H.C. Bentley's Blog, page 7

The Coming Year And What Lies Ahead

This may be one of the toughest blog posts I’ve had to write. As many of you know, I’ve taken the last few weeks away from social media to step back, breathe, and do some soul-searching. I’ve come to some decisions, a few some are not going to like, but in the end, it comes down to what’s best for me, my family, and my health.

It’s no small secret that 2018 left me worn out and discouraged. This was capped by my last release, a book I put tons of time, energy, and every penny I could spare into, only for it to - by all accounts - fall flat. What’s even more disheartening is the fact I felt it was my best work ever. And, after checking my sales numbers, it’s no wonder I’ve felt discouraged this year. I’ve earned less than $400 for the entire year on all my titles combined, on both eBooks and paperbacks. I know it’s not supposed to be about the money, but considering the time, effort, stress, and tears I’ve put into things this year, the money - along with some reviews - would have helped boost my moral and level things out a bit.

Yeah, 2018 was not my year.

I have wanted to be a writer since I was in the 6th grade. My focus points in high school were English, literature, and journalism classes. I had fully intended on following that journalism career path in the Army, but Uncle Sam had other ideas, so I settled for freelancing for the base paper when I could. But my dream was always to write a book and hold its pages in my hands. And I’ve done that, six times on my own and - with others - in three anthologies. Not much to sneeze at when one considers it was all done in three years while working full time and raising a family.

But now, I’m wondering if I’ve burned completely out and if I’ve reached the point of no return.

I’m wondering if it’s time to let the dream go.

I had big plans to be part of the Indies in Indy author event next September, something I was really excited about, an event I’d hoped would take my writing career to the next level by getting to meet new readers and really getting my name out there. Unfortunately, my circumstances have changed and I will not be able to attend. When I signed up, we were in a good place financially. However, my husband had to take a different job that cut his hours and bring home pay in half, and with a child starting college next fall, I simply can’t justify the event fees I’ve yet to be able to pay, plus the hotel and travel expenses. Right now, we’re doing good to pay the bills and give the kids a decent Christmas. As far as any other events, I may do some local, free gatherings, but at the moment, my heart’s not in it and I wonder if it’ll just make things worse by forcing myself to go.

As far as actual writing goes, I haven’t sat down to put words to paper since I finished Running For Him. This blog post is the most I’ve written at one time in ages. I have plenty of story ideas, but no drive or motivation to write them. However, I do know this….whatever I write in the coming year, IF I write in the coming year, there will be no paperbacks. For the sake of simplicity and reduced stress, anything I write will either be put out in eBook, either on my own platform or retailers. My readers group will continue on and, if nothing else, I’ll write for them on my own timetable. Which brings me to another thing.

Going forward into 2019, I will not be participating in any group projects or anthologies. Working around the deadlines and requirements of others stressed me out and I felt my writing suffered because of it. Don’t get me wrong, I love working with other authors, but I discovered the collective thing was not my deal.

So, for now, I’ll still continue my blog, as well as work behind the scenes with Love and Lace magazine. I’ll continue to support my author friends when and where I can financially, and always in spirit.

Basically, I’m taking 2019 for me, to write how and when I want, if I want, without the pressures of deadlines and promoting and all the other stuff I feel I have to do right now. And to discover exactly where I want this writing thing to go, or if the commercial side of it should end for good. I still have a ton of soul-searching to do, and answers to find for myself. But no matter what answers I find, I will always, ALWAYS, be thankful to my fellow authors who helped me, who taught me and lifted me up when I needed it. And I will always be sincerely grateful to the readers who read my words and made my dream a reality.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all, and may the new year bring you all the love and joy you deserve. <3

6 Ways To Not Be "That" Author

We have all heard of at least one author who causes an uproar or at the very least, drama. And we all know (or should know) that we don’t want to be “that” author. The indie community can be a wonderful place, when not polluted with a few entitled divas who want to show the world how diva they can really be. It doesn’t happen often but when it does….whew.

Want to help make the indie community an even better place for all of us? Here’s six tips to put to use (or to anonymously forward to someone you think needs it. I won’t judge.):

1. Say Please & Thank You

In a time when manners seem to have gone by the wayside most days, make it a point to use these two phrases your mama drilled into your head growing up. I always try to be polite when asking for something or comment when I see a blog or reader share a post, even if it’s just a ‘thank you for sharing’. It lets them know you appreciate their time and, if you show them appreciation and manners, they’ll be more than likely to do so again. It’s a give/take kind of thing.

