Continue reading Book Review: Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young
All posts by L.M. Durand
Interview: C. Penticoff, Fantasy Author of “Weathering The Wicked”
C. Penticoff, fantasy author and owner of A Novel Connection, started creating books the moment she could pick up a pen and write with it. Her first book, Weathering the Wicked, is one she started writing at the age of 12. After 14 years of throwing crumbled up pieces of paper in the trash and going back to the writing board, she finally had the masterpiece she had dreamed of publishing since middle school.
Aside from writing, her passion is running and growing her website, A Novel Connection, which offers readers free books in exchange for honest reviews.
When she isn’t writing, she is homeschooling her two young boys and daydreaming of worlds beyond our own.
Continue reading Interview: C. Penticoff, Fantasy Author of “Weathering The Wicked”
Interview: S.E. Ellis, Author of “Hestia the Dreamwalker”
S.E. Ellis currently lives in Colorado and enjoys eating ramen (every day), going for long hikes under the sun (and under the moon), writing, reading and searching used bookstores for hidden treasure.
Often seen on the High Line Canal trails talking to raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, crows and ravens.
S.E. Ellis is the author of “Hestia the Dreamwalker.”
Continue reading Interview: S.E. Ellis, Author of “Hestia the Dreamwalker”
Author Interview: Ferishta Ganga, Author of debut novel, “The Rebels”
MEET THE AUTHOR: FERISHTA GANGA
Ferishta Ganga is the author of debut novel, The Rebels. She loves writing beyond words and reading anything in the YA genre. The Rebels is her debut novel and she had the most fun times writing it.
She claims to be a sucker for romance, and enjoys building tension in her stories in order to pull her readers in deeper and keep them there until the story has ended.
When not writing, she can be found surfing the net and ordering more books to add to her TBR shelf.
Continue reading Author Interview: Ferishta Ganga, Author of debut novel, “The Rebels”
Giveaway – Here is a chance to get a book of your choice on me!
GIVEAWAY – Enter for a chance to win a Barnes and Noble Gift Card. Two Winners!
This is the last giveaway I’ll be running for this year to celebrate the Holidays, NaNoWriMo and you awesome readers! The giveaway will start today, November 6th at 12:00 pm PST and will end on 11/30 at 12:00pm PST.
There will be two winners, and the prize is a $25 Barnes and Noble Gift card. In other words, it’ll be a book or two on me. Due to the nature of the prizes, it’ll be US only (Sorry!). Please see full rules on the Raflecopter link below. Please no giveaway accounts. This is meant for readers of this blog and lovers of books.
The winners will be contacted when the giveaway ends. The names should appear on the website within 48 hours after the winners replies back to me.
I wish you all good luck, and thank you for being awesome! Can’t wait to start a new year with you all.
Thanks for reading! I’m a Fantasy writer who loves books beyond words. I’d love to hear more about you. Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
If you enjoyed the post, make sure to hit the “like” button below, leave a comment, and share on Social Media.
Also, enter your email to access my monthly newsletter and receive an e-Book where I’ll give you simple steps on how to build a Twitter Platform with the right audience for you.
[mc4wp_form id=”5745″]
MailChimp announced a big change. Learn how it will affect you.
MailChimp users, have you looked at your emails yet? All users should have received an email yesterday providing information on the upcoming changes. October 31st will be the effective date, and that means that you have a choice to make by then.
For those who aren’t familiar, MailChimp is an email service provider like AWeber or MailerLite. It helps you build your email list, and as a writer/author, you definitely should have one. If you haven’t started building your email list, now would be the time to start and not when your book is ready, but this is a different conversation about your Author Platform.
Continue reading MailChimp announced a big change. Learn how it will affect you.
Is NaNoWriMo right for you? #AuthorToolboxBlogHop
When it comes to NaNoWriMo, I’ve heard a lot of mixed opinions over the past few months, and quite frankly, they were all solid reasons. This web-based event isn’t for everyone, and if it is for you this year, it doesn’t mean it will be next year and vice versa.
Whether you participate in NaNoWriMo or not, there is certainly value in doing so. But in the end, it’s all about who you are, what’s in you, and whether it’s the right time or not. Let me explain this.
Continue reading Is NaNoWriMo right for you? #AuthorToolboxBlogHop
What GoT Tv Show reminded me as a Fantasy Writer
As a Fantasy lover and writer, the latest season of Game of Thrones reminded me of a few important things. If you’re a fan of the show/books, no worries – there won’t be any spoilers here.
I’m not discussing the show itself, but something I thought was important when you create Fantasy. And I was reminded of it while watching the last season of GoT.
Continue reading What GoT Tv Show reminded me as a Fantasy Writer
Giveaway: Enter for a chance to win the September Unicorn Crate Book Box
One Year!! YAY! It’s time to celebrate. I wanted to thank you all for making this possible, and created this giveaway as a Thank you.
Whether to indulge yourself or to treat a family member or a friend, this is for you.
Enter for a chance to win the September Unicorn Crate Book Box, a YA Fantasy book box.
Here are the details on the prize:
THEME: EPIC JOURNEYS
Here is the details provided by The Unicorn Crate:
☆ Get ready for adventure, dark magic, avalanches, ice chasms, sheer rock faces, ghosts … and many other fascinating magical creatures.
☆ The book featured in this crate is an action-packed debut fantasy (the first in a duology) in a gorgeous setting. I cannot wait for the second book! Set in a fictional kingdom reminiscent of Nepal, it is inspired by both Eastern mythology and the early climbers of Mount Everest. I recommend this book to all ya fantasy fans, and especially fans of Philip Pullman, Cindy Pon, and Alison Goodman. This is a truly unique book in the genre and I am so psyched to bring it to you guys in the crates! It is about a teen girl who is hired as a mountain-climbing guide for a mysterious and eccentric explorer and is faced with climbing the most dangerous peak in her world. She is in direct competition with her own sister, and embarks on a journey you won’t soon forget.
☆ This box will be packed with items relating to this theme and the featured book (signed book plate and letter from the author will also be included). There will be at least 6 items and one of the items will be Lord of the Rings related!
How to enter – See Below:
I’m sorry for all international readers. This giveaway is for US only, and you must be 18 or older. Full terms and conditions are available below.
I started this blog a year ago, and I’m very excited to pursue this journey with you all.
Thanks for reading! I’m a YA Fantasy writer who loves books beyond words. I’d love to hear about you. Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
If you enjoyed the post, make sure to hit the “like” button below, leave a comment, and share on Social Media.
Also, enter your email to access my monthly newsletter and receive an e-Book where I’ll give you simple steps on how to built a Twitter Platform with the right audience for you (I have now 27K followers and it only took me a few months).
[mc4wp_form id=”5745″]
5 Top Features for Editing with Scrivener #AuthorToolboxBlogHop
Scrivener is a writing software that has transformed my life. I know many people still use Word or other writing software, and that’s great, as long as it works for them. We should all use what works for us. I already discussed why this software is a great tool for writing. But, if you’re unsure whether or not this is for you, let me present you five features that will make editing with Scrivener immensely better.
A little disclaimer: I’m NOT an expert, and probably use only half of the features available in the software. But what I do use changed my productivity for the better.
Here is how:
5 best features for Editing with Scrivener
1 – Split screen
Split screen is hands down one of the most helpful features. You can select the vertical or horizontal split and even swap the screens to fit your need.
Have you ever created a character and 10 chapters later, you don’t remember exactly his/her eye color or hair color? Well, when you edit and double check the details, a split screen is a lifesaving feature. What if you add something on a character or a place? The split screen allows you to update your character/place sheet without leaving your current page. It edits both pages as you go.
How to do this?
On the top right end corner, you’ll see a square split in two. This will activate the horizontal split screen.
To have a vertical split, go to View > Layout > Split Vertical (Horizontal if you want to go back to that view after)
I tried to create a quick example above to show you how it would look like. The split screen allows to go back to your research, character, places sheets at any time and make the appropriate changes to your work in progress.
One of the advantages of using these sheets is that you have them with you all the time and can easily transfer them to your next project if you write a sequel.
2 – Color icons
There is no right or wrong way of color coding your work. We all have a system, and Scrivener allows you to add labels, flags, plain colors, or even change the icons to fit your needs. From there, you can create your own system and make it work for you.
For example, I change the icon when I change POV, so it gives me a visual of how important his or her voice is throughout the book, if it’s too broken up, or it simply reminds me of who the chapter belongs to without opening the document. I use the book icon with each color representing a character.
At a scene level (not chapter), flags help me figure out if this is my first draft, if I still need to revise, or whether I revised or not, but still not quite happy with it.
You can use these options in a variety of ways that will make your work a little easier. I’m a visual person, and it helps me understand how much work is left at any time.
3 – Speech
** This feature is for Mac users only.
You write a sentence, read it several times, and everything sounds proper. Then, someone else reads it later (or even you), and you realize instead of “on,” you wrote “of,” or the verb in mind is different from what is written.
Does that sound familiar?
When it happens, it drives me insane, and that’s when the Speech feature comes in.
The Speech feature will read your text for you, so it’ll allow you to notice if the flow is broken or when you have a typo or grammar issue. This feature will make editing with Scrivener a whole new experience.
Reading your work out loud is an effective way to edit, but having someone else do it is even better. Your voice will be thankful, but more importantly, your mind won’t trick you in reading what you think is there, but isn’t.
4 – Snapshot
The snapshot is a feature that allows you to start over without losing your previous work. Writers have the right to change their mind and try out new ways to approach a scene. Snapshots will allow you to go back to a previous version of your work stored. Thanks to this functionality.
Before you make a change, make sure to click on the button shown below. The date and name should appear in the box below under time and title.
You can rename them and go back to it if needed.
Here is a little video from the company who created the software. Please note that it’s an old video and the icon for the snapshot now looks like shown above, but the principle remains the same.
5 – Text Statistics
This feature provides insights on your writing, more specifically on word frequency. I love how the Text Statistics can help determine if you use too much of a word or if your verbs/adjectives are strong enough. Take a look and spice things up.
The button may be available on your toolbar, or you can go to Project > Text Statistics.
Bonus – 6 – Document view
This is the first of the three modes.
The Group Mode contains three different view modes – Document, Corkboard, and Outline. The first view allows you to select all or specific chapters (or scenes). You can then edit them without the need to go to another file. Your view will look like a book, and you can edit all the documents from this one view.
Each scene is separated by a line, but all three scenes are displayed on the same view. No need to go back and forth. It helps the flow and keeps everything in one place.
What’s your favorite feature? These features help me edit. There are a few more I enjoy using when I write a first draft, but when it comes to editing, these are perfect. Writing a novel can be a daunting task if you’re using the wrong tools. Writers should only focus on writing and not make the software behave in the way they want.
This article is part of the author toolbox blog hop. To continue hopping through other great blogs in the monthly #AuthorToolboxBlogHop or to join, click here.
Thanks for reading! I’m a YA Fantasy writer who loves books beyond words, and I’d love to hear about you. Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
If you enjoyed the post, make sure to hit the “like” button below, leave a comment, and share on Social Media.
Also, enter your email to access my bi-monthly newsletter. Receive an e-Book where I’ll give you simple steps on how to built a Twitter Platform with the right audience for you. I have now 27K followers and it only took me a few months.
[mc4wp_form id=”5745″]
I’m a NaNoWriMo Participant. Will you commit to your writing and join me?
I made a big decision a couple of weeks ago, and I’m super excited about it. I’m going to be a NaNoWriMo participant this year. YAY!
Who’s with me?
Seriously, please let me know if you’re participating. I’ll add you to my writing buddies. I’d love to share that experience with you all.
As a first-time participant, I have to say the timing is perfect. I’m still in the process of editing book one, but my beta readers will very soon be involved, and while I write book two, book one will be in good and capable hands.
I’ll be attending the Writer’s Digest Novel Writing conference in Pasadena, CA, the last weekend of October. I’m very excited to attend the classes and hone my writing skills, along with my understanding of the industry. These conferences are a wonderful way to improve yourself at whichever stage you are in your writing. So, while I wait for my editor to work on it, I’ll have time to write the first draft of book two – or at least that’s the plan.
What’s NaNoWriMo?
Why should You consider it?
NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. The web-based event starts on November 1st and ends on November 30th. In other words, you have 30 days to write 50,000 words, which is an average of 1,677 words a day.
The goal is to either complete the first draft of a novel, a novella, or whatever you’re working on or at least get it to a decent size. You can either write in the comfort of your home or join other participants in a local event/store.
What you need to do is to sign up online (it’s free) and prepare for it. You have to abide by the rules to have a chance to be a winner. So, you cannot start early, and throughout November, you’ll have to update your word count to keep you accountable.
In the end, you copy paste your book in their tool, and you are considered a winner when their server can validate that you wrote 50,000+ words. Note that no copies will be kept, so there should be no worries of getting your work duplicated somewhere.
What’s the reward?
Your work, and how proud you can be of such accomplishment. This event helps your writing move forward and keeps you motivated and on track with your goals.
Why would anyone do this?
First of all, I would not want to miss an opportunity to join my fellow writers to accomplish something important to me. Writing should be fun in the end. Goals and deadlines help me make sure that my WIP sees the light, and writing the first draft can be daunting.
NaNoWriMo is a fantastic opportunity to get the motivation to bring your work forward and commit to your writing. There is something empowering in writing with like-minded people around you pushing themselves. It is an inspiration to keep you on track and accountable.
Now, I need to be honest with myself. I won’t write while my family is home over Thanksgiving, so I need to consider this. Technically, I can write 20 full days, and the rest would be a bonus. To succeed, I need to put in 2,500 words a day, and if I want to finish the manuscript, I’ll need to double this a day.
Is that realistic?
2,500 is realistic – 5,000 is a little more ambitious, but still possible. I can write much more when I know what to write, but this is the first draft. So, I’m bound to stop here and there and wonder if my choices for the plot is right.
The key to success will rest on my ability to outline and develop the world well enough in advance to know what I’m supposed to be writing about, a tether that will guide me through the story and to the end of book two.
Can I guarantee that I’ll write at least 50,000 words? Yes – with proper preparation. I need to be motivated (and I am), but more importantly, I need to be prepared.
How will I prepare for it?
I already created a new project in Scrivener, which is the writing software that I use. I’m building the world for the next couple of weeks (at least what is not yet developed in book 1), and then, I will outline. I already have an idea of what I want to accomplish in this book, which is always great. In the meantime, I’m getting my hands on any resources I can to make this a successful endeavor.
