Stephanie Erickson's Blog, page 9
May 7, 2013
What to write?
I signed up for a guest blog post with Kim Scott and I have no idea what to write about. I'm feeling a little frantic about it because the baby is sleeping RIGHT NOW and my brain is screaming at me to be productive and I've got nothing! I want it to be general enough that her readers will relate, but specific enough that it will entice them to buy my book...
I could write about how I came up with the idea for The Blackout. I'd like to do a marketing series for this blog, so I don't want to use that idea for a guest blog. I really liked my blog about cutting content. But it might feel random and out of context.
Anyway, now I'm just babbling. In other news, I've had the best sales week in quite a long time this week. I'm really hoping that trend continues.
My blog tour is scheduled
I could write about how I came up with the idea for The Blackout. I'd like to do a marketing series for this blog, so I don't want to use that idea for a guest blog. I really liked my blog about cutting content. But it might feel random and out of context.
Anyway, now I'm just babbling. In other news, I've had the best sales week in quite a long time this week. I'm really hoping that trend continues.
My blog tour is scheduled
May 1, 2013
Blackout blog tour in the works
Alright, I'm looking into doing a blog tour with The Blackout. Sales have been horrible in the last week or so, and I need to refocus and make a change! I've been looking into a couple of companies who would do all the leg work that were recommended by an awesome author who had some experiences with them before, so wish me luck!
What's a blog tour?
So, a blog tour is where The Blackout is promoted on several different blogs in the form of guest posts (written by me), interviews, and reviews of the book. All this does is get more visibility for my book, and ultimately more sales! All signs point to this being a positive experience! Lets hope it is!!
What's a blog tour?
So, a blog tour is where The Blackout is promoted on several different blogs in the form of guest posts (written by me), interviews, and reviews of the book. All this does is get more visibility for my book, and ultimately more sales! All signs point to this being a positive experience! Lets hope it is!!
April 23, 2013
Trying to get my groove back
Well, Grace will be 6 weeks old this week, and I'm still not back to my routines! Maybe I never will be. But it's maybe that's not the point. The point is developing new routines. New ways that will accomplish my goals.
Everyone says, if writing is your priority, you'll get it done. And I suppose that's true. If I was to just put Grace in the swing and ignore her all day, I'd get more done. But that's not me. I'll be honest, I judge you a little (maybe a lot) if you put writing above your children. Yes, you got it done, and yes you probably have more books out than I do. But I love my little girl more than I thought possible, and I've only known her for 6 weeks. I would never shirk her to write. And right now, she's very demanding. Hopefully though, as she gets older she'll settle into a routine and I can carve out a little more time for myself. Until then, I write when I have time - which is about 30 min. a week. Just enough to do this blog basically. And I consider that a win.
Read, then write
So, how do I get myself inspired to write again after a long break like I've had? I start reading. For me, when I'm not writing, I'm not reading either. Some people will tell you not to read when you're writing because it's too easy to take ideas from someone bla bla bla. I disagree with this school of thought whole heartedly. In fact, I think it's ignorant, and a good way to lead you away from any potential success you may reach.
If you want to write, read. It's as simple as that. Learn what makes other writers in your genre successful, and what doesn't. Integrate the styles you like into your work, and stay away from ones you don't until you have something that's uniquely you!
For example, I read Pure by Julianna Baggott recently. It was so original I couldn't get over it! Now, there were enough grammatical mistakes and difficulties with tenses that I didn't put the book on my top ten list or anything, but that's what I mean. I learned a great deal about being imaginative, and the importance of tense consistency and hiring a good editor.
So, I think for now, my first task is to start reading again. And more than just Peter Rabbit...
Everyone says, if writing is your priority, you'll get it done. And I suppose that's true. If I was to just put Grace in the swing and ignore her all day, I'd get more done. But that's not me. I'll be honest, I judge you a little (maybe a lot) if you put writing above your children. Yes, you got it done, and yes you probably have more books out than I do. But I love my little girl more than I thought possible, and I've only known her for 6 weeks. I would never shirk her to write. And right now, she's very demanding. Hopefully though, as she gets older she'll settle into a routine and I can carve out a little more time for myself. Until then, I write when I have time - which is about 30 min. a week. Just enough to do this blog basically. And I consider that a win.
