The good news is that since Monday I have exceeded my weekly minimum 500 words. Now I just have to keep with it.
I did 382 words on the novella, and am now ready to tackle the next scene, bringing my hero and heroine back into close proximity; after a short chapter where they weren't together, but the hero was there in the discussion that took place...
I'd intended to get on with that scene, but I had to get this other story out of my brain. I really couldn't write a scene between one couple, when another pair were telling me about their history.
Some characters have less patience than others...
So I decided to write the notes down in whatever order they came out- settings, back story, snippets of dialogue, secondary characters and important moments all mixed together.
As the story is set around Christmas and there is a snow involved, it was useful to be able to sit at my desk and look out of my office window, watching the snow fall, noting the movement and appearance on different surfaces.
In less than two hours I'd added 880 words to my total. And my brain is now clear to get on with the Nottinghamshire novella, while my subconscious continues cogitating this Christmas story.
It's always bothered me that whenever I start to write what I intend to be a short story, or a piece of flash fiction, I get to the end and it has turned into a scene from something that needs to be so much longer to be right...
But I've decided there's no point worrying about it. I'm grateful that I have enough ideas to choose from for when my current project is completed. And unless I make a concentrated effort to stick with one story, I won't get anywhere, so I mustn't let myself get side-tracked as I have before.
So week one of my new plan has been a success- so far...
Total: 1,262.
Carol Bevitt's blog on her writing and inspirations, along with occasional literature related news...
Saturday, 19 January 2013
Thursday, 17 January 2013
Those Moments of Indecision...
This week is passing quickly, and I'm only just getting back into routine.
I've completed 75% of my weekly writing total, and I'm now at a scene in my Nottinghamshire novella that takes some thought in how I proceed with it.
Writing modern romance there would be no problem about the hero being in the heroine's bedroom, but even in innocent extenuating circumstances it was an issue back in the early 19th century.
Likewise, I'm trying to walk a line between the acceptability of conduct in the country, compared to that of society in the town; and the difference there is between the conduct of a lady of noble birth and a young woman of good (but just comfortable) family - without a personal maid, or someone who can be called upon to go with her when she ventures out of the home.
If you live in a small village now, then you probably know quite a few people by name, and others perhaps only by sight.
A couple of centuries ago everyone would probably know who was who, so any seen transgression would soon be known about - and probably the subject of gossip.
In public it's relatively easy to have your characters conform to social conventions - in introductions the social 'inferior' is introduced to the person of higher status, not the other way round...
I have a facsimile reprint of the 1737 book, 'The Rudiments of Genteel Behaviour' by Francis Nivelon, and it has some plates of basic figures with a brief description - I can safely say from this instruction I could perform a reasonable curtsy. :-)
There's even an instruction for placing your hands when dancing a Minuet.
Which reminds me of an article I saw in one of the online newspapers last night that you may like to hear about.
"Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice will be turning - gracefully - 200 years old this month. To celebrate the BBC are screening a 90-minute recreation inspired by the book’s great event, the Netherfield Ball. Pride and Prejudice: Having A Ball at Easter aims provide a detailed look into the parties of the period." (Telegraph)
When I was in primary school, our winter PE lessons consisted of country dancing, and I now realise that many of those dances we did then would have been the same or similar to those danced all that time ago...
As to my writing problem, I'm just going to write it and let protocol come round in the editing process...
I've completed 75% of my weekly writing total, and I'm now at a scene in my Nottinghamshire novella that takes some thought in how I proceed with it.
Writing modern romance there would be no problem about the hero being in the heroine's bedroom, but even in innocent extenuating circumstances it was an issue back in the early 19th century.
Likewise, I'm trying to walk a line between the acceptability of conduct in the country, compared to that of society in the town; and the difference there is between the conduct of a lady of noble birth and a young woman of good (but just comfortable) family - without a personal maid, or someone who can be called upon to go with her when she ventures out of the home.
If you live in a small village now, then you probably know quite a few people by name, and others perhaps only by sight.
A couple of centuries ago everyone would probably know who was who, so any seen transgression would soon be known about - and probably the subject of gossip.
In public it's relatively easy to have your characters conform to social conventions - in introductions the social 'inferior' is introduced to the person of higher status, not the other way round...
I have a facsimile reprint of the 1737 book, 'The Rudiments of Genteel Behaviour' by Francis Nivelon, and it has some plates of basic figures with a brief description - I can safely say from this instruction I could perform a reasonable curtsy. :-)
There's even an instruction for placing your hands when dancing a Minuet.
Which reminds me of an article I saw in one of the online newspapers last night that you may like to hear about.
"Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice will be turning - gracefully - 200 years old this month. To celebrate the BBC are screening a 90-minute recreation inspired by the book’s great event, the Netherfield Ball. Pride and Prejudice: Having A Ball at Easter aims provide a detailed look into the parties of the period." (Telegraph)
When I was in primary school, our winter PE lessons consisted of country dancing, and I now realise that many of those dances we did then would have been the same or similar to those danced all that time ago...
As to my writing problem, I'm just going to write it and let protocol come round in the editing process...
Monday, 14 January 2013
Competition Opportunity- But Read the Terms and Conditions...
First day of my resolution to write a minimum number of words each week- I should add I'm not counting my blog posts in that figure, otherwise I would manage my target every Monday
morning... :-)
I was having a quick browse on Twitter this morning and saw details of a new competition 'Racy Reads' on ITV's 'Lorraine'. ITV and Mills and Boon are running a competition for new writing talent, with the winner having their book published, and a trip to the USA to meet Jackie Collins...
Sounds great doesn't it?
I'm all in favour of encouraging new talent with competitions, but however attractive it seems on the surface ALWAYS READ AND UNDERSTAND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
First to the basics. The competition runs from today, the 14th January, and closes at 12pm on the 28th January.
To start with you need to submit the first 1,000 words of your 'Racy Reads' novel. It can be done online, but - "Please note that an entry of 50 words or more over or under the 1000 word limit may be disqualified at the discretion of the producers."
The really important thing to note, is that "Entrants must be able to complete the novel with a 50,000 minimum word count by 5 June 2013 at the latest."
You can read about the selection criteria (among other elements ) in the terms and conditions here.
From the shortlist, up to ten finalists will be selected and they will need to attend a London location to meet a new final judging panel:
"to present their submission, explain their storyline for a full novel should they be the winner and talk through the plot of their book, where it is heading and what will happen to the characters."
With me so far...
There will be a winner and two runners-up. The winning story will be available from Monday 15 July 2013 to Thursday 25 July 2013. Along with that comes six copies of their book and a £1,000 advance payment.
Plus there's " a three-night trip for the winner and a companion to Los Angeles, USA to have lunch with Jackie Collins. The lunch will be filmed for and broadcast on the programme."
Now to the nitty gritty general terms. And this is where I was really disappointed that they felt it necessary to include such terms. Hence my warning earlier on.
(The Promoter in this case is ITV, while Mills and Boon are the Prize Provider.)
"By making an entry and participating in this competition, you grant the Promoter permission to use the entry in any way it wants in relation to the Promotion. This means that, in relation to the Promotion, the Promoter can use, edit, reproduce, record, modify, translate, distribute, play, perform, broadcast, make available and display your entry and/or participation (or part thereof) and/or prepare derivative works of the entry and/or participation (without prejudice to any rights acquired by the Prize Provider) by any medium or method whether now known or later developed, including without limitation on the website or any other website in its sole discretion anywhere in the world. The Promoter may permit third parties to use the entry. You acknowledge that (unless you win the Prize) you will not receive any fee or royalty payment from the Promoter, the Prize Provider or any third party for the consents and grants given by you in relation to your entry and/or participation."
And a little further down; " You agree to waive any moral rights that may exist in relation to your entry and/or participation."
Sadly there will be unwary writers who will not understand that those terms mean they are giving up all their rights to that submission by entering.
Yes, this competition is a great opportunity, but remember only the winner gets paid for their hard work.
Yes, you are only giving up those 1,000 words by entering, but if your book is almost complete and you then give away those first 1,000 words, you're giving yourself an unnecessary headache.
If your story is good enough for Mills and Boon, then go through the normal submission process. I've been told by writers who know personally, that they are encouraging to potential authors.
On their website you can find information for aspiring M&B authors, here and also the submission details.
If you enter this competition with your eyes open to all the terms and conditions, then I do sincerely wish you good luck.
morning... :-)
I was having a quick browse on Twitter this morning and saw details of a new competition 'Racy Reads' on ITV's 'Lorraine'. ITV and Mills and Boon are running a competition for new writing talent, with the winner having their book published, and a trip to the USA to meet Jackie Collins...
Sounds great doesn't it?
I'm all in favour of encouraging new talent with competitions, but however attractive it seems on the surface ALWAYS READ AND UNDERSTAND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
First to the basics. The competition runs from today, the 14th January, and closes at 12pm on the 28th January.
To start with you need to submit the first 1,000 words of your 'Racy Reads' novel. It can be done online, but - "Please note that an entry of 50 words or more over or under the 1000 word limit may be disqualified at the discretion of the producers."
The really important thing to note, is that "Entrants must be able to complete the novel with a 50,000 minimum word count by 5 June 2013 at the latest."
You can read about the selection criteria (among other elements ) in the terms and conditions here.
From the shortlist, up to ten finalists will be selected and they will need to attend a London location to meet a new final judging panel:
"to present their submission, explain their storyline for a full novel should they be the winner and talk through the plot of their book, where it is heading and what will happen to the characters."
With me so far...
There will be a winner and two runners-up. The winning story will be available from Monday 15 July 2013 to Thursday 25 July 2013. Along with that comes six copies of their book and a £1,000 advance payment.
Plus there's " a three-night trip for the winner and a companion to Los Angeles, USA to have lunch with Jackie Collins. The lunch will be filmed for and broadcast on the programme."
Now to the nitty gritty general terms. And this is where I was really disappointed that they felt it necessary to include such terms. Hence my warning earlier on.
(The Promoter in this case is ITV, while Mills and Boon are the Prize Provider.)
"By making an entry and participating in this competition, you grant the Promoter permission to use the entry in any way it wants in relation to the Promotion. This means that, in relation to the Promotion, the Promoter can use, edit, reproduce, record, modify, translate, distribute, play, perform, broadcast, make available and display your entry and/or participation (or part thereof) and/or prepare derivative works of the entry and/or participation (without prejudice to any rights acquired by the Prize Provider) by any medium or method whether now known or later developed, including without limitation on the website or any other website in its sole discretion anywhere in the world. The Promoter may permit third parties to use the entry. You acknowledge that (unless you win the Prize) you will not receive any fee or royalty payment from the Promoter, the Prize Provider or any third party for the consents and grants given by you in relation to your entry and/or participation."
And a little further down; " You agree to waive any moral rights that may exist in relation to your entry and/or participation."
Sadly there will be unwary writers who will not understand that those terms mean they are giving up all their rights to that submission by entering.
Yes, this competition is a great opportunity, but remember only the winner gets paid for their hard work.
Yes, you are only giving up those 1,000 words by entering, but if your book is almost complete and you then give away those first 1,000 words, you're giving yourself an unnecessary headache.
If your story is good enough for Mills and Boon, then go through the normal submission process. I've been told by writers who know personally, that they are encouraging to potential authors.
On their website you can find information for aspiring M&B authors, here and also the submission details.
If you enter this competition with your eyes open to all the terms and conditions, then I do sincerely wish you good luck.
Saturday, 12 January 2013
I'm Back...Just.
Hello everyone, I'm finally feeling near normal and my head is clearer, so I can now concentrate to write and hopefully make sense...
I've done quite a bit of reading over the last two weeks, and have to say that my kobo e-reader has been a wonderful companion- thank goodness for the adjustable font size.
If you have your e-book/s on Smashwords then you'll also be likely to find it on the Kobo bookstore- so don't forget to tell your potential readers about it.
Yes, it will cost more than buying as a kindle book, but there are a lot of readers who don't have a Kindle- they want to avoid Amazon, but may instead have a Kobo, Sony or Nook e-reader, or one of the numerous types of tablet devices that you can read e-books on.
With e-books the first few chapters in a preview can make the difference in whether the book becomes a purchase, or a potential reader is put off for ever.
Basically it's just like your first three chapters having to impress an editor or agent to make them want to read the rest of your manuscript...
I may have said this before, but I've found some of the previews I've downloaded sadly lacking, compared to others. And the lacking ones were not always the self-published e-books.
If the accompanying blurb (whatever the fiction genre) interests me, then I'll download the preview; if I like that, then I'll buy the book. Sadly I've found, in a dozen books so far this month, the blurb promised much, but the writing wasn't engaging- to me personally.
So here's a few of my recent purchases after reading the previews: 'The Real Katie Lavender' by Erica James; 'A Winter's Tale' by Trisha Ashley (I've bought a few of her previous Christmas tales and enjoyed them, but this was a little different ); and an Agatha Christie, Miss Marple short story, 'Strange Jest'.
