C. Margery Kempe's Blog: Lady Smut, page 218

The Future of Publishing

Recently, we had a wonderful editor from one of the big seven come to our RWA meeting to talk about editing and the publishing industry as a whole. Simply put, the talk was enlightening as I don't believe many expected such frankness from the editor, but a lot of what this editor said pretty much echoed what I had heard last year at Nationals and since then.

These days, more books are being published than ever. Digital publishing has made its presence known and with the Borders situation, the traditional publishing method is sailing on stormy seas. Still, there are ways to get your book out there (e-publishing, self-publishing, print publishing, etc.). The questions we need to ask ourselves in this changing industry is when and if our books should get out there.

With the evolving industry (and the thought that publishing was never a huge money-making business to begin with—at least in respect to your average writer), writers are doing more and more of the work. Decently edited manuscripts and self-promotion are now must-haves not nice-to-haves.  And thanks to technology like BookScan, your "numbers" these days count more than ever. Just a few more reasons to make sure your books are the best they can be before they enter the publishing arena.

So what does all this mean? Well some of it is unknown, even by those who have been in the industry for decades. Really, everything (including this article) is a mixture of hypotheses. But overall, my guess from what I've heard over the past few months is that the next few years will be full of change for all aspects of the industry. I also believe that more and more work will be required from writers if we are to keep the quality of writing up to a high standard—especially as more writers forgo agents (and other such gatekeepers) in preference of more money or a quicker route to being published. Agents aren't always needed but they certainly bring a lot to the table, so if you do forgo one, make sure you're considering the "why" of your decision. Rejection is an essential part of this industry and as cliché as it sounds, feedback is a gift to make us better.

Lastly, remember to write what is in you to write. This industry is ever-changing and kind of like the stock market (I work in finance, remember). By the time you catch onto the trend, many times it is too late. If you write a good book, it will find a home. You just need a bit of patience, luck and determination.

Filed under: Toni Kelly, Writing Topics

Secret Millionaire

Has anyone been watching the show on ABC called Secret Millionaire? I have it recorded and watch it when I have time. Now, I am far from a millionaire, I have a job interview Tuesday morning and feel grateful for the opportunity to interview in this current job market. However, what I am learning from this show is how little things can make a big difference.

I always donate my clothes, shoes, books, adn household goods to a charity whenever they are replaced or outgrown (hopefully I will be losing weight and will donate becasue they are too big), but I think I can always do more. One more thing or one more deed for someone else.

I was wondering, what do you do? How do you give back to your community or to society?

Lately, I donate to ASPCA, volunteer at a museum as a docent once a month, and I will be walking in the Relay for Life event later this month.

I was wondering what other people are doing becasue it always gives me ideas and motivation.

I look forward to your thoughts and input!

Cara

Filed under: romance

Mason's weekly Paranormal-Scope.

As you know, I'm not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets. I do however; have practical advice for those of you that might encounter paranormal of some sort.

The week ahead for:

Aries

You're traveling at warp through a vortex.

Taurus

It's like you are oxygen and the individual of your interest is a fire demon.

Gemini

Take a trip on your steam-powered airship to get the best view of the situation.

Cancer

You've come up with a strategy to kill the undead, but not everything comes together.

Leo

You might want to have some bonding time in a casket. Just use precautions.

Virgo

The best way to catch a predator is to put out a good offer, even those of the undead variety.

Libra

With the help of others, you could become supernova.

Scorpio

You need to connect with the force to push apposing energy out of your way.

Sagittarius

It's mixed a bag of ruins one day you like the next you toss it back.

Capricorn

Wrap yourself up in a protective energy pocket and take it easy.

Aquarius

All that once was, is once again.

Pisces

It's like you are floating around on a plain with the aurora borealis.

Mason

a.c.Mason

Darkness ♀♂ Desires

www.acmason.com

Filed under: a.c. Mason

Handling Rejection

This is not a book that should be tossed lightly aside.

It should be hurled with great force.

– Dorothy Parker

From Rome

Under my given name I write for BitchBuzz, the global women's lifestyle network. My column for this week dealt with — among other things — the most spectacular writer meltdown in some time. You may have heard of or even participated in the Greek Seaman Incident as I like to call it (who can resist that?). I liked Sally Quillford's take on the whole situation and how — bad as the author behaved — the need to pile on her after the point was made showed the worst in humans and especially writers and wannabe writers.

The truth is we all have to deal with rejection and the way you do that tells the world a lot about what kind of person you are — and tells publishers, editors and agents what kind of person you are to work with. It's a rare person who can take criticism without some bitterness. Throughout the ages writers have taken exception to those who found their work wanting:



What a blessed thing it is that nature, when she invented, manufactured and patented her authors, contrived to make critics out of the chips that were left! — Oliver Wendell Holmes

Writing is an occupation in which you have to keep proving your talent to those who have none. — Jules Renard

There is probably no hell for authors in the next world – they suffer so much from critics and publishers in this. — C. N. Bovee

You need to be able to take criticism in stride. That can be especially hard for new writers and particularly for women because we are taught to seek approval and often take it to heart when someone coldly rejects the manuscript we've been working on for days, months or years. Fear of rejection keeps far too many authors from getting their words out where they belong. I know — I used to be one of them. I'd write and write and write — and put it all in a drawer.

