Eva Pasco's Blog, page 41
January 26, 2018
My January Thaw
In my neck of the woods we’ve already experienced that mid-winter rise in temperature which occurs in January. An Indie author, I’ve experienced my own mid-winter spiritual rise through an increase in production for my WIP: Contemporary Women’s Fiction—'Aida’s Fishing Ground.' What may have started off slowly at the beginning of 2018, gained momentum from mid-January.
Every Indie author has his/her signature style, writing goals, and work ethic.
Adhering to my author signature of incorporating historic events, geographic entities, and regional culture pertaining to my native state of Rhode Island, I’ve conducted plenty of research on the rural town of Foster, which is wending its way through the novel.
Striving to blur the lines of demarcation between fact and fiction, this week, for the juncture of chapter 2, I found it necessary to research “fly-fishing” even though my novel is not about “fishing” per se. Another one of my author signatures is that of creating a book title with multiple meanings.
During my January thaw, I’ve managed to draft the prologue, chapter 1, and the beginning of chapter 2 at 2,416 words.
While other Indies are probably dancing circles around me for daily word input, steadfast in their goal to publish a few to several books this year, I’m resolute in “angling” my way.
January 19, 2018
R-r-roar!
I’m an Indie author, hear me r-r-roar!
I’m resilient
I’m invincible
I’m an indie author
(Inspired by “I am Woman,” a song written by Helen Reddy and released in 1972)
The onset of the New Year has granted me reason to roar:
'An Enlightening Quiche,' in the category of Contemporary Women’s Fiction, is one of the judges’ finalists in the 2018 Golden Book Award contest. Anyone who has read my book, or any one of the featured finalists, you’re welcome to add a comment in contribution to the “Readers’ Choice Award” contest.
https://www.goldenboxbooks.com/golden...
A recent review for 'An Enlightening Quiche' was published in January’s issue of Indie Publishing News, Issue 20.
An excerpt:
Most writers put words together in an attempt to create an understandable story. Few writers are considered artists who bombard the pages with vivid colors of vocabulary. Eva Pasco is an artist. Her book, “An Enlightening Quiche,” is a gallery in a novel.
http://online.fliphtml5.com/ohxp/njos/
I’m looking forward to an upcoming interview conducted by speculative fiction author Bryan Aiello via his “Stories on Creativity” podcast on January 19th @ 8 PM EST.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL...
Hear my r-r-roar for laying the foundation of my WIP in the genre of Contemporary, 'Aida’s Fishing Ground!' Having written the prologue, I’m underway with chapter 1.
May every Indie author have something to roar about to stave the anguish over sluggish, sporadic, or stagnant book sales.
January 12, 2018
In Defense of the Prologue
Just as I believe every writer should heed his/her own voice rather than sell their artist’s soul to follow trends in the hope of increasing book sales—follow your instincts when it comes to formulating or foregoing a prologue.
Defined as an opening to a story, the “prologue” has potential to establish context, provide relevant background details, establish tone, introduce a theme, or provide thumbnail insight into the main characters.
An Indie author who devoted considerable time this week to writing the prologue for my WIP in the genre of Contemporary—'Aida’s Fishing Ground'—I view the prologue as a vehicle to provide just enough information to entice the reader to delve into the story.
I take umbrage with negative feedback about prologues:
1. They’re out of vogue as most readers find them boring and want to jump right into the story.
2. They’re considered an information dump of incidental overload.
A writer who is also an avid reader, I’m fond of saying that I write books I’d like to read. Hence, as my own harshest critic, I’m confident my prologue has its mojo working by establishing the setting, staging the tone, and providing story direction and focus to pique the reader’s curiosity. It’s not full disclosure, but rather an opening or lead-in, as is the nature of a prologue.
It’s my opinion that critics need to give potential readers more credit. I refuse to believe that an avid reader is looking for a jiffy-fix rather than a soulful journey which begins with a prologue.
January 5, 2018
Blizzard Conditions
A powerful winter storm referred to as a “bomb cyclone” due to barometric pressure expected to drop at least 24 millibars within a time frame of 24 hours, holds the Northeast hostage in its grip. New Englanders are battening down the hatches as lots of snow, bitter cold, strong winds and blizzard conditions prevail.
An Indie author confined to the comforts of home, I intend to make inroads with my writing, hoping my efforts aren’t hindered by a power outage. Holding steadfast to a promise made to myself for the New Year, I’ve dabbled with my WIP in the genre of Contemporary.
As my signature trademark is that of incorporating geographic entities, historic landmarks, and regional culture inherent to my native state—I established the setting for 'Aida’s Fishing Ground' (current working title): Foster, Rhode Island.
Prior to taking a drive through the town to better appreciate this locale, the setting inspired me to compile preliminary research to ground my fictitious story in realism, thereby blurring the lines of distinction between fact and fiction.
