So, here I am trying to figure out what makes a Kindle Scout nominee a winner. I'm pleased to say that my novel, Bitter Envy, has spent most of its time in hot & trending, which is the top 20 books by either page views, nominations, or some combination. That doesn't seem to make as much difference as I originally thought. Case in point, the latest book to receive a contract-- the poor author was sure that he wouldn't win a contract since his book wasn't in hot & trending after 24 days. However, if you actually look at his first chapter, you'll find that it's well-written and the subject matter is timely. Perhaps that's why the Kindle editors chose it even though it didn't experience the popularity of some other titles.
All in all, I feel that I've done everything I could to promote my book without turning into that marketing monster we all hate. I'm down to the last week. My stats are great. My cover is gorgeous. And I think it's a great story (if I do say so myself). I wish I knew how the Kindle editors felt about series, since Bitter Envy is a book one. But in the end, I suppose it doesn't matter because I gave it my all-- even after experiencing a devastating personal issue.
Bitter Envy is ready to publish, so if the Kindle Scout editors turn it down, it should hit Amazon within a couple weeks or so.
Thank you to everyone who supported me and my campaign. I am truly overwhelmed by the amount of support that has been pouring in over the last few weeks. And, of course, if you haven't had a chance to nominate Bitter Envy, please head over and take a look!
Showing posts with label Writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Writing. Show all posts
Saturday, June 18, 2016
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
What Happened to Mr. Nice Guy?
Bad Boys. We love to hate them and hate to love them.
They're everywhere in fiction, from the vampire with stalker tendencies to the motorcycle gang leader, the powerful werewolf, to the billionaire playboy. We read about these aggressive males and their questionable behavior and then swoon when the leading lady finally bags them. They change their ways out of adoration for the only woman they could ever love.
Seriously?
This is wrong on so many levels-- I could write a dissertation on it.
Okay, I admit, there are times when reading about a bad boy makes me swoon. I'm human and I'm female. But so many times the bad behavior that is supposed to be romantic is downright creepy. Sneaking into the leading lady's room to watch her sleep? Not romantic. Stalking her to make sure she doesn't get into any trouble? Also not romantic. I could go on but you get the picture.
We wonder as a society why so many girls and women fall for lousy men and return time after time to an abusive relationship. Whenever we present creepy stalker behavior as romantic, we are adding to the problem. Sure people change over time, but to build a relationship expecting a leopard to change its spots... not the smartest thing to do. I think we've all had that relationship where we fell for what could have been instead of what was. It's normal human nature, and it usually yields disastrous results.
Why can't an alpha male just be nice?
I like to write about powerful men who are nice and good at heart. Perhaps that isn't as exciting as a brooding, possessive jerk, but "I happen to like nice men". Remember that quote from The Empire Strikes Back? Han Solo is the epitome of the type of man I'm talking about. He may be a smuggler and claim to be out for number one, but anyone can see it's mostly an act. He wears the image of a bad boy over a heart of gold interior. This guy can make you swoon, yet you can still take him home to meet the parents.
Am I asking too much? No, I don't think so.
My male leads are emotional, can be petulant at times, they make mistakes, and they admit to them (even though it's hard). They get jealous-- as readers will see in the second Orion Circle book coming this summer. My guys have a tendency to mouth off when they're upset or confused, but they learn and grow from these instances. They may desire to protect the female lead, but will never stifle her. They are supportive and secure in themselves (most of the time anyway).
You will never see them bully anyone but the bad guys-- perhaps they take a bit too much pleasure in that, but who can blame them? Sometimes they tease and flirt outrageously, but they don't lie... much (they are human after all). My guys are kind to children and animals. Don't let this fool you, for they are by no means saints. They are just decent people trying to do what they think is right.
So tell me. What do you like to see in a male lead? Do you like brooding alpha males? How do you feel about the stalkerish tendencies portrayed as romantic?
They're everywhere in fiction, from the vampire with stalker tendencies to the motorcycle gang leader, the powerful werewolf, to the billionaire playboy. We read about these aggressive males and their questionable behavior and then swoon when the leading lady finally bags them. They change their ways out of adoration for the only woman they could ever love.
Seriously?
This is wrong on so many levels-- I could write a dissertation on it.
Okay, I admit, there are times when reading about a bad boy makes me swoon. I'm human and I'm female. But so many times the bad behavior that is supposed to be romantic is downright creepy. Sneaking into the leading lady's room to watch her sleep? Not romantic. Stalking her to make sure she doesn't get into any trouble? Also not romantic. I could go on but you get the picture.
We wonder as a society why so many girls and women fall for lousy men and return time after time to an abusive relationship. Whenever we present creepy stalker behavior as romantic, we are adding to the problem. Sure people change over time, but to build a relationship expecting a leopard to change its spots... not the smartest thing to do. I think we've all had that relationship where we fell for what could have been instead of what was. It's normal human nature, and it usually yields disastrous results.
Why can't an alpha male just be nice?
I like to write about powerful men who are nice and good at heart. Perhaps that isn't as exciting as a brooding, possessive jerk, but "I happen to like nice men". Remember that quote from The Empire Strikes Back? Han Solo is the epitome of the type of man I'm talking about. He may be a smuggler and claim to be out for number one, but anyone can see it's mostly an act. He wears the image of a bad boy over a heart of gold interior. This guy can make you swoon, yet you can still take him home to meet the parents.
