U.M. Hiram's Blog: Why I Love to Write, page 2

New Book Cover Alert: FINALLY Receives A Facelift

My contemporary romance novel that was released on April 4, 2017 is sporting a new book cover and I wanted to share that with you all.

Let me know what you think!

Book Synopsis: 

After four years of love and trials, Michelle Brantley finally received the marriage proposal of her dreams from her handsome beau Michael Daniels. Their relationship was passionate and weathered some storms along the way.

His decision to propose during their trip to Montego Bay was unexpected yet happily thrilling for her.

All was right in their world UNTIL his past caught up to him, derailing the new chapter they were going to embark on.

Live were forever changed, and relationships shattered … BUT

Destiny and extreme happiness played out in the most unexpected ways. 

If you'd like to order the paperback or eBook copy of this book, head over to Amazon by clicking here.

​Until next time … Happy Reading and Happy Writing! 

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)

In approximately nine days, the annual event called National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) will be underway and in full effect. For the first time this year, I will be participating and am looking forward to working on my sophomore full-length romance novel.

For those authors who may be on the fence about taking a part in this event, here are some fast facts:

Writing Dates: November 1 -30, 2018Writing Goal: 50,000 wordsSocial Media Engagement: Facebook and Twitter 
You can find out more information about this annual writing event by clicking here.

If you are an author participating in this event, let's connect so that we can support each other. I will definitely be looking to interact with other authors during this writing process. I'm looking forward to the challenge of completing my novel draft within 30 days. 

Until next time ... Happy Writing!

Self-Publishing or Traditional Publishing - Is One Better?

Photo Credit: https://binged.it/2m0gVUL I've been asked my opinion over the past few months about self-publishing vs. traditional publishing.

Is one better than the other?

At the end of the day, it's really about your preference as an author and the goals that you've set for yourself. There are always pros and cons that you need to consider when making a final decision about the desired publishing method. In this blog post, I decided to include three top pros for self publishing and traditional publishing.

Self Publishing 
1. Instant Publication
2. Sole Production Control (i.e. Book Cover, Editing & Price)
3. Higher Royalty Rates 

Traditional Publishing 
1. Controlled Publishing Dates (i.e. up to 12 months after final editing)
2. Wider Distribution & Marketing Power
3. Book Royalty Advances

With those top three pros in mind for each publishing method, it comes down to what you as an author would like to see happen with your books. I don't think you can wrong either way because I've seen the success that authors have had using either mechanism. 

For me, I've chosen to go the self publishing route because there is an extensive amount of control over my production from beginning to end. Does that mean that I wouldn't try to shop my future novels around to traditional publishing houses? Of course not. I would love to have a few of my books published that way. 

Self Publishing or Traditional Publishing? I believe you could be successful using either publishing method. 

​Until next time ... Happy Writing!

Writer's Block - Tips To Overcome This Nuisance

Photo Courtesy of jacksmomontherun.wordpress.com via www.bing.com As an author and writer, I'm sure there are times that you've had to deal with the dreadful nuisance called "writer's block." 

I will admit that working on my current project as come with its moments of brain silence. You could hear the crickets. I haven't been unfocused or unmotivated to write this next novel; however, there have been times when I would sit down in front of the computer or even grab my notebook and absolutely nothing.

I know that I need to get this book done because that is on my publishing schedule this year but I didn't want to continue to force the issue. 

So, what do you do when this happens?

Here are a few tips that I would suggest so that you can get back into the groove of things: Read! Read! Read! - This takes the pressure off of your brain for a little while, allowing some enjoyment and relaxation time. Listen to Music - Sometimes you just need to sit back, close your eyes or dance to the music of your choice. It provides an escape and a brain break. Implement a Daily Routine - When you have a consistent writing routine then that becomes a habit that isn't easy to break. For example, you can set a goal to write a minimum of 1,000 - 2,000 words per day equating to 7,000 - 14,000 words a week. If you keep this up then before you know it that first draft will be complete.  Get Inspired - One thing that I do to stay inspired is ready daily quotes as well as look at the things I have posted on my vision board. Fellow Author/Writer Support - It's important to surround yourself with people who are on the same journey as you are with writing. Most of the authors and writers that I've had the opportunity to interact with in person or through social media faced this challenge at one time or another. Their advice and support have been golden. Stop Trying to Be Perfect - In other words, stop putting too much pressure on yourself to have everything be perfect. There's a reason why revisions exist. Just write and stop thinking so much. Even if something doesn't make sense initially - know that you can always go back and change it later prior to publishing. Change Your Scenery  - Sometimes you need to get away from your normal place of writing. For example, if you write in your office home maybe it would help to find a cafe, library or some other peaceful destination. 
These are just a few of many things that you can do to overcome that nuisance called "writer's block." In case you are wondering, yes I've done a few of things and I'm back in thick of working on my next novels. 