Meantime, delineating characters and plotting scenarios are channeling my imagination to cerebrally compose my story by adopting the “pantser” approach to writing it.
Should blizzard conditions force their hand in causing a power outage, I’ll resort to pen and paper, feeling some affinity with those great writers of yesteryear who produced their literary masterpieces by candlelight.
December 29, 2017
A Fork in the Road
Ready or not, 2018 is coming around the bend. No time like the present to weigh my options as I approach a fork in the road along my literary journey. An arduous journey taken despite setbacks, hairpin turns, and rude awakenings—I’m weighing my options as an Indie author.
“Do I really want this, or am I doing it for the prestige, or because I think I should?”
Prestige?
Self-guilt wreaks havoc at the prospect of quitting and leaving my Contemporary Women’s Fiction novel, 'An Enlightening Quiche,' in the lurch after it has merited: 2018 Golden Box Books Semifinalist; 2017 Summer Indie Book Awards “First Place, Best Contemporary”; ATAI 5-Star Badge; Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Seal; Midwest Review (5-Stars).
As 2017 comes to a close, I’m also proud of having compiled a Nonfiction Memoir Collection in October— '100 Wild Mushrooms: Memoirs of the ‘60s.'
In December, I contributed the novella, “Mr. Wizardo” to a co-authored anthology of reimagined fairy tales for grownups, 'Once Upon a Fabulous Time,' in conjunction with Indie Fabs: Aliya DalRae, R.M. Gauthier, JB Richards, Lyra Shanti, and Joanne VanLeerdam.
Herein lie the options presented at a fork in the road, with no guarantees for a significant increase in sales via either direction:
Write my next novel at my own pace, without setting a deadline. Stay the course with low-key marketing by posting free Facebook ads in promo groups (no Twitter account; no newsletter or swaps; no standalone author website).
Or, step up my writing to the tune of publishing a book per month. Perfect the trial-and-error method of fine tuning “key words” and shelling out money for targeted Facebook and Amazon ads that may result in clicks, but not necessarily yield sales.
Here we go ‘round the mulberry bush: “Just because a venture doesn’t make much money, doesn’t mean that it’s not valuable. The pursuit of dreams is part of what makes up a well-rounded life.”
Hence, I’ll pursue my dream of becoming an established author on my terms as I have right along.
December 22, 2017
Offsets
‘Tis the season for shouts of “ho, ho, ho!” For an Indie author such as myself, it’s the lament, “no, no, no!” All the hustle and bustle in preparation for the Christmas holiday may be the culprit for sluggish, sporadic, and stagnant book sales as of late.
Yet, the offsets outweigh the setbacks:
*My Non-Fiction Memoir collection, '100 Wild Mushrooms: Memoirs of the ‘60s' won the “Golden Squirrel Independent Book Award for Best Non-Fiction”!
Within the span of a week, this Work received two more 5-Star reviews.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076B9BNZK
*I won a promo for Golden Box Books Publishing Services, January magazine.
https://www.goldenboxbooks.com/
*I won a contest sponsored by Rose Montague’s “12 Days of Book Buying Christmas Event”, and selected the Kindle copy for 'Walls of Silence' by Helen Pryke:
https://www.amazon.com/Walls-silence-...
Local News:
*A photographer from 'The East Providence Post' snapped several author photos for an upcoming article featuring my Non-Fiction Memoir collection published this past October.
*I received an invitation to participate in the 3rd Annual Book lovers' Local Author Expo at the Cumberland Library in February.
For an Indie author, success isn’t defined by the amount of book sales. It’s about asserting one’s visibility for the recognition our literary endeavors deserve.
December 15, 2017
In Fezziwig Mode
I’d be remiss this time of year if I didn’t allude to my all-time favorite holiday story—Charles Dickens’ novella, 'A Christmas Carol' (1843). Taking center stage for this blog, is Fezziwig—a merchant of jolly and jovial temperament under whom young Ebenezer Scrooge apprenticed. Renowned for his merrymaking during the Christmas season, this astute businessman shows he is deeply interested in the welfare and happiness of his employees. No doubt, the admiration and respect they have for their boss, motivates them to work even harder.
At least until the New Year, I’m in Fezziwig mode, resting on my laurels, under the dubious assumption I’ll work harder when January rolls around:
October 9th: I launched a nonfiction memoir collection, '100 Wild Mushrooms: Memoirs of the ‘60s'.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076B9BNZK
December 8th: 'Once Upon a Fabulous Time': The official launch of a co-authored anthology of reimagined fairy tales for grownups. My contribution—the novella, “Mr. Wizardo”.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077YTLZ7M
While my merrymaking isn’t about taking a leap into the air with a quick switch in position of the legs, I’m navigating life at my own pace despite those rude awakenings that wreak havoc with your psyche. Having abstained from drafting my next Contemporary, I’m reading what other Indies have written. I’m also indulging in a Hallmark holiday movie every now and then, caught up in the contrived schmaltz.
