Ella Dominguez's Blog: Ella's Blah Blah Blog, page 18
October 6, 2013
Is it worth it?
I'm emotional, so please excuse my rantings.
Lately, as in the last couple of weeks, I have been wondering if the stress I put myself through writing a book is worth it when I'm met with negativity and 1 star ratings.
Now before anyone jumps me, this is not directed to any one person or group. I started this post days ago and am just now posting it.
I understand that when a person puts their thoughts out there for the world to critique, you take the good with the bad. I get it. However, I put my heart and soul into my work, just like all writers, and it kills a little part of my enthusiasm every time I read that my writing sucks or that I know nothing of what I'm writing about or what I'm doing.
No, I don't live the BDSM lifestyle, but I have friends who do and I confer with them as well as do extensive research on the subject matter. I've tried my best to shine a positive light on the lifestyle while still making it an enjoyable read. I write fantasy. Fiction. Make believe. I add the angst and the drama because it makes for a good book.
No, I don't have a literary or writing degree. But I do my best to make each book better than the last and to improve my writing skills. And despite what people think, I go through great lengths to have my book edited on the small budget that I have and with the help of an amazing group of beta readers.
I damn near killed myself with the stress of putting this last book out, working 40+ hours a week, moving, and pretty much neglecting my most precious gift - my family, only to be met with 1 star ratings, nasty personal emails, and in the past being accused of plagiarizing and copying FSOG.
So I can't help but wonder, are the negative words spoken about my efforts worth the time I'm taking away from my daughter in hopes of giving her a better life? It doesn't feel like it. I tell myself not to read the reviews, but I crave approval, I always have and in the end, it's my own issues I have to deal with.
I had planned on finishing up (or trying to) Becoming Sir, The Art of Redemption and an Art of D/s novella, but my heart just isn't in it. It's days like this that I feel like pulling all my books out of publication, backing out of my future book signings and saying to heck with it all.
Will that change? I hope so. I love writing. I love telling stories. I love the kind and amazing people I've met here on GR, Twitter and FB. I love sharing the small amount of money I make by hosting giveaways.
So to all those people who have written harsh words about me when they know nothing of my intentions while they sit behind a wall of anonymity, I want to thank you for reminding me of what's important, and that's my daughter. I'm not going to give you any more opportunities to make assumptions about me or kill my spirit.
When I say harsh words, don't confuse that with negative reviews, because I have learned a lot from the honesty of heartfelt 1 star reviews. Its the acidic comments that I speak of.
All that aside, I want to sincerely thank everyone who has said kind words of encouragement. If not for that, I would've thrown in the towel months ago.
I'm new at this and it's all still a learning experience, but I vow to try and do better my next blog tour and be more organized, and if I can't meet my own self-imposed deadlines, then things will just have to be pushed back so that only my best work is presented to everyone involved.
I promise my readers that I will offer up only my best work possible, edited to the best of my abilities and with my available resources.
Much love,
Ella
Lately, as in the last couple of weeks, I have been wondering if the stress I put myself through writing a book is worth it when I'm met with negativity and 1 star ratings.
Now before anyone jumps me, this is not directed to any one person or group. I started this post days ago and am just now posting it.
I understand that when a person puts their thoughts out there for the world to critique, you take the good with the bad. I get it. However, I put my heart and soul into my work, just like all writers, and it kills a little part of my enthusiasm every time I read that my writing sucks or that I know nothing of what I'm writing about or what I'm doing.
No, I don't live the BDSM lifestyle, but I have friends who do and I confer with them as well as do extensive research on the subject matter. I've tried my best to shine a positive light on the lifestyle while still making it an enjoyable read. I write fantasy. Fiction. Make believe. I add the angst and the drama because it makes for a good book.
No, I don't have a literary or writing degree. But I do my best to make each book better than the last and to improve my writing skills. And despite what people think, I go through great lengths to have my book edited on the small budget that I have and with the help of an amazing group of beta readers.
I damn near killed myself with the stress of putting this last book out, working 40+ hours a week, moving, and pretty much neglecting my most precious gift - my family, only to be met with 1 star ratings, nasty personal emails, and in the past being accused of plagiarizing and copying FSOG.
So I can't help but wonder, are the negative words spoken about my efforts worth the time I'm taking away from my daughter in hopes of giving her a better life? It doesn't feel like it. I tell myself not to read the reviews, but I crave approval, I always have and in the end, it's my own issues I have to deal with.
