Colby R. Rice's Blog, page 13
August 22, 2017
Why Won’t Anybody Publish Your Novel?
When you start out as a new writer, you have this romantic idea that you’ll finish your masterpiece and send it out to agents and publisher and you’ll see the offers rolling in. The reality is very different. After years of struggling through and editing every tiny detail until it’s absolutely perfect, you’re met with rejection after rejection. It isn’t always a reflection of your work, publishers get so many submissions that they will often cut the pile down based on the tiniest details. If you’re not getting anywhere with your writing, it might be for one of these reasons.
The Book Is No Good
One of the biggest hurdles you need to overcome as a writer is being able to bin your own work. When I first started out, I was very attached to everything that I wrote. If something didn’t work I would spend hours on it, trying to make it into something worth reading. The truth is, sometimes you just can’t. There isn’t a writer alive that comes out with something brilliant every time they put pen to paper. Everybody writes things that just don’t work. Knowing when to admit this and move on to something else is a difficult thing to learn, but it will improve your writing when you do. Don’t get rid of anything completely, you might be able to do something with it later, but don’t keep flogging a dead horse if the book isn’t working.
The Book Isn’t Finished
It’s basically impossible to know when a novel is finished, and you can never really say that it’s completely done. But you can get it close enough to be published. However, a common mistake that people make is they send it off for publication before it’s ready. Even though you’ve spent endless amounts of time editing, there’s still work to be done. The best way to know is to have as many people as possible read it. They’ll be able to tell you whether you need to do more work on it. If you’ve gone through the entire novel a few times and you’ve made hardly any changes, you’re probably there.
It’s Been Done
Another misconception that a lot of writers make is that their book will sell because it’s similar to other best sellers. Since the release of books like the Hunger Games series, young adult, dystopian novels are all the rage. But that doesn’t mean you can write a carbon copy of the Hunger Games with a few tweaks and get a publishing deal. It is possible for you to capitalize on the popularity of a genre or style, but you need to have something completely fresh and new to bring to the table. Using the same themes is fine but if your characters are predictable and you haven’t tackled that theme from a different angle, you won’t get anywhere.
Formatting
You wouldn’t think that the formatting really has anything to do with you, but it could stop you from getting published. When you’re submitting samples to publishers, they often have very specific and strict guidelines on how to submit the work. Not following them will probably get you struck off straight away. If you’re a bit of a technophobe, consider taking a few Microsoft Word training classes so you can get the specifications exactly right. If a publisher opens the document and you haven’t followed their advice, they probably won’t even read it most of the time.
Plot Synopsis
Most submissions ask for the first few chapters and a plot synopsis. Writers will focus on going through those first couple of sample chapters with a fine tooth comb until every detail is perfect, but they’ll neglect the synopsis. If the publisher likes the sample chapter, then they’ll read the synopsis but if it’s confusing and disorganized, then they might not move forward from there. It can be difficult to describe the entire plot of a book in a succinct way, but you’ll just have to practice. Decide on what the main themes and plot points that make up the essence of the novel are, and focus on them. If you get bogged down in the backstory of every single character, things will get muddled and publishers will be put off.
Choosing The Wrong Publishers
Writers often think that the more publishers they send their work to, the more likely they are to get somewhere with it. I wish it were that simple, but it isn’t. Publishers all have a specialty and they’re usually pretty specific. If you want to be successful, you need to spend a little time researching publishers and find ones that work with genres and styles that are similar to yours. Most publishing companies will have a page that shows information about exactly what they are and aren’t looking for. Not reading them is only going to waste your time and theirs because you’ll be sending people samples of a novel that they’ll never be interested in.
Your COVER Letter
Before they even get to your sample, publisher’s will read your cover letter. If they aren’t impressed, they’re likely to move on without even reading the sample. The function of a cover letter is to give the publisher more information about you and your work. You need to sell yourself. Start out with your credentials, and don’t leave anything out. Any creative writing qualifications you might have, and any work you’ve had published in the past, whether it’s fiction or nonfiction. From there you need to tell them why your book is going to sell. Who is your target audience and why is your novel going to stand out from all of the others on the market? You also need to include a lot of smaller details which people often forget, like the word count and some contact details for yourself. People often leave these things out and publishers will see it as a bad sign if you do.
You can follow all of these steps and still get rejections. It’s just part of the process. The important thing is that you don’t give up and you’ll get there in the end.
