Tabitha Vohn's Blog, page 9
January 12, 2016
Going Back On My Word
Once upon the time I made the promise that I would never raise my ebook price to above 99 cents. I thought it was a nice idea at the time; frankly, I couldn't wrap my head around how indie authors could justify spending more.
That was before my eyes were opened to the professional edit. The fact that traditionally published novels are edited professionally goes without saying. For Indies it's optional; although, I wish it wasn't, because I fear that too many naive writers out there-like me-think they can go it alone and still offer a competitive product to the reading market.
Trust me-we can't!
I was amazed at how much revision my novel-Tomorrow Is A Long Time-needed, and it was already polished in my mind, had gone through four different sets of eyes, including a retired editor, blogger, and fellow author.
Nothing-no matter how good intentioned- can replace the value of a trained eye.
I am happy to say that Tomorrow has been re-published with far less mistakes. The ebook (which I'm still working through the kinks of having formatted correctly) is in the works of being re-published and checked for conversion errors.
That being said, my slight increase in the cost of the ebook-I hope-speaks to the integrity of my trying to offer a more polished and enjoyable reading experience to my readers.
I'm starting my first read-through of my upcoming novel.
My hope is to also re-visit my first two novels, Requiem & Finding, re-publish Requiem with editing and formatting changes and a new cover, and re-edit and re-format Finding as well.
I may not sell a single new ebook, but I'll at least have the peace of mind that I can be proud not only of what I wrote but of how it's presented.
That was before my eyes were opened to the professional edit. The fact that traditionally published novels are edited professionally goes without saying. For Indies it's optional; although, I wish it wasn't, because I fear that too many naive writers out there-like me-think they can go it alone and still offer a competitive product to the reading market.
Trust me-we can't!
I was amazed at how much revision my novel-Tomorrow Is A Long Time-needed, and it was already polished in my mind, had gone through four different sets of eyes, including a retired editor, blogger, and fellow author.
Nothing-no matter how good intentioned- can replace the value of a trained eye.
I am happy to say that Tomorrow has been re-published with far less mistakes. The ebook (which I'm still working through the kinks of having formatted correctly) is in the works of being re-published and checked for conversion errors.
That being said, my slight increase in the cost of the ebook-I hope-speaks to the integrity of my trying to offer a more polished and enjoyable reading experience to my readers.
I'm starting my first read-through of my upcoming novel.
My hope is to also re-visit my first two novels, Requiem & Finding, re-publish Requiem with editing and formatting changes and a new cover, and re-edit and re-format Finding as well.
I may not sell a single new ebook, but I'll at least have the peace of mind that I can be proud not only of what I wrote but of how it's presented.
November 13, 2015
The Power of Essential Oils!
Doterra Oils: the ones that started it all, my whole Holistic Cracker quest.
I love yard sales in the summer and, two years ago at a church rummage sale, I met a lovely lady who had little shelves full of oils. I’ve always liked the smell of essential oils, but she began talking to me about using them as medicine, which was a new concept to me.
I was skeptical of course, but she applied a little Doterra “On Guard” oil to my hands. Hours later, I was cupping my hands to my face and breathing in. It smelled so good! Like Christmas. But it also made me feel calm. I glanced at the postcard inviting me to an oil seminar the next week and decided to check it out.
I found out that the reason the On Guard smell was so comforting is because it’s an anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-depressant oil (among other things),and works great inside and out of your body.
Although the eternal skeptic, I decided to give oils a go. Worse case, we’d be out a few bucks' investment. Best case, I could say goodbye to heavy reliance on drugs and chemicals with innumerable side effects, which often stressed me out more than the actual illness.
[Who wants to read on their prescription package, “yes, this antibiotic may cure your infection, but you may have permanent damage to your bowels for all eternity; it happens”??]
But I digress.
Doterra oils can be taken medicinally and, I’m pleased to report, that over the past two and a half years of using them, I’ve chucked my allergy meds to the curb (in favor of side-effect-less Peppermint oil), have not had a sinus infection in over three years, and have not been to the doctor for a virus/cold/flu in three years (thanks to Frankincense, Oregano, On Guard, and Peppermint oils). And when I am sick, it’s significantly shorter and less severe than pre-oil viruses.
