Debbie Cohen's Blog - Posts Tagged "keeper-of-the-scale"
Why I Went Indie
For my first blog post I'd like to share an article I wrote for the website allnewsnoblues about my road to self-publishing. Thanks to my readers for joining me on this new adventure!
*****
They say writing a book is a solitary experience. Yet, throughout the long, slow process of writing my first novel, "Keeper of the Scale," I never felt alone. I certainly wouldn’t have reached “the end” if it weren’t for all the encouragement I received along the way. It really does take a village.
"Keeper of the Scale" is a work of women’s contemporary fiction which revolves around three dynamic women (diet buddies) who unite to form a unique dieting support group, but end up learning more about each other—and themselves—than how to shed some pounds.
Writing the book gave me the opportunity to reflect about society’s obsession with body image, the importance of female friendships, and what it means to have a “buddy.” Personally, I was fortunate to have the support of my dedicated writing group, test readers, and early praise from publishing insiders, including veteran literary editor Chuck Adams and respected literary agent Joanna Pulcini.
Had it not been for such a great support team, I would have likely given up after my own agent was unable to find a home for the book, despite his best efforts. Though editors said they enjoyed reading the novel, they also reported that publishing was going through a major transition—much like the music industry did years before—resulting in new authors having little chance of breaking into the already crowded market of women’s contemporary fiction.
So, like so many authors nowadays, I went Indie and self-published my novel as an E-book on Amazon, which has allowed me to connect with readers directly. I’m so grateful for the growing opportunities today for writers to be able to get their books and messages into the hands of readers as self-published authors.
My hope is that "Keeper of the Scale" will continue to allow me to connect with readers from around the globe, as well as help generate meaningful discussion among women about the roles both body image and friendships play in our lives. Because, as the book affirms, there is nothing like the age-old power of women uniting, bonding and helping one another. --DC
*****
They say writing a book is a solitary experience. Yet, throughout the long, slow process of writing my first novel, "Keeper of the Scale," I never felt alone. I certainly wouldn’t have reached “the end” if it weren’t for all the encouragement I received along the way. It really does take a village.
"Keeper of the Scale" is a work of women’s contemporary fiction which revolves around three dynamic women (diet buddies) who unite to form a unique dieting support group, but end up learning more about each other—and themselves—than how to shed some pounds.
Writing the book gave me the opportunity to reflect about society’s obsession with body image, the importance of female friendships, and what it means to have a “buddy.” Personally, I was fortunate to have the support of my dedicated writing group, test readers, and early praise from publishing insiders, including veteran literary editor Chuck Adams and respected literary agent Joanna Pulcini.
Had it not been for such a great support team, I would have likely given up after my own agent was unable to find a home for the book, despite his best efforts. Though editors said they enjoyed reading the novel, they also reported that publishing was going through a major transition—much like the music industry did years before—resulting in new authors having little chance of breaking into the already crowded market of women’s contemporary fiction.
So, like so many authors nowadays, I went Indie and self-published my novel as an E-book on Amazon, which has allowed me to connect with readers directly. I’m so grateful for the growing opportunities today for writers to be able to get their books and messages into the hands of readers as self-published authors.
My hope is that "Keeper of the Scale" will continue to allow me to connect with readers from around the globe, as well as help generate meaningful discussion among women about the roles both body image and friendships play in our lives. Because, as the book affirms, there is nothing like the age-old power of women uniting, bonding and helping one another. --DC
Why it’s All About the Readers
When I first put my novel “Keeper of the Scale” up as an unknown author on Goodreads I had little expectation that anyone would actually rate, let alone review it. So when I received my first site review soon after – from a reader named Ananda – I was floored. Both by her beautiful words and enthusiasm, as well as for the fact that she lived in another part of the world; the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
The fact that my book was being read not just in the States, but globally, jolted me back to the reason I wrote Keeper of the Scale in the first place: to connect with readers.
Yes, a writer writes. But without readers, what’s the point?
Seeing Ananda’s comments reminded me why we writers are driven to spend endless hours putting one word after another, creating something out of nothing.
It’s all about the readers.
