Tools and Tidbits for Writers: What IS SEO?

 

Tools and Tidbits for Writers
#toolsandtidbitsforwriters
by JQ Rose

What IS SEO? by J.Q. Rose

I bumped into the wall known as SEO (Search Engine Optimization) when I began contributing articles on gardening to an e-zine several years ago. (FYI- E-zine is now known as an online magazine.) No longer could I just write an article packed with information for gardeners. Instead, I had to include keywords in the post to optimize results for search engines to find the article among the thousands of available articles floating around in cyberspace. The importance of using SEO in my articles was new to me. Now, 12 years later, more writers are familiar with Search Engine Optimization, but have no idea what it means.

Using SEO in your blog posts is like using a GPS to direct readers to your site. Popular keywords are used to drive readers to your website when readers put a keyword you use to describe your site or article in the search engine. The link to your post will be seen by readers wanting to learn about the information related to that keyword. Your ranking in the search engine improves every time someone clicks on your keyword hopefully landing you on the front page or at least one of the first pages of Google.com or other search engines. 

Think about how you would talk to your friend about the article you just finished (or your book, short story or product). Use words you naturally use and ones your readers would use when searching for a topic. 

Let's try "author resources" as the keyword--yes, you can use more than one word. In fact, I have heard contrary discussions about the length of keywords. I choose words that sound natural and that are short and to the point.

Notice how many links related to authors resources pop up. Can you see how SEO will drive traffic to your website if you can find the right keywords to use?

How do you find popular keywords that increase Search Engine Optimization?

The secret to finding words that readers look for is simple and free. Popular keyword research tools are Google, Amazon, Youtube, and/or Pinterest. Place a topic you are writing about in your blog post in the search box. The predictive text will give you searches made with that word. 

An example:

Talking about keywords like I am today, I typed "keyword" into the search box on Google. The predicted word or phrases show up because users have selected these words to find articles and videos on the topic.

To make my blog post about keywords turn up on a Google page, I should include some of these words and phrases that came up when typing "keyword" into the search box. These have been used by folks searching for information about that topic.

*Look back through this article to see if I snuck any of the suggestions in places where they are unobtrusive. You can't put keywords everywhere so they become obvious and annoying to the reader.

*Don't overload your copy with the keywords, but add them where it's natural such as in the title of your post, subtitle and a few times in the article. And of course, in Blogger, labels are keywords to direct readers to your site.

*Don't be afraid to try out adding keywords to improve the SEO for your online works. After 3 or 4 months of using keywords, see if you see an increase in traffic to your site. You may also like to go back to older posts that received a lot of interest and add keywords to get even more traffic. 

I hope I have simplified this complex method of getting readers to your website. If you have questions, please ask in the comments below. If you have information to add on SEO or keywords, please do so in the comment section. I'd appreciate that and so would the readers. 

Check out these articles below for more information and search for educational articles and videos using your favorite search engine.

Click here for How to Use Keywords on Your Site by Nate Shivar.

Click here for What Does SEO Stand For by William Alexander

This post originally appeared on this blog in May 2019.

***

Girls Succeed! Stories Behind the Careers of Successful Women
Non-fiction biographies of 16 contemporary role models for girls 10+ years old

Meet these contemporary role models in
Girls Succeed! a book to empower middle-grade girls

TODAY! Girls Succeed! is now available in a new, updated and revised edition, including new content! AND it is now in print! Yes, that eliminates the interactive attraction, but my 12-year-old granddaughter wanted the book in print. So, I gave in.

NOW! The eBook and Paperback to inspire girls to dream big are ready for girls 10+ and older. 

EVEN BETTER! During this launch period, the eBook is only 99 cents!

Click here to download it from your favorite online bookseller.

Click here to order the paperback for the girl in your life.

The Rose Courier--Sign up below

Sign up for the Rose Courier to receive all the news from JQ Rose

plus articles, giveaways and fun!

Click here to get the Courier delivered once a month to your inbox.

The August edition will arrive on August 13. 

You can still sign up to receive a fresh, crisp copy!

Escape from COVID 19, Vegetable Gardening eBook on Sale 99 cents

Touring England--the Cotswolds
with Gardener Ted and JQ Rose

Hello and welcome to the Focused on Story Blog!

We're dealing with tough times amid the CO-VID 19 crisis. I hope you can take some time to relax and escape with a virtual visit to the English Countryside in the Cotswolds. 