My husband, who had horrible high blood pressure for over a decade, had his first 120/80 BP reading after consistent use of Lemon and Lavender oils (taken medicinally).
My father-in-law, who is in remission for prostate cancer, uses the Frankincense oil and Cypress oil which (he claims) took care of the side effects to the cancer treatments.
I’ve also used Melaleuca to get rid of a few unsightly skin tags and a keloid from my nose ring. And I love the Balance oil (which smells like a forest in winter) for bouts of stress and anxiety.
Doterra is one company that offers therapeutic- grade, organic oils that can taken orally or applied directly to your skin. There are other companies out there that I’m sure do the same thing. Just make sure when you buy your oil that it’s organic and able to be applied/digested; otherwise, it’s no good to you.
Try essential oils. Give it a few months. See if it makes a difference for you. What have you got to lose?
All of my family's oil use has been experimental, with the attitude of "if it works, great. If not, oh well."
But is D-O-E-S work! There's hope out there, yo! Seek it!
October 31, 2015
Holistic Cracker
Heh heh, so this has become my new nickname amongst my lunch crew at work. It all started a few months ago when I came into the lunch room armed with my nutrient-infused spinach shake and my raw fruits and veggies. Oh, and "holistic crackers", which my co-worker Martha says look like cardboard (but hey, I can identify all the ingredients on the package, and they're actually quite good.)
My immediate family has never had a problem with weight management; however, we've all spent our lives "sicker than a dog" as the expression goes. I battled sinus infections for the better part of my adolescence and twenties. Whenever anyone in our house was sick, we passed the virus around like a communal loving cup.
For the past ten years or so I strived to be healthier and eat healthier. But as a high school teacher, I still ended up getting horrible viruses a lot, and it seemed as though if anyone around me got sick, I was sure to catch it.
Cut to this past summer. My husband and I frequent this lovely organic cafe in a neighboring town and the wonderful woman who runs it also operates a nutrition/natural healing practice. [I know what you're thinking: that Seinfeld episode where George's head turns purple.]
But seriously, it's not like that. This is all about finding the healing benefits in food and in nature that have been "naturally" (pun intended) provided for us.
I've started applying these rules, using the organic supplements I've tagged below and, as a testimonial, about a month ago, three of the teachers I lunch with were deathly sick, hacking all over the lunch table, sneezing, feverish-where I eat!- and I didn't get so much as a sniffle.
There's an ancient Ayurvedic proverb that says, "When the diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need." Speaking as someone who spent most of her life feeling unhealthy and constantly stressed over disease and feeling powerless to prevent it, I'm pleased to-hopefully-empower you to try these simple tactics (which, by the way, are not a "diet" but a way of viewing your food as a health tool and nourishment for your body) to better your body and your life.
#1 Rule: Acquire everything (i.e. your health) through food. This means what you eat and your supplements should be derived through natural foods and plants and not chemically made.
Here are the Essential 5 Things that Every Body Needs to be Healthy:
#1: Minerals: cayenne, turmeric, kale, spinach, collard greens
#2 Fiber: whole grains, "cruficorous " vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, asparagus, onion, rutabega, parsnips, turnips, kale, squash
#3 Essential Fatty Acids: nuts, seeds, Brazil Nuts, fish, avacado
#4 Probioitcs (easiest in supplement form): fermented cabbage, pickles, squash, cambouca tea, yogurt (has to be organic and unsweetened).
#5 Enzymes: (Best taken in supplement form). These are what's missing from over-processd food. They help your body rid itself of unwanted waste that gets stored as fat. Take them with any meal when you're not in control of what goes into it: http://www.amazon.com/Allegany-Nutrit... (This is the link for what we use; can get them cheaper in Greencastle though. One bottle lasts you 270 meals; take only when needed).
Other health benefits to try:
Eating vegetables and fruits raw whenever you can; keep more of the nutrients that way.
Buy organic, "non-GMO" whenever you can.
