To press or not to press, that’s the question…

It’s really a hard question for an author. Do you publish your work or do you go back over it several times and then decide? Sometimes I think we over analyze our writing, trying to make it perfect. To be honest it may never be perfect.

I’ve caught myself doing just this with one of my works in progress. It’s funny how we’re more critical than the worst reviewer. Any work you do needs to be read at least twice, and one of those times needs to be out loud. When you read out loud it brings about another reality. Just make sure that you get someone else to read your work. That person needs to have a open mind.

As I work on my newest work I wonder, will someone really want to read this? What’s rewarding is when I hear from people asking when my next book in one of my series is going to be published. It makes things seem a lot better, but man does it make you stressed. Ok, now you have someone ready for that book that you’ve been working hard to finish, but it’s not quite there yet.

My question to you is this. Do you over analyze your writing? Have you not published a finished piece because you feel it’s lacking something? Well, maybe you need a second opinion. It may just be you, not the book. Try it and see what you think. One of my best selling books was held out for longer because I didn’t think it was ready, but my editor just laughed and hit send on the publish button. Good call on her part 🙂

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Friday, it’s finally here…

Anyone that works during the week look forward to Friday. It’s the final day of the work week for most people. It’s the day that you usually do a little less as your mind gets ready to shut down for the weekend.

Funny thing is as a writer your work is never done. You work when everyone else sleeps. You work in the evening, morning, lunch time, and anytime you can spare a moment. I sat last night half watching television and half working on a current work in progress. My family knows that when the laptop goes in my lap that it’s work time. My laptop stays on my desk in my office all day doing accounting and then to my lap at night.

Friday’s are laid back in my office. I have several payrolls to complete but usually I shut down early if possible to get my son from school. It’s a special time for us. We usually get groceries then come home to either relax for a moment or I go back to the office to finish up.

So enjoy your Friday and relish the knowledge that in a couple of hours you can go home and not go back for 2 days. It’s your day, so be inspired.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Well it’s here – Ghost Lover is officially 1!

Can you believe it? I can’t. My first published novel, “Ghost Lover” is one today. It’s hard to fathom that I’ve been publishing books for a solid year. It’s been a fantastic ride.

Ghost Lover was in the works for a long time before it was published. I used snippets from my past and creativity from my brain (that’s scary). It was a work of love and excitement. When I finished this book I was satisfied, but the satisfaction came when the first book sold and the first great review came through.

Through my publishing I’ve met some really extraordinary people from all over the world. I can’t tell you how much fun it’s been blogging, tweeting and emailing with all of you. Some of you have become great friends and I’ll treasure those friendships for a lifetime.

My writing has taken me to many corners of the earth and that was without leaving my little corner in Georgia. I’ve had friends ask me if I’m fulfilled with my writing and I can honestly say, YES!!!

I had a former male companion ask me one day if I used anything from our relationship in the books. I just smiled and winked telling him I’d never tell my secrets. If he’d read the books he’d know he never showed up. I’m sure the person or people who inspired some of the characters will recognize themselves if they read it.

As for the cowboy on the front cover, no I don’t know him as some have speculated. He’s from a purchased photo at BigStock. My husband often asks about the inspiration for some of the parts of the books and then he waves both hands frantically and says “Don’t tell me and I’ll be none the wiser.” By the way he’s never read one of my books. He says he’s too afraid he’ll see himself. I assured him that most of my writing is purely fiction with only some parts from my past. Since he knows the ghosts from my past he would recognize easily where they are and who or what inspired them. I try to keep the mystery alive.

As for Ghost Lover, it’s been reborn and revised. Don’t worry, I didn’t change the story, but I did do some editing. Throughout the last year of writing and publishing I’ve listened to my readers and changed some of my styles. When I read the book again for the revision I sat with a tissue box and enjoyed every minute. It brought back the ghosts that haunt me and why I wrote this book.

It’s available as of this morning on Amazon & Smashwords. It’ll be available on Allromanceebooks.com and Barnes & Noble in the next week. Also on Kobo, SOny, Apple and Diesel. So go check it out and let me know what you think. I’d really love to hear some feedback.

