- I think the second piece of advice I can give is to write. Just write, write, write and write some more. Try writing poetry. Try writing short stories, articles and then tackle a book. Just keep writing until you find something and a forum you are passionate about.
Some people are very diligent and will write every day for a set certain amount of time. Others, like me, just wait for the inspiration to hit them and then sit and type madly for however long it takes to get it all out. Sometimes it feels like vomit. Not that the writing is vomit, I hope, just the process.
It took me a while to decide on writing fiction. Then I needed to decide which genre. I wanted to write about adventure. I absolutely love the Indiana Jones series and the whole artifact stuff. I also enjoy writing about the darker side of people's emotions. I wanted to show, though, that good will triumph over evil. It took me a while to settle into being Christian based but I wasn't quite listening to the direction I needed to write in.
I know that some people have recommended that a person write articles and short stories to submit to various newspapers and ezines, etc. To get your name out there. I, quite frankly, was afraid to try that. But just recently I submitted a short story to a contest and another to the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. I had no idea there were so many writing contests out there. I have no idea what will happen with the submissions, but I actually enjoyed the process of writing to something specific. And I have set up this blog for anyone to read and hopefully enjoy.
I think waiting now for my novel to go through the editing department is the hardest thing I have gone through. I know the editors are going to make it the best possible book. I have received quite a number of emails from the company, telling me what to expect. The emails have also given me a lot of information on what to expect in the upcoming months and how to prepare both myself and my novel for the public. But just waiting to see what the editor thinks of my book is beyond nerve wracking. What if they don't like it, after all? What if they think it stinks and has no chance? What if, what if, what if?
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Go Write Young Man or Woman
Read and Then Go Ahead and Read Some More
- I think right about now, I am ready to explode or burst or something. I have been reading and reading and reading and researching. I have been getting a number of emails from the publishing company and I have been reading and researching everything I can. But I admit, I am feeling overloaded and overwhelmed to the point where my head feels like it will burst.
I can't believe my novel is going to be published. Every time I think about it, tears spring to my eyes. How long have I waited for this to happen? And I want to do it right. I have been researching and reading how other authors have handled their marketing of their books. The do's and the don'ts. Actually, Tate Publishing, the company that will be publishing my novel, has sent very informative emails about the whole process. A number of authors have made a number of very good recommendations.
But all this reading, feels like information overload and I am ready to explode or burst. I feel like I'm at the top of the mountain, on the very edge, ready to topple over. But, when you want something enough, you are committed to doing the very best you can. And prayer helps as well. Darn! I felt that slap upside the back of my head again. That's God's way of telling me He needs me to listen and/or pause to be quiet. I told Him I'm blonde and will need more than just subtle signs from Him. So I guess I deserve the slap upside the back of my head every once in a while. And I can feel Him smiling about it too. Or was that a belly laugh??
So the third piece of advice is read. Find anything and everything you can about the wonderful world of writing and read it. Also, read for entertainment, enjoyment and knowledge. Read until your eyeballs and brain bursts.
Did I mention?? My novel will be published soon!!!
Join a Writer's Group
I have been told to join a writer's group. I did join Christian Writers.com but I have not been very good about checking in, previously or lately. Just been so busy reading and writing.
I have looked for a writer's group in Greensboro and have found the Writer's Group of Triad. I joined a sub group called the Eclectic Fiction Writers. We meet once a month and I am enjoying the group. I had heard negatives and positives about joining a writers group but so far, so good. I suppose, it is all in what one makes of it.
The first time I attended the monthly meeting, I was very uncomfortable about writing a short story on the spot about a scenario. But once I thought about it, I wrote. It felt good to do it. The second meeting, we were given a picture and asked to write a short story about the picture. I was amazed with how a story slammed into my head and I wrote it. It felt great to be able to know that I could write something once I was challenged to do it. I actually submitted that short story to a contest. I have no idea how that will work out, but if you don't try - you'll never know.
