Paula Coots's Blog: Paula's Blather about Writing. Mostly., page 2
June 1, 2014
Quibbles No.2 Grrrrr?
I'm almost afraid to point this out, because this eye-worm may infect you, too.
So read at your own peril!
How many movies and books have the words "GRITTY" or "GRIPPING" in their descriptions?
I'm not sure I want to be "gripped." And I know I don't like it when I feel "gritty". I run for the nearest shower.
Maybe it's the grrrrr sound. Or maybe it's just the overuse. Or maybe it's just because, "Does anybody really know what these mean?"
Nite nite and love to all. Even the purveyors of the gritty and the gripping.
So read at your own peril!
How many movies and books have the words "GRITTY" or "GRIPPING" in their descriptions?
I'm not sure I want to be "gripped." And I know I don't like it when I feel "gritty". I run for the nearest shower.
Maybe it's the grrrrr sound. Or maybe it's just the overuse. Or maybe it's just because, "Does anybody really know what these mean?"
Nite nite and love to all. Even the purveyors of the gritty and the gripping.
May 20, 2014
Two Stars, Three Stars
I've often ranted to my friends that I'd never leave less than a three star book review because I wouldn't read something if I didn't like it.
That much is still true.
But two stars on goodreads and two stars on Amazon mean two different things.
Here, it means, "it was okay". On Amazon it means, "I don't like it."
SO, it depends on where you are doing the rating.
I still won't rate or review something I haven't read. I'm shocked I even have to say that, but I've read reviews from people who flat out say they haven't read the book yet. Baffles me.
What about when Amazon starts merging the goodreads data into their sales and marketing scheme?
I just hope they make it consistent, because reviews mean SO MUCH to any book and any author.
Well, if a book I've read is listed on my shelves here on goodreads, I'm using that criteria. So...the dreaded two stars might come up.
Most of the time, though, I only take the time to rate or review something I really like. Laters!
That much is still true.
But two stars on goodreads and two stars on Amazon mean two different things.
Here, it means, "it was okay". On Amazon it means, "I don't like it."
SO, it depends on where you are doing the rating.
I still won't rate or review something I haven't read. I'm shocked I even have to say that, but I've read reviews from people who flat out say they haven't read the book yet. Baffles me.
What about when Amazon starts merging the goodreads data into their sales and marketing scheme?
I just hope they make it consistent, because reviews mean SO MUCH to any book and any author.
Well, if a book I've read is listed on my shelves here on goodreads, I'm using that criteria. So...the dreaded two stars might come up.
Most of the time, though, I only take the time to rate or review something I really like. Laters!
May 17, 2014
Quibbles No. 1
Now, what does an indie writer know about the craft of writing? As a lifelong student of the art, I've learned a thing or two, most of it the hard way.
And I've picked up my share of "pet peeves". (That label in itself is one of them!) Thus, I'll classify them as "quibbles".
If you're a writer and you've used the following phrase, I am in no way saying I don't like you or respect your writing.
This struck me as funny the other day:
"He laughed with amusement."
Um. Would you laugh with torment?
If your content is strong, and your dialogue is funny...
Naming emotions rarely works. It's better to show "amusement" than name it. Hopefully, the content is amusing enough to convey the manner in which he laughed.
I even have a couple of suggestions. How about showing the amusement physically? Have him lean over and clap his hands, or even scratch the back of his head and laugh.
Well, that's it for today's Quibble. Your thoughts and quibbles are most welcome! I'd love to read them.
And I've picked up my share of "pet peeves". (That label in itself is one of them!) Thus, I'll classify them as "quibbles".
If you're a writer and you've used the following phrase, I am in no way saying I don't like you or respect your writing.
This struck me as funny the other day:
"He laughed with amusement."
Um. Would you laugh with torment?
If your content is strong, and your dialogue is funny...
Naming emotions rarely works. It's better to show "amusement" than name it. Hopefully, the content is amusing enough to convey the manner in which he laughed.
I even have a couple of suggestions. How about showing the amusement physically? Have him lean over and clap his hands, or even scratch the back of his head and laugh.
Well, that's it for today's Quibble. Your thoughts and quibbles are most welcome! I'd love to read them.
May 7, 2014
An Amazon email reminded me of how many books I have bought and haven't read
It's not that I don't want to read. It's hard to find the time, mainly between writing and trying to make my way through social media and living, etc.
However, as a writer, I feel like reading 30 minutes a day is better than nothing.
So if your book is on my to read list (and a lot of them haven't even been entered onto that list yet--again, it's a time management issue)I do plan to at least give it a fair try.
This little thought process started from an email from Amazon, asking me to add books to my goodreads lists. Well.
This also showed me how many books I've started and given up on, some I forgot I have even bought.
That made me think also that I don't leave a review unless I've actually read the book.
And if I don't like it, I'm sure as hell not going to read it past a certain point. In lieu of the time crunch, why waste my time when there's plenty of material out there more suited to my tastes? And why would I trash a book with a bad review if I didn't read it?