Don't be afraid of "Good Fats"!!!: This includes virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and 70% or darker chocolate. These fats are vital to your body's health, will help you feel fuller longer, and will give your body time to break down essential nutrients without digesting your food too quickly.
Look at the ingredients lists on foods; if it's a short list of ingredients that you can identify, it's going to be better for you.
THINGS TO AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE!!!
*Processed foods (i.e. "meals" that come in boxes) Alternative: (Try "Annie's" mac & cheese, soups, and meals; they're organic and are only made with natural, non-processed foods)
*White sugar (nature's own killer!) Instead, try baking or sweetening with honey, agave, or stevia, which won't spike your blood sugar or get stored as fat; sugar gets turned into more fat by the body than "fat" from foods does.
*Try to buy your meat from local farmers to avoid all the antibiotics and crap that gets put into commercially farmed livestock.
-Since my author life is kind of at a lag (I'm writing novel #5, sitting on #4, re-editing and re-releasing #3), I'll be posting more of the happy health knowledge I've gleaned. I hope it helps you feel like you're not at the mercy of sickness and medial drugs (which can be a sickness in and of themselves). Happy living!
My immediate family has never had a problem with weight management; however, we've all spent our lives "sicker than a dog" as the expression goes. I battled sinus infections for the better part of my adolescence and twenties. Whenever anyone in our house was sick, we passed the virus around like a communal loving cup.
For the past ten years or so I strived to be healthier and eat healthier. But as a high school teacher, I still ended up getting horrible viruses a lot, and it seemed as though if anyone around me got sick, I was sure to catch it.
Cut to this past summer. My husband and I frequent this lovely organic cafe in a neighboring town and the wonderful woman who runs it also operates a nutrition/natural healing practice. [I know what you're thinking: that Seinfeld episode where George's head turns purple.]
But seriously, it's not like that. This is all about finding the healing benefits in food and in nature that have been "naturally" (pun intended) provided for us.
I've started applying these rules, using the organic supplements I've tagged below and, as a testimonial, about a month ago, three of the teachers I lunch with were deathly sick, hacking all over the lunch table, sneezing, feverish-where I eat!- and I didn't get so much as a sniffle.
There's an ancient Ayurvedic proverb that says, "When the diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need." Speaking as someone who spent most of her life feeling unhealthy and constantly stressed over disease and feeling powerless to prevent it, I'm pleased to-hopefully-empower you to try these simple tactics (which, by the way, are not a "diet" but a way of viewing your food as a health tool and nourishment for your body) to better your body and your life.
#1 Rule: Acquire everything (i.e. your health) through food. This means what you eat and your supplements should be derived through natural foods and plants and not chemically made.
Here are the Essential 5 Things that Every Body Needs to be Healthy:
#1: Minerals: cayenne, turmeric, kale, spinach, collard greens
#2 Fiber: whole grains, "cruficorous " vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, asparagus, onion, rutabega, parsnips, turnips, kale, squash
#3 Essential Fatty Acids: nuts, seeds, Brazil Nuts, fish, avacado
#4 Probioitcs (easiest in supplement form): fermented cabbage, pickles, squash, cambouca tea, yogurt (has to be organic and unsweetened).
#5 Enzymes: (Best taken in supplement form). These are what's missing from over-processd food. They help your body rid itself of unwanted waste that gets stored as fat. Take them with any meal when you're not in control of what goes into it: http://www.amazon.com/Allegany-Nutrit... (This is the link for what we use; can get them cheaper in Greencastle though. One bottle lasts you 270 meals; take only when needed).
Other health benefits to try:
Eating vegetables and fruits raw whenever you can; keep more of the nutrients that way.
Buy organic, "non-GMO" whenever you can.
Don't be afraid of "Good Fats"!!!: This includes virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and 70% or darker chocolate. These fats are vital to your body's health, will help you feel fuller longer, and will give your body time to break down essential nutrients without digesting your food too quickly.
Look at the ingredients lists on foods; if it's a short list of ingredients that you can identify, it's going to be better for you.
THINGS TO AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE!!!
