades and things you have to know. I listen to Cathy Perkins’s Wizard Weekly teleseminars on WP, and don’t know where I’d be without her help. I just learned I have to do all these things to my blogs before I upgrade to the new version so the sites won’t “break.” Yikes! And of course, I should upgrade because otherwise, something terrible might happen (what, I’m not sure. Something about security). So–I like XSP much better for all these reasons.

If you’re not sure about whether XSite Pro is for you, why not attend one of the upcoming webinars? No cost, and you’ll get a feel for the features. You can sign up here. http://www.wordstoprofit.com/xspweb.html Dates are July 2,4, 8, so do it now if you’re interested.

I just upgraded to XSP V2 and so am just exploring the new features, but so far I’m liking what I see very much! I was just reading about adding a “site search” for visitors. Very cool. I have one on my blog, but my site actually has more content, and I want people to be able to search it.

(My full review of XSite Pro is here, if you care to learn more about my perspective, having used V1 for some 4 years now.)

A reader who listened to my Resource Roundup #1 teleseminar asked about whether I used the web site creation program I recommend, XSite Pro, for www.wordstoprofit.com, and what I thought of it.

That got me going, because XSite Pro is one of the BEST programs I’ve EVER used. I could not do my online work without it!

Last week, I created the following web sites in a matter of minutes:

• http://www.writeyourbookrightnow.com (with all the subpages)
• http://www.writingsecretsrevealed.com
• http://www.virtualbooktourexpert.com

I also made a new site out of what was a page on my site:
http://www.virtualbooktourexpert.com

I use XSP for almost all my sites, except my blogs. Here are a few examples:

• choosingyourbestsellingtitle.com
• abundantgiftsbook.com
• jumpstartyourbook.com

(This Your Book Publishing Coach blog and my www.abundantgiftsblog.com blog are WordPress. I do like WordPress, too, but honestly–it’s easier to work with XSP.)

I just upgraded to Version 2 of XSite Pro. The latest version seems amazing, and I already think XSP is amazing. To read my full review of this software that, in my opinion, is the best software I’ve ever bought, click here. I actually describe and demonstrate some of the tasks you can do, and tell how long it took me to do them.

To get straight to the web page for XSite Pro, go here. I read every word of that site with my usual skeptic hat on. Honestly, none of it is hype. The program does all it says it does.

There are some webinars coming up that will make even clearer all you can do with this program. Check it out and sign up here.

If you want to create web sites where you can post your own articles (search engines love this), sell your products, and get known–easily, quickly, without even having to understand how blogs work–get this program. Honestly, it’s one of the best products I’ve ever bought in my life. Certainly the best software package. (The most profitable one, too!)

My friend and colleague Terry Whalin has been busy doing some terrific teleseminars I thought you would want to know about.

Tonight, he’s doing one on book proposals. There will be a replay, if you get this late, so head on over to www.askterrywhalin.com.

There you can ask your question, listen to the live call or replay, and download a great new Ebook he just created, his Book Proposals
That Sell Extra Special Report. I’ve seen it, and it’s a goldmine of
valuable info on book proposals, writing–you name it.

It’s also well worth the $40 to access the interviews he did with 8 top publishing professionals. Why? Because you’d never in a million years have access to these people yourself, and I doubt they’d be as honest as they were with Terry. Each editor or publisher gave a slightly different perspective on what they look for in a book proposal. Check it out.

If you’re interested in writing Christian fiction or writing for children, you can catch the replay of the call Terry did last week with editor and author Andy McGuire at www.askandymcguire.com. Listen to the questions Andy answered from the teleseminar–it’s very enlightening.

I want you to know that, because of some “life stuff” happening, I was unable to remind you that the price for “Writing Secrets Revealed: How to Write Your Book in 45 Minutes a Day or Less (Even If You Think You’re Not a Writer)” is going up.

(I’ll spare you the details, but let’s just say it can be summarized in two
words: “computers” and “water.” Thankfully,neither situation is disastrous.)

So, fair is fair! You get 3 extra days to get this audio and the accompanying Action Guide for $9.95, before the price goes up to $14.95. Price will go up on June 27 at 9 pm Central.

And in my opinion, $14.95 is still a steal for what you will get.

Here’s what a couple of attendees had to say:

“Diane, Thanks for the Brainstorming technique. I already have 5 article titles just waiting for me to develop. This is an excellent idea! They may even be turned into whitepapers for my customers. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” –Patricia Hubbard, Virginia Beach, VA

“I knew about mind mapping but never was it put so simply like you did.” –Racheli Smilovits, www.loans-4-u.com

You also get the Action Guide with my filled-in notes, including the exact “outline” I used to plan that teleseminar in 6 minutes.

Plus I answered questions people asked.

More info here. If you want to become a writer–even a prolific writer–very quickly and easily, you must learn these simple techniques! If they don’t work for you, I will refund your money!

With 175,000 books published every year, it’s VERY hard to succeed as an author nowadays unless you take a different approach.

There’s a program taught by Steve Harrison that takes that different approach. He has the track record to prove his approach works (check it out here).

In fact, a friend of a friend of mine went to one of Steve Harrison’s Publicity Summits (at my recommendation), and she thanked me profusely–said it absolutely changed her life. I know Steve Harrison has helped LOTS of well-known authors become very successful.

So … if you are interested in getting some training from someone who has an impressive track record for creating successful authors, consider Steve Harrison’s Million Dollar Crash Course & Publicity Program, being held July 15-17th in Philadelphia. (He has a way for you to get the value of the course even if you can’t travel there on those dates.)

Steve’s program will show you how to earn a very good living, sell more books and profoundly influence other people’s lives for the better. He’s only opening this to 50 people, and I know he has a huge list of people hearing about this, so if you’re interested, please check it out now.

Tuesday’s teleclass on “Writing Secrets Revealed: How to Become a Prolific Author in 45 Minutes Day or Less (Even if You Think You’re Not a Writer)” was so much fun for me!

Most important, the participants loved it.

Here’s what Patricia Hubbard of Virginia Beach wrote to me at the end of the call:

“Diane, Thanks for the Brainstorming technique. I already have 5 article titles just waiting for me to develop. This is an excellent idea! They may even be turned into white papers for my customers. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

If you want to know what we covered, and get access to the replay and the Action Guide with my filled-in notes, go here.

I shared the two exercises, and four brainstorming techniques, that I use virtually every day, for everything I do.

One technique allowed me to outline my whole teleseminar in 6 minutes.

On the Action Guide you will see the exact “outline” I used (though it won’t look anything like any outline you learned how to do in school!).

These techniques are easy to understand and do, and I can just about guarantee they’ll turn you into a prolific writer, too!

(One of them even has the added benefit of being a great stress reducer; I’ve been doing this for 12 years without missing one day, not because I’m disciplined, but because of the tremendous benefits I get from it.)

I also answered questions that were submitted.

Before 9 p.m. (Central) on June 23, you can get the audio and Action Guides (both the blank one and the one with my notes) for $9.95. After that, it’s $14.95.

I think that’s a steal for a class that can literally revolutionize your life as an author.

Oh yes–there’s also a Special available to anyone who listens to the call.