Romancing The Muses

Quitters Never Win and Winners Never Quit

2012-02-27T12:39:00.000-08:00

If you've ever attended a Weight Watcher meeting or any such support group, you're probably familiar with pearls of fortune cookie wisdom. Aside from "Quitters Never Win and Winners Never Quit" -- which is a favorite of mine -- I was often told, "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got."

These adages might be old, but that doesn't make them wrong.

It's very easy to get discouraged in this business. No matter how well you write, there's someone else who's at a place you want to be and can't get in, or someone who doesn't write as well whose Amazon's rankings tower over yours. You can spend time you don't have and raise hopes you can't afford to raise only to fall flat on your face.

But the old adage is right. Quitters never win, and if you're determined to meet a certain goal, no matter the obstacles that pile in your way, there's nothing preventing you from ultimately reaching it. Don't let the rejections, bad reviews, negative feedback, and so on halt your journey. Most authors have a working understanding of what they do well and what they need to work on. Find yourself a crit partner who excels at something with which you need help. Target your weaknesses and don't blanch when people give you honest feedback. It might smart at first, but learning where you need work and focusing on perfecting your craft will always pay off.

You're Gonna Carry That Weight

2012-02-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

Going viral.

The good, the bad, and the ugly.

The good? The act of being or having gone viral is relatively short-lived. People have incredibly tiny attention spans. If an author loses his or her composure over a negative review, a backlash can be expected, but it has an expiration date. A few months pass, and while your name might remain at least fleetingly familiar, it would take a trip to Google for a reminder. Granted, that might not exactly be reassuring, but soon people will be talking about something else.

The bad? Yes, for a while, if you have amounted bad publicity, you will be the topic of gossip and e-water cooler chatter. There will be people who remember you, and not fondly.

The ugly? Some of those people who remember you are those you don’t want remembering you.

Reputations are incredibly fragile things. Repairing any amount of damage, if at all possible, isn’t easy. Ask Robert Downey Junior if you think otherwise.

Ultimately, the reputation you have can and will shape your relationship with publishers. If you’re a difficult author to work with, word can well spread between houses. Where the important things are concerned, the Internet doesn’t forget. The relationships you forge, the people you encounter, the readers you inadvertently piss off, the tweet you shouldn’t have tweeted, the comment you made in a fit of anger on a blog…these things can all come back to haunt you.

The shield of a computer monitor can provide the illusion that professionalism isn’t an essential. We have to be mindful of ourselves as public figures, even if we’re not traditional public figures. Our business is with our readers, and readers who don’t respect the author are not likely to provide their patronage.

Guest Author Charlene A Wilson

2012-02-14T06:26:00.000-08:00

Today we have Author Charlene A Wilson here at RtM.
I asked my favorite question ...

What is the hardest part of being an author for you?

When I read the question, I sat and thought about all the editing I’m going through right now with my Aumelan series. Cut the unnecessary adjectives, avoid adverblys (yeah, my own word there to remind me to hate the “ly” words), check for run-on sentences, axe the dialogue tags… You know the drill.

Not to mention the final edits I went through with the first two books of the Chronicles of Shilo Manor series—insert commas, add “and”s to the “then”s… Thank goodness I’m past that as Cornerstone Deep is published and Cornerstone Deep Echoes will be released tomorrow; both a mile stone and an awe striking moment for me. Are they really the best they could be? Will I ever really know? Sometimes I wonder if my work will ever be good enough. But, I did my best, look forward to the next, and am getting better with each.

Then, I realized something. The question wasn’t what I thought the hardest thing about being a writer was. It’s, “What is the hardest part of being an author for you?” That made me think.

I always thought of writer and author as being synonymous, though people seemed to select one or the other with purpose when then they talked about the craft. So, thanks to Romancing the Muses, I decided to look into it and find out, once and for all, what the difference between being an author and being a writer really is.

Now, of course, authors write. And, of course, writers can author. But, according to DifferenceBetween.net, “A writer is a person who writes a book, article, or any literary piece, while an author is essentially the person who originates the idea, plot, or content of the work being written. If you are writing a novel or short story based on a plot developed by self, you get to be known as the author of the novel. And if you are penning down someone else’s ideas or stories, you will be known as the writer of the work. Being a writer is at times easier than being an author. The reason being that an author has to create, develop, and communicate an idea, while a writer has to only communicate somebody else’s idea.”

“When it comes to writing books, a person becomes an author only when the book is published. If your work is unpublished, and even if the idea is purely your own, you will still be considered as the person who wrote the work. And when your work is published you get to be known as the author of the work. So if you write a lot, but never get them published and out to the public, you remain a writer.”

Okay. That didn’t totally make sense to me since a script-writer writes scripts and is known as a writer and not an author even though it’s published. But they also say…

Isn’t that wonderful? I finally got an answer to a question I never really gave much thought to. And the answer to how I should be answering my question, “How do I answer Romancing the Muses’ question?”…. Right, so I found out that what I considered the hardest thing about doing what I’m doing isn’t the hardest thing about what I am. But, we’ll go from here… (If you’re not totally confused by my line of thought by now, don’t worry. I’m confused enough for all of us. *wink*)

Being the creator of my stories, I’m calling myself the author of them. And in the creation process, I guess I would have to say the hardest thing would be making sure it all lines up. Stories can flow and practically write themselves when my characters and I are in sync. I’m one of those authors whose characters talk to them. They let me know what they should be doing in their lives.

But, getting it all properly laid out and flowing freely to where it makes sense to the reader can be difficult. We have to make sure the timeline fits—Let’s say I’m writing chapter fourteen. I have General Hilton in Sun City coming unglued and blowing up at Chad for endangering the population by introducing his people’s energy vampirish ways. But, in chapter fifteen, Chad is still in the World Beneath the Rock trying to convince the Leading Fathers of Aumelan to trust the people of the Sun with their secret. He hasn’t traveled to the World Above yet. Not good.

I double, triple, quadruple checked to make sure characters stay in character. I’d hate to have Mianna, a daughter of an Arylin colony and avid follower of the Goddess of Love, scoff at someone worshiping their God. Or, timid Mandy take on her reincarnated twin’s characteristic, who’s far beyond any five year old, of explaining the spiritual progression a soul.

There is so much that goes into the process of crafting a book. So much more than I ever dreamed of before I decided to take on this career. Would I trade it for anything else? Not a chance. Whether you call me a writer or an author, I’m here to stay. The Chronicles of Shilo Manor will keep growing…Cornerstone Deep Destiny is in the creation process now. Aumelan will hopefully be ready to submit later this year. Here’s to new worlds, hard work, and loving it.

Author site: (http://CharleneAWilson.com)

Blog: (http://CharleneAWilsonblog.blogspot.com)

Facebook: (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Charlene-A-Wilson-Romance-Author/162568770441255)

Twitter: ( http://twitter.com/AuthorCAWilson)

LinkedIn: (http://www.linkedin.com/pub/charlene-a-wilson/15/989/1b8)

Learn To Live With What You Are

2012-02-13T17:14:00.001-08:00

Nearly fifteen years ago, I knew a woman who managed an online fanfic archive for stories devoted to the notorious creation of Thomas Harris. If that name is not instantly recognizable, try this one on for size: Hannibal Lecter.

That’s right, ladies and germs. Arguably fiction’s most renowned cannibal has—or rather, had—a modest fanbase. Heck, parts of those forums might still exist. I don’t know, I don’t check. The woman who ran this particular archive (we’ll call her Clarice just for grins) saw roughly the same appeal in Hannibal the Cannibal as others see in Erik from Phantom of the Opera. The grotesque, the tragic, the star-crossed…and for those of you who have read Thomas Harris’ work, that interpretation is not off base.

What struck me then about this woman was she was very grounded, and she didn’t shy from handing out business cards with her name and fandom association. To some of us, the things we do alone with the glow of a computer monitor is a very private affair…even if we’re not looking at porn or doing anything other than write a scene between our two title characters.

I remember once being very embarrassed showing anyone anything I’d written. Anything. Even an innocuous scene between friends. Therefore, the idea that someone would not only confess to their pastime, but advertise it to strangers was beyond me. Even now, though I have grown bolder and less discerning who knows my dirty little secret, I find it hard to believe I’d do the same given Clarice’s circumstances. Heck, when pushed, I’ll confess to writing “paranormal romance”—despite my vocal assertions that erotic romance writers ought not be ashamed.

Yet more than the labels that come with our craft is the mindset of where we are versus where we need to be. I highly doubt Clarice still hosts that website. It’s likely lost to the Ghost of Internet Past. Regardless, it was a stepping-stone. A place marking where she was in her writing career to where she went. In my case, I got my start in Internet publication in the same vein as so many others: in fan-fiction. I was ashamed to admit it until I stopped writing it, but I’m not ashamed anymore. Regardless of what it means to me now, it meant something to me then. I knew I wasn’t going to do it forever, but when I was at my happiest, I don’t think it would have bothered me. You go from that to the world of actual publishing—with its actual deadlines, actual editors, actual royalty statements, and actual panic attacks—and a lot of what you hear isn’t where you are, rather where you’re not. You’re not agented. You’re not a NYT Best Seller. You’re not making what you want to make. You’re not, you’re not, you’re not.

I think we get lost in the are not’s, and some of us have forgotten to learn to live with what we are, and how what we are builds into what we become. There is no race on this thing. If you love it, you stick with it. If you don’t love it, ask yourself why you do it. Is it for who you are or who you want to be, and if it’s the latter, are you satisfied being what you are, knowing it’s a necessary step to getting you where you want to go?

"Et tu, Brute?"

2012-02-06T09:36:00.000-08:00

As writers, we focus on making the intangible tangible. We strive to describe things that have never really been successfully described—emotions with definitions completely subjective to the individual emoting them, yet still somehow universal. To some, love might mean “never having to say you’re sorry.” Someone like me would amend that to something like, “love means saying you’re sorry when you mean it and not giving a damn what it does to your pride.”

As an editor, I see manuscripts from authors who have a killer story that falls completely flat due to lack of character. It’s the difference between the original Star Wars trilogy and the travesty that was the prequel films. Unlike the first films, many viewers didn’t care for the characters because they weren't complex or well-written. If they cared at all, it was because they were instructed to.

RedLetterMedia released three crushing multi-part vlog reviews of the prequel films that completely dismantled the protest of any apologist. One of the ways RLM demonstrated the inferiority not only as a part of a once golden franchise, but a movie at all, was asking fans to describe a character by their personality rather than appearance. For Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Leia Organa, this was a piece of cake. For Anakin Skywalker, Qui Gon Jinn, or any of the other prequel characters, it was near impossible…without putting some thought into it.

I’ve heard people complain about the acting in the prequel films, and in so, casting the script as a secondary problem. Liam Neeson a bad actor? Natalie Portman? Ewan McGregor? Hayden Christianson has been remarkable in some roles. Perhaps he wasn’t the best fit, but an actor is only as good as his script. Natalie Portman is a phenomenal actor, and anyone who thinks otherwise should go check out Black Swan.

It’s all in the writing.

The key element of the prequel films is betrayal. At the end, Obi Wan is screaming at a dying Anakin, telling the audience how he feels rather than showing it. And because he feels this way, we should as well. In the next scene, though, he’s just fine. Betrayal is something you can’t shake off, especially if it’s done at the hand of someone close to you. In my experience, it’s hollow and sad with little shocks of anger here and there, but really more just a blanket of nothing. It has left me uncomfortably numb—much more like Harrison Ford’s reaction at the killer’s identity in The Fugitive. If you’ve seen that movie, you know what I’m talking about.

No matter the genre—the fact that this particular example came from a science fantasy film notwithstanding—the power of story is the ability to make the most outrageous scenarios accessible to the audience. It doesn’t matter where the story is set or what it involves; a good writer will make it a human story. So look at your writing. Look at the language you use when describing love, sadness, loss, joy, excitement, betrayal, and so on. Ask your friends if they feel the intended emotion, or if they just know it’s there. Knowing and mastering the difference will only strengthen you as an author.

Staying on task ... on what?

2012-01-31T07:33:00.000-08:00

There are some that can focus and stay on task no matter
what you toss at them. I am NOT one of those people.
Can I finish something on time? Yes. Can I solely focus on
just that task to get there? Not in this life time! I seem to stumble
across little paths the deviate from where I was going and being
the adventurous sort I just have to see where this new path leads.

For example...

I've been sending out manuscripts, writing new ones, signing
contracts, promoting and editing like mad for the past year.
This is all great, much better than sitting in front of the computer
staring at the blinking cursor wondering where your muse went...
until you sit down and figure out what you have just signed yourself
up for in the immediate future.

I sat down last night, and made myself figure out what I have to do
in the next, oh we'll say six months - actually to be totally honest a large
portion of it needs to be done in three months time!

I still have four new releases coming out every other month this year.
This equals edits, promotion and the ticking clock of deadlines. No biggie,
I work great under pressure!!

This week I will be finished a current WIP - that is only 20,000 past where I'd
planned it to end and then its time to put on my blinders, lock my muse in
the attic and try to buckle down and finish up a few things.

Behind the scenes (aka stuff I've been pretending isn't there) I have a
whopping list to deal with.
Here's a bit of it so you understand just what I've done to myself (keep in mind I
do work anywhere from 40-60hrs a week outside of my writing space as well)
Book 4 in series - polish and submit (my editor is dying to know what happens!)
Book 1 in new trilogy - rewrites and re-submit (this is a biggie! when the
CEO asks if you can rework something .. you try your best!)
Book 3 in trilogy - finish and get to editor (this one already has a projected release date!!)
Book 1 in yet another new trilogy - polish up and submit
Book 5 (and hopefully final book) in series - polish up and submit

And that is the next three months of my life! Now, for all you perfectly organized
people out there ... suggestions on how to accomplish this on time would be
greatly appreciated. I promise to at least read said suggestions, following
them may not work out, then again maybe someone will have that one idea
that will work for me.

Did I mention I am in the process of packing and sorting through the house to move on top of
all of this?

Have a great week everyone!!

P.S. Yes, Rosalie this is the time where I need you to alternate between drill sergeant and compassionate, understanding woman.

Blah

2012-01-30T11:54:00.001-08:00

Is it just me, or does this time of year suck balls?

I mean it. After the rush of Christmas – I don’t care if you love it, hate it, or just tolerate it – everything seems to calm down back to normal…yet the weeks spanning January through, let’s say, March, are a plain bitch to navigate. Either you have a mountain of work remaining from all the stuff you avoided doing over the holidays or business has slowed to a crawl. I guess this could be tied back to school days; January typically means the end of the first semester and the start of the second, which is nice and all but just lets you know you’re only halfway there to summer break. For adults, it means tax time (which is stressful, regardless of whether or not you look forward to sending in your W-2s) and several months of waiting before it’s nice enough outside to do anything worth doing.

I suppose it’s a little of all the above for me. After NaNo 2011, I made the conscious decision to take off December. I had exhausted myself completing my inaugural NaNo project and wanted to spend the busiest family-oriented month focused on editing and catching up. Now the holidays are over (finito for eleven more months) and I’m already behind on 2012 goals because it took a million years for my muse to return to me. Apparently, “use it or lose it” applies even to short breaks. Short, planned, deserved breaks.

Keeping momentum going is important, even if you’re not bothering yourself with being overly productive. If you find you’re currently struggling to get the words on the page—either because you took a break or because this time of year sucks and no one should be asked to do anything—I say cut yourself some slack. I can’t think of anyone who genuinely likes January. Focus on small goals. A few words here or there. A book read. An article written. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s using “it” (whatever your particular “it” might be) almost always works to get you back in the groove, even if you have to fight to get there. And sooner or later, you’re right back where you were, wondering how you lost your footing to begin with.

Be careful what you wish for

2012-01-23T12:32:00.001-08:00

As we have discussed in the past and will inevitably discuss again, as an author – regardless of whether or not you focus primarily on e-publishing – one of the things you’ll have to deal with is Internet piracy. Granted, to some authors, it’s water off a duck’s back. To those authors who live on their royalties and have families to support, it’s the absolute enemy.

I get so frustrated with people who casually pirate books with this attitude of entitlement. About a year ago on Facebook, I came across an icon someone had made that equated Internet piracy to car theft. “It’s like having your Porsche stolen—only it’s still there in the morning.”

Sorry, but that’s not only wrong, it’s insulting, and worse – it’s plain stupid.

I don’t care what your excuse is. “I’m a big fan, I don’t have money, I reaaaallly want to readdit!” None of these are good enough reasons to steal. And guess what? They never will be. It’s not legal to take a book to a copier and print off the pages for the same reason. Copyright protection. The artist or author is entitled to their percentage, as is the publisher.

Unless you weren’t alive last week, I’m sure you heard of SOPA. When I first heard of this legal measure being taken against online piracy, I was elated. I am, after all, one of those victimized by Internet assholes who don’t care how much their actions affect me and my family. I even explained to my husband that I would unapologetically support any action to halt Internet piracy.

About thirty seconds later, I ate my words.

You see, while SOPA might have sounded like the awesomest thing ever – and it truly did for those precious few seconds – I quickly learned what all it entailed. You put up a video of you and your friends drunkenly belting out “STAND BY YOUR MAN”, and suddenly that ain’t cool. You post a picture of Regis saying, “Is that your final answer?!” and the site could receive a cease and desist notification. Goodbye, Goodreads. So long, Youtube. And you better watch out, Facebook.

Thankfully, the Internet protest that occurred last Wednesday temporarily put a cease-fire on this bill, but that doesn’t mean we can all rest easy. There’s no telling what sort of riders our congressmen and senators will attempt to place into future pieces of legislation. So stay involved. These things do affect us. And if Wednesday was any indicator, citizens do have a voice. We can make ourselves heard.

Romance? What's That?

2012-01-18T10:11:00.000-08:00

I remember my introduction to the romance genre very clearly. At the time (thirteen) I had been enjoying Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and so on thanks to my aunt's bookshelf. Then one day I came across a book with a cover I'd never seen before: a man held a woman in a heated embrace, holding her from behind, their faces gripped in passion. The title was The Flame and the Flower. Intrigued, I took the book from the shelf, settled in and started reading.

From the start, I was hooked.

There was just something about Heather, the unfortunate girl who finds herself in a strange American's embrace. An American that, despite his good looks, was alpha and possessive and a bit of an asshole. As their relationship evolved, I was right there with them. It was the first book I didn't want to put down. I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. Full of love and hate, it was the perfect combination of the things I loved. As soon as I finished, I hit up my aunt's library looking for more, and I found them. She was a fan of the greats like Heather Graham, Kathleen Woodiwiss, Johanna Lindsey, and Connie Mason. I poured over them all, eager for more. This continued through my teens and well into adulthood.

Then something horrible happened.

One day I had company at my apartment. I had a book on my coffee table (a romance) and I got blasted for it. I still remember how embarrassed I was, of the looks everyone gave me, of their rude snickers and comments. The jibes were bad but the implication that I was somehow less "smart" for adding romance to my reading list hurt in ways I can't describe. As a result, I put romance away. It was nothing but horror from that point forward. More Stephen King for years. It wasn't until I had my first child that I got a hankering for romance and returned to the genre. Only now, it wasn't exactly the genre I remembered.

People used words they didn't previously (you know what I'm talking about -- think roosters and kittens) and the sex was far more explicit. To my surprise, it didn't turn me off. In fact, the sexual content added a depth and dimension to the books that was somewhat lacking in the past. I immediately returned to reading erotic romance, going through as many as 5 books a week. When I hit The Death Star (Wal-Mart) I always checked the books on sale. This led me to being a fan of The Black Dagger Brotherhood. So many awesome books were uncovered during this time, and I knew that no matter what I'd never stop reading romance again.

I think that a lot of people have issues with romance in general. I'm not sure why. Those I've spoken to believe that romance is for the simple minded, or that the material is purely porn. Readers know this isn't true. While it's true there are books created entirely to titillate, there are also books with a back story, plot, and enough heat to make the pages burn. Those are the books I enjoy, when I can get involved with the characters, care for them, and want them to find their happily ever after.

I recently spoke to a very good friend about the issue and she said she didn't want to make others uncomfortable, therefore she didn't discuss reading romance with them. That I can understand. However, I do think that women should stop hiding what they like. E-readers are great and allow you to read a smutastic romance without anyone knowing, but if a book comes to print first, there's absolutely nothing wrong with carrying that sucker around and getting your romance on. There is a reason romance continues to sell year after year. It continues to grow, to find a broader audience. That's not going to change.

So when you read your erotic romance (or romance in general) I ask that you do so with your head held high. No one can make you feel embarrassed about what you read unless you let them. And if you enjoy erotic romance, you enjoy erotic romance. Hell, come hang out with me. I'll take the weight on my shoulders and tell anyone and everyone that I love the books. Not only do I read them, but I write them as well. There is a reason for that.

Now that I've put away my soapbox, it's back to work. I have a lot to get done. I hope you're all doing well. Happy Hump Day!

Buried Alive

2012-01-16T11:49:00.001-08:00

For anyone who has ever worked in customer service of any sort, I’m sure you can relate. It’s dead, then it’s busy. It slows to a crawl, and then you can’t keep up. The office will be quiet one minute, then all eight phone lines are blaring for attention, and you’re the only one taking calls.

I’m not sure if there’s a science to this or not. I’ve held, over my life, seven customer service oriented jobs, and the above has been a universal truth. Granted, with some jobs it was easier to predict than others. For instance, when I worked for a movie theatre, pinpointing rushes was as easy as knowing the showtime schedule. The same thing for the food service industry. Yet working in women’s clothing or my two-year stint as a bank teller, the rushes were harder to predict. As a writer and editor, it gets even trickier.

You see, you spend most of your time waiting. Waiting for news on a manuscript, waiting for contracts, waiting for edits, waiting for cover art, waiting for the second round of edits, waiting for lines, waiting for publication day, waiting for reviews, waiting for your royalty statements, waiting for your crit partners, waiting, waiting, waiting. I won’t pretend it’s easy—patience is a huge part of being a successful author. But then so is time management. ‘Cause guess what? After all that waiting comes the endgame, and if you aren’t ready you just ain’t gonna make it.

You know why? You subbed Manuscript A to Pub X, which had a response time of 4-12 weeks and Manuscript B to Pub Y with a response time of 8-16 weeks, and Manuscript C is in edits with Pub Z. Well, as it turns out, Pubs X and Y get back to you on Manuscript A and Manuscript B within, let’s say, two weeks. And their production time is considerably shorter than Pub Z’s, so now you have three manuscripts in edits. If you’re not exhausted yet, just wait until Pub Z wants substantial revisions, Pub Y doesn’t do much in terms of edits and, being a perfectionist, you have to go through the manuscript with your very own fine-toothed comb, and Pub X is just really efficient at getting things back to you well before their due. And between your second, third, and line edits, you have promo to do, and oh yeah, words on Unfinished Manuscript to get out.

We either have all the time in the world or we have none at all. Is the above scenario inflated? Probably a little, but I recently went through much the same thing—only toss on the fact I was editing two books editing for Mundania, and it’s a bit closer to home. Other authors might stretch their releases out. I admire that, I really do. It’s just not the way I operate. I get something done, I send it to the CPs, and then I’m ready to put a nail in that particular coffin. For as much as I need it, I lack the patience to just sit on a manuscript. And as I said, for writers, patience is a must.

Somehow, though, even with as flawed as my personal approach might be, I am able to turn everything around on time. And everyone works differently under pressure; I was one of those students who would stay up until three in the morning pounding out a 25 page thesis paper due at seven a.m the next day. And ace it, of course. But not everyone works like that. As a writer, you have to pace yourself appropriately. You have to know your boundaries. You have to realize that Saturdays are work days, too. No matter how much we’d like to pretend otherwise.

So if you’re just getting into this game, think about yourself during finals week. ‘Cause sometimes writing can feel a whole lot like that. Only this time not just the teacher’s reviewing your work.

No, actually. I don’t write trash. And neither do you.

2012-01-09T08:01:00.000-08:00

DISCLAIMER: This post contains offensive and sexually crude language.

