I am fully aware of my condition.
I am an extreme manic bipolar.
I am not medicated.
Sometimes I can't adhere to life. My swings are worse than the bravest daredevil. No matter how much I try to control them, I can't. No matter how much I try to control my thoughts, I can't. No matter how much I try not to view something as it is, I can't.
And that's alright.
The reason I try not to view something as it is, is because I know that's how it's meant to be viewed. I don't want my thoughts controlled because I wouldn't be able to write. My swings are well, wish those could be controlled.
It is not that I don't trust myself, it's I don't trust others. In some ways I don't trust myself because of the reasons of why I don't trust others.
I'm blunt and many hate my ways for that. I would rather a sin than live a holy lie. At the end of the night, I don't regret anything I've done.
The thing I've realized, my condition is getting worse. I've come to terms with that. It does scare me in a way. I don't want to be like this. But I'm even more scared to change.
Why? Because I love myself for who I am. Would I be changing for who I am? Or would I be changing because it's how the world wants to see? That question I don't have the answer to yet.
I was proud to admit that I passed the depression side. However, I haven't. I wasn't fooling myself. It's just how things are. I want to cry but not for the reasons one would think. Or even be able to comprehend. I want to cry because the story is at a standstill.
Writing is all I am. If I can't write, I feel like a failure. I need to overcome that by myself. Here's to step one...not sure what that step is yet. But I will work on it. Right after I complete the next 75 stories...
Monday, September 9, 2013
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
A little more about writing...
No two authors are the same. REMEMBER THAT!
Do not compare yourself to what someone else can do.
I've run across more than one "author's blog" saying pretty much the same thing.
*Is writing a long grueling road?
Yes. Anyone can write a manuscript. It doesn't mean that it's done.
*Do you have to be "born" with the gift?
I don't know. It's hard to say. Some just happen to find it sooner than others. As much as I loved writing as a kid, (thanks to the non-supportive teachers I had), I hated to write. I didn't find I could do what I could until I was in my early thirties.
*Do I need to write every day?
Why are you asking others what YOU should do? Writing is an art. If it comes to you, don't let that slip away. Here in the author world, we call that writer's block. Some blocks go away faster and some tend to linger for awhile. (That's why we're so insane)
*Do I need to know what to write about?
Eh, a general idea is helpful. If you write about your basic thoughts, so what? Maybe something will come to you. Again, I'm NOT you! For me, it could be one sentence someone says, a nagging thing that was said in the past and I just remembered it as I crawl into bed, it could be one word, and entire story will spark. You can't make fire if you there's no spark.
*What I have, doesn't make any sense.
Maybe it's not supposed to. I don't know. Again, I'm not you. Maybe it'll make sense later. I had a saga just like that. I started writing my thoughts and then, boom, there was a plot.
*My first draft sucks. I'm a horrible writer.
Really? Practice never makes perfect. Practice always makes you better, but never perfect. Perfection means there's nothing to change. There's always something to change when you write. That's what a first draft is, a first draft. It lets you see what could be added, taken out, or whatever. You're not going to turn in your first draft of a homework assignment without having it checked. Why would it be any different for a rough draft of a manuscript?
*Your hero or heroine, make them do the impossible.
Cough, cough. The stupidest shit I've ever read. If they are sitting in a classroom and a fire breathing dragon comes in, is that that realistic? And, I'm not saying to keep it realistic. If your book is about living with dragons, okay, than that's perfectly acceptable. However, if it's in today's age, what relevance is that for the main character to fight a dragon in the middle of a class? If the danger is not supposed to be there, don't add it. Don't go overboard on something that's not meant to be thrown overboard. If you talk about the main character battling through things that are unrealistic in the book, your readers may feel lost as to why you added them in there in the first place.
*A character popped up that wasn't supposed to.
Great! I sincerely mean that. That's great writing when the story is forming as you're writing it. Some writers go off outlines. I can't. Things happen to where it makes it nearly impossible to stick to the outline. So, I don't do outlines. I go off that one word, sentence, thought and run with it and can't finish it until it's complete. Since I do type so fast, and plug away at it, morning, noon and night, I have nothing to forget. But that is me. If an outline works for you, use it. There is nothing wrong with that.
*Your book should be great if you want to devote the time to write it.
Eh, WRONG! So wrong on so many levels. Great is left up to the person writing the story - YOU! You want to write about frogs, then write about it. It doesn't fascinate me, and most likely I'll never pick it up to read it. But that's only me. I'm one person. Who cares. What will draw people into your book, is writing about what means the most to you. Readers can see if you put your heart and soul into it. If you wrote something just for "fame", yeah, good luck. You'll get fame, but not the kind you were looking for.
*Writer's block has nothing to do with confidence, lack of story, or you lost your outline and you're lost.
Writer's block is your brain's way of telling you, you need to live life. Plain and simple. Remember, writing is art. After all, how did you get that idea? Each person is different in what it takes to remove writer's block. I had a killer idea for a story. I had twenty thousand words done in one day. Then POOF the story died. I set it aside, (I didn't forget about it), but I set it aside and worked on something else. I completed five other manuscripts. I took some time off, lived life, and POW, that one book, the story started talking again. Again, if I had drawn out an outline, the book would never of followed it. It went in a completely different direction than I had originally anticipated. I see it as that's how the book was meant to go.
*I get paid to edit. I can edit my own work. I don't see anything I've missed.
That's nice. There's only a select few in the world who can actually edit their own work. I am NOT one of them. Of course you wouldn't see anything you've missed. When we write, we *think* we have written something. When we go back through our own work, we *know* what the character is supposed to be doing. But did we (you) actually write that? Or, is it only that we *think* we wrote it because that's the way we know we wrote it? You want to be taken seriously? Think of writing as a hobby. You want to display your work to the world. (With the internet, that's easily possible). Would you display something you only half ass finished and say it was done? Oh, look, I restored a car from the ground up! It's worth thousands! But, it's only half way there. It still needs a paint job, and an engine, and oh, wheels. When in reality, you had just bought the car and added a new review mirror. It's something like that. No one is going to pay you for something that's not finished. (unless they know it's not and have to put their own money into making it fully functional.) But then, they own the car, not you. If you advertise that the car is "complete" and a buyer comes along, they'll laugh at you. Then, when you do pay to have all the work done, they won't even give you the time of day. They'll wonder what short cuts you took. You may be able to edit someone else's work, (like working on someone's car) but when it comes to your own, remember, the plumber who fixes everyone else's leak, has a leak at their own house.
*It's hard to be original. I want to write a story, but I saw someone else who already wrote it.
So? Every story has the same plot. Girl meets boy. Girl falls in love with boy. The end. It's how they meet, how they fall in love, and if they end up together, what makes it original. I'll go back to the subject I hate the most. Twilight. Whiny ass main character. However, girl meets boy. Girl falls in love with boy. They get married. The end. The plots and twists, she had originality. I'll give her props on that. She had vampires to where they sparkled. (To me, that's stupid) However, it's original. She had it to where werewolves didn't just change in the presence of a full moon. (Good job) She took the basic, vampires (a mystical creature) meets werewolves (a mystical creature) interacts with humans and they all can live in somewhat harmony. (Great job) She did her job as a writer to take something old and make it new. A lot of people fell in love with the story line. (She did her purpose) A lot of people hated the way the characters took shape. (She did her job correctly) A lot of people loved the book. (Hence why it was made into movies) A lot of people hated the book. (So, they didn't like her writing style, so what?) What I give her credit for, she wrote a story to where you got lost in the plot. I personally think she continued to write because of that series. If it hadn't of grown, in all honesty, I don't think she would have continued to write. But, I'm not her, so I could be wrong. The difference between King and her, is King writes for the love. She writes for the fame and it does show in her work. She wrote Twilight for the love. She wrote whatever that name is for the fame. Look at the difference. One took off, and one sunk.
*How do you plan around your work schedule to write?
One, I hardly sleep. I run two businesses, I'm a single mother, and I write. Sleep is not in my schedule. But sometimes my body has other plans. Second, I don't plan. I learned if you plan, always make sure you have a backup plan. And then another backup plan for that. Sometimes life gets thrown in the way. I hate when people say, if you want to do it, you'll do it, or you'll find an excuse. Sorry while I cough bullshit. I planned and wanted to get in a couple of hours writing tonight, but the death of a relative happen. I'm sorry, we can predict death? When you do get home, the last thing you want to do is sit in front of that computer screen. All you want to do is crawl into bed and cry. Life is one big excuse. Two words - shit happens. There may be times to when life is so full, the last thing you can do is sit at that computer. It doesn't mean that you're any less of a writer.
*I did my best today. I wrote X amount!
Great! My personal goal for myself, to always beat my personal best. If the most you've ever written is 500 words, great! Remember this, don't force the story with something the characters can't get their way out of. Yes, there have been a few works to where I forced the story and then it all flowed. There have been other times to where I tried to force the story and it was crap and I had to end up rewriting. You can't say you wasted time. You might have, you might not have. I forced a story within a story. What I did, I removed that second story, copied it into a new document and it became a brand new story. Each time will be different.
*They (other authors) say if I wrote over X amount, it's pure crap.
And they matter why? Who are they to judge? Maybe the work was just coming to you and you plugged away at it hardcore. Who cares what they say. Even if it was King saying it, which he has never said anything like that, who cares. Yes, he knows how to write. But that means he knows how to write how he knows how to write. He doesn't know how to write what you write or how you write it. Again, STOP comparing yourself to other writers. If a writer has to "belittle" in the way one writes, they don't know how to truly write.
*How come there are more challenges in the last book than the new one?
So? It means that you're growing as a writer to work through the challenges and not see them as challenges. Just because you don't see the challenges, don't ever let someone tell you that you're doing it wrong. I wrote Temporary Home in four days and was able to work through the challenges with ease, because I didn't see them as challenges. Just because another writer may see and know their own challenges, it doesn't mean that their challenges will be the same for you.
*Stop concentrating on word counts.
I go by if I've finished a chapter, or what I wanted the main character to accomplish. Who effing cares about word counts. When you concentrate on word counts, you lose track of what the characters are doing. Yes, I'm guilty of doing that. Yes, you'll see me post what my word count is daily (if I wrote that day). However, when I'm writing, I don't even look at that. Also, just because a writer writes 10K words in one day, they may realize that only 2K of them is usable and actually pertains.
*I write to write a series.
Great. I wrote Hidden Destiny in under 10 months. Book 10 took a year of going back and forth, trying to make the ending work. I have over fifteen revisions of that book. I rewrote it so often, I can't remember the original version. (I do have it saved somewhere in my files) You don't need to be young to start a series. Who cares if it takes you the rest of your life to finish it? I have one that I started and haven't finished. It eats away at me a little, but I know that the right moment in my life hasn't come for me to write about it. Ugh, lets go back to Twilight. She spent every waking minute writing that story. Who's to say the original draft wasn't half that size? And the editor helped her fill in the blanks? We will never know unless she tells or posts about it. When I wrote Hidden Destiny, I will say, that year was the hardest. Sleep? I maybe crashed for twelve hours a week. I spent days upon days writing, with no sleep, lots of coffee, and plugging away as fast as I could. It was my worst work. It needed a lot of help. Why? Because it was my first full work ever written. Now, that I've written as many as I have, my editor says he has a lot less revising to do. But, going back to editing, I said a lot less, it still needs revising.
*I don't like what I wrote.
Then why did you write it? If you don't like what you wrote, you really expect anyone else to like it? If I'm not comfortable with what I'm going to write, I don't write it. But, again, that's me. Go ahead and write it. If you don't like it, copy and past it into a new document and save it. It may come along at a later time and you don't have to rewrite what you've already written.
*I'm afraid that my work is going to fail.
And? Why did you start in the first place? Why do you do anything in the first place? You never know unless you try. I'm not going to give you some pep talk. When I first wrote Hidden Destiny, I learned who my real friends were and who were only riding the ride. Even if it does fail, who cares. You did what most have yet to accomplish, you wrote and finished a manuscript. If you don't have it edited professionally, please don't put it out there. Again, you wouldn't boast about a car you haven't completed. Don't do that with your manuscript if you haven't completed it.
This will be continued...
Life got in the way.
Do not compare yourself to what someone else can do.
I've run across more than one "author's blog" saying pretty much the same thing.
*Is writing a long grueling road?
Yes. Anyone can write a manuscript. It doesn't mean that it's done.
*Do you have to be "born" with the gift?
I don't know. It's hard to say. Some just happen to find it sooner than others. As much as I loved writing as a kid, (thanks to the non-supportive teachers I had), I hated to write. I didn't find I could do what I could until I was in my early thirties.
*Do I need to write every day?
Why are you asking others what YOU should do? Writing is an art. If it comes to you, don't let that slip away. Here in the author world, we call that writer's block. Some blocks go away faster and some tend to linger for awhile. (That's why we're so insane)
*Do I need to know what to write about?
Eh, a general idea is helpful. If you write about your basic thoughts, so what? Maybe something will come to you. Again, I'm NOT you! For me, it could be one sentence someone says, a nagging thing that was said in the past and I just remembered it as I crawl into bed, it could be one word, and entire story will spark. You can't make fire if you there's no spark.
*What I have, doesn't make any sense.
Maybe it's not supposed to. I don't know. Again, I'm not you. Maybe it'll make sense later. I had a saga just like that. I started writing my thoughts and then, boom, there was a plot.
*My first draft sucks. I'm a horrible writer.
Really? Practice never makes perfect. Practice always makes you better, but never perfect. Perfection means there's nothing to change. There's always something to change when you write. That's what a first draft is, a first draft. It lets you see what could be added, taken out, or whatever. You're not going to turn in your first draft of a homework assignment without having it checked. Why would it be any different for a rough draft of a manuscript?
*Your hero or heroine, make them do the impossible.
Cough, cough. The stupidest shit I've ever read. If they are sitting in a classroom and a fire breathing dragon comes in, is that that realistic? And, I'm not saying to keep it realistic. If your book is about living with dragons, okay, than that's perfectly acceptable. However, if it's in today's age, what relevance is that for the main character to fight a dragon in the middle of a class? If the danger is not supposed to be there, don't add it. Don't go overboard on something that's not meant to be thrown overboard. If you talk about the main character battling through things that are unrealistic in the book, your readers may feel lost as to why you added them in there in the first place.
*A character popped up that wasn't supposed to.
Great! I sincerely mean that. That's great writing when the story is forming as you're writing it. Some writers go off outlines. I can't. Things happen to where it makes it nearly impossible to stick to the outline. So, I don't do outlines. I go off that one word, sentence, thought and run with it and can't finish it until it's complete. Since I do type so fast, and plug away at it, morning, noon and night, I have nothing to forget. But that is me. If an outline works for you, use it. There is nothing wrong with that.
*Your book should be great if you want to devote the time to write it.
Eh, WRONG! So wrong on so many levels. Great is left up to the person writing the story - YOU! You want to write about frogs, then write about it. It doesn't fascinate me, and most likely I'll never pick it up to read it. But that's only me. I'm one person. Who cares. What will draw people into your book, is writing about what means the most to you. Readers can see if you put your heart and soul into it. If you wrote something just for "fame", yeah, good luck. You'll get fame, but not the kind you were looking for.
*Writer's block has nothing to do with confidence, lack of story, or you lost your outline and you're lost.
Writer's block is your brain's way of telling you, you need to live life. Plain and simple. Remember, writing is art. After all, how did you get that idea? Each person is different in what it takes to remove writer's block. I had a killer idea for a story. I had twenty thousand words done in one day. Then POOF the story died. I set it aside, (I didn't forget about it), but I set it aside and worked on something else. I completed five other manuscripts. I took some time off, lived life, and POW, that one book, the story started talking again. Again, if I had drawn out an outline, the book would never of followed it. It went in a completely different direction than I had originally anticipated. I see it as that's how the book was meant to go.
