Manley Mann

Attention BIPOC writers...this may be of interest.

I work with a lot of memoir writers, many of whom come to me with their most personal stories, asking me to make them better. That takes incredible vulnerability. Most of my clients don’t know me before I start working with them, yet they hand over a huge part of their heartof themselvesto meand then they wait, while I read about their highs, their lows, the most vulnerable parts of themselves. And when I return their story to them? They prepare themselves to read critiqu...es of what is, essentially, part of their livestheir sense of being. That. Is. Nerve. Wracking. In our latest blog post, Chris talks about why the tools of compassion and empathy are just as, if not more, important than a dictionary and thesaurus, when she works with memoir writers. https://manleymann.ca/915-2/

Today is National Read a Book Day! We’d love to know what book(s) you are reading right now. #NationalReadABookDay

Do you have a manuscript that you’d like to see published, but you aren’t sure how to go about turning this dream into a reality? What’s a query letter? Do you need an agent? What is an agent, anyway? Where do you start? This handy quick guide to publishing by The Writers' Union of Canada should answer some of your questions: https://www.writersunion.ca/getting-published (And, of course, we're also happy to share what we know!)

You’re hosting a dinner party, and you have a superpower that allows you to invite any three authors of any time period to attend. Who do you invite?

Today is Bad Poetry Day! Yes, there is a day set aside to celebrate sub-par poems. Who knew? Let’s have some fun, shall we? Finish this poem, in the spirit of #BadPoetryDay: Roses are red, Violets are blue

If you’re writing a memoir, chances are your story includes people who also exist in your real life (unless your memoir is a survivalist story). Unlike fiction writers, who can make up (most) anything they want when creating a character, you are likely basing your character version on the actual person in your life. And with that comes risk. Fiction writers aren’t likely to worry about the reaction of others to their characters, in the same way that memoir writers do. ... What happens if Uncle Norbert hates the way you portrayed him? And what if Great Aunt Linda doesn’t want you to publish the story at all? What do you do? How to Handle Real-Life People in Your Story explores writing characters based on actual people, while navigating possible negative reactions of others (Bonus: I also share what creative liberties you can take to change enough details of the story to avoid libel). This DIY editing course includes 3 modules and 7 worksheets to help you reign in the characters in your story (both real and fictional!). https://manleymann.podia.com/editing-your-memoir-mini-cours

Do you remember the first book you read all by yourself?

Where would your ideal writing sanctuary be? Bonus points if you share a picture of it! For me (Chris), I’d love to draw inspiration from the place I grew up in, which is often the setting for my own writing: Newfoundland. There are many beautiful places all over the world, but there’s something I find so magical about this on-the-edge-of-the-earth, rugged, and raw beauty that is part rock, part tree, and 100% nature. Who wouldn’t be inspired by scenes like these?

Gender stereotypes are harmful and offensive, and they highlight weak writing. When you use a gender stereotype, you are telling your reader you didn’t want to invest in unique characters that stand on their own.

Is Your Perspective On Gender Limited In Your Writing? Here’s How To Avoid It! https://manleymann.ca/avoiding-gender-stereotypes-in-ficti/

Sunday is National Book Lovers’ Day. In celebration, tell us about your favourite (so far) summer read!

NEW MEMOIR WRITING-EDITING SHORT COURSE: Writing About (and Editing) Uncomfortable Subjects ($50) Many memoirs explore unpleasant and possibly even traumatic events. And when you decide to write about them, you essentially agree to relive them, which can be uncomfortable at best, dangerous to your health at worst. So, how can you write your storywith its challenges, trauma, and general unpleasant experiencesin a way that both benefits your writing and keeps your mental he...alth as a priority? Writing About (and Editing) Uncomfortable Subjects explores just that. **PREFACE: I am not a mental health specialist. I am not a therapist or a counsellor. What I’ve presented in this course is a process that incorporates thinking about and implementing safeguards depending on your discomfort level. One thing I highly encourage for anyone who risks severely compromising your mental health or being triggered through the writing process is to enlist the help of a mental health specialist. In this course, I’ll share my own process for editing uncomfortable subjects and show you how thinking ahead and creating a plan before you immerse yourself back into your story can help you deal with emotions as they arise and focus your attention on your story. https://manleymann.podia.com/writing-about-and-editing-unco