Nikki London, who has appeared before as a guest on this blog, received news over the weekend every author longs to hear. Her debut novella has been accepted for publication. Naturally, congratulations were all around. Aside from being an immensely talented, promising author, Nikki is also my best friend of damn near fifteen years. We went to high school together, were in the same clubs, attended writer’s conferences, and now, in our upper twenties, spend time in the same office because – oh yeah – she happens to be my day-job boss. We’re more like sisters than friends, when push comes to shove. Thus when word came that her novella had been accepted, we had to fight for the right to tell those closest to us first.

Everyone was happy for her. Hell, ecstatic for her.

Everyone.

Except her mother.

In the interest of full disclosure, I should say that there are many points of diversion between myself and Nikki’s mother. She’s a fanatically religious woman, and I have an irreverent sense of humor. She also seems to think I’m going to Hell, though she’s hardly the only one. And she knows I write stories with explicit sexual content. Most everyone close to me does. She has once before characterized this material as “trashy”, which before propelled me on a ten minute tirade to anyone who would listen.

What I learned this morning is the straw that broke the camel’s back. Apparently, upon telling her mother that she was being published, Nikki was informed that her writing was equally trashy (though her mother has never read it). Furthermore, her mother was relieved to hear Nikki would be publishing under a penname, that way she and Nikki’s father wouldn’t have to suffer the embarrassment of having a smut-peddling daughter.

I admit; when Nikki relayed this, I saw red.

First of all: to any relative or friend who would think, much less say this to a loved one upon receiving news that they’re being published, fuck you very much.

Second of all – and I cannot stress this enough – erotic romances are not trash.

This attitude is frustratingly prevalent. A few months ago, Judy Mays’ career was in jeopardy because some self-righteous asshats decided that an erotic romance author was a borderline sex fiend who shouldn’t be allowed near children, much less teach them. But for a writer’s own mother to call her work trashy? Fuck. No. It pissed me off enough when she indicated what I wrote was trashy. Trashy, indicative of trash, meaning having no value whatsoever.

You know what? I like sex. I’m a woman in my late twenties in the early twenty-first century. I am not ashamed of my sexuality. I am not afraid to admit I enjoy writing and that yes, while I have a lot to learn, I am good at what I do, and what I do is, among other things, write sex. And I like sex. I like writing it, reading it, and having it. Sex is a lot of fun, and that’s the way it should be. More than that, it’s a BASIC HUMAN NEED. There isn’t one person alive or dead today who isn’t or wasn’t alive because of sex.

But more than that – more than the sexy material within an erotic romance – is the romance. If all I wrote was sex, I’d probably be much wealthier than I am in actuality. Pure sex stories on Amazon sell like crazy. Yet in order to write just sex, I’d have to remove the following from my work: plot, character, conflict, suspense, romance, development, resolution, and so on.

Take J.A. Saare’s/Aline Hunter’s work, OMEGA MINE. Yes, there is a ton of sex. Well-written, hot, sweaty sex. You know what else there is? Plot. Story. Suspense. Action. Characters. A need to see how the conflict will resolve. Think about the plot to a porno flick where the pizza guy delivers but the poor housewife has no money. Do we give a shit if the husband walks in? Most of the time in that scenario, the husband joins the romp. And that’s the extent of it. Do we care what happens if the pizza gets cold? Are we emotionally attached to any so-called character in this rush-to-the-cumshot?

No. You know why? That’s what we’d call a guilty pleasure. That is what I would call trashy. And even in the literary world, there are any number of pure rush-to-the-cumshot stories to provide a quick fix. Then there are well-crafted, woven, character-driven stories where there just happens to be explicit behind the scenes sexual content. After the cumshot, though, most readers are eager to see how the plot is resolved. If the book is good, readers will remember the characters, stories, feel the highs and lows as the protagonist goes through their trial to get to the end. Say there had been a hot sex scene in Pride and Prejudice right before Darcy first proposed marriage. When Elizabeth turns him down, do you think a devoted reader would have felt satisfied knowing at least they “did it” once? How about Rhett and Scarlett? They had plenty of sex in Gone with the Wind; if we’d seen what their bedroom life was like in intimate detail, do you think a devoted reader wouldn’t feel Scarlett’s despair at, “My dear, I don’t give a damn.”?

Calling erotic romances trashy is ignorant at best and insulting at worst. Don’t tell me what I write. Try reading it first. You might find parts trashy, and I can accept that, but I work hard to make my stories entertaining for many reasons. And honestly? The sex parts are an afterthought to the story—fun, hot, and spicy, but an afterthought nonetheless. And I can say the same for every author I know. Does this mean we won’t occasionally write something with more trash than substance? No. But that does not make us trashy authors.

And to Nikki London – congratulations. I’m sorry your mother had to rain on your parade, but as we both know now, that’s par for the course. But as an inductee into the erotic romance world, don’t let this first insult take anything away from you accomplished. Be damn proud of that novella. As your friend, I couldn’t be any more excited if it was my own work.

What does 2012 look like for you?

2012-01-02T12:24:00.000-08:00

While the rest of the world might still be fighting hangovers, I rang in the new year with a head cold and eight different kinds of cold remedies likely canceling out one anothers' benefits, simply because I'm a big baby when I'm sick. Still, with the worst of the plague behind me, I am, like the rest of the world, turning my attention to 2012.

As with any milestone, the changing of the calendars can be bittersweet. We look to those goals we might have fallen short of accomplishing, yes, but the chance to start fresh is not one to be taken lightly. If you met your goal, fantastic! If you weren't able to reach that goal, take a deep breath, forgive yourself. Tomorrow's another day, today's the start of another year, and it's time to look at our new goals.

Happy new year to all. Hope you're rested. The break is officialy over.

Prepping the Resolutions

2011-12-26T08:48:00.000-08:00

I'm one of those people who loves Christmas in the weeks preceding, but is ready to pack up the decorations and shove them into the nearest closet once the festivities are over. And now in the remaining week of 2011, it's time to set your 2012 goals.

You have a week. One. Most people aim at losing weight, paying down debt, quitting smoking, getting more exercise. While all fantastic goals -- and while one such target sits on my "to do" list -- I found it very beneficial last year to set a writing goal for myself. Something to aspire to in the months spanning December 2010 to the present. And it just happened to be one of those resolutions I fulfilled, and damn if that's not a good feeling.

So I hope everyone had a lovely holiday, but it's December 26, and time to at least think about where you want to be next year, when it's a week from 2013. What do you want to have accomplished? And how exactly can you get there?

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-24T15:50:00.000-08:00

From all of us at Romancing the Muses!!

It's the Most Frustrating Time of the Year

2011-12-19T09:33:00.000-08:00

I don’t know about you guys, but I can’t seem to find the time to get anything done recently. Shopping, parties, families, wrapping, children’s plays, concerts, workplace gatherings, and so on and so on and so on. Even if you don’t celebrate a particular holiday over the season, it’s easy to find yourself stampeded by the number of external events that occur this time of year. This unfortunately comes with the side-effect of getting little to nothing accomplished when it comes to writing goals.

For this reason, in preparation of being overwhelmed, I decided to give myself December off, excepting my editing responsibilities. Aside from Christmas, I have a December birthday, a grandfather with a December birthday, and then my split family to arrange our plans around, my husband’s split family to arrange plans around, and then our work schedules/parties. It gets a little crazy. And after NaNoWriMo, I knew any hope of getting a significant amount of writing done in December was a pipe dream.

So if you find yourself trailing in your goals, it’s okay. It happens to the best of us. Just sit back, enjoy the holidays, and don’t blanch at the stack of work waiting when you get back to business in January. We always find away to muddle through it.

Life's like something or other.

2011-12-12T08:21:00.001-08:00

I’m not a fan of coconut, nor am I particularly keen on stringy caramel. The sort of caramel you get when you buy a Milky Way or a Snickers; I’ve come to the realization I like caramel depending on the form it’s in. Solids are good, stringy gak-like substances remain rather nasty, in my humble opinion.

Anyone here remember that popular movie from the 1990s? Bit saccharine now, if you go back and re-watch, but it remains an entertaining piece of American cinema. There was a line about a box of chocolates, life, and not knowing what to expect. Fortune cookie wisdom as it may be, there is a good amount of truth in the anecdote.

The publishing world comes with its coconuts and its peanut butters. Time, patience, and perseverance seem to be the key in success. You might have all the Internets gabbing about your latest release, only to receive dismal sales numbers. You might spend a lot in promotions, including merchandise such as bookmarks and print copies, but wait years before you make back the cash you invested. You might take yourself for an emotional roller coaster ride in writing the book, yet watch it get largely ignored by your readers.

Then again, you might write something fluffy and trivial only to have it be a sales dream come true. The truth is, you can’t know what’s going to do well. If there was a recipe for a success, believe me, we’d all be millionaires. All you can do is hope your work resonates with those who read it, enough that they come back for more. It might take years to develop a loyal readership; in the meantime, relax, unwind, and remember for every bad chocolate you eat, there’s one of a different flavor with your name on it. You just need to know when to suck it up and chew or spit it back out.

Writing For The Market

2011-12-07T11:28:00.000-08:00

Let's face it: All aspiring authors want to be successful. There is nothing wrong with that. However, I've recently seen an increase in authors who have decided to write in particular genres, not because they enjoy them or have a great new idea but due to the fact the genre sells. While this is totally up to the individual, I wanted to address how writing for the market can sometimes be a devil in disguise.

I've found that the books I've created that are most popular are the ones that come from the heart. These are stories that don't fit a mold but have to be told. I'll sit down, hammer the story out, and when I'm done I have a odd sense of accomplishment. However, I have written stories in the past that were a part of an anthology. Although I wrote the material, I wasn't entirely satisfied with the result. Why? Because it wasn't organic. Due to this I decided it wasn't in my best interest to dip my toes in anthology waters in the future unless the story I want to tell is mine and mine alone.

Each of us have our own ideas and interests that excite us. I think that when we write these things our enthusiasm shows on the page. Consider this when you're deciding what it is that you want to write. Sales are well and good but keep in mind there is no guarantee that just because you write in a genre that your book will be a hit. Luck, promotion, and word of mouth play a huge role in this; something you can't control. What you can control is what you put out there for the world to enjoy.

Just something to think about.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season! Here's your eye-candy of the week!

We Interrupt This Blog For A Public Service Announcement

2011-12-05T12:12:00.000-08:00

I know this is a break from our typical topics, but being that it is the season for depression, I thought I’d do something a lot different for those who might need to hear it.

We’ve all heard the statistics regarding depression and the holidays. Heck, there’s even been a catchy little acronym coined to describe the sentiment – Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D. No one is safe from S.A.D. There might be routine victims – people who know to expect it – or it might hit someone out of the blue after umpteen years of being jolly and festive during the winter months. S.A.D. is difficult to understand as many of its sufferers, myself included, absolutely LOVE the holidays. The knowledge the season is one of your favorites and therefore should inspire joy can only worsen the effects of S.A.D., and if you don’t understand it, it’s hard to get over.

S.A.D. is commonly thought to be caused by lack of serotonin. The sun is a natural provider of serotonin, and in winter, when the days are shorter and the weather is often dreary, the sun has no way of transmitting this important chemical. Among other things, low serotonin levels are “believed to be the reason for many cases of mild to moderate depression which can lead to symptoms like anxiety, apathy, fear, feelings of worthlessness, insomnia and fatigue.”

Serotonin is hardly linked just to S.A.D. I take two medications to boost my serotonin levels as part of my treatment for OCD. Learning what you can about these important make-or-break brain chemicals, even knowing there is a cause, can be the difference between having happy holidays or a Blue Christmas. I highly encourage everyone who has suffered or is suffering from S.A.D. to do some research.

I promise we’ll be back to normal next week. :o)

Read more on S.A.D. here

Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock

2011-11-28T12:11:00.000-08:00

This is it, folks. My last post of November. NaNoWriMo’s winding to a close, local radio stations have begun their solid playlist of nothing but Christmas music, Black Friday is now 2011 history, and many of us in the western hemisphere have exchanged our shorts and tank tops for sweaters and snow-boots.

That’s right. We are one month – one freakin’ month – away from kissing a whole year goodbye. Is it just me, or didn’t we just yesterday start proclaiming Happy New Years and checking off those goals we wanted accomplished by the end of 2011? We have less than a month until Christmas arrives, and if your family is anything like mine, that means time in December to do anything writing-productive will be preciously sparse.

One month. How close are you to your yearly goals? Did you meet them, exceed them, or were they just a hair out of reach? Most people will make idle goals they really intend to see through—lose weight, get a handle on their spending habits, and so forth. I’ve done every cliché resolution one can muster and have decided, rather than disappoint myself, to apply my resolutions to things I know I can and should accomplish if I just keep on keeping on.

So check your watches. Mark your calendar. If there remain things you needed to accomplish in 2011, the clock is ticking. 2012 and a whole new set of goals will be here before any of us can blink.

NaNo ... veteran?

2011-11-22T06:48:00.000-08:00

I've just stopped long enough to read the last few posts about
NaNo - clearly I've been too involved in NaNo to stop and
read much of anything for the last oh, 22 days.

I guess I'm a NaNo veteran because I've been doing it since
2008. Not as long as some out there have been, but long
enough to know just what the month of November means to
a writer involved. My first year I was smokin' ! Having enrolled
late, somewhere around the 9th of the month and finishing early.
Obviously my 'day job' at that point didn't take up a lot of my
time. lol The book I wrote that first year was actually published
after many months of fixing it. The next few
years weren't as fast paced as the first, but I have still managed
to slide across the finish line with no recollection of what day or
time it was.

This year I've been pushing it to the limit trying to get it done
while working full time and completing a month long book tour.
It's been exhausting, but still invigorating to do. I reached
40k by the half way mark so I could coast for the last half, knowing
my motivation and energy would dwindle for the home stretch.

I have a friend that signed on this year and she's been struggling
quite a bit. She's been too focused on that big 5-0 at the end.
I told her my secret to getting there without losing all sanity and
from the last few posts on here, I think I'll share it with everyone
at RtM too!

Don't look back. That's the main thing I do to cross that finish
line before December 1st. I write, with minimal corrections - only
those newly created typo words get fixed as I go (what can I say
they flash at me like beacons). Each day before I pick up where
I left off, I take ten minutes (no more) and read what I blundered
onto the page the day before, mostly to pick up the same flow I
had going on ... then I just write. Corrections can be done in
December! Little plot oops's can be fixed in December! I've had
to scrap entire chapters in the following months because my brain
and characters were all over the place.

I also carry a notebook with me everywhere when I'm not writing -
yes I can be found hiding in the back room at work scribbling like
a mad scientist in a notebook - if your plot is rolling and your characters
are willing to run for you, then write it down! Guaranteed if you have
that 'great idea' for the story when your nowhere near the computer, it
will vanish like free chocolate if you don't jot down enough to bring
the scene back to you. Somedays I'd never get any word count posted
if it wasn't for translating that scribbling into scenes.

Last thing I do - I don't watch that word count thingy! I set a goal -
write a chapter a day, two chapters, 500 words or 1000 words...
set your own goal and plod ahead towards your goal. Before you
know it you'll take a peak at that nifty little graph in your NaNo stats
and see that your doing just fine.

In my eyes, anyone that signs up and attempts to complete this thirty
day marathon .. is a winner!

The Importance of a Creative Nap

2011-11-21T08:42:00.000-08:00

For the first time in what feels like longer than it actually was, I did nothing all weekend.

Well, that’s not entirely true. I did put “THE END” on my NaNo project, which ended up 15k more than I planned, but still 10k short of the actual NaNo goal. At any rate, I’m calling it a win. It was my novice venture into the national writing month, and I consider it an overall success.

As well as draining beyond belief. Can you say holy cow? I’m ready to sleep until 2016. I'm sure other NaNoers agree...whether or not you've crossed the finish line. I definitely have new-found respect for those who make this an annual event, as I hope to do...though I must say, the thought of going through it again right now? Yeah, I'll need a year before it sounds feasible.

Which brings me to my point. Writers, if you need a break? If you've been working day in and out for the past however long? If you've forgotten what the sun looks like? Push your chair back from the computer and go on a walk. See a movie. Take a nap. Do something for you that you don't consider work.

For as much as I harp about constantly getting the words out, it is important to treasure your downtime. It’s been forever, as I lamented to the hubs over the weekend, since I read a book just to read it. I’m always writing or editing; reading for the sake of entertainment and relaxation does not come easy anymore.

During this holiday week, to all who celebrate, make sure to take some time for yourself. If you’re anything like me, you’ll need your rest if you want to meet your goals.

NaNo Fatigue

2011-11-14T07:54:00.001-08:00

This is my first year participating in NaNoWriMo, and I gotta say, I was steaming along quite nicely until I remembered breathing is essential in any race, and I’ve been holding mine far too long.

This is the middle of the month. As of tomorrow, you better be at least ½ through your NaNo goal to be considered on track. For those aiming at 50k, that would indicate your current word count should be around 25k, which mine is. And unlike the standard NaNo goal, I’m working specifically on a submission call for one of my publishers, and I didn’t intend for my project to go too far past 25k. I’m looking now at maybe 10-15k more before I can stick a fork in it, and I can tell you, I desperately want this project finished if only to give myself a moment to catch my breath.

For those of you career NaNo writers out there, how do you do this? What techniques do you implement whenever you’re feeling draggy or have reached the incline? I feel like I’m on the business end of a shotgun, walking a mile-long stretch of rising hill with no plateau in sight. Granted, I am pleased with what I’ve written thus far, even if it will need ample revision in the coming weeks before it’s ready to be submitted. I just need to keep the momentum going.

Is the best advice just to keep moving even if your creative muscles are dying for rest? No pain, no gain? Please share your wisdom. I know I won’t be the only one listening.

The Enemy Of My Enemy Is My Editor

2011-11-07T07:18:00.001-08:00

At one point or another, we all receive a particularly heinous markup. For many of us, this markup is the first of many. For some of us, it’s a wake-up call. This is a manuscript you submitted returned to you with so much color you can’t even tell what part of the book is yours anymore. If you’re anything like me, some of the first thoughts that rush through your head are, “Oh. My. God,” “Why did they even contract this?” and “I am a complete failure.”

We’ve all had that markup. Some of us have had it more than once. And if you haven’t had that markup, you’re either a fantastic, flawless author who defies error, or you haven’t yet had a good editor. The point being this—a good author will go, “I need to fix this,” and get to work, all the while trying to pick up on those things that could be incorporated into a future project to avoid such problems. A bad author will make the changes without trying to pick up on how these things could be avoided. Some authors, like myself, might be mortified the MS had such glaringly obvious and easily fixable mistakes. Even if your editor prevents you from embarrassing yourself in front of readers, the sensation of receiving a markup noted with obvious flaws leaves one feeling as they might if someone caught them with their pants down in public. It doesn’t matter that most everyone didn’t see you; the knowledge that someone did is enough.

Some people will, as I said, be mortified. Others will simply be angry.

And why shouldn’t we be angry? Writing is different from most other professions. It’s personal, it’s hard, it’s us on a page. To see so much of what you poured yourself into being marked as flawed, corrected, or demanded changed can be one nasty wake-up call. If your editor is the sort to leave comments, you might even start assigning a certain voice or tone to how you imagine they intended it to come across. How you imagine they gleefully cherry-picked your words and intentionally took things one way instead of another just to make you look foolish. After all, this person came through your manuscript like a hurricane, finding words you missed, seeing things you feel you should have seen, and acting all superior-like as if the book is theirs and not yours. Why not make them the bad guy? How would they like it if someone trashed all over their work?

The simple answer is this: editors have a job to do. Their job is not to make you feel bad, ashamed, embarrassed, angry, defensive or any combination thereof. Their job is to ensure they are the last person between you and your readers who sees the manuscript with its warts. They are there to help, not hurt.

Now, does this mean there are no bad editors? Of course not. Some editors will look through a sorry manuscript and change nothing but a comma here or there. Does this mean there are no vindictive editors? Of course not. All this means is when you do receive a manuscript that is marked from start to finish with corrections and comments, give your editor the benefit of a doubt. Look at what they say, and try to read it with some degree of neutrality. Unless they come out and say, “This book is a piece of fucking shit and you couldn’t write your way out of a burning paper sack”, they probably don’t mean the things they say in the tone you ascribe them. If anything, that tone you hear is more likely the way you feel about them…or the work itself. At the very least, don’t jump to conclusions. Just take a deep breath and push onward, one step at a time. And if all else fails, contact someone. You and your editor are on the same side, and you have the same endgame. You want the book to be its best.

At the end of the day, communication is key. You just have to decide what sort of author you want to be: the kind to immediately become defensive, or the sort to look through the work while taking a hard look at yourself at the same time. A thorough markup, unless it is plainly obvious, just means the editor cares about the book, cares about the author, can cares about their work. It means they did their job.

I'll take some editing ... please...

2011-11-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

Recently I did something that I was probably crazy to do -
my time is so limited on a normal basis that when I pondered
this idea I left out 'sleep time' on the list of calculations.
But I did it and as soon as I recoup from too many late
nights and not enough sleep I may still do the happy dance.

What did I do?
I took some previously published works and put them together
and brought them back out through Amazon. Doesn't sound
complicated I know, but trust me I have a new found respect
for what our publishers do for us as writers.

There were hitches along the way - I didn't read html (required for some
formatting) and I'm not a cover artist - not to mention I am in no way shape or form an
editor. In fact I cherish editors for taking my ramblings and
honing in on the good parts and weeding out the stuff that shouldn't
be there.

The result of my hard work was this : Two books. One with two related
novellas (previously published) and a third related story added to make
it a complete mini-serious under one cover. The second book with
a popular (previously published) story and then a second story of
related topic but not connected.

I hired an editor for the two new stories, deciding that the other three
had already undergone several rounds of edits, line edits and copy edits -
and surely there would be no more editing required after all of that, after all
in reviews no one had ever mentioned a problem with it while they were
on the book shelf. As I said before I am no editor and while I can spot the
obvious issues all the little rules still escape my attention. I did re-read my
own stories and if I changed anything it wasn't something that would affect
it as far as editing goes.

So after four months of taking on this extra brilliant idea, I heaved a huge sigh
of relief when the second one came out a month after the first. Then I moved onto
a month long tour for both to "get them out there".

Not all things are going as well as I'd hoped...

According to reviews, the stories are loved, plots are original and
intriguing, characters are rooted for ... but editing falls way below the
standard. I was shocked and needless to say a little miffed by this.
I trust the reviewers would know good or bad editing, as they read
numerous books and would see when editing falls short.

Where do I go from here? Is what I've been wondering for the last
few weeks. If it were my car or any other product you can bet your
last dollar that I'd be demanding it be done properly - but how do
you go about demanding your words be fixed right this time? Was it the
first editors that made the error or the service I paid quite a piece of
cash for? I haven't determined the answer to that one yet and a part of
me doesn't want to know. I had three people, including myself read
these works in their completed form prior to releasing them - so are we
just blind or are the reviewers extremely picky? Again, I don't know.

Do I write a huge disclaimer stating 'editing may or may not be present' or
just chalk it up to a valuable lesson and carry on from there? As writers /
authors we are trusted that our works are 'original' and in no where 'borrowed'
from others ... so shouldn't we be able to trust the editing that it is complete
and done properly? I would like to think so, but again maybe I'm just
reaching too high.

This won't deter me from doing this again in the future, if the opportunity
arises - I will however have to find a way to ensure the editing has been done
... well, I'll work on that issue when it comes around again.

For now, I am just going to focus on the crazy tour schedule, the three
contracts I signed, NaNoWriMo, polishing my two WIPS, my work
schedule and of course my family ... maybe sleep somewhere in all of that too.

*pats self on shoulder for not turning this into a rant*

:)

On your mark, get set, WRITE!

2011-10-31T07:58:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow begins National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, as it’s more commonly called. And for the first time ever, I intend to participate. Why? Well, why not? It’s our month, after all. A month for writers to celebrate the joy that is writing—and get a manuscript ready in what seems to be record time.