Soon after I had a lovely email exchange with Ananda, and something she said really stuck with me: “When we read your books, we read your words and we judge your book based on that, your skill to transport us into a completely different world where everything is possible. BUT when we (readers) actually have the privilege to talk to you, authors, we discover the soul behind the pen. And there's the bond!”
After our correspondence I realized that somehow, somewhere along the lines, I had forgotten what writing a novel was really all about. I had forgotten about my readers.
Which got me thinking how writing your first book is a lot like dating. In the beginning you are enamored. There is the thrill of the idea, of meeting your characters, of seeing your novel start to take shape. Your creativity flourishes, you feel alive, you jot ideas down in line at the supermarket, on napkins at restaurants, in parking lots.
In the beginning it's all about your readers – you can't wait to share your story, you wonder if they will be able to connect with your characters and how best to keep them turning pages. You believe you have some kind of message to share and you can hardly wait to get it all down.
In the beginning it's fun. You meet with your writers group, talk about readers, ask your friends to give some honest feedback. Your book is a wonderful means to bond with others. You've never been happier.
And then one day it happens. You finally finish your manuscript and the courtship ends. In fact it comes to a screeching halt. Suddenly it’s no longer about getting to know your characters and reaching readers. Instead it's all about revising with the single minded goal of landing an agent. You are no longer a starry eyed romantic looking at your novel through the eyes of a reader, rather more as a business person. More removed. You start to question your book, yourself. How many words can be cut? Is the plot really working? Should there really be so many secondary characters? Was this whole idea of writing a book a crazy mistake? Will an agent like it? Will an editor like it? Will anyone like it?
The honeymoon, as they say, is over.
And from there things only get worse. You finish revising and start pitching agents. And getting rejected. A lot. You realize what a naive fool you've been, slaving away at the keyboard all these
years. You vow this will be the first and last time you ever do anything so idiotic. You begin to feel a bit disconnected with your book, with your potential readers, with the message you thought you had to share.
Even after you finally, miraculously do land an agent, it’s no longer the same. Now your thoughts are consumed with your agent pitching publishers, landing a contract, appealing to editors. But again, through no fault of your agent or editors pitched, you get rejected. A lot. Your dream of connecting with readers seems further and further away. Times are rapidly changing in publishing, editors are being laid off, your genre is no longer popular… There is simply less room for new authors. Your book, which once filled you with so much excitement, is no longer fun. That's when you make the decision to go Indie.
One way or another you're going to get your story out there. And you do. And, the crazy thing is, the minute you self-publish it’s no longer about landing a book deal. It goes instantly, and surprisingly, right back to where it all began – to connecting with readers. You're seeing your book fresh, wondering once more if readers will discover it. Despite yourself, you're enamored all over again.
Thanks to Goodreads, I was able to connect with Ananda. Who is she? A mother, a wife, a chick-lit blogger. A bookworm. A kind soul. But I’ll always remember her as my first Goodreads reviewer. The one that got the conversation going. The one that reminded me of what it’s really all about.
Because writing a novel really is, and always has been, all about the readers.--DC
Keeper of the Scale
The fact that my book was being read not just in the States, but globally, jolted me back to the reason I wrote Keeper of the Scale in the first place: to connect with readers.
Yes, a writer writes. But without readers, what’s the point?
Seeing Ananda’s comments reminded me why we writers are driven to spend endless hours putting one word after another, creating something out of nothing.
It’s all about the readers.
Soon after I had a lovely email exchange with Ananda, and something she said really stuck with me: “When we read your books, we read your words and we judge your book based on that, your skill to transport us into a completely different world where everything is possible. BUT when we (readers) actually have the privilege to talk to you, authors, we discover the soul behind the pen. And there's the bond!”
After our correspondence I realized that somehow, somewhere along the lines, I had forgotten what writing a novel was really all about. I had forgotten about my readers.
Which got me thinking how writing your first book is a lot like dating. In the beginning you are enamored. There is the thrill of the idea, of meeting your characters, of seeing your novel start to take shape. Your creativity flourishes, you feel alive, you jot ideas down in line at the supermarket, on napkins at restaurants, in parking lots.
In the beginning it's all about your readers – you can't wait to share your story, you wonder if they will be able to connect with your characters and how best to keep them turning pages. You believe you have some kind of message to share and you can hardly wait to get it all down.