My best ideas usually happen at completely random moments, so I keep a notebook close by in case. Even my notebook is trying to inspire me. It says, “Follow your dreams.”
Aye, notebook! That’s exactly what I shall do.
If I get to accomplish this part, I should be in good shape to be close to finish or to complete the first draft in November. Now, let’s cross fingers.
Have you participated in a NaNoWriMo before? What has been your biggest challenge? What would you recommend?
Thanks for reading! I’m a Fantasy writer who loves books beyond words. I’d love to hear about you. Connect with me on Instagram,Twitter, and Facebook.
If you enjoyed the post, make sure to hit the “like” button below, leave a comment, and share on Social Media.
Also, enter your email to access my bi-monthly newsletter and receive an e-Book where I’ll give you simple steps on how to built a Twitter Platform with the right audience for you (I have now 27K followers and it only took me a few months).
[mc4wp_form id=”5745″]
The Liebster Award – 11 questions to answer and 11 Blogs nominated
The Liebster Award
Last Monday, I was nominated by the awesome Courtney at Paperback Beaches for the Liebster Award and would like to thank her. I appreciate it very much, so please make sure to check out her blog!
She had 11 questions for me, so I’ll do my best to answer all of them to the best of my ability.
Continue reading The Liebster Award – 11 questions to answer and 11 Blogs nominated
Interview – Katherine Dell, Author of Harmless, a YA Paranormal novel
Katherine Dell is a young adult fiction author fascinated by the supernatural and the stories that surround them, and has recently released her debut novel, Harmless. She began her writing endeavours in 2011 when she wanted to reinvent herself from her previous career as an event planner.
I’ve had the great pleasure to publish a guest post “Starting, Stalling, and Finding Another Gear” from her in November 2016 while she was writing this book, and she returns today to discuss its release and her journey as an Indie Author.
When she’s not writing, she can be found in cold hockey arenas sipping coffee, working on her tan at little league games, or trying to keep her dog out of her many gardens. She lives with her husband, two boys, and fur babies, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Continue reading Interview – Katherine Dell, Author of Harmless, a YA Paranormal novel
Adding Conflict and Making Things Worse for Your Characters (Yes, even worse than you first imagined) – By Kelly Charon
Kelly Charron is the author of horror, psychological thrillers and urban fantasy novels. All with gritty, murderous inclinations and some moderate amounts of humor. She spends far too much time consuming true crime television (and chocolate) while trying to decide if yes, it was the husband, with the wrench, in the library.
She has written a YA psychological thriller called PRETTY WICKED about Ryann Wilkanson, a 15-year-old girl living in the small town of Dungrave County, Colorado who dreams of being an infamous and prolific serial killer––all the while keeping her dark deeds secret from her detective father and his shrewd partner. Available on Amazon.
With much more to tell in this story, she has written a sequel to PRETTY WICKED titled WICKED FALLOUT, which takes place 12 years after the slew of murders in the small town of Dungrave. It can be enjoyed as a standalone novel or as part of the Pretty Wicked series.
She lives and writes in Vancouver, Canada with her husband and their fat cat Moo Moo, who insists on sitting on the keyboard and begging for people food.
7 Simple Ways Any Writer Can Build a Tribe Today – By Frank McKinley
Frank McKinley is a published author, writing coach, idea guy, and entrepreneur. His mission is to help writers engage readers, sell their ideas, and build their tribes. His website is www.frankmckinleyauthor.com.
More than that, he is also one of the founders of Network Tribe builder, group where we help each other thrive, and I learned a great deal from the members and Frank himself.
I wrote an article on what you it takes to write a blog, and today Frank discusses the importance of having a Tribe as a writer, but also as a blogger. Continue reading 7 Simple Ways Any Writer Can Build a Tribe Today – By Frank McKinley
35 Ideas to promote your book on Instagram – Author Toolbox Blog Hop
As part of this month’s Author Toolbox Blog Hop, I want to discuss Social Media as a way to promote your book. Everyone should know that you should start building a following early on, and not once your book is complete. Now, a huge following won’t necessarily translate into sales unless your following is well targeted and they are engaged with you.
Let me say this: Talking about your book all the time won’t help you. I’ll even go one step further by saying it’ll probably kill your chances to succeed. Build your following by being genuine and helpful to others before thinking of your book. That’s why it’s important to start building your following before you need it.
Now with that said, when you’re ready to launch your book, social media is a must. I strongly suggest developing 1 or 2 platforms – 3 at most.
Why?
Because it takes an impressive amount of time to do it well. So it’s better to be great at one or two than below average at 6 or 8. The idea behind social media is that it will help you spread the word when the time comes. Last week, I provided tips on how to grow your platform on Instagram and this week, I want to go over ideas on how to promote your book on this growing platform.
Continue reading 35 Ideas to promote your book on Instagram – Author Toolbox Blog Hop
6 Best Tips to help you grow your business with Instagram
Instagram is a social media that allows you to share photos and videos. With over 400 million daily users in 2017, businesses use more and more of this fast growing platform to increase brand awareness, drive traffic, and make money. End of last year, I created an account and posted a few random pictures on a regular basis. My problem was that I couldn’t seem to go over 100 followers for a long time.
I’m busy, you’re busy, and everyone else is busy. So the bottom line is that I can only invest time on a social platform that it can yield value to my business. Because if it doesn’t, what’s the point?
Best Tips to Grow Your Business with Instagram
I wasn’t sure how it worked, and Instagram attracts mind blowing talented creative people. Look at the top posts! They are usually stunning visuals. I know who I am and don’t expect to top this and I could certainly do better.
So in the end, I needed to up my game big time.
But again, I’m not one of these creative Instagram phenomena, and you know what? That’s ok. I’m a writer, not a photographer. I’ve seen many successful people build a meaningful community without displaying a crazy creative side.
In May 2017, I read an article about Instagram from Neil Patel, and I realized that what I was doing with Twitter wasn’t far off from what I was supposed to do with Instagram.
#1 – Open a business Instagram account
If you’re starting, I strongly suggest opening a business account. The same way you use a Facebook page, you also have a Business Instagram account. It’s free, so there really isn’t any downside to it
Why should you use a business page?
A business page will give you access to features a private account can’t.
[tweet_dis_img]
[/tweet_dis_img]
– Be seen as a professional: Having a business account will increase your credibility as a business.
– Get notified real time when your post is performing better than the others. These notifications are quite handy to grasp better what resonates with your audience.
– Get insights (engagements, reach, website click,…): You will know which pictures or videos generated the most traction in more details. You’ll have a better understanding of how your audience interacts with your material. Also, you know how many people clicked on your link in your profile.
– Add information on your business (hours, location,…)
– Promote your page: If you have a new product coming out, Instagram gives you the ability to run ads and reach a larger audience.
[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]75% of Instagrammers take action after being inspired by a post[/tweet_box]
#2 – Post consistently
So here is a caveat for me. I’m writing and reading a lot when my family isn’t around, so I don’t have much time for social media. I’m sure I’m not the only one having this issue.
There are a few things I can schedule over the weekend, but I try not to go beyond 30 minutes a day (all platforms except Instagram) on social media.
The problem is that it can be difficult to grow with not a lot of time at hands. I could make more, but I ultimately need to write and read to improve and finish my book. Plus, most of the scheduler with Instagram allows you to schedule, but will notify you on the day/time to post that picture. There is an extra step. It still can save time for people who posts several times a day, but I only post only a day. So it’s manageable for me.
[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]More than 40 Billion photos have been uploaded to Instagram so far.[/tweet_box]
I read in a few posts that the most recommended number of posts was at least twice a day and have one live video/story. The truth is: I don’t have time (or in other words, I won’t make time and won’t budge). But I understand the importance to consistency, so I committed to 1 picture a day. Find what works for you, but keep your expectations to the efforts you’re willing to put in. My growth isn’t spectacular, but it is consistent and targeted.
I’m starting to witness a steady traffic to my site, and this is truly what I’m looking for beyond connecting with other Bookstagrammers (AKA people on Instagram who only post pictures of books), book lovers, and writers.
[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]If you’re new to Instagram, no need to panic, Instagram offers free training through Facebook to optimize your presence.[/tweet_box]
Here is the link.
#3 – Pictures or videos? Your call.
Consistency is key. You can post a picture or a short video, but the best is usually to vary a bit. The posts with the most engagement are often the accounts with a theme (color/topic) and consistency. Your business page shouldn’t be like your personal page where you post everything you like.
Your business page should reflect your product with a creative approach and always aim at growth. Who do you want to target? Think about it, and when you have your answer, keep it in mind. Then think how your picture can reflect it.
Instagrammers are very talented and creative individuals. If you decide to share some videos, here are a few facts. You can give it a try. Not everyone is comfortable with videos, so only go there if you feel comfortable with it. But, always be professional about it. It’s YOUR brand, your baby.
[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]When Instagram introduced videos, 5 million videos were uploaded in the first 24 hours.[/tweet_box]
Instagram videos get two times the engagement of photos that any other social media platform.
#4 – Comment on other posts.
Comments are powerful to build a relationship and grow your brand. I don’t force myself in doing anything. I leave a comment when I want and feel compelled to do so.
Guess what?
Commenting allowed me to meet great people on Instagram too. In 2 months and posting only once a day, I’ve gained close to 1,400 new followers without going crazy over it. I’m sure anyone who has the time can go way beyond this. Once my book is complete, I’ll probably start taking a little more time on Social Media.
For now, I don’t want to disappear, so I post regularly, but I have my priorities straight and mainly focus on writing.
#5 – Hashtags
Hashtags are like keys to doors with an audience behind. You need enough keys to make a big enough impact, but most importantly, you need the right keys to make an impact at all.
I looked up other sites too, but the magic number to extend your reach seems to be at least 11 in your title, and up to 50 if you add more in a comment with a limit of 30 hashtags per post. (This limit may have changed, but couldn’t confirm if it was the last update.)
[tweet_dis_img]
[/tweet_dis_img]
Source: Get.simplymeasured.com
I haven’t done this yet. I usually have about 10 hashtags in the title, but I look at what the other bookstagrammers do, and it doesn’t seem crazy. Know what your established competition do, so it’ll give you a better sense of what’s acceptable.
I may try to do this though once I get more time.
#6 – Get an app to track your unfollowers
Get an app to make sure you unfollow the people who only added you to get a follow, but will get rid of you as soon as possible. I have an app called Followers + that helps me keep track of my activity.
No affiliates of any kind. I found this app on my own reading reviews and it’s my personal opinion.
You need to target your following by following profiles with similar interests. Go to the Top Posts and click on their followers. Look at the list of profiles and follow 50 max at a time. Don’t get spammy.
Don’t forget to unfollow the people who do not follow you back within 48 hours. You need to remove them, or it will tank your numbers. I do have a handful of people I follow and don’t expect them to follow me back, but keep it to the lowest number I can.
Remember that you don’t have to follow everyone, but it will certainly help you increase your audience faster.
Like any social media, Instagram is only what you want it to be. The time you dedicate to the platform will have a direct correlation with the amount of growth you’ll experience. The formula is pretty standard.
Be consistent. Be relevant. Be creative. Be genuine. Be social. Be a leader.
Whenever you have a bit more time, use it wisely. Also, NEVER buy followers. It’s tacky and a complete waste of money because it won’t bring you the following you need to develop your business. Embrace your creative side and connect with like-minded people.
Do you use Instagram? Share your experience. 🙂
Thanks for reading! I’m a YA Fantasy writer who loves books beyond words. I’d love to hear about you. Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
If you enjoyed the post, make sure to hit the “like” button below, leave a comment, and share on Social Media.
Also, enter your email to access my bi-monthly newsletter and receive an e-Book where I’ll give you simple steps on how to built a Twitter Platform with the right audience for you (I have now 27K followers and it only took me a few months).
[mc4wp_form id=”5745″]
Mid Year Update
June flew by, just like the beginning of this year. So here we are, halfway through 2017 celebrating the 4th of July with a weather perfect for BBQing and a day by the pool. It’s also the perfect time to think about what I wanted to accomplish at the beginning of the year and how to make the most out of what’s left of it.
Book Lovers – Indulge yourself with the best gift ever
I recently set myself a monthly reading goal. Better late than never, right? I’ve always loved reading but thought I would up my game a little by being a tad bit more consistent. Reading is the backbone of a good writer. So ultimately, the goal for me is to stay current on what’s out there, strengthen my writing, and breed new ideas.
I want to say that getting in the habit of reading and writing every day is a challenge. So I thought I would set up realistic goals to help achieve them. It turned out to be very empowering – I set a goal of four books minimum a month, check a mental box when I have one down, update my Instagram (@l.m.durand) because I love it, and go on an exciting book hunt. Awesome, right!? At least, it is for me. 🙂
I recently made a purchase that slightly changed my reading experience. I started out with a beautiful picture on Instagram and ended with a box in my mail – Its name: Owlcrate.
What’s that? Let me tell you.
To All Book Lovers, Indulge Yourself with This Monthly Book Subscription
– Owlcrate –
How it started.
Two months ago, I came across a picture of an open box stuffed with a beautiful hardcover book and Young Adult books related goodies inside.
And I thought of Christmas.
A warm and fuzzy feeling came to me along with the vivid memory of my big brother waking me up at 6:00 am. I’ve never been a morning person (my brother was… still is). On any other days, this would have ended up with our parents grounding us both in our room, but not that day.
On Christmas Day, nothing could have kept me in bed. He would tell me all about Santa dropping lots of presents under the tree and his master plan to get our parents down there. We weren’t allowed to open the presents before my parents get downstairs mostly because they wanted to capture our faces on camera.
So to increase our chances (AKA decrease our waiting time), we would team up to wake them up the earliest we could without pissing them off. That was the trickiest part. We always felt stronger united against adversity. And, getting my parents down there at 6:00 am was as close we could get to adversity, especially when you’re 5.
It’s funny how I now recognize that look on their face. The one that says “I love you, kid, but it’s way too early. Damn it! It’s Christmas and can’t say no.” That’s Karma, I guess. Truthfully, we never had to fight hard but did feel like it. Sorry, I digress.
What’s that fuss around it?
Have you heard of monthly book subscription box?? Well, there are boxes for any type of books or a specific targeted audience (i.e. Romance, thrillers, children’s books…). But, the one I saw was for Young Adult novels, which happens to be my target audience.
I love these books and can devour them at a very fast pace.
