Kate Copeseeley's Blog, page 11
April 11, 2012
Rejection vs. Validation
Since most of my time since last Thursday has been taken up by holding my ADORABLE BRAND NEW RED-HEADED NEPHEW... I haven't gotten a lot done. Editing. I've done editing, though not on Aeris. I've got two people left to hear from (you know who you are!) before I start moving in on that.
Ruminating without editing is great though because it lets you really work out in your mind what you want to do and think over and over and over again about the weak points in your story. You know they're there, but you just allow them to simmer under the surface until you can't stand it anymore, at which point you've heard back from everyone and you know exactly what to do.
Oddly enough, I'm most nervous about my brother's feedback. Just because he's never this so early in the process before and is always so PAINFULLY honest. And by painful, I mean knife in the gut. It's good, though. He gives GREAT feedback, especially on my male characters.
So there's where I'm at for ROW. Now onto the next bit.
It's great when people love your work, isn't it? Nothing is more validating than getting nice reviews or fan mail. For me, it's like, "Great, so my writing isn't a total time-suck."
I think I've talked about validation and rejection so many times before that I have nothing new to say on the topic. Only that I've recently been put in a situation in my "real" life, not my writer life, where I'm in the unenviable position of having to reject an offer that I've been made.
I'm going to generalize it here, but a friend of mine recently offered me some money to do some work for her, freelance. While I would greatly love the opportunity, I think there are some drawbacks, personally, that cause me to hesitate to accept. In fact, I'm almost certain I'm going to refuse.
What to do, what to do. It's so much easier, sometimes, to read books. I get to go on goodreads and rant about style, character, plot, etc. It's fun to read what other people have about them. And it's so much easier to say something honest, but probably not pleasant in the forum of the internet, where you don't have to do it face to face.
All day, I've been thinking, how do I break the news without sounding like a complete asshat? How do I validate her work without having to accept it as my own burden? When did life get so complicated?
While I continue to mull this over, I place you in the talented hands of my fellow bloggers, who have many wise words of their own to impart.
Kenya Wright, fellow indie author, has some rather... unconventional advice on how to deal with bad reviews.
Elizabeth May wants you to consider these Five things when crafting your characters.
If you're a huge Hunger Games fan, like me, you might find this article interesting.
Here is some classic and fabulous writing advice from the late, great C.S. Lewis.
That is all from me this week, fellow readers.
Happy Reading!
Ruminating without editing is great though because it lets you really work out in your mind what you want to do and think over and over and over again about the weak points in your story. You know they're there, but you just allow them to simmer under the surface until you can't stand it anymore, at which point you've heard back from everyone and you know exactly what to do.
Oddly enough, I'm most nervous about my brother's feedback. Just because he's never this so early in the process before and is always so PAINFULLY honest. And by painful, I mean knife in the gut. It's good, though. He gives GREAT feedback, especially on my male characters.
So there's where I'm at for ROW. Now onto the next bit.
It's great when people love your work, isn't it? Nothing is more validating than getting nice reviews or fan mail. For me, it's like, "Great, so my writing isn't a total time-suck."
I think I've talked about validation and rejection so many times before that I have nothing new to say on the topic. Only that I've recently been put in a situation in my "real" life, not my writer life, where I'm in the unenviable position of having to reject an offer that I've been made.
I'm going to generalize it here, but a friend of mine recently offered me some money to do some work for her, freelance. While I would greatly love the opportunity, I think there are some drawbacks, personally, that cause me to hesitate to accept. In fact, I'm almost certain I'm going to refuse.
What to do, what to do. It's so much easier, sometimes, to read books. I get to go on goodreads and rant about style, character, plot, etc. It's fun to read what other people have about them. And it's so much easier to say something honest, but probably not pleasant in the forum of the internet, where you don't have to do it face to face.
All day, I've been thinking, how do I break the news without sounding like a complete asshat? How do I validate her work without having to accept it as my own burden? When did life get so complicated?
While I continue to mull this over, I place you in the talented hands of my fellow bloggers, who have many wise words of their own to impart.
Kenya Wright, fellow indie author, has some rather... unconventional advice on how to deal with bad reviews.
Elizabeth May wants you to consider these Five things when crafting your characters.
If you're a huge Hunger Games fan, like me, you might find this article interesting.
Here is some classic and fabulous writing advice from the late, great C.S. Lewis.
That is all from me this week, fellow readers.
Happy Reading!
April 4, 2012
Wednesday Whirlwind...
Can't jabber on for long. I have a sky full of blue and a garden that needs planting. Ahhhh... spring in Cali. My favorite time of year. Of course, all this has to be done with a 7mth old that strongly objects to me doing anything for any length of time that involves not paying attention to him. In other words, I bribe him with yummy treats. hahaha
So I don't know if you noticed my last entry, but THE FIRST DRAFT OF AERIS IS OFFICIALLY FINISHED!!!
