Jacqueline Patricks's Blog, page 7
May 25, 2013
Comicpalooza panel with Jacqueline Carey!
I was on the panel, World Building, with Jacqueline Carey yesterday. Afterwards, she gladly signed my first edition of Kushiel's Dart then even graciously accepted a copy of my book, Dreams of the Queen
She's totally cool! The panel was amazing and fun and the audience was great! I've even had several sales today from people who were at the panel and have now come to see me at my booth. Wow!!!!!
She's totally cool! The panel was amazing and fun and the audience was great! I've even had several sales today from people who were at the panel and have now come to see me at my booth. Wow!!!!!
May 18, 2013
Every Writer and Every Reader
“A recent survey issued by Scholastic, the 2010 Kids & Family Reading Report, found that 43 percent of the children ages 9-11 believe the most important outcome of reading books for fun is to open up the imagination. 62 percent of the same demographic say they read books for fun “to be inspired by storylines and characters.” For a group whose numbers were clearly dwindling in the 1990s, it is not surprising that the release of an incredibly imaginative story coincided with a dramatic revival or readership.”-- McSweenys’s Internet Tendency
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately and how it translates into Indie publishing and books.
What makes a book good? Being grammatically and technically correct? Good story? Good characters? All of the above?
I’ve read grammatically correct books that bored the snot out of me. *cough* Alas, Babylon *cough*
Yet, the more I write the more grammar becomes important to me. Trying to read a poorly written book is like watching a fuzzy TV show. Can’t. Do. It.
Does that make me pretentious? Picky? Discerning? Maybe…
I don’t know anymore because I’ve realized that not everyone will (or want to) read at my level. The average reading level of America is around 4th-6th grade. On one hand I think that’s sad, and would encourage people to improve themselves. But what if they can’t? What if they have difficulty reading for various, valid reasons, but want to read. What if they want to escape into a good story, but learning disabilities or physical ailments make it too stressful or even impossible? Everyone is equal in the eyes of the law and God, but to say that everyone is equally blessed with health or ability is ignorant or ignoring the realities of the world.
So what if all the books that had been previously Trad. published were JUST TOO HARD FOR SOME PEOPLE? What if that were true? What then?
And now, now we have this new age when anyone can publish. At first glance many scream TRAVESTY. What will the unwashed masses do to the literary world? *gasp!* But reading numbers throughout the public are up for the first time in decades. Why is that?
Maybe because some people now have stories to read at a level that they can comprehend. I’m not saying this to be cruel or hurtful, but to be honest. I read and retain information at a very high level. So high that when I used to write medical papers, my boss had to ask me to ‘dumb them down’ since I was writing for paramedics not doctors. So high that before my health was screwed up a bit by miscarriages, I had almost a perfect memory. I could remember the most minute, mundane things. I still write all my stories without outlines. Straight from my head to computer. And for those of you who’ve read my work, you know how complex my plots tend to be.
But the reality is not everyone reads at the same level. Not everyone is blessed (and cursed- LOL!) with my ability. Should I expect those who, for whatever reason, cannot read at my level to only be able to purchase college level novels? Or even high school? Should we, as Indie authors, judge those ‘lesser’ than us because their writing or reading ability is lesser? I’m not talking about reviewing books. I’m talking about this growing trend of us vs them in the Indie community. The authors who write good books vs. the authors who write bad books. Who is to be the judge and executioner? You? Me?
It’s not a job I want.
So what about those with more difficult issues but with a desire to read? Shouldn’t they get to have good stories to enjoy? Just because I don’t care to read them doesn’t mean someone else won’t love them.
Shouldn’t we be embracing all levels of writing, no matter how amateur they appear because they may just find their audience? Isn’t the true beauty the fact that people are expressing themselves and others are discovering them? That more people at every level are finally, FINALLY reading.
Maybe that’s why more people are reading.
Just maybe...
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately and how it translates into Indie publishing and books.
What makes a book good? Being grammatically and technically correct? Good story? Good characters? All of the above?
I’ve read grammatically correct books that bored the snot out of me. *cough* Alas, Babylon *cough*
Yet, the more I write the more grammar becomes important to me. Trying to read a poorly written book is like watching a fuzzy TV show. Can’t. Do. It.