August 20, 2017
CEFJ #36 The Breath Before the Plunge (8/21/17)
I’m a little rambly today, but generally, I talk about starting graduate school next week, my project updates on The Books of Ezekiel, and the state of Rebel Ragdoll. This is literally my last week of freedom before grad school starts up again. Wish me luck!
VLOG VERSION
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PROMOTE YOUR *FREE* BOOKS & NOVEL SERIES AT NA NOIR(E) FOR FREE:
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— Authors! Promote your SFF/H & SFF/H Romance NOVEL SERIES to my 13,000 Readers for FREE: http://bit.ly/2ubEJLk
OPEN GIVEAWAYS AT NA NOIRE (FOR AUTHORS):
— Authors! Join our “25 Days of Box Sets” Christmas Giveaway: http://bit.ly/2qcG5DS
FOR READERS: GRAB FREE BOOKS, DISCOVER NEW SERIES, AND WIN AWESOME PRIZES!
NEW ADULT NOIR(E) FOR READERS: Join New Adult Noir(e) for unlimited access to THE darkest, grittiest sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and romance reads, amazing giveaways, free books, amazing series, free bundles, and more!
Grab your FREE NA Noir(e) starter library at:
https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/211447?v=6
Join the FREE Back-to-School Blast! YA and NA Giveaway, and grab FREE reads! All entrants get prizes:
MORE (NON-NA NOIRE) AWESOME GIVEAWAYS:
1. Grab 30+ FREE Dystopian / Post-Apocalyptic Novels: http://www.craigmcdonough.com/theend.html
2. “Last Days of Summer” Mega Facebook Giveaway: http://darielraye.com/featured-giveaways/
3. The Book Depository (grab over 400 free e-books in ANY genre): http://melanietomlin.com/tpr-freebies/
4. FREE YA Boxset: https://books.pronoun.com/otherworlds-the-ya-scifi-fantasy-boxset/
August 14, 2017
CEFJ #35 Battles on All Fronts & Artistic Resistance (8/14/17)
I’ve got some updates this week, but I’d be lying if I said my energy WASN’T at an all-time low. Recent events in Charlottesville and with North Korea have got me fighting anxiety and situational depression like WOAH.
There may be some dark times ahead for our country, and I am trying to stay strong, focused, and inspired through my art. I hope you will too!
VLOG VERSION
JOIN THE HOLLOW POINT LAUNCH TEAM
Get free advanced copy of the novel, free gift cards, and other prizes! https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/149478?v=6
FOR AUTHORS: JOIN NEW ADULT NOIRE!
We hook readers into THE darkest, grittiest, heart-pounding-est sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and romance to ever exist. All hearts of darkness welcome!
Join New Adult Noir(e) today to expand your rabid readership and join our joint promotions:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeElicXmpH3YO7gDZbj9DoflIkHajMEGRRU1g7BeuwqUqCFYg/viewform
SIGN UP TO JOIN OUR MEGA-GIVEAWAYS AS A SPONSORING AUTHOR:
http://www.newadultnoir.com/for-authors/join-our-mega-giveaways/
PROMOTE YOUR *FREE* BOOKS & NOVEL SERIES AT NA NOIR(E) FOR FREE:
— Authors! Promote your FREE SFF/H & SFF/H Romance books to my 13,000 Readers for FREE: http://bit.ly/2uKsfHo
— Authors! Promote your SFF/H & SFF/H Romance NOVEL SERIES to my 13,000 Readers for FREE: http://bit.ly/2ubEJLk
OPEN GIVEAWAYS AT NA NOIRE (FOR AUTHORS):
— Authors! Join our “25 Days of Box Sets” Christmas Giveaway: http://bit.ly/2qcG5DS
FOR READERS: GRAB FREE BOOKS, DISCOVER NEW SERIES, AND WIN AWESOME PRIZES!
NEW ADULT NOIR(E) FOR READERS: Join New Adult Noir(e) for unlimited access to THE darkest, grittiest sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and romance reads, amazing giveaways, free books, amazing series, free bundles, and more!
