4 Things Never to Think About Your Book

This was originally going to be FIVE things, but then I realized I could combine so it ended up being FOUR. Less of a round number but alas.


Over the last few weeks, I've re-read 2 of my short stories. Shorter stories I guess you'd call them. Shadow State and In the Shadows, the stories I recently received the rights back to. I've learned several things in those read-thrus

1. Editing is super important. That 3rd reading you really don't want to do? Do it. I can't believe I missed a couple mistakes! Misspelled words, missing quotations, weird spacing.

2. Give yourself time between readings. I once finished a story and started the read thru that evening. Wow, what a mistake! Not only was my brain fried, but it was stuck on the ending when I needed to read the beginning.

3. No word you've written is that great. No matter how cool it is, how literary, how well it fits with the theme or style of the book, if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. If people are stumbling over just to pronounce it, if you can't spell it on your own, it does not belong!

4. Going off, no word you've written is that great, edit yourself. Just because you wrote it doesn't mean it's the best thing since Shakespeare. I'm all for choosing every word that fits, carefully crafting the sentence/paragraph/scene/chapter...but if it needs cutting do it.

Rights reverted

I've recently learned that I might be getting the rights back to a couple stories. I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand I'm sad to see it no longer available. But then again, if I do get the rights back, I can post it for download on Smashwords, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

It's an interesting cavet to all the stories going around about self publishing.

Progress always involves risks. You can't steal second base and keep your foot on first.

~Frederick Wilcox

Changing world of publishing

There's been a lot of talk the past few weeks about the changing world of publishing. From the author who refused a $500,000 advance to self-publish to the self-published YA writer who signed a 4 book deal with St. Martin's Press. He's already in print, she wasn't but soon will be. I also stumbled across J.A.Konrath's blog where he goes into great length about self-publishing's pros.

As recently as last month I admit to being one of those people who poo-poo'ed self-publishing, but recent news has me thinking about changing my views on this. I'm not 100% ready to, and will only admit that at this point I find the whole debate fascinating. There are pros and cons about each, and when you really look at it, you have to wonder: is it about the money or the recognition?

Money is great, but seeing my book in bookstores is awesome, too. Plus there's the editing, the cover, the grammar corrections, another set (or 3) of eyes looking at the book for characterization, plot holes, depth of emotion, and all that goes into a fantastic book.

Here's the question, my lovlies: Knowing you could make 70-85% of the price of your ebook, would you go the money route? Or wait to find the right print publisher and go the more traditional route?

So you Want to be a Writer?

This was pretty funny, I really like the banter, it's oh so true! And if the video doesn't work, try this link.



Don't forget my Title Contest!

The Others

As in other blogs. It seems everyone has a blog these days, personal, professional, both, one to vent on, one to lurk on, it's all out there. I have several I read daily, but it's hard to keep up! Especially when most are much better at daily updates than I ever will be. Too exhausting.

But they're all informative, even if it's their own personal publishing crisis. It serves to keep me reminded that only about .001% of those published are done on their first draft (and you can certainly tell many of them!) with their first publishing house choice, on their first try. I'll never be one of them, too much bad Karma in my aura I think. Either that, or I'm like the thousands out there that have to plug away at it until I get it all right.

Still doesn't make me feel that bad, knowing there are others like me out there. Somehow it makes for a nice group quality.