In the beginning it's fun. You meet with your writers group, talk about readers, ask your friends to give some honest feedback. Your book is a wonderful means to bond with others. You've never been happier.
And then one day it happens. You finally finish your manuscript and the courtship ends. In fact it comes to a screeching halt. Suddenly it’s no longer about getting to know your characters and reaching readers. Instead it's all about revising with the single minded goal of landing an agent. You are no longer a starry eyed romantic looking at your novel through the eyes of a reader, rather more as a business person. More removed. You start to question your book, yourself. How many words can be cut? Is the plot really working? Should there really be so many secondary characters? Was this whole idea of writing a book a crazy mistake? Will an agent like it? Will an editor like it? Will anyone like it?
The honeymoon, as they say, is over.
And from there things only get worse. You finish revising and start pitching agents. And getting rejected. A lot. You realize what a naive fool you've been, slaving away at the keyboard all these
years. You vow this will be the first and last time you ever do anything so idiotic. You begin to feel a bit disconnected with your book, with your potential readers, with the message you thought you had to share.
Even after you finally, miraculously do land an agent, it’s no longer the same. Now your thoughts are consumed with your agent pitching publishers, landing a contract, appealing to editors. But again, through no fault of your agent or editors pitched, you get rejected. A lot. Your dream of connecting with readers seems further and further away. Times are rapidly changing in publishing, editors are being laid off, your genre is no longer popular… There is simply less room for new authors. Your book, which once filled you with so much excitement, is no longer fun. That's when you make the decision to go Indie.
One way or another you're going to get your story out there. And you do. And, the crazy thing is, the minute you self-publish it’s no longer about landing a book deal. It goes instantly, and surprisingly, right back to where it all began – to connecting with readers. You're seeing your book fresh, wondering once more if readers will discover it. Despite yourself, you're enamored all over again.
Thanks to Goodreads, I was able to connect with Ananda. Who is she? A mother, a wife, a chick-lit blogger. A bookworm. A kind soul. But I’ll always remember her as my first Goodreads reviewer. The one that got the conversation going. The one that reminded me of what it’s really all about.
Because writing a novel really is, and always has been, all about the readers.--DC
Keeper of the Scale
Why Writers Are Like Magicians
(Featuring Guest Author Al Seckel)
Novelists are experts at creating illusions. We authors spend endless hours putting words on paper; making something out of nothing. And readers are our willing and receptive audience.
But did you ever stop to wonder why inked letters on a page or digital reader can become more than just that – can in fact become a make believe world so real we often forget that what we are reading is fiction?
Al Seckel,an internationally renowned cognitive neuroscientist, author and speaker, uses illusions to drive home the point that what we see – or think we see – is really all about our perception.
As one of the world’s leading experts on visual and sensory illusions and how they relate to the underlying mechanisms of sensory perception, Seckel has lectured extensively on this subject throughout the world at many of the most prestigious universities and venues.
He is the author of several best-selling and award-winning books on the science of visual illusions and perception and has been active in designing and building interactive galleries on the topic for science and discovery museums on a global scale.
His recently released eBook, Eye Wonder: The Magical and Paradoxical Illusory Worlds of Jerry Andrus (www.eyewonderpublishing.com) features the very best of the late master magician Jerry Andrus’ creative genius in the worlds of magic, illusion, and paradox.
“The non-static medium of the electronic book, free from the constraints of the printed page, allows for the sharing of magical and illusory effects, sights and sounds, which were formerly prohibited in a static medium. Further, the digital format allows one to experience Jerry Andrus: the man, his thoughts and his vision, through his own distinctive voice,” said Seckel, speaking about why he decided to make his newest title an eBook.
Seckel has, in fact, previously authored three works on the subject of illusion, each of which is very varied in content and approach.
“Jerry Andrus first introduced me to optical illusions at a talk of his I hosted for him that was held at Caltech back in 1982. Approximately, ten years later when I decided to actively research and study optical illusions as a window into the science of perception, I was very interested in Jerry's creative work, and from that time forward we spent countless hours researching, discussing, and creating new optical effects,” noted Seckel, adding that in the mid-1990s he professionally filmed Jerry's marvelous optical illusion creations which are presented in this volume, many for the first time, along with detailed scientific explanations of why they work.