Grab your FREE NA Noir(e) starter library at:
https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/211447?v=6
Join the FREE Back-to-School Blast! YA and NA Giveaway, and grab FREE reads! All entrants get prizes:
MORE (NON-NA NOIRE) AWESOME GIVEAWAYS:
1. Grab 30+ FREE Dystopian / Post-Apocalyptic Novels: http://www.craigmcdonough.com/theend.html
2. “Last Days of Summer” Mega Facebook Giveaway: http://darielraye.com/featured-giveaways/
3. The Book Depository (grab over 400 free e-books in ANY genre): http://melanietomlin.com/tpr-freebies/
4. FREE YA Boxset: https://books.pronoun.com/otherworlds-the-ya-scifi-fantasy-boxset/
August 9, 2017
CEFJ #34 Virtual Reality, Building a Tech Business, and Artistic Philanthropy (8/9/17)
Here’s what I’m serving this episode:
NA Noir(e) FREE BOOKS promos, SERIES DISCOVERY promos, and MEGA GIVEAWAYS for Readers and Authors!
My Patreon for Rebel Ragdoll, LLC is Under Construction… and we’ll be relaunching soon!
My new (in-progress) episodic novel series / TV-series-in-progress, IMMORTAL!
Creating another horror film concept (for future development) called, THE NEIGHBORS
Developing the concept for book #6 for The Hitmen for Happily Ever After series
Making awesome progress on HOLLOW POINT (The Books of Ezekiel #3)
Developing the fifth subsidiary of Rebel Ragdoll, LLC: The Dollhouse Foundation and creating artistic-philanthropic programming for single creative moms, married creative moms, single childless women, and married childless women
How ON FLEEK my Creative University is with the THREE creative courses I’m taking
Working on developing the Rebel Ragdoll Merch Store!
Managing, trimming, and warming up my reader subscriber list!
GETTING INTO VIRTUAL REALITY (VR) & OPENING A TECH BUSINESS!
VLOG VERSION
JOIN THE HOLLOW POINT LAUNCH TEAM
Get free advanced copy of the novel, free gift cards, and other prizes! https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/149478?v=6
FOR AUTHORS: JOIN NEW ADULT NOIRE!
We hook readers into THE darkest, grittiest, heart-pounding-est sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and romance to ever exist. All hearts of darkness welcome!
Join New Adult Noir(e) today to expand your rabid readership and join our joint promotions:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeElicXmpH3YO7gDZbj9DoflIkHajMEGRRU1g7BeuwqUqCFYg/viewform
SIGN UP TO JOIN OUR MEGA-GIVEAWAYS AS A SPONSORING AUTHOR:
http://www.newadultnoir.com/for-authors/join-our-mega-giveaways/
PROMOTE YOUR *FREE* BOOKS & NOVEL SERIES AT NA NOIR(E) FOR FREE:
— Authors! Promote your FREE SFF/H & SFF/H Romance books to my 13,000 Readers for FREE: http://bit.ly/2uKsfHo
— Authors! Promote your SFF/H & SFF/H Romance NOVEL SERIES to my 13,000 Readers for FREE: http://bit.ly/2ubEJLk
OPEN GIVEAWAYS AT NA NOIRE (FOR AUTHORS):
— Authors! Join our “25 Days of Box Sets” Christmas Giveaway: http://bit.ly/2qcG5DS
FOR READERS: GRAB FREE BOOKS, DISCOVER NEW SERIES, AND WIN AWESOME PRIZES!
NEW ADULT NOIR(E) FOR READERS: Join New Adult Noir(e) for unlimited access to THE darkest, grittiest sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and romance reads, amazing giveaways, free books, amazing series, free bundles, and more!
Grab your FREE NA Noir(e) starter library at:
https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/211447?v=6
Join the FREE Back-to-School Blast! YA and NA Giveaway, and grab FREE reads! All entrants get prizes:
MORE (NON-NA NOIRE) AWESOME GIVEAWAYS:
1. Grab 30+ FREE Dystopian / Post-Apocalyptic Novels: http://www.craigmcdonough.com/theend.html
2. “Last Days of Summer” Mega Facebook Giveaway: http://darielraye.com/featured-giveaways/
3. The Book Depository (grab over 400 free e-books in ANY genre): http://melanietomlin.com/tpr-freebies/
4. FREE YA Boxset: https://books.pronoun.com/otherworlds-the-ya-scifi-fantasy-boxset/
August 3, 2017
CEFJ #33 OOOH SNAP!!! #BlackAmerica!!! The ORIGINAL #NoConfederate Movement! (8/3/17)
Welcome to the *official* #noconfederate clapback: “Black America”!
