Tricia Saxby's Blog

A new UBC writing course

https://www.edx.org/course/how-to-write-a-novel-structure-outline

I can’t wait to start this new UBC writing course. I’ve been looking for the motivation to get working on my next romance novel re-write. It’s a daunting task. On my editor friend’s advice, I removed the storyline that I had initially based my story on and focus on a plot I had as a secondary mention.

So, here I am, looking at my manuscript at arm’s length, wondering what the hell do I do now! LOL. Where do I start? Do I tear it up and start over? Do I go scene-by-scene and start changing things hoping that it will make sense when I come out the other side?

She suggested I redo my heroine’s and hero’s GMC (Goal, Motivation & Conflict) to fit the new storyline. Okay, check!

Next is to do a plot outline. Start with the heroine, who is my main character, and then do one for the hero. Okay… Ummm… Well…

NOPE!

So here I sit this Sunday morning, scrolling through Facebook, when a writing group that I belong to (BC Writers, Authors & Editors) posted the above link.

I wasn’t looking for it. I think it found me.

Let’s say it’s the kick in the pants I’ve been waiting for to start working on a story I think about every day but can’t seem to find the motivation or desire to begin.

Look out, March 1st! I’ll be there will bells on!

And maybe I’ll see one of you there? Go ahead and take a look at the course description; it’s going to be great.

One-click Christmas shopping and you’re done!

Photo by Oleg Zaicev on Pexels.com

A romantic, quick read for your e-reader stocking!

https://books2read.com/u/4jWJ9D

Check out my new universal link for my novel A Secret to Forgive including KOBO, AMAZON, APPLE BOOKS, BARNES AND NOBLE, SCRIBD and SMASHWORDS.

My Indie Author Blunders

Deciding to go the self-publishing route with my first book has been a learning curve, to say the least, especially during the first phase of Covid. But as they say, mistakes help us learn.

Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is pretty straight forward when it comes to all the steps required to publish your book on Amazon. I’ve enjoyed the process. Of course, you need to do all the hard work beforehand, such as editing, formatting, cover art, tagline and back cover blurb.

A fellow writer friend helped me with my first cover for ebook and print format. She had all the unique software to do that, so I was very grateful. I finished formatting my manuscript and used 12 point font Times New Roman. After I inputted each piece into KDP, I hit save. The next step was to order a proof copy. Now, this step is essential, and I don’t advise skipping it as I did. But I didn’t skip it on purpose… because of Covid, some items weren’t shipped across the border into Canada. My only option at this point was to order some author copies… but I had to make my book go live to do this.

So, my book was available in print for people to order while I was awaiting this order. When it arrived at my local Canada Post office, I was so excited! My first book in print! Yahoo!

Well, that excitement was short-lived. I opened the box, grabbed the top copy and frowned. My new expertise with formatting and cover design was not something to brag about. I didn’t centre the title, and both characters wore black coats and the colour blended to form one big blob of black, which was a saturated mess. Next, I turned to chapter one, and the print was so small I needed a magnifying glass to read it. I knew right there and then that I did not want this available for people to see.

Well, a few of my family members had already ordered it before I could stop them, and that’s okay. They still love me. But, I had to take action quickly. I stopped the print version right away and went back to the drawing board. I figured out how to centre the title and increased the font size. I also tweaked the black blob on the front cover the best I could. I waited for the proof to arrive and did see some improvement. The title looked good, but the black was still a saturated blob, and the font size was too big!

At my wit’s end, I realized I couldn’t do this by myself any longer. I took my proof to my two amazing sons, Nick and Clark, who run a marketing and web design company, SAXBY. After some deliberation, we decided on new cover art, tagline and font size that is more appealing to readers. I’m still awaiting this new proof, which should be arriving mid-January, and if all goes well, it will be available in print on Amazon shortly after that.

So what did I learn? Self-publishing is a never-ending process, and if you’re serious about publishing this way, it’s important to invest in all the proper software, take classes and don’t be afraid to ask for help. For me, I’m learning new skills, my book is out in the world, and if I decide to go this route again, I’ll be ready.

NOW IN PRINT!

My novel A Secret to Forgive is now available in PRINT on www.amazon.ca or www.amazon.com

For those of you who love a good paperback to hold. I am so excited!

WOOHOOOOOO!!!

Please let me know what you think, and I’d love it if you could leave a good review if you feel my story is so deserving.

Take care, stay healthy and be safe

It’s a POLL!

There’s a poll on my NOVEL JOURNEY page. Head on over and let’s see where this first adventure takes us!

[image error]Photo by Alexandar Todov on Unsplash

New Look

Hi all! My site is undergoing a facelift. I hope to have it up soon. Thanks for your patience. Stay home, be safe!

Shout out to my mom!

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Hey Mom! Here is a tiny bit of Diagon Alley with the dragon on the roof of Gringotts.

Surrey International Writers Conference

Hello! I hope everyone is having a great spring/summer so far.

I’m writing today to remind everyone that the Surrey International Writers Conference (aka SiWC) is now open for registration. This writers conference sells out super fast – in 27 hours last year! I received an email this morning saying that the full and basic conference packages along with Friday and Saturday single day workshops are already sold out. That is less than 24 hours! CRAZY!

So, that leaves Sunday and the master classes left. HURRY if you don’t want to miss out!

See you there!

A look back…

My first office space under the stairs was a cozy oasis. I’ve graduated to a real office space in the past year and the area under the stairs is back to being used as storage. I’m glad I have these pictures to reminisce.

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Author interview

https://www.erincasey.org/author-interviews1#/tricia-saxby

Check out my author interview with Erin Casey. I had so much fun answering her questions.