Riley Amos Westbrook's Blog, page 36
April 25, 2016
Cruisin’ through books cause books make life worth living with Aly 4/25/2016 part 1
This book was back in the 1900s. I was not sure at first if I would like it because sometimes I don’t like books far back in different eras. But I am glad I gave this book a chance. I loved the characters and the story and the mystery of it all! I’ m not much into Historical fiction but I enjoyed this book! * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review* 4/5
Filed under: Musings, Riley Amos Reviews, Support Indie Authors Tagged: Book Review
April 24, 2016
Day 77 of 90: Getting close to the end!
I received a new 5-star review last night. The kind of review that makes me feel like all the struggles of writing are worth the fight. I love hearing back from people who have read my books, even if they hated it, but a great 5-star review makes it all worthwhile.
We authors often focus on our reviews, for better or worse, and I am as guilty as anyone else when it comes to getting feedback on my books. Sometimes it’s the only feedback we receive. Like someone else’s opinion matters more than my own, even though the only opinion I control is my own.
I have spent entirely too much time at my computer, searching for the elusive book bloggers. The ones willing to lay down the honesty with a thickness. It’s amazing how many different opinions there are on just this one book.
One reviewer will praise me on the depth of my characters in such a short book while the next says they’re one dimensional. Another reviewer will say the ending was distasteful while three or four others say it was beautifully executed.
I’m writing this morning to say remain true to you and your story. You can never please everyone, and you’ll only run yourself ragged trying to do so. Instead, please yourself. The rest will follow or ignore at their own discretion, the only person you can control is yourself. Trying to control anyone else will only lead you to bouts of heartburn. Instead, focus on putting your best foot forward, and making sure your story stays entertaining to you.
Filed under: Musings, My books, Resource, Support Indie Authors Tagged: Author, Book, musings, Resources, Riley Amos Westbrook, Support, Support Indie Authors, SupportIndieAuthors
A good piece from an awesome guy
Owen is one of the great authors on our SupportIndieAuthors board, and he has written a wonderful piece I want to share with you all.
Filed under: Musings
April 23, 2016
yellow exotical flowers
Day 76 of 90: Jump starting the process #ASMSG #IAN1 #IARTG #SupportIndieAuthors #OneWordAtATime
I had someone ask me for specific examples of things I use to help jumpstart my mind for writing. I gave them the typical answer that I give everyone, which is read more and have a routine. However, last night I was thinking that might not be enough. So, I decided to make my post about that this morning.
First, I am a video game player, and having my PS4 (want an Xbox and Gaming PC too, but I’m broke) helps me immensely. If I find myself struggling to write a scene, I quit trying and play a game. Watchdogs, Ratchet and Clank, Diablo 3, Uncharted, Fallout 4, Grand Theft Auto 5, and others help me to forget the stress of writer’s block. An hour or so of games, and I’m ready to go again.
Sometimes that isn’t enough, and more is needed. That’s when I head over to Youtube, and search for interesting videos on philosophy or science. Lots of great distractions to be had here, like Wisecrack and Crash Course. The thing I love about the internet, there’s something for everyone out there.
Sometimes a simple word game is needed, such as a crossword puzzle or a word search. Just using and searching for words can help jostle something lose. I tend to use phone apps for this, because I am poor and they are free.
Meditation is another beneficial activity that helps reset your brain. Fifteen minutes of your day can really help to leave you feeling refreshed and ready to go.
And last, if none of that works, then I focus on helping others. I don’t have as much power as I would like, in order to help, but I do what I can. I help other authors, or do simple tasks like freerice.com and let my writing sort itself out.
Point is, your writing isn’t going anywhere. Focus on living life and enjoying it to the best of your ability. The writing will come on its own.
Filed under: Musings, My books, Resource, Support Indie Authors Tagged: Author, Book, musings, Resources, Riley Amos Westbrook, Support, Support Indie Authors, SupportIndieAuthors
April 22, 2016
Day 75 of 90: Don’t Stifle Creativity #AmEditing #ASMSG #IARTG #SupportIndieAuthors #Ian1 #Inspiration
I’m nearing the end of my first draft, and I’m proud of myself. I could still be blinded by my own bias, but I didn’t find half as many mistakes as I usually do.
I love talking to other authors about their editing process. I’ve learned a hundred different methods, and I use them all.
Editing, in all honesty, is probably my least favorite part of the writing process. I know this is where the story is fleshed out, but I still have to force myself to do it. Must be the slacker in me. I’m very much so a dreamer, so attempting to stifle my creativity can be a difficult task.
I’ve learned not to stifle my imagination anymore. Instead, I let my mind wander, knowing it will come back to the job at hand. I think the short breaks for my mind help in the long run.
When I turn my eyes back to the work, it’s with a renewed vigor. Life is full of distractions, ones we constantly surrender ourselves to, and ones we don’t. Some of my greatest ideas come when I’m busy doing something else.
My zombie apocalypse book was written this way. I would start editing my Breath Of The Titans trilogy, and scenes would flood me. Rather than ignore them, I took the time to write them down. By the time I was finished editing, I had most of the other book done.
Point is, you never know what is going to inspire you. Don’t stifle creativity, when you can nurture it, even if you are busy editing something else.
Filed under: Musings, My books, Resource, Support Indie Authors Tagged: Author, Book, musings, Resources, Riley Amos Westbrook, Support Indie Authors, SupportIndieAuthors
April 21, 2016
Random Thought of the Day
There are no old movies, books or games. Just movies you haven’t seen, books you haven’t read, and games you haven’t played.
Filed under: Musings
natural art – liana tree
Day 74 of 90: Out of the box #ASMSG #IARTG #IAN1 #SupportIndieAuthors #Inspiration
At some point, I really should come up with a good name for this project. I want to offer this free to other writers, in the hopes something I’ve shared will help them along their journey.
I’m waiting, though, as I usually don’t come up with the names to my stories until they’re long done. When I start working on the cover, that’s when I worry about the name.
Whatever I decide, I’m happy I’ve been able to share this with all of you.
A lot of authors are introverted people. I can understand that I prefer my own thoughts to the thoughts of others as well. But, as authors, we need to break out of out of the box we contain ourselves in. The only way anyone is going to hear about your works is if you talk about it.
I hear from authors that are afraid, for whatever reason, to talk to people about their books. They worry that friends and family will look at them funny, or only see it as a hobby instead of what it is. They see their story as inferior, or unworthy of recognition.
I’m here to tell you to stop that. I understand being shy, I’m not trying to change that about you. But if, as an author, you’re not getting enough readers or feedback, or sales, or whatever, then you haven’t put yourself far enough out.
Until people hear about you, no one will read you. It takes time, effort, and a strong work ethic towards your author platform to build a readership. It’s not something that happens overnight, no matter how much you pray for it.
Like with all things, time will be the determining factor in whether or not you become rich and famous as J.K. Rowling or even Andy Weir. Success is something we all define for ourselves.
Filed under: Musings, My books, Resource, Support Indie Authors Tagged: Author, Book, musings, Resources, Riley Amos Westbrook, Support, Support Indie Authors, SupportIndieAuthors