The book is further augmented by many audio interviews as well, providing the reader with a real sense of "Jerry the Illusion Creator, Jerry the Magician, and Jerry the Human Being." In addition, magician Mark Setteducati provided an essay on Jerry's contributions to magic, and Barry Brilliant, Jerry's best friend, contributed an essay as well.
In addition to his work as an author, Seckel is a sought after lecturer. In his capacity as a guest lecturer for TEDx, he spoke at length on the “Nature of Belief.” View that talk at: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BU8WE...).
Both writers and readers alike will find Seckel’s books and lectures to afford an enlightening look into why we are so willing to allow our minds to enter into another realm… the wonderful world of make-believe.
I’m thrilled to have had Al Seckel as a guest on this, my third Goodreads blog post. Be sure to check out his engaging video, as well as his latest book!
Novelists are experts at creating illusions. We authors spend endless hours putting words on paper; making something out of nothing. And readers are our willing and receptive audience.
But did you ever stop to wonder why inked letters on a page or digital reader can become more than just that – can in fact become a make believe world so real we often forget that what we are reading is fiction?
Al Seckel,an internationally renowned cognitive neuroscientist, author and speaker, uses illusions to drive home the point that what we see – or think we see – is really all about our perception.
As one of the world’s leading experts on visual and sensory illusions and how they relate to the underlying mechanisms of sensory perception, Seckel has lectured extensively on this subject throughout the world at many of the most prestigious universities and venues.
He is the author of several best-selling and award-winning books on the science of visual illusions and perception and has been active in designing and building interactive galleries on the topic for science and discovery museums on a global scale.
His recently released eBook, Eye Wonder: The Magical and Paradoxical Illusory Worlds of Jerry Andrus (www.eyewonderpublishing.com) features the very best of the late master magician Jerry Andrus’ creative genius in the worlds of magic, illusion, and paradox.
“The non-static medium of the electronic book, free from the constraints of the printed page, allows for the sharing of magical and illusory effects, sights and sounds, which were formerly prohibited in a static medium. Further, the digital format allows one to experience Jerry Andrus: the man, his thoughts and his vision, through his own distinctive voice,” said Seckel, speaking about why he decided to make his newest title an eBook.
Seckel has, in fact, previously authored three works on the subject of illusion, each of which is very varied in content and approach.
“Jerry Andrus first introduced me to optical illusions at a talk of his I hosted for him that was held at Caltech back in 1982. Approximately, ten years later when I decided to actively research and study optical illusions as a window into the science of perception, I was very interested in Jerry's creative work, and from that time forward we spent countless hours researching, discussing, and creating new optical effects,” noted Seckel, adding that in the mid-1990s he professionally filmed Jerry's marvelous optical illusion creations which are presented in this volume, many for the first time, along with detailed scientific explanations of why they work.
The book is further augmented by many audio interviews as well, providing the reader with a real sense of "Jerry the Illusion Creator, Jerry the Magician, and Jerry the Human Being." In addition, magician Mark Setteducati provided an essay on Jerry's contributions to magic, and Barry Brilliant, Jerry's best friend, contributed an essay as well.
In addition to his work as an author, Seckel is a sought after lecturer. In his capacity as a guest lecturer for TEDx, he spoke at length on the “Nature of Belief.” View that talk at: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BU8WE...).
Both writers and readers alike will find Seckel’s books and lectures to afford an enlightening look into why we are so willing to allow our minds to enter into another realm… the wonderful world of make-believe.
I’m thrilled to have had Al Seckel as a guest on this, my third Goodreads blog post. Be sure to check out his engaging video, as well as his latest book!
Why An East Coast Transplant Wrote A Book About Silicon Valley
(A special guest interview with bestselling author Deborah Perry Piscione…)
Call it an old cliché, but for many writers there really is no place like home.
Indeed, authors often write about where they live. (My own book, “Keeper of the Scale,” is set in the San Francisco Bay Area, where I reside.)
