Ask the Author: Samuel Michael Lemon
Answered Questions (4)
Samuel Michael Lemon
Thanks for your message Brother Kreamer. I copyrighted the original manuscript in 2012, because I wanted to protect my work as soon as the first draft was done. However, I spent another 12 - 18 months editing and refining it to get it ready for publishing, and I completed that part of the process on Thanksgiving 2013. After taking a break for the holidays, it took me a couple of more months to complete the process of reducing the original text format from 8 &1/2 x 11" down to the publishing format of 6 x 9". The "Made on 23 Feb 2015" date is the date that particular copy happened to be printed. The book is printed on demand, which is more efficient and economical instead of having a large print run, and then hope that they all sell. My goal for 2015 is to convert the print format to a Kindle version of the book. I also want to do an audio version as well. But I hope that answers your questions, brother.
Samuel Michael Lemon
I'm currently working on the sequel to my novel, "Go Stand Upon the Rock." But part of writing involves research -- especially if you're writing about something complex, technical, or historical. If you really don't know much about your topic, don't try to bluff your readers. You don't have to become an expert, but do some homework first, so you can write intelligently about the topic.
Samuel Michael Lemon
Try to write as often and as much as possible. It's like any other skill or form of exercise -- the more you do it, the better you become. It's usually easier to go back and edit or pare down your work, than to try to expand it. I try to just get down as much of the article or chapter as possible, and then go back and edit -- rather than try to strive for perfection while I'm writing. Aspiring writers should also develop good writing skills, in terms of use of spelling, grammar, format, citations (if you're quoting other people's work), and formatting. Always use a dictionary, writer's guide, and a thesaurus -- which will help you to avoid using the same words repetitively. There may be a million words in the English language, but many people only use about 3,000. Stretch your use of language.
Samuel Michael Lemon
That's a great question. When it happens, I go back and re-read previous chapters I've written. Because writing is sometimes like polishing furniture. The more you polish your work, the better it is. At other times, I'll write a book or an article that someone else has written. It's important for writers not only to write -- but to read as well.
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