*I get paid to edit. I can edit my own work. I don't see anything I've missed.
That's nice. There's only a select few in the world who can actually edit their own work. I am NOT one of them. Of course you wouldn't see anything you've missed. When we write, we *think* we have written something. When we go back through our own work, we *know* what the character is supposed to be doing. But did we (you) actually write that? Or, is it only that we *think* we wrote it because that's the way we know we wrote it? You want to be taken seriously? Think of writing as a hobby. You want to display your work to the world. (With the internet, that's easily possible). Would you display something you only half ass finished and say it was done? Oh, look, I restored a car from the ground up! It's worth thousands! But, it's only half way there. It still needs a paint job, and an engine, and oh, wheels. When in reality, you had just bought the car and added a new review mirror. It's something like that. No one is going to pay you for something that's not finished. (unless they know it's not and have to put their own money into making it fully functional.) But then, they own the car, not you. If you advertise that the car is "complete" and a buyer comes along, they'll laugh at you. Then, when you do pay to have all the work done, they won't even give you the time of day. They'll wonder what short cuts you took. You may be able to edit someone else's work, (like working on someone's car) but when it comes to your own, remember, the plumber who fixes everyone else's leak, has a leak at their own house.
*It's hard to be original. I want to write a story, but I saw someone else who already wrote it.
So? Every story has the same plot. Girl meets boy. Girl falls in love with boy. The end. It's how they meet, how they fall in love, and if they end up together, what makes it original. I'll go back to the subject I hate the most. Twilight. Whiny ass main character. However, girl meets boy. Girl falls in love with boy. They get married. The end. The plots and twists, she had originality. I'll give her props on that. She had vampires to where they sparkled. (To me, that's stupid) However, it's original. She had it to where werewolves didn't just change in the presence of a full moon. (Good job) She took the basic, vampires (a mystical creature) meets werewolves (a mystical creature) interacts with humans and they all can live in somewhat harmony. (Great job) She did her job as a writer to take something old and make it new. A lot of people fell in love with the story line. (She did her purpose) A lot of people hated the way the characters took shape. (She did her job correctly) A lot of people loved the book. (Hence why it was made into movies) A lot of people hated the book. (So, they didn't like her writing style, so what?) What I give her credit for, she wrote a story to where you got lost in the plot. I personally think she continued to write because of that series. If it hadn't of grown, in all honesty, I don't think she would have continued to write. But, I'm not her, so I could be wrong. The difference between King and her, is King writes for the love. She writes for the fame and it does show in her work. She wrote Twilight for the love. She wrote whatever that name is for the fame. Look at the difference. One took off, and one sunk.
*How do you plan around your work schedule to write?
One, I hardly sleep. I run two businesses, I'm a single mother, and I write. Sleep is not in my schedule. But sometimes my body has other plans. Second, I don't plan. I learned if you plan, always make sure you have a backup plan. And then another backup plan for that. Sometimes life gets thrown in the way. I hate when people say, if you want to do it, you'll do it, or you'll find an excuse. Sorry while I cough bullshit. I planned and wanted to get in a couple of hours writing tonight, but the death of a relative happen. I'm sorry, we can predict death? When you do get home, the last thing you want to do is sit in front of that computer screen. All you want to do is crawl into bed and cry. Life is one big excuse. Two words - shit happens. There may be times to when life is so full, the last thing you can do is sit at that computer. It doesn't mean that you're any less of a writer.
*I did my best today. I wrote X amount!
Great! My personal goal for myself, to always beat my personal best. If the most you've ever written is 500 words, great! Remember this, don't force the story with something the characters can't get their way out of. Yes, there have been a few works to where I forced the story and then it all flowed. There have been other times to where I tried to force the story and it was crap and I had to end up rewriting. You can't say you wasted time. You might have, you might not have. I forced a story within a story. What I did, I removed that second story, copied it into a new document and it became a brand new story. Each time will be different.
*They (other authors) say if I wrote over X amount, it's pure crap.
And they matter why? Who are they to judge? Maybe the work was just coming to you and you plugged away at it hardcore. Who cares what they say. Even if it was King saying it, which he has never said anything like that, who cares. Yes, he knows how to write. But that means he knows how to write how he knows how to write. He doesn't know how to write what you write or how you write it. Again, STOP comparing yourself to other writers. If a writer has to "belittle" in the way one writes, they don't know how to truly write.
*How come there are more challenges in the last book than the new one?
So? It means that you're growing as a writer to work through the challenges and not see them as challenges. Just because you don't see the challenges, don't ever let someone tell you that you're doing it wrong. I wrote Temporary Home in four days and was able to work through the challenges with ease, because I didn't see them as challenges. Just because another writer may see and know their own challenges, it doesn't mean that their challenges will be the same for you.
*Stop concentrating on word counts.
I go by if I've finished a chapter, or what I wanted the main character to accomplish. Who effing cares about word counts. When you concentrate on word counts, you lose track of what the characters are doing. Yes, I'm guilty of doing that. Yes, you'll see me post what my word count is daily (if I wrote that day). However, when I'm writing, I don't even look at that. Also, just because a writer writes 10K words in one day, they may realize that only 2K of them is usable and actually pertains.
*I write to write a series.
Great. I wrote Hidden Destiny in under 10 months. Book 10 took a year of going back and forth, trying to make the ending work. I have over fifteen revisions of that book. I rewrote it so often, I can't remember the original version. (I do have it saved somewhere in my files) You don't need to be young to start a series. Who cares if it takes you the rest of your life to finish it? I have one that I started and haven't finished. It eats away at me a little, but I know that the right moment in my life hasn't come for me to write about it. Ugh, lets go back to Twilight. She spent every waking minute writing that story. Who's to say the original draft wasn't half that size? And the editor helped her fill in the blanks? We will never know unless she tells or posts about it. When I wrote Hidden Destiny, I will say, that year was the hardest. Sleep? I maybe crashed for twelve hours a week. I spent days upon days writing, with no sleep, lots of coffee, and plugging away as fast as I could. It was my worst work. It needed a lot of help. Why? Because it was my first full work ever written. Now, that I've written as many as I have, my editor says he has a lot less revising to do. But, going back to editing, I said a lot less, it still needs revising.
*I don't like what I wrote.
Then why did you write it? If you don't like what you wrote, you really expect anyone else to like it? If I'm not comfortable with what I'm going to write, I don't write it. But, again, that's me. Go ahead and write it. If you don't like it, copy and past it into a new document and save it. It may come along at a later time and you don't have to rewrite what you've already written.
*I'm afraid that my work is going to fail.
And? Why did you start in the first place? Why do you do anything in the first place? You never know unless you try. I'm not going to give you some pep talk. When I first wrote Hidden Destiny, I learned who my real friends were and who were only riding the ride. Even if it does fail, who cares. You did what most have yet to accomplish, you wrote and finished a manuscript. If you don't have it edited professionally, please don't put it out there. Again, you wouldn't boast about a car you haven't completed. Don't do that with your manuscript if you haven't completed it.
This will be continued...
Life got in the way.
Monday, September 2, 2013
I do the impossible. Don't judge. Goals and writers block.
I'm not going to mention any names. I'm sure they're fabulous writers. I don't know, I haven't read their work and don't want to. Not that I don't want to read their work, I just don't read other authors solely on the principle of their thoughts.
With that being said...
Writing is not a one size fits all.
Some authors plot out exactly what they want their characters to do and be.
Not me.
Some authors have this elaborate bio on each setting/character.
Not me.
Some authors will say the first word is the hardest.
Not me.
Some authors will say the first sentence is the hardest.
Not me.
Some authors will say the first paragraph is the hardest.
Not me.
Some authors say write what you know.
I don't.
Some authors say write what you don't know.
I don't.
What works for one, may not work for another.
Some authors say if they wrote it quickly, it's pure crap.
Umm, okay? Jealous much? How many wpm do you type? How often do you sit at the computer and put your thoughts to words? Reality is, if you don't spend the time typing, you're not going to write a story. It is true when they say, treat it like a full time job. There has been no other truer words spoken when it comes to writing.
Make your own goals. Don't listen to anyone who says, "Make yourself a list..."
Any good writer knows their characters aren't going to follow your "list". You can draw out an "idea", but a good writer lets their characters speak for themselves. A basic idea is all you need to start a story. (I said, start, not complete)
The beginning may be the hardest part for you. A friend once told me, just start writing and fill in the blanks later. With that in the back of my head, with each new idea, it makes it so much easier to write. What I'm trying to say, there are going to be problem areas for each one of you and they're going to be different. The key is locating your hurdle and getting over that.
Lets get one thing straight, yes, I brag about how fast I can produce. I can back up my words. (My editors just can't keep up with my work) As an author, I will never and I mean EVER bash an author of what they are capable of. Do they live with me? With you? No. To be judgmental, is wrong and arrogant.
An author stated, "People don't write a novel in under a month." Really? Then this poor person never met me.
Another author stated, "Those who can write, have spent over half the year outlining, so they're just filling in the blanks." Really? I can show you my "outlines". Each page in my journal has the following: series number, brief idea sentence(s), and once I get to writing the actual story, the characters names, a little about them, and locations. I also jot down any relevant information if I think it'll be needed later. I can think of an idea on Sunday and have it finished by Sunday the following week.
Another author stated, "If you write too much you lose your creativity." Huh? Really?
Again, when an author bases "their" work from what another author can do, that's shallow. This isn't a race. This isn't about who can finish first. This is about finding ourselves in what it takes us to write.
Can I produce a 100k+ word manuscript in a week or less?
Yes.
Does that mean my creativity sucks?
No.
Does that mean that I'm great I don't need an editor?
No. I will ALWAYS have an editor.
What makes me be able to produce a manuscript in a week or less? (Yes, for my longer novels it takes me a few extra days to complete)
I treat it as a full time job.
My condition allows me to stay up for days and plug away at the story. Not to mention I can type fairly fast.
The one question I get asked a lot by others, is, how are you able to write so fast?
I was never able to answer that question. Why? I couldn't find the words to express how I was able to. I just was. A teacher once said, "If you can't explain it, you don't understand it." That's true. But just because I don't understand it, doesn't mean that I can't do it. I will say this. When (I'm not on writers block), it's like I'm watching the movie of the book in my head. I'm simply writing down as much as I can, by seeing what I can in the short amount of time.
Another author said, "They're work is crap because they rushed through it".
*cough* that's why we (writers) have editors. For them to quote something without physically seeing the word, again is very arrogant. A lot of factors take place. They may not be targeting the right audience. They may not be marketing it right. They might have just thrown the book up there (after edit) and forgot about it. I don't know. I wasn't there and I don't know the author directly.
What I do agree with, (yes, I know I actually agree with something), set a goal for yourself. I don't care what the goal is. It could be producing a page in one day. It could be a word count. (Personally, those aren't and never will be my goals). But I'm not you. Set a goal for YOURSELF not anyone else. I don't care what other writers do. And neither should you!
For example. My goal is to have a novel I start, finished with a week. (again, depending on the size of the novel, it may take a few extra days). My biggest self accomplishment was 4.5 novels in one month. I tried like hell to get that .5 in. It didn't happen. But, I did accomplish the 4.5 in one month and I'm proud of myself for that. I set my personal goal for 4 books that month and I was .5 ahead.
Another hint/tip. We all get it. Writer's block. I have it right now. It sucks. I get it. And trust me, I know it gnaws away at you worse than a screaming two year with the most annoying toy that makes horrible noises. But, I see it as your mind telling you to take a break. For me, when I take that break, and just let my mind relax, instead of stressing and forcing the words out, when my mind is relax, the words flow much easier and I'm able to produce more.
I'm not going to give you any hints/tips on to relax. That's something that you have to figure out what works for you.
Even if you have had a chance to check out my work, thank you. If not, don't be like the judgmental authors. If you have and hated my work, that's fine. I know not everyone is going to like my work. But, as much as your opinion matters, it doesn't. As long as I have one person (outside of family and friends), who likes my work, then I did my job as a writer.
I don't care if you believe me or not in what I can produce. I don't write to please, I write for fun. That's what writers should be doing. A good writer writes for themselves.
With that being said...
Writing is not a one size fits all.
Some authors plot out exactly what they want their characters to do and be.
Not me.
Some authors have this elaborate bio on each setting/character.
Not me.
Some authors will say the first word is the hardest.
Not me.
Some authors will say the first sentence is the hardest.
Not me.
Some authors will say the first paragraph is the hardest.
Not me.
Some authors say write what you know.
I don't.
Some authors say write what you don't know.
I don't.
What works for one, may not work for another.
Some authors say if they wrote it quickly, it's pure crap.
Umm, okay? Jealous much? How many wpm do you type? How often do you sit at the computer and put your thoughts to words? Reality is, if you don't spend the time typing, you're not going to write a story. It is true when they say, treat it like a full time job. There has been no other truer words spoken when it comes to writing.
Make your own goals. Don't listen to anyone who says, "Make yourself a list..."
Any good writer knows their characters aren't going to follow your "list". You can draw out an "idea", but a good writer lets their characters speak for themselves. A basic idea is all you need to start a story. (I said, start, not complete)
The beginning may be the hardest part for you. A friend once told me, just start writing and fill in the blanks later. With that in the back of my head, with each new idea, it makes it so much easier to write. What I'm trying to say, there are going to be problem areas for each one of you and they're going to be different. The key is locating your hurdle and getting over that.
Lets get one thing straight, yes, I brag about how fast I can produce. I can back up my words. (My editors just can't keep up with my work) As an author, I will never and I mean EVER bash an author of what they are capable of. Do they live with me? With you? No. To be judgmental, is wrong and arrogant.
An author stated, "People don't write a novel in under a month." Really? Then this poor person never met me.
Another author stated, "Those who can write, have spent over half the year outlining, so they're just filling in the blanks." Really? I can show you my "outlines". Each page in my journal has the following: series number, brief idea sentence(s), and once I get to writing the actual story, the characters names, a little about them, and locations. I also jot down any relevant information if I think it'll be needed later. I can think of an idea on Sunday and have it finished by Sunday the following week.
Another author stated, "If you write too much you lose your creativity." Huh? Really?
Again, when an author bases "their" work from what another author can do, that's shallow. This isn't a race. This isn't about who can finish first. This is about finding ourselves in what it takes us to write.
Can I produce a 100k+ word manuscript in a week or less?
Yes.
Does that mean my creativity sucks?
No.
Does that mean that I'm great I don't need an editor?
No. I will ALWAYS have an editor.
What makes me be able to produce a manuscript in a week or less? (Yes, for my longer novels it takes me a few extra days to complete)
I treat it as a full time job.
My condition allows me to stay up for days and plug away at the story. Not to mention I can type fairly fast.
The one question I get asked a lot by others, is, how are you able to write so fast?
I was never able to answer that question. Why? I couldn't find the words to express how I was able to. I just was. A teacher once said, "If you can't explain it, you don't understand it." That's true. But just because I don't understand it, doesn't mean that I can't do it. I will say this. When (I'm not on writers block), it's like I'm watching the movie of the book in my head. I'm simply writing down as much as I can, by seeing what I can in the short amount of time.
Another author said, "They're work is crap because they rushed through it".
*cough* that's why we (writers) have editors. For them to quote something without physically seeing the word, again is very arrogant. A lot of factors take place. They may not be targeting the right audience. They may not be marketing it right. They might have just thrown the book up there (after edit) and forgot about it. I don't know. I wasn't there and I don't know the author directly.