Owlcrate kind of fell on my lapses without asking. I saw very pretty pictures on Instagram, unboxing videos and decided to give it a try. For all book lovers out there, how would you like to have Christmas? Or a birthday present every month? Well, this is how it feels for me.
What is Owlcrate?
Owlcrate is a monthly YA subscription box that is delivered to your door every month. It contains a newly released YA novel along with 4 to 6 YA book-related goodies.
How cool is that?
This audience targets anyone who is 14 and up. You can select a single purchase on past boxes and see if there are any boxes you like. You can also go for some adventure and subscribe for a 1, 3, 6 or 12-month subscription.
Owlcrate isn’t the only company to offer this type of service, but I like them a lot. I also liked Fairyloot a lot, but it’s a UK-based company. Shipping cost to the U.S. is quite expensive. Maybe if I start making money writing… one day, one day…
Anyway, there are many companies like them, and it’s always good to check them out. Just to name a few: Unicorncrate – This box’s membership was sold out and it was more what I was looking for initially, which is YA Fantasy. Illumicrate and Uppercase Box are also great ones.
Why is this awesome to me?
– First of all, because I enjoy having a book related to my writingdelivered to my door every month. But even if it’s not fantasy, it helps me with the youthful narrative and other things I can learn on writing a YA novel.
– Because I did not pick the book, which makes me read books that I probably wouldn’t have read otherwise. And it’s an enriching experience.
– Because I get lots of great goodies that even my kid love. RIP to a green ball bath my 3 year-old threw in his bath. He asks his dad who had no idea what it was, so within the hour I had received it, it was gone. Apparently my kid thought it was a cool green and he wanted to be a monster. He had the best bath ever, so I guess that was a better use for it than what I could’ve done with it. 🙂
– Because I can use the goodies to take really cool pictures for Instagram, and most times for Twitter and Facebook. 🙂
– Because I connect with book lovers like me who have the same type of subscription and we discuss the books received. This is awesome because these readers are the ones I would love to have for readers. They tell me what they like and what they didn’t, which helps me figure out a little more on what or how to write on a specific topic.
– Because it’s awesome to get to unwrap one of these boxes – it’s like Christmas every month. Santa got competition right there.
Overall, this is a great experience, and I would recommend to any book lovers. I’m sure you can find the type of books you enjoy the most and find the right box for you. It’s also a great present.
The subscription isn’t awfully high especially when you get two books in the same month, but that’s not common, and it’s probably going to be still high for some. If you can afford it, I don’t really see a downside to these boxes, especially because there are so many different boxes and for everyone. Check out Cratejoy.
Note: I bought Owlcrate myself and opinions published in this post are my own.
Thanks for reading! I’m a YA Fantasy writer who loves books beyond words. I’d love to hear about you. Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
If you enjoyed the post, make sure to hit the “like” button below, leave a comment, and share on Social Media.
Also, enter your email to access my bi-monthly newsletter and receive an e-Book where I’ll give you simple steps on how to built a Twitter Platform with the right audience for you (I have now 27K followers and it only took me a few months).
[mc4wp_form id=”5745″]
#AuthorToolboxBlogHop – 9 Best Advice from agents to get them to read your first pages when you’re querying
For the first time, I’m participating in a monthly event #AuthorToolboxBlogHop that aims at helping authors at each stage of their career, and I’m very excited to be part of this. Thank you Raimey for making this happen! This month I wanted to share the best advice I’ve ever received from a panel of agents on what to do to make sure they’ll be reading your first pages when querying and you don’t end up in the unwanted pile.
You’ve spent hours and hours writing and perfecting your book. You went through numerous edits and now finally ready to take on the next step, the big step, the one that will put your name and work out there. It’s a frightening moment, but, one only persistent writers get to see. If you thought writing the book wasn’t easy, I fear this next step isn’t going to be either. Undeniably, the competition out there is fierce.
I attended a panel of agents a few months back where writers asked what we should do to make sure our submission doesn’t get dismissed and stands a fair chance. This panel was very informative and helpful, and it also gave us an understanding of what agents have to deal with on a daily basis. Understanding where they’re coming from will help you better prepare for the querying part of the process. I want to say agents must also need tons of coffee in the morning and probably wine at night.
Interview on Frank McKinley’s website on how I grew my Twitter community – Check it out!
This week, I was honored to cover a Social Media that I love, Twitter. I had the privilege to discuss how you can grow the right community for your business. I used a few techniques that got me from less than a 100 followers to 10K in 4 months. I’m now close to 27K after a break that I had to take beginning of the year. I’m excited to share this interview with you and hope you’ll learn a few things that can help you grow with the right audience for you.
Grow the right audience for you with Twitter.
Here is the link to the interview and while you’re at it, check out Frank McKinley’s website. He is the author of 6 non-fiction books all available on Amazon. Frank truly is a wonderful resource for writers and business entrepreneurs.
You got 10k Twitter followers in 4 months. How many hours a week did that take, and what were the keys to your success?
As of today, it takes me about 30 minutes a day, but when I first started, I did not have the proper tool or understanding of how Twitter worked. I would spend an hour or two each day trying to figure it out and ended up reading a few books on the topic because it was eating up time I desperately needed.
Social media is great to grow your author platform and build your readership, but you need to be interested in connecting with like-minded people. And, this is why it is time-consuming. To succeed, it’s important to start with the right tools. Social media should never consume all your time because, at the end of the day, you’re still a writer and need to write.
To succeed, you need to…
Click here to Read More on Frank’s website.
If you enjoyed the post, make sure to like, comment, and share on Social Media. Also, enter your email below to receive a Free e-book with the exact 10 steps that I used to grow my Twitter platform, and receive bi-monthly updates and tips.
[mc4wp_form id=”5745″]
Writing is hard, but it should also be fun.
Writing a book is undeniably something you do on your own unless you co-write a book, but most of the time, it’s an activity that you do alone. You sit down and pour your heart and soul onto the paper. Interactions aren’t what writers are known for, and sometimes, it can feel heavy on your shoulders. There are a lot of reasons why you may struggle, from trying to balance work, family, and writing, and fit everything in one day to doubting your writing skills. When you start spending a lot of time looking at the cursor blink on your screen or looking at the white paper mocking you, walk away.
Walk away and know that they are a few things you can do about it. This isn’t the end, but the beginning of your journey. [tweet_dis]If a journey was supposed to be easy, we would probably have no books written.[/tweet_dis] Everything comes from an internal or external fight (often both). So, fight for what you believe, stand up for yourself and push, but make sure you have fun while doing it. Fortunately, the things that you can do are pretty easy to apply. I may warn you though, some ideas will require a little more time than others, but when you’re consistent and willing to push, the only limit is YOU.
Continue reading Writing is hard, but it should also be fun.
14 “animated” steps to write a book
This week, I spent an impressive amount of hours editing my book. Writing a book can be rough at times, but I love it. What can I say? If you’re a writer, you’ll understand. So, I wanted to do something a little different, something… animated. It’s Friday after all! We should all smile a little.
Interested in writing a book? Already writing one? Follow these 14 (or maybe more) animated steps. You’ll know if this is for you, and if you’ve written a book, this might look familiar.
How to write a book in 14 steps.
Step 1: Get the right idea for your book.
You’ll need to get an idea so good that you’ll feel compelled to write the second it hits you. Be passionate by your topic.
Step 2: Do your research
Own your topic like a crazy mad person… or not. Just know what you’re talking about. Be credible.
Step 3: Outline your novel
Outline, but leave some room for imagination
Step 4: Write the first draft
This is where the fun begins. Don’t stop until you have a complete manuscript. Have fun with it!
Step 5 – Celebrate your writing
It was hard, but you did it. Be proud of you. Take a moment to celebrate this achievement, because, YES, you did it.
Step 6 – Allow a waiting period before editing
Let it sit for a while and grab a book. This time will give you the distance you need to edit with focus. Meanwhile, read as much as you can.
Step 7 – Edit your book
Beware it might hurt your eyes. You might wonder how you could have even considered this draft as remotely good, and it might depress you. But, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there.
You might even freak out, and even want to go there, but don’t!
Edit, edit, and edit.
Step 8 – Send it to your Beta Readers
After several rounds of edits where you carefully look at plot, pacing, characters, structure, writing styles and so on, it’s time for beta readers. Give them specific instructions, so they know what to look for.
Also, your cat may not be able to do the job… I’m just saying. Hopefully, it won’t plot against you.
via GIPHY
Yes… having people read your book might do that, but it’s ok. It’s an important step.
Step 9 – Edit some more
Did I say edit? Edit again, read out loud and edit again
Step 10 – Send your book to a professional editor
But, only when you think you can’t do better.
via GIPHY
And I meant by email… or mail. It might be more efficient.
Step 11 – Use your waiting time efficiently
Fight the urge to eat all the chocolate or bite your nails. Make sure you’re on the right track with your Author Platform, start your promotion, guest post, or start outlining your next book.
Step 12 – Edit again and again
Several rounds of edits may be needed… ok let’s be honest, it will be needed…
via GIPHY
Get that fire in you burning (but not literally)! Nothing can distract you from finishing this book… well, maybe a few things, but for the sake of it, let’s say nothing can.
Step 13- Read proof
When you’re absolutely sure it’s ready, have someone else (preferably someone who never read the book) read proof your book. You’ll need a fresh pair of eyes.
via GIPHY
I know what you think by now.
Well, yes, it is hard! It takes a lot to become a writer. But, spend the time necessary to make your story a page turner. No rush!
Step 14 – Query agents or go with self-publishing
It’s up to you at this point, but know that another journey begins here. I certainly hope you have that energy and enthusiasm when you get there because, let’s be honest, you’ll need it.
And here is how you write a book in 14 steps!
Ok! I know what you’re all thinking…
I know, right?!? LOL, I can see the editor in you cringe.
Complete these 14 steps and you’ll be ready for another adventure. Publishing is another lengthly journey, but if it’s worth every sweat and headaches. Whether you go with traditional or self-publishing, bear in mind that the writer in you should take a backseat and let the PR/business entrepreneur/publisher take over.
Have fun!
If you enjoyed the post, make sure to like, comment, and share on Social Media. Also, subscribe to my newsletter to get a Free e-book that will help you grow your Twitter platform, and receive monthly updates and my reading list.
[mc4wp_form id=”5745″]
Listen to the voice inside your head – By Matt Mayr
Matt Mayr grew up in a small mining community north of Lake Superior, where he learned to hunt and fish from a very young age. He holds an Honours English Degree from York University, and attended the Humber School for Writers mentorship program twice.
He has traveled extensively in India, Nepal, and South America, trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp, and paddling deep into the Amazon Basin. He lives in Toronto with his wife and daughter, where he is working on his next novel.
Continue reading Listen to the voice inside your head – By Matt Mayr
When it comes to writing, what you read matters.
I’m sure you all heard how reading is important to become a good writer. This isn’t news! But, what you read is also very important. Reading is, without a doubt, fundamental, but it is only a component in the learning process. The second part is what you read. So truly, what do you read and why? Are you only reading what you like or do you like to challenge yourself?
One piece of advice I received – from a former editor who is now an agent – that stuck with me was “[tweet_dis]read extensively in the genre that you represent, but don’t stop there[/tweet_dis].” This advice stayed with me because it’s indeed easier to read books we know we’ll love versus reading the books that will challenge us; the books we’ll learn from.
The truth is that what you read truly matters.
When you read, have a purpose and keep these 5 points in mind.
Reading should always be a pleasure
I want to start off by saying that reading should be a pleasure and not torture. If you can’t find pleasure in reading, then you’re doing something wrong.
[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]
You know you’ve read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.
–Paul Sweeney
[/tweet_box]
Reading is engaging in a journey. You may experience different emotions, but boredom shouldn’t be one of them. There are so many genres and different styles out there that you should always be able to find something that interests you whether it’s fiction or non-fiction. Reading is a wonderful experience, a way to travel to new places, to learn something, and/or to live different lives.
Again, if reading isn’t fun for you, you should rethink what you’re doing.
It’s ok not to finish a book
The second thing I would say is that it’s ok not to finish a book. If the book is torture, save yourself. As a rule of thumb, I go through the first 100 pages, and if I’m not hooked by then or I don’t feel like I’m learning something, I stop. Fortunately, it only happened to me a few times. The bright side is that when it happens you usually know why you stop, so you can make sure not to repeat the experience for your readers.
[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]
There comes a time when you have to choose between turning the page and closing the book.
–Josh Jameson
[/tweet_box]
You may also not be in the right set of mind, the book may be about a topic you’re not interested in at the moment, or it may be because the book isn’t the best it could be. But, whatever the reason is, don’t force it if you can’t enjoy it.
I gave up books, and a year to two later, I read again and loved it simply because it wasn’t something I felt like reading at that time. I did not give it a proper chance. It won’t happen all the times, but it can very well happen. So, read what you have the heart to read, but always give it a chance. Don’t give up right away.
Read extensively in your genre
I said this at the beginning – Reading in your genre is important. Why? Well, for various reasons, but at the top of the list, it will:
– Help you know what’s been written before
– Give you ideas for your current work in progress
– Help you understand the structure and pacing
– Help you understand the development of the characters and how their inner and outer journey unfold.
[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]
If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, you must be the one to write it.
–Toni Morrison
[/tweet_box]
And, in relation to the point #1 – you also need to have fun while reading. I assume if you write in a particular genre, it’s because you enjoy it. Write a new story, bring your readers where they’ve never been before.
I love reading thriller and romance too and there is no problem with that, but reading in the genre you write about will help you develop the right tone and voice for your book.
Challenge yourself by regularly reading something out of your usual reading
Now I said “read extensively in your genre,” but it doesn’t mean only reading in your genre. Extensively doesn’t mean exclusively. You can learn a lot by reading in other genres. For example, if you need to build tension or a twist in your plot, reading thriller are very helpful. Reading romance can help you develop a love story.
Then, you can also read books in the genre you’re not familiar with. It will always bring you valuable lessons. Don’t only read the easy books or ones you like.
[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]
The book you don’t read won’t help.
–Jim Rohn
[/tweet_box]
Books are here to entertain, but also teach you something. Don’t turn on them.
Improve your writing by reading
Finally, as I said in #3, reading will give you the tools to write.
[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]“If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.”
– Stephen King[/tweet_box]
Whether it’s about structure, pacing, character development, strengthening your vocabulary, or writing styles, books will always help you go on the right path. It’s easier to understand what you write if you understand what you like to read.