Oh Bliss, oh happiness, oh, 151,000 words of YA Fantasy... you warm my heart. :) My book is off with the favored few who I let pre-read it. Then, after some distance and soul searching, I will begin my first of many rounds of edits. At this point... I'm hoping to be done Mid May, which is pretty miraculous considering where the book was 6 mths ago.
So, what am I doing right now? I'm readjusting my vision for the rest of the series (making sure I'm still on track for the ending I originally imagined). I'm planning out the next book. I'm working on a super secret writing project that I may or may not announce. It's still in the planning phase. I'm re-reading Compis to get a sense of where my series started and where it will continue. Annnnnndddd... I'm working with an artist, okay, a couple of artists on some concept art for the series.
I had an inspiration pinterest a while back, but then pinterest's dinosaur copyright protection stuff got me all paranoid and I deleted it. So instead, I'm going to post a pinterest with some sketches (nothing too fancy) that show how I picture some of the creatures and characters in the world of the Five Tribes. I've had a lot of fun working on it with my artist friend and can't wait for you all to see it. I'll let you know when it's up.
I think that's about all for me right now. In summary, my goals for this round:
Finish Aeris and Publish
Finish Super secret writing project
Revise and Plan the rest of the series using Scrivener
Post illustrations on Pinterest.
Happy Reading, all!
So I don't know if you noticed my last entry, but THE FIRST DRAFT OF AERIS IS OFFICIALLY FINISHED!!!
Oh Bliss, oh happiness, oh, 151,000 words of YA Fantasy... you warm my heart. :) My book is off with the favored few who I let pre-read it. Then, after some distance and soul searching, I will begin my first of many rounds of edits. At this point... I'm hoping to be done Mid May, which is pretty miraculous considering where the book was 6 mths ago.
So, what am I doing right now? I'm readjusting my vision for the rest of the series (making sure I'm still on track for the ending I originally imagined). I'm planning out the next book. I'm working on a super secret writing project that I may or may not announce. It's still in the planning phase. I'm re-reading Compis to get a sense of where my series started and where it will continue. Annnnnndddd... I'm working with an artist, okay, a couple of artists on some concept art for the series.
I had an inspiration pinterest a while back, but then pinterest's dinosaur copyright protection stuff got me all paranoid and I deleted it. So instead, I'm going to post a pinterest with some sketches (nothing too fancy) that show how I picture some of the creatures and characters in the world of the Five Tribes. I've had a lot of fun working on it with my artist friend and can't wait for you all to see it. I'll let you know when it's up.
I think that's about all for me right now. In summary, my goals for this round:
Finish Aeris and Publish
Finish Super secret writing project
Revise and Plan the rest of the series using Scrivener
Post illustrations on Pinterest.
Happy Reading, all!
March 23, 2012
Feel like Dancing!
So, I made it! I did it! I'm doing my little victory dance! 151,832 words of deliciousness!!
It's been ONE YEAR in the making, almost, and now it's finished. Well, the rough draft anyway. This week it will be in the tender hands of some trusted pre-readers, who will give me feedback on plot and character. Then, after some additional edits it will head off to be proofed. And then it will be finished. Blessedly finished. It feels SO GOOD TO SAY THAT to all of you, my friends.
And now, come the first of many celebratory reveals. First, and most important, I thought you'd all like to see the cover of Aeris. I've hung on to it for a year, but I wouldn't let myself release it until the first draft was finished.
Now, for those of you who have read the book, that charm bracelet should be familiar. It's the one Nikka always wears and I thought it would be a good representation of her stay with the tribe of her birth. My fabulous sister did it for me again! Thanks, B!
BTW- for those of you who picked up a free copy of Significant Circumstances when it was available(and it will be again soon, on Easter weekend, I think) the girl character, Bethel, was inspired by my own sister. She rocks. She is also the first character that I've built off of a real person. :)
My other bit of exciting news! A couple months ago I asked Kait Nolan if she'd be willing to let me put an excerpt of her work in my book and she said yes! Whoohooo! So hopefully I can convince a whole slew of new readers that Red is awesomesauce! hahaha
That's all from me. See you all during the next ROW80, until then I will be busy with edits and things.
Happy Reading!
It's been ONE YEAR in the making, almost, and now it's finished. Well, the rough draft anyway. This week it will be in the tender hands of some trusted pre-readers, who will give me feedback on plot and character. Then, after some additional edits it will head off to be proofed. And then it will be finished. Blessedly finished. It feels SO GOOD TO SAY THAT to all of you, my friends.