Am I asking too much? No, I don't think so.
My male leads are emotional, can be petulant at times, they make mistakes, and they admit to them (even though it's hard). They get jealous-- as readers will see in the second Orion Circle book coming this summer. My guys have a tendency to mouth off when they're upset or confused, but they learn and grow from these instances. They may desire to protect the female lead, but will never stifle her. They are supportive and secure in themselves (most of the time anyway).
You will never see them bully anyone but the bad guys-- perhaps they take a bit too much pleasure in that, but who can blame them? Sometimes they tease and flirt outrageously, but they don't lie... much (they are human after all). My guys are kind to children and animals. Don't let this fool you, for they are by no means saints. They are just decent people trying to do what they think is right.
So tell me. What do you like to see in a male lead? Do you like brooding alpha males? How do you feel about the stalkerish tendencies portrayed as romantic?
Monday, May 4, 2015
Writer Mama Bloghop
Welcome to my stop on the Writer Mama Bloghop! Writing as a mother creates an interesting set of challenges that I never realized could be an issue.
I have dabbled in writing on and off for a long time. After my son was born, I had a full-time job, not to mention motherhood being a full-time job in and of itself. I remember keeping a laptop in the trunk of my car when I worked at GEICO. I'd go out on my lunch break and write. Not a good idea. It was simply too much pressure to try to be on during that brief forty-five minute time-frame. At that time, my husband had a job out of state, and he was only home on the weekends. I was running everywhere, always exhausted. Before long, I gave up, putting my dreams on the backburner and allowing life to take over.
Eventually I was able to quit my job in order to be a full-time mom. Any of you out there who have ever tended a toddler will understand... it's next to impossible to concentrate on anything with a little one running around. I called my son Hurricane Jason because he was so curious and active. He never napped and was up with the dawn every morning. By the time my husband returned from work, all I wanted to do was go straight to bed-- forget about writing. There were a few times when I pulled out that old laptop and wrote a chapter or two, but writing a novel seemed like a pipe dream.
I'll never forget when my son started preschool. I was so excited about having three whole hours to myself while he was learning his ABCs and 123s. I failed to take into account the twenty minute drive to and from preschool, along with the utter mess left behind every morning. Silly me thought he'd return tired and would finally nap. Yeah, right. He returned more hyper than when I dropped him off, and the laptop stayed in its new home on my bookcase, unused.
Elementary school brought new hope, since he'd be in school for a full day. I didn't factor in the fact that his Kindergarten would be so awful that I'd have to homeschool him after school every single day. His Kindergarten class consisted of one teacher and thirty-five kids. Seriously, that's not a typo. I ended up volunteering several times a week to work with the more advanced children, while the teacher dealt with the rest. I loved my time in the classroom and continued volunteering throughout his elementary school days.
Then a glorious day came. Hurricane Jason moved on to middle school. He didn't want me to volunteer anymore because he found it embarrassing to have his mother at school all the time. So I cut back on my volunteer hours and suddenly had a lot of extra time on my hands. Three years ago, I started writing full-time while my son was in school. Within a few months, I had two complete novels written: Shadow Fire and Stolen Moon.
I was on a new high, a do-what-I-want-to-do-and-not-what-I'm-forced-to-do high. It was amazing for all of eight weeks or so. As it turns out, I have a tendency to become so involved in my writing that I lose all track of time. Hours passed that felt like minutes. I lost weight because I simply forgot to eat-- awesome diet BTW. I was a woman possessed. When my son and husband sat down and told me they didn't like me writing because I was too involved in it, I was devastated. They felt like I forgot all about them in favor of my characters and plot.
It is so important to find a happy medium. I try not to write when my son is home. Instead I edit the works of others during this time. Something about being analytical keeps me from entering that writer's zone where my brain loses touch with the world around me. It can be very hard to find a balance that works, and it takes some trial and error... sometimes a lot of trial and error. I'm not completing novels as quickly as I did three years ago, but my family is much happier.
My son is my biggest fan. He loves my books and tends to read them over and over. I think he might kill me if I don't get the 2nd Orion Circle book out soon. His praise fills me with such warmth-- it's like nothing I've ever felt before. I'm so glad that I can share this with him.
My advice-- communicate and listen. I would get so upset when my husband would criticize the amount of time I spent writing. Unless someone has written a novel, I don't think they really grasp the amount of blood, sweat, and tears that go into it. But family must come first. Sit down with your family and talk to them. Make a writing schedule if you have to (I don't do well with schedules- so that doesn't work for me). If you have young children and still manage to write, then you've achieved superhero status in my book!