In June 2018, my husband, Gardener Ted, and I traveled to England, rented a car and drove around England. This is one of the videos I put together from the 1000 photos from the trip. I have videos of London and the County of Yorkshire also on my Youtube channel. We had a delightful time seeing places we had heard about all our lives. Or as the English say, "The trip was brilliant!"

Please, grab your popcorn and red licorice. Sit back in your chair. Join us as we discover mysterious stone circles, charming villages, miles of stone walls, and ancient landscapes in the English Cotswolds.

Touring England--the Cotswolds

VIDEO

Youtube Video: Touring England 

with Gardener Ted and J.Q. 

The Cotswolds

Click here for more videos from our Tour of England and travel videos in the Canadian Rockies, Nova Scotia, Gilmore Car Museum and more! 

I hope the video lifted your spirits. We will get through this difficult time.
I believe many good things will come from it.

Remember the worst thing is never the last thing!

Social distancing hugs from J.Q.!!!

📗📗📗📗

Gardening with Gardener Ted and JQ Rose

Quick Tips on Vegetable Gardening:
Starting Your Garden

Gardener Ted and I not only enjoy traveling together. We also enjoy gardening. You can imagine why Ted earned his name as Gardener Ted. This farm boy just has to have his hands in the dirt. So much so, we owned a flower shop, greenhouse and garden center for almost 20 years! He has the gardening knowledge, and I have the writing and publishing experience to produce an eBook for folks interested in gardening.     ➨➨➨➨➨➨➨➨➨

So we combined efforts to share tips on planting and harvesting a vegetable garden. Nothing tastes as good or as fresh, as your own home-grown vegetables.  Quick Tips on Vegetable Gardening: Starting Your Garden is filled with tips gleaned from years of Ted's experience in the garden.

Click the links below to grab your eBook now
while it is on sale for 99 cents!

Amazon Link:

Your Favorite Online Bookseller Link: Kobo, Apple, Nook and more

Then, when you have time, please leave a review to help other readers interested in gardening to find this helpful guide. Thank you!!

IWSG Blog Hop: What Inspired Me to Write a Story, #World Read Aloud Day

IWSG Blog Hop---the first Wednesday of every month.

Hello and welcome to the Insecure Writer's Support Group Blog Hop! 

Always on the first Wednesday of the month.

What is the Insecure Writer's Support Group?

Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database, articles and tips, a monthly blog posting, a Facebook and Instagram group, Twitter, and a monthly newsletter. To find out more, click this link:  Insecure Writer’s Support Group

The purpose of the group is 

* to share and encourage. 

* Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. 

* Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. 

*It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! 

You're invited to become a member of this supportive group. Click here to sign-up to join.

***

Happy IWSG Day!

Add caption

Question for February 5

February Question 

February 5 question - 

Has a single photo or work of art ever inspired a story? 

What was it and did you finish it?

Dangerous Sanctuary by J.Q. Rose
Romantic suspense

I'm sorry to say I have not been inspired by a photo or artwork to write a story. However, story ideas come from the stories in the news. I wrote an entire romantic suspense novel based on a newspaper article about a motorcoach exploding at a campground. Everyone got out alright with no injuries, including their service animals--a pig, a kangaroo, and a goat. Yes! That's a true story. Of course, my version in the novel, Dangerous Sanctuary, is not true. But so fun to write!

CELEBRATE WORLD READ ALOUD DAY 

ON FEBRUARY 5!

2 Boys Reading to Each Other

Image by Виктория Бородинова from Pixabay 

The World Read Aloud Celebration is a new one for me. However, LitWorld and Scholastic have promoted this special day for 11 years. Now, according to the Scholastic site, 173 countries celebrate the occasion! 

Join in. Here are the rules! 

1.Select a book 

2. Find a buddy 

3. Read aloud 

4. Share your favorite read-aloud moments on social media with #WorldReadAloudDay and be sure to tag @Scholastic, @LitWorldSays and 3 friends so they can join, too!

Click here to go to the Scholastic site.

I know when I read to my kids, my grandkids, my third-grade students, I felt all warm and fuzzy inside to share a quiet, special time with them. No matter what your age, reading a story or hearing a story read aloud is appreciated. 

I'll be presenting a workshop in Telling Life Stories this week, and I plan to read a few stories to the participants. Every time I've done this, they always listen intently and enjoy the time. It works both ways. I love hearing them share their life stories with the class.

Author and teacher Jacqui Murray is the one who brought attention to this day on her blog, Word Dreams. Click here to link to her informative post about why writers should celebrate the day and the importance of reading aloud.