My guest author, Deborah Perry Piscione, explores one particular Northern California gem: Silicon Valley. Despite its global reputation as one of the greatest high tech centers of the world, there has never been a book devoted solely to uncovering the secret behind its success. Until now.
Earlier this year, “Secrets of Silicon Valley: What Everyone Else Can Learn from the Innovation Capital of the World” hit the bookshelves. Written by locally based entrepreneur and author Perry Piscione, the now national bestseller (published on April 2 by Palgrave-Macmillan) offers an inside look at Silicon Valley’s history and uniquely innovative culture, exploring how the region may hold the key to revitalizing global prosperity. Profiled in the book are some of the area’s leading companies, tech entrepreneurs and venture capitalists.
I recently caught up with Perry Piscione at Litquake, a local literary event featuring over 40 popular and upcoming authors. Perry Piscione had just returned from a European book tour and was one of several Litquake speakers asked to appear at special “In Conversation” salons for in-depth discussions during the event, held in Palo Alto near Stanford University. (The other two noted authors included Daniel Handler, a.k.a. Lemony Snicket, and Jane Smiley.)
During her talk, she explained that in Silicon Valley there is not “one way” of doing things. “Overseas and on the East Coast there is a hunger for knowledge about this place,” said Perry Piscione, who, even before writing her book, was known for her work as a media commentator and public speaker.
Perry Piscione is also the co-founder and CEO of Desha Productions, Inc., a multimedia company that owns and operates Alley to the Valley (a networking site for influential career women) and BettyConfidential (an online women’s magazine). Additionally, she is co-founder of Chump Genius, an educational gaming company for kids, whose two main characters are modeled after her twin sons. Moreover, she is the co-author of the book “Unfinished Business: The 10 Most Important Issues Women Face Today.”
Before moving to Silicon Valley, Perry Piscione called Washington DC – where she served as a staffer in the US congress and The White House – home. While there, she also worked as a media commentator for CNN, MSNBC and FOX News, and as a guest lecturer at American University.
The East Coast transplant said she relocated to Silicon Valley for a job opportunity her husband had as a retail executive. She conceded that at first she felt somewhat lost upon her arrival, yet soon settled in and discovered that “there’s something in the air” that brings people in Silicon Valley together.
“It matters only if you are smart; it’s not about where you came from. It’s like Oz out here; there is an openness and collaborative feeling,” she explained.
Still, she conceded, Silicon Valley is not a perfect place, women are still not found in as strong positions as men, and there is also a dearth of African American and Hispanic individuals.
Meanwhile, elderly people living in the high tech area often feel alienated, and that they have nothing to contribute.
“We have a long way to go,” she said, “but there are organizations working to help change the conversation.”
Jane Ganahl, Litquake co-founder, said of choosing Perry Piscione to talk at the literary event: “I was looking for someone with a newish book who could speak to both the present and past of Silicon Valley, and Deborah seemed perfect for that. Her book was a big bestseller, and she is highly thought of in the nonfiction world.”
Perry Piscione said her next book will focus on risk management; the key to innovation. According to her, while America as a country has become more risk adverse, Silicon Valley has not followed suit.
“Out here no idea is crazy… Anything is possible… You can dream big and find someone to back you… Nobody does risk better than Silicon Valley!” she said.
***
I’m so glad to have interviewed Deborah Perry Piscione as a guest author on my blog. I’ll be highlighting more amazing writers, and other movers and shakers in the publishing world, in future posts. Stay tuned!
Call it an old cliché, but for many writers there really is no place like home.
Indeed, authors often write about where they live. (My own book, “Keeper of the Scale,” is set in the San Francisco Bay Area, where I reside.)
My guest author, Deborah Perry Piscione, explores one particular Northern California gem: Silicon Valley. Despite its global reputation as one of the greatest high tech centers of the world, there has never been a book devoted solely to uncovering the secret behind its success. Until now.
Earlier this year, “Secrets of Silicon Valley: What Everyone Else Can Learn from the Innovation Capital of the World” hit the bookshelves. Written by locally based entrepreneur and author Perry Piscione, the now national bestseller (published on April 2 by Palgrave-Macmillan) offers an inside look at Silicon Valley’s history and uniquely innovative culture, exploring how the region may hold the key to revitalizing global prosperity. Profiled in the book are some of the area’s leading companies, tech entrepreneurs and venture capitalists.