Which is what pushed me to submit my novel to a publishing company in November of 2011. I did not want to come to the end of my life wondering if it ever would have happened. Now I know.
I have looked for a writer's group in Greensboro and have found the Writer's Group of Triad. I joined a sub group called the Eclectic Fiction Writers. We meet once a month and I am enjoying the group. I had heard negatives and positives about joining a writers group but so far, so good. I suppose, it is all in what one makes of it.
The first time I attended the monthly meeting, I was very uncomfortable about writing a short story on the spot about a scenario. But once I thought about it, I wrote. It felt good to do it. The second meeting, we were given a picture and asked to write a short story about the picture. I was amazed with how a story slammed into my head and I wrote it. It felt great to be able to know that I could write something once I was challenged to do it. I actually submitted that short story to a contest. I have no idea how that will work out, but if you don't try - you'll never know.
Which is what pushed me to submit my novel to a publishing company in November of 2011. I did not want to come to the end of my life wondering if it ever would have happened. Now I know.
Keep Writing
I think the most difficult part is to keep writing every day. Some times I just don't want to write. I get a really good idea brewing in my head but I don't follow through by putting it down on paper. Or my mind wanders into unknown spaces. I can come up with a lot of excuses why not to do something.
Or I'll think that I need to work it through some more in my mind. Half the time, I'll work it out in my head and then by the time I really do sit down to write it out, I will have forgotten some of the really good lines I had thought up.
Setting up a schedule or a work time to sit down and write does not always work for me. When I am sitting at the computer, I need to really focus and decide to get my stories down. Poetry is a lot easier to handle. When I have an idea or emotions for a poem, I can sit down and get it out within 5 or 10 minutes.
It isn't that easy when you are working on a book. Other times, I will be afraid and wonder, is this all making sense? Is this the way it should go? Or I'll just feel uncomfortable about what I am writing. Usually it will work itself out in the end. But you need to stick to some sort of schedule and just keep writing.
Or I'll think that I need to work it through some more in my mind. Half the time, I'll work it out in my head and then by the time I really do sit down to write it out, I will have forgotten some of the really good lines I had thought up.
Setting up a schedule or a work time to sit down and write does not always work for me. When I am sitting at the computer, I need to really focus and decide to get my stories down. Poetry is a lot easier to handle. When I have an idea or emotions for a poem, I can sit down and get it out within 5 or 10 minutes.
It isn't that easy when you are working on a book. Other times, I will be afraid and wonder, is this all making sense? Is this the way it should go? Or I'll just feel uncomfortable about what I am writing. Usually it will work itself out in the end. But you need to stick to some sort of schedule and just keep writing.
Art Festivals
I recently attended an arts festival in Fuquay-Varina, NC. I thoroughly enjoyed this arts festival. After all the book signings I have done, I found this arts festival, even though I had to pay for the booth, bring my own tent, table, chairs, etc., the festival was much more successful than the book signings.
It was a very pretty day. My girlfriend and I set up my canopy, table, banner, chairs, books and various advertising articles. Then off I toddled to get a coffee for myself and a coke for my girlfriend. When I came back my girlfriend showed me the pictures she had taken of the booth. They are posted in my photo album here on my website. Let me know what you think about them.
Then while I was sitting, enjoying my coffee, we waited for sales to begin. I sent my girlfriend out to hand out business cards and bookmarks. I stood by the table and handed out postcards and talked to many people. I was very honest about the fact that my book is a Christian based fiction. I had two people give me a loud harruumpphhh and stalk off. Everyone else was very kind and congratulated me on the accomplishment of publishing my book. I had sales. Much more than I had at any book signings. I also had everyone I talked to tell me they wanted to look my book up online and then many said they wanted to buy either the kindle version or the nook version. Even though I was available to autograph my book, these people still wanted the kindle version. I even had a couple people ask me if I would become famous like J.K. Rowling. I just shrugged my shoulders, laughed and said that wasn't up to me.