Do I catch them all? Probably not, but I do my best to respond to any I see. And I also thank them in advance (such as when I request from blogs), so I’m usually covered if I don’t.

2. Help Others

The indie author community is a big, big world, with all levels of experience and knowledge. When you started, you didn’t come in knowing everything, right? You asked questions, learned along the way. Now’s the time, no matter your level of knowledge and experience, to pay it forward. See a question and know the answer? Give them the answer or point them in the direction where they can find out more for themselves. Notice someone having a rough time of things? Reach out and, if nothing else, let them know you’re there if they need help with anything. Actions like these will make the world better in general. :)

3. Don't Be An Attention Whore

This one is a fine line to walk. Yes, we want to be seen and have our work seen, but there’s a time and a place. Everybody deserves their moment to shine, so don’t be that person who has to steal the spotlight. For example, don’t hijack a thread about someone making the best seller list by posting a comment about your new book. Not cool. And stirring the pot for attention? Well, that leads me to...

4. Don't Start Drama

We’ve lived through the Cockygate saga of 2018. We saw how it turned out. Don’t be that author. Enough said, moving on.

5. Work hard/Don't Expect Something For Nothing

If you’re going to be a writer, you better be prepared to work your ass off. It’s not just about dropping some words on a page and calling it a book. You’d better be ready to put in overtime to get that book ready with revisions, editing, planning your release, and promoting. If you’re not willing to do all of that - and more - you may as well close your laptop now and save yourself the time. There’s no free ride in the writer world, baby, and you have to work to reap the rewards.

6. The Golden Rule

This ties in with the rest of the tips listed here. Treat others how you’d want to be treated. Don’t talk down to an author seeking knowledge, because you were there once (and probably still are there at times) yourself. If you have a difference of opinion with someone, agree to disagree. There’s no need to blow up social media over petty arguments. Now, I understand this *should* go both ways and doesn’t always. You are only responsible for you and not what some other bonehead may have to say. If it comes down to protecting yourself or your readers from a bully or worse, take the actions you need. Unfriend them, block them, report them,whatever. Apologize to folks, if need be, then let it go.

I do my best to live by these guidelines. Do I always succeed? No, I’m only human.

And a redhead. lol

Spotlight on Tiffany Carby

This month's author interview is with the one and only romance author Tiffany Carby! Let's dive in and get going, shall we? :)

Where are you from? Kentucky

How did you get started as a writer? I’ve been writing since I was a child! My first “published” work was in fifth grade; I wrote and bound an alien story called Orangepeachrumple.

When were you first published and what was the book? She’s a Tiger Lily

What romance sub-genres do you write? YA, NA, Contemporary

Do you write full-time, or do you work a day job as well? If you work a day job, what do you do? Writing is my side hustle.

What’s your favorite part about being a writer? I love telling stories; and making my characters come to life!

Do you prefer silence or noise when writing? If you prefer noise, what's your preference (music, television, etc)? I like to have the TV on with something I’ve already seen. That way I’m not distracted, but there is background noise.

What are you working on now? I’m currently working on a summer release for The Ice Cream Shop Series.

If you could live inside any one book you’ve written, which would it be and why?

I’d live in Spring City, Kentucky, no questions asked! Most of my stories take place in my Compant iof Griffin’s series that is based in my fictional Spring City.

If you weren't a writer, what would your dream job be?Is editor too close to writer? I always dreamed of being editor of a magazine like Cosmo.

Pick an author you admire...who is it and what is the one question you would ask them?I love, love, love Anne Conley. And I’ve forced her to be buddies with me so I just ask her anything whenever. It’s a wonderful thing! And she’s an amazing person!

You win the lottery, and you are celebrating with your a group of your most dedicated readers. How are you all celebrating?We are having a Color Party, of course! But boy, will it be fancier and in person! (My reader’s group knows all about Color Parties!)

Do you prefer writing long-hand or typing the first draft?Typing! I’m a much faster typist!