I had planned on finishing up (or trying to) Becoming Sir, The Art of Redemption and an Art of D/s novella, but my heart just isn't in it. It's days like this that I feel like pulling all my books out of publication, backing out of my future book signings and saying to heck with it all.
Will that change? I hope so. I love writing. I love telling stories. I love the kind and amazing people I've met here on GR, Twitter and FB. I love sharing the small amount of money I make by hosting giveaways.
So to all those people who have written harsh words about me when they know nothing of my intentions while they sit behind a wall of anonymity, I want to thank you for reminding me of what's important, and that's my daughter. I'm not going to give you any more opportunities to make assumptions about me or kill my spirit.
When I say harsh words, don't confuse that with negative reviews, because I have learned a lot from the honesty of heartfelt 1 star reviews. Its the acidic comments that I speak of.
All that aside, I want to sincerely thank everyone who has said kind words of encouragement. If not for that, I would've thrown in the towel months ago.
I'm new at this and it's all still a learning experience, but I vow to try and do better my next blog tour and be more organized, and if I can't meet my own self-imposed deadlines, then things will just have to be pushed back so that only my best work is presented to everyone involved.
I promise my readers that I will offer up only my best work possible, edited to the best of my abilities and with my available resources.
Much love,
Ella
October 1, 2013
September 30, 2013
September 13, 2013
This Love's Not for Sale quote
Release Date: 9/30/2013
September 12, 2013
This Love's Not for Sale
Release Date: 9/30/2013
September 6, 2013
Becoming Sir - New book cover
New cover for upcoming book Becoming Sir
This image is high-resolution which shows up better on ereaders and portrays my thoughts better. I hope you all like it.
xxElla
This image is high-resolution which shows up better on ereaders and portrays my thoughts better. I hope you all like it.
xxElla
September 2, 2013
Free novellas
I have uploaded Tempered by Fire: Angel Bound #1 and Hard Candy for Christmas here on Goodreads for free. Just click on the "READ BOOK" button to download them.
Dark paranormal erotica
Light paranormal erotic romance
Enjoy!
Blog Hop Interview - Tag You're It
I was invited by Anna Bayes to participate in a blog hop interview. Thanks Anna for thinking of me!
All I have to do is answer the following interview questions and then tag three other authors who are asked to answer the same questions on their blogs next Monday, Sept. 9. Those authors will then each tag three more authors, etc.Let's see how this goes...
1. What are you working on right now?
This Love's Not for Sale, an erotic contemporary romance. I'm neck deep in the writing process and hope to get it to my editor in the next few days. UGH.
2. How does it differ from other works in its genre?
In addition to being erotic, it's humorous and hopefully touching.
3. Why do you write what you do?
Because its a great release for all my pent up sexual frustration. ;) Not to mention, fun. I enjoy being creative and I crave feedback, both good and bad. I guess that's the switch in me, a like the pain and pleasure of reading reviews.
4. How does your writing process work?
I'm very undisciplined. I start with a picture that spurs my imagination, write the blurb, then let my imagination go wild. First, I start with a 'scene' in mind and write it out. Then I just go with the flow. I generally have a beginning, middle and end in mind and then stitch all my scenes together. I'm positive there's any easier way of doing it, but I just haven't figure it out yet. :D
Authors I'm tagging...
Adriane Leigh
Thomas Duder
Carry Cockburn
Blog Hop
Oh, have I got some tempting, tantalizing teasers for This Love's Not for Sale that will leave you hot and wanting more!
These juicy teasers for my blog tour will be exclusive to each Blogger on my hop. Want to read them all? Then you have to visit all of the wonderful Bloggers who are helping me out.
In addition to teasers, there will be a trailer reveal. Be sure to check out the different prizes being offered, including ebooks and swag!
September 16The Book Bellas
September 17Booksandfoodandmore Blog
September 18Book Crack Blog
September 19The Book Enthusiast
September 20Write On J.B.
September 21My Book Boyfriend Blog
September 22Perusing Princesses & Naughty Mommas
September 23Confessions of a Book Heaux
Sizzling Pages
September 24Kathy Loves Books
September 25Wicked Book Addict
September 26Amber's Reading Room
September 27Sofia Grey - Make Time for Love Blog
September 28Bookie Nookie Reviews
September 29Libros Sin Tinta (Mexico)
September 30 - RELEASE DAY!Signed paperbacks & swag being offered @
Smexy Bookaholics
Ana's AtticSinfully Sexy Books