(Chris here!) Books I’m currently reading: 1. A Stranger in the House: My entertainment read... 2. The Assassin's Blade: My 12-year-old daughter loves this series and asked me to read the prequel. So I am. It’s not my usual genre, but I am enjoying it. 3. How to be Less Stupid About Race: For my own personal development 4. Memoir Conversations and Craft: For my professional development I read multiple books for different purposes: leisure, professional development, and personal development. I also tend to read in different places/time, depending on the book and purpose. So, I’ll curl up in bed or outside in my gazebo with my leisure read, for example, but anything that involves learning I read in the early evening, sitting in my office chair or sofa. I need to be alert for that type of reading, and that means choosing times/places where I am most alert. What are your reading habits? Are you a one-book-at-a-time-no-matter-what reader or do you juggle multiple loves, like me?

What an editor actually examines in the first stage of the editing process (hint: it has nothing to do with commas). https://manleymann.ca/a-simple-guide-to-the-different-type/

Do you use email for your business' primary communication? What’s your tip for keeping communication organized?

Do you have a story to share with the world? Perhaps you've already written yours but you're wondering what to do next. This is the point where I typically recommend hiring a professional editor to work with you to make your story the very best it can be. But sometimes you just aren't ready to make that kind of investment just yet. I get it. I've been working with authors for over 15 years, so I know all about timing. Sometimes, a middle step can be helpful, as you make your... way along the editing journey. So...I took all the things I've learned working one-on-one with authors over the years and I developed an online course. Self-Editing for Memoir will guide you through the process of turning your draft into something that could be on other people's bookshelves. (Also, this isn't intended on replacing investing in a professional editor, but the more work you can do yourself, the less work your editor will have on their hands...which might cut down on the amount of time and work your editor requires...which, in the end, might mean saving you money.) Your story deserves to be shared. Self-Editing for Memoir can help you take one step closer to making that a reality. https://manleymann.podia.com/self-editing-course

Attention, Island business women! If your company has been affected by COVID-19, there's an incredible new funding opportunity available to you through the Momentum Advisory Professional Services (MAPS) Program. Incredible as in, funded 100%, up to $10,000. Check out the details here and don't delay... application deadline is August 7th. Yes, our services would be covered under this program! https://peibwa.org/maps/

"What’s striking is that celebrities have largely been left behind. Gone are the reality-TV stars, retired sportsmen and ageing chatshow hosts. Now it’s teachers, prison officers, midwives, soldiers, even barristers taking centre stage." What's memoir you read that you loved? https://www.theguardian.com//real-life-memoirs-are-a-hit-w

Chris here! I've recently received a bunch of queries on manuscript editing, which prodded me to remind our clients (and clients-to-be) that I offer one-hour sample edits for you to try out my editing style. It's so important that you click with your editor. If you want someone who will go easy on you, but your editor is the whip-cracking type...you'll likely resent the whole process. Ditto if you are seeking someone to keep you accountable for tasks and timelines but your e...ditor is a bit too forgiving. My style is a blend of coaching and prodding, and I offer as many or as few check-ins as the client demands. One of the first conversations I'll have with a new client is about what they are looking for in an editor and what style works well for them. A great way to try out an editor's style is by investing in a sample. Yes, I do charge for these (I put a lot of work into showcasing my editing skills, and I personally support artists charging for their work/experience), but you'll get a better sense of my style before committing to a larger project. On my end, I gain a better understanding of your writing style and can map out projects more accurately. You can find more info on how my sample edits work by clicking the link below. https://manleymann.podia.com/1-1-manuscript-edit-structural

The popularity of the memoir has been increasing over the last decade or so, and it seems that most people are interested in the stories of the everyday person...not celebrities (I guess that's what Instagram is for!). Have you considered writing your story? Here's a good starting point, if you don't know where to begin: Our free ebook on memoir writing. https://manleymann.podia.com/memoir-101-what-is-it-and-how-

How many of these have you read? (Also, just imagine the memoirs that'll come out of 2020!) https://www.nytimes.com//2019/06/26/books/best-memoirs.html

Language matters.