What I do agree with, (yes, I know I actually agree with something), set a goal for yourself. I don't care what the goal is. It could be producing a page in one day. It could be a word count. (Personally, those aren't and never will be my goals). But I'm not you. Set a goal for YOURSELF not anyone else. I don't care what other writers do. And neither should you!
For example. My goal is to have a novel I start, finished with a week. (again, depending on the size of the novel, it may take a few extra days). My biggest self accomplishment was 4.5 novels in one month. I tried like hell to get that .5 in. It didn't happen. But, I did accomplish the 4.5 in one month and I'm proud of myself for that. I set my personal goal for 4 books that month and I was .5 ahead.
Another hint/tip. We all get it. Writer's block. I have it right now. It sucks. I get it. And trust me, I know it gnaws away at you worse than a screaming two year with the most annoying toy that makes horrible noises. But, I see it as your mind telling you to take a break. For me, when I take that break, and just let my mind relax, instead of stressing and forcing the words out, when my mind is relax, the words flow much easier and I'm able to produce more.
I'm not going to give you any hints/tips on to relax. That's something that you have to figure out what works for you.
Even if you have had a chance to check out my work, thank you. If not, don't be like the judgmental authors. If you have and hated my work, that's fine. I know not everyone is going to like my work. But, as much as your opinion matters, it doesn't. As long as I have one person (outside of family and friends), who likes my work, then I did my job as a writer.
I don't care if you believe me or not in what I can produce. I don't write to please, I write for fun. That's what writers should be doing. A good writer writes for themselves.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Beware of shady editor and publisher...warning for writers...
http://stantlitore.com/2013/05/26/warning-for-writers-beware-tony-giangregorio-and-open-casket-press/
I am forwarding you another blog I ran across. I read the blog and everything seemed valid. I'm not going to copy and paste for the wording is not my own. I'm not going to rewrite the wording for the person who wrote the blog had done a great job in stressing valid points. If and when I come across any, I will post them within this blog so you don't have to travel through all my blogs.
I am forwarding you another blog I ran across. I read the blog and everything seemed valid. I'm not going to copy and paste for the wording is not my own. I'm not going to rewrite the wording for the person who wrote the blog had done a great job in stressing valid points. If and when I come across any, I will post them within this blog so you don't have to travel through all my blogs.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Bipolar and writing
First thing's first - Bipolar is not a disease. I don't care what anyone says. It's a condition. You are born with it, 'contract' it, whatever. More often than not, you are born with it.
There are many types of bipolar. I hate when the medical profession says, "You will have an episode once or twice in your life..." It's like saying, "You're borderline diabetic." Give me a break. You have it or you don't. It's not like gestational diabetes to where once you give birth, it goes away.
Fact - Not everyone will fall into just one category of bipolar.
Fact - Not everyone will exhibit the same "what to look for".
Fact - Not everyone will abuse drugs.
Fact - Not everyone will abuse alcohol.
Fact - Not everyone will have suicidal tendencies.
Fact - Everyone expresses themselves differently.
Fact - Telling us to 'suck it up' makes us want to smack you upside the head.
Fact - Telling us it's all in our head. Uh, yeah, duh, 'MENTAL' has to do with brain functions.
Fact - There are websites out there written by "people who have the illness" backed by medical, who don't know what they're doing. Ask yourself, why is the medical taking advice from someone twenty years ago? Why are they accepting that person's logic over another person with the condition?
Fact - The condition can be 'cured' without medication. (Each person is different)
Fact - Not all medical profession is familiar with bipolar. Would you go to a surgeon fora cold? Would you go to a primary physician to deliver your baby?
There are lots of facts not discussed. The fact is yes, it does disrupt our lives. Yes, it does make our lives more complicated. That's what makes us stronger. It's the arrogant ones who can't see the pain we're living with. One measures the pain by how bad the bruise is. We can't do that. Even if the 'bruise' is horrible - our pain tolerances are different.
Bipolar and writing - the condition brings out something that no one can possibly understand. We see things differently. We process things differently. If you really want to have a look at what goes on in the mind of someone who is bipolar - read their work. You may not agree, most likely you won't. That's because you have a closed mind. Sorry, it's true. If we say the grass looks blue, it's not because we're depressed. It's because of the way we see the light shine on the grass.
Until you learn to open your mind, 1- stop reading. You'll never understand. Many authors who are bipolar, will never admit it. Society as a whole has downed the condition. If you can't accept someone for who they are, how is anyone supposed to accept you for who you are?
There are many types of bipolar. I hate when the medical profession says, "You will have an episode once or twice in your life..." It's like saying, "You're borderline diabetic." Give me a break. You have it or you don't. It's not like gestational diabetes to where once you give birth, it goes away.
Fact - Not everyone will fall into just one category of bipolar.
Fact - Not everyone will exhibit the same "what to look for".
Fact - Not everyone will abuse drugs.
Fact - Not everyone will abuse alcohol.
Fact - Not everyone will have suicidal tendencies.
Fact - Everyone expresses themselves differently.
Fact - Telling us to 'suck it up' makes us want to smack you upside the head.
Fact - Telling us it's all in our head. Uh, yeah, duh, 'MENTAL' has to do with brain functions.
Fact - There are websites out there written by "people who have the illness" backed by medical, who don't know what they're doing. Ask yourself, why is the medical taking advice from someone twenty years ago? Why are they accepting that person's logic over another person with the condition?
Fact - The condition can be 'cured' without medication. (Each person is different)
Fact - Not all medical profession is familiar with bipolar. Would you go to a surgeon fora cold? Would you go to a primary physician to deliver your baby?
There are lots of facts not discussed. The fact is yes, it does disrupt our lives. Yes, it does make our lives more complicated. That's what makes us stronger. It's the arrogant ones who can't see the pain we're living with. One measures the pain by how bad the bruise is. We can't do that. Even if the 'bruise' is horrible - our pain tolerances are different.
Bipolar and writing - the condition brings out something that no one can possibly understand. We see things differently. We process things differently. If you really want to have a look at what goes on in the mind of someone who is bipolar - read their work. You may not agree, most likely you won't. That's because you have a closed mind. Sorry, it's true. If we say the grass looks blue, it's not because we're depressed. It's because of the way we see the light shine on the grass.
Until you learn to open your mind, 1- stop reading. You'll never understand. Many authors who are bipolar, will never admit it. Society as a whole has downed the condition. If you can't accept someone for who they are, how is anyone supposed to accept you for who you are?
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Annoying things 'writers' say/ask...Part 1
I should be writing, but I have writers block at the moment...and everyone needs some humor (and may be able to relate to some, if not most of these) These have been collected throughout the web with my own personal thoughts.
- I had to put that novel on the back burner. I've started a new one.
- What writer is GUILTY of this one? *Raises hand* Everyone has at least one story that was doing well and just stopped. It happens.
- Unless you have more unfinished than completed, I don't want to be mean, but maybe give up for a few?
- For every thirty I have completed, I have one unfinished.
- I could have written better than (what's ever popular when you read this) - they just got lucky.
- And I know the winning lottery numbers. I just chose to be a starving artist because it helps inspire me.
- Yes, you may have had some type of idea 'similar', but why didn't you write it?
- Writing's not that hard.
- *Cough* *Smacks you upside the back of your head* *Cough* Stupid fly got away.
- If it's not hard, do it! And, stop making excuses!
- My family/friends are my biggest fans...
- *Smacks my own forehead* You think? Unless they're my friends and family who will tell you that your work absolutely sucks! Get an outsiders point of view.
- I already know who's going to play the leading roles when it becomes a movie...
- It's nice to dream. But how about at least a first round of edit - first.
- Then a second.
- And possibly a third.
- And then people who don't personally know you to read your work... Just saying.
- I use the automatic spell checker.
- *Raises hand* Guilty!
- That's why you have an EDITOR!
- The editor can fix the punctuation. That's what I'm paying them for.
- What kind of editor did you hire to work on your work?
- Yes, there are different types of editors.
- Publishers are going to jump over my story and offer me lots of money.
- Stand at the edge of your roof - and jump.
- Remember, they turned rejected Dr. Seuss.
- I've given up the day job.
- Mixed emotions.
- If you can afford it and are like me who can whip out 4-8 novels a month.
- Then not a great idea.
- Remember - you have to pay for covers, editing, (lots of editing)
- If you don't read your genre you're writing, then how can you write it?
- *Scratches head* over that one. What genre would sparkling vampires be in?
- How many words/pages are in a chapter?
- No one knows the answer to this.
- Simple answer: Until you complete the chapter.
- I'm an aspiring writer...
- No you're not.
- Yes, writing is an art. But even artists have their half-ass work out there for others to see.
- How long did it take you to write a book?
- Me? Personally? Up to a month for one manuscript.
- Others, it varies. I've heard all different time frames.
- Why do you continue to write if you don't make anything?
- It's a hobby.
- We enjoy it.
- You never know if that next story will be the next big thing.
- We love writing. It's our therapy.
- Oh, since you write, you must know all the famous authors.
- NO! And I don't care to. They didn't inspire me. They are normal people just like you are talking to me.
- Your books must not be doing well if they're not on some famous person's book list.
- *Deep exhale*
- If you're looking for fame, wait for the next lifetime.
- If you're not selling anything, why continue to write?
- *Scratches head like a dog with a bad case of fleas*
- For one, I have written more than one, and don't plan on stopping just because one doesn't sell.
- If you've written so many, how come they're not out there?
- You want your car to have brakes and not Flinstone it - right?
- It's called editing and making sure it's polished before production.
- Why don't you write of what's, 'in'?
- I think outside the circle.
- I'm creative.
- There's only so many ways to write about vampires.
What writers should never ask/tell another writer... Part 1
So my last blog is what you shouldn't ask/tell a writer, (when you aren't a writer yourself) Now, for the ones if you ARE a writer.
- Can I come to you if I have any questions? (This pertains to those who want to be writers)
- A real writer always has their door open.
- Do NOT go running to them about every little question. For example: Should I have my character do this? My answer: I don't know! What did that character do before hand? Do you still want that character to live? Better yet, you figure it out. Because if we tell you what we would have the character do if we were writing it, you'll get mad at us for ruining your story.
- If you've written a book, asking, 'Will you read my work?'
- More often than not, I say no. Because I'm a bitch.
- No. Because I'm brutally honest. And those who know me, value my opinion more.
- I will say, I couldn't read it. I will say, it needs work. I will reject it from the getko when I know it's something that doesn't even remotely interest me. I'd already be setting you up for failure and that's not right.
- Do you know what publishers are looking to bring on authors?
- Raise your hand if you've been guilty of this question. *Raises hand*
- I'll tell you the same thing I've been told.
- No. Do your research. Each publishing house takes on different authors.
Things never to say to a writer... Part 1
The list is long...
So, lets start with the basics...
So, lets start with the basics...
- Unless you are a fan - Do not ask us when our next book will be published.
- If you are a spouse, you should already know the process. And if we really love you, you'll be the first one reading it anyways.
- It's perfectly acceptable to say; you're thinking about writing a book.
- If you never plan on writing it. The writer may run with a different version.
- It's not perfectly acceptable to say; only if you had the time to write.
- You think we spend late nights, and some with no sleep, fun? Some of us even cancel events just so we don't lose that flow.
- I hate when people say (and think) 'If they you (they) haven't started yet, chances are, you (they) won't.'
- Not true. They can have the story speak to them in a dream, or a single word spark the entire script. We're not you, so we don't know how or what you think.
- It's perfectly acceptable with what's in our prior browsing history.
- It's called research. Unless a plain brown box labeled, The Crackhouse, is coming to your door, who cares? How many people didn't look up something they saw on 48 Hours or CSI? Not all of us have a druggy as a friend that we can ask for accuracy. Which knife is best to use, how to clean blood, where to hide the body, or obtain a passport, is perfectly acceptable to see in writer's search history.
- Do not under any extreme, talk to us while we are: typing, making faces at the computer, or have our eyes closed.
- Unless you want to be portrayed as an unpleasant character, let us finish reviewing the scene in our head.
- Unless it's an extreme emergency. Where is your tie - is not an emergency.
- Do not piss off a writer. No matter who you are. We will use what you do toward one of the hated characters in, if not the current, but next novel we write.
- You've been warned.
- If you personally know a writer and have the chance to read their work before (or even after the first round of editing) - if we have the walls painted blue in one of the scenes, it's because of any number of reasons EXCEPT - we were NOT depressed when we wrote that scene.
- Example - our kid came walking into the room and their favorite color is red. We will describe the walls red to give honor for our child.
- Colors do NOT set emotions. The characters set their own emotions.
- If a writer is in a social gathering and it appears that they are looking aimlessly around - they aren't.
- They may be suffering from what you know as 'writers block' and therefore hoping to catch that one word to get them going again.
- It could be that they heard one word and a plot is developing in their minds.
- Yes, all it takes it one word for us to forget about everything else and concentrate on the novel.
- What do I buy my writer friend?
- What do they like?
- Memory cards/writable DVD's (they hold more) is a great idea so they can save their work.
- We don't care about rejection letters. (Some may, but not me) However, condolences are a great gesture to show that you actually care.
- In our mind, we're thinking it's already copyrighted and we know that most publishing houses don't even know what they're looking for.
- Don't complain that their work isn't bringing in any money.
- How many doctors/lawyers/dentists forked out money to learn to get to where they are today? Think of it as an investment.
- Don't ask how much they make.
- On average a writer is looking at a grand (depending on the size of novel) from cover to editing to formatting to proofs. That dollar you just helped out with, the author only received thirty, yes, 30 cents from that.
- This is not including the materials needed to write the novel to begin with.
- This is not including the time the writer put into writing the novel.
- Do give honest reviews. (If you're lucky enough to give it a read)
- We know you're our friend/family and you don't want to hurt us.
- In reality, if you would have said a certain area lacked (or downright sucked), we have the chance to fix it before it goes live.
- If your friend/family won't give you an honest review, refuse to let them read any of your work.
- If you can't get past the first chapter - TELL US!
- We know our work may not appeal to you.
- Don't lie and say you've read it.
- You will be tested.
- Oh, you're in the top 100 on Amazon - you must be doing well!
- Uh, that can change in the next hour.
- The top 100 means we've sold, yes, a few copies, but at 30 cents a piece, times say, oh, fifty copies, $15, yes, fifteen dollars. Woohoo! Yes, we're looking at that summer condo on the beach.
- How much do you make? (See above)
- People are asking this question to see if the story they want to write, will lead them into early retirement.
- Seriously, chances are, if we're there, standing next to you, we didn't make millions.
- What have you written?
- Really? Just about everyone is equipped with a smartphone. Take it out and google our name.
- Is any of your work published?
- Fair game question. Chances are we are if we're telling you to google us.
- Oh, you did it yourself?
- This is why I drill so much into new and indie writers. A lot of people think if you're not published traditionally, that you don't have an editor, and your work sucks.
- I was told this: 'I don't know how you can come up with so many story ideas.'
- All it takes is a single word to draw that world atlas in our head.
- It's also called having an imagination.
- What's your book about?
- Okay, as much as this may be a legitimate question, if you're anything like me, I'm not good at talking about myself. I don't like boasting and oddly it makes me very uncomfortable. So while you google my name, look at the books description. Chances are, I spent more time typing up five sentences to draw you in than I actually took to write the novel itself.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
My erks about 'writers'...
We all have them.
My first erk you've read and seen me rant about more than once before. - Editors - If I'm becoming lost in trying to figure out what your characters are saying, you've lost me as a reader.
Short stories sold on Amazon. I'm not talking about the hundred page novella for 99 cents. I'm talking the less than fifty pages, font 14, double spaced, blogs. I'm talking the thirty page $4.99 work. If you are going to put your work out there for all to read and have your name attached to it, be proud of it. If it was meant to be a blog, put it in a blog. Build a fan base first. Don't throw it out there and except the fans to find you.