During NaNo, the idea is to just write. Get the words on paper. Don’t stop to edit, the only thing you have to beat is the clock. Write until you can’t feel your fingers, and then rest up because tomorrow brings more of the same. The word count goal is 50k, and though my ambitions aren’t quite as high, I’m not cutting myself any slack. 50k/30 days = approx. 1667 words a day. Yes, this is a daunting task…especially to those of us with jobs, children, and other interruptions. However, it is likewise not unattainable, and if you tackle it with the idea of 200-300 words here and there throughout the day, the goal is easy to come by.

Regardless if you participate in NaNo, the principles behind the month-long event are those to keep in check at all times. Writing the novel is key to everything else. Editing comes later. Don’t think. Just do it.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

Happy almost Halloween! I know it's not quite the 31st yet, but what can I say, I party early and often!

Since I'm still under deadline mania, I'll leave you with this spooky moon picture I took outside my house a couple years ago and a question:

How do you celebrate Halloween? And if you don't celebrate this particular holiday, which holiday is your favorite?

Happy Halloween everyone!

I'll Take Mine Tall Dark and Deadly, Please

2011-10-24T04:31:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked to guest blog as a part of a weeklong event celebrating the thrills and chills of Halloween. I decided to write about my love of vampires—what attracts me to them, and why so many of my works involve a vampire hero. Many authors have a niche, and while we might occasionally stray, it’s difficult to let go of something for which we have such passion. Personally, while I enjoy short writing interludes or novellas with characters living in the “real world,” I much prefer fantastical backdrops, characters, or both.

For those of you who have a niche, what is it? Why do you find yourself drawn there again and again? What attracts you? For me, it’s the dark, redeemable character, so long as he’s sans the angst prevalent in a lot of vampire novels. Not that there’s anything wrong with it—it is popular for a reason—but I like my heroes to be confident, snarky, but not infallible. Waiting for the right woman to turn them to mush. I can’t explain it—other than it terrified my mother until I met my sweetheart nerd of a husband.

We write what we want to read, and writers tend to read what they want to write. So what draws you to your favored genres and heroes? What gets your muse cranked? What gets you excited? How did you find your passion?

Keeping the Faith

2011-10-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

This very long, meandering blog is cross-posted at both Romancing The Muses and Three Wicked Writers Plus Two because a) I think (hope) it is useful for the readers of both sites and b) me coming up with two blog posts this week=impossible. My apologies.

I've told the story often about how I worked on my first book for 16 years. Nope, that's not a typo. I started it the summer after freshman year of high school, and finally in 2011 the story it evolved into, Insatiable, was published. I was 35 when it hit the virtual shelves. (If you're wondering about the difference in years, there were several where it sat on my hard drive, unedited, while I worked on other projects.)

Way back when, I didn't get how a person wrote a book. Putting in a cohesive beginning, middle and end, keeping things entertaining, adding in a strong conflict, ensuring there was a character arc…wha?!? I didn't get it. So I kept starting my story over again, sure I'd found a better way to write it. The book even had a different hero for about ten years.

I learned how to write with that book. After every craft book I read, every article, every time I put down a Nora Roberts book and said, "damn, I want to do that," I returned to that story. And as much as I dreamed of one day being a "real writer", deep down, I honestly didn't believe it would ever happen.

Until it sort of did.

Truthfully, I don't know if I consider myself a real writer yet. There are all sorts of internal benchmarks that qualify that status to me, and I don't think I've hit them. But I can at least say that people I don't know have paid money to read up my made up stories and whoa, nelly, that's the most awesome thing ever. I regularly pinch myself that I've even come this far. So many people I know aren't happy in their jobs and work just to make the ends meet - and while I do have a day job, writing has never felt like work to me. Yes, it's hard. Often. But it's what I love to do, what I wished for…and experiencing even a fragment of my dream has been unreal.

Reminding myself of all this also allows me to let up a bit on the pressure I put on myself. I finished my first book in 2007. Since then I've finished 11 more short stories, novellas and novels. I've started probably another 10-15 more that are in various stages of completion. I've come so much farther than I ever expected when I couldn't even figure out how to get past that saggy middle. And how did I do it? It's simple, but so difficult. I sat my butt in the chair and kept going.

The doubt crows circled, I kept writing. The rejections came in, I kept writing. Even when a new shiny plot bunny scampered up to my desk and demanded I write his story now, I kept writing. That was the only part of this process I could control. And through writing, through pushing through the sticky parts and the boring parts and the scenes that seemed to go for 100 pages without a point, I learned. I developed a voice and a style and eventually the drive that had been buried under all the self-doubts started to rear its persistent little head.

I'm not one of those people who has a million degrees and has found success in ten different careers. Writing is my THING. This is the thing I need to succeed at, the thing that keeps me up at night. And though everyone's definition of success is different, I'll know it (I hope) when I get there.

The reason I didn't have enough brain left to write two blog posts this week is because I sort of agreed to write a novella in 2 weeks. Thanks to edits on other books, that two weeks has become one. Who knows if I'll make that deadline, but that I even have a fraction of the tools needed to make that possible is very cool indeed.

I just wanted to hopefully encourage some of the newer writers out there with my story. Sometimes it seems like everyone got on the bus way before you did (happens to me all the time) but we're all still learning and growing. Writing is something you can always improve at, but I'm not sure you can master it. There are always new benchmarks to hit, new goals to strive for. And we're all striving together.

To sum up this very long-winded and possibly pointless post - in the immortal words of U2's Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me… it's all about "believing in yourself almost as much as you doubt." Struggling to tip the scales in your favor is a day to day fight, at least for me.

Do you have a THING? Doesn't have to be writing or even something you want to do for a career. Sometimes our hobbies are our things, and that's awesome too. I'd love to hear about that THING that brings you joy and passion and makes you want to do your best.

The start of a marathon

2011-10-18T05:43:00.000-07:00

No, I haven't taken up running. I wish I had the
time and energy left to even consider running. My
exercise requirements are more than full filled when
I'm at my job, where most days I don't sit or stop
for at least eight hours.

The marathon I am involved in is that promotional
one authors have to do to be found. Found by
readers that is.

I've been such a good girl lately and listening to all the
publicity words of wisdom and have been doing at
least some of the social media requirements of
getting your name out there. I may not have the time
to post and update as often as I should, but I'm trying.

For some reason when my first book was published I
thought the hardest part was over- the writing and editing.
I'm a little red in the face now that I know that's the
easy part! I've just signed on for a month long
virtual book tour for my release that came out last
month and the one coming out in two days time.

So now all I have to do is fit in (while still working six
days a week) the answers for interview
questions, record the interview with the host for the
radio podcast, prepare promo's and fun giveaway ideas
for the live chat, think of and write several guest blogs,
hold my breath and hope for the best on all the
reviews stops, make sure I'm at all of the stops
throughout their scheduled day (netbook will be
accompanying me to work for a month) oh and
remember to tweet about all of it along the way!

It's a good thing I manage a cafe or my kids might
starve in the next four weeks.

I guess the question all authors need to ask
themselves after they're published is
"How bad do you want your work out there?"

Of course Murphy's law- or I suppose being the
blog that this is that would be more appropriate
to say Rhiannon's Law **waves at Jaime and hopes she
laughs at the promo for her I slipped in**
... states my edits for other contracted books WILL arrive
during all of this around the web in a month fun!

Momentarily winded

2011-10-17T10:30:00.001-07:00

I know this topic has been covered before, likely ad nauseum, but since we all have short attention spans, it seemed safe to go over it again.

One day you’re running a mile a minute; words can’t appear quick enough on the screen, you’re typing them so fast, desperate to catch them before they disappear. The streak seems impossible to break, even if you do miss a day at the keyboard. You’re speeding along too fast to notice you’re tired, and pushing through fatigue is as easy for you as it is for MacGyver to disarm a bomb. You’ll find a way.

Recently, this was me. I was writing so much I could hardly keep up with myself. I finished a second installment in a series, and proceeded to the prologue of the third book without breaking stride. I alternated between stories, desperate to keep up with myself. I wanted to get half of the next book complete before even thinking about the other book’s publication. And all was going great until the real world I was desperate to ignore came crashing in. Suddenly I had my schedule packed with a book to edit, a move to complete, a missing coworker at work, CPs, more edits, and on and on we go. It’s no wonder my hot-streak abandoned me. Truly, it was only a matter of time.

I hate not writing. I hate the “I’ll do it tomorrow” mentality, because I know tomorrow won’t fare any better unless I make myself do something today. I’ve preached before about not forcing words when they won’t budge, and while that’s true to a degree, there is also something to be said between recognizing the difference between block, fatigue, and simple losing of one’s footing. I think mine is a mixture of the latter two. The one thing that comforts me is the knowledge it won’t last. Just as a hot streak can’t stay hot forever, nor can a lapse in productivity. Eventually, as any writer will attest, stories, characters, and words can’t help from pushing on the corners of your mind until you have no option but to let them loose on paper.

In the meantime, try some writing exercises. Read, go on walks, do those things you normally do when inspired. Eventually the pieces will fall back into place…just be ready for the words to come rushing out.

Subjectivity

2011-10-12T12:07:00.000-07:00

If there's one thing I've learned as an author, it's that when it comes to books opinions are subjective. What one person loves another may hate. As someone who loves to read, I know what it's like when I fall in love with a novel and have people ask, "Why in the hell did you enjoy this?" A good example is my favorite book, Never Let Me Go. Some people have loved it. However, a vast majority don't understand my emotional connection with the characters. Understandably, it's not a light read. I've read Never Let Me Go over a dozen times and always find something new to love. It just goes to show that not everyone has the same experience when they settle in and embark on the journey an author wants to take them on.

It's very important as a writer to remember this when it comes to submissions and rejections. Just because someone doesn't like what you're putting out there it doesn't mean someone else won't. I recently had a release that I wasn't sure would ever be published. It wasn't that "I" didn't like it, rather it appeared that the first couple of publishers I submitted to didn't. Determined to give things one final try, I submitted the book to a publisher I really wanted to be at, crossed my fingers and, what do you know, received a contract offer. Consequently, my editor wanted to see all of the manuscripts that were unpublished and offered contracts for those after reading them. She's an enormous supporter and fan of my work. And the best part? The reader response to the book has been extremely positive, I'm currently working on the next novel in the series, and my editor and I are extremely excited about the project.

I think it's very important to remember how subjective things are when it comes to publishing. Sometimes it's best to keep pushing, to search for that one person who "gets" you. Trust me when I say there is no better reward than finding an editor who believes in you, your work, and wants to make you the best author you can be.

Now for the eye candy of the week. He just so happens to be on one of my soon-to-be-released covers. I didn't know it at the time, but he's extremely popular and one of the best known romance cover models in the industry. It's not difficult to see why. *grin*

Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under 't.

2011-10-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

I recently revisited a local used bookstore that, as a child, I frequented almost daily. My brother and I would walk the half mile with a packed lunch, spend hours combing through the stacks of books, and eat on the steps outside the store. The owners know me well, having watched me grow up, and as a writer have advised me toward authors in my genre.

When I was in my late teens and early twenties, I began bonding with one of the owners over our mutual love of urban fantasy and paranormal romances. During my last visit, I discovered this particular bookstore was rewarded a high honor by Romantic Times. When I began discussing my works, I was advised, very urgently, not to place my works with Publish America.

Hopefully most, if not all, of us, would classify this is a no-brainer. Even those who are relatively new to the scene have heard horror stories about PA. I was, at first, somewhat offended that this woman with whom I had a fairly good relationship would think I’d be desperate enough to get a book published that I would go with just anyone. I politely informed her that I was very familiar with PA and assured her I do my research when it comes to publishers. I then, promptly, stuck my foot in my mouth in discussing e-publishing…of course, as a bookstore owner, the subject of e-readers is slightly touchy. We left on good, if slightly awkward terms.

In the weeks since, I’ve considered her warning against PA, as well as my initial offense. Logically, she was only looking out for my best interest, and doing her part in ensuring a young author didn’t get duped as so many have. She even told me about someone she knew who was struggling with PA after having signed a contract. The thing is, to most of us, Publisher America is anything from a horror story to a bad joke. Yet it became that way because of those who had a book they loved and wanted to see it published. The reason Googling Publish America auto-fills in “scam” is people were scammed in the past, and continue to be scammed now because they don’t know how to research.

Writers want their books to be liked. We want our work to be accepted. We want to see our names, our titles, our characters, our plots, our words in print. Getting that first yes is a rush unlike anything I can successfully describe to a layperson. Some of us write for money, others for the love of it, and many for both. When I was shopping with my first novella, admittedly I could have been someone duped by PA. I was gullible, naïve, and believed as long as I got the finish, whatever else is worth it.

That’s not true, of course. An author should never feel like a commodity. If a publisher wants your book, it should be because they see something in it, something in you. There are many ways bad contracts can happen to good authors, but from my observations, the most prevalent are the following: the author doesn’t believe in him/herself, the author doesn’t do their research, and the author isn’t assertive enough to state what they want.

Having a fantastic manuscript at a subpar, sleazy pub does nothing for you. So do yourself a favor: before you submit, make sure you have exhausted the numerous resources at your disposal. Email authors from that publisher and inquire about their experience, dig up info at Absolute Write, Preditors and Editors, Piers Anthony, etc. Google the publisher name and pay attention to the most-searched key terms, ask as many questions as possible and be sure to listen to all the answers. Don’t end up in a situation you weren’t prepared for. You owe it to yourself and your writing to make sure you have every opportunity to succeed.

And for those of us who are a little more seasoned than the others, when someone offers friendly advice (no-brainer as it sounds now), don’t get offended. We were once the new kids on the block, and some of us still are. Getting tips like, “Avoid Publish America,” might seem a little on the nose, but once upon a time, it was news to us.

There's No Business Like Show Business

2011-10-03T08:01:00.001-07:00

Promotion.

Don’t bother trying to run; it won’t do you any good. We’ve touched upon this topic several times here at Romancing the Muses, most recently just a few weeks ago when Jacquelyn had over a guest poster to discuss the nature of the beast. Unless you’re one of those people who loves pushing their product out into an already saturated market, promotion is likely the bane of your existence. It’s certainly the bane of mine. And yet, with every release, you have to ask yourself: “How can I expect people to buy it if I don’t let them know it’s there?”

When you’re a relatively unknown author, even if you do have a handful of past publications to your name, you can’t rely on notoriety to sell your book for you, especially in a market where every story has been written eighteen different ways, and that’s only since yesterday. But here’s the kicker: good promotion is like fine dining – it usually ain’t free. You’ve heard in order to make money, you must spend money. In order to clean up, you need to make a mess. That’s the way it goes. You spend on bookmarks, collectibles, gift cards for giveaways, shipping and handling, hard copies, conventions, and so on. What you pay might triple what you make, but in the process you gain readers, fans, meet fellow authors, develop business contacts, cultivate groups, and so on. The payoff might take a while to see, but I promise it’ll be hard to miss.

The best promotion, however, is being available. Twitter, Facebook, emails, blogging, etc. Make yourself the person everyone wants to meet. And, of course, writing. Developing a backlist is essential. Write so much a reader can’t visit a new website without seeing a new upcoming release with your name on the cover. Try to conquer the fear of over-saturation. Make that your challenge, and I can damn well guarantee you’ll see results.

"Rest" Is A Four-Letter Word.

2011-09-26T08:51:00.000-07:00

Last week, I likened my move to outlining to make sure those ideas you get at random points throughout the day don’t get left behind in the frenzy to get words on paper. This week, I’m going to use the same analogy, only on the other end.

So I’ve moved. My husband and I boxed, trucked, transported, and unloaded all our earthly belongings. We did it in less than a week, and I must say, I am most impressed with us. Of course, I am achy and tired now, and don’t want to consider the boxes I have now to unpack and the various items that now need a new place. I mean, I did the hard part, right? Isn’t a break in order?

In the writing industry, there are no breaks. Sorry. Unless you want to stop seeing your name on Coming Soon lists, you don’t get to pause. If it’s not writing, it’s editing. If it’s not editing, it’s promoting. If it’s not promoting, it’s writing. Writing is just Phase One. Finishing the manuscript feels fantastic, certainly, but don’t let yourself get too comfortable. You still have to read through the damn thing again, send it to CPs, make adjustments, tweak out unnecessary words/scenes, make sure your characters’ eyes stay the same color throughout, write a blurb, condense your manuscript into a 3-page synopsis, send it to the publisher(s), sign your contract, fill out cover art forms, meet your editor, complete edits, and then when release day hits the real work begins.

Seem like a lot? It is. But if you’re serious about what you do, you’ll look forward to each step.

I suppose the trick is to take it in installments. For me, I’m handling my move with one box at a time, one room at a time. It’ll take a while, but I’d rather go slow and cautious than wonder where the heck I put my laptop power cord. It’s also important to get a checklist or filing system in place, that way you can cross off the hurdles as they come. Promotion? Review sites? Publishers? I have a folder for each in my email box, and with as handy as folders are, there is no excuse to remain disorganized.

For many people, writing is a job. That doesn’t mean you don’t love your job—I love writing, and while I could take or leave the rest, I have to recognize its value. And yes, you get to set the hours and determine when you’re going to show up for work, but unless you have put in the hours, you can’t realistically expect your first paycheck to be spectacular.

Though this be madness, yet there is method in't.

2011-09-19T08:37:00.000-07:00

Right now, the downstairs of my townhouse is in complete disarray. For the past few months, the hubs and I have been looking at houses, duplexes, and luxury apartments; over the weekend, we found the one we wanted. Perfect location, perfect price, perfect size – the full nine yards. Being that we don’t want to pay double rent, we must motor in order to get out of our current place by the end of the month. Thankfully, we had the foresight to go month to month well before our lease was set to expire/renew; all that’s left is the actual approval of our application and notifying our current landlords that we won’t be here in October.

In the meantime, we have a week to pack. Well, the big stuff, at least. The townhouse is a freakin’ warzone. Donating two trash bags, two suitcases, and one plastic tub full of clothing, not to mention selling enough DVDs to bring in over $300, has done little to dent the amount of stuff the hubs and I have collected over the years.

Being scattered, disorganized, frenzied, and without direction obviously isn’t unique to moving. We have a goal: get the hell out of our place and into the new one. Writers also have a goal: take an idea, nurture it, build upon it, watch it mature, and turn it into a coherent piece of literature. If you think this task is any less daunting, you’re kidding yourself. Piecing scenes, characters, plot arcs, twists, conflict, relationships, and resolution into an entertaining, captivating, well-written story that any publisher would be proud to brand is downright terrifying.

Even for you pantsers out there, there is no harm in keeping a small notebook close at hand for when inspiration strikes. You could be standing in the checkout line at Wal-Mart and suddenly know how to dig yourself out of the hole you’ve managed to land in. By the time you sit down to write it, though, the finer details might have escaped you, so you’re back at square one. And please, from someone who has learned from experience do not rely on your memory to keep things in check. I don’t care how sharp you think you are, you are bound to forget where you packed what. This doesn’t necessarily mean keeping a detailed journal (as I do), but scribbling coherent notes will save you a lot of searching, and notes are not set in stone. My aunt once lamented over the fact she had taken the time to write a quick two-word descriptor for a project, yet without reference or reason, had no idea what she meant when she got back around to it. I know myself too well to think I can keep everything locked in my mind, and my memory has been lauded by friends has being freakishly accurate.

If you find yourself staring down a monstrous undertaking, take a deep breath. More often than not, things have a way of working themselves out…no matter how unlikely it might seem at the time.

You Will Improve

2011-09-14T13:01:00.000-07:00

I've talked about this before, but I felt like touching on the topic again. It's not something that's easy to write about, because it reveals the insecurities authors experience (at least me, anyway). I'm referring to the projects that aren't quite "there." The short stories, novellas, or full length works that are decent after completion but seem to turn to uber-trash when release day is near and an author realizes the entire world will be able to read them.

I've never denied that I don't like much of my work. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy writing them -- very much, in fact. However, that elated feeling I experience always sours when it's time to get the book in shape for the reading public. Perhaps it's due to edits, which will make anyone's confidence deflate. Or maybe it's due to the fact that authors do become better at their craft with each book they write.

The truth is earlier works will "probably" show inexperience -- at least to the person who wrote them. Although an author is attached to a story, they are usually the first to see mistakes when they open the file and give it a read. Perhaps it's passive voice, or repetitive word choice. Whatever their weaknesses at the time, I can guarantee an author will spot them time and time again when they go over their stories. I've spoken to authors who are as guilty of this as I am. Once you start nit-picking, it's difficult to stop.

So what's the point of the blog? What message am I trying to share?

Keep writing.

You will get better. You will improve. If you're tempted to revisit an earlier work, do so understanding that you're continuing to evolve, therefore you might not be pleased with things you wrote a couple of years ago. If you're feeling down about a manuscript, remember this: Look forward, not back.

Now, for the eye candy of the week!

Live and Let Die

2011-09-12T10:39:00.001-07:00

So for the past few weeks, I have barely written 500 words. This wasn’t a byproduct of a creativity drought or anything of the sort—I have stories I want to tell, yet obligations piling upon obligations, and finding time for the self and the muse becomes more and more burdensome. Needless to say, edits arrived, and I’ve been buried in them.

It’s somewhat unique to be in the middle of a serious edit on someone else’s manuscript and receive edits for one of your babies. I am immensely pleased overall with the changes suggested by my editor, Ruby Green, for today’s release. I feel she more than did her job, especially considering the story was such a short one. It’d be easy to do perhaps two rounds and say “good enough,” but she didn’t. And I’m glad, because I’m confident the product that hit the e-shelves was the best version of the story out there.

On the other hand, I received these edits while editing a new manuscript by an author with whom I was unfamiliar. I won’t go into details here, but needless to say, after completing edits for my release, completing the first markup on this assignment, and sending it back to the author, switching back into writing mode proved a little difficult. Often when I’ve been editing a project for some time, it’s hard for me to break from an editor mindset. I find myself second-guessing every word I put on the page. I suppose this experience was exacerbated by the fact that I had not only spent hours pointing out areas of concern in another’s work, but had my own short story picked apart (and well). Therefore, the issues I began seeing with each fresh word compiled to a point of “WTF was I thinking?!”

This sentiment was familiar, which likely contributed to it being short-lived. Here’s the thing: writing and editing, while related, are two completely different fields. If you try to merge them, it doesn’t work. There will be time for me to go back and apply the things I’ve learned over the past few weeks to current writing projects after the words are on the page. But worrying about how it sounds as I’m writing it won’t do anyone any good.

Rereading is important. Implementing things you’ve learned along the way is important. But you can only do these things if you manage to find the words in the first place.

Show v/s Tell

2011-09-07T11:24:00.000-07:00

Hi, everyone!

Since I'm taking care of a sick kidlet and time is short, I figured I'd do a blog about show v/s tell. As it's impossible to write anything with a child in my lap, I decided to provide a few resources for you instead. I hope they help clarify the difference between show and tell. Trust me when I say it's extremely important to know and recognize the difference between the two. While "show" is fine here and there, "tell" really brings a story to life.

On Show v/s Tell:

CLICK TO REDIRECT

CLICK TO REDIRECT

Thanks to my fellow muse, Rosalie, for helping me with links. I'll be back next week! Now for eye candy!

2011-09-06T04:30:00.000-07:00

It seems any author I talk to out there has the same gripe,
issue or in my case whine - "Do we really have to promote?"
and the other half of that is "Where do I start?".

Yes I know I need to promote, but unfortunately I am already
about 30 hours short on time each week so how do I go about it?

I don't have the right answers so I found someone that can lay it
all out pretty and have it make sense!

I'm thrilled to have Author / Reviewer / Publicist Roxanne Rhoads
here today to share with us some of the how's and why's to this
world of writing and selling.

Promotion and Authors

By Roxanne Rhoads

Promotion- it’s a bad word for many authors…downright evil… but a necessary evil.

A small percentage of authors revel in the spotlight and have no problem talking, promoting, and selling.