VLOG VERSION
JOIN THE HOLLOW POINT LAUNCH TEAM
Get free advanced copy of the novel, free gift cards, and other prizes! https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/149478?v=6
FOR AUTHORS: JOIN NEW ADULT NOIRE!
We hook readers into THE darkest, grittiest, heart-pounding-est sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and romance to ever exist. All hearts of darkness welcome! Check us out at: http://newadultnoir.com
NEW ADULT NOIR(E) FOR READERS: Join New Adult Noir(e) for unlimited access to THE darkest, grittiest sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and romance reads, amazing giveaways, free books, amazing series, free bundles, and more!
Grab your FREE NA Noir(e) starter library at: https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pa...
NEW ADULT NOIR(E) FOR AUTHORS: Join New Adult Noir(e) today to expand your rabid readership and join our joint promotions: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeElicXmpH3YO7gDZbj9DoflIkHajMEGRRU1g7BeuwqUqCFYg/viewform
PROMOTE YOUR *FREE* BOOKS & NOVEL SERIES AT NA NOIR(E) FOR FREE:
— Authors! Promote your FREE SFF/H & SFF/H Romance books to my 13,000 Readers for FREE: http://bit.ly/2uKsfHo
— Authors! Promote your SFF/H & SFF/H Romance NOVEL SERIES to my 13,000 Readers for FREE: http://bit.ly/2ubEJLk
OPEN GIVEAWAYS AT NA NOIRE (FOR AUTHORS):
— Authors! Join our Back-to-School Blast” YA/NA Giveaway: http://bit.ly/2raIOey
— Authors! Join our “25 Days of Box Sets” Christmas Giveaway: http://bit.ly/2qcG5DS
FOR READERS:
CHECK OUT THESE AWESOME GIVEAWAYS:
1. Fantastic Voyage Giveaway! Win a Kindle Voyage E-reader + All Entrants Get 33 FREE sci-fi & fantasy e-books! http://billhargenraderauthor.com/give...
2. FREE YA Boxset: https://books.pronoun.com/otherworlds...
3. The Ultimate Paperback Giveaway: http://sffbookbonanza.com/paperbackgiveaway/
4. The Book Depository (grab over 400 free e-books in ANY genre): http://melanietomlin.com/tpr-freebies/
August 2, 2017
CEFJ #32 #NoConfederate: An Open Letter to the Exec Producers on Your Upcoming HBO Series, “Confederate” (7/31/17)
1. Why is the pain of Black America ALWAYS the grenade that some White liberals use to create controversy and make money, while NOT making change?
2. Will the institution of Whiteness ever stop using Black folks and slave narratives to “stir the pot” for their own gain and notoriety?
3. If not, where does the buck stop with us, Black fam? Can we take back our narrative power, PLEASE, and STOP the damn tap dancing?
4. If we [Black people] made our own shit, WOULD IT LOOK LIKE THIS? (Short answer: fuck no. We’d be writing some afro-futuristic, Black-empowerment shit where our power, potential, self-love, and FREEDOM has no bounds.)
VLOG VERSION
JOIN THE HOLLOW POINT LAUNCH TEAM
Get free advanced copy of the novel, free gift cards, and other prizes! https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/149478?v=6
FOR AUTHORS: JOIN NEW ADULT NOIRE!
We hook readers into THE darkest, grittiest, heart-pounding-est sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and romance to ever exist. All hearts of darkness welcome! Check us out at: http://newadultnoir.com
NEW ADULT NOIR(E) FOR READERS: Join New Adult Noir(e) for unlimited access to THE darkest, grittiest sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and romance reads, amazing giveaways, free books, amazing series, free bundles, and more!
Grab your FREE NA Noir(e) starter library at: https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pa...