I've also bought and read a few short stories and novellas by some of my favourite romance authors, and story collections by other blogging writers, and this is where e-books do come into their own.
Short stories, or collections of short stories, and novellas- which wouldn't have been considered by a print publisher unless you were a 'name', are now able to reach a wider (and appreciative) audience via e-books.
Writer Maggie Cobbett has just released her first collection of short stories on the theme of murder with a humorous edge- 'Anyone for Murder And Other Crime Stories' on Kindle. One reviewer said they were the sort of stories you could read in 5-8 minutes when you didn't have time for a full chapter of a book, and they do have a 'twist in the tale'.
Digital has giving writers opportunities that previously they could only dream about.
No, it isn't easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is...
I've done quite a bit of reading over the last two weeks, and have to say that my kobo e-reader has been a wonderful companion- thank goodness for the adjustable font size.
If you have your e-book/s on Smashwords then you'll also be likely to find it on the Kobo bookstore- so don't forget to tell your potential readers about it.
Yes, it will cost more than buying as a kindle book, but there are a lot of readers who don't have a Kindle- they want to avoid Amazon, but may instead have a Kobo, Sony or Nook e-reader, or one of the numerous types of tablet devices that you can read e-books on.
With e-books the first few chapters in a preview can make the difference in whether the book becomes a purchase, or a potential reader is put off for ever.
Basically it's just like your first three chapters having to impress an editor or agent to make them want to read the rest of your manuscript...
I may have said this before, but I've found some of the previews I've downloaded sadly lacking, compared to others. And the lacking ones were not always the self-published e-books.
If the accompanying blurb (whatever the fiction genre) interests me, then I'll download the preview; if I like that, then I'll buy the book. Sadly I've found, in a dozen books so far this month, the blurb promised much, but the writing wasn't engaging- to me personally.
So here's a few of my recent purchases after reading the previews: 'The Real Katie Lavender' by Erica James; 'A Winter's Tale' by Trisha Ashley (I've bought a few of her previous Christmas tales and enjoyed them, but this was a little different ); and an Agatha Christie, Miss Marple short story, 'Strange Jest'.
I've also bought and read a few short stories and novellas by some of my favourite romance authors, and story collections by other blogging writers, and this is where e-books do come into their own.
Short stories, or collections of short stories, and novellas- which wouldn't have been considered by a print publisher unless you were a 'name', are now able to reach a wider (and appreciative) audience via e-books.
Writer Maggie Cobbett has just released her first collection of short stories on the theme of murder with a humorous edge- 'Anyone for Murder And Other Crime Stories' on Kindle. One reviewer said they were the sort of stories you could read in 5-8 minutes when you didn't have time for a full chapter of a book, and they do have a 'twist in the tale'.
Digital has giving writers opportunities that previously they could only dream about.
No, it isn't easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is...
Friday, 4 January 2013
Everything on Hold for a Few Days...
The wretched bugs that my family got over Christmas hit me with a sledge-hammer a couple of days ago.
If any of you have this cough/cold/headache bug going round please take it seriously. I was so ill yesterday afternoon I honestly thought I was going to need to go to the local hospital...
At least I feel a little more human after a second visit to the doctor... :)
So I'm going to be taking a couple of extra days off, staying warm and getting the family to do my regular shopping tasks.
I have a good supply of e-books to read in the meantime.
I've also just got my first royalty statement for the One Word Anthology- I've not earned much, but I can afford a chocolate bar... As the book was only launched in mid-November, it's a start; it was important to help the charity, beside getting some of my work published- and giving Serena an airing, as well as actually being able to say I had a book out in 2012...
If anyone knows of bloggers, or blog review sites that might be approached to see if they would consider reviewing the anthology, please let me know, so I can pass the details on. Or e-mail me at my contact address on the right. Thanks.
I wish you a bug free New Year, and thank you for all the kind wishes for 2013.
See you next week...
If any of you have this cough/cold/headache bug going round please take it seriously. I was so ill yesterday afternoon I honestly thought I was going to need to go to the local hospital...
At least I feel a little more human after a second visit to the doctor... :)
So I'm going to be taking a couple of extra days off, staying warm and getting the family to do my regular shopping tasks.
I have a good supply of e-books to read in the meantime.
I've also just got my first royalty statement for the One Word Anthology- I've not earned much, but I can afford a chocolate bar... As the book was only launched in mid-November, it's a start; it was important to help the charity, beside getting some of my work published- and giving Serena an airing, as well as actually being able to say I had a book out in 2012...
If anyone knows of bloggers, or blog review sites that might be approached to see if they would consider reviewing the anthology, please let me know, so I can pass the details on. Or e-mail me at my contact address on the right. Thanks.
I wish you a bug free New Year, and thank you for all the kind wishes for 2013.
See you next week...
Wednesday, 2 January 2013
Amazon Has No Right to Decide "Perceived" "Close Personal Relationship" for Reviews
You'll all remember last year's 'sock puppetry' scandal, when it was revealed that RJ Ellory had been leaving bad reviews on rivals books on Amazon; while others had been leaving good reviews on their books using alternative names/e-mail addresses.
Most writers would not be so unethical as to deliberately give bad reviews to fellow writers' books. Basically they would give an honest review good or bad, or if it's really bad, tell the author privately, if they can.
But now it seems Amazon have applied a sledgehammer approach and are taking it upon themselves to decide writers' close relationships with fellow writers of the same genre.
I think we all thought the reviews that were being removed before Christmas on Amazon.com were aimed at self-published or independent publishers, where friends and fellow writers were likely to post reviews-usually after reading the book.
But it seems 'names' are annoyed too.
Today's Bookseller online has a piece, 'Authors Angry over Amazon review crackdown' worth reading- if you haven't already.
I missed this Telegraph article over Christmas on the subject.
Amazon seem to have decided that they are going to judge whether the writer of a review is "perceived" to have a "close personal relationship" with rivals.
On what basis do they decide that one person appears to have a close personal relationship with the writer of a book they've reviewed?
Do they define it by the other person following and commenting on your blog, or website, or perhaps talking to you on Facebook? Or do you have to actually have met them in real life- and there's online photographic evidence?
Have Amazon never heard of workshops and writing conferences?
A lot of writers become friends at such events and keep in touch, even though they may have never met them before, or never meet them again, merely exchange comments on social media.
If I was considering buying a book on the basis of the reviews, I'm more likely to find the reviews posted are by fellow writers from within the same genre, or genuine fans of the writer's work- who aren't going to say it's good when it really is bad, and can highlight the strengths and weaknesses.
Why should Amazon decide my views on a book/genre aren't valid merely because they could consider I have a "perceived" "close personal relationship" with a writer of the same genre?
If Amazon want to be stupid then they will have to realise, some people will stop posting reviews and will post them on other numerous book sites, and sales may follow.
One writer on Facebook yesterday complained a good review on her book had been removed.It had been posted by the partner of someone she knew, though she herself didn't know the person who'd done the review, the book had been a Christmas gift and absolutely nothing to do with the author in any way. CORRECTION: The circumstances were a misunderstanding on my part and I apologise to the writer involved. It appears the reviewer stated that the book had been a present from his partner.
But the case still stands as the author had no connection with either the buyer, or reviewer.
If Amazon wants reviewers to declare if they know the person whose book they have reviewed, I would have no problem with that.
Publishers send review copies of new books out. Perhaps newspaper book sections should start carrying a warning, 'this review is the result of a free review copy'. But I don't see this happening anytime soon...
Have you found previously published Amazon reviews of your books missing?
What do you think of this situation?
Or just share your thoughts...
Most writers would not be so unethical as to deliberately give bad reviews to fellow writers' books. Basically they would give an honest review good or bad, or if it's really bad, tell the author privately, if they can.
But now it seems Amazon have applied a sledgehammer approach and are taking it upon themselves to decide writers' close relationships with fellow writers of the same genre.
I think we all thought the reviews that were being removed before Christmas on Amazon.com were aimed at self-published or independent publishers, where friends and fellow writers were likely to post reviews-usually after reading the book.
But it seems 'names' are annoyed too.
Today's Bookseller online has a piece, 'Authors Angry over Amazon review crackdown' worth reading- if you haven't already.
I missed this Telegraph article over Christmas on the subject.
Amazon seem to have decided that they are going to judge whether the writer of a review is "perceived" to have a "close personal relationship" with rivals.
On what basis do they decide that one person appears to have a close personal relationship with the writer of a book they've reviewed?
Do they define it by the other person following and commenting on your blog, or website, or perhaps talking to you on Facebook? Or do you have to actually have met them in real life- and there's online photographic evidence?
Have Amazon never heard of workshops and writing conferences?
A lot of writers become friends at such events and keep in touch, even though they may have never met them before, or never meet them again, merely exchange comments on social media.
If I was considering buying a book on the basis of the reviews, I'm more likely to find the reviews posted are by fellow writers from within the same genre, or genuine fans of the writer's work- who aren't going to say it's good when it really is bad, and can highlight the strengths and weaknesses.
Why should Amazon decide my views on a book/genre aren't valid merely because they could consider I have a "perceived" "close personal relationship" with a writer of the same genre?
If Amazon want to be stupid then they will have to realise, some people will stop posting reviews and will post them on other numerous book sites, and sales may follow.
One writer on Facebook yesterday complained a good review on her book had been removed.
But the case still stands as the author had no connection with either the buyer, or reviewer.
If Amazon wants reviewers to declare if they know the person whose book they have reviewed, I would have no problem with that.
Publishers send review copies of new books out. Perhaps newspaper book sections should start carrying a warning, 'this review is the result of a free review copy'. But I don't see this happening anytime soon...
Have you found previously published Amazon reviews of your books missing?
What do you think of this situation?
Or just share your thoughts...
Monday, 31 December 2012
Not Got an E-Reader Yet?
Yes, I'm back...
E-readers seem to have been a popular Christmas present again this year, but I think Christmas 2012 will have seen the biggest choice of devices available.
In the UK the choice has previously been Kindle or Sony- despite Sony readers having been available first, they couldn't compete with the Kindle once it became available to UK readers.
(You may even have taken to reading your e-books on your smart phone...)
But this year there's been an explosion of devices available from new e-readers to tablets.
Publishers have finally got their act together this year too.
You can buy e-books direct from many publisher now- the big mainstream publishers will likely cost more than you'd pay at Amazon, but buying direct from a small independent publisher is a great way of discovering new writers and supporting these important organisations too.
Tablet devices were selling well before Christmas, as they offered the practicality of reading books and being able to access the Internet (though you are paying a higher price).
In October I bought my kobo glo and I'm really happy with it. (It has much better battery life than the first generation Sony e-reader I had.) With the adjustable font and text size, along with the front light, it's great for reading in the car as daylight fades- I couldn't do that with my previous reader.
How do you choose the right e-reader for you if you're finally venturing into e-books? The answer is as usual, research.
Don't be put off by the variety of technology discussed on the TechRadar website, it has some interesting reviews on Tablet devices and e-readers, so type in the name of the device you're interested in finding out about in the search box and go from there.
There are lots of online reviews available, so compare views.
You can try out Kindles in Waterstones book stores, and Kobos in WH Smith's. In fact wherever e-readers (of whatever make) are sold instore you'll find them on display to try out. (Talking the UK here.)
This Christmas (over 3 days) I read 2.25 novels, and at least 10 previews of books I was interested in. It was lovely to spend Boxing Day curled up on the sofa reading - and my books didn't get bent or creased by something resting on top of them in my bag...
I do still buy paper books- just ask my family - but you can't beat e-books and readers for space saving. :-)
Happy New Year...
E-readers seem to have been a popular Christmas present again this year, but I think Christmas 2012 will have seen the biggest choice of devices available.
In the UK the choice has previously been Kindle or Sony- despite Sony readers having been available first, they couldn't compete with the Kindle once it became available to UK readers.
(You may even have taken to reading your e-books on your smart phone...)
But this year there's been an explosion of devices available from new e-readers to tablets.
Publishers have finally got their act together this year too.
You can buy e-books direct from many publisher now- the big mainstream publishers will likely cost more than you'd pay at Amazon, but buying direct from a small independent publisher is a great way of discovering new writers and supporting these important organisations too.
Tablet devices were selling well before Christmas, as they offered the practicality of reading books and being able to access the Internet (though you are paying a higher price).
In October I bought my kobo glo and I'm really happy with it. (It has much better battery life than the first generation Sony e-reader I had.) With the adjustable font and text size, along with the front light, it's great for reading in the car as daylight fades- I couldn't do that with my previous reader.
How do you choose the right e-reader for you if you're finally venturing into e-books? The answer is as usual, research.
Don't be put off by the variety of technology discussed on the TechRadar website, it has some interesting reviews on Tablet devices and e-readers, so type in the name of the device you're interested in finding out about in the search box and go from there.
There are lots of online reviews available, so compare views.
