January 5, 2023December 31, 2022 Barnaby Taylor Author, Digital, Fiction

A Beginner’s Guide to BookTok: Ten Things to Look Out For

BookTok is a vibrant and active community of book lovers on TikTok, and if you’re new to the platform, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are ten things to look out for as you explore BookTok:

1. Book recommendations: One of the best things about BookTok is the endless stream of book recommendations. Whether you’re looking for your next read or just want to see what others are reading, you’ll find no shortage of suggestions.

2. Book hauls: Book haul videos are a staple of BookTok, and they’re a great way to get a sense of the latest and greatest releases. Keep an eye out for these videos to get an idea of what’s new in the world of books.

3. Book reviews: If you’re not sure whether a book is right for you, you can often find reviews on BookTok to help you decide. These reviews can be helpful, but it’s important to remember that everyone’s opinion is different, so take them with a grain of salt.

4. Book challenges: Book challenges are a popular feature of BookTok, and they’re a fun way to get involved in the community. Whether it’s a reading challenge or a book recommendation challenge, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to participate.

5. Book clubs: Many BookTok users belong to book clubs, and you’ll often see them sharing their thoughts and discussions about the books they’ve read. This can be a great way to discover new books and connect with others who share your love of reading.

6. Book swaps: Book swaps are a fun way to share your favourite reads with others and discover new books. Keep an eye out for BookTok users who are looking to participate in a book swap and see if you can get involved.

7. Author content: Many authors have embraced TikTok and are active on the platform, sharing content related to their books and writing process. This can be a great way to get to know your favourite authors and learn more about their work.

8. Book aesthetics: Aesthetics are a big part of BookTok, and you’ll often see users sharing beautifully arranged shelves and book stacks. If you’re looking for inspiration for your own bookshelves, you’ll find plenty of ideas on BookTok.

9. Book memes: If you’re a fan of memes, you’ll love BookTok. There are endless book-related memes floating around the platform, and they can be a great way to get a laugh while exploring new reads.

10. Book communities: BookTok is just one of many book-related communities on TikTok, and you’ll often see users sharing content from other book-centric hashtags like #Bookstagram and #BookBlogger. Keep an eye out for these hashtags to discover even more book-related content.

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are finding these tips helpful. I have written a wide range of fiction and non-fiction and if you want find out more about me and my work, click this link here.

Good luck with all your projects.

Kind regards

Barnaby

January 4, 2023December 31, 2022 Barnaby Taylor Author, Fiction, Writing

TikTok for Authors: Using the Popular Video-Sharing App to Promote Your Books

TikTok is a popular social media platform that has exploded in popularity in recent years. With its focus on short-form videos, it can be a great tool for authors looking to promote their books and connect with readers. Here are some tips for using TikTok as an author:

Create engaging content: TikTok is all about creating short, attention-grabbing videos. Think about what kind of content will be interesting and engaging for your audience and try to incorporate that into your videos. This could include book trailers, behind-the-scenes looks at your writing process, or fun challenges related to your book.

Use hashtags: Like other social media platforms, TikTok allows users to search for content using hashtags. Use relevant hashtags when posting about your book to make it easier for people to find and engage with your content.

Collaborate with other authors: TikTok is a great place to connect with other authors and collaborate on content. Consider reaching out to other authors in your genre or with a similar audience and see if you can work together to create content that will be of interest to your followers.

Utilize the “For You” page: The “For You” page on TikTok is a curated feed of content that is tailored to each user’s interests. By creating high-quality content and using relevant hashtags, you can increase the chances of your content being shown on the “For You” page and reaching a wider audience.

Have fun: Above all, it is important to have fun with TikTok and not take yourself too seriously. This is a platform that is all about creativity and having a good time, so embrace that and enjoy the process.

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are finding these tips helpful. I have written a wide range of fiction and non-fiction and if you want find out more about me and my work, click this link here.

Good luck with all your projects.

Kind regards

Barnaby

January 2, 2023December 28, 2022 Barnaby Taylor Author, Fiction, Writing

Five Tips for Authentic Dialogue in Your Novel

Effective dialogue is an essential element of any good story, and it can be especially important in historical fiction where authenticity is key. Here are five tips to help you create authentic and engaging dialogue in your novel:

Research the time period and language: To create authentic dialogue, it is important to understand the language and colloquialisms used during the time period you are writing about. This can include slang, regional accents, and other linguistic quirks. Do some research and take note of how people spoke during that time so you can accurately represent it in your writing.

Use dialogue to reveal character: Dialogue is a great way to reveal character and show the reader who your characters are. Pay attention to how your characters speak and the words they choose, as this can give insight into their personality, background, and motivations.

Avoid modern colloquialisms: It can be tempting to use modern colloquialisms and slang in your dialogue, but this can take the reader out of the story and break the sense of authenticity. Instead, try to use language that is appropriate for the time period and setting of your story.

Don’t be afraid to experiment: While it is important to be authentic, don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles of dialogue and see what works best for your story. Play around with different ways of expressing your characters’ thoughts and feelings, and see what feels most natural and effective.