Coward.

Like everything else in life, the more you do it, the easier it gets. Bradbury rule: start something, finish it, send it off, start something else. When the story comes back with a rejection, send it somewhere else and keep writing! You have to learn to take rejection not as an indication of personal failing but as a wrong address. Think of these wise words:

This manuscript of yours that has just come back from another editor is a precious package. Don't consider it rejected. Consider that you've addressed it 'to the editor who can appreciate my work' and it has simply come back stamped 'Not at this address'. Just keep looking for the right address. — Barbara Kingsolver

And rejection doesn't end with publication. No matter how well you write, you will get critics who do not like your work. Sometimes they will teach you useful things about your writing. Sometimes it will simply be a matter of taste. You can't always know the difference. Save your snark for your friends; don't complain on the 'net because the world is watching.

I decided some time ago that while I could be Elizabeth Bennet in private, I needed to be Jane in public. Be gracious in your dealings with people especially when they don't deserve it. You will impress everyone (though I can't guarantee you a Bingley). Get on with your writing. That's what you need to do.



Pay no attention to what the critics say; no statue has ever been erected to a critic. – Jean Sibelius

Filed under: C. Margery Kempe, Discussion, erotic romance, historical romance, inspiration, Kit Marlowe, romance, What inspires you?, Writing Topics

Dear Vampire David: A Good Supernatural is Hard to Find!

This column is for your enjoyment. I do not claim any therapeutic expertise, only the good sense that come with living over a hundred years. You would think in that time I would have learned something.

–David

Dear David,

I've been divorced twice. I tell you I give up totally on mortal man. A friend of mine who is dating a werewolf said that a good supernatural is hard to find. Okay, that might be the case but I'm willing to try something new. What kind of supernatural would you suggest?

Eternally Hopeful

Dear Eternally Hopeful,

Being with a supernatural can have pitfalls too. The greatest werewolf might have fleas. Some vampires cannot help themselves but bite. Leprechauns though exceedingly charming can't stop the pranks. Just like a mortal man, supernaturals have flaws too.

If you are really hopeful, then make friends first. Don't focus on whether the man is mortal or immortal. Focus instead on just having fun and go with the flow as the mer folk say. I've seen it happen in more than one case where the warmth of friendship becomes a blaze of love. So go out and make friends and see where that leads you.

David

Dear David,

I met this guy named Rob who says I am his lifemate. He's a shapeshifter and I don't mind that, but I'm feeling rushed. Is this lifemate thing for real?

Wendy

Dear Wendy,

Shapeshifters are the only supernaturals I know of who really know their lifemate at first sight. It's a gift of their race. It doesn't mean he has to race you to the altar. A girl is entitled to a fun and sensual courtship. Tell him what you want and this man will fall all over himself to get you flowers, chocolate, whatever. Is the problem that you're not sure you're in love with him? Tell him you need time to get to know all about him. Then sit back and enjoy him proving his love for you.

Be sure and write back and let us know what happens.

David

If you have a supernatural question or problem, email me at NightsofPassionBlog@gmail.com In the meantime, enjoy the dark. Some of the best people hang out there.

–David Hilliard (from THE STORMY LOVE LIFE OF LAURA CORDELAIS)

–Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: Dear David, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, romance novels, Susan Hanniford Crowley, vampire books, vampires

Fun Day Friday: Fun Facts

Happy April Fool's Day everyone! Did you get anyone good today? I thought today we'd try some fun facts to give you a break before you dive into the weekend. Many of these were found on the web so you're free to research for validity… either way, if they are true, some of them are quite interesting.

1)      Most elephants weigh less than the tongue of the blue whale.

2)      The animal responsible for the most human deaths worldwide is the mosquito.

3)      People who drink coffee are less likely to commit suicide than people who don't…I don't know about this one, I'm a tea drinker, does that count?

4)      More than ten people a year are killed by vending machines…How does that happen?

5)      The human brain has the capacity to store everything that you experience.

6)      Dieters who sleep more take off more fat than those who sleep less…So that's the problem, huh?

7)      The average person spends three years of her or her life on a toilet. Yikes, that's a lot of writing time!

8)      Over 1,000 birds a year die from smashing into windows…I still think the vending machine deaths are worse.

9)      The people most often killed in robberies are the robbers.

10)   About 1 in 30 people, in the U.S., are in jail, on probation, or on parole…Well, aren't we just a cheerful bunch.

Hope you all enjoyed and either learned something new, funny or interesting. Feel free to share your own fun facts and have a great weekend writing!

