DASL Writer's Blog, page 6
March 28, 2019
Confessions #2) Social Media – Friend or Foe when it comes to Writing?
I’m looking back at my list of confessions as an aspiring author and I’m starting to realize the first couple of confessions were ludicrous, funny, and yes at times insane. But, I’m going to try and make some sense out of my confessions and use them to explain the bigger picture with certain things.
Yes, I like Thoughts of Dog (@dog_feelings) on Twitter. It’s sweet. Inspiring. And, funny.
I started using social media strictly for business and to gain more readers for my blog and to find more blogs to read. I love to find great articles by new writers and picking their brains by reading their fantastic words.
I’ve discovered plenty of writers through scoping the blog retweets on Twitter and Instagram posts from popular bloggers on the “Gram”. I can see the value of having Social Media as a tool.
I’m able to connect with readers and writers from all over the world. I can promote my work. I can even create content to get opinions from complete strangers.
But, I also know that social media has this one quality that is almost detrimental to any writer: it sucks up a heck of a lot of time!
I can easily lose an hour just watching and reading Instagram posts. An hour spent NOT working on my novel or learning a new way to promote my book. It’s not the fault of the social media website, I get that. I have to accept responsibility. And, I also know like with most things balance and keeping track of what you are spending your time on is very important as well.
So, what do you think? Is Social Media your Friend or your Foe? Do you have any tips to help us not to get sucked into the world of never ending posts and videos? Let me know in the comments below!
Thanks for reading!
March 25, 2019
Grab Your FREE Chapter Preview of Syphons A Novel – (Synopsis)
A free chapter preview of Syphons is available by clicking here!
Here’s my new synopsis for the back cover of my novel, Syphons. A hot new sci-fi available on May 3rd, 2019. (Just in time for “May The 4th Be With You”.)
Here’s the synopsis again for your reading pleasure:
Curvy, Fierce AND A Total Riot!
Solstice Bellatrix already died once, and she’s not about to let history repeat itself.
After surviving a terrible girls’ night out on the town, Solstice awakens in the luxury penthouse of a handsome stranger with telepathic abilities named Alexander “AJ” Ward.
AJ leads her on a mission to save her bestie from a group of dangerous parasitic monsters know as Mindstalkers. They are not alone, professional agents, and fellow entities team up with them to take on a corrupt Queen and her host colony of parasitic Drone entities.
Will Solstice find her best friend in time? Or will she lose everything, including her mind, and the guy she’s falling hard for?
Sci-fi lovers, what do you think? Feel free to comment below!
New Cover Design for Debut Sci-Fi Novel, Syphons is Here! (Yay!!)
Hiya Literary Fans,
It’s finally here!!
Two long months in the making!!
(I can’t contain my excitement, look at those exclamation marks.)
My debut sci-fi novel, Syphons will be self-published on May 3rd, 2019. And, it’s currently available on Amazon for pre-order.
I worked hard with a fantastic cover designer from Reedsy.com to create this lovely book cover. My designer not only used his fabulous artistic twists, but he create mock-ups based off of a scene in my novel. Is that considered a spoiler?
Now here’s the cover for your viewing pleasure!
[image error]Nice Right?
I am beyond grateful and excited for the future of Syphons!
Interested in grabbing a free preview chapter of the novel and my urban fantasy short story, Stolen by the Ash, A Fox Shifter Short Story? Sign up for my email newsletter and receive both great reads as soon as possible!
I wanted to mention that I appreciate the WordPress Readers and Social Media followers who follow and check out my posts every day. I try and return the favor and comment on your amazing blog posts. You all inspire me every single day!
I am beyond grateful and excited for the future of Syphons! I hope you are too.
Thank you everyone!!
March 21, 2019
I’m So Sick of This Broken Record of a Conversation!
This important lesson is one that has taken me a few years to learn and inculcate in my life. Don’t take to heart what other people say. In the past, someone could mention one hurtful phrase about me and it would crush me. Today, I’ve survived so many other hurtful things that it doesn’t phase me as much.
Recently, a family member of mine pulled the “writers don’t make money” card. I usually ignore this family member’s taunt about my dream of being a writer and how it is downright idiotic that I would pursue such a dream.