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Book Review: The Self-Publisher's Ultimate Resource Guide - Joel Friedlander and Betty Kelly Sangent
Joel Friedlander
Betty Kelly Sargent
Non-Fiction Reference
December 18, 2014
Amazon | Goodreads
The Self-Publisher’s Ultimate Resource Guide is the first and largest collection of curated and verified resources for independent authors who plan to publish their own books. Produced by a team with long experience in both traditional and independent publishing, the over 850 resources are listed in an easy-to-use format that includes live links, phone numbers, email addresses and brief descriptive copy. The Guide makes vendors and other resources easy to find by separating them into 33 distinct categories within the 3 main tasks the self-publisher must deal with. How to Prepare, Publish, and Promote their books:
PREPARE
Content & Developmental Editors
Copyeditors & Proofreaders
Indexers
Cover & Interior Book Designers
Image Sources
Illustrators & Cartoonists
Translators
Writing Software
Writers’ Conferences & Workshops Offering Scholarships
Grants and Funding for Writers
Professional & Trade Associations
Best Books on Writing
PUBLISH
eBook Conversion
Print-on-Demand (POD) Printing & Distribution Services
Subsidy Publishers
Short Run Printers
Book Production Software
Best Books on Self-Publishing
Helpful Links
PROMOTE
Website Design for Authors
Social Media Consultants
Book Review Services
Press Release Services & Sources
Best Blogs on Self-Publishing
Book Blog Tours
Marketing & Publicity
Sites to List eBooks
News & Views
eBook Aggregators & Book Distributors
Major Retailers
Writing Contests, Fellowships & Prizes
Book Awards for Self-Published Authors
Consumer Protection
My Review: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
I had very high hopes for The Self-Publisher's Ultimate Resource Guide. I've been following Mr. Friedlander's blog for a long time and have received some great publishing advice there. Perhaps my expectations were too high, but this book was not what I was expecting. Be sure to read the blurb--that's what you get--a list of resources.
First of all, it is a great resource guide. The book is a series of lists, containing links to sites offering services for self-published authors. I didn't check every link so I can't vouch for the verity of each individual link. However, I noticed that many links I have bookmarked on my PC were also in the book. I spent hours and hours weeding through the numerous sites out there. This book does it for you, as long as you're okay trusting someone else's research. So, in that it's a huge time-saver!
If you are completely new to self-publishing, please note that this book does not go into anything in detail. I think this book is more for those who are experienced but in need of additional links and information.
If you are looking for a book full of links to services for self-published authors, then this is a great book for you. But if you are looking for an in-depth guide to self-publishing, you'll have to find that elsewhere. I do like the fact that the authors intend to update the book, providing additional links as needed.
Friday, January 2, 2015
The Complete Guide to Writing for Young Adults - Review
Young Adults: Volume 1
Non-fiction Reference
Dragon Moon Press
November 26, 2014
Goodreads * Amazon UK * Amazon * B&N
The Complete Guide to
Writing for Young Adults is an essential resource for the emerging YA author.
Here you'll find honest advice from award winners, international bestsellers,
and industry professionals. If you've wondered why you need an agent, how to build
your career, whether you should collaborate on that project, or how to write
responsibly for a younger audience... it's all here to get you started:
The Emergence of YA:
Adrienne Kress Age Considers, Youth Ventures: Defining YA: E.C. Myers The
Problem With Parents: Deby Fredericks Writing YA Science Fiction as if Science
Matters: Allen Steele More Than Girl And Boy Books: Gender In YA: Leah Bobet
Creepy Or Romantic: Fanny Valentine Darling Making Your Readers Team Players:
Julie Kagawa Trans 101 for YA Writers: Sassafras Lowrey Agent Secrets For YA
Writers: Laurie McLean Book Bloggers Are Your Friends: Pam van Hylckama Vlieg
The Best About Collaboration (and a little of the worst): Clay and Susan
Griffith The Home Field Disadvantage: Leah Peterse
My Review: I received this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review
The Complete Guide to Writing for Young Adults is a great reference for anyone interested in a career as a YA author. Don't know much about the YA category? This reference guide will give you much needed information to get you started. The beginning chapters discuss YA at its very essence: what makes a novel YA.
Many important aspects of YA are explored, including: parental roles, gender issues, and love. There are also chapters about the role of agents for a YA author, the importance of book bloggers for marketing, and the challenges of collaboration.
Each chapter is written by a different author, which I thought made the book less dry than other reference materials. Lots of examples are given, and many YA works are referenced, There is also a great glossary of literary devices at the end that would be quite helpful for new writers.
If you are a published YA author, then this book might be a tad too rudimentary for you. However, if you don't know much about YA and have a yen to write, then I think this book is a great place to start. I wish this book was available back when I started writing YA... it would have saved me from making lots of mistakes.
The Authors
The Emergence of YA: Adrienne Kress
Age Considers, Youth Ventures: Defining YA: E.C. Myers
The Problem With Parents: Deby Fredericks
Writing YA Science Fiction as if Science Matters: Allen Steele
More Than Girl And Boy Books: Gender In YA: Leah Bobet
Creepy Or Romantic: Fanny Valentine Darling
Making Your Readers Team Players: Julie Kagawa
Trans 101 for YA Writers: Sassafras Lowrey
Agent Secrets For YA Writers: Laurie McLean
Book Bloggers Are Your Friends: Pam van Hylckama Vlieg
The Best About Collaboration (and a little of the worst): Clay and
Susan Griffith
The
Home Field Disadvantage: Leah
Petersen
More Info:
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Encore: Top Ten Silly Holiday Things
Because I just can't get enough of Joey dancing
with a turkey on his head.