Read, then write
So, how do I get myself inspired to write again after a long break like I've had? I start reading. For me, when I'm not writing, I'm not reading either. Some people will tell you not to read when you're writing because it's too easy to take ideas from someone bla bla bla. I disagree with this school of thought whole heartedly. In fact, I think it's ignorant, and a good way to lead you away from any potential success you may reach.
If you want to write, read. It's as simple as that. Learn what makes other writers in your genre successful, and what doesn't. Integrate the styles you like into your work, and stay away from ones you don't until you have something that's uniquely you!
For example, I read Pure by Julianna Baggott recently. It was so original I couldn't get over it! Now, there were enough grammatical mistakes and difficulties with tenses that I didn't put the book on my top ten list or anything, but that's what I mean. I learned a great deal about being imaginative, and the importance of tense consistency and hiring a good editor.
So, I think for now, my first task is to start reading again. And more than just Peter Rabbit...
April 16, 2013
I'm Baaack
After over a month without a blog, here I am! We are so blessed with a happy and healthy baby girl! Grace Elizabeth was born 6 lbs. 14 ounces on March 13, 2013. She's up to 7 lbs. 8 oz now, and is 20 inches long. She's smiling and just now starting to coo a little bit. Basically we're loving life. But, all that means I've had zero time for anything else! I missed my writing goal on The Cure by a long shot, and am debating writing a new story as well, in all my spare time (HA!). So, I think my next blog will be about how I go about getting back in the groove, with some tweaks, since I'm also learning how to juggle a new person in our house!
For now, the latest update with my book is that sales have been really slow. I'm not overly surprised, since I haven't had time to promote it, but it would be nice if it would sustain for a little bit. So, to counteract that I'm trying to get better about writing the blog, promoting on Twitter and updating on Facebook. Hopefully that'll help.
Also, The Blackout is involved in a huge giveaway hosted by Kim Scott. Check it out, enter, and read read read! http://www.kimscottbooks.com/spring-g...
I'm planning to run a sale on the book as well, I just haven't decided when! I'll let you know! Until next time, happy reading!
March 8, 2013
Weekly Update
HA! I'm doing this one on time this week! Sales have been slow again this week, but no worse than last week, so I consider that a win. Not much progress on The Cure, and with the baby's debut so close, I'm not sure how much more I'm gonna accomplish. I'm about done working at my other jobs, and if I haven't had the baby by Tuesday, we're looking at induction next week! I can't believe it! Wish us luck on this new endeavor
March 7, 2013
Wednesday Inspiration (On Thursday)
"There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are." - W. Somerset MaughamBoy, ain't that the truth? Something that worked for one person might not work for you, and something that didn't work for someone else, might be your key to success. The important thing when you're writing a novel is to just write it. Try not to get too bogged down with thinking about everything that needs to be done, whether or not the story is good enough, keeping up with the Jones', or whatever else might be blocking you. Just write. You can always go back and edit. I think that's the only rule everyone can relate to. Write!
March 5, 2013
Monday Musings (A Day Late)
I decided my Monday blogs would be about the craft and tips and tricks I thought were helpful that I've picked up along the way. Of course, I've been pretty sick, so I missed yesterday's post. Hopefully this will be coherent enough to make sense! Here goes!
The Craft of Cutting
Learning the craft of cutting your writing down is difficult. Here you've put hundreds of hours (yesterday, on Pawn Stars I learned it takes 372 hours on average to write a novel! I believe it!) into pouring your heart and soul into this piece, and you need to cut it. The reason doesn't really matter. Maybe your editor thinks it's too long. Maybe a certain section isn't jiving with you. Maybe it just needs to be tighter overall. You're still faced with the same problem: Finding what to cut, and knowing how much.
