Ryan Casey's Blog, page 12

Writing in Multiple Genres — Is it a Bad Idea?

One of the main disadvantages of being a writer is that there are only so many stories we can write.

This knowledge is highly frustrating. Taking a glance at my Notes app, I have enough ideas lined up to last me a career, yet I know I’ll probably only work on one or two of those before thinking up something fresher.

To some, it isn’t as much of a problem. Some writers prefer to specialise in one genre, and that’s cool. If you enjoy writing in a particular genre, then you should do that. However...

Author Update: What’s Next from Ryan Casey?

Hi all,

Just wanted to check in and reassure you that yes, I am alive, and no, I haven’t quit writing. So, tabloid journalists, you can drop your pens and scrap that planned headline story all over the gossip pages tomorrow…

I am, in fact, in the process of moving house. To those who haven’t moved house before, I can assure you that it is a roller-coaster of, well, highs and lows, the lowest being having to wait a goddamned week for a proper internet connection to be installed. I’m currently ty...

Understanding Amazon Rankings — Debunking the Myths

There is a lot of confusion surrounding the Amazon ranking system. Pretty much every blog you visit, you’ll hear a different ‘take’ on whether a free book is as weighty as a paid book, whether the popularity lists are different to the bestseller lists, and excited tweets about receiving email adverts of author’s own works from Amazon.

The intention of this post is to debunk a few myths surrounding the Amazon rankings. Before I do, I’d like to once again credit David Gaughran for his in-depth d...

The Painting (The Watching, 1) Now Available!

Good news! My new book,The Painting,is now available to buy over at Amazonfor $2.99/£1.99! Just hit here to be transferred to the relevant Kindle Store.

Here’s a bit about the book:

Youthinkyou know the story.

When struggling novelist Donny retreats to a derelict old house, he hopes to find the inspiration to overcome his battle with writer’s block. However, things don’t seem to be getting any easier for him inside the creepy house.

Until he finds the painting.

Reinvigorated by the painting’s allu...

Kindle Worlds: Why Amazon’s Fan Fiction Platform is Good News

A couple of years ago, self-publishing was a dirty word.

Okay, okay — it still is. But it’s slowly shaking its negative connotations. People are not only able to publish books that publishers dismiss as inappropriate, but are managing to form stable careers through independent publishing. Criticise Amazon as much as you like, but I believe that KDP has been central to this image change, and I’m willing to bet that a high percentage of fellow writers would agree.

Fan fiction is a similarly ‘dirt...

The Painting (The Watching Book 1) Preview

On Sunday, I revealed a brand-new project titledThe Painting,which is the first novella in a planned series of three for launch in 2013.

I promised a preview of the book, so here you go. All I ask for in return is that you share this post with somebody you think might enjoy it. If they enjoy it, they’re more than welcome to click here to be notified before anyone else as soon asThe Paintingis available (late May likely).

Enjoy!

PS: The Painting is still in copy-editing so do excuse any minor typ...

The Painting: New Book from Ryan Casey, Coming Soon…

Surprise: I have a new release on the way.

It’s called ‘The Painting’, as you can see from the lovely cover to the left, and is the first part of a series I like to call ‘The Watching’.

The Painting is indeed the novella I was working on when I tracked my progress a few weeks ago. Just shows how quickly releases can be put together when we really throw everything we’ve got at them.

What is The Painting?

The Painting is a 27,000 word suspense novella. It’s the creepy tale of a struggling writer wh...

Let’s Get Visible by David Gaughran is Now Available

Authors and publishers, stop what you’re doing and head on over to Amazonright this moment. David Gaughran, one of the most self-publishing savvy authors out there, has just launched his new book, Let’s Get Visible: How To Get Noticed And Sell More Books.

I’ve been a huge fan of David’s work ever since I picked up a copy of his first publishing guide,Let’s Get Digital,last year. It provided me with the tools and confidence I needed to pursue self-publishing, and I owe a lot to him for giving m...

Writing for a Living: Preparing for a Career in Making Stuff Up

In three weeks time, I’ll be completely free.

After seventeen years in full-time education, I finally pack my bags and head back home from the University of Birmingham, where I’m finishing up my English with Creative Writing degree programme. I’ve enjoyed my time there and learned a lot of life lessons, so it’s safe to say I’ve no regrets.

That said, I’m ready to leave.

For the last two years, I’ve juggled my fiction writing/blogging/marketing with my degree. Neither have suffered for my extende...

Ageism and Writing: Why to Take Pride in Your Age

I don’t comment on my reviews.

Generally, I’m pleased with how things are going. The last time I checked, my debut book had a pretty good average.Naturally, there are a mixture of opinions out there. Some think the characters are great and really capture that youthful nostalgia, others don’t particularly enjoy the voice of the characters. That’s fine: it’s a taste thing, so I can completely buy that.

I’ve taken my fair share of 5, 4, 3, and 2-star reviews, and pretty much all of them have revol...