Reading is an important tool to become a good writer. Do not underestimate the power of reading. Of course, becoming a better writer should also involve a lot more such as writing extensively, learning everything you can about writing, meeting people in the business and finding individuals who will help you hone your craft.
Always show that you’re serious about writing because when you are, you’ll always be willing to be uncomfortable and go the extra mile.
So, what would you add to that list?
[tweet_dis_img]
[/tweet_dis_img]
Did you enjoy the inspirational quotes? Find more here.
[mc4wp_form id=”5745″]
4 reasons why attending writing conferences will help you become a better writer.
Last October, I attended the Writer’s Digest Writing Conference in Los Angeles, CA. It was my very first writing conference, and I was quite nervous. I had just completed the first draft of my novel and saw an opportunity to get better before starting the editing process. I felt that I needed to attend a Writing Conference because I never want to stop improving my writing skills when given a chance. Like many writers, I’m not exactly comfortable with social gatherings with perfect strangers. So, attending this conference was both exciting and terrifying. Or so I thought it would be.
Continue reading 4 reasons why attending writing conferences will help you become a better writer.
7 things you can’t do with an e-Book reader
When I wrote about the advantages of an e-book reader, I was thinking about how true it was, but also about the fact that despite everything, I would (like many) still prefer print books. Why? Simply because there are things you cannot do with an e-Book reader. So I’m closing the loop here with a few thoughts…
Continue reading 7 things you can’t do with an e-Book reader
Interview : Kevin Lux, Comedy writer – Author of the Series Puerile, Possibly Satirical
Kevin Lux is a twenty-two-year-old comedy writer from Luxembourg. He writes comedy articles about all sorts of subjects and is always looking for different ways to make people laugh with his words.
He studies philosophy at the University of Luxembourg, his choice of studies motivated by a fascination with the way philosophers look at the world.
11 things that will make you love e-Readers – #9 surprised me though…
A print book has always brought joy to my heart. Every time I see a bookshelf or I’m in a bookstore, I feel this urge to let my fingers trail on a stack of books. This excitement lingers while looking for my next adventure and when I finally find the one (or the ones), I feel like Indiana Jones finding the Graal. There are sparks in my eyes and the oh so familiar smell of the book that brings me to my happy place. Let’s say I was never fond of e-Readers. With that said, while I was traveling, I realized how convenient they were.
I simply love holding a book in my hands. So, when e-Readers came out a long time ago, I was in complete denial of their existence. Reading is so important for a writer, and I did not want to denature the experience. So, I decided I would boycott them. It lasted… a while… until I had to move.
So, how did I let e-Readers invade my life?
Honestly, it was late on a Sunday night, so all the stores were closed. I really wanted to read the next book of a Series and ran out of patience, so I gave in and decided to try it out. The first step was to download the e-reader and the e-book, which turned out to be easy enough not to give me time to second guess myself. Reading on an e-reader though wasn’t easy at first because my mind was missing the experience of turning actual pages and the feeling of holding it to have a feel of where you’re at in the story.
Eventually, I got used to it and needless to say that I use it a lot now. The advantages outnumbered the drawbacks, but it’s truly only now that I’m away that I understand the extent of the advantages. So, what are they?
[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]
Did you know?
The inventor of what became an e-Reader later was Angela Ruiz Robles, a Spanish woman who called it a mechanical encyclopedia.
[/tweet_box]
Here are 11 things that will make you love e-Readers.
or 11 reasons why e-Readers changed my reading experience in a good way.
#1 – Portability
When you travel or have a long commute, reading is a wonderful way to entertain yourself. If you’re traveling for an extended period of time and can’t bring along everything you want, an e-Reader is AWESOME! You can bring your entire bookshelf with you (probably a small bookshelf, but still…). The only thing to do is download all the books you need on your device.
No more heavy bags, no more internal struggles to see which books to bring along, no need to push the walls in your house, no more comments from your friends/family on where you think you can store them, and no more bargain with your family on what to do with all these books once read. You have more space, fewer headaches, and you may even be able to keep the books that truly matter to you (for the latter, some compromises and heartbreaks will undeniably happen!).
#2 – No need for lights at night
When you’re jet-lagged or have insomnia and want to read, but the people next to you don’t want you to use a light at 2 am, e-Readers are life-savers. The lighting is soft enough that it won’t bug them. When I was traveling, I had bought a print book with me, and when I was up at 3 am, I had to table it and read another book on my e-Reader. This was when I realized how much convenient this device truly was.
We use devices on a daily basis nowadays, and it’s only when you stop using them that you realize how much you depend on them.
#3 – No waiting time
For me, one of the biggest advantages of reading on an e-Reader is that you can own a book in a matter of seconds (or minutes depending on the downloading time). All you need is an internet connection. You can buy a new book virtually at any time, which is what won me over in the first place.
#4 – Large choice available
With millions of titles readily available at your fingertips, picking one book may become a little more complicated. You can own as much as you want, benefiting from a wider range of books including thousand of free books. It’s never been so easy to look for a book. You can search by genre, often most read or most bought, which can give you an idea of what to read if you’re unsure.
#5 – Underline, note taking/ search the web or access links
E-Readers allow you to highlight your favorite moments. You can also color codes to help you sort them out at the end. Your notes can be found in one place, which makes it easy to quote your favorite authors. You can also read what have been the most highlighted by others on some devices.
If it’s non-fiction, you may even have the ability to access pages on the web that will support the idea. Non-Fiction writers often use this as a way to communicate in a more direct manner with their readers by including links to their website or a video.
#6 – Looking up a word in a dictionary
Reading is a wonderful way to strengthen your vocabulary. If you stumble upon a word you don’t know or are not sure about, a dictionary is available to either provide a translation or provide the exact definition. It’s a fantastic way to learn.
#7 – Read without needing your hands
When you read on a device, you don’t need to hold the pages or the book open. If you want to do some light exercise and read at the same time, this is an option (audiobooks are probably better, but I prefer reading than listening to books. Just a personal taste).
Now if exercising isn’t for you, another advantage of this is that you can eat while reading. Why choosing between lunch or reading? You can do both.
#8 – Reliable bookmark
I’m sure (well, I hope) I’m not the only one who gets frustrated by losing a page because the book fell from your hands. You were at an interesting part of the book and looking for the right page is annoying. Once you need a break, no need to look where your bookmark went while you were reading, especially if you moved a lot on your couch and then need to push all the blankets and pillows to find it.
#9 – Price
I thought about this one for a while. Technically, it’s still an advantage, but I’m not sure for how long. In fact, what was true (and still kind of is) may already no longer be true for all books. Let me explain this: One of the reasons I like e-books is because they are/were cheaper. For a new release, you could get the e-book for half of the price of the hardcover, if not less. This market boomed partially because of it, and books were more accessible this way.
Unfortunately, I’ve recently bought a few books that defied that rule. In fact, I read that in February 2017, the Association of American Publishers released data that shows that [tweet_dis]an overall increase of e-book price led to a 16% decline in e-book sales[/tweet_dis]. It’s not something new. It’s been 2 or 3 years now that e-book prices started to increase (even though big five e-books are reported to have dropped), but for some reasons, I noticed bigger changes lately.
I recently bought a book on Amazon, which was released a little while ago (book turned into a motion picture). The paperback was much cheaper than the Kindle format, so I got the paperback. I went back a couple days ago, and the hardcover book was only $1.69!!!!
Needless to say, I was slightly disappointed to have paid more for it 2 weeks before, but the point is e-books aren’t necessarily cheaper anymore. I continued my investigations and looked at new releases. For the most part, it’s true that the e-book is cheaper, but not by much. Truth be told, it’s barely cheaper (maybe 2$ cheaper on average). After a while, e-Books and paperback are often similar in price.
#10 – Discretion (no one knows what you read)
When you read on an electronic device, no one can see what you’re reading. I know some people who don’t want to be disturbed while they read by random people wondering how the book is or simply be judged. If you want to read an erotica in a crowded place or a horror book while surrounded by young kids, this comes in handy. It might be useful in some instances.
#11 – Change the font, color, or size
Another advantage is that you can change the font, size, and color to increase the reading experience. Some of us need glasses and being able to change this is a life saver. No need to strain your eyes for 300+ pages. Just make it yours.
Overall, e-book readers closed a lot of gaps. The advantages mentioned above are primarily for readers, but there are also advantages for authors. E-readers brought the reading experience to a new level even though I’m the first one to say that it takes time to get used them.
As for the price, I’m curious to see how the trend will impact the market. I’m in anyway an expert on the topic and would love to hear more about this. What do you think?
[mc4wp_form id=”5745″]
On Finding Inspiration and Mosquitos
This past month has been chaotic from a writing perspective. After an entire month abroad, I’m back. Honestly, I’m happy I went there because I desperately needed some “me time.” I had reached a point where pushing forward was very difficult.
As you may know, I’ve been living in the U.S. for a very long time now, but I’m originally from a small French island called Reunion Island. It’s a beautiful Island (somehow similar to Hawaii). So, I decided to go there to see my family, but also to take a much needed break. While it was nice to be with my friends and family, I used that time to find inspiration, peace, and the strength to push again.
I also visited the island as if for the first time, experiencing or looking at the sceneries with fresh eyes. After 6 years away, it was a fun experiment and I like challenging myself or try new things.
Here are a few things I’ll share from this trip.
What I particularly enjoyed:
Coffee
I rekindled with French coffee, tiny yet so strong they could wake up the dead. They are like tiny prepackaged walking bombs. You drink one, and I can assure you that you look like you just took a shot of vodka. In other words, you’re ready for the day.
I probably wouldn’t recommend that for the faint of heart.
Food
I’m a foodie, and I enjoy all sorts of food but the food there is to die for. Of course, you need to love rice, and I do.
The fruit tastes so much better. It’s like an explosion of flavor in your mouth. I had to go on a diet the last week. It was that bad (or that good)!!! Well, it did not feel like a diet. Whatever I ate, it was delicious.
Sceneries
Since 2010, the center of the Island (about 40%) is home to a Unesco World Heritage Site. I mean it gives you an idea of how beautiful the island is (Ok! I might be biased, but I assure you it’s beautiful). I found so much inspiration for my book there.
People
While I speak the creole there, I was a little concerned my kid would get even more confused, but that did not seem to bother him one bit. It was quite funny. He said hi or talked to them in English or French depending on the mood of the day. He got a few blank stares, but most of them were really kind with him.
Nothing’s perfect, so there were also a few things that weren’t ideal.
Sharks
Sharks are a real issue there, but it didn’t bother me too much because you have a few authorized places you can go swimming without any problems.
As far as I’m concerned, you’re also talking to the girl, who until she was 3, wouldn’t put her feet in the sand because it was sticky (Lol). I commend my mother for everything I put her through. I never really like the beach up until I was a teenager. It was kind of an annoying situation especially when you live on a tropical island.
Mosquitos
I think my skin developed some sort of natural repellent because they weren’t interested in me. It’s almost like I was old news (labeled already tasted, been there, done that), but I could see them lurking at night. They wanted fresh blood and were ready to do anything to get it. In other words, my kid was the perfect candidate – tender and sweet.
As a concerned mother, I ended up spending a lot of time with insect repellent in my hand chasing down my little boy. Towards the end of our stay, he thought I was playing with him and really made me run for it. My cardio was right there. It probably contributed to the fact I got here without any additional pounds.
Anyway…
As wonderful as my vacation was, reality is catching up with me now. Whether it’s about writing my book or posting on my blog, I haven’t been consistent. Needless to say, it’s never good to do so.
Now…
Would I do it again? Leaving an entire month without posting a thing? Probably not… Definitely not.
Am I getting something out of it? Absolutely! We usually learn best the hard way, right?
What exactly did I learn? Well, mainly three things.
1. Always be organized.
Learning to plan ahead of time is sometimes a challenge. I let myself lose track of priorities. As much as possible, you need to anticipate time off and schedule what’s needed, so you don’t lose any momentum.
2. Find a way to make it work!
We all have a set of excuses ready to go whenever we can’t find time. I wouldn’t go to a store the day before Christmas for obvious reasons – the principle is the same. Don’t wait last minute to do what’s needed. It’ll allow room for unforeseen events to happen without unpleasant consequences.
3. If necessary, relax but let everyone know.
We all know: Life happens. When it does, there’s nothing you can do. Let everyone know that you’ll take some time off because that is ok.
That’s my takeaway from this trip in a nutshell and, now that I’m back in California, I started writing full time. This is a nice change of pace, but I did not think I would have so much to do. My days are flying by so fast.
I guess that means I’m having fun…
[mc4wp_form id=”5745″]
10 Author Tips for Making Friends with Indie Booksellers – by Sarah L. Johnson
This week, Sarah L. Johnson wrote a wonderful post filled with humor and invaluable information for Authors on how to approach Indie Booksellers. She shares insights she gained while working at an independent bookstore. This Guest Post is a must read for all Authors and Aspiring Authors.
About her: Sarah L. Johnson lives in Calgary with her family and two slightly bewildered cats. She runs marathons and writes fiction – literary, sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. Like many writers, Sarah is possessed of an obscene appetite for books. While her reading tastes are broad, she has a special love dungeon in her heart for Vladimir Nabokov.
Sarah is the author of Suicide Stitch: Eleven Tales (EMP Publishing) and her forthcoming novel Infractus (Driven Press). Her short fiction has appeared in numerous anthologies and magazines including Room, Shock Totem, and the Bram Stoker nominated Dark Visions 1 (Grey Matter Press). She’s also the Events Manager at Owl’s Nest Books, Calgary’s oldest independent bookstore.
Continue reading 10 Author Tips for Making Friends with Indie Booksellers – by Sarah L. Johnson
Interview – G.W. Renshaw, Author of “The Chandler Affairs” Series
G.W. Renshaw hasn’t done everything, but he’s trying: Canadian Forces, retail slave, forest ranger, computer programmer for 30 years, college teacher, film actor, security and intelligence, jeweller, black smith, Search and Rescue manager, and member of the Society for Creative Anachronisms.
He started writing professionally in 2011 and teaches at a medical school. He is now the author of four novels and a collection of short stories who calls himself an “aggressively Canadian author.”
His short fiction has appeared in On Spec magazine as well as the Starklight 3 anthology. His paranormal thriller series The Chandler Affairs (The Stable Vices Affair, The Prince and the Puppet Affair, The Kalevala Affair), published by Javari Press, chronicles the career of Calgarian private investigator Veronica Chandler and her unusual cases.