But most of us…well we’d rather be writing. And not writing about our books or ourselves, just writing the books.

What happened to the days when the reclusive author typed away in their little hermit like abode, sent the manuscript off to a publisher who handled everything and the author sat back and got rich while writing more books?

I think that image is a fairy tale, I’m not sure if that was ever a reality at all but when I was young that’s how I envisioned the author’s world. Then I started writing books- and thought that once a publisher accepted and published my work the hard part was over. Boy was I wrong.

Thanks to the internet and technology more books than ever are being published every day- and it’s very easy to get loss in the ever growing a sea of pages and book covers.

What can an author do to stand out from the crowd?

Promotion.

Yes, there’s that damn word again but honestly it’s what can make or break your book. The other, I swear, is simply luck, and maybe a pact with the devil.

I’ve seen amazing books totally tank in sales and crap books, poorly written with sentences that run on and are hard to read, make the bestseller list on Amazon, repeatedly.

Why? Promotion.

For the past several years I have been on a quest to learn everything I can about the book business and book world, from all angles- author, editor, publicist, reviewer, book blogger, even publisher (I self-published a short story collection this year)- and I’ve learned a lot.

So what words of wisdom can I share with authors who are looking for the secrets to book success?

First of all- web presence.

What’s the first thing many people do when they hear about something- whether it’s a book, business, or new product?

They Google it.

That’s why an author should have a website- a good one, a professional one that showcases their author/book brand. If you write paranormal books your website should have a hint of the paranormal in it- should it showcase screaming skulls and blood dripping fangs? Probably not. Keep it tasteful and professional while making it clear you are a paranormal author, or romance author, or whatever.

Your website can sell you and your books 24 hours a day, 7 days a week all over the world. Nothing else can reach as wide an audience 24/7.

The author website should have 6 key things to be successful- a way to contact you, your bio, your bookshelf (if you write in different genres or have a couple different series then you should have separate pages for each genre or series), a calendar or schedule of author appearances whether in the real world or online, a page of fun stuff and/or links that relate to your books, and your media page which should contain an author photo, media ready bio, sample author Q and A, and your most recent book cover and blurb.

I also suggest having a regularly updated blog and newsletter that readers can subscribe to.

Also be sure to utilize Author Central at Amazon, you can add your links and blog feed to your author page.

Which brings me to the next thing an author needs to utilize…social media- Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads- these are some of the most popular social media outlets for connecting with readers and other authors. The idea is to build is solid foundation of reader and author followers. Do this by posting fun and informative tweets and updates- not just promo. And you can link all your accounts together through apps at Twitter and Facebook or through outside apps like HootSuite.

An author should also stay up to date on what’s popular and working in the online book world- for example: book trailers, book soundtracks, Twitter parties, virtual book tours.

Do book trailers or soundtracks sell books? In my opinion no, but they are great tools for sharing your book (these would fall under that fun stuff category above to include on your website).

Virtual book tours, however, are one of the best ways to spread the word about your book. You can reach a worldwide audience without ever leaving your home at a tiny fraction of the cost of a real world book tour.

The goal is not just book sales but reaching out and gaining new followers. After a book tour you should see the subscribers list to your newsletter has grown, you have more Twitter and Facebook followers, and the number of blog followers you have has increased- and hopefully your book sales have skyrocketed.

So what do you do during a book tour? You’ll write guest posts, fill out and interviews, and sometimes participate in live chats and podcast and radio interviews at different blogs and sites around the web. The book tour company will schedule everything.

The key is choosing the best company for your book- find a company that has handled many books in your genre and that shows a good track record. If you only see one or two previous tours done by this company perhaps you should move on to the next book tour company- and new ones pop up every day. Do your homework before laying down the cash. While no book tour business can guarantee sales or great reviews they should be able to provide you with proven capability, organization and a certain amount of tour stops based on what you paid for.

Are real live book events things of the past? No, not at all.

By all means go out to local book stores, libraries, seasonal and holiday events and set up signings, schedule fun events that will bring people in- work with other authors to create group things that draw a crowd.

For instance if you write paranormal books- get out there at Halloween events and sell your stuff. Set up tables for sales and signings at Halloween reading and parties at local libraries, (schools too if your book is kid oriented), hayrides, even haunted houses. Work with your community to promote your book. You might be surprised at how many local businesses and event planners will be thrilled to have something unique and special (like an author) be a guest at their holiday event.

And be sure to bring business cards, bookmarks or even the hot new thing in real world book promo- book trading cards, to all your live book promotions. Pass them out at local libraries and bookstores too.

The key is- get out and promote. You are not going to get anywhere as an author being a hermit and hiding in your house tapping away at the keys of your computer.

Publication is only the beginning of the process…promotion is the road to success.

~Roxanne Rhoads is a publicist for Entangled Publishing, the owner of Bewitching Book Tours and is a paranormal romance author, book blogger, and book reviewer.

Thanks again, Roxanne!!

Labor Day!

2011-09-05T15:28:00.001-07:00

I'm editing my own stuff, other stuff, and trying to squeeze some writing in there, but I did want to take a break to say the following:

Do it so I can live vicariously through you, mmkay?

And tune in next Monday for an actual post. :)

I never make a complaint, 'till it's too late for restraint

2011-08-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

Note from Romancing the Muses: Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Hurricane Irene’s warpath. Please stay safe.

Simultaneous submissions. Most all publishers, on their submission information page, include a note about their policy regarding simultaneous submissions. It’s rare nowadays to find a publisher that all-out states they don’t want a manuscript if it’s being considered elsewhere, but even then you want to be careful to whom you submit if you’re planning on more than one publisher.

Here’s the rub. Sometimes your manuscript resonates with more than one publisher, and even more so, sometimes the publisher’s response time is a little off. Sometimes when you hunker down for a 12-16 week wait, you hear something within ten days. And then you’re in a pickle.

Yes, this is a personal story. I completed a manuscript about six weeks ago that I figured I’d be lucky if anyone wanted, since it’s darker and has elements of dubious consent. Well, blow me down. I got two offers on the same freakin’ day, each from a publisher I’d be fortunate to have behind the manuscript. So obviously, the question became…which one do I choose?

Granted, there was nothing wrong with being in this situation, especially since I had alerted both houses that the manuscript was being considered elsewhere. The trouble came in playing the “pick the publisher” game, weighing the pros and cons, and knowing that no matter which venue I chose, I’d always be chased with the question of “what might have been?”

I’m not going to preach against simultaneous submissions, because even though right now I have promised my crit partners and myself to never put myself in that situation again, I know I’m impatient. I know I don’t want to play the waiting game just to receive a rejection letter, then start all over with another waiting game. My point is this: be careful what you wish for. It’s awesome, yes, knowing your manuscript is in demand…but saying no to someone isn’t easy.

Are you a perfectionist?

2011-08-26T04:06:00.000-07:00

I think all writers are, to some extent. It’s hard not to worry when you have something that’s going to be on the shelves forever, virtually or otherwise. Your stories will be hopefully read, and with that comes dissection. And then the stress begins. Will people understand what I’m trying to say? Will they even care?

Sometimes that worry’s healthy and productive; sometimes it causes a writer’s production to grind to a halt. Perfectionism is one of the biggest creativity killers I’ve faced. You’re so stressed that every word must be “right” you lose the ability to even get words down. I’ve suffered from this myself—often, in fact. Especially when I’m working on something that scares me a bit because it’s out of my comfort zone and I really want things to go a certain way...i.e. I’m focused more on the end result than the story. And the story’s the thing. Without giving it all your attention, it becomes a lot harder to write a meaningful piece. And if it’s not meaningful to you, if you’re not connecting with it, it becomes a lot more difficult to snag your readers’ attention as well.

Trusting the process is really tough in this now-now-now society. We want results yesterday, but building a story takes time. If you rush it, likely you’ll wish later on you hadn’t. Deadlines must be met—that’s a given. Even so, for today, I’m trying to focus on the book I’m writing, the characters I’m breathing life into on the page, and letting that be enough. The rest will happen when it will.

Are you a perfectionist, with writing or otherwise? Or have you wisely figured out how to let go and go with the flow? (If so, man, do I envy you!)

Better Late Than Never!

2011-08-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

I almost didn't get to post today's blog. My apologies. It's been insane at the casa, which means time is short.

As many of you know this year I attended Authors After Dark. It was exciting to meet readers, authors, and publishers at the event. There were multiple opportunities to sit and listen on the panels available, as well as mingle with people that inspire you. I was awed by many of the authors I met for the first time (and I won't name drop, although I'm very tempted!), which brings me to the topic of the blog.

Your brand.

Once an author's brand would probably be a symbol--not the authors themselves. It was about the books, the material, the WORK; not the person behind the screen. That has changed. It's the time of the internet. Connecting with authors, publishers, and agents is as easy as sending an email. What does that mean? Pretty simple. An author has to be aware of what he/she puts out there for the world to see. When you're under a microscope of sorts--and you have to pay your bills--it's best to think before you react. No longer can you vent your frustrations without ramifications. Once something has been said online (and boy, have I learned this lesson) it's there 4-eva. No going back, folks. The WWW has a permanent paper trail.

Once I was extremely vocal about certain issues. Now? Not as much. It doesn't mean my opinions have changed, it just means I've learned it doesn't really help to pull out the soapbox when those listening haven't done anything wrong. Don't misunderstand, I think everyone is entitled to a good speech from time to time. I just approach everything thinking:

How will I feel about what I've said a week from now? A year?

If I'm okay with it, then usually it's okay to say my piece. If not, I'll let it go. The same can be said for the conversations you have online, the relationships you form with others, and how you market yourself and your work. While some people have no qualms about sharing certain information or presenting an in-your-face-attitude, I truly feel an author can--and will--lose readers if they are unapproachable or offensive. With the way the writing industry is evolving, it's good business sense to remain as professional (and gracious as possible).

It's time for me to jet! As always, the eye candy of the week. I shamelessly stole this image from the awesome author and Twizzler sharer I met at AAD, Allison Pang.

Don't Cross The Streams

2011-08-22T07:44:00.000-07:00

In Season One of The West Wing (one of the greatest shows ever, by the way), President Bartlet, while lecturing his youngest daughter about security detail, sprouts off a horrifying scenario to drive his point home. Since Aaron Sorkin is one of my favorite writers, I’m going to let you guys read this for yourselves.

ZOEY: We talked about this. I'm entitled to this part of my life.

BARTLET: You're getting this part of your life.

ZOEY: I'm entitled to a normal...

BARTLET: Oh please.

ZOEY: Don't 'oh please' me.

BARTLET: Look, the Secret Service...

ZOEY: The Secret Service should worry about you getting shot.

BARTLET: They are worried about me getting shot. I'm worried about me getting shot. But that is nothing compared to how terrified we are of you. You scare the hell out of the Secret Service Zoey, and you scare the hell out of me too. My getting killed would be bad enough, but that is not the nightmare scenario. The nightmare scenario, sweetheart, is YOU getting kidnapped. You go out to a bar or a party in some club, and you get up to go to the restroom, somebody comes up from behind, puts their hand across your mouth, and whisks you out the back door. You're so petrified, you don't even notice the bodies of two secret service agents lying on the ground with bullet holes in their heads. Then you're whisked away in a car.

It's a big party with lots of noise, and lots of people coming and going. And It's a half hour before someone says, 'Hey where's Zoey?' Another 15 minutes before the first phone call. Another hour and a half before anyone even THINKS to shut down all the airports. Now we're off to the races. You're tied to a chair in a cargo shack, somewhere in the middle of Uganda. And I'm told that I have 72 hours to get Israel to free 460 terrorist prisoners. So I'm on the phone pleading with Benjamin and he's saying, 'I'm sorry Mr. President, but Israel simply does not negotiate with terrorists, period. It's the only way we can survive.' So now we've got a new problem, because this country no longer has a commander in chief, it has a father who's out of his mind because his little girl is in a shack somewhere in Uganda with a gun to her head. DO YOU GET IT?!

For anyone watching (or reading) who then thinks, “Hey, this would be a pretty neat idea!” Well, you weren’t the only ones. Sorkin has admitted he wanted to write that very scenario immediately after the scene concluded. This isn’t surprising. Rules are almost always established to be broken, though I honestly don’t know if that’s just plot device or a combination of humans’ natural tendency to push to see just how far we can go. I certainly know I’ve written rules that I had no intention of breaking. It just happened that way. You start with a basic no-no and the devil in your mind asks, “Well, what WOULD happen? And how could you make it work?”

These clues can be subtle or obvious—it depends on which way you go. Anyone could tell you, even before watching Gremlins, that the rules of “Don’t get them near light, don’t get them wet, and don’t feed them after midnight” would be the focal point in the movie. Heck, Adam and Eve were told not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge, and what did they do?

Now, with certain movies and shows, rules are established with the clear intention of doing the opposite. Yet the driving force behind visual media are the writers who craft the stories together. Rules are made to be broken, and writers are made to test themselves—tease themselves—feed themselves with plots for something on the horizon. Be it “don’t feed them after midnight” or giving oneself a killer plot arc without realizing it.

Plot-driven writers strive to break the rules and see how the world can be altered or challenged. Just make sure you have a plan on getting out. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself in a very strange place.

The Song Remains The Same

2011-08-15T08:39:00.001-07:00

This has been discussed in the past, but sometimes refresher courses are necessary, if only for the sake of hammering it in.

The publishing industry is very interesting right now. In moving forward into a new generation of e-readers and royalty-based online publishers, unagented authors now enjoy opportunities and even benefits over those who submit their work to larger presses. Sites like Amazon that pioneered e-reader technology, and while many mainstream houses are trending toward ebooks, the time has never been better for authors without publishing experience to dip their toes in the water. That’s how I got here. I had absolutely zero experience publishing, but I loved writing and being an actual published author was pretty much my main ambition. So I submitted, and I got accepted.

I was one of the lucky ones. You should never expect it to be that easy. Just because publishing houses are opening their doors to unknowns and unrepresenteds doesn’t mean you’re in. Quality still matters. Story still matters. Ensuring your story fits their house standards and expectations still matters. A rejection doesn’t necessarily mean your writing isn’t good, rather the story itself isn’t right for that publisher. Right now, the trend seems to be more toward form rejection letters rather than a lengthy explanation, which saves face for the publisher if the author gets belligerent. However, should the acquisitions editor take the time to explain how or why certain aspects of your manuscript didn’t work, take it, absorb upon it, and reference it when you next submit. Also, thank them for their time and consideration.

What works for Publisher A won’t necessarily reflect what works for Publisher B, C, and D. Some houses specialize in GLBT, where others have an emphasis in ménage, BDSM, interracial romance, paranormal, and so forth. Look at the material that has been accepted and do your homework. Read books published by the place you’d most like to see your work. And most importantly, even if you do all these things and the publisher still rejects you, don’t lose heart. Taste is subjective, and larger e-pubs typically have more than one editor reading new submissions, and different people react differently to different manuscripts.

No matter what, don’t take a rejection personally. To you, your manuscript is your sweat, blood, and tears. To a publisher, it’s just the next in a long line of submissions.

You've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya punk?

2011-08-08T06:34:00.001-07:00

On Friday night, while sitting in the media center at the fairgrounds, I received some exciting news regarding one of my manuscripts. I immediately began flailing—both internally and externally—and jumped across the room in excitement. Nikki London was with me, as we always babysit the media center together when the fair is in town, and when I told her I expected this particular manuscript to be rejected, her response was, “OMG, really?” See, as my BFF and one of my CPs, she naturally thinks the sun shines out my ass when it comes to all things writing-oriented. When I explained my reasons for doubting the manuscript would be accepted, her response was something along the lines of, “Well, if someone like you gets nervous about your writing, I guess it’s even more okay that I do.”

Understand, Nikki London has been my bestie for over a decade—has has been mentioned in other posts—thus she is a little blinded when it comes to an opinion of my awesomeness. Regardless, this sentiment surprised me. When it was echoed elsewhere, I saw a pattern emerging.

Everyone has doubts. In our industry especially, doubts are commonplace. Most of us aren’t household names, and unless you’ve had incredible luck each and every time you’ve hit “send” on a submission, most of us have dealt with rejection. Once you send a manuscript to a particular publishing house, you play the waiting game with fate. Who, of the acquiring editors, will select your work for the inaugural read? Some places have just one such editor, so if you get in once because he or she likes your voice, you might feel more comfortable submitting again. Sometimes you submit directly to your editor when you’re in-house, and other times you use the same system you would if this were your first rodeo. In those instances, it just depends on who picks up your work and how it resonates with them. What works for one editor might dramatically turn off another. Regardless, no matter if it’s your first time or one hundred and first time, feeling anxious is normal, and likely better for your ego than thinking your shit don’t stink. That way when you do get accepted, it’s like rediscovering an old song and remembering why you loved it in the first place.

So, yes, Virginia, we published authors live with the same fear as the rest of you. At least when I celebrate a new contract, it’s completely genuine. No matter how seasoned you are or how many titles you have to your name, there is someone out there who might say no. You better just hope your manuscript doesn’t land on their desk.

The Bear Necessities of Life

2011-08-01T07:01:00.000-07:00

In high school, my friend Nikki London and I attended a local writing camp. It took place right after term ended and lasted four to five days. The camp was hosted at a local university; we bunked overnight in various dorm halls, had all meals provided, attended guest author lectures, performed any number of writing exercises, and ultimately submitted five to seven pages of short story or poems for a final compilation. During this time, over one of the writing exercises, Nikki and I began working on something that we are still working on to this day, though it blossomed into something we never anticipated.

The project in question isn’t anything we view as publishable. In fact, I believe we’d be sufficiently mortified were it released to the public with our names attached to it. That doesn’t mean we are ashamed—it’s rather something silly and broad and serious all at the same time, and we turn to it whenever we need a break from serious writing. It’s comforting to me, at least, to have something I can write and keep the creative juices flowing without worrying about how it sounds, and strangely, some of the best writing I’ve accomplished was through not giving a damn how good it reads.

In an addendum to my post last week, it is important to give yourself a break; that doesn’t necessarily mean to take a break from writing. I’ve been on a hot streak for nearly a year now in terms of what I’ve produced, and I don’t intend to slow down. Yet I will admit I felt, alongside the typical excitement, a great surge of relief when I saw Nikki had delivered new material on our endless WIP. This might seem strange to other writers—the idea of putting so much time and energy into a writing project not intended for publication—but it works for us. We enjoy discussing where our nonsensical, fantastical, awesome amazing plot of awesome (yes, it warrants two awesomes) will go. We are our target audience, and we love every second. Not only has it been one of the many thing that has maintained our close friendship over the years, it provides us both with a break from writing…with writing.

I strongly urge all authors, when feeling the pressure from their WIPs, to sit down and write something for yourself. It doesn’t matter what, just as long as you have fun while doing it. It could be something like an alternative ending to Gone with the Wind or an off-camera scene from Jersey Shore. If you’ve always wanted to write a ménage, start writing one, but for you and no one else. Personally, I’d go with the alternative ending to Gone with the Wind. The other sounds too much like real work, and the point of this task is to have a little fun.

Use it or lose it

2011-07-28T20:58:00.000-07:00

This is more of an admonition than a post. It's late, I'm tired, I didn't plan sufficiently to get my Muses post written...hmm, what else is new? This story has a predictable ending, me thinks.

But I do have a bit of advice to share. It's simple really and relates somewhat to Rosalie's post this week. While the muse is cranking, keep it going. That story you LOVE, that keeps you up at night and makes you eager to get to the keyboard each day...well, it's not as sweet as it seems. Turn your back on it for a couple days or a couple weeks and something curious may happen. When you return to your magnificent manuscript, you may find it's changed. Morphed even into something not quite recognizable.

DO NOT WALK AWAY!

When you're in the thick of writing a piece, ride that gravy train all the way home. Don't try to convince yourself the words and the flow of the story will still be there next month or beyond when you go to try to pick it up again. Stories have a limited shelf life. Sure, you can work to regain the thread again and you may even succeed. But if I've learned anything, it's to write a story until it's finished. If you must work on more than one thing - as I do, though I'm trying to force myself to work on no more than 2 books at a time - make sure you keep working on the story every week. Do a little bit as often as possible, just as Rosalie suggested. It's so disheartening to return to the book you once adored only to realize you're not in the same place to write it anymore.

Just consider this a Friday PWA (public writing announcement) from your friendly Muses...

Feeling hot hot hot

2011-07-25T07:39:00.000-07:00

I can’t really speak for my fellow authors, but I believe the following to be generally true: you might love writing, but that doesn’t mean you love writing all the time.

Shocking, I know.

Some people seemingly can write all the time, and I envy them. Some people have the time and energy to sit down and fire off manuscripts left and right. On Facebook, I will occasionally see an author celebrating three releases within two weeks. How in the world do they manage to pull that off?

I’ve had it pointed out to me that many of the most prolific authors are those who routinely produce novellas. This doesn’t make it any less impressive. The fact anyone out there has the time, talent, and drive to produce that amount of material is damn near mind-boggling.

Personally, I can’t keep it up forever. I might be on a hot streak for a few days, even weeks. Then I take one day off and suddenly a month’s flown by and I’ve relied on the “I’ll write tomorrow” philosophy. Tomorrow comes and I’m more interested in reading or surfing the net than doing work. Ultimately, I pull myself out of it, but once you break a streak, it’s annoyingly difficult to get back on track. Like exercising. You go strong for a few days and then decide to skip your 30 minute workout, and suddenly your NordicTrack hasn’t been used in months.

Getting any writing done is an accomplishment. Be it 100 words or 10,000 words. Of course, you’re allowed to take breaks or decide you don’t want to worry about it one night. My suggestion, though, is if you’re on a hot streak, try to get a small amount written every day just to keep the juices flowing. Don’t take such bouts of inspiration for granted, ‘cause all good things come to an end. That’s not to say it won’t come around again, because it will. There’s just no telling how long it’ll take.

I'm sick of you and your stupid face

2011-07-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

I began working on a book just after receiving my very first contract in 2009. It was a paranormal romance, one with characters I enjoyed, a plot I felt was fun and innovative, even if it was a bit darker than what I typically wrote. I choked out the first 12k or so before hitting a brick wall. I didn’t understand my main character, her motivations, and every word I wrote felt forced and, well, wrong. So I shelved the project and sank into a stagnant writer’s block that lasted about 9 months. Oh, I’d get a few words written here or there, but overall, I couldn’t get a move on it or anything else that fell on my lap.

In July of 2010, I began a new day job—one with about 150% less daily stress than my former. Gradually, I dragged myself out of the funk, picked up this book, blew off the dust, and decided to start writing again. In October, I became distracted with another project that took about 6 weeks to write and decided to make itself a series rather than a standalone. In December, I decided to either make it or break it with that first book, gutted the beginning, rewrote scenes and changed my characters. Last night, I finally typed the epilogue.

Accomplished? Ecstatic? Excited? Yes. I’m all of these things.

Above else… I am so freaking sick of this book, it’s not funny.

Now, don’t get me wrong: I’m very proud of the book, proud of the story, and will happily work on it during the editing process and whatever else comes next. But in terms of writing it, I’ve carried these characters for two long years. Even the days when I didn’t write them, they were still with me. Imagine spending 730 consecutive days with the same people who are doing the same thing—or worse, slowly doing something they should have already accomplished. I’m just tired of carrying them with me day after day. Sure, I still have a ways to go, but the first part in a larger, longer process is behind me, and I got to say, aside from accomplishment, I feel relieved.

This is a natural reaction. I’ve felt it before regarding stories I love, and I’ll feel this way again. Getting tired of your plot or your characters is not a warning it’s a bad story. It’s just symptomatic of waking up day after day with more of the same. You just have to decide whether or not it’s worth it to you to keep pressing on with a certain project, or taking a break and hoping some time away will give you renewed energy. Although if you’re anything like me, not writing doesn’t mean not working; I worked on this book every day, whether or not I wrote a word. Now, even though it’s hardly the end, I can at least take comfort in the fact that the characters are where they need to be.