Those who write one book and then become upset because they didn't reach King status. If that is why you wrote, I'm sorry. Writing is an art. You just don't pick up a pen and begin to draw. Some people can. I can't. I can't even draw with lessons. So if you can't pick up a pen and write without instruction, that might be a reason your work isn't selling.
You've seen me mention this one before - Ones that have to thank each review. Ugh! Don't you have anything better else to do? Or the ones that have to bash of why someone didn't like their work. You took that risk of someone not liking your work. If they say; 'I didn't like it' then it's appropriate to ask why they didn't. Your first work isn't going to be perfect. Take those who are giving you advice and run with it. 'Story plot is good but needs a good editor...' They told you what you need! Don't and I mean don't respond back with, 'Thank you for taking the time to give my work a chance. This was my new novel and I'll make sure I get an editor for this one.." They gave you the key to bring in more readers to enjoy your next work. Those who are screaming needs editor, is going to find a new author to read.
Writers who are already published and you ask them for advice. 'All the answers are in my book, it's only $5.99 on Kindle..." I have some words to throw back at you. 'Go blow yourself.' I seriously had one writer say this to me. So I created a how-to book that was way easier and a fraction at his cost. I haven't put it out to sell it. All the information was free and I figured it out by trial and error. If you're going to make people, or other 'author friends' buy your work, then don't go running to them when you need help. I've seen many bridges burnt this way.
Downing another writer for what they are able to accomplish. Yes, I can produce a full manuscript in under a week. Yes, my biggest accomplishment was a trilogy in under a month. But that's the way I write. Can I write a screenplay off my own work. Nope. Others are able to do just that. Not me. Are others able to edit their own work? Absolutely. It's not very many, but there are those who can. When people find out how fast I can produce, I'm accused of having a ghost writer. Or, my work is pure crap. First, is it out there? No. Because I'm waiting for my editors to complete the work before I put my work out for everyone to see. Am I other people's ghost writer? Absolutely. Again, it is the way that I write. I would love to be able to design an illustration book. Can I? No way down under the soil.
Writers who think every bad review is from someone who hates them. I've seen some reviews from those who it did look like the reviewer had a personal grudge. However!!!! Other reviewers know it and defend the author. They want honest reviews.
Never throw dirt at someone when it's raining. By the time your dirt you've thrown reaches them, it's now mud and they'll throw it right back at you. The dirt you can brush off. The mud, takes longer to wash off. Yes, when the mud dries and is off, you're left with nothing but a pile of dirty laundry that's nothing but your own.
My first erk you've read and seen me rant about more than once before. - Editors - If I'm becoming lost in trying to figure out what your characters are saying, you've lost me as a reader.
Short stories sold on Amazon. I'm not talking about the hundred page novella for 99 cents. I'm talking the less than fifty pages, font 14, double spaced, blogs. I'm talking the thirty page $4.99 work. If you are going to put your work out there for all to read and have your name attached to it, be proud of it. If it was meant to be a blog, put it in a blog. Build a fan base first. Don't throw it out there and except the fans to find you.
Those who write one book and then become upset because they didn't reach King status. If that is why you wrote, I'm sorry. Writing is an art. You just don't pick up a pen and begin to draw. Some people can. I can't. I can't even draw with lessons. So if you can't pick up a pen and write without instruction, that might be a reason your work isn't selling.
You've seen me mention this one before - Ones that have to thank each review. Ugh! Don't you have anything better else to do? Or the ones that have to bash of why someone didn't like their work. You took that risk of someone not liking your work. If they say; 'I didn't like it' then it's appropriate to ask why they didn't. Your first work isn't going to be perfect. Take those who are giving you advice and run with it. 'Story plot is good but needs a good editor...' They told you what you need! Don't and I mean don't respond back with, 'Thank you for taking the time to give my work a chance. This was my new novel and I'll make sure I get an editor for this one.." They gave you the key to bring in more readers to enjoy your next work. Those who are screaming needs editor, is going to find a new author to read.
Writers who are already published and you ask them for advice. 'All the answers are in my book, it's only $5.99 on Kindle..." I have some words to throw back at you. 'Go blow yourself.' I seriously had one writer say this to me. So I created a how-to book that was way easier and a fraction at his cost. I haven't put it out to sell it. All the information was free and I figured it out by trial and error. If you're going to make people, or other 'author friends' buy your work, then don't go running to them when you need help. I've seen many bridges burnt this way.
Downing another writer for what they are able to accomplish. Yes, I can produce a full manuscript in under a week. Yes, my biggest accomplishment was a trilogy in under a month. But that's the way I write. Can I write a screenplay off my own work. Nope. Others are able to do just that. Not me. Are others able to edit their own work? Absolutely. It's not very many, but there are those who can. When people find out how fast I can produce, I'm accused of having a ghost writer. Or, my work is pure crap. First, is it out there? No. Because I'm waiting for my editors to complete the work before I put my work out for everyone to see. Am I other people's ghost writer? Absolutely. Again, it is the way that I write. I would love to be able to design an illustration book. Can I? No way down under the soil.
Writers who think every bad review is from someone who hates them. I've seen some reviews from those who it did look like the reviewer had a personal grudge. However!!!! Other reviewers know it and defend the author. They want honest reviews.
Never throw dirt at someone when it's raining. By the time your dirt you've thrown reaches them, it's now mud and they'll throw it right back at you. The dirt you can brush off. The mud, takes longer to wash off. Yes, when the mud dries and is off, you're left with nothing but a pile of dirty laundry that's nothing but your own.
Blood, sweat and more fiction - Writing = Renovations
You spend countless hours and money into a renovation that you thought you would never see the end to. Did you completely do all the work yourself? Or, did you hire out certain aspects because you didn't want to take the chance. I.E. Electricity. I've personally seen pliers go flying out of someone's hand.
Yes, you probably see me stress over and over again. Writing is the same. Unless you're that talented and can do the cover/formatting without errors/editing and spamming emails and walls, more than likely you'll have to outsource one of the above.
It took you maybe months and maybe years to complete the renovation. You have to think of a book like one. You start with the blank slate. Maybe saving money up for a new computer, the same as demolishing the room you want to start. Jumping to the end, having a finished product you can be proud to show off.
I am personally so tired of hearing the following...
"Your work of fiction is unrealistic."
Someone hand that person a dictionary and tell them to look up with fiction means.
"An author has a right to be judgmental over someone not liking their work."
Is everyone going to love that you painted your walls bright red? No. It's your taste. Be proud of your own taste.
"A writer puts: blood, sweat and tears into their work..."
Really? You actually bled while writing? Sure you sweated if were sitting out in the heat. Tears, sure, if you were sad the work completed. (But I don't think that's what they meant in this case) I'm sorry, this is the most redundant like I have ever heard and hate it with a passion.
Lets be realistic. Some type faster than others. Some are able to dedicate more time to their work. But isn't that the same as, "If you're going to do it, you'll find a way. Otherwise you'll find an excuse."
I run my own business. Two of them actually and I'm a single mother, and I still find time to complete a manuscript in under a week. (Well, lately it's been under a month because of writer's block)
Yes, as a writer we get caught up on the story of bringing these characters to life. We feel as though we are part of the story. There is nothing wrong with that. But it didn't mean you put blood into your work. Sweat, eh, yeah a little. You put sweat equity into your renovation.
Now, you have a finished manuscript. Are you just going to throw it out there? Most do and I believe it's stupid of them to do so. Are you going to finish half way through your renovation and show off your project by claiming it's finished? No, you're going to hide that room from all to see because you are embarrassed that it's not completed yet, from everyone who sets foot inside your house. So why would you do that to your manuscript?
Everyone has their own writing style. Whoever says you need to read your genre to understand what's in style, should have duct tape over their mouth, using superglue to seal it. When you talk, does everyone talk the same? No. So why should you're writing be the same as everyone else's?
Know your audience.
Another stupid thing I've read. Sigh - I can't believe I'm using this as an example again. Do you think Twilight said, hey I'm going to appeal to the generation of young girls who believe having a boyfriend is important? The only credit I will give her is that she wrote what she thought and it did well.
Never give up.
Okay, I know I'm going to be criticized for this one. Ask yourself, how much energy am I going to waste? See how I didn't say give up? Maybe simply put it down and try again later. If I worried and concentrated on one aspect, I wouldn't be on my over twentieth manuscript in under two years. (I took a couple months off) Everything will come in time. So what you don't have money for an editor. Look around. Do your research. (sadly not many do, no matter what it comes to, and the information is at our fingertips) Do you go ahead and gut the walls or start painting, without knowing if you don't have the funds to finish the renovation? No, you save up, or you stop, until you have the funds to continue.
Keep Trying.
Keep trying - at what? This is such a vague sentence it's not even funny. If all you can do is crack out a hundred words that day, write them. If you crack out no words, you crack out no words. There are days to where I don't crack out a single word. I feel horrible because I see it as two days behind of when I could have that particular manuscript finished.
If you don't like what you wrote, start over.
How about save as. You never know when you will need what you used later on. There are so many times to where I wanted to 'start over' but didn't. The story ended up working when I didn't start over. Just because you make a blotch with the paint, are you going to repaint the entire area over again? No. Book 10 of Hidden Destiny has over eight revisions. Simply because I 'started over'. When I stopped restarting over, the story came together.
What's your inspiration to motivate you to write?
I was told that another author, or artist has to be my 'inspiration'. Ha! I grew up when 8tracks were popular. Listening to vinyl was 'in'. When you had to swap out laser discs to finish watching a ninety minute movie. When a card catalog was our 'google'. We had imaginations and ran with it. Yes, I have to listen to music when I write. All depends on my mood to which playlist I listen to.
Draw an outline.
And? I personally don't see a point with it. I know a lot of other writers who swear by an outline. Me? I have one sheet of paper, solely for names, per story. (I'm horrible at remembering names in real life, let alone new ones that come in)
You are in control of your characters...
Really? Not the way I write. The characters are in control of their own emotions, habits, and what they're going to do next. Did I want the heroine to hit the hero? No. She became upset and smacked him. I don't control what they do because then they go on strike. Believe me, it gets lonely without listening to the voices.
This is what makes a great writer...
Oh, eff that! Twilight, was it well written? Possibly. Others say they could have done better. Why? Because they didn't like the heroine. They didn't like the ending. Whatever the reason was. A great writer is one that makes a reader talk about their work.
I'm a better writer than Meyers...
Really? Then why aren't producers knocking down your door? I don't believe I'm better or worse than the next writer. Having goals and dreams are great. Once you start thinking you are better than the next, reality smacks you right in the face, with a brick, with lemon juice, in the eye. If what you write, and had edited, the best work you believe you have written, and you have one fan, you are a great writer.
I think that's about it for now. Enjoy :)
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Day 1 workout
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1- Female - 32 - 34/34/36 - 144lbs - 5'5
2- Female - 33 - 34/25/35 - 135lbs - 5'5
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Bipolar - It's the flu.
You will read a lot of different things about it on the net. I have to comment about the one I read.
"..."I'm going to quit my job and write a novel!" is a possible manic or hypomanic symptom..."
Are they insane? I mean, how many people "talk" about that a day? How many people write, get paid to write and STILL don't quit their day job? And what does this person do? She blogs from home. SMH
She goes on about how people don't like to talk about their "disease". Uh, no. We don't mind talking about it. In fact, come and ask us questions. How else are you going to learn if you don't ask questions. All because "she" was diagnosed.
People like that who "think" they have it, make me sick. Lets go through the average of difficulty.
She claims changes in sleeping patterns. - Hmmm, maybe someone is transitioning from graveyard to day or vice-a-versa. (Lets be honest, those energy drinks don't work as great as they should)
Restlessly searching for ways to work off extra energy - so every single kid is bipolar? Washing the car every day? - It's called OCD. OCD is not bipolar.
Increased talking - Does the term chatty katty come to mind?
Gets distracted by the sounds of words - REALLY?! Sorry, but if I hear my kid accidentally saying a swear, you don't think that's going t perk my ears?
If your spouse is more sexually demanding - maybe she should watch, The Great Sperm Journey. It's been proven to when we are ovulating we're in "higher" demand.
Oh, gotta love this one - "check your phone bills for 900 sex numbers and for porn websites" - so every person who has no life, or wants to watch porn is bipolar.
Study your credit cards diligently - Spending sprees. Who doesn't do this every once in a while? You know what stops the person from spending? Going over the limit!
Notice if they complain about their thoughts are racing uncontrollably - Umm, yeah, duh, that's normal for us. Why would we complain about it?
Be on the alert if they have delusions - "Some famous person is sending me love letters..." Uh, how many teens and tweens do this on a daily basis with their best-friends? Or the famous one I quoted above. "I'm going to quit my job and write a novel!" So guess what to all those writers, according to this nutcase, you're bipolar and need meds.
Irritability or hostility. This is not just a symptom - it can be dangerous. Be cautious! - Ugh, 1-shouldn't you be careful regardless? IDK I don't want to piss off an old lady with a cane, does that mean she's bipolar? No. It means I have respect for my elders.
Increased religious zeal or involvement - Really? So all those who practice their faith, watch out, you're bipolar.
Hallucinations and paranoia - Don't say you believe in ghosts. Because they're not real and every person who does is bipolar.
Oh, another one that is so true *rolls eyes* - during an episode, a person is likely to wear brightly color clothing. OMG really?
If manic behaviors occur following a change in medications, contact the prescribing doctor promptly. Yeah, because I have every doctor on speed dial.
Tips they give. Does anyone have a baseball bat?
Make a pact with your friend that if you bring these manic behaviors to their attention, they'll contact their doctor. - Umm, didn't she just get done saying that one will disagree with that they are? Yeah, this one makes a lot of sense.
If you see spending sprees - keep money in your name only. - Uh? No! What she's making us be is belittled to those who "don't have the 'disease'"
What you will need - Notebook for record manic behaviors. No - what I need is a baseball bat to hit you upside the head with!
She's written many articles and in all honesty with someone who HAS been diagnosed with BP1, she knows NOTHING about it, and only going off what other posts "suggests". It erks me okay, it pisses me off to no end when someone who "says" they have the disorder thinks they know all about it.
What she doesn't speak about is how we're able to function, (yes, not normally) but we're better artists (and I don't mean just drawing) than "normal" people.
Bipolar is like the flu. It's unique and it effects each one of us differently. According to the lady who wrote the article (where I got the above from) every single person in the world is bipolar. So, if that being the case, why are most who have it, not afraid to say they have it. Because it's like the flu! No one is ashamed to say they have the flu. They're only ashamed of the symptoms produced by the flu.
Do I feel like I want to kill myself? Fuck no. Do I feel like I want to go on a rampage? Fuck yes. All the time. The main thing - do I? No! I use the talents I have and put them to use. Instead of medicating the people, how about we find what their talents are and help them strive? This lady needs a good look at what bipolar is really all about.
"..."I'm going to quit my job and write a novel!" is a possible manic or hypomanic symptom..."
Are they insane? I mean, how many people "talk" about that a day? How many people write, get paid to write and STILL don't quit their day job? And what does this person do? She blogs from home. SMH
She goes on about how people don't like to talk about their "disease". Uh, no. We don't mind talking about it. In fact, come and ask us questions. How else are you going to learn if you don't ask questions. All because "she" was diagnosed.
People like that who "think" they have it, make me sick. Lets go through the average of difficulty.
She claims changes in sleeping patterns. - Hmmm, maybe someone is transitioning from graveyard to day or vice-a-versa. (Lets be honest, those energy drinks don't work as great as they should)
Restlessly searching for ways to work off extra energy - so every single kid is bipolar? Washing the car every day? - It's called OCD. OCD is not bipolar.