On a more personal note, G.W. was born in Toronto and lives in Calgary with his lovely wife of nearly 40 years. Time flies when you are having fun!
Continue reading Interview – G.W. Renshaw, Author of “The Chandler Affairs” Series
Author interview – The Chronicles of Captain Shelly Manhar by Nabila Fairuz
Nabila Fairuz is Bangladeshi-Canadian author who published her first novel “The Chronicles of Captain Shelly Manhar” a few months ago. She resides in Alberta where she is working on a new novel that should turn into a trilogy.
She studied Engineering in School, but has always been fascinated by the world of books and ultimately decided to write her own story.
Meet the Author – Nabila Fairuz
Tell us more about you and what ignited your passion for words.
I’m a Bangladeshi-Canadian living in Alberta presently. A few years ago, if someone would have told me that I could actually become a published author, I would either have scoffed at them, or thanked them sincerely for their abundant, yet slightly misplaced, faith in my abilities. However, I guess my pigheadedness paid off, and here I am!
It always felt a little bizarre to me that I was so interested in writing, considering that I went to university to study engineering. These two traits seem quite conflicting in nature, yet to me, they felt the same. Anytime I got tired of solving problems in class, my mind escaped into the more familiar and cozy world of writing.
I don’t remember what ignited my passion in writing. As far back as I can remember, it had always been there. I have always enjoyed reading. I suppose writing just came as the natural aftermath of it. When I was a child, my parents read my very first story, a tale about a friendly T-Rex, and decided that it should be published in the local children’s newspaper. The satisfaction of seeing my work published in the paper nudged me to keep on writing more and more until it brought me to where I am now.
What type of books are you writing? Can you tell us more about it or where we can find it if already published?
My interest usually lies in the YA/New Adult genre. I love writing mostly about fantasy. Sometimes, though, I like to mix up real places with fictional characters. For my debut novel, The Chronicles of Captain Shelly Manhar, that is what I did. All the characters in the book are completely fictional, but the places where they went are real.
Before writing this book, I did a large amount of research on pirates and how the world looked during the 1600/1700’s era. I looked up as many old maps as I could find on Google. I read books about the pirates that sailed across the seas in the world. Each of them had their own unique and fascinating tale, and the more I read, the more engrossed I became about them.
The Chronicles of Captain Shelly Manhar tells the story of Shelly, a young girl whose entire family disappears under cryptic circumstances. Not only that, Shelly also has to witness the death of her only sister in a fight. Growing up, Shelly decides that she needs answers and find out if any of her remaining family members are still alive. Her past fuels her on to become a fearsome pirate captain. Throughout the course of her journey, she faces many dangers (and some humorous situations) while she sails across the waters of the Caribbean Sea until she finally realizes her own destiny.
Though her story is set back in time, she still faces the same uncertainties that a person arriving towards adulthood feels. She knows her decisions will have consequences, yet she also doesn’t wish to hold back in life. She wants to have fun and freedom, but is slowly beginning to learn that they come at great cost and that ultimately, she is responsible for her own actions. What makes her a strong protagonist is that she is flawed, and she is aware of them and tries her best to rectify them. Although, being a pirate, her choices, while made with good intentions, are not necessarily lawful.t
The published book can be ordered through Amazon.The Kindle version is also available on Amazon as well.
Would you mind sharing a high, a low or something special you experienced writing this book?
Certainly! Midway through my efforts of getting my book out, I got disheartened and seriously considered giving up writing for good. I always kept comparing my skills to that of the other writers and never considered myself to be good enough. It was a low point for me and my self-esteem.
Gradually though, I managed to climb out of my negative space and pushed those thoughts aside. Even though it got very lonely at times, my family and friends helped me get back on my feet. I reached out over the internet to a few other authors and writers and received positive feedback, as well as tips and advice. They really boosted my self-confidence and helped me to create a better mindset.
I got rejected by quite a few literary agents and publishers before landing a contract for a book publishing deal.
I kept telling myself that even if things don’t work out and I never get published, I can at least remain honest and true to myself, and admit that I gave this chance my best shot. I just didn’t want to give up without trying and regret the decision later in my life. If I have to look back, I’d say that was the lowest point I had faced in this entire experience, but it was also a learning curve for me which led me to become more self-confident.
[tweet_dis_img]
[/tweet_dis_img]
Are you working on anything new? At which stage are you with this new project?
Yes, I am working on something new at the moment. It’s a story that I am hoping to turn into a series, preferably a trilogy. It is still at a very early stage so unfortunately there is not much to tell. At this point, I have written the basic plot for the first half of the novel, as well as all the characters that will be coming into the story.
Without giving away too much information about the book, and considering that I myself haven’t finished writing it yet, all I can say is that the book will take inspiration from various nursery rhymes lore. Many of the beloved personalities depicted in rhymes will appear, and will either make the protagonist’s life harder or easier. I am excited to create this world and eagerly look forward to finishing it soon.
This will be my second book, and this time I am certainly going to put my previous experience of book publishing into better use. Even though I had done tons of research before publishing my first book, nothing can compare to the lessons I had learned while experiencing these circumstances first hand. This time, I’m hoping to be more prepared.
What advice would you give a new writer?
The advice I would like to give to new writers, based on my own personal experiences, is that they should persevere. Despite all the good things people say about books, writing, or at least fiction writing, is a struggling career. It is also a lonely job. Not a lot of people understand or appreciate it. So it’s important to surround yourself with some like-minded people to help you get through this experience.
Writing is hard, and finishing the manuscript is the least of the work. Not only does a writer need to go through the finished manuscript a couple hundred times (ok, maybe 5 or 10 times), a writer must also take it upon himself or herself to promote and market the finished product. From what I have experienced so far, it is the latter one that becomes the most daunting and time-consuming task in a writer’s life.
So, to all new writers, I would just like to say to not give up. Giving up is easy, but it is scarier to have one particular question haunt you for the rest of your lives: what if I didn’t give up?
Besides writing, what do you enjoy most? Can you tell us something about what you do outside of writing?
Besides writing, my other enjoyment comes from video games. My favorite series is Assassin’s Creed. The historical aspect of the games, coupled with the action and the story, never fail to amaze me. I’ve probably learned more about the world history from all these games combined than any other resources.
I’m a big anime lover too! Though I haven’t had the time to keep track of all the new releases, I still enjoy them as much my time allows. My all time favorite series are most probably Cowboy Bebop and Rurouni Kenshin: The Wandering Samurai. What I love about Cowboy Bebop is that, even though it is set in the distant future, the show doesn’t come across as being overly related to science fiction. Rather, the everyday lifestyle seems pretty much the same as our times, albeit having more advanced technology. Most importantly, the show doesn’t let the technology become the frontrunner in the episodes, rather they explore the humane traits of the main characters.
My other passion is eating out. I love trying out new restaurants and different types of cuisines. But nothing beats having a good old plate of Tehari or Chicken Polau (both Bangladeshi foods).
Connect with her on Twitter!
[mc4wp_form id=”5745″]
What it really takes to blog
Blogging is becoming more and more popular. You can blog because you are passionate about a topic, you want to solve an issue or use this platform to brand yourself or your product.
As a writer/Author, Blogging is a fantastic way to get your name out there, showcase your books/writing, and build a readership. Building an Author Platform should be one of your top priorities when you start writing.
Why is Blogging important?
1 – Many agents or publishers will look at how well established you are before signing a contract with you, especially for you are an aspiring writer. They want to know if you are capable of helping with the sales because (yes) this will also be your job.
2 – You need to gather the right audience for your book. It’s easier to communicate with specific individuals interested in your genre that you have already identified. You know they will enjoy your book rather than shooting in the dark and hope for the best.
3 – You need to build an email list, so you can reach out to your readers when you publish your book. Start now! Don’t wait for your book to be ready. The more subscribers, the better chance you have to sell because if you post online, chances are they won’t see it. If you send them an email, it’s in their inbox. Even if you don’t read all your emails, you still look at the title. Your readers will know.
Blogging is one way to grow your presence, but Blogging isn’t for everyone. I always wanted to blog, but I had this misconception of what blogging was. I thought I would write a post, push the publish button and that would be it. I guess if you use a platform like Medium, you’re not too far from the truth.
However, if you use your website (WordPress), it will take a lot more than that, but the effort is worth it. It’s a bit like renting a house or buying one. If you buy it, it’ll always be yours. So, let me break this down to you, so you know what you’re getting yourself into. It’s worth it, but yes, it’s work.
There are various types of blogging. You can post writing samples like short stories, poems, extract of your book, or you can act as an expert on a topic, as an activist of an issue, or use it as a journal. What’s important is to be consistent, so your readers know what to expect when they’re on your website. Pick something that you feel passionate about and stick to it.
Find a Platform to host your blog – Prerequisites
You can use different platforms for Blogging, but, for the sole purpose of building your Author platform, I would strongly suggest having your own website. WordPress is a great option because your readers will grow and stay with you. When blogging on an external site that isn’t yours, you will always take the risk to lose all of them if the company closes.
WordPress will provide options to find a host, register a domain name and create the website. Don’t panic if you feel it becomes too technical because you will figure it out. If not, there is always a support center ready to help. Also, feel free to use social media if you have a question. You’d be surprised how people are willing to help.
What does it take to blog?
[tweet_dis_img]
[/tweet_dis_img]
Find Your Topic
– Write down your ideas
Evernote or OneNote are apps you can use and sync from different devices, so if you’re on the go and an idea popped up, you can open the app on your phone to write it down. I always have a dozen ideas written at any times, so that when I sit down to write the post, I can go over them and pick what speaks the most to me.
– Research the theme
You need to know what’s out there. Do it differently by bringing new ideas to the table. Ask yourself if this is helpful or insightful to your readers. What message are you trying to convey? Is it actionable?
You should also look up keywords that will help your SEO ranking. Make sure it appears in your first paragraph, so it tells the search engine what your post will be about. SEO is something I struggled with at the beginning (and still learning), but what’s the point of providing helpful content or telling your story if no one sees it?
– Find Your Blogging Voice
Writing a book and Blogging are two different animals. Write your post as if you’re writing it for a good friend. You want to be helpful and detailed, and you don’t want to use big words. Stay simple, have a coffee, and start a conversation. Give it with a personal touch (humor, opinions, sarcasm – whatever works for you) and see if how your reader interacts with you. It takes a few trials and errors to get it right, but first outline your post. It will help you write faster and will give you the breakdown of your post.
Write the post
– Write your post
For SEO purposes, your post should be at least 300 words. With that said, marketers conducted research on what the length of your post should be to attract the most visitors. The research shows that the most successful posts are the longest ones. As a rule of thumb, your post should be at least 1,500 words. Your readers will probably only read a third of it, so you need to write your post for scrollers. Your point should come across without effort.
– Edit!
Once you finish writing the post, edit it. It’s painful to read a post with typos, missing words or grammatical errors. Hemingway Editor or Grammarly are great tools to check a minimum. The App won’t catch everything, but it gives you a great start. Hemingway Editor will also grade and color code your text to improve readability. You should take advantage of these tools.
– Make it Pretty
Once your article is ready, it’s time to make it visually stunning. We are visual creatures, so visual is everything. You should add relevant images or memes to make it easier to read. You also add charts or graphics to support your point or add infographics to summarize your posts. It provides your readers a takeaway and a visual to share. Spend time finding relevant images and create visuals using free stock images or even better, your own. Canva is a great tool to create your own visual.
Set the post up
– Set it up in WordPress
Congratulations! Your post now only needs the add-ons as I call them. You should enter at least five tags. Tags are a way to tell your readers what your post is about. You don’t want to overlook that part. You should also make sure your titles have been set up with H1, H2, or H3… It also helps the search engine to understand the structure of your post. Finally, WordPress provides great plugins. You should install social media shares to allow you to both send out your post to all your platforms when you post, but also to give your readers an opportunity to share with their followers. This functionality will help with your traffic.
– Find the perfect title
The title is probably one of the most important steps. If you have a bunch of articles to read, what will compel you to read one versus another? I tried posting three different titles for the same post, and two barely had hits when the third got a lot of engagement. The difference? The title.
Coschedule offers a free feature that is very helpful. The headline analyzer will let you try different titles and rank them. The title should provide your readers either valuable information that can either help them or something that will pique their curiosity. Don’t overlook the title as it’s the first step to attracting your readers.
– Make it SEO Friendly
Finally, make sure your post is SEO friendly. A great plugin to use is Yoast SEO because it’s free and helps improve readability and ranking. You need to make sure both indicators are green before you publish. The plugin will provide a list of improvement, so you know what to change.
Neil Patel is a resource that I highly recommend. I feel that each section could be a post by itself, but I’m only providing a high-level overview, so you know what you get yourself into.
Make sure your permalink and meta description includes your keywords and shows without ambiguity what you’re talking about.
Publish and promote
– Schedule your post at the same time/day
When everything is set up, schedule your post to go out every week on the same day and time, so your readers know when to expect a new post from you. Consistency is key, and this is often when many bloggers fail because you commit to writing every week. Life still happens, and sometimes it’s not easy to stick with that schedule. Again, your objective is to build your community, so it’s important to show up when you say you will. Let me tell you; it’s hard when you work full time to stick to this.
– Promote : Content Promotion or Relationship Building
When you reached that step, you’ve completed 20% of the job, because 80% will be or should be content promotion.
http://gph.is/1RaPY8V
You’ve already invested a lot of time and effort in this post, and you should promote your content and honor it. Schedule your post to go out at different times/day so you can reach the maximum people, but don’t spam. Coschedule, Buffer or Hootsuite can help with this. Your content promotion shouldn’t be higher than 20% of what you post on that platform.
Build your community and offer some tips, but never spam them. Reach out to your influencers, go on forums and provide your help, comment on other blogs, and let your subscribers know what you wrote about. It’s easier to open an email than to look for a blog. Remember building your email list is your number 1 priority.
– Monitor Traffic
Finally, look at your traffic, traffic source and trends and see what best works for you. Make sure your site has been indexed and use Google Console for detailed traffic information. Build on this and grow your community. Always look for ways to improve and be helpful. What did you do this week to help? Don’t wait for something in return.
Again, writing great content is important, but promotion will help grow your site. Blogging is a fantastic way to get direct feedback from your readers. Share your struggles, insights on how to overcome them, and valuable information you learn along the way. Be helpful when possible!