And now, come the first of many celebratory reveals. First, and most important, I thought you'd all like to see the cover of Aeris. I've hung on to it for a year, but I wouldn't let myself release it until the first draft was finished.
Now, for those of you who have read the book, that charm bracelet should be familiar. It's the one Nikka always wears and I thought it would be a good representation of her stay with the tribe of her birth. My fabulous sister did it for me again! Thanks, B!
BTW- for those of you who picked up a free copy of Significant Circumstances when it was available(and it will be again soon, on Easter weekend, I think) the girl character, Bethel, was inspired by my own sister. She rocks. She is also the first character that I've built off of a real person. :)
My other bit of exciting news! A couple months ago I asked Kait Nolan if she'd be willing to let me put an excerpt of her work in my book and she said yes! Whoohooo! So hopefully I can convince a whole slew of new readers that Red is awesomesauce! hahaha
That's all from me. See you all during the next ROW80, until then I will be busy with edits and things.
Happy Reading!
March 18, 2012
Work For Your Week
This is the final week of this ROW round, and it's coincidentally the last big push for me. My husband will be out of town all week, and I have made the goal of FINISHING up Zyander by the end of the week. I'll have an hour in the mornings, 2 hours or so at nap time, and another 1.5 hours at bedtime to work. If I can't get it done by Friday, I never will. :)
The downside is that I won't be able to announce my triumph via ROW, but for those of you who read my blog outside of that, and all the readers that I've passed along this URL to, be on the lookout this coming Saturday or Sunday for some big news! If I get it done, I'm going to have some big celebration time, because this book has been in the works for almost a YEAR now.
So let's all cross our fingers and see what the next week brings.
Some interesting things in the internet world:
Remember THIS entry from last week? Well, it turns out an author has an opinion about traditionally publishing. It pretty much echoes what I said and others commented, still I found it interesting to read. Find it HERE.
In that same vein, remember how I said I was SHOCKED at traditionally published authors who were able to earn a living? Well, Francesca Lia Block, who has dozens of books, is losing her house. Find out about it HERE .
And finally, my local writing friend and I have talked about doing one of those letter books, where you both come up with a world and a each create a character and then have that character send letters to the other character. Except she went back to school and we never got around to it. :( But then I read THIS and man, I want to do that! I just have to find the time. hahaha Maybe after I finish Aeris I can round up some authors. :)
So, in honor of this last week of ROW80, I will change up my closing.
Happy WRITING, everyone, and good luck!
The downside is that I won't be able to announce my triumph via ROW, but for those of you who read my blog outside of that, and all the readers that I've passed along this URL to, be on the lookout this coming Saturday or Sunday for some big news! If I get it done, I'm going to have some big celebration time, because this book has been in the works for almost a YEAR now.
So let's all cross our fingers and see what the next week brings.
Some interesting things in the internet world:
Remember THIS entry from last week? Well, it turns out an author has an opinion about traditionally publishing. It pretty much echoes what I said and others commented, still I found it interesting to read. Find it HERE.
In that same vein, remember how I said I was SHOCKED at traditionally published authors who were able to earn a living? Well, Francesca Lia Block, who has dozens of books, is losing her house. Find out about it HERE .
And finally, my local writing friend and I have talked about doing one of those letter books, where you both come up with a world and a each create a character and then have that character send letters to the other character. Except she went back to school and we never got around to it. :( But then I read THIS and man, I want to do that! I just have to find the time. hahaha Maybe after I finish Aeris I can round up some authors. :)
So, in honor of this last week of ROW80, I will change up my closing.
Happy WRITING, everyone, and good luck!
March 11, 2012
I Need a Little Understanding...
Made some really good progress at the end of the week and now I'm about halfway through my story line edits of Zyander. Hoping to make more headway this week and spend the week after finishing up his story. Aeris is coming together, guys!
I just want to give a shout out to all the wonderful emails I've gotten from readers in the past couple of weeks. They have made me push through the fatigue and crank this last part out! It is so motivating to have people write you and tell you how excited they are to read the next book. I don't want to disappoint, and I'm working hard to make this next book the best that it can be. So thank you, all!
Now onto this week's topic. I've been following the writing world through the great thepassivevoice.com, which is probably one of the best websites out there for people who are interested in such things. Granted, it slants heavily toward the indie side of things, but it's always informative.
Which brings me to my questions for some of the other ROW authors out there. Several of you are going the traditional route: querying agents, trying to get published, etc. I just wondered why. Just... what is your reasoning? Have you ever considered going indie? Does indie seem like the lazy way? Does it feel more legit, the idea that an agent and publishing house would want you? Does it appeal more, letting someone else handle the cover, the editing, the proofing and formatting? Do you think you'd get a better marketing package if you went through a traditional publisher?