Filed under: Toni Kelly, Writer's Life

An Unusual Gift

In our hurried days, sometimes we lose ourselves. With all the things on our to-do lists, there's one thing missing. We're not even on the list. So today I want to give you an usual gift.

Choose a day at random and take it off for yourself. Do something you enjoy. Something that makes you laugh. Or as the Italians say, "Do sweet nothing."

I know you won't do it for yourself. Too many of us need permission before we do something for ourselves. So you now have the permission. Take your gift and enjoy your day.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: Susan Hanniford Crowley, What inspires you?, Writer's Life

What Makes You a Winner?

As usual, I spent this weekend trying to cram in as much writing as possible, especially considering my day job has left me exhausted during the week.

Well, as you writers know, when you sit at a laptop from nearly 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., you need to take breaks (even if you are doing something that is your complete and utter passion).  My breaks usually consist of music videos and or movie trailers. I watched one trailer for the upcoming movie, Soul Surfer. If you haven't heard about it, you should check it out as it is based off the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a young surfer who lost her arm in a shark attack, yet still persisted and realized her dreams of becoming a surfing champion.

The movie doesn't come out until April 8th but her story is inspiring to say the least and it truly embodies the drive of the human spirit. It always amazes me when I meet someone who consistently strives for their goals through good and bad times. Life is very rarely a walk in the clouds and it is inevitable that we will feel defeated at times, but there is always an opening, an opportunity to influence your own fate and make your destiny.

It is harsh, but the truth is that if we aren't getting anywhere (in writing or life) it is most likely our own fault. I'm not saying there are no external factors as we all know that isn't the case, but we need to look for those opportunities of destiny—not just wait for them to come.

It is not the case that winners never lose.  What makes us winners is the fact we learn from those losses and stand up to try again and again. Rejection ring a bell? Winners don't give up on destiny, they make it their own.

Filed under: Toni Kelly, What inspires you?, Writer's Life

Last minute never works

You may have noticed that my blog post for last Tuesday was absent. This is due to no one's fault but my own. I waited until the last minute to post it. Then I couldn't get WordPress to load. After several attempts I finally called it quits and decied to ensure my post went up this Tuesday.

So here are last weeks musings:

First, let me appologize for not having my post ready to go at  zero dark thirty this morning.

I had every intentions of creating a brilliant little ditty for today. That all went out the window last night after I did the first full hour of the P90x Core Synergistics workout. I will say that I have been eating better and the workouts have helped with some of my normal aches and pains. Of course it could be becasue I now I have new aches and pains in muscles long overdue for attention.

This week has been action packed for me. I got to meet (online) my new editor for the Cali Kent story releasing at Amber Allure, an imprint of Amber Quill Press.

I have seen my mock cover for Temporary One, my Cara North contemporary erotic romance about a Marine no less, releasing at Passion in Print!

I have a huge project due for my PhD course that I am enrolled in. I have about 60 papers that need  to be graded between all of the classes I teach. Not to mention edits on the second book in the I "heart" My Marine series.

I travelled to two differnt grocery stores today to get the food on my list (one has great meat prices the other has fresh fruit and vegtables). Now I am here, I am blogging, and once I hit post…

It is time to work on my schoolwork until my husband gets home and we begin the Cardio hour of the program.

What I am really saying in all of this posting is this:

I am grateful I have a working computer.

I am grateful that I have Nights of Passion on Tuesday's to blog for.

I am grateful that I have a job and students who turn in work to be graded.

I am grateful that I still qualify for student loans so I can finish this PhD program.

I am grateful for publishers like Tease, AQP, and PIP!

I am grateful for my editors and cover artists.

And most of all, I am grateful to you for taking the time to read this post.

Thank you!

Cara

Filed under: romance

Mason's weekly Paranormal-Scope.

As you know, I'm not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets. I do however; have practical advice for those of you that might encounter paranormal of some sort.

The week ahead for:

Aries

Don't get your Karma out of joint.

Taurus

You're the cream at the top of a zombie human smoothie.

Gemini

If you think, you go a handle on things you'll find yourself in a vamp ambushed.

Cancer

You're a werewolf trapped in a conundrum cage.

Leo

If you don't chill out you might find yourself tied up in a demons basement. It's hot there.

Virgo

You sexy glen Nymph you, interested parties are falling at your feet.

Libra

You been tied up and whipped to an amours frenzy.

Scorpio

You are a superhero in disguise this week.

Sagittarius

You're the this week's paranormal shiny.

Capricorn

You're an idea tornado don't suck others in too.

Aquarius

If you need your game on it might help to get your primal sense going by being chased by ravenous zombies first.

Pisces

Don't be the martyr it's too early for resurrection.

Mason

a.c.Mason

Darkness ♀♂ Desires

www.acmason.com

Filed under: a.c. Mason, Mason's Paranormal-Scope