Blogging isn’t about posting an article out there and hope for the best. It takes a lot of time, efforts, and commitment. You also need to get some knowledge on Web Marketing, SEO, or Website optimization. At the end of the day, it isn’t about you, but how you can help and what you can offer.
[mc4wp_form id=”5745″]
8 proven ways to make a writer’s eye twitch
Does anyone dread the moment someone asks you: “So, what do you do for a living?” I recently quit my job, and, even if I’m super excited about it, I’m also very uncomfortable with the question when it comes from a non-writer.
All the writers will get what I’m doing, or even why, and I get very excited when I converse with them. However, when it’s a non-writer, most of the time I tend to panic a little inside.
http://gph.is/1FyeYDV
Ok! Maybe not that bad… and I’m not talking about my friends because most of them know me enough to know I’m not crazy and it was a mature decision (or at least, they are letting me think that).
I’m talking about the random people I meet. I consider myself lucky to be surrounded by amazing people, but, here and there, you’ll have this one person that will get on your nerves right away. It’s like “Go directly to prison. Do not pass GO, do not collect the money” kind of situation, and you can’t bail. You have to sit (or stand) there and you’re not sure whether or not you should laugh or be annoyed.
[tweet_dis_img]
[/tweet_dis_img]
So here are a few situations I’ve heard/experienced that would annoy any writer:
#1 – “Have you finished writing your book already?” when It’s only been a few months since you started…
As a rule of thumb and regardless of the time, no one should ask that question. Oh, gosh! I saw a meme this week that translated well the feeling because at the end of the day, you’re writing a book and not a grocery list.
It does take time to write a book, and even if you wrote the first draft, the book is far from being completed. It’s a lengthy process that you don’t want to rush because when it is, it’s usually not finished. In this situation, the tone used is really what will make me smile or go nuts.
I don’t mind questions like, “how is it coming along?” or something in those lines. Believe me – writers already feel the pressure. Let’s not add to it or be demeaning.
Reading a book not fully developed or full of typos is a sure way to kill your credibility as a writer. No one should ever rush, especially when you start. As time goes on, you’ll have deadlines, but you will have to set realistic expectations for quality work (even though I get some time, it’s not your choice).
#2 – “So, are you going to be the next bestseller?”
First of all, a writer isn’t a psychic, doesn’t have a crystal ball (or at least, I don’t know any), and I’m certain a writer doesn’t have magical abilities. I wish though because that would be really cool, but no, for sure. So, no one would be able to answer accurately.
http://gph.is/172LYOa
I think it was meant as a joke, but just turned out to be awkward. So, this is a pointless question.
The likelihood of being a best seller remains small because, depending on the list, if you want to be a best-seller, you need to sell between 3,000 to 9,000 books in the first week alone… On average, a book is sold at 3,000 copies in its entire lifespan.
Stephanie Meyer’s success with her debut novel, Twilight, isn’t going to happen to all of us. Of course, this is a dream of mine like many writers, but I write first and foremost because I enjoy it and it makes me happy.
To be honest, I’ll be happy if I make enough money to do this full time over the long haul. For many of us, success doesn’t mean being rich and famous, but being able to sell enough to make it a full-time job.
#3 – “Why is it taking so long to publish?”
I have to say that if you’re not in the industry, it’s not necessarily obvious how much it takes to get your book out. Writing a book requires many talents apart from writing, or at least the ability to hire the right people to do it successfully for you.
Because, even if you go the self-publishing route, it will take time, but much less than with traditional publishing that has a lot of layers. Just keep in mind, nothing will happen overnight.
#4 – If you ask a writer to read a book/paper, please read proof it first.
I guess if not published yet, it won’t bug me too much. But, reading a published book – or “ready” for publication – full of typos and grammar errors drives me to the edge. It does to most people, writers or not.
I almost need a bag as I hyperventilate. The typos suddenly appear so much bigger than they eclipse the rest as if they had the power to go ten sizes up as soon as I see them.
I mean once or twice in a book won’t kill me, it’s tough to catch everything, but every 2 or 5 pages, it gets on my nerves and ruins the story.
It’s like being in a closed room next to someone who has a cold and keeps coughing next to you. Once or twice is tolerable, but more than that and you want to dart outside before you get sick. You can’t even see how beautiful the room is anymore.
It’s important that the story is the only thing that you see as a reader, so please take some time to double check everything, or ask someone to do it for you.
#5 – “Oh, I have a wonderful idea; you need to write the book for me.”
This is very awkward for me. After I say that I’m a writer, I’ve had a few people asking me to write a book for them as they have wonderful ideas.
I’m flattered, BUT what you need is a ghostwriter, not a fantasy writer or blogger… I love writing things that pop into my head, not necessarily into a random person’s mind. I wouldn’t be against it if it’s something I feel passionate about, but the likelihood I would do it is rather thin.
#6 – “How are you going to survive financially?”
This is usually when I wonder if you have a death wish. Lol.
First of all, no pun intended, but I have a decent idea of what I got myself into (not really, but I like to think so). Second, who said anything about surviving? I’m not going to survive, but live my life to the fullest.
http://gph.is/1HTrgG2
Not everyone gets how happy writing makes me feel, and I can’t blame them. Unless you have a passion, it can be tough, but in any way, this feels like a sacrifice or a burden. So, let’s be clear, I LOVE writing.
#7 – “So, you’re going to be rich…”
This one makes me want to laugh out loud pretty bad. It’s (almost) cute.
Ah, if only being a writer made you rich…
There are exceptions obviously, but, if you start writing because you want to make tons of money, I would say you haven’t picked the easiest way.
But, hey, you can try. I want to say, live your life with no regrets. With that said, you should also write because you love it and not because you want to be rich and famous.
#8 – “That’s great, you have a lot of free time, then!”
This one let me perplexed and made my eye twitch a little. Don’t confuse full-time writer with being unemployed with a hobby.
[tweet_dis_img]
[/tweet_dis_img]
The principle of writing full-time is to write full-time… and, I do take this very seriously. I don’t like when people try to undermine your professional endeavor. [tweet_dis]Follow your dreams no matter what. That’s what matters in the end.[/tweet_dis]
I’m sure I’ll come across more and more of these awkward situations as time passes, but I won’t let them define me. I’m proud and sincerely happy to write. I love having a writing community who gets my challenges. For the most part, I wasn’t that annoyed with the questions (more amused actually). But, it made me realize how very often being a writer is either under-appreciated or misrepresented.
It takes a lot of work to get your story out, and only the passionate and hard workers who are committed get to see this happen.
No one knows what the future holds, and it may fade with time, but I certainly hope not. Writing is a wonderful way to express yourself in the most creative ways.
I feel blessed everyday for finding a passion that makes me wake up each morning excited and happy regardless of the outcome or the challenges.
[mc4wp_form id=”5745″]
How to Sell Dark Fiction to the Right Audience – By J.J. Reichenbach
J.J. Reichenbach returns for a second guest post. She offered 4 best tips to write Dark Fiction and now discussed how to sell it the right way. J.J. Reichenberg is a professional editor by day and a horror writer by night. She has two BA degrees from the University of Calgary, one in sociology and one in psychology, and works as Vice-President of a local Albertan charity organization in her spare time.
J.J. lives in Okotoks, just outside of Calgary, with two affectionate hellhounds and bookcases full of nightmares. She is an avid traveler and likes to spend half of the year in Thailand as often as possible, where she writes and edits on the beach. She specializes in gothic and supernatural horror, thrillers, suspense, science fiction, and detective fiction.
J.J. has just completed a follow-up to her debut novel “NIX” (April 2014), titled “Notorious Nix” (July 2016), which will be part of the “Nix Series.”
Continue reading How to Sell Dark Fiction to the Right Audience – By J.J. Reichenbach
The Insane Decision that Shattered My World
If I were to describe the past few months for me, it would sound like this: “I’m exhausted, I need to write, but don’t have time. I have way too much to do.” At this point, my frustration is one vivid feeling scarring my soul.
I guess when I wrote the post about procrastination last week, it was my way to find a solution to get more done with little time. But, let’s not kid ourselves, procrastination is fun, but, without a doubt, it’s also counter-productive. At the end of the day, I wrote the bare minimum, and the rest was added to my frustration list.
I don’t know about you, but I get very anxious when I don’t write. I love my job, but writing is vital to me. So when I start having a lot of work requiring overtime, I end up writing less and, ultimately, I get frustrated.
So, I did something brutal. Did I mention I was frustrated? lol
This week, I did something completely crazy, something I would have never thought possible, as the very rational and pragmatic person that I am. It’s not something I just thought about last week and said: “Oh, well, why not?!” I’ve actually been thinking about this for a while now, but, most importantly, I’ve been planning it for a long time.
So what did I do?
I quit my job.
I said it. Am I insane? Absolutely!
My brain keeps telling me this is insane, but my heart says I should follow my dreams. After a long and heated conversation with both of them, we finally reached a compromise. I’ll give myself until the end of the year and evaluate how things have progressed to know if I should stop or continue.
What does that mean for me?
Have discipline!
I need it. I’ve been working from home for the past two years, so I know how to wake up every morning and work all day long without interruption. As far as I’m concerned, nothing will change. Writing is now my full-time job (or will be soon in 2 weeks to be more accurate). No procrastination for me! 6 months will fly by, so no time to waste.
Know what you’re getting yourself into.
I’m 200% committed to making this work. Before taking this leap, I researched what I needed, took a few courses, so I knew what I was getting myself into and that this won’t be easy. But, I also know I want this badly! I love writing and fully intend to finish my book in the next few months.
Find the courage to take a leap.
Making this type of decision must be carefully thought before. The leap is something you must want beyond anything else because you don’t need to write full time to be successful. Many authors wrote best sellers maintaining a day job. Writing full time doesn’t guarantee success, it’ll just increase your chances. You could also have a part time job.
They were options, but quitting my job was my choice. I really wanted to do this. I want to grow old and have no regrets, no “what if” pounding in the back of my mind. Life is too short to be wasted.
How did I plan?
Set up goals
Know what you want to accomplish. I have a plan, goals to achieve to stay on track. I don’t see all that commitment and long hours of writing as a burden, but a way to make my dream come true, a pleasure in other words. With that said, it’s easy to get sidetracked, and the last thing I want is to get to the end of the year thinking I did not accomplish half of what I planned. So, having goals is a good way to keep you focused and accountable.
Plan ahead financially
It’s needless to say that I’ve already cut down on my expenses and I try to do the responsible thing when I can. You need some sort of financial stability. I saved money as much as I could. While I’ll be doing this, I would not want my husband to carry the burden of my choice (even if we’re married) and I won’t ask a dime from him. But, I need his support.
I’ve always been independent, and it won’t change. I come from a family of entrepreneurs, and I know what it takes to start a venture with nothing and worry it won’t work. I’ve seen my parents doing it at different times growing up. They worked very hard for it, and I will do just that. Starting something new is always a bet, but the goal is to make it as safe as possible. So, have a safety net before making any leap.
Have a plan B
Chances are I’m not going to make any money or very little in the next few months, and it’ll take a long time to make things happen. That’s a risk to be considered. The likelihood to make a living is thin, but if you don’t try, you’ll never know. Having a plan B is crucial. I have a stable work history, lots of recommendation, and did everything I could the right way when I quit.
Why?
1) Because I do love my company and team.
2) Because I want a chance to have good recommendations or to come back if things don’t work out.
3) Because it’s the right thing to do.
Do I have any guarantees? No, I don’t. But I will go back to work if it goes South, with no regrets.
Get support from your family
Ease your family into it. One thing I’m certain about is that I would not have done it without the backing of my family. Have a plan, present it to them, and show them you are serious about it and you can do it. If it doesn’t work, have a deadline with a plan B. I have my whole family’s and close friends’ support and that means the world to me. I know deep down, they have concerns, but they are kind enough not to voice them. They are supportive, and right now, this is what I need.
Quitting my job was a hard decision to make. I’m a rational person despite everything, and I always try to do the right thing without shying away from hard work. I want to make this work. Ok, I won’t lie! I felt nauseous when I quit my job feeling overwhelmed by doubts and fear of being judged. But then, I remembered why I was doing it. I’m writing my heart out and will get that book done.
I love writing beyond words, and I am damn serious about it.
[mc4wp_form id=”5745″]
Interview – Joan Marie Galat, Author of “Dot to Dot int the sky, Stories of the Aurora”
Although she started making books at the age of nine, Joan Marie Galat wasn’t published until 12 years old, when she became a paid weekly newspaper columnist. Today she is the award-winning author of more than a dozen books, with new titles scheduled for 2017 and 2018. Her newest title, published by Whitecap Books is Dot to Dot in the Sky, Stories of the Aurora.
She shares her love of the stars in the Dot to Dot in the Sky series, which combines the science of the night sky with the ancient myths that give constellations and planets their names. Her first title, Dot to Dot in the Sky, Stories in the Stars, became a best seller within six weeks of its release.
Continue reading Interview – Joan Marie Galat, Author of “Dot to Dot int the sky, Stories of the Aurora”
Declare War to Procrastination
Procrastination isn’t a bad thing with moderation. I mean you got to enjoy life too, right? Sometimes, you need to postpone a task for half an hour or half a day to have a social life, a family gathering, or simply to treat yourself. You need and deserve a break once in a while. So, unless your deadline falls within that period, I don’t see anything wrong with it.
http://gph.is/1PU58kn
Now, when it comes to the detriment of productivity and timely deliverables, that’s when I start grimacing. For me, procrastination is like drinking in a very formal reception. One or two glasses may be okay, depending on how well you can take alcohol. But the more you drink after that, the less you’ll be productive, coherent, and motivated. Nothing good can come out of it. Ultimately, you’ll wake up with a massive headache, and a delay that will bear consequences.
If you’re going down that rabbit hole, stop the pattern and get to work. Now, I know what you’re thinking.
I want to write, but… (You may fill the blank as you please)
First, NO excuses!
I’m part of a Facebook Group where one fellow blogger asked what our excuses were not to write, and most answers were interesting:
– I’m too tired
– I have a kid to take care of
– I’m too busy with work
– I have no inspiration (Writer’s block)
– I have too many ideas, and can’t seem to focus
– I’ll do it tomorrow
Don’t wait for tomorrow because, for all I know, it may never happen…
If I were to guess, I would say most of you (myself included) is guilty of using at least one of these excuses, even if most of the time they don’t feel like excuses. I mean you have a life and can’t ignore it. Sometimes, you get sick, and life happens, but all I’m saying is: don’t take advantage of it.