NEW ADULT NOIR(E) FOR AUTHORS: Join New Adult Noir(e) today to expand your rabid readership and join our joint promotions: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeElicXmpH3YO7gDZbj9DoflIkHajMEGRRU1g7BeuwqUqCFYg/viewform
PROMOTE YOUR *FREE* BOOKS & NOVEL SERIES AT NA NOIR(E) FOR FREE:
— Authors! Promote your FREE SFF/H & SFF/H Romance books to my 13,000 Readers for FREE: http://bit.ly/2uKsfHo
— Authors! Promote your SFF/H & SFF/H Romance NOVEL SERIES to my 13,000 Readers for FREE: http://bit.ly/2ubEJLk
OPEN GIVEAWAYS AT NA NOIRE (FOR AUTHORS):
— Authors! Join our Back-to-School Blast” YA/NA Giveaway: http://bit.ly/2raIOey
— Authors! Join our “25 Days of Box Sets” Christmas Giveaway: http://bit.ly/2qcG5DS
FOR READERS:
CHECK OUT THESE AWESOME GIVEAWAYS:
1. Fantastic Voyage Giveaway! Win a Kindle Voyage E-reader + All Entrants Get 33 FREE sci-fi & fantasy e-books! http://billhargenraderauthor.com/give...
2. FREE YA Boxset: https://books.pronoun.com/otherworlds...
3. The Ultimate Paperback Giveaway: http://sffbookbonanza.com/paperbackgiveaway/
4. The Book Depository (grab over 400 free e-books in ANY genre): http://melanietomlin.com/tpr-freebies/
August 1, 2017
CEFJ #31 The Stupidity of Hollywood (8/1/17)
Giving you all some general updates on my New Adult Noir(e) business, current and upcoming giveaways, and some controversial tea in Hollywood over HBO’s up and coming alt-history series, “Confederate”.
VLOG VERSION
JOIN THE HOLLOW POINT LAUNCH TEAM
Get free advanced copy of the novel, free gift cards, and other prizes! https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/149478?v=6
FOR AUTHORS: JOIN NEW ADULT NOIRE!
We hook readers into THE darkest, grittiest, heart-pounding-est sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and romance to ever exist. All hearts of darkness welcome! Check us out at: http://newadultnoir.com
NEW ADULT NOIR(E) FOR READERS: Join New Adult Noir(e) for unlimited access to THE darkest, grittiest sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and romance reads, amazing giveaways, free books, amazing series, free bundles, and more!
Grab your FREE NA Noir(e) starter library at: https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pa...
NEW ADULT NOIR(E) FOR AUTHORS: Join New Adult Noir(e) today to expand your rabid readership and join our joint promotions: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeElicXmpH3YO7gDZbj9DoflIkHajMEGRRU1g7BeuwqUqCFYg/viewform
PROMOTE YOUR *FREE* BOOKS & NOVEL SERIES AT NA NOIR(E) FOR FREE:
— Authors! Promote your FREE SFF/H & SFF/H Romance books to my 13,000 Readers for FREE: http://bit.ly/2uKsfHo
— Authors! Promote your SFF/H & SFF/H Romance NOVEL SERIES to my 13,000 Readers for FREE: http://bit.ly/2ubEJLk
OPEN GIVEAWAYS AT NA NOIRE (FOR AUTHORS):
— Authors! Join our Back-to-School Blast” YA/NA Giveaway: http://bit.ly/2raIOey
— Authors! Join our “25 Days of Box Sets” Christmas Giveaway: http://bit.ly/2qcG5DS
FOR READERS:
CHECK OUT THESE AWESOME GIVEAWAYS:
1. Win a Kindle HD Fire Tablet + A Collection of Young Adult and New Adult E-books: http://bit.ly/nanoirschoolblast
2. Grab 30+ FREE Dystopian & Post-apocalyptic Novels: http://www.craigmcdonough.com/theend....
3. “Last Days of Summer” Mega Facebook Giveaway: http://darielraye.com/featured-giveaw...
4. FREE YA Boxset: https://books.pronoun.com/otherworlds...
5. The Book Depository (grab over 400 free e-books in ANY genre): http://melanietomlin.com/tpr-freebies/
July 17, 2017
CEFJ #30 “My One-Week-Novel” Challenge (7/17/17)
This is just going to be a stream-of-consciousness creative update on some stuff I’ve been up to, on pulling inspiration from life, and my one-week novel challenge (to myself)!
VLOG VERSION
JOIN THE HOLLOW POINT LAUNCH TEAM
Get free advanced copy of the novel, free gift cards, and other prizes! https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/149478?v=6
FOR AUTHORS: JOIN NEW ADULT NOIRE!
We hook readers into THE darkest, grittiest, heart-pounding-est sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and romance to ever exist. All hearts of darkness welcome! Check us out at: http://newadultnoir.com
NEW ADULT NOIR(E) FOR READERS: Join New Adult Noir(e) for unlimited access to THE darkest, grittiest sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and romance reads, amazing giveaways, free books, amazing series, free bundles, and more!