But, instead of sweeping this argument under the rug. I started a conversation and asked this family member to give me some additional evidence. She stated that writing isn’t a useful profession since no one reads anymore.
I reminded her that she receives business copy and documents that she reads from the mail which contains important information regarding her health and services rendered. She countered with the fact that she hardly reads that stuff. And, I added that the writer gets paid regardless.
I also shared the fact that most careers do not make money right at the start. Even established businesses started somewhere between a good idea and a pipe dream.
The fact that I want to be a writer doesn’t mean I only want to do it as my sole means of income. That would be fantastic if I could live off of only my writing. But, I am very realistic, starting out, you need to build an audience and actually put in the effort necessary to sell your work. This family member only sees me putting in effort towards my writing, but never sees me making millions. As if I should somehow be a Cardi B or Kylie Jenner after writing a few blog posts and one short story.
I continued to speak with my family member, and refused to make an argument out of our conversation, and I brought up the fact that I worked in insurance for six years. It was soul crushing work. And, now that I no longer work in insurance, I have nothing to show for it. I just paid bills and woke up angry every single day, even on the weekends. It was all meaningless to me.
So, while I understand that she is concerned about my wellbeing. I know what is best for myself. I need a job and steady income. That’s fine and reasonable. But, I want to write for myself. Not for greenbacks, not for approval from other people, but because I love to write.
March 20, 2019
Confession #1 – Avoiding Social Time for Writing Time
A few months ago, I started posting mini-confessions through my Instagram and Twitter accounts and have decided to explain the madness behind the post. I have roughly 20+ confessions and more to come. So, be prepared, here goes nothing.
My confession above comes from the fact that in my youth and early adult years I had little to no social life. And, most of it was due to the fact that I spent most of my teen years working at an insurance company, taking care of my disabled mother, partially raising my younger brother, and attending an early college program, all at the same time.
I barely had enough time to study or do homework once I came home from my day job. I was emotionally drained and suffering from depression as a young adult. My only avenue of freedom came from writing.
I usually stopped doing homework around midnight, if I did it at all, and start writing stories. The creatures I created consisted of shapeshifters, and gorgeous women that looked like me and had characteristics I wished I had within myself; confident, outspoken, and extroverted.
The characters in my story didn’t have to worry about making a living. They found boyfriends just by stepping out of their house and into a night club. All they needed to do in order to be happy was to fight a crime, defeat a villian, or use a superpower.
My characters became my friends. They protected me from the pressures of failing a chemistry class. They kept me sane when I contemplated ending my life after a very bad and stressful day at work. They gave me love when my crush(s) rejected me as if I carried the plague.
I felt free and alive. Creating writing that stimulated my mind the way an insurance job never could. I had so much to look forward to when I came home, turned on my laptop, and got to work. The hours seemed to whizz by and next thing I know it is morning and it is time for me to return to the real world.
My novel idea for Syphons sprouted thanks to those long nights. And, while it has taken me well over 4 years to get the confidence to self-publish my novel, I am glad I finally stepped out of my comfort zone and brought my fantasy world to light.
Why is Asking for Money so Difficult for New Writers?
What do stockbrokers, insurance agents, and the kid down the street selling lemonade on the corner all have in common?
They want your money!
You knew where I was going with that question.
Here’s the next one, why do writers have a hard time asking for money or to be paid what they are worth?
The answers may not be new or profound. It is just something I have observed and wanted to share with you.
New writers have an uphill battle with themselves. If you are a new writer like me then you have probably had multiple mental fights within yourself about whether what you are doing is worth it or if it is a complete waste of time.
Aspiring writers, in particular, may find it difficult to know their true value because they haven’t discovered the value within themselves. When you are surrounded by individuals who only see value through products that are ‘seen’ instantly, than products that are invisible or haven’t been fully fleshed out, you may feel disheartened and maybe even defeated.
When I started writing, I knew that my first short story wasn’t going to be a bestseller, but I needed something to help me get over my fear of asking for money for my work. I learned that my work has value, even if it is small. Because, deep down inside it is valuable to me. Writing even a 99-cent story keeps me grounded in my goals and helps me to stay positive and keep moving forward with other ventures.