To our fellow Islanders: there's still time to apply for the COVID-19 Business Adaptation Advice Program. If you're wondering how to obtain our services to strengthen your messaging through all of this, let us know! https://www.princeedwardisland.ca//covid-19-business-adapt

June is also Pride Month in Canada! https://www.cbc.ca//16-canadian-books-to-read-for-pride-mo

The Canadian Children's Book Centre has a social justice and diversity book bank worth exploring: http://sjad.bookcentre.ca

Another list of books to add to your collection. http://bookcentre.ca/news/canadian-books-tackle-racism

https://www.cbc.ca//25-books-about-being-black-in-canada-1

Knowledge is power. Supporting anti-racism movements means upping your knowledge. https://nymag.com/strategist//anti-racist-reading-list.html

More suggested reads that explore racism, both in Canada and the United States. https://www.theglobeandmail.com//article-10-recent-books-/

June is National Indigenous History month in Canada. What books are you reading in recognition? http://bookcentre.ca//book-list-national-indigenous-histor

This article not only lists books for children (broken down by age group), but it also provides useful resources for parents. It is US-focused, and we'll be sharing Canadian-specific resources in future posts. Have you read any of the books listed in this article? https://www.readbrightly.com/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-rac/

If you’re *this close* to finishing your memoir and wondering what next?, we have some exciting news for you! Christine’s Self-Editing for Memoir course is now online. Designed as a DIY first step to taking your story from lived experience to a book, this course does not replace the services of a professional editor; however, it’s an excellent starting point for anyone wishing to strengthen their manuscript but may not yet be ready to invest in an editor. Self-Editing for ...Memoir covers a wide variety of topics such as: -Treating the real people in your life as characters on a page -Knowing who to include and who to leave out -Writing about uncomfortable or sensitive topics -Dealing with other people’s negative reactions to you writing your story -Including creative elements into your memoir -Dealing with bias and liability -Writing about people who have passed away -What to do if those in your story do not want you to write your story -Some technical elements of writing -And more! This self-directed online course offers worksheets to help you find your focus, stay on track with your message, and solidify your story, making it the strongest it can possibly be. Priced to allow authors to do as much of the work as possible themselves before enlisting a professional, Self-Editing for Memoir will help you take your story from something that is okay and might get passed around to friends and family to something that is good and ready to compete with other memoirs on a bookstore’s shelf. Here's where you can find it: https://manleymann.podia.com/self-editing-course

"Overall, there’s a wealth of linguistic creativity that hasn’t yet entered the dictionary, but reflects the role of novel language as a coping mechanism. These innovative usages, Lawson says, 'allow us to name whatever it is that’s going on in the world. And once you can name the practices, the events, the social conditions around a particular event, it just gives people a shared vocabulary that they can all use as a bit of a shorthand. I think ultimately if you can name it, you can talk about it; and if you can talk about it, then it can help people cope and get a handle on really difficult situations'." https://www.bbc.com//20200522-why-weve-created-new-languag

Many of us are working from home these days. In Canada, we’re into our second month of #StayingHome due to the COVID-19 crisis. And while we all adjust to balancing work with life responsibilities, the truth is that we do still have to work. One thing that we find helps when working under stressful circumstances is to take note of when you feel most productive and most energized, and then schedule tasks for that time. For example, knowing that the daily news updates weighs o...n you by mid-afternoon will help you schedule your most important work tasks for the morning. Don’t try to fight your own productivity scheduleinstead, work with it. How have you started to adjust to working from home? Are you finding it different as we enter month 2 than from week 1? What tweaks to your daily schedule have you made?

