Why yes, yes I do. I mean, that's why I wrote my first book, novella, whatever you wanna call it. Is it a work of award winning proportions? Does it mean I will become the next Konrath or Hocking?
Maybe, but probably not.
Let's be realistic. There are at least 4 million plus books published on Amazon alone. Some authors are traditionally published and some are indie. At this point my 1 novella and upcoming 2nd novella in my series is pretty much all I've got.
I'm the proverbial needle in a haystack.
How do I feel about that? Fine. Yes, you read this right. I'm just fine. Let me share with you why.
I've loved reading a variety of books since I was a little girl. Whatever I could get my hands on I would read. Stories would suck me in and run through my mind like a movie. As I got older I thought to myself but never really shared with anyone else, wow, I can write if I just try.
Well, finally and amazingly at the age of forty (forty is the new thirty by the way), I wrote and published my first book. That's not the amazing part, though. What was amazing is how liberating it was.
I finally felt that I was doing what I love. Suddenly the flood gates of my imagination opened and a veritable maelstrom of ideas consumed me and I had no idea what I was doing with any of it.
I discovered some of my favorite writers on Facebook and was shocked to find that they were very friendly and open to provide resources and tips for publishing my first book. I knew it would be difficult and I knew that my first book, which will probably always be my favorite, would probably be my most flawed work.
Why would it be my favorite? It's not just a story but a journey fraught with mistakes and wrong turns that I would like to share in the hopes that another indie writer reads this and feels relieved and informed.
It took me 6 months to write my first paranormal/romance/fantasy novella The Allotter: The Threads of Destiny, book 1. It's only an estimated 108 pages or a little over 36,000 words. It then took me another 2 months to daydream or hash out in my mind my content, characters, and self doubt. I fought with myself over it. It sucks! It's genius! I'll get scathing reviews. Maybe I will and in fact I did get 1 pretty terrible review. It's all a learning process. Back to the evolution of my book. A lovely friend provided a list of resources from which I found a great content editor. The price for just that process of editing was about 158.00 dollars give or take a few cents. It was an invaluable edit because I realized just how flawed my writing was. Not so much the story but how I was telling the story.
It took me another 4 months to apply the edits. Once I was done I had my sister read it. I then ran it through the autocorrect in word. Not a great idea and I will tell you why shortly. Funds were tight so I decided that I would give myself a budget-300.00 dollars and I had already spent a little over half of that. My next choice was to go with a great cover artist. I found one and she gave me exactly what I wanted for about 100.00 dollars.
Well, I thought to myself that I was doing great. I decided to go through some editing myself and attempt to do my own copy edits. Back to using Word and how it's not a good idea. It's not a god idea. I'm a nurse and I don't have an English degree and I've found that I am comma happy.
I also formatted it myself which was a pain in the butt. I figured I could do it myself, I mean, after all I am on a budget. After lots of aggravation and sleeplessness, in July 2014, I hit the publish button on Amazon and almost became sick where I sat.
I was sort of flying blind. I mean, I had lots of encouragement from other authors but they are also on their own journey and can't hold my hand. So I made a choice that may have been stupid or not, still debatable. I made it free for a few days. I wanted peoples opinions and reviews, even the not so nice ones. I figured it was an inexpensive way to hone my craft. How did it work for me?
I soon realized that copy edits by a professional were a necessity. Sure, I had over 400 downloads in just a few days and a few reviews. For the most part, the reviews were favorable but honest that it could have used a pass from a copy editor. I immediately searched and found one, resubmitted my book for cope edits, and republished it. Sure, those reviews are still there and in fact, one person even offered to amend or add to her review that she read the newly edited one but I didn't want that. I wanted honesty.
With honesty comes value and with value comes respect. So all in all I love my flawed and imperfect work and am quite proud of it. Am I rich from it?
Not at all. In fact, I'm at a deficit but I expected to be. I mean, I only finished one book (the 2nd book will be out very soon). I'm going to make a list of important things I've learned so far:
1. Write for yourself and not anyone else.
2. Have friends or family read it but also have at least content and copy edits done.
3. Have a great cover. I don't have to tell you why. Covers sell a book. Well, so does the blurb.
4. Have a great blurb describing your book.
5. Interact with readers and other authors.
6. Don't expect to become rich overnight. That ship has already sailed when indie publishing first started and there wasn't much to chose from.
7. Have patience, persistence, and dedication. Work hard and stick with it.
8. Take criticism and learn from it but don't, for the love of chocolate, don't ignore it. Take whatever it is, no matter how scathing it is or sounds and turn it into creativity and persevere.
9. When you do publish do not watch your sales every hour every day because it will consume you and make you crazy (not that I know from experience or anything).