I used to think about trying the traditional route. Nothing sounded better... you get an advance (most times), they handle everything, and all you have to do is write. What could be better than that?
Then I had a kid and bought a house, and didn't feel like trying to budget in the time and money to send out queries to everyone and their brother. So yes, that is why I put my books out there without going that route. But it's been a year now, and I've learned a lot about the indie process. The more that I learn, the more motivated I am to keep doing it the way I have been. Here are a few of the reasons why:
1) I get to set the price of my ebooks. I can make them $9.99 or $.99 cents. I can choose what promos to put in place, whether free or half off or whatever I feel like to promote what I have out there. In traditional publishing, they pick the price and it's usually so high it pisses readers off (sometimes higher than the HARDBACK version).
2) I get a royalty check every month. I get an excel spreadsheet statement every month clearly outlining each book sold, for what price, what my royalty percentage is, etc. In traditional publishing, you get paid every 6 mths and the documentation they send you is incomprehensible(or so I've read from the authors who've commented on it).
3) No one holds the rights to MY BOOK, but ME. I don't have to fight to take my books off a website. I don't have to go through painful court cases or hire lawyers or send nasty letters trying to get my book rights back when a publisher fails me. In traditional publishing, publishers hold onto those rights like toddlers with their favorite toys. Dorchester, just last year, totally dropped the ball with their authors, pulling books, not paying authors, etc. And yet SOMEHOW those authors couldn't seem to get their rights back. Not only that, but now Dorchester is selling off those book rights to the highest bidder. Even after all that EPIC FAIL.
4) I release my books when THEY ARE FINISHED. I don't have to wait out a schedule. I don't have to wonder why, when I'm already on the THIRD FREAKING BOOK, my first one still has yet to be released. And don't tell me that it's because making a book look good takes a long time. BULL. I can name a dozen indie writers who have clean, edited books and manage to release them in a timely manner. In traditional publishing, publishers have a QUEUE, and where you are in the food chain directly relates to how your soon your book gets released.
5) I get to choose my own cover. Granted, I have to find a good artist and PAY that artist. I mean, I'm fortunate that my sister is so freaking talented and pretty much uses me as a portfolio builder.
But there are some great "pre-made" covers out there that don't cost a ton and look as professional as you'd ever need. In traditional publishing, someone else chooses the cover and maybe you get to sign off on it, maybe you don't. Maybe the publisher tries to rip off some other artist's cover, causing a scandal that surrounds your new and highly anticipated sequel. Maybe they pick a cover that is so out of place as to be laughable.
And I know there are benefits to be traditionally published. People take you seriously as a writer, for instance. I can't tell you the times I've gotten "the look" from people who find out I'm an indie. Or when someone says to me, "Wow, that seems so easy anyone can do it." Or "My girlfriend/wife/brother has this great idea for a book, can you tell him how you do that indie thing?"
You get an advance, which is nice. I get nothing upfront. On the other hand, advances for newbies are small, and you get them in pieces, and a lot of times you have to "earn" certain amounts to get the rest of your money. That is hard to do when your publisher pulls your book off B&N shelves after a short amount of time, or lists the ebook price so high that no one will try it out. I was shocked, SHOCKED at how many of my favorite writers are part time. I was SHOCKED that they didn't earn enough to quit their day jobs. I always figured that after all the time and effort and rigmarole you go through to pass through those "gatekeepers" that the payout would be better. I mean honestly, if I had to keep my day job, I would much rather be an indie, and get my 70% royalty. I would rather keep the rights to my book.
According to several sources, advances for newbies are now between 5-10,000. In chunk payments, remember. I've almost made that much. Granted it wasn't up front, but that's still pretty good. The more books I add, the better that will be. Business wise, it makes so much more sense to me to put my books out there, let my readers decide if they like me, and let the publishers come to ME, if they so desire. And if they don't... well, I'll be here, writing my next book.
So yeah... am I an idiot? Am I looking at this all wrong? Tell me!
Happy Reading!
I just want to give a shout out to all the wonderful emails I've gotten from readers in the past couple of weeks. They have made me push through the fatigue and crank this last part out! It is so motivating to have people write you and tell you how excited they are to read the next book. I don't want to disappoint, and I'm working hard to make this next book the best that it can be. So thank you, all!
Now onto this week's topic. I've been following the writing world through the great thepassivevoice.com, which is probably one of the best websites out there for people who are interested in such things. Granted, it slants heavily toward the indie side of things, but it's always informative.
Which brings me to my questions for some of the other ROW authors out there. Several of you are going the traditional route: querying agents, trying to get published, etc. I just wondered why. Just... what is your reasoning? Have you ever considered going indie? Does indie seem like the lazy way? Does it feel more legit, the idea that an agent and publishing house would want you? Does it appeal more, letting someone else handle the cover, the editing, the proofing and formatting? Do you think you'd get a better marketing package if you went through a traditional publisher?