At the end of the day, you need to finish writing your book or post. [tweet_dis]You absolutely need to be consistent with your writing to be successful[/tweet_dis], and this will require a lot from you.
Second, NO Distractions!
So here are a few suggestions:
– Use a distraction-free software
Nowadays, you have a variety of writing software you can use that offers distraction-free writing such as Write!, Hemingway Editor, iA Writer, or Ulysses to only name a few. As far as I’m concerned, I prefer using Scrivener. This software has made my life so much easier. I can also personalize the background to have a smoother environment that will help me connect faster with the story.
– Turn off that damn wifi!
Do the research you need before so that you won’t need the internet. Yes, you can live without the web for 30 minutes to a few hours. I promise the world won’t collapse (hmm – maybe I shouldn’t promise that… Let’s live dangerously, then!)
http://gph.is/1KX2zgV
[tweet_dis]Block a time where no traveling or surfing will be allowed except in your imagination.[/tweet_dis] Social Media can wait. You can even schedule your post in advance if needed. Buffer or Hootsuite have great free options.
– Protect your time
Plan accordingly so that you won’t be needed for a few hours. Put your phone on Do not Disturb, and you can even invent a secret code for emergencies with your family.
Free some time by bribing someone to watch the kids, the cat/dog… or husband.
– Do what you need before
Ok – you’re not a two year old, but sometimes, it’s good to remember to take care of these things. We’re human – So think restroom, food, or hydration… I mean, you can even go pick up the mail, or do the dishes if that’s important to you. No judgment here, but be quick! You need to free your mind.
– Set up your environment:
Get coffee, but don’t bring the pot or you might need to do some squats afterward. Put some music on if that helps. I don’t like music when I write as I find it distracting, but I have friends who can’t write without music or a picture on the wall. We’re all different, so find what works for you. Also, set up your desk by getting rid of possible toys (FYI – a slinky may count).
– Don’t forget to get some rest and take some breaks
You’ll be more efficient. It’ll be hard to concentrate if you don’t sleep 8 hours at night (or day for night owls). If you’re tired, you may be able to get more out of a writing session if you can take half an hour nap before.
Third, Write, Write, and Write
– Don’t wait for inspiration.
If you start typing, eventually, it’ll show up. Sometimes, you have to use a bit of tough love on yourself. So, get in front of your computer or notepad, and write until what you write makes sense. You have to let the magic operate.
[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]”Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.” – Stephen King[/tweet_box]
– Write in increments for 20 to 30 minutes at a time.
I would recommend using the Pomodoro technique, which is a time-management technique developed by Francesco Cirillo. I didn’t use a timer at first, but I noticed my focus goes down around that time. I take a break (5 to 10 minutes) and start again. After four Pomodoro timers, you take a longer break. Many writers and bloggers use this technique, and it’s very efficient. In a nutshell, you get more done without going crazy.
Here is a short video that explains how it works.
– Outline and fill the blanks
Another thing that helps is to outline. I’ve been resistant to it at first, but since I outline, I write so much faster. I know where I’m going either way, but outlining just makes it easier. K.M. Weiland, Jane Friedman, and The Creative Penn are great resources if you want to know more about outlining.
Finally, Use an Alternative if you can’t write.
If you really can’t focus, then do yourself a favor and do something useful.
– Research the topic.
If you have material to work on, then writing will go fast.
– Read a book in your genre.
You might just find the sparks or ideas you’re seeking. I can’t stress enough how important it is to read.
– Take a short nap and start again.
If you’re exhausted, staring at your screen won’t do you any good.
– Change your setting
Try something different. Write in a park, in a cafe, or on the beach – Do whatever works to help you write.
– Go for a walk to change your mind.
Stop if you’re getting frustrated. Go for a walk, and clear your thoughts!
Distractions are a constant reminder of how easy it is not to write. Write regularly and don’t allow procrastination to settle. You need to know when to write and when to take a moment for you. It’s all about balance.
[mc4wp_form id=”5745″]
Writing isn’t a walk in the park
When you start writing a book, you quickly realize that writing is only a tip of the iceberg. Writing a book means you are not only a creative writer, but you’re also a business entrepreneur, a PR, a Salesperson, and even a Publisher in some instances.
[tweet_dis_img]
[/tweet_dis_img]
As if writing, itself, wasn’t hard enough, there are a few things to know when you start writing a book. For starter, you must learn all the intricacies of the industry. And, even if you’re ready to take on that challenge, you’ll have to keep pushing yourself to go above and beyond. In this situation, it is beneficial to rely on a strong support system, but unfortunately, not everyone will have this shoulder to lean on. This profession can get lonely at times.
Have you ever heard someone tell you that writing was a waste of time, that it won’t pay the bills? Did anyone ever say you were foolish and that your writing isn’t good enough, and that no one will ever be interested?
Sounds familiar? You’re not alone.
At the end of the day, people won’t always be supportive. Criticism is easy, especially for individuals who don’t get it.
I mean, how do you explain that you need to write like you need to drink water? How do you make them see that this is important to you? Really, how can you make people see that?
As far as I’m concerned, the answer is “You don’t.”
And, this is the hard part. Convincing them that you need to write is going to take time and energy. Don’t ruin your efforts and energy; use that time wisely.
Write instead.
One day, it’ll pay off. Keep doing what you do with passion and stick to it. There are many proponents to writing on a daily basis, and I’m one of them, even if in reality I can’t seem to apply this principle. Ultimately, you need to prepare yourself. Jeff Goins said in a training video that to succeed, we need to be in the right mindset. I had never thought of this before, but he is right.
So what does it take to be a writer? What are the attributes needed?
[tweet_dis_img]
[/tweet_dis_img]
I thought about it and wondered what being a writer teaches you and requires.
Bravery
To be a writer is to look at fear in the eyes and say I’ll do it. There are so many mental barriers to break. Fear of failing, not being good enough, being criticized, or not being heard. The list is long. I’m not even scratching the surface.
Money is also an issue. How will you pay the bills if it doesn’t work? Many stick with their job and progress is so slow that the motivation fades. Some may quit before time and realize that they were not prepared. The modern world seems to be in a hurry, and you need to keep the pace. So, being a writer is to be comfortable stepping out of your comfort zone.
Social Skills
Writers aren’t known for being outgoing individuals. I’m no exception. Of course, there are always a few exceptions. I’ve heard amazing speeches from a few authors at writing conferences, and I command them. I don’t enjoy public speaking or even the simple act of asking for anything. It isn’t in my DNA, but I’m working on it.
With that said, this community is full of awesome writers, authors, and bloggers. It’s worth the efforts. You make friends, learn faster, and get a fantastic support.
Humility
Learn to accept critiques (good or bad), be open to the possibility you’re doing something wrong, or there is simply a different way of doing it that may be better. Critiques aren’t fun, but it’s a necessary evil to progress.
Also, never be afraid to kill your darlings! The story is what matters. Let it be what it should, and don’t keep anything you like that is a disservice to the story.
Commitment
Writing is a long-term commitment. You need to feel strongly about what you write, or there is no chance you’ll get to the end. It takes months, even years, to write a book.
Imagine if J.K. Rowling did not like Harry Potter, she would be seriously screwed to have to hear all about it 10 years later… That’s just an example, but no matter if you’re selling your book successfully or not, it will take time to write it.
Curiosity
Some stories feel more real than if it had happened in real life, and that’s because of the writers’ ability to create that moment. Depending on what you write, reading specific materials or interviewing people are essential to be true to your story. All the research is solely conducted to bring truths in your writing.
I talked about how important reading was to become a good writer. Reading is a wonderful way to learn how to write, get ideas, and find out more about your theme.
A writer is always seeking that idea that will make the story even better.
Hard work and Discipline
Both goes without saying. Write every day! Write even when you don’t feel like it, and this is hard. I’m not afraid of challenges, and I love writing, but, with a family and a full-time job, I’m always exhausted. Finding motivation, when your body and brain beg for a nap, is rough.
With that said, discipline and hard work go together. There is no shortcut.
Perfectionism
You have to have some of it, but beware of too much as well. Good work will need countless revision, but you need to recognize that your book is ready for publishing. Do not rush and do not procrastinate. There is a delicate balance to reach that practice and reading will provide over time.
Writing a book is an incredible feeling. Read and write a lot. When you’re passionate about it, the thrill is addictive. Of course, there will be ups and downs, but your ability to overcome the struggle by displaying these attributes will make the experience worth every sweat.
[mc4wp_form id=”5745″]
Author Interview – K.J. Howe, Author of “The Freedom Broker”
Born in Toronto, Canada, KJ enjoyed a nomadic lifestyle during her early years, living in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Caribbean, which gave her an insider’s view into many different cultures. While abroad, she read every book she could find, which triggered in her a desire to create her own stories.
She attended Salzburg International Preparatory School, Neuchâtel Junior College, and Albert College before earning a Specialists Degree in Business from the University of Toronto.
Continue reading Author Interview – K.J. Howe, Author of “The Freedom Broker”
The 5 things I’ve learned by challenging myself with a 3-day cleanse.
Have you ever looked at a mountain so steep you thought it was too difficult to hike? Have you ever stopped in the middle of writing thinking you would never get published? Have you ever been so tired of a situation you wonder what the point is?
I have, many times.
When I look at my journey, I have my moments of doubts. A lot of them. I sometimes feel ridiculous or wonder why I even bother. I love writing beyond anything. It’s therapeutic at so many levels, but sharing with the world is making me step out of my comfort zone. Whether it’s about you or not, writing is always personal. You’re afraid of what people might think, and maybe you’re just making a fool of yourself.
There is always this moment when your stomach knots, and you doubt yourself enough to give up on your dreams. That very moment is what I’ve been working on.
So what will it take to make the difference between making an attempt or going the distance?
For me, it’s hard work, but also the ability to look at your fear in the eyes and make it walk away. But, that’s not something that is easy to do. Experience and knowledge help you build that confidence.
So, a few days ago, I decided to take on a new challenge to help get there. Another one, I should say! As if having a full-time job, a family, a book to write, and a blog wasn’t enough… 😉
I could have picked anything, but I wanted to do something I had never done before.
So here it is.
I LOVE eating, so the idea alone of not eating solid food for 3 days terrifies me. So, this is exactly what I decided to do. I won’t lie. I highly doubted I could be a happy camper during these 3 days, but I also knew I needed to do this, for me.
My husband had done something similar a few months back, and I decided to do it too. He and I signed up for the 3-day Blueprint cleanse.
What is a Blueprint cleanse?
The cleanse consists of drinking 6 juices in a specific order throughout the day. You purchase them online, and the company ships them to you overnight. There are a few rules to know. You need to prepare your body a few days before to avoid a brutal change by eating mainly veggies and fruits. During the 3-day cleanse, you can only drink water, herbal tea, or green tea. There are a few cheats offered, but let’s not go there. It’s a challenge, right? No gain, no pain.
Why am I really doing this?
There were a lot of reasons why I wanted to do this. This choice is VERY unlike me. I LOVE food, and I mean it. I’m the kind of person who thinks “Who the heck in his right mind would want to do this?” And, this is exactly why I did this. I wanted to push myself and see how much willpower I had.
I grew up always thinking I was weak, that I couldn’t do as much as the others. I spent more time indoor than outdoor, and I get tired easily. Also, I’ve never been consistent with any sports, so I’m trying to make a positive change in my life. My goal is to break the cycle, and I convinced myself I was stronger than I thought.
I used to think I would never be able to write a book. My perspective has changed, and I want to prove myself that we can do anything if we put our mind into it. That’s why I decided to challenge myself by doing something I didn’t think I could do.
Also, I’ve been sick almost all January, but that may be because I work from home. I’m less exposed to germs. So, when I encounter one, I can hear it say “Hey there, how is it going?” I know it’s for me.
Urghh!
Anyway, I decided it was time for me to get healthier and give a boost to my metabolism. I felt it in my bones it was the right thing to do.
So here I was contemplating my so-called food for the next 3 days with this voice shouting in my head: YOU CAN DO IT!!!
What did I learn?
#1 – Food is everywhere
Seriously, you have to stop eating to realize how surrounded we are by food. Everywhere I went, I could either see or smell food. Take your phone or your computer, and look at how many pictures of food your friends have posted. All the commercials are about food. This is ridiculous!
I have a kid I needed to feed, so not only I had to either get food or make dinner for him, but I also had to sit next to him while he was eating. Real question for you: Do you know how slow a three-year-old kid eats???? It’s like watching a snail and a turtle complete a lap and do a backflip on its way back, or better, talking to the sloth in Zootopia. Yes, that slow!
It was excruciating even though the juices were filling, so I wasn’t that hungry, but still.
#2 – I don’t like green juices, but who does?
My husband, I guess. For him, this cleanse was a piece of cake. I love smoothies, in general. They’re good for you, but I always prefer the juices made of fruit. I‘ve never really loved green juices, so try to drink 3 of them a day for 3 days, and you’re not that hungry anymore.
On day 3, I was in the kitchen with the bottle on the counter in front of me. I stared at that bottle for a while before making myself drink it. A lot went through my mind, but ultimately, my stomach roared, so I had no choice.
At some point, I even had a happy moment when I thought I had drunk the whole thing, but then, realized it was my husband’s bottle, and I still had a quarter to go… Have you heard of the emotional elevator? Yep – right there!
#3 – Our main barrier is ourselves
Well, we always have a choice, but that’s what I wanted to test – My willpower. So, I did it. I completed the three days without cheating, and I’m very proud of myself. I definitely challenged myself and questioned my sanity a few times, but I DID IT.
And, that was the purpose of this challenge – I wanted to get as many times as possible to this moment when I usually back out. We are our own barriers – Break them!
#4 – Your mind is playing you. Be the boss of you!
There are so many things we can do, but think we can’t because our background, our fears and/or society made us believe that we can’t. Well, we can, and it’s a work-in-progress.
The main thing this juice taught me is that I’ve had many moments where when I thought about food, I couldn’t spend 10 minutes without being hungry.
But, really I wasn’t, it was just the habit of eating. I read a book, watched a movie or had a pleasant conversation with a friend, and an hour goes by. I did not think of food or remember I was hungry.
What did that say about me or my mind?