We're super excited to launch our (free ) ebook on memoir writing. Memoir 101: What it is and How to Write One Visit the link below to grab a copy for yourself! ... https://manleymann.podia.com

Covid-19 is changing the way many of us are doing business. If you’re currently thinking about how to adapt alongside Covid-19, we can help when it comes to clarity in your messaging. https://manleymann.ca/services/covid-19/

https://www.theguardian.com//no-more-nagging-wives-how-oxf

Jaime's looking forward to spending the day with some young writers later this month.

Who has your vote?

Chris will be at the University Ave. McDonald’s this afternoon/evening, as part of a Family Literacy event. Locals, head on down between 4 and 7 to listen to a story (the first 100 children will get a free copy of her book, thanks to First Book Canada).

We love books. (Thank goodness, or we’d be in the wrong business, right?) And when you love books, you love to learn about new reads and tell others about great reads. So, every month, we’re going to check in and ask our Facebook friends to tell us about a great book you read this month. Not exactly a book club, but a book recommendation list of sorts So, let's begin: What was your favourite January read?

PEI friends: The Island Literary Awards are a great chance to get some visibility and recognition for your writing. Many award winners have gone on to publish books. DYK that the PEI Writers' Guild offers categories for children to submit, too? From early elementary right up until high school, young writers have a chance to win prizes for their stories. We’ll be, once again, sponsoring the adult writing for children category (3rd place because we have a soft spot for 3rd plac...e), and we look forward to meeting all the nominees, their supporters, and the writing community at the gala in May. Deadline for ILAs is the end of February so get writing, PEI! Random fact: Both Chris and Jaime are past ILA award winners

PEI friends: This is a fun little writing contest! It closes Monday, though...maybe your weekend sees you crafting a new story...#BeInspired

DYK that editing is more than just spotting spelling mistakes and wayward commas? We do offer that service, yes, but we tell our clients that our first step, when taking on an editing project, is to conduct a structural edit. For fiction, this involves reviewing for plot, order, character development, reading level (children/YA), etc. For non-fiction, this means examining for information gaps, content duplication, order of information presented, reading level, etc. Think of ...a jigsaw puzzlethe first step is to put the border together, so you have a framework for the entire puzzle. For more information on the different types of editing, see below! https://manleymann.ca/a-simple-guide-to-the-different-type/

For our PEI friends...what an incredible opportunity! Led by poet laureate Julie Pellissier-Lush.

Happy 2020 to our friends, clients, and clients who are also friends! We’re a little bit delayed in our New Year greetings (can we claim storm closures on this?), but we like to look at the entire month of January as a chance to set goals for the coming year. Don’t fret if you haven't started that manuscript you vowed you were going to on Dec 31. There's still time! What does 2020 look for you? Any writing goals? We’d love to hear them!

Anyone out there in the midst of writing a memoir? We are checking interest levels for a memoir editing workshop for our PEI friends. Depending on level of interest, we'll be offering a full-day, memoir-editing course, likely in November. Any takers? Feel free to send us a private message or comment on this thread if this is something you would be interested in. The cost would be around $100.

Our most recent blog post outlines the different stages and types of editing, so you can better understand what one you may be in need of to ensure your message is heard and understood. https://manleymann.ca/a-simple-guide-to-the-different-type/

Congratulations to one of our former clients Peekapak! We're thrilled that more students will have the chance to read your stories now.

Our self-serve department has a variety of resources for businesses and authors. Currently, we have some free downloads on there, as well as a DIY web audit ecourse. We’ll be adding another ecourse (an editing one, for all you authors working on memoir writing) in the months to come (stay tuned). Is there a resource you’d like to see added to the Manley Mann school? https://manleymann.ca/services/self-serve/

Today is National Day of Encouragement. Let’s lift each other up, today (and everyday, really). Comment below, sending a note of encouragement to someone you think is amazing (remember to tag them so they see it!). Create a smile and share their fabulousness with the world!