GOOD NEWS! 99 Cent eBook February 4-February 7

Your Words, Your Life Story: A Guide to Sharing Memories

The content in this eBook is what I use to present Life Storytelling workshops. 

Easy to read and understand for those who want to learn how 
to share their life stories with family, friends and the world! 
Get your eBook copy now for 99 cents!

Click here to download the digital copy from your favorite online bookseller.
***

GET THE NEWS: the Valentine Edition of the Rose Courier was delivered this morning. (If you're not signed up for the Courier, then let me know and I'll send you this edition.)
Please enter your email address at the top of the page under The Rose Courier to get this newsy update every month. Thank you!!

Thanksgiving Day in the USA and Nine Other Countries, Happy Thanksgiving!

🦃Hello and welcome to Focused on Story!🦃

Thanksgiving Day in the USA and Nine Other Countries

Happy Turkey Day!

Looking forward to that turkey meal? Or in my vegan friend's day, tofu meal? Turkey is the traditional dish to serve in most American households to remind us of the Pilgrims' first Thanksgiving. Although, they probably ate other birds and lots of fish at their table.

According to  Yahoo Finance, other countries practice days of thanksgiving. Canada, Liberia, and a small island east of Australia, Norfolk Island, have customs similar to the USA with traditions that include celebrating the autumn harvest and giving thanks. 

Germany's celebration is known as Erntedankfest to celebrate the harvest. Not exactly the same as Thanksgiving Day in the US, Germans know how to party with parades, dancing, music and fireworks.

In Grenada, formal celebrations for giving thanks are held in mostly urban areas. 

China's Thanksgiving day began about 2500 years ago. No pumpkin pie for dessert, but rather baked Moon Pie made of sesame seeds, ground lotus seeds, and duck eggs.

Japan centers its day, known as Labor Thanksgiving Day, around giving thanks for workers' rights.

South Koreans spend their day similarly feasting as we do in the US while honoring their ancestors. 

Vietnamese celebrations, much like China, include giving thanks and celebrating the harvest. According to Vietnamese folklore, the day was spent making amends to their children for being neglected during the busy harvest time.

No matter where we are in the world, giving thanks is uplifting for folks who take time to express gratitude. The thanks need not be for anything huge. Appreciating the warm sun on your face, someone who opens the door for you or helps you carry your grocery bags to the car, and even a spouse or partner getting the coffee ready at night for an early morning cup--all are worthy of a thank you.

Happy Thanksgiving from J.Q. Rose

When times are bad, it is difficult to find anything to be thankful for, but if you can find something, it will help brighten your day. 

Wishing you a fabulous day of Thanksgiving for the big things as well as the small!

***

After Thanksgiving is the huge sales day, Black Friday, in the US. Deep discounts are even occurring on Thanksiving Day for those who don't want to watch football!

So in the spirit of Super Sales Savings, my publisher, Books We Love Publishing, is offering two of my mysteries at a special price through December 15 at Smashwords.com. Click the title to download these for yourself or gift them to your friends and family. Enjoy!! 

Dangerous Sanctuary by J.Q. Rose

Pastor Christine Hobbs never imagined she would be caring for 

a flock that includes a pig, a kangaroo, and a murderer.

Dangerous Sanctuary 99 cents

Terror on Sunshine Boulevard by J.Q. Rose

 Terror on Sunshine Boulevard $2.99

The 5 W’s of Story—Girls Succeed! Stories Behind the Careers of Successful Women by J.Q. Rose

Welcome to the Focused on Story Blog and to the Five W's in Story event. Mid-way through the summer season, I want to thank the guest authors who have shared the Five W's of their stories. Each one has been unique in how they approached the topic. 

I look forward to hosting Dr. Bob Rich and Diane Burton in August and to more authors in the lineup this summer. If you would like to talk about the Five W's in your book, please contact me to set up a time. We can extend the event into the fall months if there is enough interest. Thanks.

The 5 W's in Story

I like the idea of sharing the Five W's in a story so much, I decided to jump in today and take a turn at explaining the five W’s in my non-fiction book for girls, Girls Succeed! Stories Behind the Careers of Successful Women. 

The 5 W’s of Story—Girls Succeed! Stories Behind the Careers of Successful Women by J.Q. Rose

Girls Succeed!
Inspiring and empowering girls to achieve success in their dream careers

WHAT

Girls Succeed! is an eBook filled with stories of women who, just like the readers, had dreams as little girls to embrace their passion and make it their career. The girls will be inspired by meeting the women and how they overcame obstacles in order to achieve their dream careers.