I'm So Thankful for These Top Ten
Silly Holiday Things
(In no particular order-- they are all equally silly)
Hershey Kisses/Miniatures/Reeses Peanut Butter Cups in holiday wrapping
Because they just don't taste quite as good in their normal wrappers
Black Friday shopping starting at the beginning of November
Christmas in July is seriously only a few years away
Another semi-formal office Christmas party
Because the holidays are always the time when one wants to slip into that skintight, slinky dress that fit fine before Thanksgiving
My holiday ribbon cookies that everyone seems to love so much that they always ask me to bring them to every party I attend
I love nothing more than the three+ hours it takes to make these little devils... well maybe the five minutes it takes everyone to scarf them down. If anyone else says "you should have made more" I'll be the one dancing with a turkey on my head
My husband's special holiday punch-- the alcoholic variety
Nothing livens up a dull party like my husband's holiday punch made with Bacardi 151. That ho-hum Christmas block party suddenly generates delicious book plots for me to use in the coming year
The friends/family who love to experiment with holiday dinners
You know the ones-- it looked great on TV or in a magazine so they have to try it when twenty people are coming for dinner. It's invariably a disaster worth talking about for weeks to come
Holiday shopping with friends
Watching them whip together the perfect decor along with the perfect gifts for everyone makes me feel all warm and cozy... it's happiness, not envy-- I swear
Unofficial holiday home decoration contests
By the time Christmas rolls around, my entire neighborhood is lit up bright as day since everyone keeps adding to their decorations in an attempt to outshine everyone else
Beautiful blown glass ornaments
Whether they are heirloom or not, these tree ornaments are gorgeous and so special... until the cat picks the glass ornament out of fifty (non-breakable) others and knocks it to the floor creating a rather spectacular mess. It's also fun finding the cat nesting in the top branches of the tree and all of the ornaments on the floor
Endless holiday emails
Nothing makes one feel more special than the amount of email received. It's so glorious to open my email in the morning to find it tripled due to the holiday season. I feel like a celebrity
Happy Holidays, Everyone!!
with a turkey on his head.
I'm So Thankful for These Top Ten
Silly Holiday Things
(In no particular order-- they are all equally silly)
Hershey Kisses/Miniatures/Reeses Peanut Butter Cups in holiday wrapping
Because they just don't taste quite as good in their normal wrappers
Black Friday shopping starting at the beginning of November
Christmas in July is seriously only a few years away
Another semi-formal office Christmas party
Because the holidays are always the time when one wants to slip into that skintight, slinky dress that fit fine before Thanksgiving
My holiday ribbon cookies that everyone seems to love so much that they always ask me to bring them to every party I attend
I love nothing more than the three+ hours it takes to make these little devils... well maybe the five minutes it takes everyone to scarf them down. If anyone else says "you should have made more" I'll be the one dancing with a turkey on my head
My husband's special holiday punch-- the alcoholic variety
Nothing livens up a dull party like my husband's holiday punch made with Bacardi 151. That ho-hum Christmas block party suddenly generates delicious book plots for me to use in the coming year
The friends/family who love to experiment with holiday dinners
You know the ones-- it looked great on TV or in a magazine so they have to try it when twenty people are coming for dinner. It's invariably a disaster worth talking about for weeks to come
Holiday shopping with friends
Watching them whip together the perfect decor along with the perfect gifts for everyone makes me feel all warm and cozy... it's happiness, not envy-- I swear
Unofficial holiday home decoration contests
By the time Christmas rolls around, my entire neighborhood is lit up bright as day since everyone keeps adding to their decorations in an attempt to outshine everyone else
Beautiful blown glass ornaments
Whether they are heirloom or not, these tree ornaments are gorgeous and so special... until the cat picks the glass ornament out of fifty (non-breakable) others and knocks it to the floor creating a rather spectacular mess. It's also fun finding the cat nesting in the top branches of the tree and all of the ornaments on the floor
Endless holiday emails
Nothing makes one feel more special than the amount of email received. It's so glorious to open my email in the morning to find it tripled due to the holiday season. I feel like a celebrity
Happy Holidays, Everyone!!
Sunday, November 23, 2014
HEA or the Highway - Why I Like 'Happily Ever After'
I have a confession. As cynical and snarky as I am, I adore 'happily ever after'. Well that's not quite true... I mean forever is a long time. So let's say I love 'happily for now' endings. Good should conquer evil, and of course, love should conquer all. So unrealistic, I know. But there's a very good reason behind this minor obsession of mine.
Life can be hard, full of strife and struggle. Turn on the news... it's scary out there. I think one can only take so much negativity before it spills over into regular life. Your annoying boss who won't get off your case, that loathsome commute, the neighbor who leaves their dog outside to bark at 2am... the list goes on and on. It batters our defenses, creating small cracks that will ultimately result in an explosion of epic proportions.
I read to escape. Plain and simple. There's nothing quite like becoming so engulfed in a story that the surrounding world disappears. Want to ruin that experience for me? Kill off a main character (or a beloved secondary character). Add in too much turmoil. Create an inescapable prison. Throw in tons of random stupidity- like an unrealistic love triangle- or a fight that could be resolved if the characters talked to each other for two minutes. Sure we need tension, otherwise we won't care about the characters. But too much of a good thing is... well, it's just too much.
If you're going to make me cry while reading, they better be tears of joy. Don't get me wrong. Some tearful situations are fine, but I certainly don't want to sob through half of the book. I cry enough over my own problems and those of my friends/family. I don't need to cry buckets for a fictional character. When I finish a novel, I want that "I just finished a great book" glow. It's warm and cozy. It makes me want to hug the book to my chest and thank the author. That happy ending helps assuage whatever crap is going on in my life at any given moment.