If you've ever written a book, you understand the hours, weeks, months, sometimes years that went into creating the work. You understand that there is another person on the other side of that review. I sure learned that after I published my first book. I'd never given much thought to it: That your negative review affects sales and standings.
So I'm not ranting for any reason, other than this is what the email prompted.
Enjoy your reading! Books are a wonderful gift to the world.
However, as a writer, I feel like reading 30 minutes a day is better than nothing.
So if your book is on my to read list (and a lot of them haven't even been entered onto that list yet--again, it's a time management issue)I do plan to at least give it a fair try.
This little thought process started from an email from Amazon, asking me to add books to my goodreads lists. Well.
This also showed me how many books I've started and given up on, some I forgot I have even bought.
That made me think also that I don't leave a review unless I've actually read the book.
And if I don't like it, I'm sure as hell not going to read it past a certain point. In lieu of the time crunch, why waste my time when there's plenty of material out there more suited to my tastes? And why would I trash a book with a bad review if I didn't read it?
If you've ever written a book, you understand the hours, weeks, months, sometimes years that went into creating the work. You understand that there is another person on the other side of that review. I sure learned that after I published my first book. I'd never given much thought to it: That your negative review affects sales and standings.
So I'm not ranting for any reason, other than this is what the email prompted.
Enjoy your reading! Books are a wonderful gift to the world.
March 16, 2014
Did you ever used to get that "Sunday feeling?" And how it relates to writing in my life
If you did, then you know what I'm talking about. Kind of a bleak...oh, no, another week gone by, back to school. Then when I worked the regular M-F week, it became..."Sigh. Back to work." It left a taint on the day, even felt as heavy as a reminder of mortality on the worst of them! Fortunately, I outgrew that.
Now I usually only get that feeling on Friday nights. :)
The only time I NEVER get that feeling is when I'm writing or playing gigs. I feel so fortunate to have those two addictions. If you've got to have an addiction, creating is certainly one of the best ones to have.
For me, writing is 24/7. Once I start a piece of work, my subconscious can wake me at all hours or hit me in the middle of a conversation or while I'm in the shower, and I better have that digital recorder handy. There's nothing like the thrill of writing and striking while the idea is red hot.
All the re-writing and editing is fun, too, but it doesn't compete with that rush.
But I have learned from Another Rock Star that I'm going to have to acquire skill in the art of moderation, red hot or not.
I'm referring to the amount of hours I spend at the computer. Stephen King says that he gets 2000 words and then stops, whether the scene is done or not. In that way, he can go on and have a life. When I'm in the zone, 4000 words in two hours is pretty typical. Since my back injury, though, I'm actually learning how to stop out of necessity and that Sunday feeling comes around a bit too often. And leaving that scene unfinished...well, it's tough. So far though...it's still been there when I come back.
Like an alcoholic afraid he won't be able to write once he becomes sober, I'm dealing with that a bit, too. Will it be as good, if I'm not completely consumed and obsessed?
I used to just go go go until the scene was done, and if it took seven hours, so be it.
It's difficult not to just keep going but I ended up hurting my health by pushing my body and mind to the limit. Like I said, I've learned a lot from writing the last novel, and much of it the hard way.
Now, I've got to learn to lose that Sunday or Friday feeling by indulging in other forms of living. I'm getting there.
It's hard to compete with that rush of endorphins that comes with creation.
But like anything else with me, I need moderation, even with the happiness that comes from doing what I love.
So here's to a Happy Sunday, ya'll!
Now I usually only get that feeling on Friday nights. :)
The only time I NEVER get that feeling is when I'm writing or playing gigs. I feel so fortunate to have those two addictions. If you've got to have an addiction, creating is certainly one of the best ones to have.
For me, writing is 24/7. Once I start a piece of work, my subconscious can wake me at all hours or hit me in the middle of a conversation or while I'm in the shower, and I better have that digital recorder handy. There's nothing like the thrill of writing and striking while the idea is red hot.
All the re-writing and editing is fun, too, but it doesn't compete with that rush.
But I have learned from Another Rock Star that I'm going to have to acquire skill in the art of moderation, red hot or not.
I'm referring to the amount of hours I spend at the computer. Stephen King says that he gets 2000 words and then stops, whether the scene is done or not. In that way, he can go on and have a life. When I'm in the zone, 4000 words in two hours is pretty typical. Since my back injury, though, I'm actually learning how to stop out of necessity and that Sunday feeling comes around a bit too often. And leaving that scene unfinished...well, it's tough. So far though...it's still been there when I come back.
Like an alcoholic afraid he won't be able to write once he becomes sober, I'm dealing with that a bit, too. Will it be as good, if I'm not completely consumed and obsessed?
I used to just go go go until the scene was done, and if it took seven hours, so be it.
It's difficult not to just keep going but I ended up hurting my health by pushing my body and mind to the limit. Like I said, I've learned a lot from writing the last novel, and much of it the hard way.
Now, I've got to learn to lose that Sunday or Friday feeling by indulging in other forms of living. I'm getting there.
It's hard to compete with that rush of endorphins that comes with creation.