So don’t fret if you can’t stand the sight of your main character’s name. It might just mean you two need some time apart to find the love for each other again.

How far is too far?

2011-07-14T19:55:00.000-07:00

Full disclosure: this post is cross-posted at Romancing The Muses and Three Wicked Writers Plus Two for two reasons…1) I'm really curious about responses to this topic and want to get the most opinions possible…and 2) my bloggy brain has gone radio silent and honestly couldn't squeeze out two topics this week! I'll be back to my usual form next week, I hope.

Now to my post…

Me obstinate? Noooo way. Never. I mean, I'm not so stubborn that I'll do something that would increase my chances of failure just to say I did. That would be silly.

That would be me.

I like writing about characters with issues. Not too surprising, really, because I think most of us do. Where's the fun in crafting perfect characters? (Though I used to do just that in high school, when I'd had enough of my own imperfections, thank you very much, so at least my heroine could have a three inch waist and a gorgeous, flawless man who hung on her every word.) But along with creating imperfect characters, sometimes your characters aren't just quirky-cute-off. Sometimes they're wholesale screwed up…or make very screwed up decisions. Which is all well and good, if by the time they get on the page they're mostly sorted out…or you're writing a genre that's not romance. Meaning, if the hero/heroine sleeps with someone who's not their BIG LOVE people won't want to kill you.

I've been told my heroes sometimes don't seem heroic right away. I tend to like hard-edged guys, and while they definitely grow and change and soften a bit, the first time they show up they're likely to be…well, not necessarily nice. I've tried to smooth down some of their edges. I really have. But I butt up against that age old adage that if your hero isn't heroic, no one will want to spend time with him to wait for him to grow and change. But…waaah! I like my guys rougher. I like their conflicts to be closer to life. Guys sometimes screw up (as do women, but I know many women who read m/f or m/f/m romance pay more attention to the guys) and sometimes those screwups are HUGE. The point is whether they learn and get better afterward…at least to me.

In my latest release, the hero is faced with a decision I've been told has given some angst to readers. Understandably, because if I were reading it, I'd feel the same. When you bond with a heroine - when you become her in a sense - the hero making a choice that potentially will harm her hurts. So how far do you go in staying true to the character? Do you go all the way, balls to the wall (excuse the expression, but it fits in this case) or do you pull your punches, knowing you may piss some people off? It's a tough choice and I'm sure the answer will be different for every writer.

A couple of my heroines have also been called on the carpet for not being nice. I like trying to redeem characters, and I also need to keep myself entertained and engaged by writing characters with the full complement of emotions and flaws. Some deliberate too much. Some angst. Some are recovering narcissists. I can't keep writing the same character slightly tweaked, even if I know she may be more well-received. I'd get bored that way, as would my readers. And some people have enjoyed those more complicated heroines, so I guess it's truly a matter of what you prefer. As a reader myself, I love characters with flaws as big as their strengths...and occasionally even bigger. Watching them wrestle with their dark side and ultimately win is hugely satisfying to me.

I'm curious…as a reader are there things you just won't accept? In a romance, for example, if the hero/heroine sleeps with someone else after he's started to fall for the hero/heroine is that a dealbreaker or does it depend on circumstances? And writers…how far will you/won't you go in the pursuit of telling your story the way you think it needs to be told?

I'm looking forward to hearing your answers! And I apologize for the cross-post…I'm planning on being more bright-eyed and blog-inspired next week!

Thought Provoking Q & A

2011-07-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

Since my children are being absolutely wild today (and have been all week), I've decided to share a link to a Q & A session with author Maya Banks over at Dear Author. She talks very frankly about the things authors really want to know: writing, promotion, and money. The money issue really got my attention, but I was also interested in her e-published numbers versus her New York sales. Very, very important stuff.

She clearly indicates there is money to be made in e-publishing, even if she's isn't one-hundred percent certain of the formula. Regardless, her business ventures have made her more money this year than some people will see in a lifetime. I confess I wasn't expecting to read such high figures, however, it does prove that if you keep writing, gain an audience, and produce quality books each year readers will follow.

If you get a chance, I highly recommend you give the interview a read.

CLICK ME TO REDIRECT TO Q & A

As always, the eye candy of the week.

Hats off to all of those behind the pages!

2011-07-12T07:46:00.000-07:00

Recently a friend of mine released a book that she
"self published". She has many other books that are
out there by various different publishers as well, but
when the contract ended for this one she decided to
give it an overhaul and bring out it again - new and
improved if you like.

I went through the labor pains with her to bring this
baby back into print and let me tell you I now have
a new found respect for all those people responsible
for doing the laps to get all of those books out there.

As the author everyone knows it's a long process to
write the story and then survive through the edits of it.
I applaud the editors for their patience with us when
they have to smack our hands repeatedly to prevent us
from making that same grammar blunders three pages
after the last one.

What I didn't realize was how tedious and trying it is to
take it beyond the editing process. Formatting for a
print edition is a painful process - after all you don't want the
binding to eat away the edges of your story. You want it
to look balanced and easy to read, which also means the
style of font becomes important too. Simple seems to be
the best answer to that.

In the ever growing world of POD (print on demand) there
are templates available to make the process of proper layout
as easy as possible and you would think a quick copy-paste of the
polished manuscript would do the trick ... but no, it's not!
Hours and I mean HOURS of shifting this and adjusting that is
involved to make it work are involved. Seriously it looks silly to
turn the page and have one word and a period printed on it.

We all gush over our cover artists for their creative brilliance -
not knowing at the time that their cover/spine/back images have
to fit perfectly for the print version of a book. Without their work
half of your spine would be on the front cover and your book would
look like someone printed it in the garage on some antique printing
press.

I have a new found respect for all of those at all types of publishers
for the work they do to get our words out there!! Without you
we authors would be out there in the world peddling out stapled
together manuscripts complete with typo's, uneven paragraphs,
ink smudges and lopsided covers!

My hat is off to all of those people behind the pages of each book
out there. Simply put - you guys rock!

A Day In The Life

2011-07-11T08:29:00.001-07:00

As a professional writer, your day starts around 10 A.M. Well, you wake up, but you feel a little drowsy so you go back to sleep. After a good forty-five minutes wrestling with exhaustion, you convince yourself to get up by promising your growling tummy a nice brunch. You order something in – pizza, Chinese, whatever – and answer the door in your bathrobe, because there is absolutely no sense in dressing. You turn on the television and catch up on your stories and celebrity gossip. Around 2:00, you decide you’re ready for a nap. A little after 4:00, you get a call from your friend who wants to go catch the sale at Macy’s. After picking up dinner around 7:00, you decide it’s time to start writing. Well, maybe after a long soak in the tub.

Sounds nice, right?

In reality, most writers have fulltime jobs, and if not they certainly have obligations, be those obligations children, family, errands, cleaning, laundry, dishes, picking people up, dropping people off, cooking, part-time jobs, editing, crit-partner reading, and so on and so on and so on.

Personally, I start my day at 6:00 A.M. I get up, get ready, make breakfast, and am out the door within an hour. I spend the hours between 8-5 answering phones, entering data, and addressing scrap metal customers. I do get a reprieve between 12-1 for lunch and, if I’m lucky, maybe 20 minutes to do what I want (writing, reading, editing, or even just surfing the web) between answering phones (that don’t stop ringing, no matter what time it is). This is also only applicable on days when I don’t need that hour long lunch to run errands (taking over rent or refilling medication) and have already brought my lunch (can heat it up).

I get home around 5:30. Aaron and I have dinner and play an episode of whatever show we’re currently watching on Netflix. Around 6:30-45, I head upstairs to shower. At 7:00-15, I get to sit down and write. I have until 8:30-45 to get as much writing done as possible. This isn’t a lot of time.

This is also limited to other interruptions. Say my mother calls. There goes 20 minutes. And that’s not accounting for time spent editing. As a professional editor, no matter how much I may want to write, my first obligation is to the author who expects me to have their manuscript marked up within a reasonable amount of time. Granted, this doesn’t mean I put my own writing aside. I set goals for myself, something to tune of “If I get X amount of this MS edited tonight, I will allow myself to write.”

All things considered, my schedule is forgiving. I don’t have to take my work home with me, I don’t have children, and my employers are practically my adopted parents who understand my first passion is writing. Other authors, even those who seem frighteningly prolific, have to deal with a thousand other things before they can think about writing.

This industry is one you almost have to be in for the love of it, and likewise one you can’t just up and do whenever you feel like it. Exhaustion and writer’s block can compile upon those precious few minutes you have to pound away at the keyboard. Not to mention if you have a manuscript back from an editor that you’re in the process of prepping for release. Or if you’re doing promos, answering emails, sent author interviews, et cetera. Time management is essential when it comes to writing. And yes, there are exceptions that prove the rule…but exceptions can’t be mistaken for the norm.

The best way to do this? Set small goals for yourself. I feel if I can get 500 words written per every 30-45 min block I have to write, I’m on the right track. And should I be high on inspiration, the words coming faster than I can write them, I boost my word count goal to 750-1000. I don’t demand the impossible from myself. 500 words might seem like a lot to some and laughably pitiful to others, but it’s what works for me.

In essence: cut yourself some slack if you don’t have 50k written in two weeks. Make sure your goals are feasible. And if you are one of those lucky few who possess endless hours to get as much writing done as you like without worrying about paychecks and other responsibilities…I sincerely hope you know just how fortunate you are.

Why yes, I am phoning it in today.

2011-07-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

I don't know about my fellow Muses, but I very much doubt I'll get any writing done today. And while writing is pretty much my favorite thing to do, it always falls below family. And in my neck of the woods, the 4th is reserved for family, barbecues, and leaving the Earth with several more dents than it had the day before.

To those who celebrate the 4th: be safe, have fun, and blow shit up. Tomorrow, real life resumes.

Unless you're the Mythbusters.

Happy 4th of July!

2011-06-30T19:12:00.000-07:00

I'm not feeling too well at the moment - allergies and exhaustion are knocking me down - but I wanted to wish those who celebrate it a very happy, safe 4th of July holiday weekend from Romancing The Muses! Enjoy some time with your family and friends!

Changes As You Go

2011-06-29T07:31:00.000-07:00

It’s one o’clock in the morning. I have to get up in a few hours. Why am not in bed? What is causing me to ignore the Sandman when I know I’ll regret it? I’ll tell you.

I wrote a book a few years ago that is in the editing process. It’s the second in a series, something I loved very much when I finished, and has become the bane of my existence. You’re probably asking yourself why in the world I would say something like that. I mean, I did write the book. Unfortunately, the book is a reminder of something I’ve heard before but didn’t truly understand.

Some books are not meant to be published.

This isn’t to say that I don’t enjoy the story or the characters; it’s simply that I didn’t know anything about writing when I started. The process was foreign and new. I could do whatever I wanted. Now, after hours upon hours of edits and the creation of new projects, I know I can write better. That means I’m trying to clean my manuscript in the best way possible but also keep the original tone of the first novel. The experience has been sheer agony. I’ll change something only to put it back to the original form. It’s edited but it’s “not.” Certainly, the grammar will be tighter and words will be used in the proper context. However, the voice must remain the same. Changing the overall style will alter the experience for the reader(s) who enjoyed the first book. I can’t do that and keep the trilogy intact; therefore I have to find a balance. I’ve spent hours trying to achieve this, but I’m still uncertain if I’ve accomplished my goal.

That’s why I think it’s important for author’s to remember that -- God willing -- they will become better as they create and explore other stories. When they’re straight out of the starting gates most writers have no idea of the small fundamentals (at least I didn’t) that are so important when you want to become published. Trust me when I say that after a few years with solid editors, you’ll learn. It’s a double-edged sword. The more you are taught, the quicker you’ll discover that your first creations are not as fabulous as they once seemed. I can’t speak for everyone, but I can say for me it’s been an eye-opening and extremely humbling experience.

To clarify, I'm not saying you shouldn’t submit your first story to a publisher or agent. Rather this is blog entry to let all of you know that it’s normal to stumble with your first project. If you’re rejected keep pounding away at the keyboard. If and when you’re contracted (if you decide to go that route) you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about. Believe it or not, readers, authors, and editors are not being hateful or downright snarky when they berate new authors. Most of them are merely people who’ve seen work that isn’t quite up to snuff. If you’re rejected but told your voice is compelling, keep doing what you’re doing and listen. I like to think those who read your material see potential, however, it’s just not quite “there” yet. Think of it as a complex meal that you’re trying to perfect. You might not get there in a year, or several years, but eventually you’ll find the right ingredients.

As for me, I’m back to those edits. I might not defeat the words on my screen, but I’ll do my best to manipulate them so the reader (and myself) will come away happy. *crosses fingers*

Now for the eye candy of the week!

Don't take candy from strangers

2011-06-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

Over a decade ago, I wrote fanfic for a small online fandom. Fan-fiction, for me, was a fantastic outlet in which to put out stories I could never get published for obvious reasons, therefore no concern over plagiarism. It was also a great way to receive a steady flow of criticism and insight from a small group of writers. I was a member of this fandom for about two years, spanning the ages between fourteen and sixteen. When I was fifteen or so, a new member joined our happy home. Let’s call her Mrs. Lecter.

At first, Mrs. Lecter was the ideal mentor for a young, budding author. She befriended me, read over my work, offered her advice and commented on what she liked. We exchanged phone numbers—foolish as it was at my age—and developed a fast and seemingly normal relationship. She wasn’t the only writer friend I communicated with via phone, but she was the one who called most frequently.

A few months into our correspondence, Mrs. Lecter became pregnant. The entire fan-fiction community was tremendously excited. This wasn’t a large fandom like Star Wars or Harry Potter; it was an isolated group of maybe twenty regular writers. Everyone knew everyone. Therefore when Mrs. Lecter lost her child, the entire community mourned with her. We shut down operations completely, poured sympathy and money together and bought her flowers, cards, and other things people do when someone they care about is in pain.

Things changed a lot after that.

It’s been several years and many of the details have grown a little fuzzy. Mrs. Lecter became an endless pit of tragedy. More than that, she started establishing “rules” on when people could post their fiction (which typically revolved around when she wasn’t posting her fiction, of which everyone was tacitly obligated to praise). Her family was also rattled by illness, car accidents, hospital visits, deaths, and one more miscarried child. She was one of those people who became addicted to attention, and therefore invented horror after horror so we would shower her with sympathy. That was, of course, when we didn’t incur her wrath for breaking one of the unspoken rules about posting our work. In the end, I’m not sure what was real and what wasn’t. Did that first child even exist? If it did, did losing it send her so far off the deep end that everything that followed was her way of coping with her grief?

I don’t know. After a while, I stopped caring. She had effectively used every last drop of compassion from me, and taken my writing haven and turned it into a prison. Mrs. Lecter was the first in a very important lesson, and to get to the point, more or less, here it goes: over the internet, you can’t accept at face value that people are who they say they are. We’ve discussed the value of beta readers and crit partners several times on Romancing the Muses, but a recent conversation on an email loop brought to light something that truly cannot be overstated.

Don’t trust everyone you meet on the internet. No matter what.

I know what you’re thinking: well, duh! Even if you hadn’t had an experience like mine, anyone who has ever tuned into ‘To Catch A Predator’ with Chris Hanson knows this much, right? Online, people can be whoever they want to be. Heck, that’s part of the appeal. Still, and I cannot stress this enough, just because you’re honest doesn’t mean everyone is. And yes, this might come across as a “do’h, I knew that!” but if you’re anything like me, you have a predisposition to believe that most people aren’t jackasses. And true, most people aren’t. But if you aren’t careful, you’re likely going to end up feeling a world of hurt.

Sadly, this isn’t limited to the internet. Anyone who has driven home during rush hour knows there are plenty of jackasses in real life as well. Be discriminatory with whom you choose to share your work, and who you let into your life. Most people are honest, but those who aren’t will do everything they can to convince you they are. And if they’re anything like Mrs. Lecter, they’ll milk it for all it’s worth.

Interview with a Book Blogger!

2011-06-22T11:24:00.000-07:00

Today I’m doing something different. I have Bells (a huge fan who became a close friend -- the image above was taken this year at Lori Foster's Reader and Author Get Together), from Hanging With Bells with me. She’s going to provide a bit on insight on what book reviewers look for in books and how to approach blogs when you’re interested in promoting your work.

Jaime: Thanks for doing this, Bells! Welcome to Romancing the Muses!

Bells: Thanks for having me. I feel so special… and weird because I’m usually the one doing the interviewing.

Jaime: *laughs* You’re so silly. Relax, this won’t hurt…much. First question: Say an author wants to visit your blog or get a review. What is the best way to go about it?

Bells: Most of the authors that I chat with on Twitter will ask if anyone is looking for guest posts for their blogs and that's how I usually get an interview. I have had authors that have contacted me by email as well that were interested on having an interview on my blog. For me it’s best to contact via email or Twitter (where I usually hang out all day long).

Jaime: I know you’re obsession with Twitter! Can you tell us what you enjoy about authors?

Bells: I enjoy authors that seem down to earth such as myself. I tend to gravitate towards more authors that seem to have the same likes that I do. I am all about positivity! I love to laugh and there are so many authors on Twitter that make me chuckle all the time. That includes you as well. That is how we first bonded. Discussing the Twilight movies and what parts of them that made us laugh.

Jaime: Oh Lord, I remember that! Those were the days. I’m aware of bloggers who can be afraid of having authors if they feel they’ll lash out at a less than stellar review, or will argue with the reviewer. As an author myself, I always say it’s best to say thank you or nothing at all. What’s your take?

Bells: That’s kinda hard to answer, because authors are people too. They’re human and have emotions just like everyone else. I know as hard as it must be to want to say something, it’s best not to. There seems to be a lot of backlash when they speak out. You’ll see this on Twitter when an author says something negative and reviewers may start talking.

Jaime: Oh man, I remember the author who had a mug created after she went “snake” on a reviewer. It wasn’t pretty.

Bells: *laughs*

Jaime: Okay, next question: I’ve done posts before where I’ve mentioned it’s best to research book bloggers prior to submitting. Some bloggers prefer urban fantasy, others enjoy erotic romance. How important do you think it is for authors to place their work with readers who will enjoy it?

Bells: I think it’s very important. You want to make sure your book is going to appeal to the person reading it. If you give someone a historical when they don’t like historical the odds are they won’t like it. Sometimes people will enjoy books that aren’t what they typically read, but that isn’t always the case. If you want to get positive feedback it’s always good to check out the preferences of the book blogger you approach.

Jaime: Since our kids are going nuts (they are screaming as we’re doing this interview on the phone), I’m going to wrap things up. So final question: eBooks are becoming very popular. Are you finding you prefer eBooks to print?

Bells: I’m going to say…no. Even though I own a Kindle, I still seem to enjoy reading a paper copy more. I will read from my Kindle if I have to, but most of the time I prefer print. That said, it’s weird because there are times when I get into my Kindle. But there are others times when I go, “Meh.” Snuggling an eReader is not the same as snuggling with a paperback.

Jaime: Okay, I lied. One more question: I do know you read books from authors who are at ePublishers. Do prefer books from New York authors (who are in mass market paperback)? Or will you give anything that strikes your fancy a chance?

Bells: As long as the work appeals to me, entertains me, and has good writing, then that’s all that matters.

This week's eye candy of the week is for Bells. You can find her at Hanging With Bells, which isn’t your average book blog. She also lists new movie and music releases, as well as shares her Hump Day Hottie each week. If you haven’t visited, be sure to swing by and say hello!

Han Shot First, Dammit!

2011-06-20T06:30:00.000-07:00

When I was little, I was the Star Wars fan. It began with a love of the funny creatures, admittedly (Jabba the Hutt, most especially) and steadily progressed into an obsession for the series overall. The noble heroics of Luke Skywalker, the dashingly cocky Han Solo, and the cool, intelligent “I am Woman!” bad-assery of Leia Organa.

Bear in mind, this was no average, healthy obsession. I was a fangirl, and a purist. I collected action figures, magazines, watched the movies until I had them memorized, read the novelizations, wrote fanfic and even engaged in online role-play. The prequels? I defended them to the death, even though each viewing of The Phantom Menace killed me a little inside. I dressed up as a Jedi (or “Dark Jedi”) for Episode II, and went to the midnight showing of Episode III, only to wake up and view it again the next day.

I lived, ate, drank, breathed, and bled Star Wars.

Never in my wildest did I think I would get to the point where I can say any of the following:

1) Star Trek is superior
2) The prequels are a disaster
3) Harry Potter is my favorite all-time saga, hands down.

To the teenage me, any of the above would be blasphemous.

Granted, as I grew older, I began confessing little things to myself regarding the prequels. A couple years ago, I admitted the first one was rubbish, but still defended Episodes II and III…even though the “love story” between Anakin and Padme was cringe-worthy, I stood by it being a decent tragedy. I could never, though, pinpoint what exactly was the prequels’ main failing.

Turns out there were many failings. RedLetterMedia’s Plinkett reviews of the new series opened my eyes in a way they didn’t want to be opened. I have officially renounced the prequels from my personal canon of the Star Wars universe and become one of those “George Lucas Raped My Childhood” fans.

There is one glimmering ray of hope in the stinkbomb that was the prequel movies. If any writer out there needs a diagram on how to NOT write characters, look no further. Plinkett discusses this in his review of The Phantom Menace. The characters lacked any fundamental connection with the audience, and this was demonstrated with a simple challenge.

“Describe Character A without referring to his/her profession or what they look like.”

If your readers can’t go beyond this question, or have to search for an answer, you haven’t given them enough reason to connect with your character. Take Rhett Butler. He’s cocky, arrogant, swarmy, deceptive, strong-willed, determined, and when he loves he does so with all he is. Conversely, take Liam Neeson’s character from the prequel films. He’s….there. He has a beard. He talks with words. And that’s about it.

Characters should be more than their appearance and job status. If you’re writing a hopeless romantic, it’s not enough for you to tell us he’s a hopeless romantic. Show him doing something to convey that characteristic. When you send your manuscript to your CPs, ask them to look for these things. Make sure they can say something about your characters' actions and behavior, not just their description. After all, if we don’t know the characters well enough to care about them, whatever else happens in the book won’t matter to us, because there will be nothing at stake.

Character should never be undervalued or sacrificed. We need to know and care about these people. When they ache, we should ache with them, and for reasons beyond "it's the main character." We should remember their names after the book has been shelved. To me, that’s the ultimate test. If I can remember a character’s name a month after I read the book, I consider it well written. It means the character stuck with me.

So go forth. Write well and prosper. Try not. Do…or do not. There is no try.

As for me...I'll have to live with the tattered ruins of my childhood, having finally accepted the horrible truth.

What Inspired You To Write?

2011-06-16T19:31:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when you're bogged down in the day to day reality of trying to be a writer, you get caught up in “stuff.” Cover art forms, formatting, edits, suggestions from critique partners, classes, how to books, lists of what not to do...all of it can get overwhelming. Sometimes you just need to take a little while and reflect upon how you ended up here, wherever that here may be.

Why did you first put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard? Did another author inspire you? Did you have feelings you didn't know how else to get out but on paper? Or did you want to be able to transport someone the way you've been transported to another place when you read a good book?

For me it was a couple of those things. I remember in elementary school plotting to write a book with one of my friends, though I don't think we got beyond a title and a drawing for our cover. In fifth grade, I came in second in my class's storywriting contest. I always loved making up fantastical worlds and writing them down for others to read. By junior high, I was attempting to write my first romance—and this was before I'd ever read an adult one. In eighth grade I read my first two romances, and I honestly believe they cemented my career path. The first was Twins by Katherine Stone and the second was Public Secrets by Nora Roberts. I fell in love with both books—and my love affair with Nora's work began. She was really the one who inspired me more than anyone else. She's a woman to be reckoned with in so many ways and her talent only continues to grow.

So who or what inspired you? Has that inspiration changed over the years?