After I finished The Blackout, I had over 10,000 words I'd taken out. I cut everything from whole scenes to entire characters. If I'd left them in, it would've been a much more substantial novel as far as size goes. However, I chose quality over quantity.
Most recently, I took a whole chapter out of The Cure. It was over 2,000 words cut all at once, just like that. I decided it wasn't realistic with the way the story was going up to that point, so I took it out. It was very difficult to do, since I had myself on a tight schedule with that book, and didn't want to set myself back 2,000 words. But, it was the right thing to do. Inconsistencies of content are a sure fire way to earn 1 star reviews, and rightfully so.
Bleeding it without killing it, like leeches in the old days
So, how do I part with the words? I usually have a period of mourning for a day or two. During this time, I pout. With my personality, I have to allow myself the pouting period in order to reach a productive stage. It's something I know and have come to accept about myself. Sometimes, allowing yourself to indulge in your less admirable qualities can be surprisingly productive.
Then, I suck it up and really start to think about what's right for the specific piece I'm working on, and what direction it is currently going, and where it could potentially if I cut it. Is the piece stronger without this section? Are there more options as far as where to take the characters? Would cutting solve any major issues with the piece (inconsistencies, weak characters, story lines that are too complex, etc.)?
My Stuffed Bunny Safety Net
Once I've answered these questions, I'm done mourning the loss of my words, and am ready to slash and burn. However, to make myself feel better I create a seperate document with the title of whatever I'm working on followed by "cut content." That way, the words are always there to come back to - like that stuffed bunny you had when you were a kid, that now sits in your closet. She's tattered and worse for the wear, but somehow still warm and inviting, ready if you should ever need to go back to her. Anyway, that document is like that. Who knows, you might end up hating how it reads without that section, and having that safety net allows you to easily retrieve everything. However, I have to say, I've never needed my stuffed bunny safety net, at least not when it comes to writing. Generally speaking, it's always better with revision.
Avoiding diarrhea of the keyboard
Cutting is a vital tool you should keep in your writer's toolbox (reference Steven King's On Writing for what else should be in your tool box). You can't just sit down and have diarrhea of the keyboard and expect to have a bestseller on your hands. More likely you'll have a grade A turd. Learning to cut just makes your turd polish more effective. So, get out your scissors and get cutting!
The Craft of Cutting
Learning the craft of cutting your writing down is difficult. Here you've put hundreds of hours (yesterday, on Pawn Stars I learned it takes 372 hours on average to write a novel! I believe it!) into pouring your heart and soul into this piece, and you need to cut it. The reason doesn't really matter. Maybe your editor thinks it's too long. Maybe a certain section isn't jiving with you. Maybe it just needs to be tighter overall. You're still faced with the same problem: Finding what to cut, and knowing how much.
After I finished The Blackout, I had over 10,000 words I'd taken out. I cut everything from whole scenes to entire characters. If I'd left them in, it would've been a much more substantial novel as far as size goes. However, I chose quality over quantity.
Most recently, I took a whole chapter out of The Cure. It was over 2,000 words cut all at once, just like that. I decided it wasn't realistic with the way the story was going up to that point, so I took it out. It was very difficult to do, since I had myself on a tight schedule with that book, and didn't want to set myself back 2,000 words. But, it was the right thing to do. Inconsistencies of content are a sure fire way to earn 1 star reviews, and rightfully so.
Bleeding it without killing it, like leeches in the old days
So, how do I part with the words? I usually have a period of mourning for a day or two. During this time, I pout. With my personality, I have to allow myself the pouting period in order to reach a productive stage. It's something I know and have come to accept about myself. Sometimes, allowing yourself to indulge in your less admirable qualities can be surprisingly productive.
Then, I suck it up and really start to think about what's right for the specific piece I'm working on, and what direction it is currently going, and where it could potentially if I cut it. Is the piece stronger without this section? Are there more options as far as where to take the characters? Would cutting solve any major issues with the piece (inconsistencies, weak characters, story lines that are too complex, etc.)?