But like anything else with me, I need moderation, even with the happiness that comes from doing what I love.
So here's to a Happy Sunday, ya'll!
February 19, 2014
New cover, new edit-easy to update!
I stumbled across a lovely comment on a review from a reader who had downloaded Another Rock Star when it was on Freebie Promo and thought...hey, this might apply to a few others. If you previously downloaded the free version, now there is a new cover and edit available. Some scenes are trimmed up, some expanded, and some formatting errors are fixed. Amazon is currently having trouble with some of its automatic update features, as well as that update link you used to just click on and wham bam thank you maam. Alas, some people, including me, have had to call and get the updated content sent to them. Luckily, it's easy! Call U.S. and Canada: 1-866-216-1072 and just ask them to send it to you. It really is worth it. Thanks for your interest!
February 5, 2014
Deadlines, Self Imposed or Not
So I've got my new cover, and a new, better description ready and waiting. I'm excited and can't wait to get it up and running. But I have to!
I wanted the refined version live on Amazon by this Friday 2/7/14 at the latest.
Well, of course that won't be possible, because if I'm going to make a change that significant, I have to go through and line edit one more time. Tighten up a few sentences. Change a "he's", for example, to a "his". I actually found one of those!
I can't help it that this book is so long. If I had known better, I would have divided these 330,000 words into two, possibly three books.
So, my new goal is by Tuesday of next week, before I head in for back surgery.
It's a more realistic goal, anyway, and I think I'll actually make it.
And this will be the last deadline for this novel, because I've already started work on the next one. It's on hold until this one no longer demands meticulous attention.
I want anybody who reads it to have the best experience possible. And I want to be able to live with it and know...I have done the best I can do by this book.
When the new description and cover is out, feel free to let me know your honest opinions.
Thanks for caring about books and reading and leaving reviews.
Cheers!
I wanted the refined version live on Amazon by this Friday 2/7/14 at the latest.
Well, of course that won't be possible, because if I'm going to make a change that significant, I have to go through and line edit one more time. Tighten up a few sentences. Change a "he's", for example, to a "his". I actually found one of those!
I can't help it that this book is so long. If I had known better, I would have divided these 330,000 words into two, possibly three books.
So, my new goal is by Tuesday of next week, before I head in for back surgery.
It's a more realistic goal, anyway, and I think I'll actually make it.
And this will be the last deadline for this novel, because I've already started work on the next one. It's on hold until this one no longer demands meticulous attention.
I want anybody who reads it to have the best experience possible. And I want to be able to live with it and know...I have done the best I can do by this book.
When the new description and cover is out, feel free to let me know your honest opinions.
Thanks for caring about books and reading and leaving reviews.
Cheers!
February 3, 2014
"Gripping" "Searing" "Gritty"
Words in descriptions. That's all. I'm not at all sure why, but they kind of make me "smirk." BTW, I wish there was another word for smirk, but if there is...I haven't really found it. Let me know if you do! :)
January 10, 2014
Work or Play
I'm learning, and that's always a great thing. Free your mind and the rest will follow! hmmm How many song lyrics can I come drag from the corners of my mind? Best not go there!
Sometimes writing feels so serious; it doesn't have to be.
It feels so good; I'm starting to get song ideas again, humming into my own digital recorder. And several novel ideas are percolating, three of which are possible sequels, all of which are not what most people would expect, I expect. I never talk about what I'm writing, so it's new to me that I've spoken with a few people about thingies I'm tinkering with.
Never a time like now to start over. I'm just so happy that there's more to say. It felt like I'd already said all I had to say in this massive book, Another Rock Star.
I'm looking forward to getting over this winter crud and back to work. Or play. Depending upon how you look at it.
It's really a heck of a lot of both.
Sometimes writing feels so serious; it doesn't have to be.
It feels so good; I'm starting to get song ideas again, humming into my own digital recorder. And several novel ideas are percolating, three of which are possible sequels, all of which are not what most people would expect, I expect. I never talk about what I'm writing, so it's new to me that I've spoken with a few people about thingies I'm tinkering with.
Never a time like now to start over. I'm just so happy that there's more to say. It felt like I'd already said all I had to say in this massive book, Another Rock Star.
I'm looking forward to getting over this winter crud and back to work. Or play. Depending upon how you look at it.
It's really a heck of a lot of both.
December 27, 2013
Is there another category of fiction besides romance when the lead characters happen to be gay?
ANOTHER ROCK STAR is a love story, no doubt. It's about the love and passion between musicians and music and two musicians for each other in particular. But we all know that romances follow a set formula, and this one definitely doesn't. And it's not alone. I could name a list of "gay" books that don't follow that formula and yet they are categorized as such. Since they're not mine, I don't feel comfortable mentioning them here, but is there another way to categorize them as well, since those readers who do love the escapism of a fun romance will know what they're getting into? Suggestions? Yours in curiosity, Paula :)
Paula's Blather about Writing. Mostly.
Thoughts regarding writing, music, writing, music. I'm slightly obsessive.
...more
- Paula Coots's profile
- 22 followers
