Steve Wilson's Blog, page 6
September 29, 2012
Authors, What Are You Offering Your Readers?
Authors often pour themselves into their writing, and once finished, they expect readers to flock to their published efforts--simply for the privilege of reading their work.
To an extent, I'm exaggerating to make a point. But just like in the business world, authors need to examine their books from a 'return on investment' perspective. In preparing their manuscripts, authors need to ask: what exactly is different or better about MY book that will enrich the reading experience for people who buy it?
That's why I believe 'Red Sky at Morning' will be a pleasant surprise among readers of any category. Novelists should offer something a little bit unexpected; a story that strays from formulaic models and embraces true creativity--something that can encourage the spirit by revealing virtue in the characters inhabiting the pages of their books.
I'll leave it at that. I'm hoping readers of 'Red Sky at Morning' will find a story that's different from others in the genre--something that will tell a story and be a blessing at the same time.
Keep reading!
Steve
To an extent, I'm exaggerating to make a point. But just like in the business world, authors need to examine their books from a 'return on investment' perspective. In preparing their manuscripts, authors need to ask: what exactly is different or better about MY book that will enrich the reading experience for people who buy it?
That's why I believe 'Red Sky at Morning' will be a pleasant surprise among readers of any category. Novelists should offer something a little bit unexpected; a story that strays from formulaic models and embraces true creativity--something that can encourage the spirit by revealing virtue in the characters inhabiting the pages of their books.
I'll leave it at that. I'm hoping readers of 'Red Sky at Morning' will find a story that's different from others in the genre--something that will tell a story and be a blessing at the same time.
Keep reading!
Steve
Christian Fiction, Military Suspense
Some readers have been pleasantly surprised by the faith-based theme underlying my military/espionage thriller, 'Red Sky at Morning'. I don't think it's too much of a stretch for readers to believe that the men and women of our armed forces have a deep reliance on God. It was something I witnessed first-hand in places like northern Iraq and the mountain elevations of Afghanistan.
Some authors portray the military using hard-as-nails characters--sometimes in compromising situations, with salty dispositions and even saltier language. There's no doubt that type can be found within the ranks, but not everyone is like that. At the same time, those individuals are also capable of expressing deep faith. I've seen that too, and I must admit, the two extremes are hard to reconcile when they're embodied in the same person.
That's one of the reasons I've chosen to depict the leading protagonists in 'Red Sky at Morning' as men of faith. It's that personal aspect that doesn't show up in most books in the military/espionage/thriller genre. Often overlooked, I believe it's what sets Michael Neill apart--and enriches the experience for readers of any category.
That's all for now. Keep reading!
Steve
Some authors portray the military using hard-as-nails characters--sometimes in compromising situations, with salty dispositions and even saltier language. There's no doubt that type can be found within the ranks, but not everyone is like that. At the same time, those individuals are also capable of expressing deep faith. I've seen that too, and I must admit, the two extremes are hard to reconcile when they're embodied in the same person.
That's one of the reasons I've chosen to depict the leading protagonists in 'Red Sky at Morning' as men of faith. It's that personal aspect that doesn't show up in most books in the military/espionage/thriller genre. Often overlooked, I believe it's what sets Michael Neill apart--and enriches the experience for readers of any category.
That's all for now. Keep reading!
Steve
September 19, 2012
Reviews and Ratings
I'd like to dedicate this post to everyone who's been thoughtful enough to post a review of 'Red Sky at Morning'. I appreciate those, along with the ratings the book's received. Most have been very favorable, and the reviewers tell me they've enjoyed the story.
Reviews roll in slowly. I've encouraged several people to read the book and post a review. Some have told me that it's not as easy as they thought! I've written a few myself, and I can sympathize.
For an author, a review is a perspective on their work that they can't generate on their own. Some readers offer insights you don't expect. They view your work in ways that get you thinking about how you've written a book or novel. More often than not, an insightful review can be a great encouragement.
Something else about reviews that got me thinking. So many of them mention a desire to read more about the characters, and an anticipation for the next book in the series. I'm weeks away from finishing the next one, and I'll give more details about that in the days ahead.
Steve
Reviews roll in slowly. I've encouraged several people to read the book and post a review. Some have told me that it's not as easy as they thought! I've written a few myself, and I can sympathize.
For an author, a review is a perspective on their work that they can't generate on their own. Some readers offer insights you don't expect. They view your work in ways that get you thinking about how you've written a book or novel. More often than not, an insightful review can be a great encouragement.