I used to think about trying the traditional route. Nothing sounded better... you get an advance (most times), they handle everything, and all you have to do is write. What could be better than that?
Then I had a kid and bought a house, and didn't feel like trying to budget in the time and money to send out queries to everyone and their brother. So yes, that is why I put my books out there without going that route. But it's been a year now, and I've learned a lot about the indie process. The more that I learn, the more motivated I am to keep doing it the way I have been. Here are a few of the reasons why:
1) I get to set the price of my ebooks. I can make them $9.99 or $.99 cents. I can choose what promos to put in place, whether free or half off or whatever I feel like to promote what I have out there. In traditional publishing, they pick the price and it's usually so high it pisses readers off (sometimes higher than the HARDBACK version).
2) I get a royalty check every month. I get an excel spreadsheet statement every month clearly outlining each book sold, for what price, what my royalty percentage is, etc. In traditional publishing, you get paid every 6 mths and the documentation they send you is incomprehensible(or so I've read from the authors who've commented on it).
3) No one holds the rights to MY BOOK, but ME. I don't have to fight to take my books off a website. I don't have to go through painful court cases or hire lawyers or send nasty letters trying to get my book rights back when a publisher fails me. In traditional publishing, publishers hold onto those rights like toddlers with their favorite toys. Dorchester, just last year, totally dropped the ball with their authors, pulling books, not paying authors, etc. And yet SOMEHOW those authors couldn't seem to get their rights back. Not only that, but now Dorchester is selling off those book rights to the highest bidder. Even after all that EPIC FAIL.
4) I release my books when THEY ARE FINISHED. I don't have to wait out a schedule. I don't have to wonder why, when I'm already on the THIRD FREAKING BOOK, my first one still has yet to be released. And don't tell me that it's because making a book look good takes a long time. BULL. I can name a dozen indie writers who have clean, edited books and manage to release them in a timely manner. In traditional publishing, publishers have a QUEUE, and where you are in the food chain directly relates to how your soon your book gets released.
5) I get to choose my own cover. Granted, I have to find a good artist and PAY that artist. I mean, I'm fortunate that my sister is so freaking talented and pretty much uses me as a portfolio builder.
But there are some great "pre-made" covers out there that don't cost a ton and look as professional as you'd ever need. In traditional publishing, someone else chooses the cover and maybe you get to sign off on it, maybe you don't. Maybe the publisher tries to rip off some other artist's cover, causing a scandal that surrounds your new and highly anticipated sequel. Maybe they pick a cover that is so out of place as to be laughable.
And I know there are benefits to be traditionally published. People take you seriously as a writer, for instance. I can't tell you the times I've gotten "the look" from people who find out I'm an indie. Or when someone says to me, "Wow, that seems so easy anyone can do it." Or "My girlfriend/wife/brother has this great idea for a book, can you tell him how you do that indie thing?"
You get an advance, which is nice. I get nothing upfront. On the other hand, advances for newbies are small, and you get them in pieces, and a lot of times you have to "earn" certain amounts to get the rest of your money. That is hard to do when your publisher pulls your book off B&N shelves after a short amount of time, or lists the ebook price so high that no one will try it out. I was shocked, SHOCKED at how many of my favorite writers are part time. I was SHOCKED that they didn't earn enough to quit their day jobs. I always figured that after all the time and effort and rigmarole you go through to pass through those "gatekeepers" that the payout would be better. I mean honestly, if I had to keep my day job, I would much rather be an indie, and get my 70% royalty. I would rather keep the rights to my book.
According to several sources, advances for newbies are now between 5-10,000. In chunk payments, remember. I've almost made that much. Granted it wasn't up front, but that's still pretty good. The more books I add, the better that will be. Business wise, it makes so much more sense to me to put my books out there, let my readers decide if they like me, and let the publishers come to ME, if they so desire. And if they don't... well, I'll be here, writing my next book.
So yeah... am I an idiot? Am I looking at this all wrong? Tell me!
Happy Reading!
March 7, 2012
Questions answered!
I've had a complete failure in the writing dept. this week. Give it up for fatigue everybody! I'm going to have to work double time to improve my numbers for Aeris. Oh well.
I've gotten a few questions regarding the Five Tribes series that I wanted to answer really quickly, just so everyone has an idea of what's going on there.
Q. Are the characters from the first book, Compis, going to carry on in any other books or will there be new characters for every book?
A. I think I can emphatically say that Luka, Nikka, and Zyander will be in every book in this series. I have long term plans, people, long term. This means that I have a story for each of the characters that will carry through till the end of this series.