As always, Good writing and may God bless you…

P.S. Thanks for everything great friends…

New work, covers, and Names…

As I’ve said before, I’m working on several manuscripts. Sometimes I do a little on each every day and other days I working primarily on just one.

My newest work steps a little away from my normal writing. I’m really excited about it. It deals with two different time periods and a type of time travel, but don’t worry, it’s still a romance, just different.

I’ve been working on something special that will come out tomorrow, but nope, can’t tell you until tomorrow. Also I’m working on a new edition on “Tender Flames which was the second book I published. It’s had great reviews and I’ve listened to my readers, so I’m making a couple of changes. When I’m done, it’s going to come out as a revised edition and also will be coupled with the 2nd book in that series, “Rekindled Flame”. I’m really excited about this one.

The fun thing, or maybe not so fun at times is figuring out the cover of your new work and the name. I usually have an idea in my head how I want it to come out, but finding the right picture and one I can legally use is not easy. Then you have the font for the words on the cover and wow there are so many to choose from. Oh, then you have to name it. Sometimes the name sells the book, so no pressure, it just has to be perfect, that’s all.

So good luck with your writing and make sure you make it count because that’s where you make the difference.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Roller Coaster Sales…

Have you ever felt like your sales were on a roller coaster? Sometimes I feel like I’m on a roller coaster. One day you’re on the uphill ascent then the next day you’re barreling down the other side so fast it takes your breath.

Some of the sites where you can put your books for sale only report sales once a month and that really puts you to task. My sales sometimes amaze me. I can go on a tweet fest and the sales ramp up. I looked at my pages views on Smashwords.com last night and it actually looked like a roller coaster. The funny thing is all the hills were around a social media blitz.

So, if you’re having downhill sales, try doing a tweet fest. Don’t forget those hash tags. I’ve really learned a lot about the use of them. When I do a tweet fest I try to go to every site my books are on and tweet that book from the site. Also working on a list for one of my posts regarding social media sites that have worked well for me.

Don’t let downward sales affect your writing. Sales are a fickle thing. One day you do really well, and sometimes you have really good weeks. Then a plummet for a day or so and you’re poking out your lip and giving up. Don’t do that! Have faith. If it was selling good those days, it will again.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Outlines and writing between the lines.

If you’ve read my blogs before you know I like to do an outline of my book ideas before I start writing. Most of the time that is. Sometimes when I get the inspiration for a book I can’t quite see the middle and end, but if I do I make sure to jot it down in the order I see it happening.

The problem is sometimes the filling in of the chapters between the outline sections. One of my reviewers wrote that they loved the book but wanted more descriptive matter. They wanted to know more about some of the characters. So, in my latest works I’ve been really working on more descriptive matter. But on that same note I’ve been careful not to just jumble up words for the sake of words on a page.

Have you ever read a book that had too much descriptive matter and not enough actual needed matter? Recently I read a book that was just such a creature. I ended up skipping parts of the book as I got bored with the long drawn out descriptions given. That’s what I’ve tried to keep from doing in my work.

So how much is too much or too little? I guess that’s up to the writer. Regarding the review of that one book, some of the places that I didn’t elaborate, I felt like it didn’t need any further explanation, but that was just the way it came into my heart. But when the reader reads it, they may not get the point that I’m trying to make with less words and more heart. It’s a double edged sword.

Oh well, we can’t please everyone. One article I read from a well known author said to just please yourself and make it your own. She said if you strive to please everybody all the time you’ll lose that part that makes your own work special. It makes sense.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Ghosts from the past…

I’ve often been asked where on earth do I get the ideas for my books. Someone even said that I must have led a really exciting life. I only laugh and say that most of my work is from my brain not my memories.

I have included some past memories into the writing of my books, but I’ll never tell which ones. Why is it that when you’re a writer, people automatically think you only write about your life experiences?

My own mom actually was afraid to read the first book I published because she thought she might recognize herself in the book. I reassured her that she was safe. Now she’s one of my biggest fans. I do have to admit to using friends and family members as role models for some of my characters.