Something else about reviews that got me thinking. So many of them mention a desire to read more about the characters, and an anticipation for the next book in the series. I'm weeks away from finishing the next one, and I'll give more details about that in the days ahead.
Steve
September 3, 2012
Creativity Doesn't Necessarily Follow An Outline
I think most writers and authors can sympathize with the title of this latest posting on my blog. Recently I carefully calculated just how much of a word count I'd need to complete my second novel.
I say 'carefully calculated', which is correct, but I allowed a lot of wiggle room. I'm still well within the ballpark, but I was surprised by how some sections that I had planned for took more (and in some cases less) content than I had imagined.
It reminded me of a big ball of yarn. You hold on to one end of the yarn and toss the ball onto the floor. It starts to unwind, but then you realize that it's rolling a lot farther than you thought it would--or conversely, sometimes it doesn't roll nearly as far as you'd hoped.
That's a lot like what I've experienced with book two in the Michael Neill series. Even though I've followed a written and mental outline for the progression of the story, more often than not the creative process expresses itself and dashes my plan. And that's not a bad thing; it's just the nature of creativity. You think you can keep it in a nice little box, but it gets away from you. It's the embodiment of that old bumper sticker: "I tried to contain myself, but I escaped!"
Which brings me to the point of this posting. Creativity is a living thing. Don't be discouraged when it punches a hole in your carefully crafted outline. Novels can hold surprises for not only the reader, but the author as well!
Keep reading!
Steve
I say 'carefully calculated', which is correct, but I allowed a lot of wiggle room. I'm still well within the ballpark, but I was surprised by how some sections that I had planned for took more (and in some cases less) content than I had imagined.
It reminded me of a big ball of yarn. You hold on to one end of the yarn and toss the ball onto the floor. It starts to unwind, but then you realize that it's rolling a lot farther than you thought it would--or conversely, sometimes it doesn't roll nearly as far as you'd hoped.
That's a lot like what I've experienced with book two in the Michael Neill series. Even though I've followed a written and mental outline for the progression of the story, more often than not the creative process expresses itself and dashes my plan. And that's not a bad thing; it's just the nature of creativity. You think you can keep it in a nice little box, but it gets away from you. It's the embodiment of that old bumper sticker: "I tried to contain myself, but I escaped!"
Which brings me to the point of this posting. Creativity is a living thing. Don't be discouraged when it punches a hole in your carefully crafted outline. Novels can hold surprises for not only the reader, but the author as well!
Keep reading!
Steve
August 21, 2012
Marketing Your Debut Novel, Part Two--or "Hey, are you a reader?"
One other tactic I've employed in marketing 'Red Sky at Morning'; I designed business cards depicting the book's cover (in full color) on one side, with my web address printed on the back (www.stevewilsonauthor.com). Once there, readers can download the first couple of chapters, or link to White Feather Press (my publisher) or Amazon.com.
The cards have helped tremendously. I've passed out over 150 so far. It's a great way to get the word out. And I can pass them out to people without giving some spiel that could quickly become annoying. They also make great bookmarks. And best of all, they were very inexpensive. Effective marketing on a budget--it doesn't get much better than that.
I hope this helps someone out there. Till then, keep reading!
Steve
The cards have helped tremendously. I've passed out over 150 so far. It's a great way to get the word out. And I can pass them out to people without giving some spiel that could quickly become annoying. They also make great bookmarks. And best of all, they were very inexpensive. Effective marketing on a budget--it doesn't get much better than that.
I hope this helps someone out there. Till then, keep reading!
Steve
August 14, 2012
'Red Sky at Morning' receives a professional review
I've just posted the news on my 'Red Sky at Morning' Facebook page. Today the Military Writers Society of America published their review of the book on the MWSA website. I've been a Society member for some time now, and a few weeks ago they requested a copy of the book for the purposes of review.
I won't include the review in its entirety here; but for those of you who are interested, here's the link:
http://www.mwsadispatches.com/node/1127
Thanks again to those of you who have read the book and supported an unknown author with his first novel. I've poured a lot into 'Red Sky at Morning' and the second book in the series (and yes, I've whittled down the list of names to only two now!) and I hope you enjoy what I've written.
Keep reading!