You can try out Kindles in Waterstones book stores, and Kobos in WH Smith's. In fact wherever e-readers (of whatever make) are sold instore you'll find them on display to try out. (Talking the UK here.)
This Christmas (over 3 days) I read 2.25 novels, and at least 10 previews of books I was interested in. It was lovely to spend Boxing Day curled up on the sofa reading - and my books didn't get bent or creased by something resting on top of them in my bag...
I do still buy paper books- just ask my family - but you can't beat e-books and readers for space saving. :-)
Happy New Year...
Sunday, 30 December 2012
Are You Ready for 2013?
Hope you had a good Christmas.
I'm slowly returning to some sort of normality, despite a cold that two members of the family had over Christmas and have now given to me; but the good news is I'm breathing okay and haven't developed a chest infection, so three cheers for my inhalers...
Actually I'm starting to get itchy fingers. I want to get back to the novella, but the family are all at home, and there's little peace and quiet, so I'll be catching up on a few outstanding tasks meanwhile- why does everything that needs you to do something, or ring up, arrive on Christmas Eve when it's too late?
At least I'll be able to get straight to work when they do go back to their normal routine.
I intend to try out a few different strategies in 2013 to attempt to get more writing done.
So strategy 1: Stop procrastinating and write 100-500 words minimum each week- if I do more, great. It may not seem much, but it's setting myself a better routine.
As I haven't thought of a second strategy yet, the first one better work... :-)
I've also realised that my sense of what day of the week it actually is, will have returned by then!
I'm writing this Sunday evening, but I keep thinking it's Saturday- probably because the usual weekend tv programmes aren't necessarily on...
Hope 2012 was a good year for you. But if it wasn't, I hope you have better times in 2013.
I'm slowly returning to some sort of normality, despite a cold that two members of the family had over Christmas and have now given to me; but the good news is I'm breathing okay and haven't developed a chest infection, so three cheers for my inhalers...
Actually I'm starting to get itchy fingers. I want to get back to the novella, but the family are all at home, and there's little peace and quiet, so I'll be catching up on a few outstanding tasks meanwhile- why does everything that needs you to do something, or ring up, arrive on Christmas Eve when it's too late?
At least I'll be able to get straight to work when they do go back to their normal routine.
I intend to try out a few different strategies in 2013 to attempt to get more writing done.
So strategy 1: Stop procrastinating and write 100-500 words minimum each week- if I do more, great. It may not seem much, but it's setting myself a better routine.
As I haven't thought of a second strategy yet, the first one better work... :-)
I've also realised that my sense of what day of the week it actually is, will have returned by then!
I'm writing this Sunday evening, but I keep thinking it's Saturday- probably because the usual weekend tv programmes aren't necessarily on...
Hope 2012 was a good year for you. But if it wasn't, I hope you have better times in 2013.
Friday, 21 December 2012
A Few Important Reminders That Pay You...
This will be my last blog post for a week, I'm taking some time-off to recharge my batteries and catch up with some reading- as well as sorting presents and organising food for the hungry horde (my OH and growing children- if only they would stop growing :-) ).
Before you finish for the year you might want to make sure that you've added everything you need to add to your ALCS (Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society) page. You'll find some of the available downloads useful. And best of all if you have any qualifying work it will eventually mean you'll get payments.
A big thank you to writer Vivian Hampshire who mentioned DACS on the Talkback forum.
This is similar to ALCS but for visual artists- and if you're a writer who has had your photos or artwork used in a UK magazine, in books, or broadcast on certain TV channels, then you may be eligible for future payments.
You have to claim each year, and it's too late for 2012's Payback, but it will relaunch in summer 2013, so if you're eligible sign up now ready for next year.
So remember:
"If you are a photographer, illustrator, sculptor, cartoonist, fine artist, animator, architect, designer or craftsperson, and your work has been reproduced in UK publications or on UK television, you can claim your royalties due."
So find out more here.
Don't forget PLR (Public Lending Rights), register your print books there- do it by the end of June each year.
E-books currently don't qualify for payment, but I was told by the Licencing section of the ALCS this week to submit the details so they were on record; even very short stories in anthologies qualify.
Who knows, if there's enough presence of e-books, and library lending of e-books becomes more widely available, it may help the case for future payments- it's been recommended that library loans for e-books should get PLR, but it's not been put into action yet.
Merry Christmas...
image courtesy of digitalart/ http://freedigitalphotos.net
Before you finish for the year you might want to make sure that you've added everything you need to add to your ALCS (Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society) page. You'll find some of the available downloads useful. And best of all if you have any qualifying work it will eventually mean you'll get payments.
A big thank you to writer Vivian Hampshire who mentioned DACS on the Talkback forum.
This is similar to ALCS but for visual artists- and if you're a writer who has had your photos or artwork used in a UK magazine, in books, or broadcast on certain TV channels, then you may be eligible for future payments.
You have to claim each year, and it's too late for 2012's Payback, but it will relaunch in summer 2013, so if you're eligible sign up now ready for next year.
So remember:
"If you are a photographer, illustrator, sculptor, cartoonist, fine artist, animator, architect, designer or craftsperson, and your work has been reproduced in UK publications or on UK television, you can claim your royalties due."
So find out more here.
Don't forget PLR (Public Lending Rights), register your print books there- do it by the end of June each year.
E-books currently don't qualify for payment, but I was told by the Licencing section of the ALCS this week to submit the details so they were on record; even very short stories in anthologies qualify.
Who knows, if there's enough presence of e-books, and library lending of e-books becomes more widely available, it may help the case for future payments- it's been recommended that library loans for e-books should get PLR, but it's not been put into action yet.
Merry Christmas...
image courtesy of digitalart/ http://freedigitalphotos.netTuesday, 18 December 2012
It's the Office Party-Welcome to My Christmas Past...
As mentioned yesterday, today is the Office Party for all of us who are the only people in the office...
So to my little piece about Christmas- don't worry, I can't access the old photo of me sat on Santa's knee (I was only 5 years old :-) ).
But that did get me thinking about Christmas in the 60's compared to Christmas now.
In fact there was one special day every Christmas when I was little that told me Christmas was on its way. We lived an hour from London (by train) and the adventure started the moment we came out of Charring Cross Station.
Across in Trafalgar Square the big tree would be covered in lights- not on during the daylight of course.
We take for granted that the streets will be decorated with coloured lights in fantastic designs, but when I was little that was a rarity outside of the big cities. But I did get to see the Christmas lights in Regents Street every year.
The lights were strung from one side of the street to the other like a bejewelled necklace; and I remember walking along gazing up in delight at the stars and curls of light that filled me with absolute wonder.
There would always be a visit to look around Hamley's. We couldn't afford to buy anything, but it was a joy to see the toys out
and to my imagination at six I thought that this must be what Santa's workshop looked like...
Our next stop would be to look at the different window displays at Selfridges. The big windows were filled with Christmas montages...
As the daylight faded we would walk back along the streets now lit up to full effect in the darkness.
The day would finish off with a trip to the Panto at the London Palladium. I remember seeing Tommy Steele as Dick Whittington, and I've vague recollections of Jack and the Beanstalk too.
One year it was Cilla Black playing Aladdin...
Having found a link about the pantomimes held at the Palladium, I've just realised how many 'names' I saw as a child...This makes interesting reading.
When the panto was over we'd wander back to Trafalgar Square, look at the Christmas tree lights one last time, then go across to the station to get our train home. I certainly slept at the end of the day, dreaming of all the wonderful things I'd seen...
Snowman design courtesy of Feelart/freedigitalphotos.net
Christmas Banner courtesy of Simon Howden/freedigitalphotos.net
So to my little piece about Christmas- don't worry, I can't access the old photo of me sat on Santa's knee (I was only 5 years old :-) ).
But that did get me thinking about Christmas in the 60's compared to Christmas now.
In fact there was one special day every Christmas when I was little that told me Christmas was on its way. We lived an hour from London (by train) and the adventure started the moment we came out of Charring Cross Station.
Across in Trafalgar Square the big tree would be covered in lights- not on during the daylight of course.
We take for granted that the streets will be decorated with coloured lights in fantastic designs, but when I was little that was a rarity outside of the big cities. But I did get to see the Christmas lights in Regents Street every year.
 |
| Christmas Lights |
There would always be a visit to look around Hamley's. We couldn't afford to buy anything, but it was a joy to see the toys out
and to my imagination at six I thought that this must be what Santa's workshop looked like...
Our next stop would be to look at the different window displays at Selfridges. The big windows were filled with Christmas montages...
As the daylight faded we would walk back along the streets now lit up to full effect in the darkness.
The day would finish off with a trip to the Panto at the London Palladium. I remember seeing Tommy Steele as Dick Whittington, and I've vague recollections of Jack and the Beanstalk too.
One year it was Cilla Black playing Aladdin...
Having found a link about the pantomimes held at the Palladium, I've just realised how many 'names' I saw as a child...This makes interesting reading.
When the panto was over we'd wander back to Trafalgar Square, look at the Christmas tree lights one last time, then go across to the station to get our train home. I certainly slept at the end of the day, dreaming of all the wonderful things I'd seen...
Snowman design courtesy of Feelart/freedigitalphotos.net
Monday, 17 December 2012
A Week to Go...
Okay, it's 7 days to Christmas Eve...
Every year I promise I'll get my cards written and posted off before the deadline for 2nd Class postage (it's the 18th in case you didn't know it). And of course I've still got to do them, and write a few letters to go inside them.
I did consider doing a round-robin letter, but I know a lot of people absolutely hate them, so that time-saver is out.
There's still presents to finish getting- small bits and pieces- so that's scheduled for later in the week.
Construction work is underway at home- though it's outside this time. My OH has a few days off this week, so he's assisting one of our sons in making a new side gate.
I will be passing the stiff broom to them to sweep up the chiseled out wood bits... :-)
Sadly winter bugs have invaded the house, with another son feeling ill today, he couldn't even face the trip to college...Just as long as he doesn't pass the lurgy onto me.
Another was partying today with his class mates- he took a large bag of mixed variety crisp packets with him this morning.
I'm finalising my choices of e-books to buy and download ready for the holidays. It will probably be busy Christmas day, with the big advertising push for e-readers and tablets.
Tomorrow- TUESDAY- you can join in with Sally Quilford's Office Party - read about it here.
We do miss out by working from home, so tomorrow put on your party hat and join in.
I'll be a little late as I have things to do first, but I'll be there at some point with my blog post. :-)
See you tomorrow.
'Holly' image courtesy of SusieB/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Every year I promise I'll get my cards written and posted off before the deadline for 2nd Class postage (it's the 18th in case you didn't know it). And of course I've still got to do them, and write a few letters to go inside them.
I did consider doing a round-robin letter, but I know a lot of people absolutely hate them, so that time-saver is out.
 |
| A Jolly Holly Christmas |
Construction work is underway at home- though it's outside this time. My OH has a few days off this week, so he's assisting one of our sons in making a new side gate.
I will be passing the stiff broom to them to sweep up the chiseled out wood bits... :-)
Sadly winter bugs have invaded the house, with another son feeling ill today, he couldn't even face the trip to college...Just as long as he doesn't pass the lurgy onto me.
Another was partying today with his class mates- he took a large bag of mixed variety crisp packets with him this morning.
I'm finalising my choices of e-books to buy and download ready for the holidays. It will probably be busy Christmas day, with the big advertising push for e-readers and tablets.
Tomorrow- TUESDAY- you can join in with Sally Quilford's Office Party - read about it here.
We do miss out by working from home, so tomorrow put on your party hat and join in.
I'll be a little late as I have things to do first, but I'll be there at some point with my blog post. :-)
See you tomorrow.
'Holly' image courtesy of SusieB/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Wednesday, 12 December 2012
Winding Down for Christmas is Not Easy...
Only 13 days to go to Christmas Day...
I thought it would all get easier now my children had finished school: no more Christmas Concerts to attend; no Christmas card lists with the name and class number on the front of the envelope; small thank you gift to the class teacher...
This month I've already attended one progress evening at college for one of my younger three- so had to give up going to the belly dancing Hafla as they were taking place at the same time...
Got through awards night at Nottingham Writers' Club; performed my first solo belly dance in front of an audience- and a repeat performance for next year has been requested... gulp! :D
(If you missed the pictures in my earlier post- I didn't have them available when I did the post, so they were added later- here is one of them.)
A few posts back I reviewed my writing year. Though I hadn't set myself any targets for 2013 at that stage.
Well I've thought about it...
The only fixed target I have set myself, is to complete my Nottinghamshire novella 'After the Storm'.
As I've discovered in the past two years, 'real life' can throw all your plans out.
I'll be open to entering competitions, trying out different genres, and any opportunities that come my way to promote myself and my writing- can't be a wallflower in the publishing world today!
I will be creating a website for my alter-ego, Serena Lake. But in the meantime any news will be on Serena's page at the top of the screen (just click on the tab).
There will be a few posts yet before I shut down for Christmas.