Grab your FREE NA Noir(e) starter library at: https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pa...
NEW ADULT NOIR(E) FOR AUTHORS: Join New Adult Noir(e) today to expand your rabid readership and join our joint promotions: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeElicXmpH3YO7gDZbj9DoflIkHajMEGRRU1g7BeuwqUqCFYg/viewform
PROMOTE YOUR *FREE* BOOKS & NOVEL SERIES AT NA NOIR(E) FOR FREE:
— Authors! Promote your FREE SFF/H & SFF/H Romance books to my 13,000 Readers for FREE: http://bit.ly/2uKsfHo
— Authors! Promote your SFF/H & SFF/H Romance NOVEL SERIES to my 13,000 Readers for FREE: http://bit.ly/2ubEJLk
OPEN GIVEAWAYS AT NA NOIRE (FOR AUTHORS):
— Authors! Join our Back-to-School Blast” YA/NA Giveaway: http://bit.ly/2raIOey
— Authors! Join our “25 Days of Box Sets” Christmas Giveaway: http://bit.ly/2qcG5DS
FOR READERS:
CHECK OUT THESE AWESOME GIVEAWAYS:
1. Fantastic Voyage Giveaway! Win a Kindle Voyage E-reader + All Entrants Get 33 FREE sci-fi & fantasy e-books! http://billhargenraderauthor.com/give...
2. FREE YA Boxset: https://books.pronoun.com/otherworlds...
3. The Ultimate Paperback Giveaway: http://sffbookbonanza.com/paperbackgiveaway/
4. The Book Depository (grab over 400 free e-books in ANY genre): http://melanietomlin.com/tpr-freebies/
July 10, 2017
CEFJ #29 Q2 Achievements, Q3 Goals, and Q3 Kick-off! (7/10/17)
Sooo… HERE’S the mega- Creative Achievements Round Up for Q2 of 2017!
Q2 CREATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS
* 11,000+ more Offworlders gained (aka readers to my subscriber list)
* 6 masterclasses finished
* 1 play reviewed on the blog
* 1 book reviewed on the blog
* 8 signature courses finished
* 1 MAJOR giveaway completed
* 10 vlogs recorded and posted
* 1 horror film in progress (Sandman): worldbuilding, concept design, outlining script, planning budget, planning film concepts, blocking, themes, and cinematic look
* 1 book launch plan in progress
* 1 author box set collaboration wrapped!
* 1 new Rebel Ragdoll subsidiary opened and launched: New Adult Noir(e)
* Worldbuilding, plotting, and character development for The Books of Ezekiel series
* Worldbuilding, plotting, and character development for The Hitmen of Happily Ever After series
* Worldbuilding, plotting, and character development for the ASYLUM series
* Participated in a multitude of cross-promotion activities with fellow authors
* Maintained the author blog and vlog at Colby R. Rice
TOTAL Q2 WORD COUNT: 31,306 words
Q3 GOALS (July 1 – September 30)
* Stay on top of my daily writing habit
* Finish and PUBLISH HOLLOW POINT
* Finish Rose n’ John Does (Hitmen of Happily Ever After, Book #1)
* Finish Loosey, Goosey (Hitmen of Happily Ever After, Book #0)
* Finish and polish SANDMAN script
* Finish SANDMAN script breakdown and start pre-production
* Continue to grow New Adult Noir(e) by hosting giveaways, reviewing books, running free promos, and building a rabid reader base
* Keep working on my weekly Creative Achievement podcast, “The Epic Fantastical Journey of a Black Female Sci-fi Writer”
* Find a new template for my Colby R. Rice website
* Re-evaluate The Bohemian Badass, the B-Badass Podcast, and the goals of both
* Learn as much about filmmaking as humanly possible (w/ a strong focus on post-production, SFX, VFX, and graphic design)
* Survive grad school & teaching
Q4 GOALS (October 1 – December 31)
* Stay on top of my daily writing habit
* PUBLISH Rose n’ John Does (Hitmen of Happily Ever After, Book #1)
* PUBLISH Loosey, Goosey (Hitmen of Happily Ever After, Book #0)
* Finish storyboarding and concept design of SANDMAN feature film
* Create a viable business plan and marketing for SANDMAN film
* Re-evaluate the budget for the SANDMAN film (based on business plan)
* Continue to grow New Adult Noir(e) by hosting giveaways, reviewing books, running free promos, and building a rabid reader base
* Keep working on my weekly creative achievement / author podcast, “The Epic Fantastical Journey of a Black Female Sci-fi Writer”
* Launch new template for Colby R. Rice
* (Officially) incorporate Rebel Ragdoll, Inc
* (Officially) incorporate Rebel Ragdoll Press, LLC
* (Officially) incorporate Rebel Ragdoll Productions, LLC
* (Officially) incorporate The Bohemian Badass, LLC
* Learn as much about filmmaking as humanly possible (w/ a strong focus on post-production, SFX, VFX, and graphic design)
* Survive (and finish out) grad school & teaching
JOIN THE HOLLOW POINT LAUNCH TEAM
Get free advanced copy of the novel, free gift cards, and other prizes! https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/149478?v=6
FOR AUTHORS: JOIN NEW ADULT NOIRE!