Q. How many books will be in this series?
A. For the story of Nikka and choosing, there will be 5 books. I know, that's a lot, right? And it might change, depending on where the story goes. My plan is/was to write one every 6 mths, but I didn't expect the next book to be so long or to have a baby (haha). Hmmm... Assuming the rest aren't as large, I should be able to do that, but for now, it will have to be 6-12 mths each.
Q. I liked the other characters in the book, will we get to read more about them?
A. I have in my mind the idea that I'd like to do a standalone book about the first Compis, (when I'm a MUCH more experienced writer) because that one will be complicated. I'd also like to do a SHORT series, like 2 books featuring Alea and Keran. Then there is Nikka's sister, Teah, who I'd like to write about. And THEN there is a whole other story brooding about in my mind that I'm busily ignoring that is also (sort of) set in the 5 tribes world. Other than that, no.
Q. My favorite character was the vixen, do you have any favorite characters?
A. I'm quite fond of Luka. I think it's pretty obvious that my books are all about character growth and initially, I think it's much easier to see where Nikka and Zyander would have lots of character growth, but not so much Luka. But actually, his story line is one of my favorites and despite his modest beginnings, I have BIG plans for him.
The "crone" character has always been a favorite of mine. You know: maiden, mother, crone. Agga and the vixen are both crone characters, imparting wisdom from a long life of learning. Both of them are also my favorite characters.
Alas, I must run and start dinner. But if you have any more questions, feel free to ask! Happy Reading!
I've gotten a few questions regarding the Five Tribes series that I wanted to answer really quickly, just so everyone has an idea of what's going on there.
Q. Are the characters from the first book, Compis, going to carry on in any other books or will there be new characters for every book?
A. I think I can emphatically say that Luka, Nikka, and Zyander will be in every book in this series. I have long term plans, people, long term. This means that I have a story for each of the characters that will carry through till the end of this series.
Q. How many books will be in this series?
A. For the story of Nikka and choosing, there will be 5 books. I know, that's a lot, right? And it might change, depending on where the story goes. My plan is/was to write one every 6 mths, but I didn't expect the next book to be so long or to have a baby (haha). Hmmm... Assuming the rest aren't as large, I should be able to do that, but for now, it will have to be 6-12 mths each.
Q. I liked the other characters in the book, will we get to read more about them?
A. I have in my mind the idea that I'd like to do a standalone book about the first Compis, (when I'm a MUCH more experienced writer) because that one will be complicated. I'd also like to do a SHORT series, like 2 books featuring Alea and Keran. Then there is Nikka's sister, Teah, who I'd like to write about. And THEN there is a whole other story brooding about in my mind that I'm busily ignoring that is also (sort of) set in the 5 tribes world. Other than that, no.
Q. My favorite character was the vixen, do you have any favorite characters?
A. I'm quite fond of Luka. I think it's pretty obvious that my books are all about character growth and initially, I think it's much easier to see where Nikka and Zyander would have lots of character growth, but not so much Luka. But actually, his story line is one of my favorites and despite his modest beginnings, I have BIG plans for him.
The "crone" character has always been a favorite of mine. You know: maiden, mother, crone. Agga and the vixen are both crone characters, imparting wisdom from a long life of learning. Both of them are also my favorite characters.
Alas, I must run and start dinner. But if you have any more questions, feel free to ask! Happy Reading!
March 4, 2012
Continuity
Got some good work done this week. Not much time for any of my usual internet hopping, though. So this entry will probably be brief.
I finished the new Angelic Agents story. I really enjoy these, maybe because I'm a pastor's kid and angels have always fascinated me. I sent it to my sister who tends to do a lot of informal first reading for me. She reads a lot of the same stuff I do, and she gives good feedback.
I've been working steadily on Aeris. It is tough work, though. Not because I'm uninspired or don't know what to write, but because my work at this point is half editing, half writing. I'm making a lot of changes in Zyander's story line, which affects him and in turn Nikka, whose story is intimately entwined with his in this second book in the series. I basically have to write a chapter, read two chapters, make some changes, and write another chapter. It's slow work and takes a lot of brainpower that I just don't seem to have. (New Baby, anyone?)
I'm also worried because, series are HARD! Especially this series, which gets more and more complicated as you move through it. Not in the drama sense (I really hate that, like where the drama between the actual characters is the only action in the story. Argh.), but in the sense that I have 3 MCs, all with their own complicated story lines, and 5 tribes, each with a problem of its own, and now, I have at least 3 outside forces I have to deal with to end the series.
