Trinity Roberts's Blog, page 2

Site Makeover

Hi everyone. I’ve been so busy working on my novel and promotions I haven’t posted in a while. Other than pushing the release date back to July 20th, things are going well. I’d rather have a well-polished story than release it too soon. I hope everyone likes the makeover to my web site. I logged on today and thought, “Why did I make my web site so ugly and confusing?” I’m not sure what I was thinking, but it’s much better now in my opinion. I hope you all like it too. You can find the information about my current works on the “coming soon” page and a link to my Goodreads giveaway on the “events” page. I’m so touched and grateful for everyone who has entered and showed interest in reading my book. Thank you all for your support.

Musings of an Artist

I don’t update this blog often, although I really should. I’ve thought about writing a novel for years. It’s so simple in theory. You write a few chapters a day and a few weeks later Viola! A novel is ready for the shelves, right? Hahahahaha no.

So I finally got up the guts to do it. I started writing one, then another, then another… before I finally decided which one I wanted to finish and publish. Well on top of writing my novel, I write articles for many different web sites and clients to help pay the bills now. People aren’t exactly sending me money to fund my time writing my novel. Hopefully one day I’ll have a publisher that gives advances. *Fingers crossed*. I suppose while I’m hoping for things, I can hope I’ll make enough money to not need advances. I’m not doing this to get rich. If my book barely sells I’ll write another. I’ll keep writing until I die. Of course, making a lot of money will help because I can spend more time writing, which is what I love.

I’ve also learned why books are so expensive. You might look at a book at the store and think, “Why on earth is it $15? If the author sells 1000 of them, that’s already $15,000 right there.” Nope. Depending on the publisher the author is only seeing about 20-50% of that. The rest is going to publishing fees and the cost of the books themselves. The next time you think a book is expensive, remember that the author put his or her heart and soul into a story and is barely getting anything from your purchase.

I’m not just a writer, I consider myself an artist. I have many artistic hobbies. I love photography. I’m still learning, but I think I do a pretty good job at it. I’m still learning my way around PhotoShop too. I’m going to learn how to make vector images soon. Stock images will only get me so far. I made my own book cover for my debut novel. I even made one other for a book I haven’t started yet. It’s saved for later. :) I enjoy poetry, drawing, and painting. I was a sensitive child. I was told often I had ‘clinical depression’. I think I just feel a lot more than others do. It’s the artist in me. When I’m upset or anxious I write more. Everything that is jumbled up in my mind comes flowing out in the form of a fictional world.

I’m not really sure what the point of this blog post is… I’ve been emotional lately and felt the need write about myself. My book release is getting closer and I’m terrified. I’m scared people won’t read it, or will read it and won’t like it.. This book right now is my life and I want everyone to read it and love it. Getting on the best seller list would make me the happiest person in the world. I know I can’t please everyone. I’m scared about the negative reviews. I think I’m more scared I’ll check weeks after it’s released to see no one even bothered to review it. I’m probably being ridiculous. :) Anyway thanks for listening. I feel like I’m everyone’s shoulder and after a while it gets overwhelming.. so my blog makes the world my shoulder. Wish me luck.. in 2 1/2 months everything might change for me.

Publishing Woes

How I publish my novel can make or break it. I’ve already decided not to put my time and money into dazzling an agent so I can put more time and money into that person trying to dazzle a publisher. It works for many and it’s a great route to go, but it’s not for me. I decided early on to self-publish my book.

Well then I discovered that there are publishers that you can self-submit to. These new and/or independent publishing companies don’t require an agent. The downside is that they don’t generally pay as well and they almost never give advances. I was still thinking about going this route, at least at the beginning. I read through some companies.  I even submitted my first five pages to a company who only wants the first five.

There is something I have to remind myself though. I can’t sell myself short. While this may be the only shot I ever have of getting a publisher, I could also potentially be passing up major opportunities by tying myself down to a company that can’t give my book justice. I’m not trying to say I’m too good for these companies, it’s just not the route I want to go. My dream is to be signed with Simon & Schuster. Will that happened? I’m not holding my breath… but what if my book turns out to be a big hit and they want me after I have a contract with someone I really don’t want a contract with.

For now… I’m going to stay with the self-publishing and release my book when planned. It may not become an immediate hit, but I think it’s good enough to be. Having confidence in ourselves is more important than anything else.

The Art of Perfection

I started working on my novel this evening when I decided to just hit the little x on Word and say nighty night. I didn’t save anything I wrote, I just got frustrated and clicked. Nothing seemed worded correctly. I couldn’t make the worlds flow the way I wanted. I feel like there is a character missing but I can’t put my finger on it. I want the depth and horror inside of my novel to break through its chains and ooze through the pages like molasses.

My novel takes place is Western Washington. Scientists discover that the sun is going to burn out, so they build a biodome to house as many people as possible. I’m currently on chapter 6. Chapter 6 seemed to come too quickly. As I read the my favorite Stephen King novels I become completely immersed in his characters. By the end of his novels I know how they smell, think, and the pattern of their heart beat. I can feel their blood flowing through my veins. If I become half of the author he is one day I will feel successful. I’m refusing to force my novel, but at the same time I want to get more done. The words have to come to me. One day I’ll learn the art of perfection… or maybe I won’t. We’re our own worst critic right? While I’m sitting here wishing I was as good as the King, he sees all of his own flaws.

Tomorrow is another day.

Me, Myself, & I

Hi everyone! I’m Trinity Roberts. I am currently writing my first novel. It’s called …And The Stars Fell Silent. I plan to have it published by the end of June. I’d love to be able to create a following and stay engaged with everyone through this blog. I have many wonderful book ideas so I’m hoping to entertain the public with my stories for decades. I’ll try and update my blog a few times per week. You can check out my novel on Goodreads and add it to your list!