DIY WEB AUDIT TIP: Does your website have a relationship between your message and your call to action? 1. Is there a clear call to action across your site (other than on your contact page)? It should be as easy as possible for your potential customer to go from landing on your site to becoming a paid customer. Don’t make them hunt around for how to buy from you. 2. Is your call to action related to your main message? In many cases, your call to action might be a simple Book ...an Appointment Now! button or Email us for a Quote! type of actionone that can be amendable to your message. However, if your goal is for someone to buy your replacement for single-use plastic wrap and your call to action is Contact us for more info, there is a disconnect (you want a call to action that leads to where to buy the new, reusable product). Or something bold, like Help us Save The World! THINGS TO LOOK FOR: * Is your call to action easy to find on every page of your site? * Do you only rely on your contact or product page as a point of sale? (please don’t) * Is there an obvious relationship between your message and your call to action? For more DIY web audit tips, check out our e-course. https://manleymann.podia.com/web-audit

Who has fall writing goals? Sometimes, as writers, we get so bogged down in the pressure to have the perfect writing space, oodles of blocked-off writing time, and an extremely detailed outline, that we can’t seem to start the actual process of writing. You know all you really need to do, to make progress on your writing project? Start. Write words on the page. That’s it.... Working on a project this fall? We’d love to hear about it (comment below and share with us)! Also, a reminder that we also offer book coaching services, for anyone who could benefit from some structure and accountability.

FYI (for our PEI friends)

Let’s talk about running a business in the summer, shall we? Specifically, running a business when you live in a summer tourism destination. Truthfully: it is hard. We’ve been quieter than we’d like to on this platform, and it’s because of summer. PEI is so beautiful in the summer (it’s beautiful other times of the year, too, but there is magic in the summer) and we all want to take advantage of every single second. We want the beach days. We want to visit the seasonal resta...Continue reading

Christine is VP of the P.E.I. Writers’ Guild and has been active in organizing this creative writing conference. Participants and faculty from all over the country...all here to learn more about the writing craft!

Nine years ago, a Manley editor and a copywriting Mann said "yes" to joining forces to form what is now Manley Mann. What a ride it's been! We've worked with amazing clients and had some wonderful adventures. Excited to see what the next 9 brings as we enter our tenth year working together. Today, we celebrate. ... Photo credit: Melissa Harding Photography #ManleyManniversary #LuckyNumber9

Those of you who are entrepreneurs know that operating a business in the summer brings its own unique set of challenges. While it sometimes seems like the rest of the world is on vacation, you’re over there still clocking the hours, still reconciling the books, still doing the work. Worklife balance is critical to a healthy mind and body, so, today’s Friday discussion is for you, business owners: How do you account for summertime vibes while also ensuring the needed tasks get done? Do you tweak your hours in the summer? Switch work focus? How do you manage summertime as a business owner? Discuss!

Our DIY Web Audit course helps you review your website for design and message effectiveness and accessibility compliance so everyone gets your message. https://manleymann.podia.com/web-audit

Did you know that website accessibility compliance laws are being rolled out across Canada and the US? Ontario, for example, has legislation that requires all websites to meet set accessibility standards (which vary depending on your industry and audience) by 2021. Legislation such as this will spread across the country, too, and this is a good thing! We all want our websites (and, subsequently, our businesses) to be accessible to more people, right? To learn more about the types of things you should consider when ensuring your website is accessible, check out our DIY Web Audit course: https://manleymann.podia.com/web-audit

In her latest blog post, Chris shares her now not-so-secret secret weapon for editing (it works for authors and business owners!): the style sheet. https://manleymann.ca/the-key-to-consistent-messaging-the-/

Three things your website visitors need to know before they buy Do you know what they are? Are you 100% confident your website meets your visitors’ expectations? FREE DOWNLOAD HERE> https://manleymann.podia.com/three-things-your-website-visi

We are adding more resources to our Self-Serve Department all the time. Right now, you’ll find a free downloadable about what 3 things your website visitor is looking for from your website, as well as a $99 ecourse on giving your website its much-needed regular checkup. Coming soon: A free downloadable about taking care with the language you use. Check it out! (And let us know if there’s a topic of particular interest you would like to see.)... https://manleymann.ca/services/self-serve/