I recently caught up with Perry Piscione at Litquake, a local literary event featuring over 40 popular and upcoming authors. Perry Piscione had just returned from a European book tour and was one of several Litquake speakers asked to appear at special “In Conversation” salons for in-depth discussions during the event, held in Palo Alto near Stanford University. (The other two noted authors included Daniel Handler, a.k.a. Lemony Snicket, and Jane Smiley.)
During her talk, she explained that in Silicon Valley there is not “one way” of doing things. “Overseas and on the East Coast there is a hunger for knowledge about this place,” said Perry Piscione, who, even before writing her book, was known for her work as a media commentator and public speaker.
Perry Piscione is also the co-founder and CEO of Desha Productions, Inc., a multimedia company that owns and operates Alley to the Valley (a networking site for influential career women) and BettyConfidential (an online women’s magazine). Additionally, she is co-founder of Chump Genius, an educational gaming company for kids, whose two main characters are modeled after her twin sons. Moreover, she is the co-author of the book “Unfinished Business: The 10 Most Important Issues Women Face Today.”
Before moving to Silicon Valley, Perry Piscione called Washington DC – where she served as a staffer in the US congress and The White House – home. While there, she also worked as a media commentator for CNN, MSNBC and FOX News, and as a guest lecturer at American University.
The East Coast transplant said she relocated to Silicon Valley for a job opportunity her husband had as a retail executive. She conceded that at first she felt somewhat lost upon her arrival, yet soon settled in and discovered that “there’s something in the air” that brings people in Silicon Valley together.
“It matters only if you are smart; it’s not about where you came from. It’s like Oz out here; there is an openness and collaborative feeling,” she explained.
Still, she conceded, Silicon Valley is not a perfect place, women are still not found in as strong positions as men, and there is also a dearth of African American and Hispanic individuals.
Meanwhile, elderly people living in the high tech area often feel alienated, and that they have nothing to contribute.
“We have a long way to go,” she said, “but there are organizations working to help change the conversation.”
Jane Ganahl, Litquake co-founder, said of choosing Perry Piscione to talk at the literary event: “I was looking for someone with a newish book who could speak to both the present and past of Silicon Valley, and Deborah seemed perfect for that. Her book was a big bestseller, and she is highly thought of in the nonfiction world.”
Perry Piscione said her next book will focus on risk management; the key to innovation. According to her, while America as a country has become more risk adverse, Silicon Valley has not followed suit.
“Out here no idea is crazy… Anything is possible… You can dream big and find someone to back you… Nobody does risk better than Silicon Valley!” she said.
***
I’m so glad to have interviewed Deborah Perry Piscione as a guest author on my blog. I’ll be highlighting more amazing writers, and other movers and shakers in the publishing world, in future posts. Stay tuned!
Why It's Time To Thank My Readers!
Just a short post to say a huge thank you to all of my readers for making it a great one year anniversary since the publication of my first book, "Keeper of the Scale."
It's been so fantastic connecting with readers from all over the world, thanks to Goodreads!
To celebrate, I'm offering Keeper of the Scale for free for five days starting today, November 7th, available via download on Amazon.
I'm looking forward to soon releasing the print version of the book, also on Amazon. And, I have an incredible line up of guest authors and others in the publishing world coming soon to this very blog.
Stay tuned... and keep in touch! ;) --DC
It's been so fantastic connecting with readers from all over the world, thanks to Goodreads!
To celebrate, I'm offering Keeper of the Scale for free for five days starting today, November 7th, available via download on Amazon.
I'm looking forward to soon releasing the print version of the book, also on Amazon. And, I have an incredible line up of guest authors and others in the publishing world coming soon to this very blog.
Stay tuned... and keep in touch! ;) --DC
Why I Decided to Publish a "Real" Book
I'm so excited to announce that I have just released the print version of Keeper of the Scale as a trade paperback. It is now available on Amazon as both an e-book and a print-on-demand paperback, and on Barnes and Noble as a print-on-demand paperback. It is also available through numerous online bookstores.
Why did I decide to take the plunge and publish a "real" book?