Another issue that new writers may face when it comes to asking for money is the fact that they may not have an established platform. Social media has given us so many options, but with options comes the added issue of being spread too thin or even creating content that doesn’t seem meaningful.
For example, if you have ever seen the show Forged in Fire (one of my faves), you’ll notice that each blacksmith has their go to tool. Some use a hammer, and others use that pounding-press machine, in order to create a strong piece of steel. Even though they use different tools, they are aware of the strengths and weaknesses of each tool. The same is true for different social platforms in the hand of a writer.
Social media like any other amazing tool needs to be used properly. The experts know how to use each individual tool because they put in the time and effort to learn how to use it. And, once you learn and change your method the tool becomes your best advantage to making money through writing.
Some writers avoid the entire money conversation all together because they did not sign up to be a marketer of their work. But, a creator of worlds and creatures. However, all endeavors require some sort of marketing. Even sharing your ideas with someone could be considered marketing in some way.
Writers, like myself, may over-think the marketing process. You don’t need the latest app, or the best post ever. You just need to have a strategic plan, patience, and good quality work.
Finally, the main reason why writers have a difficult time asking for money is because it involves asking. And, I don’t mean the direct approach. Even the more subtle, “hey grab your copy of XYZ from Online Store” approach feels sleazy at times. And, it shouldn’t. Asking for money is difficult, but your well-thought-out approach can lessen the blow and not make you feel less like a used car salesman (nothing against used car salesman).
Asking for money is bold.
Asking for money because you created a wonderful product and you want to share it with the world just means you know your work’s value and you have every right to ask for it.
Do you ever feel like asking for money feels uncomfortable especially if you are new to writing?
Has anything bad (really, anything?) happened when you asked to be paid what you are worth? Let me know below in the comments section.
Thanks for reading!
March 18, 2019
How to Find Beta Readers When You Are Just Starting Out?
I published my first urban fantasy short story last year November without having a beta reader test it out first. I don’t regret publishing, but I know that beta readers add an extra edge to stories especially when you are going the self-publishing route, like I am.
My current work in progress, Syphons a sci-fi novel was beta read by 5+ individual readers. Here’s how I found them:
Ask Friends & Family
If there is an unspoken rule that family or friends shouldn’t be asked to beta read your novel, then I completely broke it. The first people I called on were friends that I knew would give me honest feedback and critique me.
I asked a friend who beta read for me in the past, back when I was a teenager. I had forgotten I gave her a copy of my first manuscript ever written at the age of 18 before I edited a thing. It took her a year just to get through the first half of the book. She promptly reminded me of that moment, and I promise I did not repeat history.
I edited the novel until my laptop gave up on life. And, then I revised until my eyes nearly failed. I gave her an updated manuscript to read, and she gave me honest feedback, and even prepared a critique that I think saved me a few hundred bucks from going to a professional.
Ask a Colleague
This might be a sticky area for some. But, apparently, at my old day job, I worked with a lot of bibliophiles. I guess insurance gigs are the best places to search for readers. Anyway, I asked some close colleagues of various ages and backgrounds if they would be interested in reading my novel before I added the bells and whistles.
And, they promptly said yes, and the pressure was one.
At work I tried not to pressure them with probing questions or even ask them what chapter they were on. I let them organically come to me and tell me what they thought they loved, hated, or couldn’t live without. I did offer a bit of a bribe, but that’s mostly because I liked them and who wouldn’t want free coffee?
I had one beta reader who was hard on me, she asked the questions I didn’t want to ask my darling novel. But, if it wasn’t for her questions and even suggestion to rename the creatures in my novel. It wouldn’t be the fantastic story I have now.
Ask Social Media
I must say that I didn’t go the social media route that heavy. I had a small email list and some friends willing to help me. But, I did try GoodReads and I asked a few individuals who liked my last short story, if they wanted to participate. I didn’t get any takers.
But, I noticed that there are sections in the GoodReads discussion boards where writers can ask for reviews and even beta readers. So, that may be a promising avenue to test. As I get more inept with self-publishing I will attempt to grow my beta readers list.
Did you find beta readers using the methods above? OR do you have any suggestions as to how I can find beta readers in the future?