10. Know that success doesn't necessarily mean riches. Success is how it brings satisfaction to your life and enhances everything else. I am happy and satisfied that this indie writing hobby brings me joy and in turn makes me more fulfilling in the rest of my life and relationships.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Sunday, November 9, 2014
A review of "The Bedside Voyeur"-HOT!
This is definitely a book filled with heat and creativity. Each short sexual tale was artfully written with sensual prose and confidence. The tales were artfully crafted similar to a vignette in a theatre production. The detailed impressionistic scenes provide insight into some pretty kinky and at times funny sexual experiences, some of which I never would have imagined. Although the sexual experiences described were detailed, Ms. Branton provides the reader with confidence and comfort through the characters perspective. It was empowering to read a female character behave in a sexually comfortable and confident way.
My personal favorite was "Gettin' Lucky By Mistake"-quick, funny, and hot!
I highly recommend this book, especially if you need some spice in your love life.
http://www.amazon.com/Bedside-Voyeur-Ellay-Branton-ebook/dp/B00O5UI87S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415592880&sr=8-1&keywords=Ellay+Branton
My personal favorite was "Gettin' Lucky By Mistake"-quick, funny, and hot!
I highly recommend this book, especially if you need some spice in your love life.
http://www.amazon.com/Bedside-Voyeur-Ellay-Branton-ebook/dp/B00O5UI87S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415592880&sr=8-1&keywords=Ellay+Branton
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Doreen by Leonardo Acebo
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"Doreen is a fun, trashy, and low-class woman with no filter and a frequent case of verbal diarrhea. You can't really love her but neither can you hate her. You can, however, respect her for being herself. This book was funny, witty, and very entertaining and I highly recommend it.
Doreen is trailer park all the way, until her trailer burns. So the spiral of hilarity and adventure begins. From Louisiana to Florida we follow her and her daughters and laugh at their, or should I say Doreen's, exploits. You aren't meant to love her in this book but you can secretly envy her spunk and "don't care what other people think of me" attitude.
In the end Doreen and her kiddos redeem themselves and worm their way into your heart and I'm quite glad I stumbled upon this book. I love the humor and creativity and look forward to the next one."
A 5 star for me and I can't wait to read the next installment!
http://www.amazon.com/Doreen-Leonardo-Acebo-ebook/dp/B00E29JVBY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413909928&sr=8-1&keywords=Leonardo+acebo
My Own Worst Enemy
I thought it was a cool story but maybe it wasn't good enough to publish.
Maybe I'm not really a writer but just a wannabe.
Is there really an audience for my book/books?
As an aspiring indie author, I have had my doubts. I've questioned my sanity and have even felt embarrassed to tell family and friends. Hell, I've even downplayed my publishing experience to pretty much...everyone. The fact of the matter is, I'm my own worst enemy.
I would be a fool to say my first book is perfect because it isn't. Publishing it was an excruciating and tedious process that kept me up all night, made me binge eat, had me nauseous at times, and added some extra weight to my tushy. I guess in a bizarre way it was sort of like having a baby without the nasty birthing process and cute baby at the end.
I will say that what it did give me was an awakening to a whole other world out there filled with other authors, bloggers, and promotional peeps in different stages of success who are willing and eager to help, guide, and participate in everything and anything you have to offer.
I thought that initially, my success would come in the form of popularity and income and come on, who doesn't want that type of success. I have found that my success and reward is much more profound than those things. I have found people like me who GET me.
I know, it sounds silly and sentimental but I don't really care. I'm not even making much out of it financially but exploring new genres and types of books is so rewarding in of itself that it really has kept me, my worst enemy at bay.
At least for now it has.
Maybe I'm not really a writer but just a wannabe.
Is there really an audience for my book/books?
As an aspiring indie author, I have had my doubts. I've questioned my sanity and have even felt embarrassed to tell family and friends. Hell, I've even downplayed my publishing experience to pretty much...everyone. The fact of the matter is, I'm my own worst enemy.
I would be a fool to say my first book is perfect because it isn't. Publishing it was an excruciating and tedious process that kept me up all night, made me binge eat, had me nauseous at times, and added some extra weight to my tushy. I guess in a bizarre way it was sort of like having a baby without the nasty birthing process and cute baby at the end.
I will say that what it did give me was an awakening to a whole other world out there filled with other authors, bloggers, and promotional peeps in different stages of success who are willing and eager to help, guide, and participate in everything and anything you have to offer.
I thought that initially, my success would come in the form of popularity and income and come on, who doesn't want that type of success. I have found that my success and reward is much more profound than those things. I have found people like me who GET me.
I know, it sounds silly and sentimental but I don't really care. I'm not even making much out of it financially but exploring new genres and types of books is so rewarding in of itself that it really has kept me, my worst enemy at bay.
At least for now it has.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
The Excitement and Horror of Indie Publishing
So...I did it. I wrote my first novella, had a professional cover made for it, edited by a real editor, read by a few people, and finally, self-published it.