[tweet_dis]Take command of your life and tell your brain to shut up while you chase your dreams. You are the boss of you![/tweet_dis]
#5 – Push yourself – learn to be ok with being uncomfortable
[tweet_dis]You have a fear of heights, go climbing. You have a fear of being criticized, don’t mind the people. Do what you love even if it’s not easy.[/tweet_dis] I’m still pushing my barriers, and I hate the feeling of being uncomfortable. I’ve grown from that experience. Challenging myself is something I will continue to do, so I don’t fail myself by not pushing when necessary.
If I were not willing to do this, I would be a hypocrite to keep saying “push yourself.” I’m trying to embrace it until feeling out of my wheelhouse feels actually ok. I don’t know if I’ll succeed, but I will certainly try.
Writing a book is difficult because not only you have to write a great story, but you need to be committed. It takes a long time and a lot of efforts. There are so many barriers, so I keep pushing all the time.
I’m testing my limits and pushing myself to see how far I can go or how soon my brain will start acting up. Lots of great things happen when our mindset is wired to work for it and win. I want to be able to look at anything, without fear going in the way. I can do it; you can do it.
So, what will be your challenge?
[mc4wp_form id=”5745″]
Enter for a chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card
Today is a special day for me, and I celebrate with a Giveaway. Five months ago, I started this blog not exactly knowing what I was getting myself into. I wanted to write and share my love for words with the world while working on my first novel.
At that time, I thought I was going to give myself 4 to 5 months to decide whether blogging was right for me. For anyone who know me or followed me since the beginning, you know how much this site has evolved, and I did too. I’m constantly looking for ways to improve myself as a writer, but also improve my blog.
So today, I realized I’ve been blogging for 5 months, and guess what?
I LOVE IT!
Why? Because I had the opportunity to meet incredible writers, authors, and bloggers. I would not be the person I am today without your support. So thank you to all of you! Sharing this experience with you all made my life so much better. I’ve grown as a person and as a writer. I met talented people who candidly shared a wealth of knowledge and wisdom.
It’s important to push ourselves on a daily basis, and learn to become a better writer and a better person. But, it’s also important to stop and celebrate what we’ve accomplished once in a while.
For that reason, I decided to run a little giveaway as my way to celebrate.
The giveaway is now closed. Thank you all for participating!
Congratulations to Barbara!!!!
Is Self-Publishing right for you?
When writing a book, you often go back and forth between traditional or self-publishing. The dilemma is real because, even though they both offer great advantages, they also come with restrictions.
So how do you know what’s best for you?
Well, it depends…
It depends on your situation and what matters to you. For some, what matters will be the display of their book in a bookstore, the help of an experienced and recognized team, the higher earnings through royalties, or the freedom to decide what’s best for your book. Many writers, especially those with an established Author platform, will prefer self-publishing.
Why? Well, the first barrier to traditional publishing is to find an agent, and after that, the process can take a very long time. Of course, it also presents great advantages such as being supported by an experienced team, having more chances to be on the top of prestigious best selling lists, or having the recognition of the industry. Traditional publishing is a great form of publishing, but it’s not for everyone.
So when do you know self-publishing is right for you?
Self-Publishing refers to a type of publishing where you take on the entire workload. If you’re not ready to wear the writer, marketer and seller’s hat, you can stop here. This won’t be for you.
Self-publishing is meant as a way to fully favor the author. Although in execution, it has its own limitations.
What that means to you…
As a self-publisher, you first have to have a manuscript to publish, meaning a manuscript that has been edited with a story and characters fully developed. Parts of what a publisher does are to proofread and edit the manuscript to meet the set quality standards. So as a self-publisher, you first have to set a high quality standard, which you aspire to meet or work towards.
After that, you have to come up with a cover design that best suits your work and a title that works well with it. The title must be catchy, and the cover must be attractive. Readers do judge your book by its cover. Think of what you do when you go to a bookstore or scroll through a list. There are definitely a few pitfalls to avoid before publishing.
Then come publishing and distribution. You have to figure out whether to provide your work in print or through electronic media as it best suits your needs. Distribution of the book relies on your marketing prowess and the reception that it gets once it is released.
Pros of self-publishing
Full control over your work
As opposed to traditional publishing, you get to exercise full and decisive control over your work. You get to decide what needs to be edited, how the ideas are presented, the title of your book and the cover design. These are all roles that are taken on by the publisher when it comes to traditional publishing, which can be a real downer and hindrance to your creative prowess.
Fast publishing
When it comes to traditional publishing, you could be on the waiting list for months before your book is published. As a self-publisher, you decide when to publish your book and what avenues to take. Of course, it is not an easy process, but in comparison, it is a fast option. It can take a matter of hours to release it on Amazon and months even years through traditional publishing.
Maximum control of the profits
As part of the publishing deal you get from a publisher, you relinquish the rights to your book in exchange for an advance and royalties. The royalty rates are usually low and unsatisfactory when you factor in all the heart and work you had to pour into creating the book. As a self-publisher, most of the revenue the book generates goes directly to you. You retain full rights over the material and can control it as per your preference. So if you have a large platform (not talking social media, but overall), you may prefer this route. As a new writer, traditional publishing might still be the best avenue for you, yet again it depends on how committed you are.
Sharpening your skills
The more you self-publish, the greater the experience you gain. Over time, this helps you develop useful skills that reduce the resources you spend publishing subsequent books. You build useful relations that help you become more accomplished in the industry, and you figure out shortcuts in the system that you can use to your advantage.
Cons of self-publishing
Low-quality standards
I can’t stress enough how important having your book edited by a professional is. Since there isn’t a set standard of quality, self-publishers are expected to publish high-quality work. Unfortunately, the industry usually has a view of low quality and poorly edited work when it comes to self-publishing. I’m sure you’ve read books where there are so many typos and errors that you can’t enjoy the book. Yes – it also happens with traditional publishing, but much less. Lots of readers have become skeptical of the work that comes off of self-publishing. Therefore, even if your work has exceptional quality, it takes time for it to be recognized and to receive the appreciation it should.
Costly venture
You will foot the bill for everything, which is a very costly affair. You need to pay for marketing, book cover, and more. Marketing is important to get exposure, so that’s why having an author platform is so important. Generating the income needed to break even on such a project, and the low uptake the book might get from the market might put you in serious financial jeopardy.
Too much work
Since you will be working on everything by yourself, you have too much of a workload on your hands. This affects your performance and sets you back by a considerable amount of time. You might easily get stressed out and give up on the project due to frustration.
Alternatives to self-publishing
Hybrid publishing
This is a great alternative to self-publishing since it is part self-publishing and part traditional publishing. It limits the cons of both self-publishing and traditional publishing and offers you a wonderful solution.
Traditional publishing
This alternative is one that you should seriously consider before committing to anything. Despite the disadvantages, traditional publishing allows you to rely (mostly) on agents and publishers who are experienced and recognized by the industry. Yes – it’ll take more time, but it’ll come with the opportunity to target a larger audience.
All in All, self-publishing is great for anyone with a large platform, who wants more power in the creative process and is willing to invest lots of time in the promotion. Indie Authors have a business entrepreneur type of mindset and are capable of hiring professionals to help.
Traditional and Self-Publishing are great forms of publishing, but depending on what you’re looking for, one might be better for you than the other. Plus, many successful authors used all the publishing forms. Again, it depends on what you’re looking for at that time.
The Best 4 Tips for Writing Dark Fiction – By JJ Reichenbach
J.J. Reichenbach is a professional editor by day and a horror writer by night. She has two BA degrees from the University of Calgary, one in sociology and one in psychology, and works as Vice-President of a local Albertan charity organization in her spare time.
J.J. lives in Okotoks, just outside of Calgary, with two affectionate hellhounds and bookcases full of nightmares. She is an avid traveler and likes to spend half of the year in Thailand as often as possible, where she writes and edits on the beach. She specializes in gothic and supernatural horror, thrillers, suspense, science fiction, and detective fiction.
She has just completed a follow-up to her debut novel “NIX” (April 2014), titled “Notorious Nix” (July 2016), which will be part of the “Nix Series.”
Continue reading The Best 4 Tips for Writing Dark Fiction – By JJ Reichenbach
7 Reasons Why Reading is Important to Become a Good Writer
[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]”If you don’t have the time to read, you don’t have the time or the tools to write.” Stephen King[/tweet_box]
I love this quote because it sums it up. You want to be a writer, publish a book, find your voice, or even improve your writing skills. Well, having a great idea is wonderful, a great start even.
But how will you write, not just a story, but a compelling story, a page turner?
Continue reading 7 Reasons Why Reading is Important to Become a Good Writer
Social Networking Faux Pas – By Katie Salidas
Nerd, Paranormal Fantasy Author, Doctor Who fangirl, Las Vegas Native, and SuperMom to three awesome kids!
Katie Salidas tries to do it all, often causing sleep deprivation and many nights passed out at the computer. Writing books is one of her many passions, and she hopes that it will bring you hours of entertainment.
Continue reading Social Networking Faux Pas – By Katie Salidas
5 Common Pitfalls to Avoid when Self Publishing
One of the most profound changes the internet has helped to bring is the ability to self-publish. It was not long ago that writing a book required getting support from a publisher and the expenditure of thousands of dollars. Today, people around the world publish novels, reports, and other works for a fraction of the cost.
However, despite all the advantages associated with self-publishing, there are still several pitfalls that will sabotage your success. Avoiding them will increase your chances of having a successful publication. On a related note, Kate Harvie recently wrote a great post on how to know when your book is ready for publication.
Warning: The following comes after you wrote a compelling and well developed story that has been professionally edited, and not before. So, here are five common pitfalls that you should avoid if you want to see your work sell.
[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]“The good news about self publishing is you get to do everything yourself. The bad news about self publishing is you get to do everything yourself.” Lori Lesko[/tweet_box]
Interesting Title
The title has two jobs: it should be interesting enough to catch people’s attention and fit per the general topic of your book. It helps if it uses keywords that readers can search for when finding titles of subjects that your book mirrors. But that’s more for non-fiction. Your title helps market your book, so be sure that it fits the subject, and is interesting enough to garner a closer look.
Bad Cover Design
Despite the old saying, many people do judge whether they are going to purchase a book by its cover. You will need to have a good, professional, and interesting cover to help sell your book. It should be a cover that appears professionally designed, uses the right color palettes, and has typography that catches the eye. Plus, it should be attractive both in small and large sizes so that it can sell whether seen on the screens of computers or mobile devices.
Poor Author’s Photo or Bio
You may not consider your photo or short biography to be interesting enough to put on your book. Your readers will appreciate to know you a little more. Your bio should be one that establishes you as an authority, even if this is your first book. Plus, your photo should be professional. Do not go for a goofy or complex photo, but rather a simple, straightforward image that conveys your work.
Poor Description
Your book description needs to be clear and concise if you want to really hook the person into reading your work. It pays to use the services of a copy editor who can write a catching, powerful description that can pull people into your work. Writing a great pitch isn’t always easy, so it may be worth having an outside view on your work do it. In addition, having testimonials that speak to the quality and interest of your work helps substantially when it comes to sales.
Making Your Book Difficult to Read
Digital printing can help you save money by creating a book that has fewer pages. But, if you print your novel on letter-size pages with tight lines and small margins, it will be very hard to read. You are far better off spending more money and getting enough pages so that your book is easy to read.
[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]“Anyone who says it’s easy to self-publish a book is either lying or doing a shitty job.” Nan McCarthy[/tweet_box]
By avoiding these five pitfalls, you can boost the sales potential of your book and create opportunities for future success with sequels or new works. Don’t take shortcuts! It will be detrimental to your work.
Author Interview – Robert J Sawyer, Author of “Quantum Night”
Robert J. Sawyer — called “the dean of Canadian science fiction” by the OTTAWA CITIZEN and “just about the best science-fiction writer out there” by the Denver ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS — is one of eight authors in history to win all three of the science-fiction field’s highest honors for best novel of the year: the Hugo Award (which he won for HOMINIDS), the Nebula Award (which he won for THE TERMINAL EXPERIMENT); and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award (which he won for MINDSCAN).
Rob has won Japan’s Seiun Award for best foreign novel three times (for END OF AN ERA, FRAMESHIFT, and ILLEGAL ALIEN), and he’s also won the world’s largest cash-prize for SF writing — the Polytechnic University of Catalonia’s 6,000-euro Premio UPC de Ciencia Ficcion — an unprecedented three times.
In 2007, he received China’s Galaxy Award for most favorite foreign author. He’s also won fourteen Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Awards (“Auroras”), an Arthur Ellis Award from the Crime Writers of Canada, ANALOG magazine’s Analytical Laboratory Award for Best Short Story of the Year, and the SCIENCE FICTION CHRONICLE Reader Award for Best Short Story of the Year.
Rob’s novels have been top-ten national mainstream bestsellers in Canada, appearing on the GLOBE AND MAIL and MACLEAN’S bestsellers’ lists, and they’ve hit number one on the bestsellers’ list published by LOCUS, the U.S. trade journal of the SF field.
On October 6, 2013, Rob received a Lifetime Achievement Aurora Award, then on October 5, 2014, he was one of the initial inductees into The Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame — both honors bestowed by the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Association.
Rob is a frequent keynote speaker at conferences, teaches SF writing occasionally, and edited his own line of Canadian science-fiction novels for Red Deer Press. His novel FLASHFORWARD (Tor Books) was the basis for the ABC TV series of the same name. He enjoyed spending time on the set and wrote the script for episode 19 “Course Correction.” His WWW trilogy, WAKE, WATCH, and WONDER (Ace Books), is all about the World Wide Web gaining consciousness.
QUANTUM NIGHT is Rob’s most recent novel. The paperback, from Ace Books, comes out in February 2017.
For more information about Rob and his award-winning books, check out his web page: http://sfwriter.com
Continue reading Author Interview – Robert J Sawyer, Author of “Quantum Night”
How to Know When to Publish Your Book: Heart, Not Hustle by Kate Harvie
Talented author, Kate Harvie is coming back with a new inspiring guest post on “How to know when to publish your book.” Kate is the Author of the upcoming Believe It and Behave It: How to restart, Reset, and Reframe your Life.
Kate Harvie is an author, editor, and brand strategist. She was born in New York City and grew up in Cleveland. After grad school, she decided to live where she was born. She defines herself as a combination of denim and satin, Cleveland and Manhattan.
A trained singer, Kate always has been and always will be immersed in and dedicated to music. She loves to drive, cook, read, and be a voice for those who don’t quite know what to say or how to make their point.
Continue reading How to Know When to Publish Your Book: Heart, Not Hustle by Kate Harvie