Hope you like the little animation that one of my sons created for me last year (with limited programmes). I didn't use it then, so I'm adding it now.
Now where did I put the wrapping paper...? :D
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| One Day... (created by and copyright Dane Bevitt) |
I thought it would all get easier now my children had finished school: no more Christmas Concerts to attend; no Christmas card lists with the name and class number on the front of the envelope; small thank you gift to the class teacher...
This month I've already attended one progress evening at college for one of my younger three- so had to give up going to the belly dancing Hafla as they were taking place at the same time...
Got through awards night at Nottingham Writers' Club; performed my first solo belly dance in front of an audience- and a repeat performance for next year has been requested... gulp! :D
(If you missed the pictures in my earlier post- I didn't have them available when I did the post, so they were added later- here is one of them.)
 |
| At least I was smiling... |
Well I've thought about it...
The only fixed target I have set myself, is to complete my Nottinghamshire novella 'After the Storm'.
As I've discovered in the past two years, 'real life' can throw all your plans out.
I'll be open to entering competitions, trying out different genres, and any opportunities that come my way to promote myself and my writing- can't be a wallflower in the publishing world today!
I will be creating a website for my alter-ego, Serena Lake. But in the meantime any news will be on Serena's page at the top of the screen (just click on the tab).
There will be a few posts yet before I shut down for Christmas.
Hope you like the little animation that one of my sons created for me last year (with limited programmes). I didn't use it then, so I'm adding it now.
Now where did I put the wrapping paper...? :D
Monday, 10 December 2012
Books I've Been Previewing...
I have to admit that at this time of year I do tend to procrastinate more than usual...
Really I shouldn't as I have a lot to get organised still.
Christmas cards and letters to send; presents to wrap and label; and stocking up the freezer.
On the literary front I'm reading some previews of books that I downloaded onto my Kobo glo.
Previews are a great idea as you can try out an author you've never read before, or there's a book that's all the rage and you're not sure about it.
I've even decided to give new books by my favourite author a miss because they've not grabbed me with the preview...
I will be buying the full version of a few of the books I've previewed so far.
I've been trying to broaden my range of reading matter, so want to use Christmas as a catch up on my reading spell.
So here's a few of the books I've been previewing:
'The Casual Vacancy' by J.K.Rowling- the opening is promising, but the seemingly most interesting character drops dead at the beginning, and the others that we're then introduced to just bored me- they were selfish/irritating individuals. And I kept wondering how long it was going to be before something interesting happened- actually another character dropping dead might have been good, but I couldn't be bothered to buy the book to find out- I gave up before the end of the preview!
That's probably a deficiency on my part, not JKR's writing. I had no complaint about her characterisation; perhaps it was just her narrative style I disliked...
'Life, Death and Vanilla Slices' by Jenny Eclair- now I find her comedy very funny. She is a grumpy old woman in a fun way. Women of a certain age, or state of mind will recognise so much she says...
As individual chapters they were good, and if the book had followed through from the first character who had just bought the vanilla slice of the title, before her accident, and not then gone on to telling us about yet another character, I probably would have bought it.
I know stories that aren't linear can work, but again, I don't think I have the patience to wait around to find out how the different women connect together- if they do...
I can deal with stories that are going along, but then, with a flashback take the story back in time for quite a while, before coming back to the present.
I will be buying Sue Moorcroft's 'Want to Know a Secret'- When the lead character, Diane's happy life becomes unsettled; suddenly learning about a few things her husband has been keeping quiet about, but only after he has had a serious helicopter crash.
I got to the end of the preview and immediately wanted to know what happens next...
If you read e-books, do you find the preview facility useful?
And have you bought a book because of a preview that you wouldn't have bought otherwise?
Do please share your experiences of e-book previews...
Really I shouldn't as I have a lot to get organised still.
Christmas cards and letters to send; presents to wrap and label; and stocking up the freezer.
On the literary front I'm reading some previews of books that I downloaded onto my Kobo glo.
Previews are a great idea as you can try out an author you've never read before, or there's a book that's all the rage and you're not sure about it.
I've even decided to give new books by my favourite author a miss because they've not grabbed me with the preview...
I will be buying the full version of a few of the books I've previewed so far.
I've been trying to broaden my range of reading matter, so want to use Christmas as a catch up on my reading spell.
So here's a few of the books I've been previewing:
'The Casual Vacancy' by J.K.Rowling- the opening is promising, but the seemingly most interesting character drops dead at the beginning, and the others that we're then introduced to just bored me- they were selfish/irritating individuals. And I kept wondering how long it was going to be before something interesting happened- actually another character dropping dead might have been good, but I couldn't be bothered to buy the book to find out- I gave up before the end of the preview!
That's probably a deficiency on my part, not JKR's writing. I had no complaint about her characterisation; perhaps it was just her narrative style I disliked...
'Life, Death and Vanilla Slices' by Jenny Eclair- now I find her comedy very funny. She is a grumpy old woman in a fun way. Women of a certain age, or state of mind will recognise so much she says...
As individual chapters they were good, and if the book had followed through from the first character who had just bought the vanilla slice of the title, before her accident, and not then gone on to telling us about yet another character, I probably would have bought it.
I know stories that aren't linear can work, but again, I don't think I have the patience to wait around to find out how the different women connect together- if they do...
I can deal with stories that are going along, but then, with a flashback take the story back in time for quite a while, before coming back to the present.
I will be buying Sue Moorcroft's 'Want to Know a Secret'- When the lead character, Diane's happy life becomes unsettled; suddenly learning about a few things her husband has been keeping quiet about, but only after he has had a serious helicopter crash.
I got to the end of the preview and immediately wanted to know what happens next...
If you read e-books, do you find the preview facility useful?
And have you bought a book because of a preview that you wouldn't have bought otherwise?
Do please share your experiences of e-book previews...
Saturday, 8 December 2012
A Mention in Writing Magazine...
Just a quick mention.
In the January 2013 issue of Writing Magazine (on sale from 7th December) there is a two page article about the background to the creation of the One Word Anthology (p28-29).
Along the bottom of the pages, there are photos of many of the writers who have stories and poems in the anthology. I'm there too.
It's been good to put faces to names at last, as many of the writers are only known by their forum name. :-)
If you haven't bought a copy of the e-book yet, you can still do so. Either click on the image in the side panel of my blog- it links to the book on Alfiedog.com, or you can find it on Amazon and Smashwords.
It's only 99p on Amazon and Alfiedog. And for the number of stories and poems you get in it covering a variety of genres, it's great value.
It's both light and dark, so something for everyone...
In the January 2013 issue of Writing Magazine (on sale from 7th December) there is a two page article about the background to the creation of the One Word Anthology (p28-29).
Along the bottom of the pages, there are photos of many of the writers who have stories and poems in the anthology. I'm there too.
It's been good to put faces to names at last, as many of the writers are only known by their forum name. :-)
If you haven't bought a copy of the e-book yet, you can still do so. Either click on the image in the side panel of my blog- it links to the book on Alfiedog.com, or you can find it on Amazon and Smashwords.
It's only 99p on Amazon and Alfiedog. And for the number of stories and poems you get in it covering a variety of genres, it's great value.
It's both light and dark, so something for everyone...
Weekend Catch-Up and Belly Dancing...
Yes, I know this post is very late...
(Update: The photos of me belly dancing are at the bottom of this post.)
Wednesday was Awards Night at Nottingham Writers Club, and for the first half hour I was standing up front and announcing the presentations- one of the responsibilities of being the current Chairman- no sitting back with a glass of wine, or other alcoholic/non-alcoholic refreshment and relaxing...
There weren't as many trophies as in past year's- a couple of the
competitions sadly didn't run, as not enough entries were received.
Some years that happens, and it's a disappointment, but hopefully next year those trophies will be presented.
I'm sure that most writers would have no problem when the subject is open, but it can be much harder when you have to fit it to a specific age (as with children's books) or a set theme.
Blogger and NWC member Keith Havers was the worthy winner of three trophies, including Writer of the Year. You can read his blog here.
Wednesday afternoon I was actually writing a 500 word flash fiction on the theme of 'a Christmas visit' that needed to be handed in to the competition Secretary that evening.
By the end of my story I had my usual issue of realising that I'd just written a scene from a much bigger story. So I don't expect it to do well.
Last December I promised I would do a party piece this year- some belly dancing. I kept my promise, and I will release the photographic evidence as soon as a copy of the photo arrives in my inbox from the club photographer. I only danced for a few minutes... :D
Otherwise the audience were royally entertained by a number of recitations, from the club president and two club members- both serious and fun pieces. And our newest member, Kate, read out the poem she'd been inspired to write during the merriment. Which proves inspiration truly does come from everywhere...
I was going for the Christmas glitter look
and the flowing sleeves to waft about when my arms were
moving.
Below left: striking a pose...
(Update: The photos of me belly dancing are at the bottom of this post.)
Wednesday was Awards Night at Nottingham Writers Club, and for the first half hour I was standing up front and announcing the presentations- one of the responsibilities of being the current Chairman- no sitting back with a glass of wine, or other alcoholic/non-alcoholic refreshment and relaxing...
There weren't as many trophies as in past year's- a couple of the
 |
| A few of the NWC annual trophies |
Some years that happens, and it's a disappointment, but hopefully next year those trophies will be presented.
I'm sure that most writers would have no problem when the subject is open, but it can be much harder when you have to fit it to a specific age (as with children's books) or a set theme.
Blogger and NWC member Keith Havers was the worthy winner of three trophies, including Writer of the Year. You can read his blog here.
Wednesday afternoon I was actually writing a 500 word flash fiction on the theme of 'a Christmas visit' that needed to be handed in to the competition Secretary that evening.
By the end of my story I had my usual issue of realising that I'd just written a scene from a much bigger story. So I don't expect it to do well.
Last December I promised I would do a party piece this year- some belly dancing. I kept my promise, and I will release the photographic evidence as soon as a copy of the photo arrives in my inbox from the club photographer. I only danced for a few minutes... :D
Otherwise the audience were royally entertained by a number of recitations, from the club president and two club members- both serious and fun pieces. And our newest member, Kate, read out the poem she'd been inspired to write during the merriment. Which proves inspiration truly does come from everywhere...
 |
| Enjoying the dance |
I was going for the Christmas glitter look
and the flowing sleeves to waft about when my arms were
moving.
Below left: striking a pose...
Monday, 3 December 2012
The Writing World This Week...
Looking at the current book/magazine related news does seem to be popular, so I thought I'd start the week with bringing you a few snippets.
Easy Reads/My Weekly Pocket Novels- look out for more changes in this market. Sally Quilford has an update on her blog today- here. It seems the new Easy Reads are not continuing, but it doesn't appear that everything is going in reverse.
(This news may actually work for both the magazine readers and writers.)
Perhaps the changes that were made were too big. Especially in the current book and magazine markets where everyone is competing, trying to keep costs down and attract new readers. Regular readers can get forgotten about.
Kindle Book Pricing - came across an interesting couple of blog posts that will interest writers who are putting their work on Amazon's Kindle.
Do you have to keep your selling price low to get sales?
The Luzme blog looked at the top 30 Kindle best sellers and compared to there lowest price the previous week. See this post here.
Today's Luzme post looks at the paper copies and cost. Read it here. You will certainly understand why publishers seem to be having pricing issues of solid books vs e-books.
Don't forget VAT is charged on e-books, and not on solid books.
Which leads into a brief mention about e-book VAT challenges on the Bookseller. Following up a few links I found an article from late October that sets out the consequences if the challenge to the UK's HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs service) succeeds- solid books may cost more.
Read the article here.
I'm sure that's enough to be going on with for now. :-)
Easy Reads/My Weekly Pocket Novels- look out for more changes in this market. Sally Quilford has an update on her blog today- here. It seems the new Easy Reads are not continuing, but it doesn't appear that everything is going in reverse.
(This news may actually work for both the magazine readers and writers.)
Perhaps the changes that were made were too big. Especially in the current book and magazine markets where everyone is competing, trying to keep costs down and attract new readers. Regular readers can get forgotten about.
Kindle Book Pricing - came across an interesting couple of blog posts that will interest writers who are putting their work on Amazon's Kindle.
Do you have to keep your selling price low to get sales?
The Luzme blog looked at the top 30 Kindle best sellers and compared to there lowest price the previous week. See this post here.
Today's Luzme post looks at the paper copies and cost. Read it here. You will certainly understand why publishers seem to be having pricing issues of solid books vs e-books.
Don't forget VAT is charged on e-books, and not on solid books.
Which leads into a brief mention about e-book VAT challenges on the Bookseller. Following up a few links I found an article from late October that sets out the consequences if the challenge to the UK's HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs service) succeeds- solid books may cost more.
Read the article here.
I'm sure that's enough to be going on with for now. :-)
Friday, 30 November 2012
Reviewing My Year...
Do you take time to seriously look at how you've done each year? And I don't just mean waiting until January the 1st and making resolutions-they usually don't last long...