Importance of Editors

2011-06-15T10:29:00.000-07:00

I've touched on this topic before. With the recent increase in self-published material, it is a important subject to discuss. All readers expect quality in the work they purchase. While it's true books will usually have a typo or two (or possibly more), less is certainly more. Several top selling authors have been flamed recently regarding the lack of edits in their work (one most notably is a huge author, at one of the large New York Publishers, who had an entire scene missing from her book due to a miscommunication during edits). Readers are starting to notice the lack of editing, and they are becoming more vocal about it.

Which is why I feel having an editor is damn important.

As I've stated before, all of my editors are different. Each has his or her own way of doing things. I'm fine with that, as I learn during the process. Some experiences are better than others. I love having an editor who enjoys my story, believes in it, and wants to make the manuscript all it can be. However, there have been occasions when I've had to relinquish control and change a story into something I didn't originally envision. It's part of being published. You listen to those far more knowledgeable than you and trust they'll make your story shine.

I cannot stress just how much I need an editor. As a writer, I don't see the mistakes in my work. Even if I wait a month and return to the book, I'll skip right past an improperly used word (it's been proven if a word begins and ends with the same letter this occurs often), fail to notice repetition in word choice, etc. That's why I rely on an extra pair of eyes to pinpoint what I cannot. Yes, I'm an author who needs an editor. I'm not ashamed to admit it. Without one, my stories would be too wordy, too lengthy, and probably a pain in the ass to read.

I recently stumbled across an interesting Amazon thread discussing a very popular author and the fact she has written a "no-edit" clause in her contract. The notion baffled me. Who wouldn't want to have an editor to clean up grammatical mistakes, search for holes in a story, and make sure you don't land on your face because you call a character the wrong name (something I'm guilty of, I confess) or forget to dress a character after a love scene. Not me, that's for sure.

So yeah, I'm all for pimping my editors. Skyla Dawn (Mundania), Mary and Serena (Loose Id), and Ann (Ellora's Cave) you rock my world. Thanks for making me a better author, for helping me hone my craft, and for inspiring me to create bigger, better stories. My books wouldn't be the same without you.

Now for your weekly eye-candy. Happy Hump Day!

Interview with author Sarah Ballance

2011-06-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today on Romancing the Muses, I’d like to welcome author, Sarah Ballance, to share some of her insights, things she’s learned along the way, and get some info on what we might expect from her in the future.

MUSES: Tell us a bit about the process behind your debut publication. What did you learn? Is there anything you know now you wish you’d known then?
S. BALLANCE: I had to learn everything, LOL. I had what I now recognize as an "outsider's view" of the publishing process—i.e., write a book, get it published. And that's what I did. I wrote a book, sent it to Noble, and ended up with a contract. At the time I had no idea how things were supposed to work, so I can honestly say I'm grateful I managed to make a few good decisions—more on blind luck than anything, but I'll take it! However, after reading the experiences of some other authors, I've learned you really can't put too much thought into which publisher you choose for your work.

MUSES: How quickly did it take you to realize that writing the book is just the first part in a very long battle?
S. BALLANCE: Oh, my gosh. No one could have convinced me writing was the easy part, and now I find myself telling other aspiring novelists the same thing (and I’m probably getting the same Look, lol). I'd say I was pretty well clued in after I spent about two weeks following the release of my first book trying to do something with my website and blog, and that was just the beginning. A year later, I'm still trying to feel my way through the responsibilities of being a published author, but WOW, what an incredible ride!

MUSES: What is your opinion on reviews?
S. BALLANCE: They're one person's opinion. I know it's easier said than done at times, but an author needs to read a review as objectively as possible and take from it what they can. I've had a time or two where a reviewer made a specific point with which they found fault and when I thought about it, I had to agree. Those moments make me feel like I've improved as an author, and that's where I find the most value in a review.

MUSES: Is there some aspect of writing you find more challenging than another? Can you share what that is?
S. BALLANCE: Apparently I have some sort of author defect when it comes to writing sex—it seems to cause flu-like symptoms and periods of zero productivity. The logical conclusion would be to eliminate it from my writing, but that's less of an option than writing it to begin with. (I guess my husband is right when he says I'm impossible to argue with, LOL.) The problem isn't that I don't want the sex there … the problem is being able to capture everything in a way that's true to the story and my characters' emotions. Um, ARGH.

MUSES: How much of what you write is from experience?
S. BALLANCE: To some degree, all of it. I don't have enough confidence to tackle a plot that's totally unfamiliar, so while the story itself is pure fiction, there's something in there I'm comfortable with. I'd love to branch into deeper suspense plots which require more research, but so far I've stuck to my zone.

MUSES: You have developed quite an Internet presence between your interviews, giveaways, and author spotlights. How do you find the time to write when you seem to be everywhere?
S. BALLANCE: Oh, I blame the kids. I can't get any writing done during the day, so I use stolen moments to make the rounds and respond to interview questions and reader messages. I don't even try to write until after dinner when my husband is barring the door to keep the kids away from me. In that sense, I'm not using "writing time" for my internet presence, LOL. Things still get hectic when I'm trying to do a dozen things at once, but that's just generalized chaos. Writing time equals sanity for me, and not one of my crew wants to mess with that!

MUSES: What does an author have to do to capture your attention?
S. BALLANCE: Make me laugh.

MUSES: What authors have most influenced you in your journey? Do you try to emulate them in your own writing?
S. BALLANCE: While I definitely have mad love for a couple of awesome authors. I think my biggest influence from others has been the revelation that I have to do this my way. When I wrote my first book I felt I had to follow some set of rules, and when I kicked that shell I actually kind of developed a voice. That is what I'm most proud of, and I hope I can continue to grow into a better version of me.

MUSES: Tell us a bit about your favorite literary character, and what qualities made him/her stand out as more than just a name on a page.
S. BALLANCE: Daegan Raeliksen, from Renee Vincent's RAELIKSEN, is hands down the character I can't stop thinking about. I don't want to give her story away, but suffice to say I've yet to read the second book in her trilogy (even though I have my copy sitting on the table beside my bed) because I can't move on from his character. If anyone wants to know what a three dimensional character is, look no further than this.

MUSES: When you’re not writing or reading, what typically keeps you occupied? What do you enjoy doing in your free-time?
S. BALLANCE: Free time? Huh? LOL. I have six kids. One just hit the big oh-one and the rest are scattered to age twelve, and we homeschool. Translation? My biggest pastime outside of parenting and schooling is yanking my hair out, although so far I've maintained the patience to only pull the gray ones. Should we manage to escape the confines of our acreage, however, we prefer to do so on our boat. Second choice? The beach.

MUSES: Any harsh realities would you wish to impart on aspiring authors?
S. BALLANCE: For most of us, one book release is not going to result in vast riches. There seems to be a misconception out there that us Average Joe published authors are rocking six figure incomes, but I dare say the majority are happy to be able buy groceries when the ol' royalty statement arrives. In short? Don't quit your day job.

MUSES: Where can readers find you?
Website http://www.sarahballance.com/
Blog http://sarahballance.wordpress.com/
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003WKYEJI
Facebook author http://www.facebook.com/sarah.ballance.author.news
Facebook friend http://www.facebook.com/author.sarah.ballance
Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/SarahBallance
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4103362.Sarah_Ballance

Thank you, Sarah, for taking the time to sit down with us!

Book Signings

2011-06-08T09:36:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I attended Lori Foster's Annual Reader and Author Get Together with Madelyn and Rosalie. It was a blast. I had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people. I can't wait for next year.

Today's topic was sparked by a conversation I had the last night of the event. It was very interesting to discuss authors, the way they present themselves, how important it is to be professional when a fan approaches your table, and how annoyed readers become by certain behavior.

Since I always share what I've learned, I figured I'd do so here. Below were the top complaints from the readers I spoke with who attended the event.

1. Cell phones and laptops

I was mortified when I learned one reader stood in line to get a signature and the author used his/her cell phone the entire time, signed the books without looking up or greeting the reader, and shoved the book back when done. As a consequence, the reader informed me she would NEVER purchase another book from the author. Lesson? Put the phone down, smile, and greet your readers. They are there to meet you. It is possible to stay off your cellular device for two hours (the length of the signing).

2. Avoid the hard sell

Several readers said they avoided tables in which authors tried to sell their work. Why? They felt obligated to buy it. So when a reader approaches your table, smile, say hello, and answer questions. Informing them of the nature of your story when they haven't asked can be a turn off. They want to look at your work, see if it interests them, and move along if it doesn't. Interact with them, be gracious, and if they decide your work isn't for them say, "Thank your for stopping by," and let them continue to the next author.

3. Smile

No one will approach you if they think you're going to take their head off. When someone makes eye contact, smile, nod, and make it easy for them to come over and say hello. A blank expression, or a sour puss, won't do you any favors.

4. Talk, talk, talk!

If someone engages you in conversation (even if they don't buy your book), talk to them. Ask how they are enjoying things. Treat people like people. Trust me, they appreciate this.

5. Make a good impression

If someone approaches your table and tells you they enjoyed your book, thank them and chat. I had a few people who did this and I provided signed book plates and pamphlets. It's not about the money, it's about connecting with those who might give your work a try in the future.

I had so much fun this year, but I am very social and can talk to anyone. I think that's very important. People who haven't read your work will remember a nice author versus a lukewarm one. It's all about the connection you make with people. I truly believe if you treat those the way you want to be treated, they'll appreciate and respect it.

As for me, I'm trying to prepare for Authors After Dark. I'm nervous, as I've never attended before, but I hope it's just as much fun as Lori Foster's. Hopefully I'll see many of you there!

Now for that eye candy. My favorite -- Chris Evans. YUMMY!

“A thief passes for a gentleman when stealing has made him rich”

2011-06-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

DISCLAIMER: Plagiarism is one of those topics over which I get really heated. The following opinions are mine and mine alone; I don’t speak for my colleagues at Romancing the Muses. Please, if I offend you, let me know and I will apologize.

WARNING: RANT AHEAD

"You're like the thief who isn't the least bit sorry he stole, but is terribly, terribly sorry he's going to jail." - Rhett Butler

I honestly don’t understand what satisfaction a person gets by being commended for words they didn’t write.

There are times, admittedly, when plagiarism is somewhat understandable, even if you don’t agree with it. For instance: I can grasp why a lazy student wouldn’t want to write a twenty-six page thesis on the Roman Empire (though I think that sounds fascinating). I wouldn’t endorse it, by any means, but the appeal of the easy assignment is one thing. Plagiarism for the sake of…what? Recognition? Praise? That I don’t get.

Recently, a publisher discovered one of its authors had plagiarized a recently released book, and hadn’t done a very good job of concealing it. Were it a need for money, there are plenty of more obvious things to steal…like money. It likewise wouldn’t explain why plagiarism is prevalent even in communities where royalties aren’t a part of the equation. It strikes me more as a need for recognition and popularity than anything else. Otherwise, Internet fandoms wouldn’t need communities like Stop Plagiarism, where plagiarism of fan-fiction works (fictional works written by fans of a show, movie, or franchise) is reported. Before I decided to play in my own fictional backyard, I wrote fan-fiction, and I never got a dime. I never WANTED money for it because, hey, I was writing (which I love) and I had fun doing it. No one I knew was ever paid for what they wrote…so why steal someone’s derivation of someone else’s work and put your name on it?

Again, we’re back to recognition and praise. Yet here, I simply don’t understand why plagiarists do what they do. What possible satisfaction can they get from being told someone else’s writing is amazing? The level of WTFery boggles my mind.

I just don’t get it.

Recently, a book blogger was identified as a plagiarist. I have read her follow-up post wherein she confessed to her crime and offered half-hearted acknowledgment to the wrong she committed. And again I ask—why? What are you getting out of this? Free books, I suppose, but to not even bother to come up with three or four sentences summarizing your reaction to a book without copying someone else’s homework is appalling in its blatant disregard for writing itself.

So, friends, Romans, countryman…why do plagiarists plagiarize? I’m not being facetious; this has been something I’ve wondered for years, and I welcome all responses. If you are a plagiarist, go ahead and create a sock to tell me why you did what you did. I’m all ears…because from where I’m sitting, you’re an ego-maniacal thieving blowhard, and a lazy one at that.

Conquering The Edits Monster

2011-06-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

While I like having edited, I'm a not a huge fan of edits. At first. Reason being, they usually make me feel like I…well, suck. This goes for critiques as well. I'm not sure if it's because I'm a perfectionist or a pantser or what, but it always requires a deep breath and crossed fingers for me to open that document from my editor or CP. It's kind of like getting reviews. We all have that idea in our head of the meaning behind our work. Then you receive, in black and white, someone else's thoughts on what you've created when you're not around to explain to them what you really meant. Your words rise and fall on their own and sometimes it's distressing to see how far you've missed the mark.

That saying, I usually don't look at my edits or critiques right away. I usually need a couple days to build up my courage. Probably if I wasn't so used to getting massive edits - or at least what I term massive edits - they wouldn't vex me so much, but alas that's not the case. I'm on my sixth contracted book at this point - and have one self-published - and I can honestly say I'm not much less intimidated by receiving that first round of edits now than I was at the beginning. A little bit, yes. And I also calm down from my customary freak out a lot faster. I can do what's required. I know that, because I've done it before. That experience does help when I'm fighting a serious case of "I'm not worthy"s.

But still…I always love the finished product once the edits are done! Editors and CPs are wonderful people and help you take your story places you might not have been able to on your own. Heck, maybe one day I'll even get excited when I get edits/critiques instead of nervous!

How do you approach edits and/or critiques? Do they freak you out or have you found your zen about them? And if so, can you tell me where I can find some?

Naming Blunders...

2011-05-31T09:01:00.000-07:00

I mentioned this last week on my blog and thought I'd share
it over here too.

The title of your book can be one of the most important parts
of any story. It identifies the story, can intrigue readers to look
beyond the title (much like a good cover can do) it's how readers
can find the book, aside from the author name.

I name all my works in progress and usually the working title sticks
and I'm attached to it by the time I type that last word on the last page.
Normally I will do a quick search of the title before I begin - no one
wants to be the author of a book title already out there.

Of course if you don't name it until it's finished, you're miles ahead of
me on that front.

I didn't do that search on a new trilogy I started (and then had to put
on hold to complete something else) so now half way through the first
book I decided to do it. Not only was the trilogy name already out
there but so was the first title by two different authors...
Trying to come up with names I liked as much as the first took me more
than a few hours (more like a few days) to do and stalled all attempts of
writing (yes I was pouting).

Now I'm back on track again with the plot, all names searched and labeling
the files.

If you get hung up on the 'little things' like I do - search that title before you
put the first word on the page!

Have a great week!!

Interview with Nikki London, aspiring romance author!

2011-05-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today on Romancing the Muses, I’d like to welcome aspiring author, Nikki London, to share some of her insights, things she’s learned along the way, and to pose questions to any authors who might be inclined to answer them.

MUSES: You’ve been writing on and off again since you were young. Has it always been your ambition to get your work published?
N. LONDON: Most definitely. Books have been a part of my life since I was born. I would memorize stories and recite them to my family by the time I was 2. In elementary school, books were my best friends and I can remember coming up with new stories for all of my favorites. As I got older, I would read something and tell myself, “I could do this. I think I could write a story like this.” I just never thought there was a way to get it published. It wasn’t until I met a few authors that I found out the process wasn’t as difficult as I thought.

MUSES: You have mentioned in your blog posts that you have many budding plot-bunnies. Do you see yourself fitting into any one genre?
N. LONDON: I’m a hopeless romantic! Reading is an escape from the stress of real life, so I never got the point of reading something that doesn’t have a happy ending. I’m a fan of both contemporary and paranormal romance, so those are the genres that inspire most of my ideas.

MUSES: What do you enjoy reading in your free-time?
N. LONDON: Romance! Bet you didn’t think I’d say that one, huh? I’ve also been trying to dabble more in nonfiction as well. As of late, historical biographies and narratives have been gaining more attention on my Kindle, but when I really want to relax and enjoy a good book it’s going to be a romance.

MUSES: What does an author have to do to capture your attention?
N. LONDON: Create an interesting story. I’m a plot driven individual. I want to be able to envision the world an author has created. I can overlook simple writing errors as long as the story is solid.

MUSES: In looking forward, what excites you most about the world of publishing? Is there anything you’re dreading?
N. LONDON: I’m really looking forward to meeting new authors. I would like to be able to attend Lori Foster next year and say, “Yeah. I can be here. I’m an author.” That’s the biggest thrill I suspect. Being able to look in the mirror and tell yourself that you’re a published author. Makes it sound a bit more legitimate. But I am worried about the possibility of rejection from editors and publishing houses. Then, if I do get published will the readers actually like it? Am I going to get angry emails from people demanding their money back? Is it going to get slammed on every review site on the planet? Those are the things that worry me, but I know the good definitely outweighs the bad when entering the publishing world.

MUSES: What authors have most influenced you in your journey? Do you try to emulate them in your own writing?
N. LONDON: Aaron Sorkin is my god of dialogue. I try every day to emulate him in my writing. “Good writes borrow from other writers, but great writers steal from them outright.” Sorkin and I don’t condone plagiarism mind you, but hopefully you get my drift. I also love how J.K. Rowling has worked so hard to create the work of Harry Potter. I know people can have their criticisms about her writing, but I can’t help but be in awe that she was able to make her worlds come to life. I’m also a huge fan of my published BFF. I can’t lie. I’ve followed her writings long before she was published and I love how she has the ability to write prose so well that a character can move me to tears without saying a single word. I love that. I really want to incorporate more “show” and less “tell” in my work. It’s a learning process.

MUSES: Tell us a bit about your favorite literary character, and what qualities made him/her stand out as more than just a name on a page.
N. LONDON: Wow…this one is a hard question. The first one that comes to mind is Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. His strength of character and his quiet tenderness with his children really struck me. He was the first literary character that fully came to life for me. And I have to admit that I did develop quite a crush.

MUSES: You have already developed a modest Twitter following. Tell us a bit of what you’ve learned so far about promotion, public relations, and web-presence.
N. LONDON: You can never have too many friends! It seems you can never start the business of learning the authors and review sites and the publishing houses too early. Everyone is so open and friendly in this community that I really feel welcomed into the fold. Various authors like J.A. Saare and others have been really fantastic about giving me all the advice I could ask for.

MUSES: Tell us a bit about your current WIP.
N. LONDON: I’d love to! My debut in the publishing world is Southern Comfort, the story of Jay and Kristen. Kristen has worked as Jay’s assistant for years, but both have been hesitant to take their relationship any further than “friends.” When they both end up on vacation in Natchez, MS, the sexual tension between them comes to a boiling point. In the end, they are going to have to decide if they’re willing to sacrifice their work relationship for a chance at romance.

MUSES: When you’re not writing or reading, what typically keeps you occupied? What do you enjoy doing in your free-time?
N. LONDON: Well, I have eight nieces and nephews who keep me constantly on the go. I have a neurotic cat, Lucy, who I’m always trying to convince is a cat and not a dog. I also love spending time with my BFFs drinking wine and playing board games. Most nights I curl up and watch a little Daily Show before I go to sleep.

MUSES: Is there anything you have been itching to ask someone already in the biz that you haven’t found the time or opportunity to ask?
N. LONDON: How do you do it? Seriously! I work full time and never seem to have the energy to write once I head home for the night. I really admire authors who can crank out the stories because I usually end up dreaming about them, but not getting it down on paper. Also, does everyone use outlines? I’ve never really sat down and put one to paper. I keep the basic plot in my head, but I sometimes wonder if an outline would make the process go a little quicker.

MUSES: Until we can pick up one of your books for ourselves, where can we find you?
N. LONDON: Well, I am on Twitter as NikkiLondon_1 and I also have a blog (which I really need to work on updating on a frequent basis). People can also email me at nikkilondon1@gmail.com. I’d really love to hear from anyone who wants to get in touch. I’ll take advice, book recommendations, advice, and advice from anyone! 

Thank you, Nikki, for taking the time to sit down with us!

Ready, Set, Goal

2011-05-26T06:52:00.001-07:00

These are both exciting and frightening times with the multitude of changes occurring within the publishing industry. New houses seem to pop up over night while brick and mortar book stores are closing across the country. Self-publishing is no longer the red-headed stepchild. We have options now that lean away from traditional publishing. But all these options can be confusing. So before dipping your toe in the waters, I would suggest formulating a clear set of goals.

Now these goals aren't set in stone. They will likely change over time. And they can be extremely personal. What is right for you might not be for me. My goals still include acquiring an agent and a NY contract and I have always planned on the slow and steady route to achieving this.

I think each of us have mentioned the importance of a back list. Most authors do. But until recently, I could not speak from personal experience. The second in my Watcher's series released mid-April and I did indeed see a spike in sales on the first book. Multiply that by five, ten, or twenty book and suddenly you are looking at a substantial check.

Many an author has toted the phrase I don't want to keep all my eggs in one basket to explain their reasons for subbing to multiple pubs. And if it is a small or relatively new house, I would totally agree. Because while this writing thing is something most of us are compelled to do, we are ultimately in it to make money. But I would argue that once you have attained an editor at one of the bigger houses, it is really in your best interest to develop that back list.

Write for YOU

2011-05-25T07:34:00.000-07:00

Recently I had a long conversation with Madelyn Ford about writing and the way becoming published changes you. When an author signs his/her first contract, it's an unbelievable feeling. It's almost as if you've become validated. All those hours of writing, all of the time you've spent creating characters and stories, has finally paid off. However, once it comes to release day and your book starts circulating, things can and will change.

Allow me to explain.

My first book was a creation I didn't expect to do well. Not that it's a bad book, rather it was at a smaller publisher and I didn't expect high sales. Then, out of the blue, WHAM. It took off. I was stunned, to be honest. I never expected it. What occurred as a consequence was a fear I never expected.

For the first time, I was terrified to write.

Before, it was about "me." I wrote what I wanted to write, what I enjoyed. If the story took a dark turn, it was fine because it was just for me. Now, it's not so simple. Once I would have gladly sat at my PC and pounded away at the keys. More often than not, the time I spend now consists of me staring at the screen, torn between what I want to do and what I "think" I should do. That can be hell.

I've come to the realization that you can't do that. If you allow your readers to dictate what you create, then you're not really creating anything at all. You're a ghost writer of sorts, doing what others expect, and that defeats the entire purpose. When you create a story or stories, you have to be true to your vision. This is your work, coming from your muse. You can't hamper it by expectations or the fear that you won't please everyone. The truth is, you never will. No matter how hard you try.

So write for you. Write what brings you joy. Do what makes you happy. When you do that, the book will reflect your emotions as you wrote it. It's a tough pill to swallow, but it's something I believe all authors face.

Until next week, here is your eye-candy. Happy Writing!

Tweets come and go, but the Internet is forever

2011-05-23T07:45:00.000-07:00

It still amazes me how much technology has progressed in the past decade. Ten years ago, I was a high school sophomore. I didn’t have a cellphone or a laptop or any cool gadget with which to make my friends jealous. My first car was a 1989 Oldsmobile Cutless that occasionally died while idling at stoplights. I did have a car-phone – one of those dinosaur models you plugged into the cigarette lighter and had to molest in order to get it to dial out. Yes, the Internet was in existence – of course – but this was pre-Facebook, pre-Twitter, and comments made on websites, forums, or any other outlet of the baby beast that became social networking.

Today, the Internet landscape is a horse of a different color. I worked at a local bank for two years, and the entire time I was there, I was made painfully aware whatever remark I made on Facebook regarding the job or my opinion of people I worked with – even if they weren’t “friends” or whatever – could be grounds for termination. Any remark I made about anything, in fact, could be used against me. For example, say Charlie Sheen and Prince were political candidates; if I made a remark about how Charlie Sheen is WINNING, and a bank customer happened to be a supporter of Prince? Yeah, that could land me in some deep doo-doo.

Granted, while these precautions were extreme, there is something to be said about being careful in how you come across to others. As authors – aspiring or otherwise – we assume a public presence whether we like it or not. Especially those of us in the e-publishing world – we are no longer an age of JD Salingers. We can’t produce fiction and hope to be remembered if we become technology recluses. Yes, there are some authors who are more “out there” than others, but the names you remember are typically those with a larger Internet presence.