Unique to this eBook is the section about the women’s education and their resumes. Resources are listed to find out more about each profession through books and magazines. Links to websites and videos make the stories about the careers come alive for readers.

WHO

Fifteen successful women profiled in Girls Succeed

I was honored to interview fifteen successful women who trusted me to tell their stories in the book. I appreciate their generosity in sharing their stories so girls can see how important it is to believe they can actually make their dream career a reality.

 The stories include women who have discovered cures to stamp out disease, made people laugh, earned Olympic gold medals, and experienced seeing the country from the cab of an 18-wheeler truck. 

They all have some things in common.  First, they are passionate about the work they are doing. Second, they had people who influenced the decisions they made and helped them achieve their dreams. Third, they worked hard to be the best.

Dream Big
Painting by Julie Ann McKevitt

WHERE

The stories come from all over the United States from Arizona to Pennsylvania, from Michigan to Florida.

WHEN

The women are contemporary women and contributing to today’s society including trailblazers in their professions.

WHY

When I worked several seasons at a girls residence camp in Michigan, I met outstanding young women who were counselors at the camp and smart, energetic campers full of potential to do great things with their lives. I wanted them to know women who achieved success in their chosen professions. These role models can inspire and empower girls to reach for and work toward achieving their dreams.

You can achieve your dreams.

HOW

I was driven to put together this book, but I didn’t know too many women who were outstanding in their professions. So how did I start? I made a spreadsheet in 2008 of all the careers I wanted to cover in the book. Then I began my research. I made up a letterhead and wrote letters to each person telling them about my dream to write a book that would inspire girls and I requested an interview. I had a lot of rejections, but amazingly I had women who were excited to share their stories hoping they would inspire girls. (I’ve had adults review the book and they told me the stories inspired them too!)

Email was not as popular then as now, so all of the communication was done through snail mail. I also set up a time for a live interview via phone.

This was an exciting time for me and I value every minute spent getting to know these kind and giving women. Meet the ladies in the video below. 

Girls Succeed: Stories Behind the Careers of Successful Women

Below is the list of successful women in the project and their careers.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1--Horse Trainer/Competitive Dressage Rider, Pati Pierucci

True Love

Chapter 2--Bike Racer, Mackenzie Woodring

Speeding Around the Track

Chapter 3--Children’s Book Author and Illustrator, Jane Stroschin

Practice, Practice, Practice

Chapter 4--Medical Doctor, Cate Bradley

Role Models Rock

Chapter 5--Chef, Sue Chef

Cooking Up a Career

Chapter 6--Technology Expert, Diana Stoneberg

Keep Your Sense of Humor

Chapter 7--Christian Minister, Laurie Haller

Serving God

Chapter 8--Horticulturalist, Sharon Loving

Thank You Very Mulch

Chapter 9--Medical Scientist, Juanita Merchant

Confidence Counts

Chapter 10-Olympic Gold Medalist in Women’s Ice Hockey, Angela Ruggiero

Showing the Boys

Chapter 11-Semi-Truck Driver, Barbara Totten

Freedom of the Road

Chapter 12-Teacher/Coach/Athletic Director, Barbara “Chili” Chiles

Aim Higher

Chapter 13-Social Worker, Lenair Correll           

Overcoming Obstacles

Chapter 14-Entrepreneur/Product Developer, Veronica Bosgraaf

Find the Path to Success

Chapter 15-Professional Clown, Brenda Marshall

A Big Red Nose

Reader’s Guide

The Reader's Guide can be used as a companion to the ebook to encourage discussion on themes in the book and to have fun creating projects to further understanding themes of Passion, Persistence, Trailblazers, Feeling Different,  Be the Best You Can Be, Overcoming Obstacles 

Girls Succeed! Now on sale for 99 cents

Girls Succeed! including the Reader's Guide,

is now on sale for 99 cents at your favorite digital bookseller!

BUY LINKS

Amazon Link  

Universal Link 

Summer Readers Circle: Romance author Helena Fairfax' Felicity at the Cross Hotel

Romance author Helena Fairfax joins the Readers Circle!

Hello and welcome to the Summer Readers Circle!

The days of Summer are counting down to the season of Fall, but our authors and readers are going strong with the Summer Readers Circle. I am delighted to welcome romance author and dear friend, Helena Fairfax to the circle this week. Helen has come all the way from England to join us.