Early December is my writing assessment time - if it's not been done earlier in October/November.
I've found looking at what's worked, and what's not gone as I'd hoped, is useful.
So last year (2011) I'd only achieved 2 of my 4 targets, that I'd set myself in late 2010; so I didn't do more than make general plans.
Here's what I decided I wanted for 2012:
So I'm going to be getting on with my novella for the remainder of the year.
This coming Saturday I'll be at Sally Quillford's Pocket Novel workshop, which I'm looking forward to and I'm sure I'll learn a lot.
Hopefully next year will be more productive.
Did I keep to any of them?
I attended the Pocket Novel workshop and enjoyed it very much. I was reassured that I'd understood the requirements, and it did make me look at a few aspects in a different way, which I've taken into my other writing.
I also came home with another couple brewing in my head.
Yes, I've been working on the novella. Not as much has been done as I'd hoped, but I'm finally getting on with it.
Has it been productive?
Yes.
I completed the revisions of the short story that I intended to send to Woman's Weekly. I sent it, and a few days off the four months received the standard rejection letter. But I actually got it sent off this year.
In the New Year it will be getting another look over and being sent off elsewhere...
A previously abandoned One Word Challenge Anthology book began a new life as an e-book project, and finally became available for purchase mid-November. I have contributions in it, and Serena does too.
So that was something I hadn't anticipated happening this year...
(You'll be able to read about the anthology by the Talkback Writers in the January 2013 issue of Writing Magazine-possibly with photos of some of the contributing writers included.)
I've got the basics of a few other projects which are in line for future development and writing up- some full length, others probably novella length.
I read some of my flash fiction to an audience at the Fringe at the Ship event in Lowdham in June.
Last week I did a slot on local BBC Radio promoting the 'One Word Anthology' with a fellow contributor (Catherine Dalling).
The past six months have shown me what I'm happiest doing, and what the best system of writing is for me personally.
I have my office area- that was just something on my wish list last year.
And Serena Lake has finally made her debut, quietly...
That is a lot more than I'd decided on last year.
Now I need to consider what I want to aim for in 2013, but I've been so busy that I haven't even thought about it yet. But I will.
image courtesy of Danilo Rizutti / www.freedigitalphotos.net
Early December is my writing assessment time - if it's not been done earlier in October/November.
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| Reviewing the Writing Year |
So last year (2011) I'd only achieved 2 of my 4 targets, that I'd set myself in late 2010; so I didn't do more than make general plans.
Here's what I decided I wanted for 2012:
So I'm going to be getting on with my novella for the remainder of the year.
This coming Saturday I'll be at Sally Quillford's Pocket Novel workshop, which I'm looking forward to and I'm sure I'll learn a lot.
Hopefully next year will be more productive.
Did I keep to any of them?
I attended the Pocket Novel workshop and enjoyed it very much. I was reassured that I'd understood the requirements, and it did make me look at a few aspects in a different way, which I've taken into my other writing.
I also came home with another couple brewing in my head.
Yes, I've been working on the novella. Not as much has been done as I'd hoped, but I'm finally getting on with it.
Has it been productive?
Yes.
I completed the revisions of the short story that I intended to send to Woman's Weekly. I sent it, and a few days off the four months received the standard rejection letter. But I actually got it sent off this year.
In the New Year it will be getting another look over and being sent off elsewhere...
A previously abandoned One Word Challenge Anthology book began a new life as an e-book project, and finally became available for purchase mid-November. I have contributions in it, and Serena does too.
So that was something I hadn't anticipated happening this year...
(You'll be able to read about the anthology by the Talkback Writers in the January 2013 issue of Writing Magazine-possibly with photos of some of the contributing writers included.)
I've got the basics of a few other projects which are in line for future development and writing up- some full length, others probably novella length.
I read some of my flash fiction to an audience at the Fringe at the Ship event in Lowdham in June.
Last week I did a slot on local BBC Radio promoting the 'One Word Anthology' with a fellow contributor (Catherine Dalling).
The past six months have shown me what I'm happiest doing, and what the best system of writing is for me personally.
I have my office area- that was just something on my wish list last year.
And Serena Lake has finally made her debut, quietly...
That is a lot more than I'd decided on last year.
Now I need to consider what I want to aim for in 2013, but I've been so busy that I haven't even thought about it yet. But I will.
image courtesy of Danilo Rizutti / www.freedigitalphotos.net
Thursday, 29 November 2012
Back to Normal - Almost...
I'm glad to say I'm now fully online again, so will be catching up over the next few days.
Only when you lose your internet use, do you realise how much you use it for.
My OH did let me use his little netbook, but it couldn't cope with sites that had lots of graphics and pages with adverts on- I couldn't do anything until the page was loaded and it was so much slower than I'm used to...
My computer has had a couple of replacement parts, so I got an IP address again (my computer lost it's identity at the weekend along with my internet access) but it still didn't work.
The technical experts at my ISP (internet service provider) did a brilliant job, despite being on the less usual solutions stage.
And the answer to my problems?
Apart from adjusting settings and typing in codes to get it to do specific things, it improved after uninstalling the computer's security package, and replacing it with an alternative- internet access was immediately restored.
I'd done quite a few standard checks before I rang anyone; run the diagnostics on my computer, checked wires and connections and the old favourite of turning the router off, then on; turning the computer off and then back on, clearing cookies, browser history, cleaning the disk.
I have a basic housekeeping routine for my computer each week to keep it running happily, and it is something everyone should do regularly- and you can set your computer to defragment your files once a month.
I'm just glad there was someone on the other end of the phone who could eventually solve my problem, when the initial work didn't resolve the issue.
Have to say I can see the advantages of wi-fi, but even that doesn't protect you from security updates
upsetting your computer...
A big thank you to all who left comments on my previous post- they helped retain my sanity when I was getting upset and annoyed at the numerous phone calls and brick walls I kept facing in trying to get back to normal.
Now, I'm going to catch up on what's been going on in the writing world ready for my weekend post...
Only when you lose your internet use, do you realise how much you use it for.
My OH did let me use his little netbook, but it couldn't cope with sites that had lots of graphics and pages with adverts on- I couldn't do anything until the page was loaded and it was so much slower than I'm used to...
My computer has had a couple of replacement parts, so I got an IP address again (my computer lost it's identity at the weekend along with my internet access) but it still didn't work.
The technical experts at my ISP (internet service provider) did a brilliant job, despite being on the less usual solutions stage.
And the answer to my problems?
Apart from adjusting settings and typing in codes to get it to do specific things, it improved after uninstalling the computer's security package, and replacing it with an alternative- internet access was immediately restored.
I'd done quite a few standard checks before I rang anyone; run the diagnostics on my computer, checked wires and connections and the old favourite of turning the router off, then on; turning the computer off and then back on, clearing cookies, browser history, cleaning the disk.
I have a basic housekeeping routine for my computer each week to keep it running happily, and it is something everyone should do regularly- and you can set your computer to defragment your files once a month.
I'm just glad there was someone on the other end of the phone who could eventually solve my problem, when the initial work didn't resolve the issue.
Have to say I can see the advantages of wi-fi, but even that doesn't protect you from security updates
upsetting your computer...
A big thank you to all who left comments on my previous post- they helped retain my sanity when I was getting upset and annoyed at the numerous phone calls and brick walls I kept facing in trying to get back to normal.
Now, I'm going to catch up on what's been going on in the writing world ready for my weekend post...
Monday, 26 November 2012
Computer Issues...
My regular posting schedule is going to be out this week.
I've written this on my OH's netbook- had to plug a mouse into it, so I could get anything to move...
No idea what's wrong with my computer, but I can't access the Internet, and the security package isn't working either on my desktop.
Strangely enough everyone else using a wireless connection in the family is fine and secure.
My service provider claims it's a computer provider issue- because the laptop computers are able to access the browsers and security package okay, even though I can't on the wired line...
So tomorrow I will be contacting Dell to see if they can resolve the issue, even though I've run all the diagnostic tools and not come up with any obvious issues.
I expect to spend most of Monday on the phone and tearing my hair out in frustration. :(
I'd been intending to spend some time getting the size of the book in the side column reduced in size, but at the moment it will have to stay as it is, until I'm back to full browser access.
So apologies for the size-but the link to alfiedog.com works if you click on the book. Apparently 69 copies have been sold so far, though I don't know if that includes the Amazon sales...
If you've bought and read the anthology, would you consider adding a review to Amazon?
The writers who contributed stories and poems to the anthology are reluctant to write and add reviews themselves, as they are concerned about the ethics of doing so.
They don't want to be linked to any accusations of sock-puppetry...
As soon as my computer is back online, I'll be blogging again.
In the meantime I'll be trying to keep to date with as much as possible via the netbook.
Apologies for not visiting and commenting on fellow bloggers pages meanwhile.
Fingers crossed it's not a major problem...
I've written this on my OH's netbook- had to plug a mouse into it, so I could get anything to move...
No idea what's wrong with my computer, but I can't access the Internet, and the security package isn't working either on my desktop.
Strangely enough everyone else using a wireless connection in the family is fine and secure.
My service provider claims it's a computer provider issue- because the laptop computers are able to access the browsers and security package okay, even though I can't on the wired line...
So tomorrow I will be contacting Dell to see if they can resolve the issue, even though I've run all the diagnostic tools and not come up with any obvious issues.
I expect to spend most of Monday on the phone and tearing my hair out in frustration. :(
I'd been intending to spend some time getting the size of the book in the side column reduced in size, but at the moment it will have to stay as it is, until I'm back to full browser access.
So apologies for the size-but the link to alfiedog.com works if you click on the book. Apparently 69 copies have been sold so far, though I don't know if that includes the Amazon sales...
If you've bought and read the anthology, would you consider adding a review to Amazon?
The writers who contributed stories and poems to the anthology are reluctant to write and add reviews themselves, as they are concerned about the ethics of doing so.
They don't want to be linked to any accusations of sock-puppetry...
As soon as my computer is back online, I'll be blogging again.
In the meantime I'll be trying to keep to date with as much as possible via the netbook.
Apologies for not visiting and commenting on fellow bloggers pages meanwhile.
Fingers crossed it's not a major problem...
Saturday, 24 November 2012
December Approaches, So it Must be 'Britain's 'Most Dreaded Literary Prize'...
Time for the Literary Review's shortlist for the annual Bad Sex in Fiction award...
This is the 20th year, and the ceremony to announce the winner "for the most embarrassing passage of sexual description in a novel" will take place on Tuesday 4th December.
I do wonder if some authors don't leave these dreadful scenes in, rather than edit them to make them better, so they can improve their chance for the shortlist and get their book publicity - no actual cost in time or money needed.
As it's really not bad publicity on the scale of everything that could be classed as bad publicity...
Others no doubt, just aren't very good at writing such scenes- though I'm sure they think they're okay at the time...
If you had the option, saying you did it deliberately is much better than admitting you write bad sex scenes... :-)
In a year that has seen the rise of 'Fifty Shades of Grey', you might expect the book to have been a sure-fire candidate. But no, and here's why.
"The purpose of the prize is to draw attention to the crude, badly written, often perfunctory use of redundant passages of sexual description in the modern novel, and to discourage it. The prize is not intended to cover pornographic or expressly erotic literature."
So that rules FSOG out...
There've been the usual newspaper articles mentioning names; the shortlist includes the following: (if you've actually read any of them, and have an opinion, do please comment.)
The Yips by Nicola Barker
The Adventuress by Nicholas Coleridge
Infrared by Nancy Huston
Rare Earth by Paul Mason
Noughties by Ben Masters
The Quiddity of Will Self by Sam Mills
The Divine Comedy by Craig Raine
Back to Blood by Tom Wolfe
"For snippets from the shortlist, follow Literary Review's twitter account, @lit_review. The tweets are tagged as #LRBadSex2012."
I'll definitely be following on Twitter...
This is the 20th year, and the ceremony to announce the winner "for the most embarrassing passage of sexual description in a novel" will take place on Tuesday 4th December.
I do wonder if some authors don't leave these dreadful scenes in, rather than edit them to make them better, so they can improve their chance for the shortlist and get their book publicity - no actual cost in time or money needed.
As it's really not bad publicity on the scale of everything that could be classed as bad publicity...
Others no doubt, just aren't very good at writing such scenes- though I'm sure they think they're okay at the time...
If you had the option, saying you did it deliberately is much better than admitting you write bad sex scenes... :-)
In a year that has seen the rise of 'Fifty Shades of Grey', you might expect the book to have been a sure-fire candidate. But no, and here's why.
"The purpose of the prize is to draw attention to the crude, badly written, often perfunctory use of redundant passages of sexual description in the modern novel, and to discourage it. The prize is not intended to cover pornographic or expressly erotic literature."
So that rules FSOG out...
There've been the usual newspaper articles mentioning names; the shortlist includes the following: (if you've actually read any of them, and have an opinion, do please comment.)