How do you choose your character names?I have a character bank! Any time I hear a name I like, I add it to my bank! And I’m pretty picky, so if there’s a character of mine named after you, you’re pretty special or I don’t really know you! Ha!

If you had to write a book about yourself, what would call it?Southern, sweet and hot mess express

Some say stalkers, I say friends! I'd love to see you everywhere ❤

Profile: www.facebook.com/tiffanycarbyauthor

Page: www.facebook.com/authortiffanycarby

Reader’s Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autho...

The Ice Cream Shop Series Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/icecr...

Site: https://authortiffanycarby.wixsite.co...

Den of Dat: www.facebook.com/groups/denofdat

Vision Anthologies: facebook.com/groups/visionanthologies

Twitter: http://twitter.com/tiffany_carby

Instagram: www.instagram.com/authortiffanycarby/

Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/tiffanycarby

Freebie: http://amzn.to/2sI2klY

99 cents: http://amzn.to/2vCnST0

Would you like to be one of my beta readers and be the first to find out more about the Griffin Family?

Sign up here: https://goo.gl/forms/HU16cruiF7fxsbMx2

Would you like to join my ARC team? Sign up here: https://goo.gl/forms/VJqfEdq9v7KkRITm2

Newsletter signup: https://goo.gl/forms/PXiwP0J6EH9OSRNw1

Why It Almost Ended

2018 has been a long year for me, it seems. And I know why it feels that way.

Boy, do I ever know.

I can admit this now.... I was overly ambitious with my writing and publishing plans for this year. And, rather than dramatically adjusting my schedule or plans, I pushed through, even when my body and mind were telling me I shouldn't, urging me not to. Because I felt I'd made promises, of sorts, to readers and other authors, and I didn't want to let them down.

The pushing through, no matter how overloaded I was, is why I came very close - too close - to quitting the writing thing altogether.

I was burned out in the worst way. I didn’t want to write. Not that I couldn’t, but I just didn’t have the motivation or drive or even energy to sit down and put words on paper, to focus on a story. I didn’t want to promote or market or anything. It was bad. Bad as in there were times I felt on I was on the verge of a breakdown.

I’m still struggling with the burnout a bit. Some days are worse than others. But, I’ve got a new release coming down the pike and after all the work I’ve put into it, it deserves the time and attention it needs to see it through to release day.

However, after the release, it’s time for me to take a break. Well, as much as any author takes a break. lol

I’ll promote the book for a week or two after it releases then I’m easing back and re-prioritizing my goals and plans for the upcoming year. Like any other author, I have ideas for future books that goes on for days, but working full time (as well as couple of, what some would consider part-time, side jobs), trying to spend time with The Husband and raising two teenagers, I only have so much time on my hands. And sometimes I have to attempt to sleep.

There’s a reason I drink coffee, folks.

Anyway, I’ll be taking the holidays to rest and recharge my batteries, to take care of me and enjoy the time with my family instead of worrying over what I should be doing every second of every day. With any luck, I’ll come back with energy and purpose and a more manageable plan in the new year.

And then it’ll be time - with a little luck and a whole lot of hope - to really kick some writing ass. ;)

5 Reasons Why Writers Are Insane

I decided to do a little something fun for this blog post. I recently had a thread on Facebook where I asked other authors to give reasons why writers are insane. And they were all valid...but these are what I consider the top reasons why you see writers sitting in a corner with their eyes darting everywhere.

Or, it could just be the excessive amounts of coffee. *shrug*

Anyway, here it is….5 Reasons Why Writers Are Insane.

1. The Editing Process

Oh, the editing. As if we haven’t spent enough time and attention to the writing process as we’ve lovingly crafted our book, now we get to obsess over it all again.

Every. Single. Word.

Multiple times.

We’re combing through our manuscripts, muttering about how we could write such crap and how it’ll never be finished or be good enough, all while making up creative cuss words as we go. But we don’t write them down.

Because we’d probably have to edit them, too.

2. The Voices

Those crazy characters, they seem to take on a life of their own, don’t they? Especially the ones who nag, relentlessly, for writers to tell their story. And usually at the most inconvenient times. In the shower, while driving down the road or doing the dishes. Or, my personal favorite, in the five seconds before you finally fall asleep. At which point you have two options: either wake up long enough to write them down and hope you can make sense of it later or lie to yourself about remembering it in the morning and fall asleep anyway.