*Processed foods (i.e. "meals" that come in boxes) Alternative: (Try "Annie's" mac & cheese, soups, and meals; they're organic and are only made with natural, non-processed foods)
*White sugar (nature's own killer!) Instead, try baking or sweetening with honey, agave, or stevia, which won't spike your blood sugar or get stored as fat; sugar gets turned into more fat by the body than "fat" from foods does.
*Try to buy your meat from local farmers to avoid all the antibiotics and crap that gets put into commercially farmed livestock.
-Since my author life is kind of at a lag (I'm writing novel #5, sitting on #4, re-editing and re-releasing #3), I'll be posting more of the happy health knowledge I've gleaned. I hope it helps you feel like you're not at the mercy of sickness and medial drugs (which can be a sickness in and of themselves). Happy living!
August 25, 2015
Transparency, Integrity, and the Fight to Balance It All While Going At It Alone (Well, Not Totally Alone)
A large part of this indie journey for me has been (what I would describe as) a healthy mixture of uncertainty and a search for validation. I’ve been indie publishing for about two and half years. In that time, I’ve published three novels, written four. Self-publishing a novel is a lot like being one of those poor contestants on a TV talent competition. You get up, stand on that stage. You’re saying to yourself, “well, I think I’m talented” but, inwardly, there’s that mind-numbing fear of being one of those deluded suckers who’s really making a sad fool of themselves. And if you are outed as said fool, there’s the added bonus of having willingly subjected yourself to public ridicule. That’s the fear. On the flip side is the hope that, yes, maybe you do have the talent, maybe the public will be receptive to your work, maybe you’ll be one of the ones that “make it”.
So far, I’ve been blessed to have received warm reviews from the random strangers that I’ve solicited through their blogs or gleaned through giveaways. It’s given me the little pat on my shoulder of, “ok, I guess you don’t totally suck. The fact that you think your novels are good isn’t all in your head”. However, the question of whether my writing would hold up to the scrutiny of the traditional publishing world, of whether I’m producing the same quality writing that would get a book published, has been that kernel of uncertainty that I just couldn’t shake.
Enter Awesome Indies and a wonderful author/friend who suggested them to me. They employ accredited reviewers to give your indie novel the onceover and tell you point blank whether you have a product that holds up to publishing industry standards. And if not, they provide you with notes on improvement and a chance to resubmit. This was the opportunity that I’ve been craving; a chance to get as close to a professional review as I can get without agents, endless queries, months of waiting for a traditional publisher to give me the time of day.
This week, I got my answer, and it was really the best possible news I could have received in-what I refer to as-the realm of “reality”. I received two graciously generous reviews praising the content and narrative quality of my work, and a rightful scolding on the lack of professional editing. In short, I’m giving my readers what these reviewers feel is a novel at the same writing quality level as a traditionally published author, only without the benefit that an editor provides, so an unintentional rough draft but a rough draft nonetheless. In truth, I was disappointed but not surprised. I’ve been going at this with the help of family, bloggers, fellow indies, and friends as my beta readers, but not a professionally trained pair of eyes. In truth, I’m making technical errors in my formatting that I didn’t even realize were errors; who knew that there was a difference between a hyphen and a dash, or that a space needed to go before and after an ellipsis? Not me! And I read…a lot! And was completely oblivious to these things.
So now I’m embarking on the next step of this journey, which is to find a professional editor to give my novel a thorough proofread. The short-term end goal is to receive the AI Award of Excellence or Seal of Approval that says,” yes, this is an indie worth reading”. The long-term goal is to learn what I’m doing wrong and correct those unintentional errors before publishing my next novel (which will also need that prof. edit whether I like to admit it or not).
There’s a lot that goes into indie writing that traditionally published authors don’t have to fret about. Paying a hefty sum for editing is one of those things. However, the freedom to decide the cover, the content, when and if to share one’s work with the world: these are great gifts that self-publishing has to offer. I’ll rest easier knowing that my work holds up in the arena of published literature, and I’m looking forward to re-releasing an edited second edition of Tomorrow is a Long Time.