"For snippets from the shortlist, follow Literary Review's twitter account, @lit_review. The tweets are tagged as #LRBadSex2012."
I'll definitely be following on Twitter...
Thursday, 22 November 2012
Thursday's Radio Interview...
Another experience in the book promotion of the One Word Anthology has been achieved- the radio interview.
Nottingham has a BBC Radio and local news studio on the edge of the city, and that's where Catherine (Dalling) and I were this lunchtime.
We had an interview about the e-book on the Gareth Evans programme that airs between 12 midday and 4pm.
Our instructions were to be there by 1.30 for 1.40...
Actually we were there by 1.05, as we weren't sure how long it would take us. We were fortunate that the tram came along just as we were approaching the Royal Centre stop, otherwise we wouldn't have got there until nearer 1.30.
It's not far to walk from the tram terminus- about 5 minutes- so we had time to sign in, sit in reception and chat, and watch the four screens on the wall- we had a choice of BBC News reporting on the flooding around the country, the lunchtime antiques show, and at one end the local BBC news studio presenter preparing for the East Midlands report that follows the main One O'clock News, while at the other end and with sound, the radio presenter Gareth in his studio.
It seems the whole show for today was word related: with questions about words, fun news that was word related; so we were going to fit right in with the One Word Anthology...
We went upstairs and waited to go into the studio.
Then it was time. Introductions were done while the music was playing, we sat down and then it was time to put the earphones on.
Catherine and I naturally alternated answering the questions, and during the next music break we were able to tell Gareth about the contributors who are in Fiji, and Australia and Europe, as well as the UK and Ireland.
So when we put our earphones back on, this community aspect became part of the next question.
We talked about the words used in the anthology- why does the mind always go blank on important things? :)
Then it was time to tell listeners where they could buy the book, and say thank you.
It was the 2 o'clock news and we could leave the studio. Hopefully some of the listeners went and bought the book- or will do in future...
Everyone was pleased with how well it went; and fellow contributors were happy with our efforts. As were we.
So here's an edited version minus the music. Interview.
Hope you enjoy it. (Thanks, John.)
Nottingham has a BBC Radio and local news studio on the edge of the city, and that's where Catherine (Dalling) and I were this lunchtime.
We had an interview about the e-book on the Gareth Evans programme that airs between 12 midday and 4pm.
Our instructions were to be there by 1.30 for 1.40...
Actually we were there by 1.05, as we weren't sure how long it would take us. We were fortunate that the tram came along just as we were approaching the Royal Centre stop, otherwise we wouldn't have got there until nearer 1.30.
It's not far to walk from the tram terminus- about 5 minutes- so we had time to sign in, sit in reception and chat, and watch the four screens on the wall- we had a choice of BBC News reporting on the flooding around the country, the lunchtime antiques show, and at one end the local BBC news studio presenter preparing for the East Midlands report that follows the main One O'clock News, while at the other end and with sound, the radio presenter Gareth in his studio.
It seems the whole show for today was word related: with questions about words, fun news that was word related; so we were going to fit right in with the One Word Anthology...
We went upstairs and waited to go into the studio.
Then it was time. Introductions were done while the music was playing, we sat down and then it was time to put the earphones on.
Catherine and I naturally alternated answering the questions, and during the next music break we were able to tell Gareth about the contributors who are in Fiji, and Australia and Europe, as well as the UK and Ireland.
So when we put our earphones back on, this community aspect became part of the next question.
We talked about the words used in the anthology- why does the mind always go blank on important things? :)
Then it was time to tell listeners where they could buy the book, and say thank you.
It was the 2 o'clock news and we could leave the studio. Hopefully some of the listeners went and bought the book- or will do in future...
Everyone was pleased with how well it went; and fellow contributors were happy with our efforts. As were we.
 |
| The e-book |
Hope you enjoy it. (Thanks, John.)
 |
| Lola |
Tuesday, 20 November 2012
Grammar and the Radio...
Well I hope my grammar will be right on the radio...
Thursday lunchtime- Catherine Dalling and I will be on BBC Radio Nottingham talking about the One Word Anthology, with Gareth Evans.
If you want to listen to the show live, you should be able to access it via the BBC iPlayer Radio pages in the UK.
Family members who are not otherwise occupied will be at home listening. And numerous friends will be tuning in to hear our efforts.
It is a bit scary- I did a short guest slot one New Year about five or six years ago, so it will be interesting to see how much has changed since then...
Now I mentioned grammar earlier, and I know how some writers struggle with it - there are bits I'm still not sure of too. So a good book that explains every aspect clearly, with examples, is a very useful addition to the bookshelf.
So I'm going to suggest you have a look at 'Grammar for Grown-Ups' by Katherine Fry and Rowena Kirton. Amazon has a look inside option, and it's cheaper than at Waterstones (where I bought my copy). It even has a Table of Tenses which I know I'll find useful...
I didn't know about this book until I saw it in Waterstones today, when I was browsing the reference section. I've since discovered a couple of people I know have also bought a copy.
Thursday lunchtime- Catherine Dalling and I will be on BBC Radio Nottingham talking about the One Word Anthology, with Gareth Evans.
If you want to listen to the show live, you should be able to access it via the BBC iPlayer Radio pages in the UK.
Family members who are not otherwise occupied will be at home listening. And numerous friends will be tuning in to hear our efforts.
It is a bit scary- I did a short guest slot one New Year about five or six years ago, so it will be interesting to see how much has changed since then...
* * *
Now I mentioned grammar earlier, and I know how some writers struggle with it - there are bits I'm still not sure of too. So a good book that explains every aspect clearly, with examples, is a very useful addition to the bookshelf.
So I'm going to suggest you have a look at 'Grammar for Grown-Ups' by Katherine Fry and Rowena Kirton. Amazon has a look inside option, and it's cheaper than at Waterstones (where I bought my copy). It even has a Table of Tenses which I know I'll find useful...
I didn't know about this book until I saw it in Waterstones today, when I was browsing the reference section. I've since discovered a couple of people I know have also bought a copy.
* * *
I'll be doing my next blog post late Thursday, so I can include a link to the interview.
(That's assuming I don't get struck down with any seasonal bugs between now and then. :-) )
Sunday, 18 November 2012
Bond is Back and Writers Will Like It...
Now you may not think that the latest Bond movie has much to interest a writer, other than you might like Daniel Craig as 007, the fast cars and the action scenes- the escapist fun.
But I have to say this was actually a film that a writer can truly appreciate.
At the end I came out feeling that the story had been done properly.
On previous Bond films I've seen, by the end I've felt dissatisfied, that something was missing, but this time I knew it had been done right.
(Yes, I know a lot of that is due to the Director, Cameramen/Women, Stunt Artists, and the Editor to name just a few- and the credits are long.)
Just as in a novel there are the recognisable ups and downs that a story needs. And it certainly had a beginning, middle and an end.
There were lots of little mysteries which were all tied up by the finish of the film, but even then heralded a new beginning.
You had the big climax of the film, but just as in a good book there was that final winding up that left you with a resolution.
There was a lot of character development- 'M', you really see how tough a woman in such a high position has to be to do the job- I know it's fiction, but I bet there are women in all areas of life with big responsibilities who would probably recognise aspects shown by Judi Dench's 'M'.
There's a new young 'Q' ( Ben Whishaw) - forget the gadgets, it's all up to date now with technology- but nothing's perfect...
I even had some sympathy for the villain (Javier Bardem as Silva) at times, but he was still the baddy and got what was coming to him...
Then we have Bond. We all know that our past experiences shape us, and in this film you actually get to find out some of his back-story- someone has really thought this story through.
And if you wonder why it's called 'Skyfall', like I did, you'll find out as the story builds to a climax, as long as you're paying attention...
The final thought, technology can do a lot of things, but sometimes the old ways get the job done, which is probably the appeal of Bond...
But I have to say this was actually a film that a writer can truly appreciate.
At the end I came out feeling that the story had been done properly.
On previous Bond films I've seen, by the end I've felt dissatisfied, that something was missing, but this time I knew it had been done right.
(Yes, I know a lot of that is due to the Director, Cameramen/Women, Stunt Artists, and the Editor to name just a few- and the credits are long.)
Just as in a novel there are the recognisable ups and downs that a story needs. And it certainly had a beginning, middle and an end.
There were lots of little mysteries which were all tied up by the finish of the film, but even then heralded a new beginning.
You had the big climax of the film, but just as in a good book there was that final winding up that left you with a resolution.
There was a lot of character development- 'M', you really see how tough a woman in such a high position has to be to do the job- I know it's fiction, but I bet there are women in all areas of life with big responsibilities who would probably recognise aspects shown by Judi Dench's 'M'.
There's a new young 'Q' ( Ben Whishaw) - forget the gadgets, it's all up to date now with technology- but nothing's perfect...
I even had some sympathy for the villain (Javier Bardem as Silva) at times, but he was still the baddy and got what was coming to him...
Then we have Bond. We all know that our past experiences shape us, and in this film you actually get to find out some of his back-story- someone has really thought this story through.
And if you wonder why it's called 'Skyfall', like I did, you'll find out as the story builds to a climax, as long as you're paying attention...
The final thought, technology can do a lot of things, but sometimes the old ways get the job done, which is probably the appeal of Bond...
Saturday, 17 November 2012
Back Later...
I'm just off to see Skyfall- the latest 007 Bond epic.
So I'll be posting later this evening.
See you then... :-)
So I'll be posting later this evening.
See you then... :-)
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
A Learning Experience from Promoting...
Well I've learnt a lot about book promotion this past week, so I thought I'd share a few of the things I've discovered.
Plan ahead
It might help you to make a list of all your potential outlets for advertising your book- flyers that can be left at any local shops, libraries, writers groups and community settings (these do depend upon the genre of your book of course, and permissions).
Local newspapers - worth looking at the free papers that get put through the door; if you can find a local slant to appeal, as with any regional paper you buy. (Our daily paper has a weekend supplement with the Saturday edition and includes books, and local related articles- often by specific writers, so send a suitably adapted press release.)
Check out local radio- if you're in a big (UK) city you'll possibly have a BBC radio station. You may find a show during the day that has a book slot that would welcome local writers.
Flyers with your book cover, author name, where it's available (for e-books) and the price, plus a bit of the blurb. More can go by e-mail nowadays but please don't just send it to everyone on your contact list and every writer you have a contact address for. That is spamming them and they will not appreciate it, or buy your book. You can lose more friends and contacts that way.
Social media- hopefully you have a presence on Facebook and Twitter; so you've made friends who might retweet a message when you're tweeting about your book launch, or giving links to where they can read about and buy your book.
If you've created a page for your book, invite your friends to like it.
For the anthology we started with the important posts - images of the book, the back page, and the gorgeous Lola, trained by the charity we're giving 10% to.
Each day a small related link was posted as a countdown to the official launch, which hopefully kept the book in the back of readers minds, and coming back to find out more each day.
On launch day as many of the writers who could do so blogged, visited, commented, tweeted and retweeted, and posted on Facebook, also sharing. (Be warned it is tiring, so have regular breaks.)
And then there were the launch parties...
Only time will tell how sales from all sources have done, but yesterday the anthology was 17th in the kindle store anthologies list. Of course it's dropped back today as everything has gone back to normal and other anthologies get promoted.
As is inevitable there were the odd typos that slipped through, but they've now been corrected.
If you're just one person promoting a book you can only do so much. And a lot of it can be done online to reach more potential readers, so choose your best methods to get the news out and books sold.
A really important point to remember when approaching local press/radio- especially at this time of year; are there any major events going on, either locally or nationally?
Last weekend was Remembrance Sunday, and this Friday is Children in Need- both big news events, so I'm not approaching local press about the anthology until early next week, and hopefully it won't get passed by.
(It may still be, but why make it harder for yourself spending time sending out press releases that won't get read because there are big events going on with lots of local coverage filling the pages?)
I'll be adding the book cover in my sidebar (somewhere). It's a lovely reminder that I've been published in a book before I'm another year older... :-)
Are there any tips you would like to pass on? If so please leave a comment below.
Plan ahead
It might help you to make a list of all your potential outlets for advertising your book- flyers that can be left at any local shops, libraries, writers groups and community settings (these do depend upon the genre of your book of course, and permissions).
Local newspapers - worth looking at the free papers that get put through the door; if you can find a local slant to appeal, as with any regional paper you buy. (Our daily paper has a weekend supplement with the Saturday edition and includes books, and local related articles- often by specific writers, so send a suitably adapted press release.)
Check out local radio- if you're in a big (UK) city you'll possibly have a BBC radio station. You may find a show during the day that has a book slot that would welcome local writers.
Flyers with your book cover, author name, where it's available (for e-books) and the price, plus a bit of the blurb. More can go by e-mail nowadays but please don't just send it to everyone on your contact list and every writer you have a contact address for. That is spamming them and they will not appreciate it, or buy your book. You can lose more friends and contacts that way.