Increased talking - Does the term chatty katty come to mind?
Gets distracted by the sounds of words - REALLY?! Sorry, but if I hear my kid accidentally saying a swear, you don't think that's going t perk my ears?
If your spouse is more sexually demanding - maybe she should watch, The Great Sperm Journey. It's been proven to when we are ovulating we're in "higher" demand.
Oh, gotta love this one - "check your phone bills for 900 sex numbers and for porn websites" - so every person who has no life, or wants to watch porn is bipolar.
Study your credit cards diligently - Spending sprees. Who doesn't do this every once in a while? You know what stops the person from spending? Going over the limit!
Notice if they complain about their thoughts are racing uncontrollably - Umm, yeah, duh, that's normal for us. Why would we complain about it?
Be on the alert if they have delusions - "Some famous person is sending me love letters..." Uh, how many teens and tweens do this on a daily basis with their best-friends? Or the famous one I quoted above. "I'm going to quit my job and write a novel!" So guess what to all those writers, according to this nutcase, you're bipolar and need meds.
Irritability or hostility. This is not just a symptom - it can be dangerous. Be cautious! - Ugh, 1-shouldn't you be careful regardless? IDK I don't want to piss off an old lady with a cane, does that mean she's bipolar? No. It means I have respect for my elders.
Increased religious zeal or involvement - Really? So all those who practice their faith, watch out, you're bipolar.
Hallucinations and paranoia - Don't say you believe in ghosts. Because they're not real and every person who does is bipolar.
Oh, another one that is so true *rolls eyes* - during an episode, a person is likely to wear brightly color clothing. OMG really?
If manic behaviors occur following a change in medications, contact the prescribing doctor promptly. Yeah, because I have every doctor on speed dial.
Tips they give. Does anyone have a baseball bat?
Make a pact with your friend that if you bring these manic behaviors to their attention, they'll contact their doctor. - Umm, didn't she just get done saying that one will disagree with that they are? Yeah, this one makes a lot of sense.
If you see spending sprees - keep money in your name only. - Uh? No! What she's making us be is belittled to those who "don't have the 'disease'"
What you will need - Notebook for record manic behaviors. No - what I need is a baseball bat to hit you upside the head with!
She's written many articles and in all honesty with someone who HAS been diagnosed with BP1, she knows NOTHING about it, and only going off what other posts "suggests". It erks me okay, it pisses me off to no end when someone who "says" they have the disorder thinks they know all about it.
What she doesn't speak about is how we're able to function, (yes, not normally) but we're better artists (and I don't mean just drawing) than "normal" people.
Bipolar is like the flu. It's unique and it effects each one of us differently. According to the lady who wrote the article (where I got the above from) every single person in the world is bipolar. So, if that being the case, why are most who have it, not afraid to say they have it. Because it's like the flu! No one is ashamed to say they have the flu. They're only ashamed of the symptoms produced by the flu.
Do I feel like I want to kill myself? Fuck no. Do I feel like I want to go on a rampage? Fuck yes. All the time. The main thing - do I? No! I use the talents I have and put them to use. Instead of medicating the people, how about we find what their talents are and help them strive? This lady needs a good look at what bipolar is really all about.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
How to write a novel...(The Secrets)
So you want to know how to write a novel? The secrets behind writing a novel everyone wants to read and talk about for years to come.
You will read, "You have to read your genre and what everyone's doing..."
Go away. No you don't. Because there are so many indie authors out there, whose style is right and whose style is wrong?
You have to devote X amount of hours to writing...
Says who? The person who wrote the article? It may work for them, but will it work for you? So you wasted three hours staring at the computer, (playing farmville, mafia wars, laughing at those funny pictures), and got nothing accomplished. If you don't feel the need to write, then don't waste your time.
You have to write for the market...
*Scratches head* There's a market? Since when was there a market for vampires that sparkle?
Write what you know about...
Yes, that could work.
Write about what you don't know about...
Yes, that could work, too. It's called being creative.
Now, how about writing about absolutely nothing you know something about?
Confused, yet?
You have to buy...
No, you don't HAVE to buy anything.
There is no one way direction when writing. Everyone believes they have their own style. They do. Whether it's a style everyone else wants to read, that's nothing thing.
In my world I can do (on a weekly basis) what so many receive honor for doing, once in their life time. Who cares how long it takes you to write that novel. Is your novel part of a series? If so, wait until you have them all written before releasing them. Say you have a high demand, but it's taking you longer to finish the second one. Will the pressure ultimately make the rest of the books go where they weren't supposed to?
Everyone is too much in a rush to get their story out there. Why? Unless they're completely polished and ready to go, why throw crap out there? Very few are actually able to edit their own work. I am not one of them. I have 20+ manuscripts waiting to be seen by an editor. They are done, with titles, covers and all that fun stuff. Sure, I could put it out as unedited. Why? Would you give a potential boss an unedited resume?
Yes, I may or may not throw one but ONLY one unedited out there and see what happens. But, that's just me.
There are a lot of people telling you to do something and do not do something. It may have worked for them. Will it work for you? You can try it. But, will it be you? Probably not. I don't want to pick up the same book by a different author and it be close to the same thing.
In fact, I don't read my genre. There are very few books I have read. I don't want to be influenced. I type faster than I can read.
So, here is my version...
Write as if you were writing to your kids. (Would you want them to read half the crap that's out there?)
Write for fun. (If you write for work, because you have to, you'll be missing something of importance in your story.)
Writing is about the reflection upon you. Open up and have your characters the things you wished you could do. What is popular today, by the time you're done, will be a thing of the past. Why do the same thing as everyone else? Who knows, you may be the next big thing.
You will read, "You have to read your genre and what everyone's doing..."
Go away. No you don't. Because there are so many indie authors out there, whose style is right and whose style is wrong?
You have to devote X amount of hours to writing...
Says who? The person who wrote the article? It may work for them, but will it work for you? So you wasted three hours staring at the computer, (playing farmville, mafia wars, laughing at those funny pictures), and got nothing accomplished. If you don't feel the need to write, then don't waste your time.
You have to write for the market...
*Scratches head* There's a market? Since when was there a market for vampires that sparkle?
Write what you know about...
Yes, that could work.
Write about what you don't know about...
Yes, that could work, too. It's called being creative.
Now, how about writing about absolutely nothing you know something about?
Confused, yet?
You have to buy...
No, you don't HAVE to buy anything.
There is no one way direction when writing. Everyone believes they have their own style. They do. Whether it's a style everyone else wants to read, that's nothing thing.
In my world I can do (on a weekly basis) what so many receive honor for doing, once in their life time. Who cares how long it takes you to write that novel. Is your novel part of a series? If so, wait until you have them all written before releasing them. Say you have a high demand, but it's taking you longer to finish the second one. Will the pressure ultimately make the rest of the books go where they weren't supposed to?
Everyone is too much in a rush to get their story out there. Why? Unless they're completely polished and ready to go, why throw crap out there? Very few are actually able to edit their own work. I am not one of them. I have 20+ manuscripts waiting to be seen by an editor. They are done, with titles, covers and all that fun stuff. Sure, I could put it out as unedited. Why? Would you give a potential boss an unedited resume?
Yes, I may or may not throw one but ONLY one unedited out there and see what happens. But, that's just me.
There are a lot of people telling you to do something and do not do something. It may have worked for them. Will it work for you? You can try it. But, will it be you? Probably not. I don't want to pick up the same book by a different author and it be close to the same thing.
In fact, I don't read my genre. There are very few books I have read. I don't want to be influenced. I type faster than I can read.
So, here is my version...
Write as if you were writing to your kids. (Would you want them to read half the crap that's out there?)
Write for fun. (If you write for work, because you have to, you'll be missing something of importance in your story.)
Writing is about the reflection upon you. Open up and have your characters the things you wished you could do. What is popular today, by the time you're done, will be a thing of the past. Why do the same thing as everyone else? Who knows, you may be the next big thing.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Bi-Polar Chapter 2 (Birth of an Author - Polar)
I don’t remember
too much of my grammar school days. I was an outcast. I was picked on. Whatever
I did wasn’t good enough. I was always striving at perfection because I wanted
my parents to be proud of me.
I slowly sank
into depression. I never showed it. If you ask anyone: I was the
happiest-go-lucky kid. Deep down inside, I wanted to feel that way.
I remember lots
of therapy appointments. I hated each one. It was always someone new. I hated
repeating my stories. I hated how I was treated. I was treated as though I wasn’t
normal and I was a freak of nature.
If I ever opened
up on how I was feeling; ‘You’re not supposed to feel like that.’ Was what I
was told. I was told I was too young to have such strong feelings and emotions.
How do you think a child is supposed to respond to that? I withdrew from the real world, even more. If no one could
understand me, what was the point of wasting my breath?
So, I stopped
talking. I sat there, silent, for each hour I had therapy. In my mind, I vowed
that’s what I was going to continue to do. And, I did. I refused to open up to
anyone.
There were times
to where I dreamed about how I would kill myself. I tried the extreme, I failed.
Imagine my surprise when I failed at it. I felt even more horrible. I became
lost in books and dreamed of a life that I only wished existed.
I remembered
being bullied. I remembered being picked on. I remembered what I wore, where we
were, what was said, what was done, and who picked on me. That was my entire
childhood existence.
All I remember
in grammar school is I had my best-friend. He lived right down the street and
we did everything together. He leaned on me and I leaned on him. I did have a
boyfriend in third grade (I think). We dated the entire school year. I was
bullied out of being with him. Why? I felt like I wasn’t good enough for him. I
felt he didn’t deserve to be teased, because of me. It killed me inside when I
broke up with him because I really did like him.
That was my grammar school.
Friday, April 19, 2013
The Birth of an Author (Bi-polar)
I was never in
denial. I was always told there was something wrong. Seeing therapist after
therapist, medication after medication, I knew there was nothing in modern
science that could help.
I wasn’t myself
when I was on the medications. I was a drone that went along with the flow.
That wasn’t me. I was beginning to lose all focus of how I perceived the world.
I stopped taking my medications.
I refused to see
the world how they wanted me to see it. If I couldn’t see it for what it was,
then why was it worth living?
I was diagnosed
too early to remember. I do remember when I was on the pills, the teachers
loved it. I wasn’t vocal and I sat there pretending
to pay attention. My friends hated it because they said I wasn’t scared of anything.
I would be more daring and live life on the edge.
My grades
started to suffer. Which made me even more depressed because I felt like I
couldn’t do anything right. Several attempts at suicide, feeling even more of a
failure because I couldn’t succeed at that. I gave up.
I made everyone
believe I was taking my medicine. I was a great actress. I played the part as
though I was on the happy pills.
During each session, they said I was doing better and making great progress. I
went about my business and lived life. For the most part, I was happy. When
they learned, I wasn’t on my medicines; they changed their tone and said they
knew it.
I called
bullshit and said then why go years in saying I was making progress. They didn’t
like that. I pissed off a lot of people because I didn’t fit into the norm of the disease. Back then, I didn’t
know what the importance was for them wanting (needing) me to be on happy
pills. When they clearly saw I wasn’t happy.
I will admit, by
looking back, I had (and still have) highs and lows. But, not according to how
they say I should have them. Wouldn’t you be pissed off if you couldn’t go on a
much anticipated school trip because your-so-called best friend told a lie? Wouldn’t
you pissed off if you found out that your fiancé was having an affair with your
best-friend? Wouldn’t you be pissed off if you worked your ass off at a job and
you were fired because of discrimination?
They acted like my life should be nothing but a
kid amusement park. They acted like I shouldn’t be upset – ever!
Sunday, March 24, 2013
The life of an author...
When someone asks you for an interview, I become very defensive. I don't do them. And if one person gets one from me, don't expect the answers you would receive from someone else trying to make themselves look more than what they are.
I had an encounter. I will not mention names at this moment. But, I asked questions. Well I asked one. I repeated the question over and over and over and over (you get the point), and they never answered it. When becoming successful, you have to be careful on who your friends are.
My freelancer had this friend. At the time, I had no pictures of myself up. I rarely have pictures of myself up. I don't like my picture being taken. I am vague on where I live. I am vague on everything. And, for a very great reason. I write for fun. I have a small fan base of readers who love my writing. I don't care about anything more. I'm happy. I don't write for the money.
Back to her friend, because I had no pictures up, she (the friend) wanted to be my PR person. She demanded that I pay her $65K up front. So she could quit her job, pay off her condo, and buy a new car. Umm, *scratches my head* I don't even make that a year. I don't even make a quarter of that a year. She began explaining when the books took off she would accept awards on my behalf. (Umm, no that's what I have a publisher for) She didn't like that. She, in return, started telling everyone that she was me. Well, I didn't have any pictures up, so they believed her.
She got a DUI, and Tracy helped her out. She drove out of her way to pick her, to drive her to work (two towns over). This continued for about a week. She asked her for gas money. She said she was buying her a dollar coffee in the morning and wasn't that good enough? Then she said she would put gas in her car (with no plates). Can you see where I'm going with this?
One could only take so much of being used and abused before saying: forget it - and cut all losses. (I don't blame her.)
In which she did exactly that. She lost a months worth of work and whatever little she had saved up, was gone. She went to harass my publisher at the time. She continued to harass me and everyone else. Whatever. She left horrible reviews. Which, is really funny because the reviews she left were for books not even released yet. Then, when I called her out on it, and got the reviews deleted, she would create fake name after fake name. She still does to this day.
Every few months or so, she'll try to come into my life and destroy it. Again, whatever. I didn't tell her the truth about everything. She can say whatever she wants. Who is going to have respect for someone who has to create fake names all over the place and leave un-honest reviews? It doesn't bother anyone who knows us either. They get a kick out if it.
She's not only a liar, but has way too much time on her hands. Would you go out of your way to create a fake account and try to destroy another? Or, do you have a life of your own?
She even went as far as to "pretend" to be a guy and say she contacted my previous publishers and was working with them. Again, I don't care. She then even went onto my like page and started trashing fans. Really? You have nothing better else to do with your time or life? That you need to follow mine? What you do is not a reflection upon me, it's a reflection upon you. How you conduct yourself, is showing the world what type of person you are.
That's fine you can bad mouth me. It only makes people want to look at me even more. That's fine you can leave bad reviews. People will know they are fake. So whenever you open your mouth, no one will believe a word that comes out of it. You are not hurting me. You are helping me and thank you. You are hurting yourself.
So what if you don't like my work? I don't care. Not everyone does. But, there are people who do. Because you come to points in your life to where it sucks, when you trash on another, Karma is a bitch. Future employers do look at what their employees do on the Internet. Background checks aren't hard to see what's associated with what.
More importantly, who the fuck cares what another person is doing? Are you that bored with your life that you need to meddle in anothers? I don't care what anyone else does. It's their life - not mine. When I say "Life" is my inspiration, it's people like you who give me the stories to write. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. That is fine. I welcome opinions. However, you make others want to defend their own opinions and make you see that you are wrong. Thank you. You may think something doesn't exist, that is fine. But, how do you know? Were you there? No. So, how are you one to comment? You may believe what you want to believe.
If you don't know the truth, don't claim that you do. You may think you do, but remember this...
I say and do everything for a reason. I will call you out when I know something isn't right. I ask specific questions. When it's never answered, or you divert away from it, yeah, that's a reflection upon you.
The reason I am where I am today, is because I have concentrated on my own life. I'm not meddling in others where I don't belong. I have never stated anything other than the truth. I have never stated anything other than facts. I never stated that everyone will love my books. I know some if not most will hate my books. That's fine. That's okay.
I can look at myself in the mirror and not hate myself. I can sleep (peacefully) at night. I can wake up in the morning with a smile. Yeah, you may wake up with a smile, in how to hurt someone for that day. I wake up in the morning and think of how I am going to better my life. I better myself without bringing down others. That's a real character of a person.