The experience has been exciting and horrific.
I'm not sure if I caught all of my grammatical errors, I'm afraid of rejection, and hope it is as good as I thought it was in my head.
Hell, I'm not even sure if I posted this link right. All in all, it may seem like I'm whining (I am just a bit), but I did it none the less. That's the whole point. I've read countless articles, stories, reviews, and other blogs with various opinions and ideas. What it comes down to is to just do it. If I've learned anything at all, it's that I finally did something I always wanted to do. I love to read, always have and even envisioned myself as a writer and thanks to Amazon, I was able to do so, because I wanted to so very much.
So, my point is if you want to write and publish, then go for it. The experience alone is rewarding and you get to say you're a published author.
The Allotter:The Threads of Destiny by Kimberlie L. Faye
The experience has been exciting and horrific.
I'm not sure if I caught all of my grammatical errors, I'm afraid of rejection, and hope it is as good as I thought it was in my head.
Hell, I'm not even sure if I posted this link right. All in all, it may seem like I'm whining (I am just a bit), but I did it none the less. That's the whole point. I've read countless articles, stories, reviews, and other blogs with various opinions and ideas. What it comes down to is to just do it. If I've learned anything at all, it's that I finally did something I always wanted to do. I love to read, always have and even envisioned myself as a writer and thanks to Amazon, I was able to do so, because I wanted to so very much.
So, my point is if you want to write and publish, then go for it. The experience alone is rewarding and you get to say you're a published author.
The Allotter:The Threads of Destiny by Kimberlie L. Faye
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Dehumanizing Hollywood
This morning I had my coffee, got the kids off to school, and went online to pay some bills. Yay. Once a week my morning ritual consists of paying bills and once I'm finished, I troll breaking news or Hollywood gossip. There, I said it! I look at "news" in Hollywood such as who is divorcing or separating, who is on what show, who is gay, what stars are wearing, etc. The subject matter is endless. I read things such as the Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom split, or George Clooney allegedly "smack" talking some other actor. I find it fascinating and ridiculous at the same time. Why should I really care about these alleged incidences in someone else's lives? I mean, whether Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr split doesn't concern me. It's not as if I am privy to their reasons or that I am a shoulder for either one of them to cry upon. George Clooney supposedly had a beef with Russell Crowe and Leonardo Dicaprio. I don't care. But before anyone can judge me for reading it, I'll admit that yes I did and it was my choice, why am I reading it? Why are we so fascinated with famous people?
When I watch a movie, I am simply watching it for entertainment purposes. I either like a film or I don't. It's that simple. What they are wearing or stories such as "stars without make-up" seem so silly to me. I want to know real things like hearing about success stories, how a person began acting, why they began acting or modeling, what that first feeling of knowing you "made it" must feel like. Acting is a career choice driven by the love and passion for the arts that many successful actors have made it, pursued with passion and perseverance, and succeeded in.
So much media seems to zone in on how an actress can't walk in her heels, or another actress is in rehab again. Comedy shows goof and make fun of them, make jokes at their expense, and basically verbally assault them while people laugh. Really when you think about it, it's disturbing. For example, It is solely my opinion but, take Lindsay Lohan. She is a beautiful young actress who has had many troubles. Why has she had them? All joking aside, she didn't get to the point she is at all on her own! The stress of her career at a young age. Could that have played a role? It is food for thought. Does anyone ever think about the first moment in which she saw a derogatory comment about herself? How old was she? Where was she? Was she alone? How did she handle it? No one thinks about that because it would make her human.
Sometimes I will see pictures of stars from the past week. Some of them holding their children. Were they asked permission to photograph their children? I know that when I sign my daughters up for an activity in our town, I have to sing a waiver for them to be photographed or not for the newspaper or other news media. Yet, actors/actresses walk into a store or go to the playground with their kids and are photographed. Strange. I find myself annoyed and disgruntled that children are photographed. They did not ask to be in the picture. Just saying. Even pictures of famous people out and about. The caption will say something about their hat or how they are at a basketball game. Does anyone notice their facial expressions? Do they always look thrilled to have their picture taken?
It seems that society is fascinated with the rich and famous because they are untouchable, beautiful, and world wise. It is probably a wonderful experience to jet set, visit many places, and to be able to meet so many people, wear designer clothing, win awards. It is the unknown for us and it is intriguing. I get it. Once in a while it would be nice to see a picture that was allowed and not secretly snapped or read an interview about someone's favorite breakfast or what their favorite Christmas present was as a child. A real interview. A real snap shot. No artifice.