We hook readers into THE darkest, grittiest, heart-pounding-est sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and romance to ever exist. All hearts of darkness welcome! Check us out at: http://newadultnoir.com
NEW ADULT NOIR(E) FOR READERS: Join New Adult Noir(e) for unlimited access to THE darkest, grittiest sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and romance reads, amazing giveaways, free books, amazing series, free bundles, and more!
Grab your FREE NA Noir(e) starter library at: https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pa...
NEW ADULT NOIR(E) FOR AUTHORS: Join New Adult Noir(e) today to expand your rabid readership and join our joint promotions: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeElicXmpH3YO7gDZbj9DoflIkHajMEGRRU1g7BeuwqUqCFYg/viewform
PROMOTE YOUR *FREE* BOOKS & NOVEL SERIES AT NA NOIR(E) FOR FREE:
— Authors! Promote your FREE SFF/H & SFF/H Romance books to my 13,000 Readers for FREE: http://bit.ly/2uKsfHo
— Authors! Promote your SFF/H & SFF/H Romance NOVEL SERIES to my 13,000 Readers for FREE: http://bit.ly/2ubEJLk
OPEN GIVEAWAYS AT NA NOIRE (FOR AUTHORS):
— Authors! Join our Back-to-School Blast” YA/NA Giveaway: http://bit.ly/2raIOey
— Authors! Join our “25 Days of Box Sets” Christmas Giveaway: http://bit.ly/2qcG5DS
FOR READERS:
CHECK OUT THESE AWESOME GIVEAWAYS:
1. Fantastic Voyage Giveaway! Win a Kindle Voyage E-reader + All Entrants Get 33 FREE sci-fi & fantasy e-books! http://billhargenraderauthor.com/give...
2. FREE YA Boxset: https://books.pronoun.com/otherworlds...
3. The Ultimate Paperback Giveaway: http://sffbookbonanza.com/paperbackgiveaway/
4. The Book Depository (grab over 400 free e-books in ANY genre): http://melanietomlin.com/tpr-freebies/
Colby’s Creative Journal (7/10/17): Q2 Achievements, Q3 Goals, and Q3 Kick-off!
Sooo… HERE’S the mega- Creative Achievements Round Up for Q2 of 2017!
Q2 CREATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS
* 11,000+ more Offworlders gained (aka readers to my subscriber list)
* 6 masterclasses finished
* 1 play reviewed on the blog
* 1 book reviewed on the blog
* 8 signature courses finished
* 1 MAJOR giveaway completed
* 10 vlogs recorded and posted
* 1 horror film in progress (Sandman): worldbuilding, concept design, outlining script, planning budget, planning film concepts, blocking, themes, and cinematic look
* 1 book launch plan in progress
* 1 author box set collaboration wrapped!