Does that make me pretentious? Picky? Discerning? Maybe…
I don’t know anymore because I’ve realized that not everyone will (or want to) read at my level. The average reading level of America is around 4th-6th grade. On one hand I think that’s sad, and would encourage people to improve themselves. But what if they can’t? What if they have difficulty reading for various, valid reasons, but want to read. What if they want to escape into a good story, but learning disabilities or physical ailments make it too stressful or even impossible? Everyone is equal in the eyes of the law and God, but to say that everyone is equally blessed with health or ability is ignorant or ignoring the realities of the world.
So what if all the books that had been previously Trad. published were JUST TOO HARD FOR SOME PEOPLE? What if that were true? What then?
And now, now we have this new age when anyone can publish. At first glance many scream TRAVESTY. What will the unwashed masses do to the literary world? *gasp!* But reading numbers throughout the public are up for the first time in decades. Why is that?
Maybe because some people now have stories to read at a level that they can comprehend. I’m not saying this to be cruel or hurtful, but to be honest. I read and retain information at a very high level. So high that when I used to write medical papers, my boss had to ask me to ‘dumb them down’ since I was writing for paramedics not doctors. So high that before my health was screwed up a bit by miscarriages, I had almost a perfect memory. I could remember the most minute, mundane things. I still write all my stories without outlines. Straight from my head to computer. And for those of you who’ve read my work, you know how complex my plots tend to be.
But the reality is not everyone reads at the same level. Not everyone is blessed (and cursed- LOL!) with my ability. Should I expect those who, for whatever reason, cannot read at my level to only be able to purchase college level novels? Or even high school? Should we, as Indie authors, judge those ‘lesser’ than us because their writing or reading ability is lesser? I’m not talking about reviewing books. I’m talking about this growing trend of us vs them in the Indie community. The authors who write good books vs. the authors who write bad books. Who is to be the judge and executioner? You? Me?
It’s not a job I want.
So what about those with more difficult issues but with a desire to read? Shouldn’t they get to have good stories to enjoy? Just because I don’t care to read them doesn’t mean someone else won’t love them.
Shouldn’t we be embracing all levels of writing, no matter how amateur they appear because they may just find their audience? Isn’t the true beauty the fact that people are expressing themselves and others are discovering them? That more people at every level are finally, FINALLY reading.
Maybe that’s why more people are reading.
Just maybe...
May 14, 2013
Awarded the Smashed Rat of Approval
SMoP
Thank you, Richard McGowan, at Smashed Rat Press for honoring me with the Official Smashed Rat of Approval! You can click the link to see the exceptional standards I had to meet as an Indie Author in order to earn this very prestigious award! I am now a member of a very, very short list of Indie Authors (currently two) whose writing is okay!
I can’t thank him and my readers enough for this amazing recognition of my writing prowess. I knew, someday, an award would be bestowed upon me. I’m just incredibly grateful the Smashed Rat was the first.
Thank you, thank you all!
*dabs eyes with lacy handkerchief*
May 9, 2013
Dreams of the Queen poster!
This is the one of the posters I'll be using at the Houston Comicpalooza. They'll be a 6x6 billboard of them behind, then I'll have several more to sell and give away. They're printed on thick, professional quality paper, feel great, they're glossy and even better looking in person!
Just ignore my foot down there holding it open, lol!
See my previous blog post about the panels I'll be speaking on as well.
Just ignore my foot down there holding it open, lol!
See my previous blog post about the panels I'll be speaking on as well.
April 26, 2013
Houston Comicpalooza panels being finalized
The Houston Comicpalooza panels are being finalized. So far this is my schedule. On Friday May 24, I'll be speaking on two panels with these other authors
--It's My Fantasy: Playing God - Building Your Own World & Fantasy Jacqueline Carey, Donna Grant, Raven Raye, Susan Muller, Jacqueline Patricks, Deborah K. Frontiera Friday 5:00 PM to 5:55 PM
--Sci-Fi - Sex In Space! This Isn't Your Brother's Sci-Fi Jacqueline Patricks, Belinda McBride, Lynn Lorenz, Cornelia Amiri Friday 8:00 PM to 8:55 PM
So if you're in Houston on Memorial weekend come by a visit me at the Comicpalooza! I'll also have a table in the Artist's Alley all weekend and have made myself available to fill in any last minute vacancies on panels for Sat or Sun.
http://www.comicpalooza.com/news/
--It's My Fantasy: Playing God - Building Your Own World & Fantasy Jacqueline Carey, Donna Grant, Raven Raye, Susan Muller, Jacqueline Patricks, Deborah K. Frontiera Friday 5:00 PM to 5:55 PM
--Sci-Fi - Sex In Space! This Isn't Your Brother's Sci-Fi Jacqueline Patricks, Belinda McBride, Lynn Lorenz, Cornelia Amiri Friday 8:00 PM to 8:55 PM
So if you're in Houston on Memorial weekend come by a visit me at the Comicpalooza! I'll also have a table in the Artist's Alley all weekend and have made myself available to fill in any last minute vacancies on panels for Sat or Sun.
http://www.comicpalooza.com/news/
April 23, 2013
LooooKiiiiiiiiiiiii!