Quiz time! What's worse than a sad ending?
No ending at all!
Sure I understand the trilogy and the series. I like them. Readers get to spend more time with the characters. Authors have more time to develop the world and people within. BUT I despise the rash of cliffhanger endings out there. Last year I read a book that ended mid-sentence. I had to check and make sure the book downloaded properly because I couldn't believe it. Until this dropped ending, I enjoyed the book. But since I don't like being toyed with, I chose not to continue the series. Novels ending mid-action or with the capture of the hero/heroine have become an annoying trend.
Newsflash- a cliffhanger ending does not necessarily make a reader desperate for the next book. Sometimes we just become annoyed and turn away. The key to a good ending for a series is to resolve whatever minor plot point occurs within that book, while leaving the rest open for future books. A reader needs at least some resolution to feel good about the reading experience. There's nothing worse than reading 400 pages of buildup to a moment that never occurs because the author chose to leave us hanging. I take that back. There's nothing worse than a cliffhanger ending with the next book two years from publication. I can practically guarantee that I won't be continuing the series.
So to sum up. I want an ending. The author doesn't have to tie up every loose end in a series, but throw me a bone. Please. Give me some semblance of peace until the next book is available.
I would prefer if that ending was HFN- happily for now. If an author plans to kill off a beloved character, then there better be a damn good reason for it. If it's just shock value, I'll pass. Give me something to smile about, something to create that warm inner glow. Cut your characters some slack and give them a little happiness. We all need more hope and less sorrow in our lives.
What do you think? Please share your thoughts in the comments!
Life can be hard, full of strife and struggle. Turn on the news... it's scary out there. I think one can only take so much negativity before it spills over into regular life. Your annoying boss who won't get off your case, that loathsome commute, the neighbor who leaves their dog outside to bark at 2am... the list goes on and on. It batters our defenses, creating small cracks that will ultimately result in an explosion of epic proportions.
I read to escape. Plain and simple. There's nothing quite like becoming so engulfed in a story that the surrounding world disappears. Want to ruin that experience for me? Kill off a main character (or a beloved secondary character). Add in too much turmoil. Create an inescapable prison. Throw in tons of random stupidity- like an unrealistic love triangle- or a fight that could be resolved if the characters talked to each other for two minutes. Sure we need tension, otherwise we won't care about the characters. But too much of a good thing is... well, it's just too much.
If you're going to make me cry while reading, they better be tears of joy. Don't get me wrong. Some tearful situations are fine, but I certainly don't want to sob through half of the book. I cry enough over my own problems and those of my friends/family. I don't need to cry buckets for a fictional character. When I finish a novel, I want that "I just finished a great book" glow. It's warm and cozy. It makes me want to hug the book to my chest and thank the author. That happy ending helps assuage whatever crap is going on in my life at any given moment.
Quiz time! What's worse than a sad ending?
No ending at all!
Sure I understand the trilogy and the series. I like them. Readers get to spend more time with the characters. Authors have more time to develop the world and people within. BUT I despise the rash of cliffhanger endings out there. Last year I read a book that ended mid-sentence. I had to check and make sure the book downloaded properly because I couldn't believe it. Until this dropped ending, I enjoyed the book. But since I don't like being toyed with, I chose not to continue the series. Novels ending mid-action or with the capture of the hero/heroine have become an annoying trend.
This is me all excited about a book then finding the cliffy at the end
Newsflash- a cliffhanger ending does not necessarily make a reader desperate for the next book. Sometimes we just become annoyed and turn away. The key to a good ending for a series is to resolve whatever minor plot point occurs within that book, while leaving the rest open for future books. A reader needs at least some resolution to feel good about the reading experience. There's nothing worse than reading 400 pages of buildup to a moment that never occurs because the author chose to leave us hanging. I take that back. There's nothing worse than a cliffhanger ending with the next book two years from publication. I can practically guarantee that I won't be continuing the series.
So to sum up. I want an ending. The author doesn't have to tie up every loose end in a series, but throw me a bone. Please. Give me some semblance of peace until the next book is available.
I would prefer if that ending was HFN- happily for now. If an author plans to kill off a beloved character, then there better be a damn good reason for it. If it's just shock value, I'll pass. Give me something to smile about, something to create that warm inner glow. Cut your characters some slack and give them a little happiness. We all need more hope and less sorrow in our lives.
What do you think? Please share your thoughts in the comments!
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Melodramatic Musings: My Muse & Other Disasters
How many of you out there have a muse controlling your creative output?
Another November has rolled around and with it another NaNoWriMo. I'm not participating this year since I'll be spending a week in Orlando. But truth be told, I've never been very successful when it comes to NaNoWriMo. You see, I have a muse inside me, and she doesn't particularly like to be told what to do. Sometimes I feel like my rational mind has very little control over my creative output. I always have several projects going at once because she is flighty and tends to flit from one project to the next.
Telling my muse that she must work on the same manuscript for one month is like telling my dog not to bark at the UPS truck.
My muse hiding after I tell her to do something.