So far, I’ve been blessed to have received warm reviews from the random strangers that I’ve solicited through their blogs or gleaned through giveaways. It’s given me the little pat on my shoulder of, “ok, I guess you don’t totally suck. The fact that you think your novels are good isn’t all in your head”. However, the question of whether my writing would hold up to the scrutiny of the traditional publishing world, of whether I’m producing the same quality writing that would get a book published, has been that kernel of uncertainty that I just couldn’t shake.
Enter Awesome Indies and a wonderful author/friend who suggested them to me. They employ accredited reviewers to give your indie novel the onceover and tell you point blank whether you have a product that holds up to publishing industry standards. And if not, they provide you with notes on improvement and a chance to resubmit. This was the opportunity that I’ve been craving; a chance to get as close to a professional review as I can get without agents, endless queries, months of waiting for a traditional publisher to give me the time of day.
This week, I got my answer, and it was really the best possible news I could have received in-what I refer to as-the realm of “reality”. I received two graciously generous reviews praising the content and narrative quality of my work, and a rightful scolding on the lack of professional editing. In short, I’m giving my readers what these reviewers feel is a novel at the same writing quality level as a traditionally published author, only without the benefit that an editor provides, so an unintentional rough draft but a rough draft nonetheless. In truth, I was disappointed but not surprised. I’ve been going at this with the help of family, bloggers, fellow indies, and friends as my beta readers, but not a professionally trained pair of eyes. In truth, I’m making technical errors in my formatting that I didn’t even realize were errors; who knew that there was a difference between a hyphen and a dash, or that a space needed to go before and after an ellipsis? Not me! And I read…a lot! And was completely oblivious to these things.
So now I’m embarking on the next step of this journey, which is to find a professional editor to give my novel a thorough proofread. The short-term end goal is to receive the AI Award of Excellence or Seal of Approval that says,” yes, this is an indie worth reading”. The long-term goal is to learn what I’m doing wrong and correct those unintentional errors before publishing my next novel (which will also need that prof. edit whether I like to admit it or not).
There’s a lot that goes into indie writing that traditionally published authors don’t have to fret about. Paying a hefty sum for editing is one of those things. However, the freedom to decide the cover, the content, when and if to share one’s work with the world: these are great gifts that self-publishing has to offer. I’ll rest easier knowing that my work holds up in the arena of published literature, and I’m looking forward to re-releasing an edited second edition of Tomorrow is a Long Time.
August 11, 2015
Lunar Breeze A.D.
Yesterday, I was sitting in my Grandfather's mountain retreat with my sister-in-law. I was reading and she was watching old movies on TMC and making jewelry. Naturally, I couldn't help but snoop through her stash (which took up multiple boxes). When I came across this little number (above) I knew I had to have it! But what makes it so special is not only how beautiful and unique this jewelry is but the purpose behind it.
My brother and sister-in-law are missionaries. It started when my brother started corresponding with a fellow Christ-follower in Uganda who ran an orphanage there. When he learned of the needs that the orphanage faced ( and that the man who ran it would not turn a single child away, no matter the financial strain), my brother decided to start a non-profit called Least of These, to raise money for people overseas who are striving to help children and adults in poverty and to give them hope. During the time that he and my sister-in-law have operated Least of These, one or both of them have traveled to the places that the organization sponsors: the orphanage in Uganda and a school in Pakistan that offers food and education to indentured children who work in the local brick kiln to pay off family debts (yes, child slavery is still quite normal in other places in the world). Soon they will be visiting India, where Least of These supports a widow's colony and a leper's colony. They've also traveled to Israel and visited behind the Wall and spoke with both Israelis and Palestinians about the conflict there.
Lunar Breeze A.D. is an offshoot of Least of These. Pieces of each bracelet, necklace, etc. are from countries where they've visited. 100% of the proceeds go towards the charities that Least of These sponsors. Here's a little more from their website: http://lunarbreezead.blogspot.com
"We procure, purchase, and pass on each item entirely at our own expense. :: 100% of the proceeds from EVERY item sold here will go directly for the featured charity, cause, or mission stated in its description. So when you adopt one of these memories, not only will you be continuing a legacy, but you will also be supporting a moment in the lives of others."
I don't fancy myself a solicitor but I'm a proud contributor to Least of These and think Lunar Breeze A.D. is a beautiful thing.