Edit and revise: Like any aspect of writing, dialogue can often benefit from revision and editing. As you work on your story, pay attention to how your characters talk to each other and make sure it sounds natural and authentic. Don’t be afraid to cut or rewrite dialogue that doesn’t work or feels forced.

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are finding these tips helpful. I have written a wide range of fiction and non-fiction and if you want find out more about me and my work, click this link here.

Good luck with all your projects.

Kind regards

Barnaby

December 30, 2022December 31, 2022 Barnaby Taylor Author, Fiction

The Top Five Tips for Structuring a Novel

Structuring a novel can be a daunting task, but it’s an essential part of the writing process. A well-structured novel not only keeps your readers engaged, but it also helps you to effectively communicate your story and ideas. Here are the top five tips for structuring a novel:

Begin with an outline.

An outline is a great way to organize your thoughts and plot points before you start writing. It helps you to see the big picture and identify any gaps in your story. You can start by brainstorming a list of key events and characters, then arrange them in a logical order.

Divide your novel into three parts.

Most novels can be divided into three parts: the beginning, the middle, and the end. The beginning should introduce your characters and set the stage for the story. The middle should include the main conflict and rising action. The end should resolve the conflict and tie up loose ends.

Use chapter breaks effectively.

Chapter breaks are a great way to keep your readers engaged and provide a natural stopping point. Use chapter breaks to change perspectives, switch locations, or move forward in time. They can also be used to create tension or suspense by ending a chapter on a cliffhanger.

Include a clear protagonist and antagonist.

A clear protagonist and antagonist are essential for a well-structured novel. The protagonist should be the main character and the hero of the story, while the antagonist should be the main obstacle or force working against the protagonist.

Use subplots to enhance the main plot.

Subplots are secondary storylines that intersect with the main plot and add depth and complexity to your story. They can help to flesh out your characters and provide additional conflict and tension. Just be sure to keep the focus on the main plot and avoid overwhelming your readers with too many subplots.

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are finding these tips helpful. I have written a wide range of fiction and non-fiction and if you want find out more about me and my work, click this link here.

Good luck with all your projects.

Kind regards

Barnaby

September 14, 2021 Barnaby Taylor Author, Writing

5 out of 5 stars ‘An original and beautifully written book’

‘A beautifully written book that ponders the meaning of fulfilment when stuck in the inexorable humdrum of a career, you lose touch with old friends etc. There’s an equally beautiful revelation as to the shape that fulfilment takes. Hilarious at times re the description of undertaking a Phd and more, there is as much joy and humour in this book as there is darker introspection. It’s original in style and format -lovely to have a book that asks readers important questions without ramming ready platitudes down their throat. This book is a wonderfully genuine, authentic and life- affirming experience not to be missed. It got me thinking about staying connected to my interests and passions and not ever letting them slip away and the importance of wanting something as the book title suggests. And that from a book is a particularly generous gift.’

If you’re interested in finding out more about How To Want Something then why not click the link https://bit.ly/HOWTOWANTSOMETHING.

Once you have finished you could also leave a review. That would be fantastic.

Many thanks and have a great day.

Barnaby

September 9, 2021 Barnaby Taylor Writing

How To Want Something

Hi Everyone

The latest stage in my publishing journey has led to me to complete How To Want Something.

How To Want Something is a small book about what we’re looking for, what we love, what we’ve lost, and the effort it takes to find a way to live. This is a book about what it means to feel alive and how to want something again.

If you’re interested in finding out more about How To Want Something then why not click the link https://bit.ly/HOWTOWANTSOMETHING.

Once you have finished you could also leave a review. That would be fantastic.

Many thanks and have a great day.

Barnaby

July 22, 2020 Barnaby Taylor Falcon Boy, Falcon Boy: A Fairly Hopeless Hero, Fiction, Writing

Dr Don’t Know wants the world to be as stupid as he is.

‘This beautifully written dynamic book is perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s quirky and offbeat with a big heart. It has all the wonder and magic of classic children’s books with the innovation of contemporary literature. Falcon Boy is not to be missed!’

Don’t let stupid win!

Dr Don’t Know hates knowledge.

He wants to steal the answer to every question ever asked.

Dr Don’t Know wants the world to be as stupid as he is.

We can’t let this happen!

Only Falcon Boy and Bewilder Bird can save the world from Dr Don’t Know. The bad news is that they have been kidnapped. The good news is that they can’t stay kidnapped for long otherwise this story will never get started.

Will Dr Don’t Know succeed with his evil plan?

There’s only one way to find out.

Read on and remember.

Don’t let stupid win!!

Available NOW for order in all good book stores and online.

July 8, 2020 Barnaby Taylor Author, VIRO, Writing

VIRO – ‘a new take on the zombie genre’

‘I absolutely loved this book. Powerful and poignant, VIRO packs a punch. Sad and haunting, VIRO is a new take on the zombie genre.The characters are dynamic and interesting, finding strength despite their horrifying circumstances. Jake is a character that will stick with you long after the final page. The action sequences are thrilling. I was on the edge of my seat!’