For those that become defensive over this, shows you are the guilty ones. For, I have not mentioned names. Long story short, my first book of Hidden Destiny is ghostwritten by my freelancer Tracy Adams. I tweaked the book and wrote the next eleven. I asked Tracy to step in on several occasions on behalf of myself. She made a lot of people think it was her (Tracy), really me (Lily). I have great friends and support behind me. I am sorry in having people think that she was me. But, I wanted to remain behind the scenes and write. For those who personally know me, knows why I did what I did.
I will say you will know who the troll/hater is by their review. They will diss me, the author, more than the book. They will say the book is pure fiction and everything is made up. (Find the irony there?) They will think they are revealing information. I am telling you right now, book one was ghostwritten. I tweeked it and wrote the remaining part of the saga.
I had an encounter. I will not mention names at this moment. But, I asked questions. Well I asked one. I repeated the question over and over and over and over (you get the point), and they never answered it. When becoming successful, you have to be careful on who your friends are.
My freelancer had this friend. At the time, I had no pictures of myself up. I rarely have pictures of myself up. I don't like my picture being taken. I am vague on where I live. I am vague on everything. And, for a very great reason. I write for fun. I have a small fan base of readers who love my writing. I don't care about anything more. I'm happy. I don't write for the money.
Back to her friend, because I had no pictures up, she (the friend) wanted to be my PR person. She demanded that I pay her $65K up front. So she could quit her job, pay off her condo, and buy a new car. Umm, *scratches my head* I don't even make that a year. I don't even make a quarter of that a year. She began explaining when the books took off she would accept awards on my behalf. (Umm, no that's what I have a publisher for) She didn't like that. She, in return, started telling everyone that she was me. Well, I didn't have any pictures up, so they believed her.
She got a DUI, and Tracy helped her out. She drove out of her way to pick her, to drive her to work (two towns over). This continued for about a week. She asked her for gas money. She said she was buying her a dollar coffee in the morning and wasn't that good enough? Then she said she would put gas in her car (with no plates). Can you see where I'm going with this?
One could only take so much of being used and abused before saying: forget it - and cut all losses. (I don't blame her.)
In which she did exactly that. She lost a months worth of work and whatever little she had saved up, was gone. She went to harass my publisher at the time. She continued to harass me and everyone else. Whatever. She left horrible reviews. Which, is really funny because the reviews she left were for books not even released yet. Then, when I called her out on it, and got the reviews deleted, she would create fake name after fake name. She still does to this day.
Every few months or so, she'll try to come into my life and destroy it. Again, whatever. I didn't tell her the truth about everything. She can say whatever she wants. Who is going to have respect for someone who has to create fake names all over the place and leave un-honest reviews? It doesn't bother anyone who knows us either. They get a kick out if it.
She's not only a liar, but has way too much time on her hands. Would you go out of your way to create a fake account and try to destroy another? Or, do you have a life of your own?
She even went as far as to "pretend" to be a guy and say she contacted my previous publishers and was working with them. Again, I don't care. She then even went onto my like page and started trashing fans. Really? You have nothing better else to do with your time or life? That you need to follow mine? What you do is not a reflection upon me, it's a reflection upon you. How you conduct yourself, is showing the world what type of person you are.
That's fine you can bad mouth me. It only makes people want to look at me even more. That's fine you can leave bad reviews. People will know they are fake. So whenever you open your mouth, no one will believe a word that comes out of it. You are not hurting me. You are helping me and thank you. You are hurting yourself.
So what if you don't like my work? I don't care. Not everyone does. But, there are people who do. Because you come to points in your life to where it sucks, when you trash on another, Karma is a bitch. Future employers do look at what their employees do on the Internet. Background checks aren't hard to see what's associated with what.
More importantly, who the fuck cares what another person is doing? Are you that bored with your life that you need to meddle in anothers? I don't care what anyone else does. It's their life - not mine. When I say "Life" is my inspiration, it's people like you who give me the stories to write. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. That is fine. I welcome opinions. However, you make others want to defend their own opinions and make you see that you are wrong. Thank you. You may think something doesn't exist, that is fine. But, how do you know? Were you there? No. So, how are you one to comment? You may believe what you want to believe.
If you don't know the truth, don't claim that you do. You may think you do, but remember this...
I say and do everything for a reason. I will call you out when I know something isn't right. I ask specific questions. When it's never answered, or you divert away from it, yeah, that's a reflection upon you.
The reason I am where I am today, is because I have concentrated on my own life. I'm not meddling in others where I don't belong. I have never stated anything other than the truth. I have never stated anything other than facts. I never stated that everyone will love my books. I know some if not most will hate my books. That's fine. That's okay.
I can look at myself in the mirror and not hate myself. I can sleep (peacefully) at night. I can wake up in the morning with a smile. Yeah, you may wake up with a smile, in how to hurt someone for that day. I wake up in the morning and think of how I am going to better my life. I better myself without bringing down others. That's a real character of a person.
For those that become defensive over this, shows you are the guilty ones. For, I have not mentioned names. Long story short, my first book of Hidden Destiny is ghostwritten by my freelancer Tracy Adams. I tweaked the book and wrote the next eleven. I asked Tracy to step in on several occasions on behalf of myself. She made a lot of people think it was her (Tracy), really me (Lily). I have great friends and support behind me. I am sorry in having people think that she was me. But, I wanted to remain behind the scenes and write. For those who personally know me, knows why I did what I did.
I will say you will know who the troll/hater is by their review. They will diss me, the author, more than the book. They will say the book is pure fiction and everything is made up. (Find the irony there?) They will think they are revealing information. I am telling you right now, book one was ghostwritten. I tweeked it and wrote the remaining part of the saga.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Short Story
My husband and I are getting a divorce.
I was being nice in letting him keep the house since his girlfriend's lease was expiring.
I moved out and my lawyer called the house, one, twice, three, sometimes four times a day. Certified mail was even sent on more than one occasion. I even tried. Each time, we kept getting his girlfriend. Now, according to the law, only the person who is listed are we allowed to discuss this legal matter with. We told her the urgency of him contacting one of us.
Days went into weeks into months. No call back from my husband.
Found out through the grapevine, they had been planning this extravagant wedding. So, we really put pressure on her that her soon to be husband had to contact one of us.
Again, no word.
I got all dolled up and looked my best. It was a wedding of course. I couldn't go in jeans and a worn t-shirt. I walked up to the church and I knew she would be busy, I hunted for him. His family who never liked me escorted me out. I strongly hinted that I needed to finish a legal matter. They said it could wait until after the wedding. They threatened to call the police. Hmm. Tough call. Since, he was committing a crime as well, this was a hard choice. I weighed my options.
I had two options.
Option 1 - I could have gotten dolled up for no reason and let them carry on with their wedding.
Option 2 - I could be determined. Since their marriage wouldn't mean a thing until he signed papers.
I chose the latter of the two. After all, I didn't want them to ruin their big deal over a technicality.
I snuck back in and took a seat. The place was so beautiful, any hillbilly would have tears in their eyes.
I sat back, quiet. No one really noticed I was there. Again, a very beautiful wedding. The Dollar Store would had been so proud in how their decorations were used.
The Priest asked, "Does anyone object..."
I raised my hand. "I do!"
Oh, yeah, I got a lot of glares. I stood up and walked toward the altar. I couldn't contain my smile. I really don't remember what the Priest had said. But, his lovely bride to be turned full around and came charging at me. Poor thing didn't make it two steps when she fell flat on her face. Poor thing, they should have had red somewhere in their decorations. She busted her nose wide open. Picking herself up, she ran down the aisle and I don't know where.
"What the fuck do you think you're doing?"
"I thought you would thank me?" I asked, condescending.
"What the fuck do you mean?"
"You're about to commit a crime."
"No, I'm not!"
"Well, since you are still my husband, LEGALLY, and it is a crime to have more than one wife," I explained.
His look said it all and it was worth it.
"Now," I said, handing the divorce papers over. "Here's where you sign," I said, pointing.
"What the last page?" he asked.
"My lawyers bill," I answered. "You'll see how many times we've been trying to reach you. By phone and mail."
"I didn't get anything!" he cried.
"No, but your soon to be bride did. She answered each one," I quoted.
"This couldn't have waited?" he hissed, signing.
"Now, when you say, 'I do', it'll be legal."
"You're a bitch!" his brother snorted.
"I may be. I would rather be a bitch than a liar," I said, calmly. After I made sure the papers were signed correctly, I held them up. "Thank you and all a good day."
Before completely leaving, I turned around. "You may resume. I have no further objections."
I walked out of the church proud of myself that I didn't let my 'now' ex-husband commit a crime. Now, how many ex-wives do you know that are that nice?
Moral of the story? Don't touch the handle of a frying pan that's been simmering.
I was being nice in letting him keep the house since his girlfriend's lease was expiring.
I moved out and my lawyer called the house, one, twice, three, sometimes four times a day. Certified mail was even sent on more than one occasion. I even tried. Each time, we kept getting his girlfriend. Now, according to the law, only the person who is listed are we allowed to discuss this legal matter with. We told her the urgency of him contacting one of us.
Days went into weeks into months. No call back from my husband.
Found out through the grapevine, they had been planning this extravagant wedding. So, we really put pressure on her that her soon to be husband had to contact one of us.
Again, no word.
I got all dolled up and looked my best. It was a wedding of course. I couldn't go in jeans and a worn t-shirt. I walked up to the church and I knew she would be busy, I hunted for him. His family who never liked me escorted me out. I strongly hinted that I needed to finish a legal matter. They said it could wait until after the wedding. They threatened to call the police. Hmm. Tough call. Since, he was committing a crime as well, this was a hard choice. I weighed my options.
I had two options.
Option 1 - I could have gotten dolled up for no reason and let them carry on with their wedding.
Option 2 - I could be determined. Since their marriage wouldn't mean a thing until he signed papers.
I chose the latter of the two. After all, I didn't want them to ruin their big deal over a technicality.
I snuck back in and took a seat. The place was so beautiful, any hillbilly would have tears in their eyes.
I sat back, quiet. No one really noticed I was there. Again, a very beautiful wedding. The Dollar Store would had been so proud in how their decorations were used.
The Priest asked, "Does anyone object..."
I raised my hand. "I do!"
Oh, yeah, I got a lot of glares. I stood up and walked toward the altar. I couldn't contain my smile. I really don't remember what the Priest had said. But, his lovely bride to be turned full around and came charging at me. Poor thing didn't make it two steps when she fell flat on her face. Poor thing, they should have had red somewhere in their decorations. She busted her nose wide open. Picking herself up, she ran down the aisle and I don't know where.
"What the fuck do you think you're doing?"
"I thought you would thank me?" I asked, condescending.
"What the fuck do you mean?"
"You're about to commit a crime."
"No, I'm not!"
"Well, since you are still my husband, LEGALLY, and it is a crime to have more than one wife," I explained.
His look said it all and it was worth it.
"Now," I said, handing the divorce papers over. "Here's where you sign," I said, pointing.
"What the last page?" he asked.
"My lawyers bill," I answered. "You'll see how many times we've been trying to reach you. By phone and mail."
"I didn't get anything!" he cried.
"No, but your soon to be bride did. She answered each one," I quoted.
"This couldn't have waited?" he hissed, signing.
"Now, when you say, 'I do', it'll be legal."
"You're a bitch!" his brother snorted.
"I may be. I would rather be a bitch than a liar," I said, calmly. After I made sure the papers were signed correctly, I held them up. "Thank you and all a good day."
Before completely leaving, I turned around. "You may resume. I have no further objections."
I walked out of the church proud of myself that I didn't let my 'now' ex-husband commit a crime. Now, how many ex-wives do you know that are that nice?
Moral of the story? Don't touch the handle of a frying pan that's been simmering.
So, I read a great blog...
http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2012/07/23/the-five-mistakes-killing-self-published-authors/#comment-64127
Everyone who knows me, I don't read many blogs. I don't read much on the internet. She brought up great points that I have and still stress to everyone about.
The first one - eh, not so much. But, the others, take a gander inside and if you are rolling your eyes, read it again. And again.
What makes a story?
I don't know. That's the honest truth. Everyone has their on taste. Do I want to read about vampires all the time? No, not really. So, if a new vampire genre comes out, it's not going to grab my attention. The only and I mean only crediting. I will give Twlight, is the take on revolution. Can vampires possibly withstand the sun? Possible. Not likely, but possible. I don't buy the fact they glitter. Nice touch, but we couldn't come up with something more believable?
Does it have to have a beginning? I don't know. When you start reading, is that the beginning? Or does the beginning come later? Like in Star Wars?
Does it have to have a middle? Sure.
Does it have to have an end? I don't know. Define an end. Is it left open to where another one could be made? Is it left open to the readers imaginations?
Which lets get to that. It doesn't seem like readers have much of an imagination. They want everything spelled out for them. There are so many dos and don'ts in the writing world. I look at the writing world, like law. It's not always going to make sense and it's not always going to be right.
I love writing for fun. Does it go against the writing "laws"? Possibly and probably. But, I have not one, but several fans who love my writing. And, to me, I have succeeded in writing. I don't care about having a huge fan base. I'm tired of hearing those who want to retire off their writing. If it was that easy, everyone would be doing it.
Everyone is self publishing and thinking that their one book will be seen. Writing is like applying for a job. Would you hand in a resume full of spelling errors? No. How many failures do you have to have before you succeed? Maybe writing isn't for you. So what. I never once thought that I would get into writing. In fact, out of all the works I wrote before, I hated to sit down and tell a story. Now, I love it. I always thought that I would go into sales. I was great at it. I made money, but it didn't make me happy. I make no money and I'm happy. So which side won?
There are so many dos and don'ts. I don't listen to a single one. If my reader can't get into my story, that story isn't for them. The story may downright suck. The story may not have what the reader is looking for.
Let me ask you a question - Why did you read Twilight? Was it before or after the movies were released? Same with Harry Potter?
I also hear so many times, I want to write another story... Okay? So go and do it. There are no excuses. If you want to, it's a hobby, you'll find time for it. If you make it a business, there are pros and cons. How much are you willing to devote and make it into what you believe it should be? I believe it's a business. I spend more time in my writing and getting to know my readers than anything else.
Do I have sleepless nights? Hell yes I do and lots of them.
Do I have struggles and writerblock? Yes!!!! And lots of them.
Do I people wanting to set me back? Called trolls and haters and I have more than I have ever had in my life.
I don't let that stop me or deter me. They inspire me to do what they could only dream to do. I am not where I want to be, but I am exactly where I'm supposed to be.
You may be wondering if I can write so much, why don't I have more books available for sale? Easy, I tried that via the "assistance" of my last publisher. I knew it wasn't going to work. I took a chance and it flopped. I want my best foot out there. Even if that means waiting extra time to make sure everything is in order.
Everyone who knows me, I don't read many blogs. I don't read much on the internet. She brought up great points that I have and still stress to everyone about.
The first one - eh, not so much. But, the others, take a gander inside and if you are rolling your eyes, read it again. And again.
What makes a story?
I don't know. That's the honest truth. Everyone has their on taste. Do I want to read about vampires all the time? No, not really. So, if a new vampire genre comes out, it's not going to grab my attention. The only and I mean only crediting. I will give Twlight, is the take on revolution. Can vampires possibly withstand the sun? Possible. Not likely, but possible. I don't buy the fact they glitter. Nice touch, but we couldn't come up with something more believable?
Does it have to have a beginning? I don't know. When you start reading, is that the beginning? Or does the beginning come later? Like in Star Wars?
Does it have to have a middle? Sure.
Does it have to have an end? I don't know. Define an end. Is it left open to where another one could be made? Is it left open to the readers imaginations?