What does this mean for authors? Well, it depends on the sort of author you want to be, the sort of audience you want to attract, and what sort of image you want to maintain. Offhand, I can think of several authors who are either publicly Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Tea Party, etc.; while their political affiliation doesn’t influence me one way or another, a diehard Republican might balk at reading something by an outspoken liberal, regardless of the subject matter. It’d be like Dick Cheney going out and purchasing a fictional action/adventure penned by Michael Moore. Not likely. Likewise, if you use your social outlets to graphically discuss sex, you’re going to turn some people off. I know this might be surprising to some, especially considering the majority of us enjoy reading and writing romance and explicit sexual content. Consider the following: my grandfather is a conservative, religious man, a minister, and so sensitive to profanity and sexuality he didn’t like it when I turned on the family-friendly program “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” when at his house. He is also incredibly sensitive to movies depicting the life and acts of Jesus – or really any biblical story – and he doesn’t care for History Channel programs that discuss “the end times” or how various religions interpret their holy books. Does this make sense? Well, yes and no, depending on who you ask. For some, what they do is not who they are; for others, it’s all they are, and to see themselves represented a certain way is insulting.

So when it comes to the monster that is social networking, what is appropriate? What’s not? Ultimately, that’s up to you. Nothing is right or wrong – everything is completely subjective. There is no how-to guide when it comes to dealing with your readers. You just need to be prepared for how others might perceive your actions or statements. If you want to be edgy and potentially offensive, that’s fine. There’s nothing wrong with that. If you want to out yourself as a gun-toting, Obama-hating conservative or a liberal flag-burning communist, you need to be aware how that might affect your readership. Remember: you have the option to do or say whatever you like, but you need to be smart enough to know that somewhere out there will be someone who disagrees, and your reputation might hinge on what you say. As long as you don't mind the label you earn, you have the freedom to do and say as you please.

I love...err, hate my book

2011-05-20T03:30:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm ripping off the veil of shame and admitting something I don't think a lot of authors feel comfortable acknowledging (at least where readers are present) - sometimes I hate my work. Actually, hating my work is more the norm than liking it, especially when I've just finished a book. There's something about doing edits that makes me think I suck. Even though I know intellectually everyone has to revise and that my publishers did not buy my latest manuscript simply to be nice to me, sometimes I wonder what I'm doing thinking I have any business being a writer. But because I know this is my process and usually the book's not nearly as suckrageous as I think, I try to do my best and press on, as if the thing I'm now editing is not a pile of steaming…well, I'll leave you to finish that statement. ;)

With the book I submitted in January, something miraculous transpired. Finally, a book I did not hate! I kept waiting for the hate to creep over me as it always does in the days, weeks, months after submission, but nothing. Two months passed and I received a contract and I still liked it! Surely I'd turned a corner.

Then I got edits.

Suddenly my favorite book ever to write, with my favorite ever characters, had done me wrong. It had blinded me to its many, many faults. What was I thinking, liking this one best?

But I'm editing it anyway, to the best of my ability and with my wise editor's guidance. And I'm hoping that the beta readers/CPs who read it weren't lying when they said they loved it.

I submitted another book last week. I still love it. But this time, I'm not fooled. I'm waiting for the creep o' hate to begin any day now…

Part of my problem is I'm a perfectionist. I always think everything can be better. Which is a good thing, in that I keep trying and learning. But I also know that my perfectionism sometimes colors my perceptions so at certain times I need to trust others' opinions more than my own.

Do you ever hate your work? Or strongly dislike it, even temporarily? I have a successful author friend who doesn't understand this, as she never hates hers. So is it just me?

Career or hobby

2011-05-19T06:16:00.000-07:00

I know not to go searching out reviews. Truly I do. It was a harsh lesson to learn. With my first published release, the response was wonderfully positive. At least those who left comments really seemed to like it. The second, now that was a whole other can of worms, a love it or hate it situation so I learned very quickly not to look.

Well yesterday I made the mistake of doing a name search. I do this periodically, searching for links where my books might be being pirated. It's a necessary evil of the job and something I know has all ready been discussed here by my fellow Muses. Anyway, as I said, I was doing a search and came across a link I shouldn't have followed. Yes, I'm talking about the dreaded review. Now I've had the typical 5 stars "It's the bestest book ever", the 4 stars "It's great", the 3 stars "Blah", the 2 stars "I just don't get it" but this was my first 1 star (Yah me!).

And what did I get for my one star? An "I would have liked it better if it had been longer" (I'm paraphrasing). Yes, I'm going with sarcasm here. Because it's better than crying.

Please don't take this as a bash on reviews or reviewers. It is not my intention or the reason for this post. They are more than welcome to their opinions. Only I don't need to know them.

Positive reviews are great. They help bolster an author's ego. To know someone out there really gets what we are writing is what keeps us doing what we do. Writing. But the negative reviews, those are the ones that stick with us. They swirl around our heads, buzzing in our ear that what we're writing is crap, that we shouldn't even bother. And the more we swat at them, they louder they buzz until it's the only sound we hear. If we let them.

So how do we fight it? Simple. Don't look. Once the seed has been sown, it's damn impossible to stop it from growing. Just like the crab grass I can't seem to get rid of in my front lawn, it will stifle all creativity for days or possibly even months. Because the truth of the matter is we all want to be liked. Even when logically we understand that is not possible. Not everyone is going to like what I write. Just like I don't like everything I read. But emotionally, it can pierce your soul.

I wish I had answers on how to move on from a bad review but I am just now starting to emerge from a writing funk due to a snarky review from almost a year ago. It didn't totally stop the process, only seriously hindered it.

How do you get over a bad review? Leave a comment and let me know.

Who's whatting what with who?

2011-05-16T07:57:00.000-07:00

Have you ever read a novel wherein the author breezed over an explanation or offered one that wasn’t satisfactory? In other words, have you ever felt the author phoned it in?

Over the past few weeks, I’ve read three or four novellas that, while being well-written and entertaining, suffered from a lack of conflict. Conflict is essential to your plot, be it a novel-length book or something under fifteen thousand words. The main drive behind any story is the need for resolution as you watch the characters dig themselves into various holes, or view their actions and reactions to a life after the hole has been conquered, but not without consequences. I can’t tell you how many times conflict is forced upon a situation that really doesn’t call for it.

Think about it this way: if your friend said or did something that seemed unusual—something that directly affected you that you didn’t understand—the next step would logically be to approach that friend and ask what was going on. Similarly, if you caught someone doing something you knew they wouldn’t do, whereas you might immediately jump to an erroneous conclusion, chances are a simple conversation would set everything straight. If you find yourself in a situation, with a proposition or an opportunity that you would ordinarily laugh off, it normally takes more than fifteen minutes to talk yourself into something you find morally flawed or potentially dangerous.

Yet we’ve all had these things happen to us. We’ve had simple misunderstandings that turned into potentially friendship-ending fights. We’ve all found ourselves in positions where an opportunity has arisen we didn’t anticipate, though in order to take advantage of it, some wildly complex the-ends-will-justify-the-means course of action is needed. We’ve all stumbled through life while living. This is what makes fictional characters so accessible. In one way or another, relating to their trials and decisions is akin to experiencing them ourselves.

This is why conflict and decision-making are so vital to storytelling. When your characters are presented with a situation in which seemingly irrational behavior is needed for the events to proceed, the reader needs to be convinced just as much as the character that their choice is the right one. When a conflict arises that would ordinarily be resolved with a simple explanation, the reader needs to understand and be convinced by the character’s reasoning to not proceed with that simple explanation. Conflict and motive are key elements to any story. Consider your favorite book or movie of all time. What was the conflict? Why was it compelling? What kept you flipping pages or glued to the screen?

Furthermore, consider the following romantic classics of literature. What’s the conflict? What makes them popular? Why do the characters seem so accessible, yet similarly iconic?

1) Gone with the Wind
2) Pride and Prejudice
3) Jane Eyre
4) Wuthering Heights
5) The Phantom of the Opera
6) Rebecca

There is a degree of escapism in storytelling, but a part of that escapism coincides with the reader feeling the main characters’ drive or motivations would mirror their own actions if given that scenario. No, not everything needs to be perfect, some degree of reality, no matter the genre, should be present, if for nothing else so your readers, who do live in the real world, don’t abandon the journey.

The Dreaded "P"

2011-05-11T16:54:00.000-07:00

So you've written a book, you've been contracted, release date is looming. That means it's time for one thing. It's something many authors dread, as it is time consuming and terrifying, especially if you're not comfortable putting yourself out there as an author.

I'm talking about promo.

There are many ways to promote your material. Some authors pay for interviews at the larger review sites, others pay for banners. There are also those who take advantage of book bloggers, giveaways, and conferences. Either way, it takes a lot of time, a lot of dedication and, sometimes, a bit of heartbreak.

The truth is not everyone is going to like your material. So when you send it out, you might not get the reaction you're hoping for. There is a fifty-fifty chance your story will be the next big thing everyone is talking about, gaining you new readership. However, there is also a chance the book might not be received in the manner you hoped. I've been on both ends of the spectrum, so I know first hand how difficult it can be. I'm very good at speaking with people, but I always get nervous when it's time to toot my own horn.

All is not doom and gloom, though. You can make the most of your promotion if you keep a few things in mind:

Social Networks: These are good to keep in touch with readers. However, most don't like to be spammed or annoyed when you constantly remind them you have a new release. Moderation is key. Maybe you can state you have a new release once in the morning, again in the evening, and as the days go by do one message per day to spread the word. I've found most readers appreciate when authors make it a personal versus a professional relationship. Talk to people just like you would anyone else. It really makes a difference.

Book Bloggers: Again, this is a great way to gain new readers. But there is a cost. You need to interact with people who post on the blog and show them how appreciative you are that they have an interest in your work. Make it less about you and more about them.

Contests: This is another good way to promote. However, you have to be savvy about it. I suggest doing a contest a week prior to release and giving away a copy of your book on release day. Then, after a week or two has passed, perhaps you can do another giveaway. The more giveaways you do (of the print variety of your books especially) the more likely people are to remember your book or to check it out.

Conferences: So far, I'm a noobie at this. I can say that I've met a lot of great people at conferences. The key is to say hello to people, talk to them, and don't try to sell your work. If they inquire, then you can share a bit about what you do. It's important to remain tactful. Most people attend to meet new authors. If you give them a chance to talk with you, chances are they'll eventually ask about what you write.

It's not easy, but you can get your name out there. It just takes time and a little bit of patience. Keep your chin up. We've all been there. The best thing is once it ends, you'll write another book, receive a contract, and start the dance all over again.

Now, eye candy!

Heading down the Garden State Parkway and getting off at the exit clearly marked, The Zone

2011-05-09T05:55:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been in a place where you have something you really want to work on and something you really need to work on? For the past few weeks, I have been procrastinating on something that is beyond due simply because I want to do something else. The trouble is, I know I shouldn’t neglect X because of Y, and working Y inspires guilt…therefore instead of working on either I do nothing.

At first, I identified this as blatant avoidance behavior. I wanted to write, but I had something else to do. Consequently, for several weeks now, I’ve done neither. Time on the computer has been spent on Twitter, blogs, surfing, visiting guilty-pleasure forums, and essentially doing anything but what I ought to do. My deadline for Project X has passed, but thankfully it’s a rather lax assignment to begin with. The trouble is when you’re in The Zone, everything seems easy and conquerable. Once you leave The Zone the world again feels disjointed and every effort placed forth to find your way back seems forced. On my writing projects, I was in The Zone, switching easily between two WIPs and cranking out upwards of 10k a week. Now my muse is silent, because I let a good thing run dry.

To sum it up, it sucks.

Writing is a tricky art. Treasure those times when words flow naturally and each scene is easy to visualize, for if something should throw you off your game, finding your way back can be a lengthy process. The best tools I can suggest are rereading whatever it is you last committed to paper, and ensure your writing space is void of all outside temptations. Dry spells are inevitable, especially following lengthy bouts of creativity. For the moment, I blame my dormant muse on Project X, though if I were inclined to be honest with myself, it’s likely just an excuse.

In the meantime, perhaps I should try and complete Project X. Perhaps once it’s behind me I’ll be in a better place to hunt down The Zone.

Back to Basics

2011-05-05T22:54:00.000-07:00

I'll admit I'm not one for rules. I don't like following them though I do usually attempt to find out what the rules are before I try to break them. But the past few weeks I've discovered a couple things I've ignored as "not for me"…well, they kind of are. Things that will make my writing tighter. Things that also take a lot of time, but them's the breaks, I guess. Part of doing what you love includes putting in a lot of hours to ensure your words come across the way you intended them to.

Some rules still confound me, I'll admit, and I worked as an editor for an e-publisher for two years and so far, as a proofreader at a newspaper for eleven. So I thought I'd share two tips for tightening your writing that I've been confronted with in my latest batch of edits
.
1) Get rid of words you don't need. Even ones you like, such as "even." I love "even". We're bff's. I'm also quite enamored of "little", "always", "exactly", "all but", "besides", "though" and probably a dozen others I repeat without knowing it. Clean writing is the goal and cluttering up your sentences lessens their impact. It also leaves you with a ton of edits from your editor. *waves hand*

2) Break the "was" habit. It's not always passive voice, but that doesn't mean you need them all the time. I like "was" almost as much as "even." One thing I've noticed while doing my many edits recently is that I tend to drop into "was" territory when I start telling and not showing. You need some of them in your story for sure, just don't them overpower the soup. Sometimes you can replace was with a more active construction. Example: She was jumping rope. Becomes this: She jumped rope. Fewer words, punchier sentence.

What crutch words do you find yourself returning to again and again? Do you have any tricks to make self-editing less painful?

Making the rounds

2011-05-03T08:39:00.000-07:00

While I've been busy tracking down other authors to find out
the answer to my question about what the hardest part of being
published is for them, I've been doing the hardest part for me.

Promoting - ugh! If you have one book published, it's still hard
and a long trek but the decision is easier. I have six books out
there now and trying to decide which one I should focus on
gets to be tiresome. Of course if it's Halloween I focus on my
one that takes place at that time of year, but otherwise it's a game of
spin the wheel to see which characters get their spot in the lime
light when I have the time to promote.

This week it's my last release, I've signed up for a week long
virtual tour. The tour is a great way to get the book and my name
out there.

Another way to promote is using a book trailer. I've made
a few of these and it was fun to do, even though my level of
skill in that department is very basic I was pleased with the
results.

I had an epiphany about a month ago when I realized the
easiest way to promote all of my books would be to get my
name out there, because lets face it I may have six books
with pretty covers and ISBN's but I am one small ant in
the enormous colony of the publishing world.

I decided to have a trailer made - an author trailer and not
just a book trailer. I won't post the trailer here on RtM because
this blog isn't all about shameless self promoting but I'll
add the link to the end if you feel like checking it out. I'm
trilled with the results and wished I'd thought of it sooner.
Now I can promote the trailer and not have to spend hours
setting up promo's for my individual books.

Is this going to work?

I have no idea!

Which is what promoting is all about in my mind, you
wander aimlessly making the rounds on the net collecting
many friendships and picking up readers that have actually
read your books as you go all while trying to figure out if it's
working and what direction you can head next...

Aside from becoming rich and hiring someone to figure all
of this out, I'll just have to keep plugging away at the illusive
art of promoting.

I've tried to bribe my kids to hurry up and finish their education,
get brilliant so they can be my proofreader /editors / pr reps and
I can go back to the part I love the most - the part where I
create characters and the world they live in ... my children
laugh and think I'm kidding - umm, I'm not guys so lets put those
adolescent hormones on hold and focus on getting diplomas!

Okay, I am kidding - sort of...

Feel free to share your ideas for promoting, the more options
all of us have the easier it's going to be!

Here's the link for my trailer http://youtu.be/HDs03Pl8ZZU

The Wank Heard Round The World

2011-05-02T04:17:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: Today’s post has a few naughty words. If you’re easily offended by profanity, you might want to skip.

It being Monday, May 2, 2011, this is old news now. People who have never picked up an erotic romance book are a-buzz discussing the controversy surrounding self-described mild-mannered Judy Buranich, who has also made a name for herself publishing numerous erotic romance novels under the name Judy Mays. And yes, I do feel a little dirty posting her real name beside her penname, but as I said, it’s old news now.

Several of my writer colleagues and I were quick to jump on WNEP’s Facebook page and throw our support behind one of our own. Indeed, the writing community, a wealth of current and former students, and people just dumbfounded at the pile of “what the fuck-ery” have inundated the web with posts like this one to rage over the non-story. There has been a lot of smear going on in the last few days; I doubt anyone at WNEP could have predicted the shitstorm they welcomed, or had any idea how huge the erotica writing community is. Truth be told, though, I’ve been on the fence regarding their part in this fiasco. On one hand, Mrs. Buranich’s writing is no one’s business but hers and her readers, so outing her as an erotica author is skeazy to say the least. Similarly, the way the report was executed was something out of the tabloids. On the other hand, WNEP is hardly the only news organization—local or otherwise—to tackle a “sexy” story for no other reason than to have something scandalous to air, so a part of me holds the unpopular opinion that their role has been overplayed.

I’m not going to repeat the sentiment of others here, either. Judy Mays has responded to this ordeal with nothing but class. I don’t know her—though we are now Facebook friends—therefore it’s a little strange to feel this overwhelming sense of respect and downright awe toward an author whose name I wouldn’t have recognized a week ago. From what I can tell, the only people who have a problem are a small group of conservative women who apparently have a history of creating problems just for the hell of it.

I will include the obligatory links at the end of today’s post. As countless others, I am now the proud owner of a Judy Mays novel. I have quite the TBR list, as most authors do, but I’m putting it at the top.

What I really want to discuss is the culture in which sexuality and expressions of one’s sexuality is something shameful. How many of us dance around what we write when asked by friends, family or even complete strangers? I’m as guilty as anyone. I’ll say “fiction” or “paranormal fiction” or even fess up to “paranormal romance.” I have never once said, “erotic paranormal romance” or “erotic romance.” Why? Am I ashamed of what I write? Hell. No. It’s this societal belief that sex is something dirty and wrong, something we shouldn’t talk about or even acknowledge. Now, mind you, I’m not in favor of candidly discussing what goes on in the bedroom. Sex is a private affair; I don’t want details on my friends’ sex lives, and they don’t want the details of mine. However, there is a very definitive line between TMI and shame.

So here’s the dirty little secret: sex is natural.

Egads! What will I say next? That everyone has it? That everyone thinks about it? That everyone has sexual fantasies? That sexual fantasies are normal and healthy? That sex is something we should celebrate and enjoy?

Oh no she di-in’t!

Yes, gentle readers, I did.

The thing that strikes me is the people who are so adamant about sex being evil are likewise the same who deliberately insert themselves into the lives of others in order to police how and when they view or have sex. Take the parents involved in the current sex-related debacle. They believe the writings of a woman who has never so much as mention her publications in a schoolroom interfere with her ability to teach. Why? Because of sex. They believe sex is so shameful, so dirty, they can’t help but hold up a megaphone and announce that someone around them writes about it. Think about every time a sex-related topic makes headlines and answer me, who is it that makes it news? Nine times out of ten, I guarantee, it’s someone who wants to monitor what happens in the bedroom all the while sliming those whose sexual practices might be different from theirs.

Another thing that kills me? Erotic romance. Romance. Most erotic romances end with the participating parties in stable, committed relationships. Is it so hard for these people to believe that loving couples have sex? Erotic romance: the genre that promotes a healthy sexual relationship between people who love each other.

Oh. Please.

Recently, I gave my mother a copy of one of my books for her birthday. I have never, ever, ever let her read anything of mine. Of course, she knew my penname so there was nothing stopping her from buying and reading on her own—and she told me she had done so. My mother was raised by a fundamentalist Church of Christ minister, and I was brought up in the same sort of filtered environment. I recently expressed the reason I believed I had never been comfortable letting her read my work—and to be honest, I’m not fully comfortable now—is this mindset that I should be ashamed of what I write. And sorry, that’s crap. I love writing what I write. And I’ve decided to start embracing it. My mother is extraordinarily proud of me. She talks about my accomplishments to her staff and has asked if she can share the book I gave her with others.

Turns out that I didn’t need to be ashamed after all. Who knew my mother would enjoy reading my work, even though it includes gratuitous S-E-X?

So I pose this question, to those opponents of Judy Buranich, few as you seem…what is it about sex that you find so threatening? I presume, you being parents, you’ve had it at least once in your life. Why should we erotic romance authors be ashamed? Why should Mrs. Buranich’s credentials as a teacher be in question? Is JK Rowling guilty of the Cruciatus Curse? Should we arrest Stephen King for the attempted murder of his family at the Overlook Hotel? Is my aunt, young adult and nonfiction author Pamela Smith-Hill a young girl in a country divided by the Civil War? Does Jeffrey Lindsay kill people who deserve it? Am I a demon hunter or vampire or a high school student about to take his best friend’s virginity?

I really want to know. I’ve searched on every discussion forum regarding Mrs. Buranich I’ve found, and not once have I encountered a comment wherein one of her opponents had the balls to say, “Hey, I’m here, and I agree with those parents!” If anyone could give me an honest reason why she or I or any one of the thousands of published and unpublished erotic romance writers should be ashamed, I’d like to know.

Until then, I’ll go back to sinning. It’s what I do best.

Information on Judy Mays
Website
Books
Support Judy Mays Facebook Page

The cure for the "I Suck"s

2011-04-28T20:55:00.000-07:00

Some days you feel like you can't win for losing. Your crit partner doesn't "get" what you're trying to write, a new critique partner brings up a new aspect of your work you hadn't considered before, maybe you get a bad review. Whatever the reason, we all have days where we question our abilities. That can be a good thing, as long as we continue striving to improve. It can also be bad, if we allow those "doubt weasels" to cripple us.

On those days, I try to make myself feel better by looking at some of the nice emails/comments/reviews I've received (and yes, I save them! Some of them are too wonderful not to.) Just knowing someone likes your work can be enough to keep you going.

On that score, I'd like to recommend an awesome writing blog by Harlequin Presents author Maisey Yates. She writes amazing craft posts, and she also discusses the things that challenge her. I always head there when I'm in need of a reality check. You can visit Maisey's site HERE.

What do you do when you're having a rough day, writing wise or otherwise?

Before I go, I'd like to send big hugs to the people affected by this week's deadly storms. You're in our thoughts.

I'll leave this lovely friend of mine to provide you with a little sexy Friday inspiration...

When it rains, it pours

2011-04-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I live under a rock…and sometimes that’s preferable to the alternative. I’ve briefly touched upon, as have my fellow muses, the recent discussion of reviews and the authors’ role in responding to or acknowledging reviews, good or bad. Whether or not this discussion was inspired by Jacqueline Howett’s viral experience is a matter of debate—though it seems that the second the first drop spills, the Internet clouds can’t keep others from falling. There are two things we know, though, from experience: 1) This isn’t the first time the author/reviewer relationship has been an issue, and 2) It won’t be the last. Seems every few months or so we need to be reminded about the fine line between craft and criticism.

As I said, I live under a rock at times. I have a fulltime job aside from writing, and it keeps me occupied forty hours a week. Most of the discussion is over by the time I learn there’s been a discussion at all. I’m not sure if that’s a good or a bad thing, because by the time I weigh in, the line in the sand has been drawn and one more opinion in whatever direction isn’t going to make much difference. Also, just because I’ve had X amount of experience with negative reviews doesn’t necessarily make me eligible to comment on Susie Q’s experience with a particularly vicious book blogger. Some authors have been torn to shreds, others have fared a little better, even if their book receives 2 out of 5 or less on the grading scale.

