Notes on E-Publishing

I attended a brilliant workshop on Self-Publishing last night, and learned a lot on how authors can take themselves to new heights by venturing into this model. Epublishing is the wave of the future in many opinions. Read what I learned…

Self-Publishing doesn’t have to be scary.

Will you sell a million copies? Probably not, but the copies you do sell will propel you forward and drive traffic to your “name.”

Should you epublish or submit the traditional way? There’s nothing that says you have to choose. Keeping one foot in each world is definitely okay (they say).

The biggest gripe about epublishing comes from poor editing. Very, Very Important piece of advice. If you know how to edit and are confident in doing so, then by all means, you can edit your own work. If not, hire someone.

Making sure it’s formatted right is also important. Try Smashwords Style Guide at www.Smashwords.com.

Having a cover design that’s appealing to the eye is important. You can use your own images or use Stock images online. Again check out Smashwords to see what they’re up to…

When all this has been accomplished, it’s time to announce to the world you have a publication via facebook, twitter, website, blog. Marketing.

Marketing Plan…yes, I said Marketing plan. Now, this is something I will work on this week. No one ever told me this was a factor, but in order to be a successful epublished author, it’s important to have a plan. Makes sense, right?

I was 100% against epublishing until rejection after rejection began (and continued) to happen. It wasn’t because it was junk, it was because (in their opinion), not right for the market right now. Who’s to say it’s not? Really?

So, stepping into my big girl shoes, I will self-publish a book. I have 2 that are ready, and one non-fiction knitting book that I have to map out yet. I think that may be the easiest to self-publish. We’ll see. Stay tuned…

As I always say,

Write on

deb

Writing gets me swirling…

Good Morning!

My mind is swirling with new ideas…the life of a writer, right? Writing is a skill that came from many angles of my life: I taught myself through books and workshops, had guidance by those that have “made it” in the writing world, and found much inspiration through life.

Who knew that sitting in a coffee shop, while knitting, could be so productive. Yes, I work! Yes, I create! (Almost) every day…

One project that never seems to go away is Beyond the Rhinestones: High-maintenance Shelby McCarthy is over the edge with her spending habits and her self-important attitude. She’s faced with the challenge of her most daunting task: getting rid of her busybody, flirtatious neighbor Sabrina, who’s making the moves on her husband, or so she imagines. Can she turn Sabrina into a trusted friend?

She also faces challenges as a volunteer photographer with MADD as her family increases by a long-lost sister.

So much more happens throughout this book to grab the reader, you.

My goal is to get it in tip-top shape before the conference in April. Here I go…wish me luck (fingers crossed).

So, as I always say,

Write On!

deb

Lessons learned from Life experiences

I’m writing today. Yes, the fact that i’m writing feels so good. It’s been way too long since i’ve visited this side of my brain.

Having right brain task to do, like knitting, keeps me from writing. I do know writing to be a right brained activity, but it take a large chunk of the left side to get things organized, and on “paper.”

My children’s book is the focus right now. I need to complete it, as to check it off my list.

In researching for “Mr. Cooper,” I’ve found many sites on learning life lessons from such things as gardening.

I know, right?

“Seeing a seed grow into a tree is just as awesome as creation to birth and then growth of a child. Growing plants from seeds is very rewarding. Over time, kids learn to really appreciate their plants and value the life in them. Gardening could help mirror how life should be treated — with tender loving care.”

So true, don’t you think?

“By simply weeding the garden, the kids may learn how bad associations (friends and situations) can and should be avoided to live life more smoothly. Kids begin to see the need to purposefully let go negative influences to allow in those that can be more favorable.”

Seems reasonable to me.

“Help your kids to visualize the layout and allow them to help decide which type of garden to plant. Some kids like flowers and some would rather grow something more edible. This brings in the planning and preparation lessons that can lead to more orderly results in life.”

I’m thinkin’ that’s definitely true.

As i continue to use the left portion of my brain, i’m finding that gardening, can definitely lead to life lessons in your children.

Who’s up for a bit of gardening?     

So, as i always say,

Write on,

deb

 

 

NaNoWriMo

I can’t believe it’s that time of year again. Planning, organizing, and writing the next greatest American novel.

Though I’ve been away from my blog, I sure haven’t been away from writing. I may not have been pounding out a novel, but i have been pounding out written knitting patterns. Still writing, huh?

Nano promises to be a productive opportunity this year. I have a thriller in mind, complete with a detective and a ferret named, well, still coming up with a name. If you have a fun idea, leave a comment. I’d love to read your ideas. This ferret will promise to be intuitive, nosey, and just plain funny at times.

This thriller will be Janet Evanovich meets James Patterson, two of my most emulated authors.

So, join me this month as I take on the task of writing 1600 words a day, each and every day. I’ll blog daily, hoping to create interest in my novel…

So, join me November 1st, as I begin this journey. I see wine in my future. Off to the store…

Deb

WIP Wednesday

It’s here already. Hump day as some call it. I call it WIP (work in progress) Wednesday.