Which lets get to that. It doesn't seem like readers have much of an imagination. They want everything spelled out for them. There are so many dos and don'ts in the writing world. I look at the writing world, like law. It's not always going to make sense and it's not always going to be right.
I love writing for fun. Does it go against the writing "laws"? Possibly and probably. But, I have not one, but several fans who love my writing. And, to me, I have succeeded in writing. I don't care about having a huge fan base. I'm tired of hearing those who want to retire off their writing. If it was that easy, everyone would be doing it.
Everyone is self publishing and thinking that their one book will be seen. Writing is like applying for a job. Would you hand in a resume full of spelling errors? No. How many failures do you have to have before you succeed? Maybe writing isn't for you. So what. I never once thought that I would get into writing. In fact, out of all the works I wrote before, I hated to sit down and tell a story. Now, I love it. I always thought that I would go into sales. I was great at it. I made money, but it didn't make me happy. I make no money and I'm happy. So which side won?
There are so many dos and don'ts. I don't listen to a single one. If my reader can't get into my story, that story isn't for them. The story may downright suck. The story may not have what the reader is looking for.
Let me ask you a question - Why did you read Twilight? Was it before or after the movies were released? Same with Harry Potter?
I also hear so many times, I want to write another story... Okay? So go and do it. There are no excuses. If you want to, it's a hobby, you'll find time for it. If you make it a business, there are pros and cons. How much are you willing to devote and make it into what you believe it should be? I believe it's a business. I spend more time in my writing and getting to know my readers than anything else.
Do I have sleepless nights? Hell yes I do and lots of them.
Do I have struggles and writerblock? Yes!!!! And lots of them.
Do I people wanting to set me back? Called trolls and haters and I have more than I have ever had in my life.
I don't let that stop me or deter me. They inspire me to do what they could only dream to do. I am not where I want to be, but I am exactly where I'm supposed to be.
You may be wondering if I can write so much, why don't I have more books available for sale? Easy, I tried that via the "assistance" of my last publisher. I knew it wasn't going to work. I took a chance and it flopped. I want my best foot out there. Even if that means waiting extra time to make sure everything is in order.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Publishing Houses
I've been fortified a great opportunity to take partnership in one. I'm really thinking about doing it. We are working out everything from when you read that first word on our website, to after you decide you want to submit your work.
A lot of people know I am the first person everyone goes to for help and answers. I sat back and thought about this, alot. At one time I was even thinking about starting one up and had everything drawn up. But, I wanted to finish what was on my plate first. Now, that's finished, the person who came up to me with the follow through, we are going to make it a reality.
Hall and Muscato Publishing will be fully up and running soon.
You can view us here to start - https://www.facebook.com/hallmuscatopublishing
We are working on the website and working on this day and night until it is completed. We look at all genres and every author.
A lot of people know I am the first person everyone goes to for help and answers. I sat back and thought about this, alot. At one time I was even thinking about starting one up and had everything drawn up. But, I wanted to finish what was on my plate first. Now, that's finished, the person who came up to me with the follow through, we are going to make it a reality.
Hall and Muscato Publishing will be fully up and running soon.
You can view us here to start - https://www.facebook.com/hallmuscatopublishing
We are working on the website and working on this day and night until it is completed. We look at all genres and every author.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Hall of Trolls
I had an overwhelming demand of people saying they had a troll. This page is dedicated just to them. Also in future refernce, if you can refer to this page to see if their "review" is legit.
Remember these simple rules.
***If they just created an account and already have an over abundance of friends, most likely, they just went adding people. (Really - within your second day on GR's you have over 100+ friends?)
***If they have left ratings (hardly any reviews for many books of all different genre) and within the short time. (Really? Do you have time to sit and add the same book over and over again, and leave a rating?)
***If they've only left reviews/ratings for one author (or one publisher).
1. Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A33UX7AXMC4EV9/ref=cm_cr_dp_pdp
[Reviews only one book, and it's not even the first one in the series. Criticizes the book about everything the author already told readers about. Prime example of a troll] Update: Her goodreads profile was deleted because it was a duplicate account.
2. Goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/17240434-kendra
[Examples, new profile with hundreds of books added within the first two days. Leaves only ratings but no reviews. Leaves ratings on books that aren't even published to the public yet. Lays dormant until author she is trolling releases a new book.]
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5935292-terry-dubbs
[Rates books 1 star by the same author. Doesn't say why they are horrible. Continues to rate each book in series 1 star.] Prime example of a troll. Why continue reading work by an author if you don't like it? If you read the comments, others have commented exactly as I've written. Plus, for a reader to say they read the book, doesn't mean anything. They have to state why they don't like the book for the rating to count.
So, how do I remove a troll?
Here's how...
1. Amazon
2. Goodreads.
More to come - still gathering. :)
Remember these simple rules.
***If they just created an account and already have an over abundance of friends, most likely, they just went adding people. (Really - within your second day on GR's you have over 100+ friends?)
***If they have left ratings (hardly any reviews for many books of all different genre) and within the short time. (Really? Do you have time to sit and add the same book over and over again, and leave a rating?)
***If they've only left reviews/ratings for one author (or one publisher).
1. Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A33UX7AXMC4EV9/ref=cm_cr_dp_pdp
[Reviews only one book, and it's not even the first one in the series. Criticizes the book about everything the author already told readers about. Prime example of a troll] Update: Her goodreads profile was deleted because it was a duplicate account.
2. Goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/17240434-kendra
[Examples, new profile with hundreds of books added within the first two days. Leaves only ratings but no reviews. Leaves ratings on books that aren't even published to the public yet. Lays dormant until author she is trolling releases a new book.]
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5935292-terry-dubbs
[Rates books 1 star by the same author. Doesn't say why they are horrible. Continues to rate each book in series 1 star.] Prime example of a troll. Why continue reading work by an author if you don't like it? If you read the comments, others have commented exactly as I've written. Plus, for a reader to say they read the book, doesn't mean anything. They have to state why they don't like the book for the rating to count.
So, how do I remove a troll?
Here's how...
1. Amazon
2. Goodreads.
More to come - still gathering. :)
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Reviewers and Trolls
I've gotten a lot of requests to make a post dedicated to reviews. No review blog would be a review blog without mentioning trolls.
Every person who has accomplished something, (no matter what it is) has a hater (e.g. troll) behind them. There are many things to look for when deciding on whether the book is for you or not.
1. Who cares how many positive reviews a book has. You know their friends/family/publishers aren't going to say anything bad. Which some publishers pay for good reviews.
Lets start off with the positives, shall we? How to determine a good review is really a 'review' or was 'helped' by one of the above. The answer is many, but simple. If the review goes 'into' why you should read the book and is about as long as the first chapter, most likely it's 'helped'. Think about it. how many of you would actually take the time to write all of that out? Especially for a five star? You wouldn't. You would write a paragraph or less, of why YOU liked the book.
I know this sounds like a lot of work, but if you're really curious to know if the review is real or not, check out the other reviews left by the ones who left 5 stars. More often than not, they would have only left reviews for the same author (or publisher in some cases).
But, I really like that author. Okay, agreed. Which is why you still read their work. However, if you don't leave reviews for any other author, one can say you personally know that 'author' in which you 'only' leave remarks for.
2. 4 stars also go with the 5 stars. 3 stars, are the make it or break it factor. 3 stars usually state, "book has potential. But, weak plot/editing and it'd do well..."
3. 2 and 1 star reviews. Those are the best. Now, if there are just star ratings and they don't actually comment, congratulations, it's most likely someone who has a grudge against the author. They want to see the author go down. The other way you can tell by a troll, is if what they are saying isn't even close to what the other negative reviews have to say. Or, they bash what the author has clearly already identified. E.G. "...this book is pure fiction..." and the review reads, "...nothing in this book could actually happen..." Really? Ya think? Or the best review, "...towns are completely made up..." Ummm, lets think about that one for a moment. Made up - in a fiction book - umm yeah. Totally a troll.
Now, some books may be fiction based off true events. We all know if there is one thing in the book that is fiction, the book must be called fiction. Common sense, right? Well, all don't think that way. Inspired by true events, could still be a fiction book. So, if you see a book that says, "Inspired by true events..." that means one or more events in the book actually took place. Though, the author may not tell you 'exactly' which events had taken place. They are just letting you know that is what inspired the book to be written. Now, when you see a review such as, "...none of this stuff actually took place. Everything is too unbelievable..." Now, unless that person was one of the people based in the book, how would they know? They're referring to themselves as a troll. We all know vampires don't exist. Yet, Twilight is being ridiculed on how vampires should act. Contradicting, wouldn't you say? We all know they don't exist, yet screaming that's not how they really are. Hmmm. Okay. So you didn't believe the book, it wasn't meant to be believed, it was meant to entertain. Duh! It's also pretty sad to dimiss a book, when you don't 'personally' know the events. You're not only slandering the author, but the subjects the books were written off of.
I can tell you in Hidden Destiny, many situations were written off real events. I had the priviledge of meeting a lot of the real people. They enjoy others thinking the book is pure fiction. It doesn't bother the town, because they know better.
Does that mean everything happened in Hidden Destiny? No. However, more often than not, is where I got the inspiration to write the book. I originally was going to sell the work off, the person who had it, (my freelancer) couldn't get it where I wanted it to go. She's a wonderful ghostwriter to others. So, I took my work back and completed it myself.
You can actually tell in the negative ratings who the trolls are. If they mention the author, AT ALL, they have a grudge against the author. If the belittle the book in anyway against it as part or whole, they are a troll. You can tell those who actually read the book as well.
On Amazon is a little harder than on Goodreads. For example, if the book is not released on Amazon, (meaning the author is getting ready to release the book so it's also on Goodreads) and there are already reviews, they're fake. Especially if the author hasn't given the book to let anyone read in advance. On Goodreads it's very easy to tell who the trolls are. If they just created an account within the month and already took the time to 'rate' hundreds of other books.
What to do if you get a troll? Leave it a lone. Or, better, report that person for being a troll. You bring up things such as they have just opened their account. If you know who your troll is, you send their information to Goodreads, or Amazon. Amazon prides itself in fake reviews. You'll see that sucker come off right away.
I find it funny, one of my works received a 4 star review, yet no one's read it except my editor. Hmmm, now, that doesn't scream troll, right away. Does it? Damn straight I reported them. I want only honest reviews.
Now, if you have a series/saga or what not and that troll keeps leaving you bad reviews. I would. Ask them, publicly in the comment section, if you didn't like my previous works, why are continuing to read them. (Then be nice) I understand some may not like my work. However, why continue to read them if you don't like them?
You are being nice, yet subtle. Now, if they come back with, "I thought it would have gotten better." I would reply back with, "Thank you for giving it a chance. However, I guess in your opinion it hasn't. So why bother?" You are hitting them straight inbetween the eyes. Now, they have to explain why they're buying your book even though they don't like it. No one is going to buy that they thought it was going to get better even after one book.
Trolls and haters will personally go out of their way to leave a bad review. More often than not, they won't leave a review, just a bad rating. Even if it's a 3 star rating, with no review, I bypass them. When you read enough reviews, you know the trolls/haters versus the real ones. Your readers aren't stupid. If you have a collection of work, they'll see the same name throughout the bad reviews. They'll know it's a troll/hater. Which, dear troll/hater, by doing so, you're actually wanting other readers to buy and read the book. The reader will wonder why that person has so many trolls after them. Then they'll continue to follow the author, just to see what you (the troll/hater) does. Other readers actually laugh at you. Your bad ratings actually have nothing to do with the book, but a hit at the author. It makes you the (troll/hater) look stupid.
Dear Authors, if someone leaves a bad review, don't criticize them! Don't even thank them for giving your book a chance. Let it go. If you want to thank the bad reviewers, make it public in a blog. "Thank you for giving my work a chance, I'm sorry you didn't like it..." or something.
Thank you. If you know you have a troll/hater, leave a comment and I'll make a post of who they are, so everyone can see. :)
Every person who has accomplished something, (no matter what it is) has a hater (e.g. troll) behind them. There are many things to look for when deciding on whether the book is for you or not.
1. Who cares how many positive reviews a book has. You know their friends/family/publishers aren't going to say anything bad. Which some publishers pay for good reviews.
Lets start off with the positives, shall we? How to determine a good review is really a 'review' or was 'helped' by one of the above. The answer is many, but simple. If the review goes 'into' why you should read the book and is about as long as the first chapter, most likely it's 'helped'. Think about it. how many of you would actually take the time to write all of that out? Especially for a five star? You wouldn't. You would write a paragraph or less, of why YOU liked the book.
I know this sounds like a lot of work, but if you're really curious to know if the review is real or not, check out the other reviews left by the ones who left 5 stars. More often than not, they would have only left reviews for the same author (or publisher in some cases).
But, I really like that author. Okay, agreed. Which is why you still read their work. However, if you don't leave reviews for any other author, one can say you personally know that 'author' in which you 'only' leave remarks for.
2. 4 stars also go with the 5 stars. 3 stars, are the make it or break it factor. 3 stars usually state, "book has potential. But, weak plot/editing and it'd do well..."
3. 2 and 1 star reviews. Those are the best. Now, if there are just star ratings and they don't actually comment, congratulations, it's most likely someone who has a grudge against the author. They want to see the author go down. The other way you can tell by a troll, is if what they are saying isn't even close to what the other negative reviews have to say. Or, they bash what the author has clearly already identified. E.G. "...this book is pure fiction..." and the review reads, "...nothing in this book could actually happen..." Really? Ya think? Or the best review, "...towns are completely made up..." Ummm, lets think about that one for a moment. Made up - in a fiction book - umm yeah. Totally a troll.
Now, some books may be fiction based off true events. We all know if there is one thing in the book that is fiction, the book must be called fiction. Common sense, right? Well, all don't think that way. Inspired by true events, could still be a fiction book. So, if you see a book that says, "Inspired by true events..." that means one or more events in the book actually took place. Though, the author may not tell you 'exactly' which events had taken place. They are just letting you know that is what inspired the book to be written. Now, when you see a review such as, "...none of this stuff actually took place. Everything is too unbelievable..." Now, unless that person was one of the people based in the book, how would they know? They're referring to themselves as a troll. We all know vampires don't exist. Yet, Twilight is being ridiculed on how vampires should act. Contradicting, wouldn't you say? We all know they don't exist, yet screaming that's not how they really are. Hmmm. Okay. So you didn't believe the book, it wasn't meant to be believed, it was meant to entertain. Duh! It's also pretty sad to dimiss a book, when you don't 'personally' know the events. You're not only slandering the author, but the subjects the books were written off of.
I can tell you in Hidden Destiny, many situations were written off real events. I had the priviledge of meeting a lot of the real people. They enjoy others thinking the book is pure fiction. It doesn't bother the town, because they know better.
Does that mean everything happened in Hidden Destiny? No. However, more often than not, is where I got the inspiration to write the book. I originally was going to sell the work off, the person who had it, (my freelancer) couldn't get it where I wanted it to go. She's a wonderful ghostwriter to others. So, I took my work back and completed it myself.
You can actually tell in the negative ratings who the trolls are. If they mention the author, AT ALL, they have a grudge against the author. If the belittle the book in anyway against it as part or whole, they are a troll. You can tell those who actually read the book as well.
On Amazon is a little harder than on Goodreads. For example, if the book is not released on Amazon, (meaning the author is getting ready to release the book so it's also on Goodreads) and there are already reviews, they're fake. Especially if the author hasn't given the book to let anyone read in advance. On Goodreads it's very easy to tell who the trolls are. If they just created an account within the month and already took the time to 'rate' hundreds of other books.