Steve
I won't include the review in its entirety here; but for those of you who are interested, here's the link:
http://www.mwsadispatches.com/node/1127
Thanks again to those of you who have read the book and supported an unknown author with his first novel. I've poured a lot into 'Red Sky at Morning' and the second book in the series (and yes, I've whittled down the list of names to only two now!) and I hope you enjoy what I've written.
Keep reading!
Steve
August 13, 2012
The Book Giveaway
On August 12th, the 'Red Sky at Morning' book giveaway ended. I have to admit, I was floored by the interest the contest generated! By the time it was over, more than 370 people requested a copy of the book. Unfortunately, only 10 copies are available; I'm sure I'll plan another giveaway in the future, possibly for the first book, and definitely for the second one in the series.
I'd like to thank all the readers who signed up for a chance to win a copy of 'Red Sky at Morning'. I've contacted the publisher and forwarded the names and addresses of the winners, so those books should be going out soon. Once I know they've been mailed, I'll message the winners through the Goodreads.com website.
Work continues on book two; I'll be updating everyone on that in the coming days. Till then, keep reading!
Steve Red Sky at Morning
I'd like to thank all the readers who signed up for a chance to win a copy of 'Red Sky at Morning'. I've contacted the publisher and forwarded the names and addresses of the winners, so those books should be going out soon. Once I know they've been mailed, I'll message the winners through the Goodreads.com website.
Work continues on book two; I'll be updating everyone on that in the coming days. Till then, keep reading!
Steve Red Sky at Morning
August 1, 2012
Marketing Your Debut Novel
My publisher sent me my very first quarterly royalty report today. Clearly, I need to ramp up my efforts to market 'Red Sky at Morning' based on the information I received!
With that being said, I believe I'm following the fundamentals when it comes to promoting my debut novel. 'Word of mouth' is what sells books, (I've written that in the past), and while taking out ads to market your published efforts may work for some, the general consensus among authors I've researched seems to suggest that ads don't do as much as to sell a book.
Here's the basic strategy I'm following. In a nutshell, it's using online social media to get the word out. For that, I've started a Facebook page for 'Red Sky at Morning'. I update friends on my recent (and on-going) book giveaway on Goodreads.com, as well as progress on the second book in the series. Continual reminders can play a big part in telling interested readers about what I'm up to, and what they can expect from me as an author. I'm using email to let people know that by publishing a review on Amazon or Goodreads, they're eligible to receive a free copy of the second book. And speaking of reviews, getting lots of those is crucial. So far I've got some very good, five star reviews for my first book, but I need many, many more!
A word on that. One blogger I've read suggests that there's a 'rule of seven;' that it takes up to seven exposures to a book before a reader pulls the trigger on buying a copy. I think there's a lot of truth to that; after seeing a book or movie mentioned several times, I'm much more likely to get a copy or go to the theater.
If you're an author, you need to do something every day to market your book. I read something encouraging today: 'it takes ten years to become an overnight sensation.'
I'd like to hear other first-time author's thoughts on this. Especially if you've got other advice I can incorporate! Till then, keep reading.
Steve
With that being said, I believe I'm following the fundamentals when it comes to promoting my debut novel. 'Word of mouth' is what sells books, (I've written that in the past), and while taking out ads to market your published efforts may work for some, the general consensus among authors I've researched seems to suggest that ads don't do as much as to sell a book.
Here's the basic strategy I'm following. In a nutshell, it's using online social media to get the word out. For that, I've started a Facebook page for 'Red Sky at Morning'. I update friends on my recent (and on-going) book giveaway on Goodreads.com, as well as progress on the second book in the series. Continual reminders can play a big part in telling interested readers about what I'm up to, and what they can expect from me as an author. I'm using email to let people know that by publishing a review on Amazon or Goodreads, they're eligible to receive a free copy of the second book. And speaking of reviews, getting lots of those is crucial. So far I've got some very good, five star reviews for my first book, but I need many, many more!
A word on that. One blogger I've read suggests that there's a 'rule of seven;' that it takes up to seven exposures to a book before a reader pulls the trigger on buying a copy. I think there's a lot of truth to that; after seeing a book or movie mentioned several times, I'm much more likely to get a copy or go to the theater.
If you're an author, you need to do something every day to market your book. I read something encouraging today: 'it takes ten years to become an overnight sensation.'
I'd like to hear other first-time author's thoughts on this. Especially if you've got other advice I can incorporate! Till then, keep reading.