In August I was going full-steam ahead on Crimson Reflections, book two in The Orion Circle series. It was going so well that I ordered my cover with the intention to publish by October 31. Needless to say, my muse was distracted by something rather vile on the internet-- well three vile somethings. In fact she went on strike for the entire months of September and October. It's a rather long story dealing with online trolls and a writer's inherent sensitivity. There is no rationale for overcoming matters of the heart. In her devastation, my muse took an extended vacation. I suppose it happens to all writers at one point or another. We all wonder if it's worth the heartache and pain when nameless, spineless trolls can attack so viciously, without any regard for the individual.
Yes, my muse can be rather melodramatic.
Now it's November. I haven't heard from my trolls in a couple months. With any luck they've moved on to more fertile pastures. But best of all, my muse has come out of her slumber and wants to write again. Yay! Only she doesn't want to work on the same thing I do. She has soared from her hiding place like Tinkerbell on steroids, pushing to write a novel that I had no intention of starting until next year. So here I am, trying to corral my muse like she's an unruly toddler, while begging her to settle down and finish what needs to be done. I'm trying to work on final revisions for my YA urban fantasy, Bitter Envy. It needed a major overhaul, and I'm close to finished with it. I really want to get that novel out on submission by January. My muse, however, has her own ideas.
Yes, that is my muse in her excitement about Silver Storm, book 1.5 in the Light Chronicles series. At the rate she's going, I may end up with a novel by the end of November after all. She always did have a soft spot for the character Taranis in the Light Chronicles novels. Silver Storm tells the story of how Taranis and Alexa meet. Personally, I like this story, it features lots of Taranis. I haven't decided if lots of Taranis is too much of a good thing... yet. Only time will tell on that front. Poor guy has his work cut out for him in this novel. Alexa is a fun character to write. She has a backbone and doesn't back down from a challenge... or what she wants (hmm, reminds me of my muse).
Me after a few hours of dealing with my muse.
So my muse is happy about Silver Storm, and I really don't mind all that much. Writing is ultimately a creative art form. I learned a long time ago that if I try to force my creativity, I end up with nothing but drivel. So I guess for now at least, Bitter Envy & Crimson Reflections will have to take a backseat to the new sparkly plot that has captivated my muse. Thank goodness I don't have a long string of unfinished novels lying in my wake, or I'd be concerned. How could this be, you ask? Sure my muse is frivolous and flighty, but lucky for me she absolutely loves revisions and despises leaving anything unfinished. She can have her fun for now because deep down I know we'll be back to revising Bitter Envy in no time.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Melodramatic Musings: The Dreaded (and Inevitable) Negative Review
Negative reviews. I've been thinking about this topic for quite a while now with all the buzz flying around about negativity toward authors. My writer half is writing this while keeping my reviewer half quiet. She's more of the "can't we all just get along?" type while my writer side is much more realistic and sarcastic.
Personal Taste
I want everyone to read those two words and embrace them. Everyone doesn't like the same things. That's what makes the world interesting. Seriously, how many times have you read something people were raving about and had it fall flat? For months my entire neighborhood, coworkers, the girl at the checkout in Target, etc. were abuzz about how fantastic Fifty Shades of Grey was. I know lots of people loved it. I didn't get it beyond housewives finally getting a taste of the porn their spouses have been reading for years. Go look at the ranking stats on Goodreads. I've never seen a novel so evenly distributed among 1-5 stars. My point here isn't to pick on Fifty Shades of Grey. It's to remind you that what Sally next door likes isn't necessarily what you like. To expect nothing but glowing or even good reviews is unrealistic.
Star Ratings
After listening to some fellow authors cry about their 1 or 2 star rankings on Goodreads, I felt it necessary to point out the obvious. 1 star on Goodreads means 'I didn't like it'. Not 'it was awful' or 'the author is terrible'. If you have a hard time with this concept, return to personal taste. Amazon is a bit crueler with 1 star meaning 'I hate it'. Of course with Amazon, you can't rank something without a written review. I've noticed people rank books on Goodreads as 1 or 2 but don't leave a review. You won't have that problem on Amazon. I can't help but wonder, of the 73,000+ people who left a 1 star ranking for our example book, how many actually read it.
Negative Reviews
Statements like: "I didn't connect with the characters", "Started so slow I couldn't read past the first few chapters", "There were so many grammatical issues, it pulled me from the plot."— these are par for the course. If you get reviews like this time and again, learn from them. If they're solitary incidents, suck it up and forget it. Yeah, not easy, I know. Can someone explain how we can gloss over the glowing reviews to focus on the few negatives? They stick in the brain like little parasites, gnawing away at our sanity bit by bit until we're reduced to mindless mush playing with gifs.
The Two Types of Negative Reviews
1) Personal Taste Review: I didn't like this book and here's why. Constructive, about the book itself. Advice- It's over and done. Deal with it however you can, but put it behind you. Only let this one affect you if you're seeing the same complaint over and over again. That's a red flag that you may need to change something in your next novel.
2) Author Bashing Review: I didn't like the book, and the author should be drawn and quartered for writing such drivel. This author sucks and I hate her along with that stupid dog in her author photo. I mean who does she think she's fooling... you get the drift. Advice- I sure hope these don't happen often. Do Not Engage Reviewer. Feel the need to respond? Don't. You'll end up in a war you can't win. People like this are looking for attention, so don't play into their hands. Seriously, you don't need to say anything. The review speaks for itself. It's nasty and distasteful. Be the bigger person and ignore it.