Three young ladies came to my table and told me they loved to write. I encouraged them to continue writing. If that was what they felt to do, they needed to continue their passion. I told them, look at me. I started writing in high school and never stopped writing. It finally took me to my ripe middle age (okay, maybe a little more than middle age) to be published. I told them to never give up. Never give up on your dreams.
My girlfriend and I felt successful at the end of the day. While we were packing up, the gentleman in the booth behind us said that his wife had sold a few paintings but the networking that had happened during the day was far more important than the sales. He told us that these festivals are priceless. It is the networking that is essential to be successful. I agree with him.
I will still continue with book signings when my publicist at Tate Publishing sends me. However, I have signed up for another arts festival in Greensboro on July 4th and will look into arts festivals in North Carolina for the months of August, September and October. If I do one a month, I will be happy with that. And let's face it. I love all the arts and crafts at these festivals. I invariably end up purchasing something which is supporting local artists. Oh, and the chance to talk to people plus spend time with my girlfriend is priceless.
It was a very pretty day. My girlfriend and I set up my canopy, table, banner, chairs, books and various advertising articles. Then off I toddled to get a coffee for myself and a coke for my girlfriend. When I came back my girlfriend showed me the pictures she had taken of the booth. They are posted in my photo album here on my website. Let me know what you think about them.
Then while I was sitting, enjoying my coffee, we waited for sales to begin. I sent my girlfriend out to hand out business cards and bookmarks. I stood by the table and handed out postcards and talked to many people. I was very honest about the fact that my book is a Christian based fiction. I had two people give me a loud harruumpphhh and stalk off. Everyone else was very kind and congratulated me on the accomplishment of publishing my book. I had sales. Much more than I had at any book signings. I also had everyone I talked to tell me they wanted to look my book up online and then many said they wanted to buy either the kindle version or the nook version. Even though I was available to autograph my book, these people still wanted the kindle version. I even had a couple people ask me if I would become famous like J.K. Rowling. I just shrugged my shoulders, laughed and said that wasn't up to me.
Three young ladies came to my table and told me they loved to write. I encouraged them to continue writing. If that was what they felt to do, they needed to continue their passion. I told them, look at me. I started writing in high school and never stopped writing. It finally took me to my ripe middle age (okay, maybe a little more than middle age) to be published. I told them to never give up. Never give up on your dreams.
My girlfriend and I felt successful at the end of the day. While we were packing up, the gentleman in the booth behind us said that his wife had sold a few paintings but the networking that had happened during the day was far more important than the sales. He told us that these festivals are priceless. It is the networking that is essential to be successful. I agree with him.
I will still continue with book signings when my publicist at Tate Publishing sends me. However, I have signed up for another arts festival in Greensboro on July 4th and will look into arts festivals in North Carolina for the months of August, September and October. If I do one a month, I will be happy with that. And let's face it. I love all the arts and crafts at these festivals. I invariably end up purchasing something which is supporting local artists. Oh, and the chance to talk to people plus spend time with my girlfriend is priceless.
Reviews
I remember reading from one author that one should not take reviews as personal. This author said one should read reviews and try to learn something from the reviews. Rejoice in the good reviews and try to learn something from the critical ones.
For the most part, I have received positive comments from people who have read The Goblet but there are negative comments. I have been very upfront with everyone in saying that The Goblet is a Christian based fiction so when someone tells me that they didn't like the book because of the religious tone, I roll my eyes.
The Goblet has a lot of my personal experiences in it. It was a very difficult book to write because of how personal it is to me. I am also not a verbose writer or speaker. I get to the point and there you go. Although, some people commented that they wanted to know more about the characters in the story. At times, I thought I was saying too much about Sarah. Well, it is a learning process.
I have joined a writer's group. However, I have not had a chance to join in any meetings. I do want to learn how to improve my writing. My second novel is done but it can always use improvements. I am currently working on the third novel. Being a writer is lonely. One sits in a room somewhere and just gets every thought one can down on paper. Ooops, sorry. Get it into your computer. Or whatever the proper terminology is.