Social media- hopefully you have a presence on Facebook and Twitter; so you've made friends who might retweet a message when you're tweeting about your book launch, or giving links to where they can read about and buy your book.
If you've created a page for your book, invite your friends to like it.
For the anthology we started with the important posts - images of the book, the back page, and the gorgeous Lola, trained by the charity we're giving 10% to.
Each day a small related link was posted as a countdown to the official launch, which hopefully kept the book in the back of readers minds, and coming back to find out more each day.
On launch day as many of the writers who could do so blogged, visited, commented, tweeted and retweeted, and posted on Facebook, also sharing. (Be warned it is tiring, so have regular breaks.)
And then there were the launch parties...
Only time will tell how sales from all sources have done, but yesterday the anthology was 17th in the kindle store anthologies list. Of course it's dropped back today as everything has gone back to normal and other anthologies get promoted.
As is inevitable there were the odd typos that slipped through, but they've now been corrected.
If you're just one person promoting a book you can only do so much. And a lot of it can be done online to reach more potential readers, so choose your best methods to get the news out and books sold.
A really important point to remember when approaching local press/radio- especially at this time of year; are there any major events going on, either locally or nationally?
Last weekend was Remembrance Sunday, and this Friday is Children in Need- both big news events, so I'm not approaching local press about the anthology until early next week, and hopefully it won't get passed by.
(It may still be, but why make it harder for yourself spending time sending out press releases that won't get read because there are big events going on with lots of local coverage filling the pages?)
I'll be adding the book cover in my sidebar (somewhere). It's a lovely reminder that I've been published in a book before I'm another year older... :-)
Are there any tips you would like to pass on? If so please leave a comment below.
Monday, 12 November 2012
Launch Party Today- Join the Fun...
Today is the day, the One Word Anthology e-book by the Talkback Writers is launched, and you can now buy it from alfiedog.com for 99p.
It's available in the following formats e-Pub for e-readers other than Kindle.
- mobi for Kindle.
- pdf for reading on your computer screen.
10% of the revenue from the anthology goes to support the work of Medical Detection Dogs - you can find out more about the valuable work this charity does in training animals to support and save lives...here.
30 writers have contributed stories and poems that were written for the monthly One Word Challenge on the Talkback forum - which is part of the writers-online.co.uk
website, run by Writers News and Writing Magazine.
Each month the writers are set a word prompt. They have
200 words (excluding the title) to create a story, and/or poetry up to 40 lines.
The winner of the previous month's competition- one for poetry and one for prose- read the entries and choose a winner, both winners then set the word for the new month and will judge the entries at the start of the following month.
The anthology is a selection of the variety of stories and poems inspired by the chosen words.
A big thank you to all the writers involved, I'm proud to be among you.
It really has been a joint effort getting the anthology organised and put together, to now being available for sale.
Special thanks must go to writers: Jay Mandal, who suggested the competition many years ago and started it all.
Brenda Gunning, who collated the pieces and edited them ready for the publisher, Rosemary J Kind - who has the patience of a hundred people (if not more) and the technical expertise.
And finally Marion Clarke who took our assorted suggestions and created
the absolutely brilliant cover.
Early in December there will be an interview with Rosemary and Brenda in Writing Magazine (January issue) where you can find out more about how the book developed.
I'd like to give a big thank you to the WM/WN editor Jonathan Telfer who has supported the One Word Challenge on the forum from the beginning, and rightfully has a few words at the start of the book -we couldn't leave him out...
Okay, that's the official part out the way. Here's my self-promotion bit :-)
You'll find my four stories appearing under both Carol Bevitt and Serena Lake (my other name).
Carol's stories are 'Junk Mail' and 'The Child in Everyone'; while Serena's stories are 'Surprises' and 'After Heat'.
The e-book is also available on Smashwords $1.60 (it's changed to UK currency ) and Amazon; but please buy direct from our publisher if you can, as it means the charity will get more...
Now it's time to party!!!
Find us on Twitter, Facebook and wherever we can spread the launch news, so please join in.
Virtual bubbly will be swirling...
It's available in the following formats e-Pub for e-readers other than Kindle.
- mobi for Kindle.
- pdf for reading on your computer screen.
 |
| Buy it now! |
10% of the revenue from the anthology goes to support the work of Medical Detection Dogs - you can find out more about the valuable work this charity does in training animals to support and save lives...here.
30 writers have contributed stories and poems that were written for the monthly One Word Challenge on the Talkback forum - which is part of the writers-online.co.uk
website, run by Writers News and Writing Magazine.
Each month the writers are set a word prompt. They have
200 words (excluding the title) to create a story, and/or poetry up to 40 lines.
 |
| Lola, the Diabetic Alert Dog |
The anthology is a selection of the variety of stories and poems inspired by the chosen words.
A big thank you to all the writers involved, I'm proud to be among you.
It really has been a joint effort getting the anthology organised and put together, to now being available for sale.
Special thanks must go to writers: Jay Mandal, who suggested the competition many years ago and started it all.
Brenda Gunning, who collated the pieces and edited them ready for the publisher, Rosemary J Kind - who has the patience of a hundred people (if not more) and the technical expertise.
And finally Marion Clarke who took our assorted suggestions and created
the absolutely brilliant cover.
Early in December there will be an interview with Rosemary and Brenda in Writing Magazine (January issue) where you can find out more about how the book developed.
I'd like to give a big thank you to the WM/WN editor Jonathan Telfer who has supported the One Word Challenge on the forum from the beginning, and rightfully has a few words at the start of the book -we couldn't leave him out...
Okay, that's the official part out the way. Here's my self-promotion bit :-)
You'll find my four stories appearing under both Carol Bevitt and Serena Lake (my other name).
Carol's stories are 'Junk Mail' and 'The Child in Everyone'; while Serena's stories are 'Surprises' and 'After Heat'.
The e-book is also available on Smashwords $1.60 (it's changed to UK currency ) and Amazon; but please buy direct from our publisher if you can, as it means the charity will get more...
Now it's time to party!!!
Find us on Twitter, Facebook and wherever we can spread the launch news, so please join in.
 |
| Cheers! (image from www.freedigitalphotos.com ) |
Saturday, 10 November 2012
Meet One of the Writers in the One Word Challenge Anthology...
As we're only a couple of days away from the launch of the One Word Challenge Anthology, on Monday the 12th, I thought it would be fun to introduce you to one of the writers in the anthology.
Catherine Dalling is not just a writer and friend, but also a talented artist.
So to the questions and answers...
Tell the readers a little bit about yourself.
I’m almost 48, married with two teenage children, a dog and three cats. I became a stay-at-home mum when the kids were born and other than a couple of part-time jobs have stayed that way.
Twice a week I run a music quiz at a couple of local pubs and love it, even though I have to say I now know more useless information about one hit wonders and chart stats than I am probably ever going to need, unless one of my characters ever becomes a DJ.
What started you writing?
Up until the children were born I was predominately a portrait artist, people and pets, but when you have two young children it's not easy to paint when you don't have the space. So the paintbrushes were put away and I got on with being a mum. But something was missing, I needed something creative.
I had been a prolific writer whilst I was at school, short stories (somewhere between the Famous 5 and the Hardy Boys) and rather bad poetry. So I started writing a bit of fan fiction, then it mutated into not-so short stories - always dark, either realistically so or heading into urban fantasy.
As the kids got older I started painting again, but I have to admit I had the bug for writing. I enrolled on a writing course and really enjoyed it. I have very Gothic tendencies, but other than my beloved New Rocks (a particular type of boots) you wouldn't really notice it - well until you walk into my office that is...
Some writers concentrate on one genre, others a variety. Which type are you? And what are you currently working on?
I admit to a love of all things dark and macabre, but I don't do gore. I always think the less it's described the more it affects the imagination of the reader. So I tend to stick to what I know, and love.
I have a vampire serial that is at the stage where it needs a good edit, but to be honest I've popped it in the back of the cupboard as I feel the market is so saturated in blood that it will probably drown. My vampires can wait.
I am focussing on what will hopefully become a series of books involving the Nephilim; it's still in the early stages but the characters are already shouting at me at inopportune moments, which is always a good thing.In my head the characters are real. As long as I don't walk down the street talking to myself we should be okay.
When you're writing do you need to shut yourself off from everything, or are you happy to work with everyday life going on around you?
Normally I like to be all alone, locked away without distraction, once the kids get home from school I have no hope of getting anything done. Or if I don't want to be distracted by the washing/cleaning (can't work in a messy house) I take myself off to one of the local cafes with my net book for an hour and have a couple of lattes and get my brain working. I can shut the noise out, or I can people watch (it's valid research – honest).
I used to write in silence but now I tend to have music on, something that sets the mood for what I'm writing: a bit of HIM, or Within temptation, Bach, Beethoven, it varies, of course.
You have four stories in the anthology. How would you describe them to readers?
I have to say that the OWC has been an interesting exercise for me. I remember looking at it and thinking there is no way I can actually get my point across in 200 words (she has) - probably takes me more to tell people what they are about. So looking at the four stories, each is different, but very typically me.
As a writer in a rapidly changing book industry, do you see your genre as benefiting from them? Or having to adapt?
I think it's a two edged sword (to use rather apt cliché). When I was growing up dark fantasy/urban fantasy wasn’t seen as a serious genre. It seem to be changing. You only have to look at the plethora of vampires around at the moment - some better than others - to see that technology (and teenage girls) seem to be the vampires friend.
I remember when the books were either nestled in with the horror, or epic fantasy and you had to read the backs of covers to find what you wanted to read. Now it’s so much easier to find something that appeals, with no end of suggestions thrust at you when you have purchased online.
I think ezines are brilliant. There’s more scope to showcase writers who would probably never see the light of day otherwise.
I used to get the bi-monthly Fantasy and Sci-Fi (my abbreviation) periodical from the states (not overly expensive) but sometimes late etc; now I have it direct to Kindle for 99p - brilliant (I don’t own a Kindle but I have it on my phone) which means I read more as it’s always in my pocket.
What authors would you recommend new writers read?
I think it depends on what you want to write, but honestly, read whatever you can lay your hands on- especially if you aren't sure of what genre you fancy, or more to the point how you want to write it.
I’d avoid how-to books until you’ve found your voice, as I think they can be slightly a negative influence; and if you read too many it will just confuse you. It’s like painting, you find your own way, or you just end up like someone else.
Don't feel you have to like, or emulate someone if it doesn't do anything for you. There is nothing wrong with not liking what someone writes. It’s not bad writing, it just isn't for you.
The same goes for your writing. Don't try to write to please anyone but yourself. If you love your characters and your story, it will show.
So read, read, and read.
Read classics (in my case) Poe, Lovecraft, Wilde. The Picture of Dorian Grey is a really well spun tale.
As for vampires you can’t beat ‘Dracula’. Bram Stoker was a genius.
But for more recent authors (and again I can really only point you in the direction I go) look at Jim Butchers 'Dresden Files', Mike Carey 'Felix Castor', Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles and Tanya Huff, Laurel Hamilton, and Charlaine Harris.
Where can you be found on the web?
For my writing there is a fairly new blog which will be updated on a regular basis: http://nephilims-child.blogspot.co.uk/
For my paintings: pet-artist.co.uk and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Catherine-Dalling-Artist/108056759286490
Thanks you for sharing your thoughts and inspirations with us, Catherine. And I'm certainly looking forward to reading your contributions to the One Word Challenge Anthology on Monday.
And remember you're invited to the official launch on Monday, here, and on Facebook (The One Word Anthology) and on Twitter...
Catherine Dalling is not just a writer and friend, but also a talented artist.
 |
| Catherine Dalling |
Tell the readers a little bit about yourself.
I’m almost 48, married with two teenage children, a dog and three cats. I became a stay-at-home mum when the kids were born and other than a couple of part-time jobs have stayed that way.
Twice a week I run a music quiz at a couple of local pubs and love it, even though I have to say I now know more useless information about one hit wonders and chart stats than I am probably ever going to need, unless one of my characters ever becomes a DJ.
What started you writing?
Up until the children were born I was predominately a portrait artist, people and pets, but when you have two young children it's not easy to paint when you don't have the space. So the paintbrushes were put away and I got on with being a mum. But something was missing, I needed something creative.
I had been a prolific writer whilst I was at school, short stories (somewhere between the Famous 5 and the Hardy Boys) and rather bad poetry. So I started writing a bit of fan fiction, then it mutated into not-so short stories - always dark, either realistically so or heading into urban fantasy.
As the kids got older I started painting again, but I have to admit I had the bug for writing. I enrolled on a writing course and really enjoyed it. I have very Gothic tendencies, but other than my beloved New Rocks (a particular type of boots) you wouldn't really notice it - well until you walk into my office that is...
Some writers concentrate on one genre, others a variety. Which type are you? And what are you currently working on?
I admit to a love of all things dark and macabre, but I don't do gore. I always think the less it's described the more it affects the imagination of the reader. So I tend to stick to what I know, and love.