I had been thinking of doing it for some time, and recently was asked to speak at a local book fair on a panel with other first time women novelists. Knowing I would need a physical book for that event gave me a firm deadline.
The event was a wonderful experience, and following that I was asked to appear on a local TV show, again to speak about my experience as an Indie author. So, I was thrilled to have a "real" book to show at the taping.
In the end, though, I think that the main thing is to get people reading, on whatever form they prefer. Some prefer to hold a book in their hands, others love the convenience of reading on a device. How lucky we are to live in such changing times in publishing where both are possible! Hurray for reading!
Please check out my paperback version at the links below.
And stay tuned for my next blog post on authors Jennifer Weiner and Anne Patchett, both of whom I had the pleasure of hearing speak recently.
Also, November is national novel writing month, so remember, if you are an aspiring author, now's a great time to get started!
http://www.amazon.com/Keeper-Scale-Di...
http://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/keeper-...
Why did I decide to take the plunge and publish a "real" book?
I had been thinking of doing it for some time, and recently was asked to speak at a local book fair on a panel with other first time women novelists. Knowing I would need a physical book for that event gave me a firm deadline.
The event was a wonderful experience, and following that I was asked to appear on a local TV show, again to speak about my experience as an Indie author. So, I was thrilled to have a "real" book to show at the taping.
In the end, though, I think that the main thing is to get people reading, on whatever form they prefer. Some prefer to hold a book in their hands, others love the convenience of reading on a device. How lucky we are to live in such changing times in publishing where both are possible! Hurray for reading!
Please check out my paperback version at the links below.
And stay tuned for my next blog post on authors Jennifer Weiner and Anne Patchett, both of whom I had the pleasure of hearing speak recently.
Also, November is national novel writing month, so remember, if you are an aspiring author, now's a great time to get started!
http://www.amazon.com/Keeper-Scale-Di...http://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/keeper-...
Why Goodreads Giveaways are a Win Win
My first Goodread's Giveaway has ended, the books to winners are off in the mail! I had not expected getting the books out to feel so, well, personal.
I wondered who the ten women were who would soon receive my book, and what they were like. Seven live in the States, one in Canada, and two in Great Britain.
Actually, I thought, what an interesting premise for a novel that might be -- a story revolving around the lives of ten different women receiving the same book in different parts of the world. Hmmm... Filing that for a future story!
At any rate, I am now a huge fan of the giveaways. Here's why: it really is a "win win" for both authors and readers.
When I put the print version of my book, Keeper of the Scale, up for a giveaway I was guessing maybe a couple hundred people would sign up. Instead, some 891 requested it, which caused me to really take notice of how important the giveaways are, to both authors and readers.
Through the giveaways readers are able to discover new authors, and authors are able to connect directly with readers.
Indie authors rely heavily on reader reviews and ratings to help get the word out about their books. We don't have publishers, marketing teams, or publicists behind us: but what we do have is readers. And Goodreads!
In these incredibly fast changing times in publishing, the reviews that matter most nowadays come not only from book critics, but from readers.
Now, more than ever, it is readers who play a crucial role in spreading the word about their latest discoveries. And what better place to do so than on a site dedicated to books, readers and writers.
I plan to do another giveaway in the future. In the meanwhile, summer is the perfect time to catch up on some reading. And I hope to, one day, hear back from one of my giveaway winners and learn what the contest, and aftermath, was like from a reader's perspective.
Because without readers, a writer's job is meaningless...
I wondered who the ten women were who would soon receive my book, and what they were like. Seven live in the States, one in Canada, and two in Great Britain.
Actually, I thought, what an interesting premise for a novel that might be -- a story revolving around the lives of ten different women receiving the same book in different parts of the world. Hmmm... Filing that for a future story!
At any rate, I am now a huge fan of the giveaways. Here's why: it really is a "win win" for both authors and readers.
When I put the print version of my book, Keeper of the Scale, up for a giveaway I was guessing maybe a couple hundred people would sign up. Instead, some 891 requested it, which caused me to really take notice of how important the giveaways are, to both authors and readers.
Through the giveaways readers are able to discover new authors, and authors are able to connect directly with readers.
