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.

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?

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...

• 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.

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.

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 :)

Day 1 workout

So, my friend and I are going to attempt this. Today is day 1. Will take measurements and weight before and will post to see if this works.

1- Female - 32 - 34/34/36 - 144lbs - 5'5
2- Female - 33 - 34/25/35 -  135lbs - 5'5

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.