I have a vampire serial that is at the stage where it needs a good edit, but to be honest I've popped it in the back of the cupboard as I feel the market is so saturated in blood that it will probably drown. My vampires can wait.
I am focussing on what will hopefully become a series of books involving the Nephilim; it's still in the early stages but the characters are already shouting at me at inopportune moments, which is always a good thing.In my head the characters are real. As long as I don't walk down the street talking to myself we should be okay.
When you're writing do you need to shut yourself off from everything, or are you happy to work with everyday life going on around you?
Normally I like to be all alone, locked away without distraction, once the kids get home from school I have no hope of getting anything done. Or if I don't want to be distracted by the washing/cleaning (can't work in a messy house) I take myself off to one of the local cafes with my net book for an hour and have a couple of lattes and get my brain working. I can shut the noise out, or I can people watch (it's valid research – honest).
I used to write in silence but now I tend to have music on, something that sets the mood for what I'm writing: a bit of HIM, or Within temptation, Bach, Beethoven, it varies, of course.
You have four stories in the anthology. How would you describe them to readers?
I have to say that the OWC has been an interesting exercise for me. I remember looking at it and thinking there is no way I can actually get my point across in 200 words (she has) - probably takes me more to tell people what they are about. So looking at the four stories, each is different, but very typically me.
- In 'Heat' I wanted to get over the feel of the inner city on a hot summer night, the seedy underbelly of nightclubs, I think I did.
- Bounce – you know that kid at the back of the class that you always thought was a bit odd?This is how he could have ended up, school wasn't the happiest days of everyone's life.
- Chaos – A humorous look at the beginning of the Apocalypse.
- Witness – A look at humanity from an unusual viewpoint.
As a writer in a rapidly changing book industry, do you see your genre as benefiting from them? Or having to adapt?
I think it's a two edged sword (to use rather apt cliché). When I was growing up dark fantasy/urban fantasy wasn’t seen as a serious genre. It seem to be changing. You only have to look at the plethora of vampires around at the moment - some better than others - to see that technology (and teenage girls) seem to be the vampires friend.
I remember when the books were either nestled in with the horror, or epic fantasy and you had to read the backs of covers to find what you wanted to read. Now it’s so much easier to find something that appeals, with no end of suggestions thrust at you when you have purchased online.
I think ezines are brilliant. There’s more scope to showcase writers who would probably never see the light of day otherwise.
I used to get the bi-monthly Fantasy and Sci-Fi (my abbreviation) periodical from the states (not overly expensive) but sometimes late etc; now I have it direct to Kindle for 99p - brilliant (I don’t own a Kindle but I have it on my phone) which means I read more as it’s always in my pocket.
What authors would you recommend new writers read?
I think it depends on what you want to write, but honestly, read whatever you can lay your hands on- especially if you aren't sure of what genre you fancy, or more to the point how you want to write it.
I’d avoid how-to books until you’ve found your voice, as I think they can be slightly a negative influence; and if you read too many it will just confuse you. It’s like painting, you find your own way, or you just end up like someone else.
Don't feel you have to like, or emulate someone if it doesn't do anything for you. There is nothing wrong with not liking what someone writes. It’s not bad writing, it just isn't for you.
The same goes for your writing. Don't try to write to please anyone but yourself. If you love your characters and your story, it will show.
So read, read, and read.
Read classics (in my case) Poe, Lovecraft, Wilde. The Picture of Dorian Grey is a really well spun tale.
As for vampires you can’t beat ‘Dracula’. Bram Stoker was a genius.
But for more recent authors (and again I can really only point you in the direction I go) look at Jim Butchers 'Dresden Files', Mike Carey 'Felix Castor', Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles and Tanya Huff, Laurel Hamilton, and Charlaine Harris.
Where can you be found on the web?
For my writing there is a fairly new blog which will be updated on a regular basis: http://nephilims-child.blogspot.co.uk/
For my paintings: pet-artist.co.uk and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Catherine-Dalling-Artist/108056759286490
Thanks you for sharing your thoughts and inspirations with us, Catherine. And I'm certainly looking forward to reading your contributions to the One Word Challenge Anthology on Monday.
And remember you're invited to the official launch on Monday, here, and on Facebook (The One Word Anthology) and on Twitter...
Monday, 5 November 2012
An Exciting Week Begins...
The countdown to the launch of the One Word Challenge Anthology e-book begins today.
This is a very exciting week for me, as I have four pieces of micro fiction included in this e-book- two are by my alternative writing persona, Serena Lake.
And the very best bit of all, beside the price (99p direct) is that 10% of the cover price of each e-book will go to Medical Detection Dogs, a charity that trains dogs to assist people with life-threatening conditions.
But I'm getting ahead of myself...
The book will be available to buy in a few days, direct from Alfie Dog Fiction.
It will also be available from Amazon and Smashwords but there's no definite date yet for those. (But I'll add links and prices when they become available.)
(Buying direct from the publisher will ensure the charity gets more.)
I'm one of 30 writers who have contributed to the anthology, so expect to see other bloggers posting, tweeting and taking about it on Facebook as the week progresses.
As the official launch is Monday 12th November, you're all invited to the virtual launch party I'm holding here.
A couple of days before, 9th/10th, I'll be bringing you an interview with one of the other writers' involved, Catherine Dalling.
If you want to find out more about the Medical Detection Dogs charity that the anthology is donating to, please look here.
(Lola belongs to one of the writers in the anthology; and the Talkback Writers have followed her progress through initial training to passing her final qualifications.)
More news in a few days...
This is a very exciting week for me, as I have four pieces of micro fiction included in this e-book- two are by my alternative writing persona, Serena Lake.
And the very best bit of all, beside the price (99p direct) is that 10% of the cover price of each e-book will go to Medical Detection Dogs, a charity that trains dogs to assist people with life-threatening conditions.
 |
| Fantastic cover image by Marion Clarke |
The book will be available to buy in a few days, direct from Alfie Dog Fiction.
It will also be available from Amazon and Smashwords but there's no definite date yet for those. (But I'll add links and prices when they become available.)
(Buying direct from the publisher will ensure the charity gets more.)
I'm one of 30 writers who have contributed to the anthology, so expect to see other bloggers posting, tweeting and taking about it on Facebook as the week progresses.
As the official launch is Monday 12th November, you're all invited to the virtual launch party I'm holding here.
 |
| Lola the Diabetic Alert Dog |
If you want to find out more about the Medical Detection Dogs charity that the anthology is donating to, please look here.
(Lola belongs to one of the writers in the anthology; and the Talkback Writers have followed her progress through initial training to passing her final qualifications.)
More news in a few days...
 |
| A little bit about the book |
Saturday, 3 November 2012
The Next Big Thing... (I'm working on it)
I must thank Dream it, then do it (otherwise known as Keith) for nominating me for The Next Big Thing.
So now to the interrogation questions...
What is the working title of your next book?
After the Storm.
A storm plays a part in linking the incidents from the past to the present.
Where did the idea come from for the book?
I was doing some local history research in the Local Studies section of the County Library (about 9 years ago); in a book of 19th century cuttings there was a report about a lady's diary entry (from earlier in the century) describing a mini tornado that she had witnessed during a bad storm.
I made a note of it, and carried on with my research, but it sparked the idea...
What genre does your book fall under?
Historical Romance.
What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
I'd have to say unknowns for my hero and heroine. But I have a snobbish character, Mrs Chester, who only has a bit part, but I could imagine Imelda Staunton playing her.
What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
To make a future together, Hugh and Sarah must resolve the past.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I'm open to self-publishing if I can't find a publisher, but I'm doubtful of finding an agent at this stage.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
I wrote the first chapter in about two weeks, about 3 years ago, but wasn't totally happy with the rest of the story, or some of the characters who were still a bit vague. So I've been doing other projects in the meantime, while my brain has been working on the weak spots.
Having been in an accident between then and now, I've only just got back into gear with the manuscript, so I'm planning on getting the first draft completed by early spring.
I'm one of those writers who does minor edits as I go along- before I start writing I re-read the chapter to help me get into the setting, and I'll make minor adjustments as I go. So hopefully I'll only need a couple of major revisions before I get a couple of readers to go through it and give me feedback.
What other books would you compare this story to in your genre?
I suppose it's a mix of Mills and Boon historicals of the past and the present.
Who or what inspired you to write the book?
As a small child I had problems reading- a slight speech problem delayed my reading development- and when I finally overcame it, I was suddenly open to a world of words and stories which I joyfully immersed myself in, and it made me want to write.
So every author I have ever read has inspired me to write this book- and the others I have waiting in line...
What else about your book might pique the readers' interest?
That's a tough one.
There's jealousy and how dangerous that can be. And also how the manipulation and/or suppression of truth can have a lasting effect on children when they become adults.
Anything else?
There's a Happy Ever After (HEA), and everyone will want to read my next book too... :-)
I'm now passing this award on to Fiona Faith Ross.
So now to the What is the working title of your next book?
After the Storm.
A storm plays a part in linking the incidents from the past to the present.
Where did the idea come from for the book?
I was doing some local history research in the Local Studies section of the County Library (about 9 years ago); in a book of 19th century cuttings there was a report about a lady's diary entry (from earlier in the century) describing a mini tornado that she had witnessed during a bad storm.
I made a note of it, and carried on with my research, but it sparked the idea...
What genre does your book fall under?
Historical Romance.
What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
I'd have to say unknowns for my hero and heroine. But I have a snobbish character, Mrs Chester, who only has a bit part, but I could imagine Imelda Staunton playing her.
What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
To make a future together, Hugh and Sarah must resolve the past.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I'm open to self-publishing if I can't find a publisher, but I'm doubtful of finding an agent at this stage.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
I wrote the first chapter in about two weeks, about 3 years ago, but wasn't totally happy with the rest of the story, or some of the characters who were still a bit vague. So I've been doing other projects in the meantime, while my brain has been working on the weak spots.
Having been in an accident between then and now, I've only just got back into gear with the manuscript, so I'm planning on getting the first draft completed by early spring.
I'm one of those writers who does minor edits as I go along- before I start writing I re-read the chapter to help me get into the setting, and I'll make minor adjustments as I go. So hopefully I'll only need a couple of major revisions before I get a couple of readers to go through it and give me feedback.
What other books would you compare this story to in your genre?
I suppose it's a mix of Mills and Boon historicals of the past and the present.
Who or what inspired you to write the book?
As a small child I had problems reading- a slight speech problem delayed my reading development- and when I finally overcame it, I was suddenly open to a world of words and stories which I joyfully immersed myself in, and it made me want to write.
So every author I have ever read has inspired me to write this book- and the others I have waiting in line...
What else about your book might pique the readers' interest?
That's a tough one.
There's jealousy and how dangerous that can be. And also how the manipulation and/or suppression of truth can have a lasting effect on children when they become adults.
Anything else?
There's a Happy Ever After (HEA), and everyone will want to read my next book too... :-)
I'm now passing this award on to Fiona Faith Ross.
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
Comment is Free...
Comment is free. Not sure who said that originally, but I'm sure someone did...
Happy Halloween - if you're reading this on Wednesday; otherwise hello and thank you for
visiting. :-)
Now two delightful bloggers, Patsy and Rosemary have awarded me the top commenters award, thank you ladies.
I enjoy reading the comments you leave me, and I like to read those left by other bloggers (on posts by those I follow - in a non-creepy way of course) as it's good to get other viewpoints on the same subject.
And if you leave a comment here, I know I'm not just talking to the ether...
As those who know me, or have known me for many years will confirm, I usually have an opinion on most things, but I'm getting better at not commenting when it's probably a good idea to keep quiet...
As my top commenters have already been awarded this I'm not sure I have anyone left to mention. But if I look through past posts and find a few, I'll add their names in- so watch out!
The phrase 'comment is free' comes from C P Scott- a British journalist, publisher and politician. He was the editor of the Manchester Guardian (now the Guardian, which has a column, Comment is free ).
The full quote is: "Comment is free, but facts are sacred."
A worthy quote...
Happy Halloween - if you're reading this on Wednesday; otherwise hello and thank you for
visiting. :-)
Now two delightful bloggers, Patsy and Rosemary have awarded me the top commenters award, thank you ladies.
I enjoy reading the comments you leave me, and I like to read those left by other bloggers (on posts by those I follow - in a non-creepy way of course) as it's good to get other viewpoints on the same subject.
And if you leave a comment here, I know I'm not just talking to the ether...
As those who know me, or have known me for many years will confirm, I usually have an opinion on most things, but I'm getting better at not commenting when it's probably a good idea to keep quiet...
As my top commenters have already been awarded this I'm not sure I have anyone left to mention. But if I look through past posts and find a few, I'll add their names in- so watch out!
The phrase 'comment is free' comes from C P Scott- a British journalist, publisher and politician. He was the editor of the Manchester Guardian (now the Guardian, which has a column, Comment is free ).
The full quote is: "Comment is free, but facts are sacred."
A worthy quote...
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