And don’t get me started about trying to argue with them. Give it up, you’ll never win.

3. Two words: Elevator Pitch

Ever have someone ask what you do for a living and suddenly, you’re standing there, slack-jawed and brain dead, unable to think of a single word other than 'uh'? The panic that sets in because you're a writer and words are failing you and you're standing there, kind of drooling on yourself.

Imagine having that happen every time someone asks you about a book you’ve written. And if you have multiple titles, forget about it.

Just hug yourself, it’ll help you get ready for the straight jacket they’ll fit you for later.

4. Your Little Hobby

So, you’ve decided to become a writer. Congratulations! You’ll spend countless hours researching, writing, editing before you finally - FINALLY - get your book published. Great feeling, right? So you’ll repeat the process, again and again. And just when you’re starting to feel really good about yourself, you’ll get that one person who says “you’re a writer, I’ll bet you’re making all kinds of money” or worse “I’ll bet it’s a fun hobby, the writing thing. Good for you.”

When this happens, do not - I repeat DO NOT - stab them in the eye with your pen. No matter how much you want to, you have to restrain yourself. Psychotic is not how you want to be described in court records.

Those are made public, you know.

5. We’re Superheroes

At least, we think we are. We don’t sleep enough, drink too much coffee (if there were such a thing, which I’m not convinced there is) and we create people and places out of thin air. Pretty cool, huh? Well, we also tend to take on more than we can reasonably handle. Case in point: “Oh, I have an idea for another story. It’s a really good one and I can’t wait to get started. I’m already writing fifteen books this year. What’s one more?” I know many authors - myself included - deal with this on the daily. It keeps things interesting, to say the least.

Now, somebody pour me some more coffee and pass me my cape. I have work to do.

Spotlight on Mercedes Siler

Where are you from? The Inland Empire of Southern California

How did you get started as a writer? I've always had an active imagination. When I was really little I would play all day making up stories for my Barbies to play out. I wrote my first real story in second grade titled "The Princess and the Happy Ending." Then I started writing instead of doing classwork in 7th or 8th grade. But I never really thought about being a published author until my boyfriend (now husband) encouraged me to pursue it.

When were you first published and what was the book? In 2015 I published Chasing Stars and then realized I did it all wrong and pulled it down. I republished it this year as a second edition.

What romance sub-genres do you write? I like realistic stories, so I don't vary too far from contemporary, but I do write New Adult. Right now I am writing a New Adult Climate Fiction...and it will still be a kissy book.

Do you write full-time, or do you work a day job as well? If you work a day job, what do you do? I just recently quit my job to write and mom full time.

What’s your favorite part about being a writer? Getting the stories out of my head and into the form of a book.

Do you prefer silence or noise when writing? If you prefer noise, what's your preference (music, television, etc)?

I have to have noise. I usually have something like Hell's Kitchen on in the background.

What are you working on now? A New Adult Climate Fiction. It's set in a not too distant future and I think it will be three books.

If you could live inside any one book you’ve written, which would it be and why?

Chasing Stars because it's set in Washington State which is beautiful and cooler than California.

What is your ideal date night?

Netflix, kids in bed, snacks, and Moscato.

Name 5 of your favorite movies.

Cool Hand Luke, Pulp Fiction, Footloose, Dirty Dancing, The Outsiders

What are some of your non-writing related hobbies?

I crochet hats. I like to garden. And bake.

If you weren't a writer, what would your dream job be?

Sports Medicine.

Pick an author you admire...who is it and what is the one question you would ask them?

Jane Yolen. I would probably just want to hug her and sit next to her and listen to her talk and let other people ask her questions.

You win the lottery, and you are celebrating with your a group of your most dedicated readers. How are you all celebrating?

Maybe rent a yacht for a few hours while we sit and talk about books.

Do you prefer writing long-hand or typing the first draft?

Both. I have a whole bunch of long-hand rough drafts I wrote when I was a teenager that I am rewriting while typing. But new stories I usually just type up.

How do you choose your character names?

They usually just find names for themselves. But if not, I use baby name books.

If you had to write a book about yourself, what would call it?

I Have No Idea What I'm Doing

Connect with Mercedes on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. You can also follow her Facebook page and join her reader's group!