Indie authors rely heavily on reader reviews and ratings to help get the word out about their books. We don't have publishers, marketing teams, or publicists behind us: but what we do have is readers. And Goodreads!
In these incredibly fast changing times in publishing, the reviews that matter most nowadays come not only from book critics, but from readers.
Now, more than ever, it is readers who play a crucial role in spreading the word about their latest discoveries. And what better place to do so than on a site dedicated to books, readers and writers.
I plan to do another giveaway in the future. In the meanwhile, summer is the perfect time to catch up on some reading. And I hope to, one day, hear back from one of my giveaway winners and learn what the contest, and aftermath, was like from a reader's perspective.
Because without readers, a writer's job is meaningless...
Why Life Can't be Measured According to a Number on a Scale
Have you ever felt like throwing your scale across the room?
With summer now upon us, along with fears of fitting into last year's bathing suit, scales that may have been hidden during colder months are suddenly being dusted off and carefully monitored.
In my book, Keeper of the Scale, three friends and diet buddies relegate their "weigh-ins" to once a week. Between their weekly check-in they are not allowed to step on a scale. (Or see one another--but that's another story!)
In real life, I think scale usage should be even less. Otherwise we can drive ourselves crazy, allowing a number on a scale to dictate how we feel. I once vowed never to step on a scale again, but have come to realize that that isn't realistic either. We can step on a scale, but it's not worth obsessing over the number it reveals.
A writer friend of mine once pointed out that he thought the three main characters in my book were really all one in the same, just at different stages of their lives. The one thing they all had in common, at every age, was a driving ambition to lose weight. Thinking that being thin would make their life perfect. Would make all their problems go away.
Because women of all life stages feel the societal pressure to be thin, it is ageless. When my friend shared his thoughts about my characters being one and the same, I instantly went into denial mode. Of course they are different people, I insisted.
On later reflection, I realized that I had written short stories about each of the women at different stages of my own life, long before I decided to tie them together in a novel. I still think of them as three unique individuals, but they do represent distinct life stages.
And they fit into different book categories as well, from mom-lit, to new adult, to middle age-lit (OK, the first two women's fiction categories are real, the middle age one I made up, but, hey, there should be more contemporary fiction about middle aged women!)
Dieting is the thing that initially binds these three unlikely pals, women of different ages and life stages, and drew them to one another. So, in that respect, for them at least, the scale wasn't all bad.
But for most of us, I believe, taking a break from the scale every now and then wouldn't be such a bad thing. Because life cant be measured according to a number on a scale...
With summer now upon us, along with fears of fitting into last year's bathing suit, scales that may have been hidden during colder months are suddenly being dusted off and carefully monitored.
In my book, Keeper of the Scale, three friends and diet buddies relegate their "weigh-ins" to once a week. Between their weekly check-in they are not allowed to step on a scale. (Or see one another--but that's another story!)
In real life, I think scale usage should be even less. Otherwise we can drive ourselves crazy, allowing a number on a scale to dictate how we feel. I once vowed never to step on a scale again, but have come to realize that that isn't realistic either. We can step on a scale, but it's not worth obsessing over the number it reveals.
A writer friend of mine once pointed out that he thought the three main characters in my book were really all one in the same, just at different stages of their lives. The one thing they all had in common, at every age, was a driving ambition to lose weight. Thinking that being thin would make their life perfect. Would make all their problems go away.
Because women of all life stages feel the societal pressure to be thin, it is ageless. When my friend shared his thoughts about my characters being one and the same, I instantly went into denial mode. Of course they are different people, I insisted.
On later reflection, I realized that I had written short stories about each of the women at different stages of my own life, long before I decided to tie them together in a novel. I still think of them as three unique individuals, but they do represent distinct life stages.
And they fit into different book categories as well, from mom-lit, to new adult, to middle age-lit (OK, the first two women's fiction categories are real, the middle age one I made up, but, hey, there should be more contemporary fiction about middle aged women!)
Dieting is the thing that initially binds these three unlikely pals, women of different ages and life stages, and drew them to one another. So, in that respect, for them at least, the scale wasn't all bad.
But for most of us, I believe, taking a break from the scale every now and then wouldn't be such a bad thing. Because life cant be measured according to a number on a scale...