I know all negative reviews don't fall into these categories. I've read a few recently where an industry novice (reader only) presented his/her opinion as irrefutable fact in the review. This is problematic on so many levels since most people reading the reviews aren't going to check the reviewer's profile to see if they're qualified to make such statements.
I really don't think most people write negative reviews for any reason other than to get their opinion out there. Think about it. It's well-known that people tend to write reviews when they love or hate something. How often do you write an ambivalent review?
There's also advice floating around the web to ignore the reviews for your book. I don't know about you, but I can't do that. I'll read every review. Love the good ones. Linger on the bad for months. Try not to let them destroy my self-esteem or affect my writing.
And lastly... Does it bother me when a reviewer doesn't use their real name? NO. Why should it? Lots of authors use pen names so why can't reviewers? Sure people hide behind the anonymity of the internet; they always have and will find a way around any rules you put in place to reveal them. If you don't engage these hate-mongers, they'll go find someone who does. So, no, I didn't sign the petition emailed to me numerous times about Amazon requiring real names for reviewers. I understand both sides of the argument and I chose mine.
How do you deal with negative reviews? If you're a reviewer, do you write negative reviews?
Personal Taste
I want everyone to read those two words and embrace them. Everyone doesn't like the same things. That's what makes the world interesting. Seriously, how many times have you read something people were raving about and had it fall flat? For months my entire neighborhood, coworkers, the girl at the checkout in Target, etc. were abuzz about how fantastic Fifty Shades of Grey was. I know lots of people loved it. I didn't get it beyond housewives finally getting a taste of the porn their spouses have been reading for years. Go look at the ranking stats on Goodreads. I've never seen a novel so evenly distributed among 1-5 stars. My point here isn't to pick on Fifty Shades of Grey. It's to remind you that what Sally next door likes isn't necessarily what you like. To expect nothing but glowing or even good reviews is unrealistic.
Star Ratings
After listening to some fellow authors cry about their 1 or 2 star rankings on Goodreads, I felt it necessary to point out the obvious. 1 star on Goodreads means 'I didn't like it'. Not 'it was awful' or 'the author is terrible'. If you have a hard time with this concept, return to personal taste. Amazon is a bit crueler with 1 star meaning 'I hate it'. Of course with Amazon, you can't rank something without a written review. I've noticed people rank books on Goodreads as 1 or 2 but don't leave a review. You won't have that problem on Amazon. I can't help but wonder, of the 73,000+ people who left a 1 star ranking for our example book, how many actually read it.
Negative Reviews
Statements like: "I didn't connect with the characters", "Started so slow I couldn't read past the first few chapters", "There were so many grammatical issues, it pulled me from the plot."— these are par for the course. If you get reviews like this time and again, learn from them. If they're solitary incidents, suck it up and forget it. Yeah, not easy, I know. Can someone explain how we can gloss over the glowing reviews to focus on the few negatives? They stick in the brain like little parasites, gnawing away at our sanity bit by bit until we're reduced to mindless mush playing with gifs.
The Two Types of Negative Reviews
1) Personal Taste Review: I didn't like this book and here's why. Constructive, about the book itself. Advice- It's over and done. Deal with it however you can, but put it behind you. Only let this one affect you if you're seeing the same complaint over and over again. That's a red flag that you may need to change something in your next novel.
2) Author Bashing Review: I didn't like the book, and the author should be drawn and quartered for writing such drivel. This author sucks and I hate her along with that stupid dog in her author photo. I mean who does she think she's fooling... you get the drift. Advice- I sure hope these don't happen often. Do Not Engage Reviewer. Feel the need to respond? Don't. You'll end up in a war you can't win. People like this are looking for attention, so don't play into their hands. Seriously, you don't need to say anything. The review speaks for itself. It's nasty and distasteful. Be the bigger person and ignore it.
I know all negative reviews don't fall into these categories. I've read a few recently where an industry novice (reader only) presented his/her opinion as irrefutable fact in the review. This is problematic on so many levels since most people reading the reviews aren't going to check the reviewer's profile to see if they're qualified to make such statements.
I really don't think most people write negative reviews for any reason other than to get their opinion out there. Think about it. It's well-known that people tend to write reviews when they love or hate something. How often do you write an ambivalent review?
There's also advice floating around the web to ignore the reviews for your book. I don't know about you, but I can't do that. I'll read every review. Love the good ones. Linger on the bad for months. Try not to let them destroy my self-esteem or affect my writing.
And lastly... Does it bother me when a reviewer doesn't use their real name? NO. Why should it? Lots of authors use pen names so why can't reviewers? Sure people hide behind the anonymity of the internet; they always have and will find a way around any rules you put in place to reveal them. If you don't engage these hate-mongers, they'll go find someone who does. So, no, I didn't sign the petition emailed to me numerous times about Amazon requiring real names for reviewers. I understand both sides of the argument and I chose mine.
How do you deal with negative reviews? If you're a reviewer, do you write negative reviews?
Friday, September 13, 2013
Houston Book Rave Giveaway!!
Would you like to win some signed copies from some of the amazing authors who will be attending the Houston BookRave?
Well, here is your chance!