* * *

Helena has penned an entertaining romance set in the Lake District. Here's my review of this feel-good read.
MY REVIEW: Felicity at the Cross Hotel by J.Q. Rose
The book cover is correct. This IS truly a "feel good uplifting romance" but not just for the summer. This delightful story by Ms. Fairfax will brighten your day any time of the year. Felicity is not such a Pollyanna you tire of her character. Instead the author balances her light-hearted joyful personality with problems that could ruin anyone's day, even Felicity. The story's setting is a small hotel in the Lake District in England. I've only seen pictures, but it must be an area with beautiful landscapes and a romantic place to visit. After reading this book, I am adding a visit to the Lake District on my bucket list. Ms. Fairfax' way with words draws you right into the book and makes you care about the characters. At times I was so wrapped up in the story, I actually wanted to yell out some advice to them, especially Patrick Cross, a tortured soul. I would recommend this book to those who love romantic stories.

* * *

And the good news is Felicity at the Cross Hotel is on special summer promo at 99p/99c until Thursday, August 31 only!

* * *

Summer in the Beautiful Lake District, England by Helena Fairfax 

We don't always get the best of the weather here in the north of England, but when we do the sunny days are a treasure. The Lake District is in the north west of England, in the county of Cumbria. It has the deepest and largest lakes in England and has a lot of visitors in the summer (NB - the entire Lake District and all its lakes could fit in to just one of north America's Great Lakes!) Although the lakes and mountains are small compared to others, this is one of the most beautiful corners of England, and the Lakes have inspired some of the most romantic poetry and literature in the world. William Wordsworth – one of the most famous poets of the Romantic era – made the Lake District his home, calling it "the loveliest spot that man hath ever found". The Lakes are so popular now with tourists that I prefer to visit out of season, when it's quieter. The shining lakes, the green mountains, and the dramatic changes in weather in the Lake District make the perfect backdrop for a romance novel, and a visit there inspired my latest release. It's a shame that nowadays some parts of the Lake District are inundated with tourists, and the roads in summer are very often clogged. But it's only in recent times that the Lakes have become a tourist destination, and there are many quieter areas that have remained unchanged for centuries. Alone in this magnificent landscape, away from the traffic, you can't help but feel a part of a long, long history of the soil that stretches back thousands of years. Lots of people have fallen in love in this wonderful setting, but there are some exceptions. Bill Clinton was famously moved to propose to Hillary for the first time by the shores of Ennerdale Water, but she turned him down. Obviously there are some people who remain unmoved by the romance of the Lakes!

Ennerdale Water, scene of Bill Clinton's proposal 

Photo by Trevor Harris,via Wikimedia Commons 

Back of the Book: Felicity at the Cross Hotel by Helena Fairfax

Felicity at the Cross Hotel by Helena Fairfax
A feel good, uplifting romance for the summer

Will love blossom for Patrick Cross and Felicity Everdene, the hero and heroine of my novel? 
A quaint hotel in the Lake District. The Cross Hotel is the perfect getaway. Or is it? Felicity Everdene needs a break from the family business. Driving through the Lake District to the Cross Hotel, past the shining lake and the mountains, everything seems perfect. But Felicity soon discovers all is not well at the Cross Hotel … Patrick Cross left the village of Emmside years ago never intending to return, but his father has left him the family’s hotel in his will, and now he's forced to come back. With a missing barmaid, a grumpy chef, and the hotel losing money, the arrival of Felicity Everdene from the notorious Everdene family only adds to Patrick’s troubles. With so much to overcome, can Felicity and Patrick bring happiness to the Cross Hotel … and find happiness for themselves?

Felicity at the Cross Hotel is on special summer promo at 99p/99c until Thursday, August 31 only!
Click here to get the e-book now at amazon

 About Helena: 

Helena Fairfax is a British author who was born in Uganda and came to England as a child. She's grown used to the cold now which is just as well, since these days she lives in an old Victorian mill town in the north of England, right next door to the windswept Yorkshire moors.

Romance author Helena Fairfax

Helena walks this romantic landscape every day with her rescue dog, finding it the perfect place to dream up her heroes and her happy endings. Subscribers to Helena's newsletter receive news of free stuff, competitions with prizes, gossip, and links to cool websites she's been looking at when she should have been writing.

Connect online with Helena:

Helena's Website

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Twitter 

Pinterest 

Instagram 
Newsletter Sign up for Helena's newsletter and she will send you
a FREE short story