C.D. Loken's Blog, page 38
September 7, 2012
Need a break!
I've been working all week on both the third and first book, with my priority being challenged heavily because though I want the third book to be published, it seems more important to correct the issues of my first. Thanks to my editor all errors have been found, but I've decided to make some drastic changes, and it's taking all my focus to just remain in this story. I love it, but like I said before, when you've read it a hundred times, it's like an old friend that you know better than yourself. After time, you don't even need to talk, because there is nothing to say anymore. Well, back to work. I hope everyone has a great weekend! If I get another 1,000 words completed, I just might being saying "Cheers!"
September 5, 2012
Change is hard!
I've probably read my first book at least a hundred times if not more. I wrote this story for a purpose-but that purpose has suddenly been clouded by recent negative input. I wish I had the magical power to just fix all the issues that are stated-but I don't. Instead I have to go through each sentence, each paragraph and pick it apart in hopes that I can find what is wrong. If I could afford an editor, or a proof reader, it would be easier-but sadly I can't. So it's my responsibility with the advice of my peers to do just that. Pick apart every word-until it's "perfectly" correct-and what's left? Well, I hope a book that's worth reading. I guess those readers will decide, but I'm not going to have that BAD review like a beacon on 5 years of work-saying- "DON'T READ!" I've invested my heart and soul into this-and my dream is to continue to write. Granted, less emotionally invested books, but still QUALITY work. Well, I guess I've played enough. I have 4,000 words to write yet tonight so I best get back to it.
September 4, 2012
It's coming- I promise!
So I haven't forgotten the self help column I'm going to post on my blog in intervals. I really am working on it, as well as the final pieces to my third book. I've just been overwhelmed with a bad review which just shut me down for a few days, until thankfully the world of my writing friends calmed me down. I know I shouldn't take reviews personally, but it's hard to do when they criticize your work. Well, I guess there are problems and they do need to be fixed. Thankfully my sales haven't reflected an issue but I wish others who had read the book had informed me there was a formatting problem. I wouldn't have ran a promo if I'd known. The reviewer also made a comment on the "hopping heads" issue, sadly I wasn't aware it WAS an issue. So I've got some "fixing" to do. Am I going to tear the book apart and make a ton of changes as I first FELT like doing after reading the review? NO. I'm over it now. I have to bite my lip and accept that not everyone is going to LOVE my books. I'm a free spirit, and I write what is in my heart. Am I perfect? NO. Do I wish that reader had had a better experience? yes. Will I try harder? Yes- so..back to the self help- this will be an issue I approach. Get ready folks- because there is going to be a TON help right at your fingertips. I'll try not to overwhelm everyone, because I have to say, there is a ton of info and many links and resources I'll be listing. But I'll keep each post as short and simple as I can.-As for the third book. If everything goes as I hope, it should be out by this week. If not, next week at the very latest! GOD BLESS!
August 30, 2012
A Self Help for Indie Authors-Coming soon!
Once I'm done with my last book in the series, I'm going to put together all the material I have found through blogs, forums, and friends in the "writing" world and post it here on my blog. It will be pretty in depth-so it might take several posts. I don't want to overload everyone. This is an exciting and wonderful time to be an author and I am so amazed at how much information is out there for us to gain success. I have come across hundreds of wonderful people that have shared their resources and ideas and to me it's truly humbling. In every field there is always competition. Someone is always doing better, or has more success than you another. But in this world, even those who are EXTREMELY successful, still want others to share in that. (excluding John Locke-who lied to us all on his success) but besides him, I have chatted, blogged, emailed, and talked to so many authors who simply want to help others. I'll try and begin this self help addition by next week. Until then, keep writing and God Bless!
August 28, 2012
John Locke- very disappointing!
Sorry I haven't had any posts lately. I have been extremely busy with putting the finishing touches on the third book. I'm having issues with final draft and editing as well as the cover. A part of me would just like it to magically get completed but that is fantasy, not reality. I also have been making changes to the first two- not so much in content but in cover design and such. I just want everything to be perfect when I debut the third and final book of the series. I'm excited to have it done as I would like to move onto something a little more fun and sexy and not so serious of a topic. Last night was kind of a bummer for me when it was reported that a best selling indie author John Locke was part of a review scandal. I understand how important reviews are to a new author. What I don't understand is the "cheating" ways that some people go about getting them. There is nothing "easy" about making it big in the writing world. It takes a lot of hard work and time and most importantly a damn good piece of work! You have to write, write and write some more and than you have to go out and sell it. But to PAY for people to write reviews is downright wrong, especially when the man wrote a book on how he became a best selling author and left that very important fact out! Well, I have more to say on the subject and I'm sure some folks won't agree with what I've said thus far. There are people in this industry that think what Mr. Locke did is just fine. It's part of the business of becoming successful but I don't agree. I guess I'm old fashioned, or maybe just stupid! No matter, I have more writing to do. I gave myself a deadline of the end of this week. I'm already way behind in what needs to get done- so God Bless and have a great Labor Day weekend!
August 19, 2012
August 14, 2012
Book Cover
I'm currently working on my third book's cover. It's difficult especially when I am so picky and there is so much to choose from. I may have break it down into three choices and have a contest just to choose!! We shall see. Today will be spent putting the final touches on the book and sending it off with a long sigh to my editor! God Bless!
August 10, 2012
I HIT TOP 20!
I barely slept a wink last night. At about 5pm yesterday my first book The Gift of the Brass Bell hit the TOP 20 in my genre on Amazon.com As of this morning I am #12 and #15 in both categories!