If unique, exotic, beautiful jewelry is your thing and you feel even better (like me) splurging on yourself for a worthy cause, check them out!
July 23, 2015
Back to Reality...So Soon!
It’s been a whirlwind of a summer. A week spent in a ghetto college town taking AP Lit. re-certification courses, then two magical, unforgettable weeks in Germany, Austria, and France! I returned home feeling much more worldly (and a lot jet-lagged) thinking, “Ok, at least I have a month of my normal summer routine”. This means time to work on writing a new novel, editing the current one, searching out new marketing strategies (Lord knows I need them).
–By the way, I’m currently waiting for the Awesome Indies association to review “Tomorrow”. If I get their seal of excellence, it will be the greatest thrill (and some much needed reassurance). If not, I get great writing/editing advice from legit. authorities on the subject and a chance to re-submit for their seal of excellence; sounds like a win/win to me!-
Anyhoo, yesterday, as I was about 3K into novel #5, something told me that I should email my administrator and double check that my class schedule is not changing when the new school year starts. My Department Chair has always known the schedules in May or June, before the previous year ends. But this year she only knew that my AP Lit. classes were a sure thing for the next year. I didn’t think anything of it at the time; I mean, if it were a major change, they would have told me, right? I thought, maybe 12th Gen or Co-taught this year instead of College Prep. For the past three years I’ve taught seniors exclusively. I’ve taught the entire gamut of senior classes, from AP Lit right down to co-taught Remedial.
Well, I sent the email and got my answer. This year…three sections of AP, two sections of Sophomore English!
This came as a shock to me. Apparently, the 2016 senior class is small, the sophomore class is big; too big for the two teachers who currently teach 10th graders.
So I’m finding this out with two and half brief weeks before the school year starts.
Thankfully, I taught 10th grade when I first began my career. That was years ago though, and my units are severely outdated. So…that means a swift goodbye to the new novel. It means “A Different Path” will get edited when it gets edited, but that’s not going to be any time soon. Oh, and it means the 600-page novel that I’m supposed to be prepared to discuss with one of my Goodreads book clubs is now weighing on me like an anvil; another stressful chore which-by the way- is due in four short days!
I am NOT a put-it-off-til-the-last-minute person. In fact, nothing will send me into a panic attack quicker. It’s been killing me having two short weeks after returning home to read a six-hundred page book ( what the hell was I thinking)! And now I have six entire novel units to prepare for the upcoming year that I didn’t see coming at all.
But…I’m focusing on the positive. I’m scavenging from my past experience, toning down things I’ve done with 12th graders, trying to remind myself what 10th graders won’t know yet. It will be fine. On a sick level, I’m actually kind of excited to be doing something different, as well as keeping my precious AP Lit classes.
I know, I know...if only everyone had such terrible problems, right? I'm thinking, at least I have a freaking job. And one that I really do enjoy. But, it's just that I’m saying a sad farewell to the next two and a half weeks that I wanted in front of my computer screen, in my office surrounded by books and souvenirs collected from my travels, and soothing music streaming on the cloud, writing my next novel and enjoying the few precious weeks that I don’t have to be in “teacher mode”.
I’m sad, but I’m buckling down to my nine months (or more)job; come early this year.
–By the way, I’m currently waiting for the Awesome Indies association to review “Tomorrow”. If I get their seal of excellence, it will be the greatest thrill (and some much needed reassurance). If not, I get great writing/editing advice from legit. authorities on the subject and a chance to re-submit for their seal of excellence; sounds like a win/win to me!-
Anyhoo, yesterday, as I was about 3K into novel #5, something told me that I should email my administrator and double check that my class schedule is not changing when the new school year starts. My Department Chair has always known the schedules in May or June, before the previous year ends. But this year she only knew that my AP Lit. classes were a sure thing for the next year. I didn’t think anything of it at the time; I mean, if it were a major change, they would have told me, right? I thought, maybe 12th Gen or Co-taught this year instead of College Prep. For the past three years I’ve taught seniors exclusively. I’ve taught the entire gamut of senior classes, from AP Lit right down to co-taught Remedial.