Observing the scene of Fezziwig’s merriment signals the beginning of Scrooge’s emotional transformation to becoming a better man. Likewise, Fezziwig mode has enabled me to assess and prioritize what is really important in my life at this juncture.
December 7, 2017
Believe!
“One for all, all for one!”
This belief sums up the spirit of a small group of diverse authors who formed our own collaborative, jumpstarted by a twist of fate in 2016, associated with Indie Author Day. Eventually, author/historian JB Richards did the honors of organizing the six of us into a cohesive bunch called the “Indie Fabs” also comprised of: Aliya DalRae, R.M. Gauthier, Lyra Shanti, Joanne Van Leerdam, and myself—Eva Pasco.
Besides collectively looking out for those elusive golden opportunities to market and promote our work, and offering mutual support and encouragement for each other’s literary endeavors—we believe in “paying it forward” by supporting the Indie community.
What a difference a year makes!
In addition to each of us having published several works meriting prestigious awards, Renee (R.M. Gauthier) initiated the idea of our collaborating on an adult fairytale collection. Birds of a feather, great minds think alike! The central, unifying theme of our anthology—Believe!
ONCE UPON A FABULOUS TIME (444 pages), which officially debuts on December 8th, is available for purchase now at Amazon as a Kindle Edition.
Special Release Price: $.99 until the 9th!
*Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077YTLZ7M
Dreams really do come true...if you believe!
Huzzah to each contributing author:
Aliya DalRae: “Bitter Beauty” and “Sweet Distraction” (A Felino Stivali Tale)
R.M. Gauthier: “The Melting Pole” and “Millie’s Story”
JB Richards: “The Dragon’s Heir”
Lyra Shanti: “The Star Maiden” and “The Nameless Curse”
Joanne VanLeerdam: “A Rose By Any Other Name” and “Where Darkness Lies”
Eva Pasco: “Mr. Wizardo”
November 24, 2017
BLANK Friday
I confess to drawing a blank in coming up with a suitable blog for Black Friday—hence, the title, “BLANK Friday”.
Whether suffering the scourge of feeling stuffed and lethargic from overindulging on Thanksgiving, or caught up in the whirlpool of holiday shopping—for an Indie author, the importance of being earnest in procuring book sales prevails.
‘Tis the season to seize an opportunity!
Christmas abounds in my Contemporary Women’s Fiction novel, AN ENLIGHTENING QUICHE:
Black Friday is when northern Rhode Island’s French-Canadian mill town of Beauchemins' “Blue-Ribbon Bake-Off" gets underway at Pâtisseries Évocatrices.
By holly, the play, ‘A Christmas Carol’ is an integral part of the story, along with a revealing backstory.
For my protagonist, Augusta Bergeron, the Yuletide season provides the means for her to reflect, repent, redeem herself, and rejoice.
(November 24th - December 18th): HOME FOR CHRISTMAS - US residents are cordially invited to enter my Goodreads Giveaway contest for the chance to win a signed paperback:
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
There’s plenty of holiday cheer in my Nonfiction Memoir collection, 100 WILD MUSHROOMS:
MEMOIRS OF THE 60s:
A Whole Lotta’ Tree Shakin’!
The Magic of Christmas
The Christmas Conspiracy
A Few of My Favorite Things
March of the Retro Toys
(Until November 30th): US residents are cordially invited to enter my Goodreads Giveaway contest for the chance to win a signed paperback:
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
Ebenezer Scrooge articulated that Christmas “is a poor excuse for picking a man's pocket every 25th of December”. Au contraire, besides the giveaways and special offers Indie authors devise for the holiday season, on any given day most of our Kindle Editions are priced under $5.00.
In my book, that beats any Black Friday deal amidst the maddening, jostling crowds.
November 17, 2017
So, What Gives?
Something's gotta give
Something's gotta give
Something's gotta give
(“Something’s Gotta Give” – words and song by Johnny Mercer; 1954)
Not easy for those who wear the crown of “Indie Author”!
Write. Proofread and Edit. Synopsis. Cover Design. Market and Promote. Shoulder Responsibilities. Juggle Lemons.
With no option to dodge responsibilities, or those proverbial lemons hurled our way, something’s gotta give.
For me, it’s reading.
Ever since I got back in the saddle after falling out of it for eight-nine years, I’ve made a commitment to read and review books written by fellow Indies. However, since I’ve stepped up my writing game, my pleasure reading has fallen by the wayside.
For my own sanity…
Having just finished writing a novella for an upcoming anthology, I’ve decided to moonlight for the month of December by not tackling any in-depth writing project. I’ll wait until January of 2018 to begin working on my next full-length novel.
In the meantime, I intend to step up my reading in an attempt to make a dent in my TBR pile.
I’ll consider this one of my New Year’s resolutions.