The Thor 2: the Dark World trailer is out today!
http://youtu.be/3bFZJ-3zNFg
Finally! A glimpse of the bestest villain evah!
Can't wait until this November!
http://youtu.be/3bFZJ-3zNFg
Finally! A glimpse of the bestest villain evah!
Can't wait until this November!
April 6, 2013
OMG! OMG!
The panels for Houston Comicpalooza are finalized, and I'm on two author panels on Friday, May 24--Sex in Sci-Fi and Playing God-Creating your own world. But here's the really awesome part... the second panel I'll be with one of my favorite authors Jacqueline Carey who wrote the Kushiel series. OMG! I'll get to meet her while an audience is asking me, her and three other authors questions!!!! That's freaking awesome!!!!
March 12, 2013
I Met Hugh Howey for Reals Today...
And he is a complete asshole.
That’s right. Not only did he talk about his book, Wool, blabbering on for nearly an hour about how awesome it is, (what did he think this was a book signing? Geez!) he talked about how he’s helped change the atmosphere of publishing by holding out for the contract he wanted. You know, not selling his soul for a measly seven figure contract. Chump change, my friends.
This guy, this self-centered asshat thinks that his art, that his soul is worth more, so he held out until he got the non-compete clause removed. He turned everyone down until Simon and Shuster gave up all of the Ebook rights. Who does Mr. Howey think he is keeping 100% of his Ebook royalties? I mean, he’s just a writer. A writer!!!! With this sort of example writers everywhere will start demanding fair treatment. They’ll start acting like their writing is a business. They’ll expect to be seen as equals!!! What is the publishing world coming to? This can only end badly.
Then he tried reverse psychology on us. ‘Don’t read, I, Zombie,’ he said. ‘I don’t want anyone reading that.’
Oh really? He ‘claimed’ it was based on his PTSD from 911 during his time living in New York. If I had a dime for every author who said that. Sure, go ahead and be a real person. Have real problems and don’t be afraid to relate them to your fans. It’s not like we’ll believe you.
When one fan admitted to having already read it, he even went so far as to question if he was an idiot. My god, man. What is wrong with you? We’re on to you now Mr. Howey. I’m reading it just to spite you, haha!
And to top it all, he refused to sit in the King Henry the VIII chair behind the table set up just for him. Said he wouldn’t be able to see everyone, and then he took a picture of us, the AUDIENCE!! Like we were … special. UGH!
I mean, WTH? Since when do famous people act like… you know. People? Or not care about being nauseatingly rich? Or say things like, ‘I like being independently published because I can get my work to my fans faster and keep my Ebook prices low.’
WHAT????
I have a headache, and not because I skipped dinner to get there early for a front row seat. Definitely not because I’m coming down off my high since meeting an author I’d like to emulate business-wise. Puleeeze! I have a headache because of the saccharine overload.
People this real do not exist anymore, outside of fiction at least. They’re not that sarcastically dry-witted. They’re not that ingratiating or self-deprecating. They’re not that interesting. (scuba diving? boat captain? bookstore employee? OMG.) They’re not that humble. And they’re most definitely not that business savvy.
Therefore, Mr. Hugh Howey has to be an asshole masquerading as a cool dude. Either that or a cyborg programmed to destroy the publishing establishment. Because he’s not real. And that’s a shame because I had a blast at the cyborg’s book signing.
Maybe the next one will be for real.
I’ll dare to hope. :o)
See my pic with Hugh at this link.
http://jacquelinepatricks.com/2013/03...
That’s right. Not only did he talk about his book, Wool, blabbering on for nearly an hour about how awesome it is, (what did he think this was a book signing? Geez!) he talked about how he’s helped change the atmosphere of publishing by holding out for the contract he wanted. You know, not selling his soul for a measly seven figure contract. Chump change, my friends.