Right now I am consumed with marketing. Trying to get my name and the name of my book out there. At times I am depressed and discouraged. So many authors and so many books out there. How will anyone notice my book?
I have not spent a lot of time writing. But then I procrastinate with it. I must get into a routine and just write. As well, I want to learn how to improve my writing.
Am I overanalyzing? Perhaps. Perhaps I just need to keep writing and let my editors keep guiding me.
For the most part, I have received positive comments from people who have read The Goblet but there are negative comments. I have been very upfront with everyone in saying that The Goblet is a Christian based fiction so when someone tells me that they didn't like the book because of the religious tone, I roll my eyes.
The Goblet has a lot of my personal experiences in it. It was a very difficult book to write because of how personal it is to me. I am also not a verbose writer or speaker. I get to the point and there you go. Although, some people commented that they wanted to know more about the characters in the story. At times, I thought I was saying too much about Sarah. Well, it is a learning process.
I have joined a writer's group. However, I have not had a chance to join in any meetings. I do want to learn how to improve my writing. My second novel is done but it can always use improvements. I am currently working on the third novel. Being a writer is lonely. One sits in a room somewhere and just gets every thought one can down on paper. Ooops, sorry. Get it into your computer. Or whatever the proper terminology is.
Right now I am consumed with marketing. Trying to get my name and the name of my book out there. At times I am depressed and discouraged. So many authors and so many books out there. How will anyone notice my book?
I have not spent a lot of time writing. But then I procrastinate with it. I must get into a routine and just write. As well, I want to learn how to improve my writing.
Am I overanalyzing? Perhaps. Perhaps I just need to keep writing and let my editors keep guiding me.
Monday, January 6, 2014
Marketing So Far
Here I am 9 months after The Goblet was released in January. I feel like I am spinning. I have been reading all the marketing advice for authors and I almost feel like I am out of control.
I finally decided last week that I need to focus on my writing. I also need to cut back on all the social media sites I have signed up to. I will stay with 3 and I will try to become more active with 2 of the writer's groups I am currently enrolled in. Then this morning I received an email from a marketing person who advised exactly what I had decided to do. I can finally breath again.
Marketing The Goblet has been time consuming and stressful. I did do two arts festivals through the summer months and I did greatly enjoy them. I will attend festivals again next year but I will be very cautious about which ones I attend. I also did four book signings. Not very successful.
Words of advice for marketing your books? From what I have read and researched? Have a good website. Join social media websites. But don't join every social media website out there just because someone says it's a great site. Join sites that relate to you and what you are writing about. Write blogs. But also post comments on blogs. Write on blogs that will connect with your writing. When you criticize, do so with tactfulness and respect.
Join one or two writer's organizations that are related to your writing. I have joined the American Christian Fiction Writer's association. I have not yet had a chance to meet up with other members but hope to do so in the next few weeks.
Other than that? Keep writing. Write whatever speaks to you. And keep writing.
I finally decided last week that I need to focus on my writing. I also need to cut back on all the social media sites I have signed up to. I will stay with 3 and I will try to become more active with 2 of the writer's groups I am currently enrolled in. Then this morning I received an email from a marketing person who advised exactly what I had decided to do. I can finally breath again.
Marketing The Goblet has been time consuming and stressful. I did do two arts festivals through the summer months and I did greatly enjoy them. I will attend festivals again next year but I will be very cautious about which ones I attend. I also did four book signings. Not very successful.
Words of advice for marketing your books? From what I have read and researched? Have a good website. Join social media websites. But don't join every social media website out there just because someone says it's a great site. Join sites that relate to you and what you are writing about. Write blogs. But also post comments on blogs. Write on blogs that will connect with your writing. When you criticize, do so with tactfulness and respect.
Join one or two writer's organizations that are related to your writing. I have joined the American Christian Fiction Writer's association. I have not yet had a chance to meet up with other members but hope to do so in the next few weeks.
Other than that? Keep writing. Write whatever speaks to you. And keep writing.
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