For the first time, I'm starting to wonder if I've bitten off more than I can chew. Can I just say it again? Series are HARD. You have to worry about character growth, keeping the overarching story line interesting, keeping each individual story for the book interesting. You have to think about how each thing that happens in the book you're currently in affects what happens in every book after. "If I add in this element to make this book interesting, how will it affect the next book. How will my characters deal with it? Am I writing myself into a corner?"
It makes my brain hurt. I'm starting to understand why people want editors. These people are professionals whose job it is to pick apart a story and point out all the inconsistencies and continuity errors.
I can't believe how close this book is to being finished. FINALLY! :)
Off to work. Happy Reading, all!
PS- As a celebration of Read and Ebook week over at Smashwords, Compis is now half off. The coupon REW50 is supposed to work until the 10th of March. Link to my book HERE
I finished the new Angelic Agents story. I really enjoy these, maybe because I'm a pastor's kid and angels have always fascinated me. I sent it to my sister who tends to do a lot of informal first reading for me. She reads a lot of the same stuff I do, and she gives good feedback.
I've been working steadily on Aeris. It is tough work, though. Not because I'm uninspired or don't know what to write, but because my work at this point is half editing, half writing. I'm making a lot of changes in Zyander's story line, which affects him and in turn Nikka, whose story is intimately entwined with his in this second book in the series. I basically have to write a chapter, read two chapters, make some changes, and write another chapter. It's slow work and takes a lot of brainpower that I just don't seem to have. (New Baby, anyone?)
I'm also worried because, series are HARD! Especially this series, which gets more and more complicated as you move through it. Not in the drama sense (I really hate that, like where the drama between the actual characters is the only action in the story. Argh.), but in the sense that I have 3 MCs, all with their own complicated story lines, and 5 tribes, each with a problem of its own, and now, I have at least 3 outside forces I have to deal with to end the series.
For the first time, I'm starting to wonder if I've bitten off more than I can chew. Can I just say it again? Series are HARD. You have to worry about character growth, keeping the overarching story line interesting, keeping each individual story for the book interesting. You have to think about how each thing that happens in the book you're currently in affects what happens in every book after. "If I add in this element to make this book interesting, how will it affect the next book. How will my characters deal with it? Am I writing myself into a corner?"
It makes my brain hurt. I'm starting to understand why people want editors. These people are professionals whose job it is to pick apart a story and point out all the inconsistencies and continuity errors.
I can't believe how close this book is to being finished. FINALLY! :)
Off to work. Happy Reading, all!
PS- As a celebration of Read and Ebook week over at Smashwords, Compis is now half off. The coupon REW50 is supposed to work until the 10th of March. Link to my book HERE
February 29, 2012
A Shot of Adrenaline...
I'm not feeling it today and I haven't been for a few days. I've been sick and New Baby has been teething. It's hard to sleep when you're all plugged up and you have a sad little man who demands comfort in the form of not sleeping, but rather rocking and holding and loving. Which I don't mind. I love being a mom. However, fatigue is NOT a good motivator. 5:30 AM is difficult when you've been up all night. And skipping the afternoon nap is downright impossible. I have gotten some work done on Zyander and another Angelic Agents story I've been working on, but it is slow going. Still, I have not forgotten my WOTY. I may be down, but I'm not out! I still have the goal of finishing Zyander by the third week of March. I still want to be at LEAST edited, if not proofed by April 30th. But overall, I want this book to get finished, and kick butt! :) I'm excited to see what fans of the last book have to say about this one.
Other things on the world of the web:FREE BOOKS. No, really. I'm serious.Baen, the most awesome publisher of sci-fi, is giving away their books. Because they are AWESOME!! GO HERE. Also, have you heard of Lendle? If you have a kindle and an addiction to buying indie books, then this might be the place for you. Check it out HERE.
Remember when I did that series on Author Etiquette: HERE , HERE , HERE, and HERE?
Well, not to toot my own horn or anything, but it turns out it was kinda true. Read about that, OVER HERE .
That's about all from me. Hoping for better news next time. Until then, Happy Reading!
February 19, 2012
Inspiration...
Unfortunately, there is a teething baby in this house, so there will be no long, thoughtful post about my WOTY today. Ah, well.
There is cause for celebration, however. At just under 150,000 words, Luka's story for Aeris is now complete. There will be the inevitable edits, and I'm really not so happy with the ending line (I like a strong ending) but that's what editing is for. I'm just so excited to have two, count them TWO, of my characters finished for this book.
I've started on Zyander, but his entries will be more editing than writing at this point, so it will be slow going. My goal for him is the third week in March, at which point I will send out copies to my betas with a week deadline for feedback, then start my hardcore edits before sending the book onward to proofing. *sigh* So happy to be here, so happy to be getting my goals accomplished.