This guy, this self-centered asshat thinks that his art, that his soul is worth more, so he held out until he got the non-compete clause removed. He turned everyone down until Simon and Shuster gave up all of the Ebook rights. Who does Mr. Howey think he is keeping 100% of his Ebook royalties? I mean, he’s just a writer. A writer!!!! With this sort of example writers everywhere will start demanding fair treatment. They’ll start acting like their writing is a business. They’ll expect to be seen as equals!!! What is the publishing world coming to? This can only end badly.
Then he tried reverse psychology on us. ‘Don’t read, I, Zombie,’ he said. ‘I don’t want anyone reading that.’
Oh really? He ‘claimed’ it was based on his PTSD from 911 during his time living in New York. If I had a dime for every author who said that. Sure, go ahead and be a real person. Have real problems and don’t be afraid to relate them to your fans. It’s not like we’ll believe you.
When one fan admitted to having already read it, he even went so far as to question if he was an idiot. My god, man. What is wrong with you? We’re on to you now Mr. Howey. I’m reading it just to spite you, haha!
And to top it all, he refused to sit in the King Henry the VIII chair behind the table set up just for him. Said he wouldn’t be able to see everyone, and then he took a picture of us, the AUDIENCE!! Like we were … special. UGH!
I mean, WTH? Since when do famous people act like… you know. People? Or not care about being nauseatingly rich? Or say things like, ‘I like being independently published because I can get my work to my fans faster and keep my Ebook prices low.’
WHAT????
I have a headache, and not because I skipped dinner to get there early for a front row seat. Definitely not because I’m coming down off my high since meeting an author I’d like to emulate business-wise. Puleeeze! I have a headache because of the saccharine overload.
People this real do not exist anymore, outside of fiction at least. They’re not that sarcastically dry-witted. They’re not that ingratiating or self-deprecating. They’re not that interesting. (scuba diving? boat captain? bookstore employee? OMG.) They’re not that humble. And they’re most definitely not that business savvy.
Therefore, Mr. Hugh Howey has to be an asshole masquerading as a cool dude. Either that or a cyborg programmed to destroy the publishing establishment. Because he’s not real. And that’s a shame because I had a blast at the cyborg’s book signing.
Maybe the next one will be for real.
I’ll dare to hope. :o)
See my pic with Hugh at this link.
http://jacquelinepatricks.com/2013/03...
March 8, 2013
Hey, J... why the weird change in ratings?
So... GR partially separated my main book, Dreams of the Queen, from my current pen name- Jacqueline Patricks because (originally) I published under my first pen name H.G. Mewis. I was actually using both pen names at the time for different works before I decided to combine all my work under the current JP name to streamline everything. Plus, the JP name flows better and had been getting a more professional response than the HG one. *shrugs*. Call it my experiment in book/online marketing.
Unfortunately for me, I didn't realize that when I updated/added a new edition with both pen names that GR doesn't like that. They insist on the original book being listed under the original pen name only (or some such thing... I'm not entirely clear about that)
Anywho... If you click on the Queen listing you'll see all the original rating and reviews there and they're listed under JP too, but not calculated with my JP overall rating average. So, in essence, my JP rating average is starting over and my Queen ratings will be fully separate since I won't be adding more books under the HG pen name.
Meh... live and learn. If I'd known how to do this right the first time it wouldn't be called a learning process. Now I know. And knowing is half the battle. :o)
Unfortunately for me, I didn't realize that when I updated/added a new edition with both pen names that GR doesn't like that. They insist on the original book being listed under the original pen name only (or some such thing... I'm not entirely clear about that)
Anywho... If you click on the Queen listing you'll see all the original rating and reviews there and they're listed under JP too, but not calculated with my JP overall rating average. So, in essence, my JP rating average is starting over and my Queen ratings will be fully separate since I won't be adding more books under the HG pen name.
Meh... live and learn. If I'd known how to do this right the first time it wouldn't be called a learning process. Now I know. And knowing is half the battle. :o)
March 1, 2013
Winners of my GR giveaway - 1047 entries!
Leanne Holmes
Ilonka Bruce
Lucie Husáková
Chance Staffan
Congratulations! I'll be getting the books mailed out first thing Monday. And for those who didn't win, you can get a big discount from 3/3-9 https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Ilonka Bruce
Lucie Husáková
Chance Staffan
Congratulations! I'll be getting the books mailed out first thing Monday. And for those who didn't win, you can get a big discount from 3/3-9 https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