My list includes (but is not limited to):

Mr. Cooper – a children’s fantasy book geared toward 9-12 age group about an old man that lives on the block who’s backyard is filled with creatures. I can’t tell you more about the creatures, ’cause that’s where the wip comes in…stay tuned.

Mind Games – a romance/fiction novel about a couple dealing with infidelity and war. A bit cliche’, but something that’s dealt with (too) often

A short story and some freelance assignments.

Non-writing related: finish the mug rug I started for a swap, finish my (ever-so-fabulous) scarf.

All in a day’s work…

Happy Wednesday, my friends.

What WIP do you have on your schedule today?

Deb

it’s here somewhere

what’s a writer to do when the muse is no where to be found.

attempts at my freelance work have resulted in nothing more than a headache and the urge to delete, delete and delete…which I did. this gets me nowhere, and the client wonders what in the world is going on.

so, here I am writing a new post, hoping the muse returns (soon).

what shall i talk about? i have edits to make on a wip that i’d like to submit to harlequin next week. i have another fabulous piece in the works, and my children’s story, Grandma’s Attic, is (almost) ready to go. by go, i mean submit to an agent/publisher for review.

with that said, i have lots to do that doesn’t require me coming up with the next best romance novel. that’s the beauty of being a writer–you work when you can and (knit) when you can’t. oh, did i just throw that in?

*sigh* guess it’s off to knit. that gets my muse working.

so, as i always say, write on!

deb

The Daily Grind

You know, as an author we spend most of our day writing. But the time comes when the WIP is complete, the characters have nothing further to talk about (for now), and we the writer, are ready to put it out there for others to critique.

By critique, I mean query. We, as authors, choose the agencies very carefully. Making sure to check out their website submission guidelines, learn about the agency, and figure out exactly what they are looking for. This will gain us respect from the agency as an author and hopefully that long awaited phone call or email.

I love a challenge. I love to scope out the agencies and see who may be the best fit for me, and visa-versa. I love to write. I love to listen to what my characters are telling me. I love when the book ends…well, maybe not. I miss those kiddos as I close the manuscript. It’s almost like they’re saying, “Hey, we’re really not done.” That’s when a book 2 or a series begins.

All I can say as an author is listen, write, revise, submit…the four words to a positive outcome.

So, as I always say,

Write On!

Deb

Children’s Writing

How many of us authors struggle day-to-day with how the chapter will end, what character will be introduced, how the scene with play out, or just plain can I write today? (my hand went up)

For me, it’s about just sitting down to write, knowing where the chapter is heading (not the entire book), and listening to my characters. I know, it sounds weird to those who don’t write, but it’s true.

My current WIP is told through the perspecitve of Sadie Rae, whose curiosity leads her to discover another world in Mr. Cooper’s backyard, and maybe gain a little bit of insight into who Mr. Cooper really is. He’s an odd old man that the children find scary because he keeps to himself.

I love to find myself lost in their world and help my reader understand just where they are in their world. It’s about creating a in my head and letting the words flow to the page. I’m not about plotting the story first, I love to see what my characters “want” to do, then let that happen.

Hang with me, children’s writing is my passion. I have ideas flowing everyday for another book, but for now, I’ll concentrate on Mr. Cooper.

So, as I always say,

Write On!

Deb

Inspirationn is Everywhere

Ever wonder where writers get their “stuff”?

Inspiration comes from everywhere. I love to re-charge my brain by sitting in Starbucks (notice a theme with my postings?) and listening to conversations, or hanging outside while people pass by complaining about their newest girlfriend or the day they had. The thought that this could possibly end up in someone’s book doesn’t even cross their mind. My pen to paper, I take notes.

How about family members, newspaper articles, magazine ads, the server that just plunked your meal down in front of you then huffed off to check on her next table. Maybe the teller at the bank who’s scantily dressed and every time she reaches across the counter her breasts fall out of her top. I love the one where you sit waiting in the airport for your next flight and observe all the young/and not-so-young people “texting” on their phones, but not without a grin. Ever wonder what that was all about?

I’d love to hear what other sources of information you have whether you’re a writer or not. Perhaps you’d care to share with me? Any new way of capturing story ideas would be another adventure. Inspiration is Everywhere!

So, as I always say,

Write On!

Deb

Flabby Writing

I had never thought of my writing as flabby till I attended a workshop last night with Linda Berry, author. She pointed out that useless words only make for sloppy writing. Linda suggested we choose our words carefully, as an author, and be suspicious of phrases that come easily.

I’m guilty of this type of writing. I write fast to keep up with the ever-so-loud voice in my head generating the words to put on the page. So, having a focus as to what you’ll say is often the key. Plotting can be one way of eliminating this.

With that said, plotting is new for me. My last completed novel was written with no thought, some would say “puked out.” I can only imagine how flabby that writing is. Linda says, “Good writing is writing that gets its job done, whether the job is to inform, entertain, or convince.” Okay, I get that . . . now.

So next time you’re ready to construct your next novel, magazine article, or maybe even a love letter, “consider your purpose and your audience,” Linda says.

So, till next time,

Write On!

Deb