Let’s face it: there are some books that flat out should not have been published. Some authors are incredible writers but not fantastic storytellers; others have wildly creative imaginations but can’t weave two sentences together. Yet no matter whether or not a book is of acceptable quality, no one has any business telling Susie Q she shouldn’t write because she’s not good enough. Susie Q might not be a fantastic writer, but if it gives her pleasure, what business is it of yours? A bad writer commits no crime by submitting a flawed manuscript to a publisher. If the publisher accepts, it’s because they have the confidence to put their brand on the author’s words. It’s the publisher’s job to ensure the manuscript they place a price on has been thoroughly edited and is ready for public consumption. If they fail in doing their part, they hardly ever receive criticism—at least not as publicly or often as does the author. That’s not to say a reviewer won’t make comments like, “the editing is appalling” or “Random Press Name is not known for their quality”, but nine times out of ten, it’s the author that receives the brunt of it.

Of course, this is excluding those books which are self ~~or Indie~~ published (I still have trouble differentiating the definitions of "self-pubbed" and "Indie." This mistake has been rectified...at least until I forget again). When that’s the case, when the author is responsible for the writing and production, it’s a horse of a different color.

These points have been discussed to death, but since I live under the aforementioned rock, there are a few I’d like to rehash.

1) 1) Reviews are for the readers, not the author.

a. Reviewers should not expect authors to seek out their opinions. That’s not what they’re there for.

b. Yes, authors love good reviews and dislike the bad ones to the point of ignoring them. This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.

c. If a reviewer thinks their comments are worthy of the author’s attention, there are ways to contact the author outside the public forum. If you anticipate a public author response to a review you post, then you're likely doing this for the wrong reasons.

2) 2) There’s a difference between bad writing and a bad story.

3) 3) Everyone and anyone can review now. One person’s opinion, no matter how loud or shared, does little to affect a book’s success. In fact, bad reviews can actually spurn more book sales.

4) 4) We’re all going to be talking about this again in a few months. This conversation is not going to die no matter how many times we have it.

One last word to authors: bad reviews hurt like a mother-effer. They do. You pour everything you are into a manuscript and some “anonymous jerk” decides to rip it to shreds? Of course it’s going to hurt. That never gets easy, no matter how seasoned you are. Granted, there are exceptions that prove every rule – Stephen King, Nora Roberts, etc who have been read and reviewed so broadly it might not faze them much – but I will never believe the big authors are completely unaffected.

Similarly, no writer will ever escape the wrath of a bad review. A hundred people can love your book, but there will always be the one or two that hate it, and they have a right to their opinion. You just have to decide if the accolades are worth the pain of rejection. For me, that answer will always be yes. Others might be different.

"It’s not personal, it’s business." For writers, this will never be completely true, no matter how we try.

What's on your TBR?

2011-04-21T22:12:00.000-07:00

I finished a novella this week, about ten minutes before deadline. Right after that I started critiquing someone else's novella for the same project and went back to yet another novella of mine that needs to be to my EC editor asap. I'm expecting edits this weekend. My point? I'm frazzled. Nothing new for a writer, whether you're published or unpublished. We all juggle multiple deadlines, whether personal or for outside projects, and none of us are immune to the stress of trying to keep multiple balls in the air. But right now, one of mine is falling...and that's the usage of a functional brain.

My hero in my current WIP is a technical editor, and in the course of the novella, mentions how he works with words all the time and therefore doesn't like to use a lot of them in conversation. That's me. And this week, extra words seem beyond me. So I decided I'd ask all of you a question. What are you reading right now? It can be a novel/novella, magazine, non-fiction book. I'm looking for some new recommendations.

I'll play too. When I have a spare minute, I'm reading Jess Dee's Full House. She writes very hot books and this one definitely doesn't disappoint in that regard!

So what's up next on your TBR, if you're not reading anything at the moment? And I promise I'll be back to somewhat normal next week!

Reviews & Authors: Between They Shall Meet

2011-04-20T07:15:00.000-07:00

I touched on this issue on my own blog not long ago. Since then, a few authors have spoken in regard to the same thing. What am I talking about? The changing relationship between reviewers, book bloggers, and authors.

Nowadays, it's very easy for authors to rub elbows with book bloggers. On Twitter, it's a common occurrence. When a reviewer reads a book they like, they might follow the author. Or, if the author likes the reviewer, they can do the same. A quasi relationship develops. They talk, they mingle, and suddenly it becomes an area of grey. The trouble is, what happens when authors have been burned by reviewers, or find that they no longer want to respond to them or interact with them because they find their opinions of their work (or the work of others) snarky, rude, and without any redeeming factors that will assist an author in becoming better at their craft?

Personally, I think it's a double-edged sword. I'm a people person. I LOVE people. Don't believe me, ask Madelyn Ford. When we met, she told me straight out she didn't talk on the phone. Now? We talk every single day (she can't escape me, mwhahaha!). So when book bloggers started following me on Twitter, I reciprocated. Soon, I was talking to several of them. I didn't find it an issue. After all, some of them like my work, some don't, and others haven't even read my stuff.

With that said...

I've been fortunate. Those who dislike my work approach it with tact and respect. I've never been flamed on a book blog, nor have I been raked across the coals. If people disliked what I created, they stated why, mentioned what they did like, and left it at that. However, I know of a few authors who, after receiving very nasty reviews, have vowed never to submit their books for review again. I suppose that's bound to happen. Not all people review in the same manner.

I will say that I think that as time goes on, the relationships between book bloggers and authors will change. Why? Because authors are becoming frustrated with their inability to respond (even if they remain professional) to a negative or mean spirited review. This is considered bad behavior. Even if the reviewer has no such qualms about speaking out and saying whatever they'd like. Don't misunderstand me, reviewers have every right to their opinion. However, when you have such a huge chasm, one in which one person is granted a freedom another isn't, problems are bound to arise.

Recently, I've been trying to decide what to do when it comes to book reviews. When I started, I contacted several bloggers to ask if they were interested in reading my books. Now, I'm aware of which reviewers enjoy my voice and work, as well as those who don't. So the question becomes -- do I submit a review request? Or do I wait and see if I'm contacted about the book? No longer am I totally nameless in the writing world (that isn't to say I'm well known, just that I've developed a small following of readers) so is it really necessary to put myself out there (it is EXTREMELY difficult to request a review)? Do I have to put myself through the wringer as I wait to see if people like what I write? Is it better to allow them to come to me versus the other way around?

The simple answer is I don't know.

In this new age of reader/author interaction, it was only a matter of time before things like this became an issue. Back in the day, publishers submitted books for review (and most still do). Now authors are responsible for doing their own promo, this includes getting their name out there and contacting people to read their work and spread the word. It's a tricky bridge to cross. Authors have to do what they have to do, but if they decide to distance themselves from book bloggers and reviewers, is it a bad thing? Or simply a personal choice?

Another issue is the "reviews are for readers, not authors," thing. Most reviewers maintain that their reviews are to inform other readers about books they like and dislike. However, some authors have been quick to voice (even if it's behind closed doors) that book reviewers have a mob mentality. Like the popular crowd in high school, if one of the most liked students loves something, others will most likely love it as well. Because, let's face it, no one likes to be the "loner." Don't believe me? Let's just say I remember speaking to a book blogger several months ago who read a book, stated he/she disliked it, and was immediately bombarded with comments such as, "How could you NOT like this book?" When things like this happen, it becomes less about honesty and more about fitting in with the crowd. If this is true, then if a book receives a negative following, an author is bound to retaliate at some point. Just sayin'.

I, for one, hope there can be a common ground. Authors create stories to keep readers entertained. Readers provide authors with money to pay their bills. It's just the way the world works. I would like to point one blog by one of my favorite authors, Lilith Saintcrow, who addresses this trend. She has some excellent points.

Review Does Not Mean Immune

I'm curious about what you think about the entire situation. Let me know by leaving a comment below.

Now, for that eye candy! Happy Hump Day!

The Question

2011-04-19T04:03:00.000-07:00

A few times I have managed to catch up to a some busy authors
and ask the question:
What is the hardest thing (for you) about being a published Author?

Author Ami Blackwelder is busy on tour for the third book in her
Shifters Evolutions Saga, The Shifters of 2040, but she did pause
long enough to give me this brief answer:

Promoting. time consuming, but you can have a wonderful book and if no one knows the book is out there, you won't sell.

I have to agree with her completely. This is the hardest part for me (or one of) and I still
haven't found the secret combination to this.

So I'd like to hear from any authors, pr reps, publicists or anyone else that has any insight
into this frustrating task of promoting. Share all your secrets and great ideas please!

I'm going to keep chasing down some published authors and see if I can find more answers.

Thanks for telling it like it is Ami. Good luck with your tour!
If you want to find out more about the intriguing title of her book (as I did) you can find Ami here: http://www.amiblackwelder.com/

To reread or not to reread

2011-04-18T05:56:00.000-07:00

Stories have a way of evolving from conception to draft to completion. I know when I began writing my latest release, I had only a vague idea into what it might become, and even then I had no idea I would want turn it into a series.

Most of my closest friends in the biz have divulged the following: they don’t like rereading their work. Understandable, really. It’s no secret that you will be the harshest critic of your writing—God knows I am. Regardless of how proud you are of a manuscript, rereading it, especially after it’s Out There and bullet-proof to corrections, clarifications, or changes, can be painful. It’s especially painful for someone who not only catches an oopsie, but recognizes something that simply doesn’t mesh with what the subsequent books, or even chapters of the same book, discuss.

I encourage all authors, regardless of whether or not you’re drafting a series, to reread your own material as much as possible. In my case, it makes me a glutton for punishment, but I can often pinpoint mechanics in my work that missed the mark, or remind myself of something I need to carry with me to the next project. If you’re working on a series, it’s incredibly important to refresh yourself on the little details you might otherwise be prone to neglect or forget. Not only is it good for you from a writing standpoint, it means you’re doing your research and being fair to your readers.

Are you a fan?

2011-04-15T00:10:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit of a fangirl when it comes to authors I love. I admit it. Since I'm a writer myself, I know how much a well-timed email or review or ranking can help on the days when the self-doubt monkey climbs on your back and won't let go. While I think I'm a pretty picky reader, sometimes a book will grab hold of me and keep me up all night reading. When that happens, invariably I try to contact the author. Not la Nora - though she's given me more late nights than anyone - since I figure she's had enough appreciative strokes to last a lifetime. But if the author's someone sort of in my "sphere" I'll definitely reach out to them and let them know how much their book moved me. Especially if this is an author that does that on a frequent basis. Not too many authors knock it out of the park every time but some do. And I do my best to reciprocate what they've given me - an awesome bang for my buck, so to speak - by sharing my thoughts with them.

By and large, the authors I've written "fan letters" to have said they really appreciated them. Writing can be a tough, lonely business and it helps to know someone's out there waiting for your next book. I hope my praise can help them just as other people's praise has helped me return to the keyboard. It's good karma to send nice thoughts out into the universe. It also helps you build relationships. I've made a few friends just because I shared with them how much their books meant to me. And let me tell you, there are a few authors that elicit my fangirlishness to an extent that rivals a groupie at a rock concert, except I keep all my clothes on. (TMI? LOL)

Right now, the two authors who most rock my socks are Olivia Cunning and Cara McKenna/Meg Maguire. And yep, I've written both of them fan letters in the past week.

Which author(s) are you a fan of? Do you let them know how they've made you feel after you finish one of their books? Does reading their work ever make you want to try that much harder with your own writing?

Borders, Bitter Much?

2011-04-14T06:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Jaime mentioned her struggle in trying to decide which route was best for her, agent or no agent. This very personal decision is getting even harder to make with the ever changing publishing industry. And these changes are not exclusive to the Big Six. With the influx of so many smaller e-pubs and indie houses, many are scrambling to fill editing jobs. Others are growing so quickly that they seem unable to keep up and their authors are getting lost in the shuffle.

I doubt there has been a bigger eye-opener than the shut down of Borders stores. Just where I live, the three closest to me have closed, along with a couple hundred others around the country. This was taken at a Border's in Chicago.

Rumors only a couple years ago speculated Barnes and Noble was headed for the same outcome and then they came out with the Nook. While many still seem unsure of the future of digital publishing and e-readers, I wonder if Borders hadn't hid their heads in the proverbial e-book sand, would they be on firmer ground now? It certainly made Amazon the giant it is today.

We've talked a lot here about the changes in publishing. The decisions can be overwhelming, and not just for those getting started. I talk with my crit partners all the time about where to go from here. None of us have the answers. We're just going to have to hold onto our seats and hang on for the ride. Cause I think it's only going to get more wild.

Times Are Changing

2011-04-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

I remember when I decided to listen to my family and give publication a shot. It was terrifying. I did everything I thought I was supposed to. I Googled, I researched, I started following editor's blogs, I went to Barnes and Noble and studied the manuals that would help me create a query letter. It took a good month before I had the information necessary to give it a shot. Afterward, I started the process of submitting my material. Many agents wanted electronic submissions. I can honestly say that hitting "send" was one of the most difficult things I have ever done in my life. My palms were sweaty, my breathing was stinted, and I felt lightheaded. I'd chosen ten agents, submitted to them, and waited.

Some of the agents rejected with a blanket statement, others praised my voice but stated I should continue writing to improve my craft, others never responded at all. It was incredibly disheartening. Believe me when I say a dreaded "R," especially the first, is hard to take. It was around this time that I discovered e-publishing. At first, I wasn't sure. It was an entirely different market. Would people truly want a book in that format? Was there money to be made? Could I make a career out of it? I wasn't sure. It took several weeks to decide I had nothing to lose. Braced for the worst but hoping for the best, I submitted Crimson Moon to The Wild Rose Press and waited. I received word that they wanted the story, but with a revision -- a sex scene. I wrote the scene, got my contract, and I went from being a writer to an author.

Nowadays, trying to decide which is best -- agent, NYT, or e-publishing -- is a difficult choice to make. Yes, I would like to have an agent and be accepted into one of the big six. Will that ever happen? I'm not sure. However, at this point, I'm not certain if that's a good thing or a bad thing. Don't know what I mean? Take a look at the image below:

The photo was snapped in a California Borders bookstore. As you are aware, they are going out of business in many cities. The money simply isn't there. There is also word that Barnes and Noble continues to try and find a buyer for their franchise. This is something everyone in the publishing community is taking note of.

Most like to blame Amazon.com. Amazon provides merchandise at a low cost, ranging from books, to movies, to clothing (kinda reminds you of another corporate giant who put grocery stores and similar chains out of business. Got to love one stop shopping. Right, Wal-Mart?). I think this trend is only going to continue. Right now, you can pay a yearly fee and have all the things you order delivered to you free of charge, sometimes receiving the item the very next day. With the cost of gas increasing, it would make sense to order and wait. Not to mention, now there are reading devices created just for books. It's no longer necessary to drive to your local bookstore. You can get what you want with a click of a button.

Where am I going with this? Simple. I'm not certain where the large NYT houses and agents who supply them with clients will be in the future. This isn't to say I'm jumping on the self-publishing bandwagon. Rather, I'm stating that indie e-publishers such as Ellora's Cave, Samhain, Carina, Loose Id, Liquid Silver, etc have already put themselves on the map. Why would an author need or want an agent when they can do the work themselves and keep their entire cut of the profit?

Don't get me wrong. I still want an agent. I think all authors do. But I've come to the conclusion that if it doesn't happen, it won't be the end of the world or my career. I'm curious to see what the industry is like in ten or fifteen years. How about you?

Now, for the weekly eye-candy!

Guest Author Mila Ramos

2011-04-12T04:30:00.000-07:00

I've managed to catch up to Mila Ramos on her tour for

Echoes and Illusions.

Here's the question Mila:

What is the hardest thing (for you) about being a published Author?

The world of writing and publishing is like an episode of Dr. Who, mysterious, interesting and somewhat confusing. I’ve been writing for about 5-6 years and the two consistent obstacles that have been not only difficult to manage but a task that I try to overcome are time management and learning different styles of marketing techniques.

Time management is particularly hard for me at this moment because I’m trying to finish a degree. When I first started writing I had just finished my bachelor’s degree and had taken some time off from school. Since then I have gone back to school, gotten my master’s degree and am now in my second year of the doctoral program. Usually it’s a bit easier during the summer months since there is no need to worry about classes, but it’s easier said than done. Usually the urge to write comes when I’m supposed to be reading articles or working on something chemistry related.

With the writing industry going more towards electronic publication or at least ease of publication, marketing for the increase of sales is easier and harder all at once. Marketing is my little pain in the butt. I love being able to promote the book to get it out there, but sometimes it can drive me crazy trying to figure out new ways to sell the book. Coming up with ideas of how to sell it and persistently being on top of new ways to promote the books is a remarkable. I admire many of the authors and company who have their own marketing teams. I once heard that as a writer there are two things you must always remember, take care of you and get a marketing team. As one still pretty new in the business, I can say I will gladly hire a marketing team for the promotion my books. I with pleasure admit that anyone in the business of marketing who does it well is amazing, astounding and has my deepest respect.

For any authors wanting words of advice in this matter or others, I would highly recommend take it all one step at a time. This is in particular vital when it comes to the world of marketing. One of the mistakes I made was getting flustered when marketing did not come as easy, and temporarily accepting that my work just would not be available to readers. I have learned a great deal since that moment. One of the mainly significant points I have learned is that this, the writing business, takes time. Do not give up hope, keep your dreams (whatever they may be for you) alive and keep nurturing them. You will succeed.

Keep writing!

Mila

You can find Mila's book at :

http://www.melange-books.com/authors/milaramos/ramosechoesandillusions.html

Thanks for stopping by Mila!!

If you love something, let it go

2011-04-11T09:40:00.001-07:00

Over the last few weeks, there has been a notable amount of excitement in the writing community, namely with very public curtain calls—either intentional (as Madelyn pointed out in her post last week) or unintentional (regarding what will forever be known as the flounce heard around the world). Madelyn had some great insights in her post, and I very much encourage everyone to heed her advice. It’s easy to jump on the bandwagon when you see an Author Behaving Badly, but as an author, I can tell you a bad review can be crushing.

That being said, there is something to be universally acknowledged once something is released on the Interwebs. It doesn’t matter if you’re an Indie author or with a press—your chance to make your manuscript perfect is ON YOU. Either through edits, crit partners, proofreaders, whatever the case may be, for a few precious weeks, maybe even a couple months, your manuscript is exclusive only to those helping you prepare for the release. Once it’s out there, there is no backspace bar. There is no changing or clarifying or telling your editor, “This is what I meant by this.” It becomes the property of everyone, and at some point, it doesn’t matter whether or not the reader “gets” what you intended. Or heck, even if they do get it, they might not like it. And that’s their right.

Letting go of your work is amazingly difficult. You put in so much effort, all to make your manuscript perfect through thousands of corrections and rounds of revisions. And suddenly it’s out there and you’re past point of no return. No looking back. Once it’s out there, it’s out gone.

So yes, it is impossibly difficult distancing yourself from your work. Everyone should bear in mind that behind a bad review is a book, and behind every book is an author who worked tirelessly to get that book published. But at the same time, authors, be aware of yourself. Understand that readers are allowed to find faults with your book, your voice, your characters, your plot…heck, they’re allowed to just plain not like it, even if they don’t have a reason.

It’s a dog-eat-dog world...and, authors, we’re all wearing milk-bone underwear.

Staying Grateful

2011-04-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Rosalie wrote a great post on Monday about how nice it is to have supportive people to celebrate your successes and help endure your difficulties. This post is sort of related to that one.

It's easy to lose sight of all the good in your writing life if you focus on all the challenges. And boy, there are a lot of them, and they're growing by the day. In the old days writing an excellent story along with a little bit of luck and good timing was enough to get you published. Not that it was easy - not by a long shot. But at least the path was fairly straight. Want to be a commercial author? Then most likely your road will lead you to the "Big 6" in New York. Nowadays that's not so. You can traditionally publish, self-publish, small trade or e-publish…the choices are endless. Which has been a wonderful thing for authors but it can also be overwhelming. With so many choices and possibilities, how do you stay focused on your dream? What if your CP or best girlfriend or that author you know casually has just gotten the contract you were hoping for? Then what?

What I've always tried to do is remind myself of one positive thing I've accomplished lately or something I'm grateful for. It doesn't take the sting of rejection away but it does remind you that your world is bigger than just one setback. And if I'm jealous of someone else's good fortune, I try to congratulate them before that envy takes hold. If I can do something nice for them - even to share in their happiness - it helps negate my own jealousy. Though sometimes jealousy can be a very useful emotion if it helps spur you on to greater things yourself!

Do you have anything you're particularly grateful for today, writing-wise or otherwise?

The Sad Case of Zoe E. Whitten

2011-04-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, it has happened again. Another author has opened her mouth and created a shit storm. Only this time, she decided to go out in a blaze of glory. In her own terms. Now, I'm not condoning what she said. But neither am I going to jump on the recent bandwagon of slicing and dicing the newest author who is "behaving badly".

Authors Behaving Badly. It's not new. Nor is it all that surprising. We see individuals say and do thoughtlessly mean things on the internet all the time. But authors are supposed to, for some reason, live to a higher standard. We are supposed to turn a blind eye to the snarky reviews that not only trash our work, but us as people. At least if we want to sell books.

But what nobody tells you about this business is how HARD it is. How disillusioning. And what I've heard from others who have been in it far longer than I, it doesn't get any easier. Sometimes it just seems easier to say, "This is it. I quit."

So I challenge you all, when you see these kind of rants, to consider that maybe, sadly, that author has no place else to turn. Instead of spewing words of hate and then going to Goodreads and Amazon, making up reviews to further the discord, offer that author a small bit of kindness. Even if it is by not pressing the comment button. And then say a small prayer of thanks that you have those around you to whom you can turn when things just seem to get to be too much.

I know I do. And to my fellow Muses, I can only say thank you. For being my rock. My friends.

It's all Subjective

2011-04-06T07:28:00.000-07:00

Subjective: a (1) : peculiar to a particular individual : personal <subjective judgments> (2) : modified or affected by personal views, experience, or background <a subjective account of the incident>

There is one thing authors have to accept when it comes to publishing their work -- everything is subjective. Ranging from submissions, rejections, revisions, reviews, etc. Everyone approaches a story differently. What someone might like, someone else might hate. It's a harsh reality of being an author. Compounding matters is most publishers and agents will like your stuff or they won't, which will send you down that treacherous path of deciding what to do when you get a dreaded rejection and have to start all over.

All is not lost, however.

Just as subjectivity is hard, it can also be a blessing in disguise. How, you ask? Because when you find the right fit for you book, the right agent or editor who loves your work, everything falls into place. I had a conversation with my fellow muses Madelyn Ford and Rosalie Stanton. We all agree that there is nothing better than being acquired by an editor who enjoys what you create, wants more, and treats you as more than a way to pay the bills. Relationships like these are the most important you'll make. Not only will you learn from a good editor, but if they are passionate about your books, you have the support needed to continue doing what you do.

So if you receive a rejection from an editor or agent, dust yourself off and try again. Like a lock, not all keys will fit. However, when you find the most important piece of the puzzle, things will fall into place. There is no better feeling in the world. Keep writing, keep submitting, and when you want to tear your manuscript apart and start all over again, don't forget that there is someone out there who will love your voice, your characters, and will want more of them.

All you have to do is find each other.

Now, for your eye candy of the week.

I love you guys

2011-04-04T05:59:00.000-07:00

For all the highs and lows, the writing world can be a very lonely place. In the past, we have discussed the importance of betas and critique partners, if only so you present a potential publisher with the cleanest manuscript possible. Yet even considering the invaluable services good crit partner can provide, there remains a higher place of need other authors or readers fill. I don’t know where I would be now were it not for the few but precious friendships I’ve developed since entering the publishing world.

It’s easy being there for someone when times are good. Yet for all the trials an author must go through beyond preparing a manuscript for submission, having an ear to bend during the lower points does wonders. When you receive a bad review—and authors, this is inevitable—talking with friends can help, but no one understands how much a bad review stings as much as someone who has been there already. The same can be said for any number of things: edits, rejection, blog posts, Twitter rants, the full shebang. Having other authors you know and trust to at least listen, even if they don’t agree with you, helps out more than you can imagine.

Fans will be there for the good times. Friends will be there for all the times. Fans forget, friends do not. And that difference makes ALL the difference.