What to do if you get a troll? Leave it a lone. Or, better, report that person for being a troll. You bring up things such as they have just opened their account. If you know who your troll is, you send their information to Goodreads, or Amazon. Amazon prides itself in fake reviews. You'll see that sucker come off right away.
I find it funny, one of my works received a 4 star review, yet no one's read it except my editor. Hmmm, now, that doesn't scream troll, right away. Does it? Damn straight I reported them. I want only honest reviews.
Now, if you have a series/saga or what not and that troll keeps leaving you bad reviews. I would. Ask them, publicly in the comment section, if you didn't like my previous works, why are continuing to read them. (Then be nice) I understand some may not like my work. However, why continue to read them if you don't like them?
You are being nice, yet subtle. Now, if they come back with, "I thought it would have gotten better." I would reply back with, "Thank you for giving it a chance. However, I guess in your opinion it hasn't. So why bother?" You are hitting them straight inbetween the eyes. Now, they have to explain why they're buying your book even though they don't like it. No one is going to buy that they thought it was going to get better even after one book.
Trolls and haters will personally go out of their way to leave a bad review. More often than not, they won't leave a review, just a bad rating. Even if it's a 3 star rating, with no review, I bypass them. When you read enough reviews, you know the trolls/haters versus the real ones. Your readers aren't stupid. If you have a collection of work, they'll see the same name throughout the bad reviews. They'll know it's a troll/hater. Which, dear troll/hater, by doing so, you're actually wanting other readers to buy and read the book. The reader will wonder why that person has so many trolls after them. Then they'll continue to follow the author, just to see what you (the troll/hater) does. Other readers actually laugh at you. Your bad ratings actually have nothing to do with the book, but a hit at the author. It makes you the (troll/hater) look stupid.
Dear Authors, if someone leaves a bad review, don't criticize them! Don't even thank them for giving your book a chance. Let it go. If you want to thank the bad reviewers, make it public in a blog. "Thank you for giving my work a chance, I'm sorry you didn't like it..." or something.
Thank you. If you know you have a troll/hater, leave a comment and I'll make a post of who they are, so everyone can see. :)
Friday, February 1, 2013
February Featured Authors (Serban Andrei Mazilu)
Hello everyone! Welcome to February 2013.
What inspires me to write, in general are...flashes. I can't assume all writers go through the same thing, but I believe it's a requirement for all fantasy authors; I'm usually hit by these mental images, showing me amazing things and I just HAVE to write them down. Speaking CRUX exclusively, it was a static revelation, showing me a crystal desert under a liquid orange sky. I just...kept going from there.
What gets you in the mood to write?
My mood is direct link to coffee and cigarettes. I know it's not a healthy way to get creative, but oth nicotine and caffeine are brain boosters. I'm not flaunting when I'm saying I don't need them - because I already have a hyperactive imagination and I have had it ever since I was four years old - but I enjoy the extra book especially since I have approached this particular genre.
Do you prefer Ebooks or Physical Books?
I've had two other people asking me the same question in their interviews. I will say it from the start: I can't give you a proper answer because I have never read an E-book nor do I think I will in the immediate future. I don't own a Kindle or any type of tablet / reader, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't give it a try. So I can't really express myself on the matter, as you're asking me to give an opinion about something I haven't experienced yet. Even so, I can tell you that in a selfish way I prefer printed books because you can hold them, smell them and they look beautiful on my shelves, but I am also a minor environmentalist (meaning that I love plants and animals, and do what I can to recycle), so if there was a global vote to replace all physical publications with electronic versions, I would always vote YES.
What are you currently working on?
Right now? I'm working on my image, on promoting this book and getting to be known. And that's even more difficult than writing on Book 2. But that's what you wanted to hear about, right? The two are interdependent, as if would be silly of me to launch the sequel immediately...I have over fifty pages of HELLBENT written down and even corrected, but I'm postponing any more progress until I'm sure the fantasy fans get to know me.
Links
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
KOBO
GoodReads
Author's Name: Serban Andrei Mazilu
Book Genre(s): Dark fantasy
Book(s): The Angellove Society: CRUX (first book of the trilogy)
Questions
What inspired you to write?
Book Genre(s): Dark fantasy
Book(s): The Angellove Society: CRUX (first book of the trilogy)
Questions
What inspired you to write?
What inspires me to write, in general are...flashes. I can't assume all writers go through the same thing, but I believe it's a requirement for all fantasy authors; I'm usually hit by these mental images, showing me amazing things and I just HAVE to write them down. Speaking CRUX exclusively, it was a static revelation, showing me a crystal desert under a liquid orange sky. I just...kept going from there.
What gets you in the mood to write?
My mood is direct link to coffee and cigarettes. I know it's not a healthy way to get creative, but oth nicotine and caffeine are brain boosters. I'm not flaunting when I'm saying I don't need them - because I already have a hyperactive imagination and I have had it ever since I was four years old - but I enjoy the extra book especially since I have approached this particular genre.
Do you prefer Ebooks or Physical Books?
I've had two other people asking me the same question in their interviews. I will say it from the start: I can't give you a proper answer because I have never read an E-book nor do I think I will in the immediate future. I don't own a Kindle or any type of tablet / reader, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't give it a try. So I can't really express myself on the matter, as you're asking me to give an opinion about something I haven't experienced yet. Even so, I can tell you that in a selfish way I prefer printed books because you can hold them, smell them and they look beautiful on my shelves, but I am also a minor environmentalist (meaning that I love plants and animals, and do what I can to recycle), so if there was a global vote to replace all physical publications with electronic versions, I would always vote YES.
What are you currently working on?
Right now? I'm working on my image, on promoting this book and getting to be known. And that's even more difficult than writing on Book 2. But that's what you wanted to hear about, right? The two are interdependent, as if would be silly of me to launch the sequel immediately...I have over fifty pages of HELLBENT written down and even corrected, but I'm postponing any more progress until I'm sure the fantasy fans get to know me.
Links
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
KOBO
GoodReads
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Traditional publisher versus POD publisher...
Lets talk about Traditional Publishing and Paid on Demand Publisher.
The pros to Traditional Publishing
You don't have to pay
Marketing is taken care of for you
Editing/covers taken care
Distribution is taken care
Now, that sounds great. (and, it is) How much of a say do you have in your book? Are you guaranteed results? Are you guaranteed, anything? Who holds the rights to you work and for how long?
Now, there are a lot of plus sides to Traditional. Remember this though, even publishers don't know what they're looking for. You could have the next big ticket and they'll overlook you. So, what? You wrote for the love, not for the monies.
I tried traditional publishing. Or, so they said they were. I paid for everything, I went broke and I handed them a finished project to where they had to market. They didn't market.
Hint/Tip - You're not the only author they're working with.
The problems I had with my traditional publisher. They didn't market. Marketing is not that hard. (Well, it is if you don't know where to start) I hate marketing. I know what works and what doesn't. Why aren't my sales better? Simple. I don't care. I wrote for fun, not for the monies. If my books will do well, they'll do well. Look at the other books that became well known. (Plus, I'm new.) We all have to start out somewhere.
If you're working with an already established publisher, many problems I'll be addressing may not be there. Lets face it, everyone wants to get rich quick. The quicker it comes, the quicker it leaves. There are a lot of fly by night publishing houses popping up. Some are legit. Some not so much.
I'll leave a name out at the moment. Do your research. Inquire authors and see if they like them. Look at their sales. If they're not selling, do you honestly think the publishing house is going to work on selling your work? I write different forms of genre. I thought I lucked out and got a house that accepted all. I was wrong. What I got was a pain in the ass.
If a publishing house refuses to let you talk to other authors, stay clear.
If a publishing house refuses to let you talk to the editor, stay clear.
If a publishing house refuses to pay for anything (covers/editing), yeah, stay clear. And don't buy the excuse that you can always put out a second edition. Why should you pay more monies and work twice as hard to put out a second edition when you can be working on more work?
If a publishing house makes you work to find your own connections - question now, why do you need them?
The average pay for royalties is 30%-50%. 30% or less is one I would stay clear of. They're just looking for easy money. That's only my opinion.
Your work is yours. Most likely, you're only giving them first exclusive rights to print your work. They are investing the time and money. (Or, should be) Give them some leeway. They know what sells and what doesn't. (They should if they're reputable.) Yes, I worked with a "traditional publisher" but, I don't think they were that traditional since I had to pay for everything myself.
POD Paid on Demand.
We all know who they are. They're the ones that want money upfront to do something you can do for a fraction of the cost. They want money to market and make stupid promises. Think about it, the ones that immediately come to mind, why are there more bad reviews than positive?
They sell your book for 2x more than the average book. Oh yeah, more royalties. Woohoo! NOT! The sales aren't there because no one is willing to pay $20 for a 250 page book. That was back in the day. That $250 page book costs $4 to make. Yeah, I know right? And they're only getting $5 royalty. So where's the other $11 going? Umm, the POD's pocket. It doesn't cost/take that much time to do what they do. They're the middle man. They sit there and "list/monitor/distribute monies" to you. Oh, wow.
My freelancer is one price and that's it. (We'll talk about freelancers later on)
POD's also claim to "create a cover". Yeah, they create one for FREE off createspace. The same thing you can do. Blah! Move on and stay clear. They want thousands to help you market. First, yes it does take thousands, but not for what they offer.
Oh, FYI - even traditional publishers use POD services to print your book. You think they have a warehouse full of your books? Nope. Why do you think you see it on Amazon and the other sites? Now, if you see it in stores, that's something different.
I'm not all too familiar since I really haven't done research. But, you have to pay for your books upfront. Pay to ship them to the distributing warehouse, pay for shelf space, and if they don't sell, pay to have them shipped back. (I'll be doing more research later on and see if this is accurate)
If you're like me, you want the physical book and not ebook. (No offense towards that who do ebooks) I can see why, but I like to see a library and walk by the books. Gives me more motivation to read one. Also, if someone is over at their house, they browse what books interest them. If it's in your Nook or Kindle, they don't even know how many books you have. Another free marketing technique. (We'll talk marketing later on)
So why do they charge so much if it's that easy?
It is easy, but it's also time consuming as shit, and they're "professionals" so they can get in and out. I spent six months researching on how to properly format an ebook. (Formatting a paperback was easy) Ebooks, ugh! W.L. Sevol came to me and asked me to help. I said okay. We're in the process of a quick easy way to format your book, yourself.
Even though createspace isn't a "POD" it is. If you read the royalty differences you are paying, just not up front. Everyone's gotta make their money somehow.
So, which one do you go with?
It all depends on what you're trying to achieve.
Well, if you can find write a nice query letter and have a publisher listen to you, I would go that route.
If you want to throw your book out there and hope for the best and have the final control, createspace through amazon will do the trick.
If you're hoping for fame and fortune, then traditional publisher has more connections.
Again, after the last publisher I worked with, I do everything myself. I may consider a reputable one down the line to submit a query, but right now, in my life, I'm content on where I'm at.
The pros to Traditional Publishing
You don't have to pay
Marketing is taken care of for you
Editing/covers taken care
Distribution is taken care
Now, that sounds great. (and, it is) How much of a say do you have in your book? Are you guaranteed results? Are you guaranteed, anything? Who holds the rights to you work and for how long?
Now, there are a lot of plus sides to Traditional. Remember this though, even publishers don't know what they're looking for. You could have the next big ticket and they'll overlook you. So, what? You wrote for the love, not for the monies.
I tried traditional publishing. Or, so they said they were. I paid for everything, I went broke and I handed them a finished project to where they had to market. They didn't market.
Hint/Tip - You're not the only author they're working with.
The problems I had with my traditional publisher. They didn't market. Marketing is not that hard. (Well, it is if you don't know where to start) I hate marketing. I know what works and what doesn't. Why aren't my sales better? Simple. I don't care. I wrote for fun, not for the monies. If my books will do well, they'll do well. Look at the other books that became well known. (Plus, I'm new.) We all have to start out somewhere.
If you're working with an already established publisher, many problems I'll be addressing may not be there. Lets face it, everyone wants to get rich quick. The quicker it comes, the quicker it leaves. There are a lot of fly by night publishing houses popping up. Some are legit. Some not so much.
I'll leave a name out at the moment. Do your research. Inquire authors and see if they like them. Look at their sales. If they're not selling, do you honestly think the publishing house is going to work on selling your work? I write different forms of genre. I thought I lucked out and got a house that accepted all. I was wrong. What I got was a pain in the ass.
If a publishing house refuses to let you talk to other authors, stay clear.
If a publishing house refuses to let you talk to the editor, stay clear.
If a publishing house refuses to pay for anything (covers/editing), yeah, stay clear. And don't buy the excuse that you can always put out a second edition. Why should you pay more monies and work twice as hard to put out a second edition when you can be working on more work?
If a publishing house makes you work to find your own connections - question now, why do you need them?
The average pay for royalties is 30%-50%. 30% or less is one I would stay clear of. They're just looking for easy money. That's only my opinion.
Your work is yours. Most likely, you're only giving them first exclusive rights to print your work. They are investing the time and money. (Or, should be) Give them some leeway. They know what sells and what doesn't. (They should if they're reputable.) Yes, I worked with a "traditional publisher" but, I don't think they were that traditional since I had to pay for everything myself.
POD Paid on Demand.
We all know who they are. They're the ones that want money upfront to do something you can do for a fraction of the cost. They want money to market and make stupid promises. Think about it, the ones that immediately come to mind, why are there more bad reviews than positive?
They sell your book for 2x more than the average book. Oh yeah, more royalties. Woohoo! NOT! The sales aren't there because no one is willing to pay $20 for a 250 page book. That was back in the day. That $250 page book costs $4 to make. Yeah, I know right? And they're only getting $5 royalty. So where's the other $11 going? Umm, the POD's pocket. It doesn't cost/take that much time to do what they do. They're the middle man. They sit there and "list/monitor/distribute monies" to you. Oh, wow.
My freelancer is one price and that's it. (We'll talk about freelancers later on)
POD's also claim to "create a cover". Yeah, they create one for FREE off createspace. The same thing you can do. Blah! Move on and stay clear. They want thousands to help you market. First, yes it does take thousands, but not for what they offer.
Oh, FYI - even traditional publishers use POD services to print your book. You think they have a warehouse full of your books? Nope. Why do you think you see it on Amazon and the other sites? Now, if you see it in stores, that's something different.
I'm not all too familiar since I really haven't done research. But, you have to pay for your books upfront. Pay to ship them to the distributing warehouse, pay for shelf space, and if they don't sell, pay to have them shipped back. (I'll be doing more research later on and see if this is accurate)
If you're like me, you want the physical book and not ebook. (No offense towards that who do ebooks) I can see why, but I like to see a library and walk by the books. Gives me more motivation to read one. Also, if someone is over at their house, they browse what books interest them. If it's in your Nook or Kindle, they don't even know how many books you have. Another free marketing technique. (We'll talk marketing later on)
So why do they charge so much if it's that easy?
It is easy, but it's also time consuming as shit, and they're "professionals" so they can get in and out. I spent six months researching on how to properly format an ebook. (Formatting a paperback was easy) Ebooks, ugh! W.L. Sevol came to me and asked me to help. I said okay. We're in the process of a quick easy way to format your book, yourself.
Even though createspace isn't a "POD" it is. If you read the royalty differences you are paying, just not up front. Everyone's gotta make their money somehow.
So, which one do you go with?
It all depends on what you're trying to achieve.
Well, if you can find write a nice query letter and have a publisher listen to you, I would go that route.
If you want to throw your book out there and hope for the best and have the final control, createspace through amazon will do the trick.
If you're hoping for fame and fortune, then traditional publisher has more connections.
Again, after the last publisher I worked with, I do everything myself. I may consider a reputable one down the line to submit a query, but right now, in my life, I'm content on where I'm at.
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