I remember a long time ago, before children, I went to New York City. I stood in a long line at Starbucks for a coffee. I was getting antsy, moving back and forth and looking around. When I turned around in the line I made eye contact with the man directly behind me, someone who was/still is very famous. He was wearing a hat low on his head and glasses. I stared briefly and in that very short moment I swear I could read from him hesitance. A "please don't out me in front of others" type of look. I simply turned around in line and waited my turn. Briefly I thought to myself, who gives a shit about him, ask for an autograph. Who cares if he's just trying to get a latte or some other shit. At that moment I thought to myself, I have my pride and I'm not going to make a fool out of myself right now. I did that for myself, not for him. Don't get me wrong, it ate at me for a little while. It wasn't the time or the place and he was not inviting attention at the time and I respected it. It didn't mean he was a jerk or unapproachable. It just meant not right now. Sometimes the power of observation really is a powerful thing, which came in handy at that moment. I also realized that for a split second I didn't care what he thought and was going to "out him" anyway. Where is the respect in that? If I enjoy his acting, why would I be such a douche bag to him in person? Crazy and interesting thoughts.
This is just a rant from someone who is extraordinarily ordinary and sure, I have favorite actors and actresses or writers. Yes, I would love to meet some of them or talk to them, but I'm a realist. I also treasure my anonymity because it is something that we all take for granted. Yes, many famous people knew what they signed up for, but that shouldn't be an excuse to exploit and disrespect any of them. They still are, just human.
When I watch a movie, I am simply watching it for entertainment purposes. I either like a film or I don't. It's that simple. What they are wearing or stories such as "stars without make-up" seem so silly to me. I want to know real things like hearing about success stories, how a person began acting, why they began acting or modeling, what that first feeling of knowing you "made it" must feel like. Acting is a career choice driven by the love and passion for the arts that many successful actors have made it, pursued with passion and perseverance, and succeeded in.
So much media seems to zone in on how an actress can't walk in her heels, or another actress is in rehab again. Comedy shows goof and make fun of them, make jokes at their expense, and basically verbally assault them while people laugh. Really when you think about it, it's disturbing. For example, It is solely my opinion but, take Lindsay Lohan. She is a beautiful young actress who has had many troubles. Why has she had them? All joking aside, she didn't get to the point she is at all on her own! The stress of her career at a young age. Could that have played a role? It is food for thought. Does anyone ever think about the first moment in which she saw a derogatory comment about herself? How old was she? Where was she? Was she alone? How did she handle it? No one thinks about that because it would make her human.
Sometimes I will see pictures of stars from the past week. Some of them holding their children. Were they asked permission to photograph their children? I know that when I sign my daughters up for an activity in our town, I have to sing a waiver for them to be photographed or not for the newspaper or other news media. Yet, actors/actresses walk into a store or go to the playground with their kids and are photographed. Strange. I find myself annoyed and disgruntled that children are photographed. They did not ask to be in the picture. Just saying. Even pictures of famous people out and about. The caption will say something about their hat or how they are at a basketball game. Does anyone notice their facial expressions? Do they always look thrilled to have their picture taken?
It seems that society is fascinated with the rich and famous because they are untouchable, beautiful, and world wise. It is probably a wonderful experience to jet set, visit many places, and to be able to meet so many people, wear designer clothing, win awards. It is the unknown for us and it is intriguing. I get it. Once in a while it would be nice to see a picture that was allowed and not secretly snapped or read an interview about someone's favorite breakfast or what their favorite Christmas present was as a child. A real interview. A real snap shot. No artifice.
I remember a long time ago, before children, I went to New York City. I stood in a long line at Starbucks for a coffee. I was getting antsy, moving back and forth and looking around. When I turned around in the line I made eye contact with the man directly behind me, someone who was/still is very famous. He was wearing a hat low on his head and glasses. I stared briefly and in that very short moment I swear I could read from him hesitance. A "please don't out me in front of others" type of look. I simply turned around in line and waited my turn. Briefly I thought to myself, who gives a shit about him, ask for an autograph. Who cares if he's just trying to get a latte or some other shit. At that moment I thought to myself, I have my pride and I'm not going to make a fool out of myself right now. I did that for myself, not for him. Don't get me wrong, it ate at me for a little while. It wasn't the time or the place and he was not inviting attention at the time and I respected it. It didn't mean he was a jerk or unapproachable. It just meant not right now. Sometimes the power of observation really is a powerful thing, which came in handy at that moment. I also realized that for a split second I didn't care what he thought and was going to "out him" anyway. Where is the respect in that? If I enjoy his acting, why would I be such a douche bag to him in person? Crazy and interesting thoughts.
This is just a rant from someone who is extraordinarily ordinary and sure, I have favorite actors and actresses or writers. Yes, I would love to meet some of them or talk to them, but I'm a realist. I also treasure my anonymity because it is something that we all take for granted. Yes, many famous people knew what they signed up for, but that shouldn't be an excuse to exploit and disrespect any of them. They still are, just human.
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