Well, I sent the email and got my answer. This year…three sections of AP, two sections of Sophomore English!
This came as a shock to me. Apparently, the 2016 senior class is small, the sophomore class is big; too big for the two teachers who currently teach 10th graders.
So I’m finding this out with two and half brief weeks before the school year starts.
Thankfully, I taught 10th grade when I first began my career. That was years ago though, and my units are severely outdated. So…that means a swift goodbye to the new novel. It means “A Different Path” will get edited when it gets edited, but that’s not going to be any time soon. Oh, and it means the 600-page novel that I’m supposed to be prepared to discuss with one of my Goodreads book clubs is now weighing on me like an anvil; another stressful chore which-by the way- is due in four short days!
I am NOT a put-it-off-til-the-last-minute person. In fact, nothing will send me into a panic attack quicker. It’s been killing me having two short weeks after returning home to read a six-hundred page book ( what the hell was I thinking)! And now I have six entire novel units to prepare for the upcoming year that I didn’t see coming at all.
But…I’m focusing on the positive. I’m scavenging from my past experience, toning down things I’ve done with 12th graders, trying to remind myself what 10th graders won’t know yet. It will be fine. On a sick level, I’m actually kind of excited to be doing something different, as well as keeping my precious AP Lit classes.
I know, I know...if only everyone had such terrible problems, right? I'm thinking, at least I have a freaking job. And one that I really do enjoy. But, it's just that I’m saying a sad farewell to the next two and a half weeks that I wanted in front of my computer screen, in my office surrounded by books and souvenirs collected from my travels, and soothing music streaming on the cloud, writing my next novel and enjoying the few precious weeks that I don’t have to be in “teacher mode”.
I’m sad, but I’m buckling down to my nine months (or more)job; come early this year.
July 17, 2015
Happy Thoughts
"Spring roused the lilac bushes in the garden below into full bloom and the air was filled with the scent of open meadows speckled with blossoms…I wanted to lie down in that scent of lilacs and run back through my memory until I found the place before everyone had gone away. I’d find that place and stay there, suspended; there with the sun and the heat and the scent of lilacs.” –A Different Path
June 16, 2015
Taking a Few Steps Back
I was working on Createspace this morning, submitting my fourth novel for review so that I can order my paperback copy and begin the second round of editing. Instead of being excited though at the prospect of releasing this next story to the world, I felt this deep sense of dread overcome me, saying to me, “Ugh; here we go again.”
Days, weeks, months invested into this labor of love that will-maybe- reach a dozen or so eyes and hands…maximum. I’ll spend long hours writing query letters to the few bloggers who are gracious enough to read and review indie titles, praying that a few of them (bless those of you who do!) who will agree to read it and provide me with those crucial, initial reviews. I’ll try for that Publisher’s Weekly review that I always get rejected from. I’ll create a paperback giveaway on Goodreads, and the winner won’t write a review (four giveaways and counting). I’ll edit and polish and polish and edit. I’ll post samples and trailers. I’ll price it as cheap as I possibly can without sacrificing all dignity. And then I’ll wait. Hope against hope that maybe…this one…might take off.
The problem is that I really thought Tomorrow was going to be that novel. I thought, “this is my masterpiece!” And although I’m grateful for the positive feedback it’s gotten and for the readers who’ve taken a chance in it, I’m sad that it didn’t become that breakthrough piece for me.
And the worst part is: I know it’s my fault. I have zero clue how to market effectively. I look at what other indies are doing to market themselves and think, whew! I’m exhausted just thinking about doing all that! And does all the social media networking on a three dozen sites and paying for ads and doing signings, and branding, branding, branding really work? And when would I find the time? The money?
So, in the midst of all this pity party-ing/introspection, I’ve decided that I need to take a few steps back. Delay my release date of this next novel until I’m sure it’s really ready (TBD!), even though I set this “one book a year” goal for myself (I suppose that can count as writing, not publishing, right?) I need to take the time to research this whole self-marketing quagmire, and do it right.
And I also need to give myself a good swift kick and remind myself that this is art that I’m creating out of the joy of creating it, and be thankful for those that I do get to share it with.