My Stuffed Bunny Safety Net
Once I've answered these questions, I'm done mourning the loss of my words, and am ready to slash and burn. However, to make myself feel better I create a seperate document with the title of whatever I'm working on followed by "cut content." That way, the words are always there to come back to - like that stuffed bunny you had when you were a kid, that now sits in your closet. She's tattered and worse for the wear, but somehow still warm and inviting, ready if you should ever need to go back to her. Anyway, that document is like that. Who knows, you might end up hating how it reads without that section, and having that safety net allows you to easily retrieve everything. However, I have to say, I've never needed my stuffed bunny safety net, at least not when it comes to writing. Generally speaking, it's always better with revision.
Avoiding diarrhea of the keyboard
Cutting is a vital tool you should keep in your writer's toolbox (reference Steven King's On Writing for what else should be in your tool box). You can't just sit down and have diarrhea of the keyboard and expect to have a bestseller on your hands. More likely you'll have a grade A turd. Learning to cut just makes your turd polish more effective. So, get out your scissors and get cutting!
March 1, 2013
What a week!
Well, it's been a roller coaster week! Spent some time in the hospital on Friday thinking it was time for the baby to come, then came home (thank goodness), watched my sales fluctuate wildly, worked on The Cure, finished reading Scarlet (amazing read BTW, will post a review later) and caught a head cold! All that in addition to my day jobs! Whew!
I'm really hoping to make some progress with The Cure today. I totally rewrote Chapter 8, so I need to really look back at my outline and see how the changes I made fit in, and where I can go from here.
Not terribly sure what's going on with the sales. They've definitely slumped since last month. I'm hoping it's just because it's February and no one is spending their money like they were over the holidays. Finger's crossed it bounces back soon!
Anyway, wish me luck getting some productive writing done today! I hope you all have an excellent weekend!
I'm really hoping to make some progress with The Cure today. I totally rewrote Chapter 8, so I need to really look back at my outline and see how the changes I made fit in, and where I can go from here.
Not terribly sure what's going on with the sales. They've definitely slumped since last month. I'm hoping it's just because it's February and no one is spending their money like they were over the holidays. Finger's crossed it bounces back soon!
Anyway, wish me luck getting some productive writing done today! I hope you all have an excellent weekend!
February 27, 2013
Dose of Inspiration
I love this quote. It's so true. Whether you're writing a mystery, romance, memoir, sci fi, young adult or whatever, it's so easy to become very connected and overly attached to your writing. It's one of the things that makes cutting and editing so difficult. Additionally, when I'm writing, I feel like I'm laying my heart out there for God and everyone. Like I'm bleeding onto the pages, and the vampiric readers just suck it up, only to be spit back out by a select few. For those that like it, it seems worth the loss of blood. For those that don't, well, that sucks. Ultimately though, it's not up to them to staunch the bleeding. That's my job. Aye. There's the rub.
February 25, 2013
Changes coming!
Hi guys! So, last night, I decided I wanted a little more structure to my blog. So, my mom helped me brainstorm some topics, and I'm putting together a rough schedule of things to come on the blog. That way, the blog *shouldn't* end up stagnant like it has in the past! Fingers crossed! Some of the topics we came up with are:
Marketing your book for Kindle (I think this'll be a series)
Cutting your beloved work down
The importance of a writing group
Outlining vs Seat of Your Pants writing
and many more!
If you all have suggestions for topics you'd like to see, please don't hesitate to add to the list!
Wednesday's blog will be a weekly standing item based on an inspiring quote! Feel free to send your inspiring quotes my way!
Friday will be a weekly roundup of what I'm working on/how sales are going/what's going on in my world.
Hope you guys like the changes!
Marketing your book for Kindle (I think this'll be a series)
Cutting your beloved work down
The importance of a writing group
Outlining vs Seat of Your Pants writing
and many more!
If you all have suggestions for topics you'd like to see, please don't hesitate to add to the list!
Wednesday's blog will be a weekly standing item based on an inspiring quote! Feel free to send your inspiring quotes my way!
Friday will be a weekly roundup of what I'm working on/how sales are going/what's going on in my world.
Hope you guys like the changes!