* 1 new Rebel Ragdoll subsidiary opened and launched: New Adult Noir(e)
* Worldbuilding, plotting, and character development for The Books of Ezekiel series
* Worldbuilding, plotting, and character development for The Hitmen of Happily Ever After series
* Worldbuilding, plotting, and character development for the ASYLUM series
* Participated in a multitude of cross-promotion activities with fellow authors
* Maintained the author blog and vlog at Colby R. Rice
TOTAL Q2 WORD COUNT: 31,306 words
Q3 GOALS (July 1 – September 30)
* Stay on top of my daily writing habit
* Finish and PUBLISH HOLLOW POINT
* Finish Rose n’ John Does (Hitmen of Happily Ever After, Book #1)
* Finish Loosey, Goosey (Hitmen of Happily Ever After, Book #0)
* Finish and polish SANDMAN script
* Finish SANDMAN script breakdown and start pre-production
* Continue to grow New Adult Noir(e) by hosting giveaways, reviewing books, running free promos, and building a rabid reader base
* Keep working on my weekly Creative Achievement podcast, “The Epic Fantastical Journey of a Black Female Sci-fi Writer”
* Find a new template for my Colby R. Rice website
* Re-evaluate The Bohemian Badass, the B-Badass Podcast, and the goals of both
* Learn as much about filmmaking as humanly possible (w/ a strong focus on post-production, SFX, VFX, and graphic design)
* Survive grad school & teaching
Q4 GOALS (October 1 – December 31)
* Stay on top of my daily writing habit
* PUBLISH Rose n’ John Does (Hitmen of Happily Ever After, Book #1)
* PUBLISH Loosey, Goosey (Hitmen of Happily Ever After, Book #0)
* Finish storyboarding and concept design of SANDMAN feature film
* Create a viable business plan and marketing for SANDMAN film
* Re-evaluate the budget for the SANDMAN film (based on business plan)
* Continue to grow New Adult Noir(e) by hosting giveaways, reviewing books, running free promos, and building a rabid reader base
* Keep working on my weekly creative achievement / author podcast, “The Epic Fantastical Journey of a Black Female Sci-fi Writer”
* Launch new template for Colby R. Rice
* (Officially) incorporate Rebel Ragdoll, Inc
* (Officially) incorporate Rebel Ragdoll Press, LLC
* (Officially) incorporate Rebel Ragdoll Productions, LLC
* (Officially) incorporate The Bohemian Badass, LLC
* Learn as much about filmmaking as humanly possible (w/ a strong focus on post-production, SFX, VFX, and graphic design)
* Survive (and finish out) grad school & teaching
JOIN THE HOLLOW POINT LAUNCH TEAM
Get free advanced copy of the novel, free gift cards, and other prizes! https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/149478?v=6
FOR AUTHORS: JOIN NEW ADULT NOIRE!
We hook readers into THE darkest, grittiest, heart-pounding-est sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and romance to ever exist. All hearts of darkness welcome! Check us out at: http://newadultnoir.com
NEW ADULT NOIR(E) FOR READERS: Join New Adult Noir(e) for unlimited access to THE darkest, grittiest sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and romance reads, amazing giveaways, free books, amazing series, free bundles, and more!
Grab your FREE NA Noir(e) starter library at: https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pa...
NEW ADULT NOIR(E) FOR AUTHORS: Join New Adult Noir(e) today to expand your rabid readership and join our joint promotions: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeElicXmpH3YO7gDZbj9DoflIkHajMEGRRU1g7BeuwqUqCFYg/viewform
PROMOTE YOUR *FREE* BOOKS & NOVEL SERIES AT NA NOIR(E) FOR FREE:
— Authors! Promote your FREE SFF/H & SFF/H Romance books to my 13,000 Readers for FREE: http://bit.ly/2uKsfHo
— Authors! Promote your SFF/H & SFF/H Romance NOVEL SERIES to my 13,000 Readers for FREE: http://bit.ly/2ubEJLk
OPEN GIVEAWAYS AT NA NOIRE (FOR AUTHORS):
— Authors! Join our Back-to-School Blast” YA/NA Giveaway: http://bit.ly/2raIOey
— Authors! Join our “25 Days of Box Sets” Christmas Giveaway: http://bit.ly/2qcG5DS
FOR READERS:
CHECK OUT THESE AWESOME GIVEAWAYS:
1. Fantastic Voyage Giveaway! Win a Kindle Voyage E-reader + All Entrants Get 33 FREE sci-fi & fantasy e-books! http://billhargenraderauthor.com/give...
2. FREE YA Boxset: https://books.pronoun.com/otherworlds...
3. The Ultimate Paperback Giveaway: http://sffbookbonanza.com/paperbackgiveaway/
4. The Book Depository (grab over 400 free e-books in ANY genre): http://melanietomlin.com/tpr-freebies/
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