Steve
July 29, 2012
Book two in the Michael Neill series
It's been some time since my last post, but I felt it was time to give readers of my first book, 'Red Sky at Morning', an update on the second book in the Michael Neill series.
The manuscript is progressing nicely. I reached a milestone of sorts this weekend when my word count surpassed 70,000. 'Red Sky at Morning' was 80,000 and some change, and I'd like the second book to land somewhere in the 85,000 range, if not more. Ultimately, writing a compelling story is the primary focus, and combined with an appreciable word count, I think I can give my readers their money's worth.
I've already changed the title of the second book once, and while I've settled on a new name, it's not set in stone. For that reason, I'll wait to disclose the title until I'm absolutely sure. As I get closer to a conclusion to book two, I'm looking forward to the process of designing the front and back covers.
The Goodreads.com book giveaway for 'Red Sky at Morning' started July 12th, and will run through August 12th. To date, over 100 people have expressed interest and signed up for the contest to receive a copy. I'm very appreciative of everyone's interest, and if you've already got a copy, I truly hope you enjoy the story, the characters, the locales and the promise of more to come.
Steve
The manuscript is progressing nicely. I reached a milestone of sorts this weekend when my word count surpassed 70,000. 'Red Sky at Morning' was 80,000 and some change, and I'd like the second book to land somewhere in the 85,000 range, if not more. Ultimately, writing a compelling story is the primary focus, and combined with an appreciable word count, I think I can give my readers their money's worth.
I've already changed the title of the second book once, and while I've settled on a new name, it's not set in stone. For that reason, I'll wait to disclose the title until I'm absolutely sure. As I get closer to a conclusion to book two, I'm looking forward to the process of designing the front and back covers.
The Goodreads.com book giveaway for 'Red Sky at Morning' started July 12th, and will run through August 12th. To date, over 100 people have expressed interest and signed up for the contest to receive a copy. I'm very appreciative of everyone's interest, and if you've already got a copy, I truly hope you enjoy the story, the characters, the locales and the promise of more to come.
Steve
July 7, 2012
Red Sky at Morning
My first post. My first blog. I guess I've stepped into the 21st Century!
Advice about marketing my first novel, Red Sky at Morning, has not been difficult to find. To summarize it in a nutshell, I've learned that 'word of mouth' is the best way to get copies of the book sold and into the hands of readers of the military/espionage/thriller genre. To that end, I've joined goodreads.com, and I'm steering readers to post reviews of the book on Amazon.com and here on goodreads. My publisher, Skip Coryell, has agreed to help with a book giveaway here on this site. More on that later, but the giveaway begins on the 12th of July.
I've read a lot of the biggest names in the thriller genre. I think my book is refreshingly different. Many authors don't realize how important faith is to members of our military, especially those deployed to the war zone. The protagonists in 'Red Sky at Morning' are men of faith, and while they live out their religion, the book isn't preachy. I know many Christian authors try to tell a story AND teach a Sunday School lesson at the same time. Nothing wrong with that, but most of the time it feels forced. I've tried to portray my characters as real people relying on a higher power to guide their decisions. And I've also attempted to make the book character-driven, with an attention to detail about the locales. I also tried to stay true to the technology mentioned in the story, but without getting bogged down in the details.
I'll post more thoughts later. Till then, keep reading!
Steve Wilson
Advice about marketing my first novel, Red Sky at Morning, has not been difficult to find. To summarize it in a nutshell, I've learned that 'word of mouth' is the best way to get copies of the book sold and into the hands of readers of the military/espionage/thriller genre. To that end, I've joined goodreads.com, and I'm steering readers to post reviews of the book on Amazon.com and here on goodreads. My publisher, Skip Coryell, has agreed to help with a book giveaway here on this site. More on that later, but the giveaway begins on the 12th of July.
I've read a lot of the biggest names in the thriller genre. I think my book is refreshingly different. Many authors don't realize how important faith is to members of our military, especially those deployed to the war zone. The protagonists in 'Red Sky at Morning' are men of faith, and while they live out their religion, the book isn't preachy. I know many Christian authors try to tell a story AND teach a Sunday School lesson at the same time. Nothing wrong with that, but most of the time it feels forced. I've tried to portray my characters as real people relying on a higher power to guide their decisions. And I've also attempted to make the book character-driven, with an attention to detail about the locales. I also tried to stay true to the technology mentioned in the story, but without getting bogged down in the details.
I'll post more thoughts later. Till then, keep reading!
Steve Wilson