One thing I can say is that writing has helped with getting rid of my ghosts from my past. Especially my dream of owning horses and having a horse farm. Well, what can I say, I’m a country girl. As a writer I can live my dreams and go to places I only dream of going. It’s a pretty cool thing being a writer.

As always, Good writing and May God Bless You…

A Blank Page

Have you ever been on a role with your writing and then all of a sudden you felt like your brain turned to a blank page? There are times when I want a blank page. Times when you have a trouble, through grief and through times you just want to forget. But when it comes to writing you don’t want that blank page or maybe you do.

What I’m talking about is when you’re working on a manuscript that you want to get out soon and another work is plaguing you constantly. Sometimes I just want to flip a switch on and record the other thought, then have it go away until the current work is done. I’ve had that kind of weekend.

I’m currently working on book 2 of my “Lean On Him” Christian Romance series. Friday I took my son fishing at a local pond. While there I sat with my laptop and tapped put well over a chapter. It’s like my mind just was flowing with renewed vigor. I think it was the fact that I just let go and enjoyed myself. I know my son did because he laughed and smiled as he caught one fish after another.

My plan for Saturday afternoon was to forge out several more chapters, but another idea for something kept creeping in. So, I didn’t write anything at all. I refused to give in to the other story, but it put such a strain on my brain that the one I need to finish kept getting crowded out.

Sometimes a blank page is welcome 🙂

I had a great day yesterday even though rain threatened. We had “Friend Day” at Church, which means games for the kids. I always try to have them outside so we can spread out, but the rain kept us inside. It worked out great. The kids had a blast and I have to admit so did I. They’re always more resilient than I give them credit for. It’s amazing how well they adjust to needed changes. Of course they grumbled some because they love outdoors, but in the end they went home smiling with sacks of prizes and tummies full of sweet goodies. So as for the rain, it didn’t dampen the party, I think it enhanced it and brought us closer as a whole. Sometimes life does that. When we want to spread our wings, God says, “Not now, the time for that is later. For today be together as one and smile for tomorrow will be here too soon. Enjoy one another.” At least that’s my thoughts on it 🙂

As always, good writing and May God Bless YOU…

Advertising…

Authors have to wear many hats. We have to be creative, innovative, and an expert in advertising. Well, not an expert, but at least willing to learn. I’ve learned so much in the last year about advertising. There are so many angles to advertising.

Do you pay for advertising or just go the free route? I’ve investigated many options and found that free still works well. Although sometimes we do have to go with some that charge a fee to broaden the scope.

The free routes can include Twitter, Facebook, Blogging, Goodreads, Shelfari, Library Thing, Press Releases, Word of Mouth, and that’s to name a few. These have worked well for me. It’s funny that when I tweet from one of my book sites I get several hits on my books. It’s like hitting refresh.

Some of the not so free advertising I’ve done. Book Barista is really reasonable. I’ve expanded my WordPress to a website. The Independent Author Network is an awesome tool for any author or reader for that fact. This last one has a huge author network that works together to help get your name out.

The main thing is to follow as many blogs about writing as you can. You can learn so much from your fellow authors. My wordpress blog has really broadened my knowledge. I am so thankful for all my blog friends. Keep the great posts coming.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

I’ve climbed out!

Well, if any of you were wondering about my lack of blog posts, tax season took me hostage. I was snowed in and weighed down in 1040’s and paperwork stacked all around me, caging me in. I worked until midnight last night and filed too many extensions to even count.

I’m back in full force with book advertising, writing and blogging. Hope you’re ready for the onslaught of me telling it like it is in my life.

My question is this. Why do we let work take over our live? Deadlines? My son was so sweet all weekend and last night as I worked feverishly to finish. He would sit in my office playing games on his IPOD. I guess he figured if he was going to spend time with me, that was where it would be. My hubby refused to go to bed last night until I was done.

Hope everyone has been well. If you get a chance go on over to my friend Rosie Amber’s A-Z Challenge.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…