TrinDee Events is giving away 10 signed copies to three lucky winners. The first winner drawn will get to choose five books, the second winner will choose three, and the final winner gets their choice of two.
Best part? Winners choose off TrinDee Events featured author list.
Check out the attending authors here: http://houstonbookrave.blogspot.com/p/authors.html
All you have to do is help spread the word about the Houston BookRave!
Unfortunately, this giveaway is open to the US only. However, if you live outside the USA and are willing to cover the shipping cost, feel free to enter. If your name is drawn TrinDee Events will contact you with shipping details.
Good luck everyone!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Houston Book Rave!!
Sunday, September 8, 2013
My Cat Mouse...Editor's Nightmare
Mouse loves my laptop. He seems to love pushing on the keys most of all. I can't tell you how many times I've looked away, answered the phone or the door, only to return to utter nonsense spewed across the screen. I'm sure he thinks he's writing the great American novel, but for me it's just embarrassing. I constantly have to go over what I've written to make sure Mouse hasn't added his own personal touches.
I almost sent out a query letter with Mouse's signature extra words toward the end of the letter. I never even noticed him stretch out and hit the keys! So, just to let everyone know, I attribute any and all typos in my novels and on my blogs to my cat, Mouse. Pretty convenient, huh?!
Here's a look at Mouse's last great work:
My gaze moves to the prone, unconscious form of my father, Simon. True to form he finally passed out from alcohol. At least this time he managed to fall face up. I doubt most people here would be kind enough to kick him to his back to keep the sand from suffocating him. It’s difficult to fault him completely for his alcoholism. Simon started working for Uriah twenty years ago. Two decades with that sadistic monster would drive anyone to the bottle. My mother’s public infatuation with Uriah doesn’t help matters. As Jack drags me through the parking lot, I see something that makes my stomach roil, threatening to reject1565135454. fdl,ssj456874651fs65sf4
kguyhubjybhujvhu 468544444446
Okay so you may notice that he actually did type a couple words in there: guy and hub. So the whole 100 monkeys on 100 typewriters writing Shakespeare, probably not. I told Mouse not to quit his day job as my foot warmer.
Friday, September 6, 2013
Best Intentions
I learned something years ago when I first started writing. Back then I was forcing myself to sit in front of the computer until I completed three pages each weekday. It was horrendous, boring, and it took me a year to finish the first draft on one novel. I never revised it or did anything else with it. Instead I went out, got a job at GEICO and worked as a bodily injury claims adjuster for five years.
My mistake was treating writing too much like a 9 to 5 job (well who has those anymore...7 to 5 job). When I picked up writing again last year, it was like an itch I couldn't ignore. The story was there and it flowed out of me onto the pages. Now granted that doesn't always happen. Sometimes the ideas aren't there and the words dam up inside. On those days, I'm happy if I just work on revisions or at least manage a paragraph or two.
The trick is to write every day. Not just weekdays. Every single day. Even if it's only a paragraph, I spend time with the characters, getting to know them, thinking about them. Sure I'd love to boast 2,000 words per day, sometimes I do. Writing for me is an exercise in creativity. When I try to force it, I clam up and become unproductive.
I've seen questions to authors asking why they're working on more than one series at a time or more than one manuscript. If they're like me, it's not greed driving them to diversify. There are days when my mind can't deal with the fantasy realm I created. Moving to a different manuscript helps keep the creative juices flowing. Writing short stories can do the same thing. I have three current WIPs. They all have romantic elements, but that's where the similarities end.
I expressed my intention to concentrate on the third book of Light Chronicles in a prior post. That didn't work out so well. I scrapped the first few pages and started over from scratch before realizing what the real problem was. Bitter Envy calls to me, a siren song begging me to continue Envy's plight. Dare I compare WIPs to puppies scrambling for attention. Well my dogs are cuter and fluffier, but I swear sometimes the call of the story is stronger than their loudest barks.
Perhaps I give my creative side too much leeway. Writing, like life, is a learning experience. So for now I'll give my creative side free reign. Well, except for revisions...my creative side doesn't like editing much...
 |
| Even the puma's laughing at me! |
The trick is to write every day. Not just weekdays. Every single day. Even if it's only a paragraph, I spend time with the characters, getting to know them, thinking about them. Sure I'd love to boast 2,000 words per day, sometimes I do. Writing for me is an exercise in creativity. When I try to force it, I clam up and become unproductive.
I've seen questions to authors asking why they're working on more than one series at a time or more than one manuscript. If they're like me, it's not greed driving them to diversify. There are days when my mind can't deal with the fantasy realm I created. Moving to a different manuscript helps keep the creative juices flowing. Writing short stories can do the same thing. I have three current WIPs. They all have romantic elements, but that's where the similarities end.
I expressed my intention to concentrate on the third book of Light Chronicles in a prior post. That didn't work out so well. I scrapped the first few pages and started over from scratch before realizing what the real problem was. Bitter Envy calls to me, a siren song begging me to continue Envy's plight. Dare I compare WIPs to puppies scrambling for attention. Well my dogs are cuter and fluffier, but I swear sometimes the call of the story is stronger than their loudest barks.
Perhaps I give my creative side too much leeway. Writing, like life, is a learning experience. So for now I'll give my creative side free reign. Well, except for revisions...my creative side doesn't like editing much...
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