Until next time ... Happy Writing!

Writer's Picture Quote of the Week

Writer's Picture Quote of the Week

Indie Author Weekly Tip - Read A Lot and Write A Lot

Happy Tuesday! Today's indie author weekly tip is simply read a lot and write a lot. It is a quote by best selling author Stephen King and great practices to incorporate as an author. I love to read as much as I love to write because it's always refreshing to appreciate the work of fellow authors. I'm a firm believer that this method also helps to keep you motivated especially during those moments of creative challenges. Let's face it, sometimes we have to step away and recharge as writers. 

​Until next time ... Happy Writing! 

Indie Author Weekly Tip - Three Reasons to Set Writing Goals

Photo Courtesy of www.publicdomainpictures.net Happy Tuesday! Today's indie author weekly tip is three reasons to set writing goals. 

According to Oxford Dictionaries, goal is defined as "the object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result."

The goal of most authors is to complete his or her specific writing project. Novel, novella, literary magazine article or whatever that may be for him or her. It's important that writing goals are set prior to that process so that the ultimate outcome is achieved.

Here are three simple reasons that an author should set writing goals:
Accountability - When you have set a writing timeline for yourself then you are more than likely to stick with it. Post those goals on your board, in your calendar and any other visual tool so that it helps to keep you on track and accountable. Make sure those writing goals are attainable and realistic especially when you have other responsibilities to juggle as well.  Clearly Defined End Result - If you have a specific target date to be finished with your writing project then the goals that you've set will keep you focused on reaching the desired end result. For example, if you have given yourself 60 - 90 days to finish your first written draft then you'll be focused on getting that done because you've set that particular writing goal for yourself. This will also give you a huge sense of accomplishment.  Motivation - Writing goals can keep you highly motivated because it pushes you to keep pressing through and finish your project. Even when distractions tend to rise up, those writing goals will help you to push past those moments and stay motivated to finish what you began especially when you want to see your final project published. 
The implementation and simplicity of setting writing goals can be advantageous for authors. Sometimes life can alter the goals that you initially set for yourself; however, there is the always the flexibility in adjusting those goals accordingly if needed. Basically, set those goals with the finish line in your front sight. 

Until next time ... Happy Writing! 

Indie Author Weekly Tip - Write the Book that You Want to Read

Happy Tuesday! Today's Indie Author Weekly Tip is about writing the book that you want to read if it hasn't been written yet. 

I absolutely love the quote below by Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient and Pulitzer Prize Winner Toni Morrison. Each writer is unique in his or her own right; therefore, no one else can tell their specific story the way that he or she would write it. There's not a whole lot more that I need to share in regards to this prolific, trailblazing author's statement because I think it's pretty clear cut. 

Until next time ... Happy Writing! 

Indie Author Weekly Tip - Write Your Novel In Your Unique Voice

Courtesy of www.goodmorningquote.com Happy Tuesday! Today's Indie Author Weekly Tip is about writing your novel in your unique voice. 

According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, unique is defined as "being one of
​a kind." On this earth there are no two individuals who are exactly alike. Granted you may have similar interests but are still different in a variety of ways. 

What does this have to do with writing a novel?

There are many authors who enjoy writing in a particular genre (i.e. romance, paranormal, suspense); however, they all have different ways in which they like to craft their stories. In other words, they have their own unique voice. For example, there may be a specific way a phrase is used as well as the flow in which he or she delivers a story. Dedicated readers will notice those things and associate that particular writing style with the author. 

I know there are specific best practices that should be used with novel writing; however, I am a strong believer that you should also be able to embrace and share your unique writing voice. 

Until next time ... Happy Writing!