I've got lots of side projects going, but I've been making them take a back burner to Aeris. I have a fantasy short story collection that should be out in another month or so, and a sci-fi one that will be out in another week or so. There is also a super secret project that I am NOT working on, but making notes for to start up when Aeris is published.
Last bit of news... I've been kind of off the internet, so I don't have many links this week, but I wanted to plug writer Elizabeth May, who has a book called The Falconer coming out sometime in 2013. She has a GREAT entry on editing that gave me some super helpful hints on how to identify words you use too much in the course of your writing. Have you seen Wordle, guys? It's amazing. Check out my rough draft of Aeris through Wordle's eyes:
I'm not worried about "like" as I tend to use a lot of similes in my writing. "asked" and "one" are more troubling. I don't see a lot of adverbs or -ing words, so hopeful my writing isn't too passive, either. We'll see when we get to editing.
HERE is her blog entry on editing. (BTW- much of what she talks about can also be found in the excellent book: Self-editing for Fiction Writers)
One other thing. Elizabeth May also has a cool pinterest dedicated to inspiration for her book, and I thought I'd post a link to that, as well. It inspired me to create my own board with stuff that gets my creativity flowing.
Here is her pinterest board.
Here is mine. (Much smaller right now)
Hope all your goals are being reached and your inspiration is soaring!
There is cause for celebration, however. At just under 150,000 words, Luka's story for Aeris is now complete. There will be the inevitable edits, and I'm really not so happy with the ending line (I like a strong ending) but that's what editing is for. I'm just so excited to have two, count them TWO, of my characters finished for this book.
I've started on Zyander, but his entries will be more editing than writing at this point, so it will be slow going. My goal for him is the third week in March, at which point I will send out copies to my betas with a week deadline for feedback, then start my hardcore edits before sending the book onward to proofing. *sigh* So happy to be here, so happy to be getting my goals accomplished.
I've got lots of side projects going, but I've been making them take a back burner to Aeris. I have a fantasy short story collection that should be out in another month or so, and a sci-fi one that will be out in another week or so. There is also a super secret project that I am NOT working on, but making notes for to start up when Aeris is published.
Last bit of news... I've been kind of off the internet, so I don't have many links this week, but I wanted to plug writer Elizabeth May, who has a book called The Falconer coming out sometime in 2013. She has a GREAT entry on editing that gave me some super helpful hints on how to identify words you use too much in the course of your writing. Have you seen Wordle, guys? It's amazing. Check out my rough draft of Aeris through Wordle's eyes:
I'm not worried about "like" as I tend to use a lot of similes in my writing. "asked" and "one" are more troubling. I don't see a lot of adverbs or -ing words, so hopeful my writing isn't too passive, either. We'll see when we get to editing.
HERE is her blog entry on editing. (BTW- much of what she talks about can also be found in the excellent book: Self-editing for Fiction Writers)
One other thing. Elizabeth May also has a cool pinterest dedicated to inspiration for her book, and I thought I'd post a link to that, as well. It inspired me to create my own board with stuff that gets my creativity flowing.
Here is her pinterest board.
Here is mine. (Much smaller right now)
Hope all your goals are being reached and your inspiration is soaring!
February 12, 2012
Phoning it in...
I had a whole huge entry about my word of the year, DETERMINATION, to share with you, but then New Baby got the croup again and I got about... hmmm... 45 minutes of sleep last night. Sometimes, as a mama, I DO have to tell myself, "You can get through this. You can, and it WILL get better." Thank goodness I have another son's experience on my belt or otherwise I might think otherwise. New mamas out there, you have my sympathy. I've been there and I understand your deep, everlasting fatigue.
I digress. On to my update. I'm so excited, guys! I'm at 145,000 words with Aeris. I'm >THIS< close to being finished with Luka's story and I've got my short story collection in proofing. One of them. The other one is in limbo because I haven't figured out the ending to one of the other stories yet.
I'm pretty sure —unless I come down with the plague— that I will, in fact, finish it by the 15th. I'm so very very excited about where Luka's story went with this book, although I think I said that about Nikka's story, too. hahaha
So that's it from me for now. I'm going out of town on Wed. So I may or may not update.
Good luck to all my fellow ROW participants and Happy Reading!
I digress. On to my update. I'm so excited, guys! I'm at 145,000 words with Aeris. I'm >THIS< close to being finished with Luka's story and I've got my short story collection in proofing. One of them. The other one is in limbo because I haven't figured out the ending to one of the other stories yet.
I'm pretty sure —unless I come down with the plague— that I will, in fact, finish it by the 15th. I'm so very very excited about where Luka's story went with this book, although I think I said that about Nikka's story, too. hahaha
So that's it from me for now. I'm going out of town on Wed. So I may or may not update.
Good luck to all my fellow ROW participants and Happy Reading!