Indie writing has been a wonderful journey so far. I’m grateful for the other authors I’ve connected with, the novels that I have discovered from authors all over the world. I’m grateful to be part of it all. Hopefully, I’ll release this next novel as a wiser, more with-it author.
Days, weeks, months invested into this labor of love that will-maybe- reach a dozen or so eyes and hands…maximum. I’ll spend long hours writing query letters to the few bloggers who are gracious enough to read and review indie titles, praying that a few of them (bless those of you who do!) who will agree to read it and provide me with those crucial, initial reviews. I’ll try for that Publisher’s Weekly review that I always get rejected from. I’ll create a paperback giveaway on Goodreads, and the winner won’t write a review (four giveaways and counting). I’ll edit and polish and polish and edit. I’ll post samples and trailers. I’ll price it as cheap as I possibly can without sacrificing all dignity. And then I’ll wait. Hope against hope that maybe…this one…might take off.
The problem is that I really thought Tomorrow was going to be that novel. I thought, “this is my masterpiece!” And although I’m grateful for the positive feedback it’s gotten and for the readers who’ve taken a chance in it, I’m sad that it didn’t become that breakthrough piece for me.
And the worst part is: I know it’s my fault. I have zero clue how to market effectively. I look at what other indies are doing to market themselves and think, whew! I’m exhausted just thinking about doing all that! And does all the social media networking on a three dozen sites and paying for ads and doing signings, and branding, branding, branding really work? And when would I find the time? The money?
So, in the midst of all this pity party-ing/introspection, I’ve decided that I need to take a few steps back. Delay my release date of this next novel until I’m sure it’s really ready (TBD!), even though I set this “one book a year” goal for myself (I suppose that can count as writing, not publishing, right?) I need to take the time to research this whole self-marketing quagmire, and do it right.
And I also need to give myself a good swift kick and remind myself that this is art that I’m creating out of the joy of creating it, and be thankful for those that I do get to share it with.
Indie writing has been a wonderful journey so far. I’m grateful for the other authors I’ve connected with, the novels that I have discovered from authors all over the world. I’m grateful to be part of it all. Hopefully, I’ll release this next novel as a wiser, more with-it author.
May 17, 2015
Cover Reveal: A Different Path
Surviving adolescence, facing quarterlife, and finding oneself are all cornerstones of this story that is-at its heart-about families. The ones we create, that we hold as dear as our own blood kin, and the ones that (no matter how flawed) are a part of our identity.
Alice is thrust into adulthood after a horrifying ordeal threatens to destroy her already fragile family. She wanders amongst a labyrinth of people- a best friend whose mom is a sex therapist, a boy entrapped in an underground cult, a mother hiding a terrible secret-and experiences, strewn across her path, leading towards the life that she longs to reclaim. Along her journey, Alice must fight to overcome the ghosts of her adolescence, reconcile her family’s monstrous dysfunction, and, ultimately, make peace with herself. Her truest test comes when she must help to rescue her younger sister, Helen, from a self-destruction too much like her own.
[Coming Fall 2015}
-Special thanks to Anna Brittingham and Isis Sousa for their amazing talents on this cover!
May 12, 2015
Reminiscing
The heart of you
has eyes that
See right through me
Right thick into the core
Of me
where the black
and the
Maniac
Lie in wait, silent, patient
Always awake
He watches reverently
For when my hand may
Slip the gate
To ease through
Soft as a caress
And pour out a volcanic sea
of red
Blood and Anguish
and all that I can
Never take back.
[Thanks Anne Sexton and all those angsty months of my twenty-somethings that I spent reading you, getting inspired, and penning my sorrows in poetry.]
has eyes that
See right through me
Right thick into the core
Of me
where the black
and the
Maniac
Lie in wait, silent, patient
Always awake
He watches reverently
For when my hand may
Slip the gate
To ease through
Soft as a caress
And pour out a volcanic sea
of red
Blood and Anguish
and all that I can
Never take back.
[Thanks Anne Sexton and all those angsty months of my twenty-somethings that I spent reading you, getting inspired, and penning my sorrows in poetry.]
