EJ Axelsson (Formerly EJ Valson)'s Blog, page 4
February 18, 2014
Fighting Off Discouragement
Though I want to do my best not to only write about being an author, writing and self-publishing in my blog....it feels like I have no choice, as I am a bit discouraged.
Saturday was a special day for me. I shared my book with a few more friends, and I got great responses. However, only one person has followed through on their commitment to purchasing the book so far. With a big sigh, I resolved to face a fact -- writing is hard and self-promotion is grueling.
The truth is, asking someone to sit down and read a book is kind of a big request. It's time consuming, requires focus and busy lives often overrule "reading time." Case in point -- I have four books on my Kindle that I still haven't finished and some of them are nine months old. For an author, I am a pretty lousy reader!
Don't get me wrong folks, I LOVE my fans and I more than appreciate those that have taken the time to read and review my book. It has meant the world to me and their actions are not unappreciated. It has just become blatantly clear that publishing a book (self or otherwise) is a waiting game and not ideal for the impatient.
With this in mind, I have decided to seek out literary agent representation. Though the odds are quite slim that I will get a bite (more fun of being an author). But it seems like the next step, as I don't have the time or the "know how" to promote my book in the most efficient manner.
I don't plan to ever stop writing. But the truth is, it is sometimes hard to maintain perspective. I want to write because I love it. I have never felt something "fit" so well, with the exception of personal relationships. When I write, I like who I am and how I feel. That is what I hold onto when someone doesn't read my book or "Retweet, Like, or Share" my book status updates.
Will I make it big? Doubtful. Will I get a following? Maybe. Am I writing for these reasons? No! But when you put a piece of your soul in your writing, then put it out there to be seen, your ego can take a hit -- therefore it might be better to delegate that task to someone else for the sake of self preservation.
Today, as I pressed SEND in my submissions emails, I said a little prayer, crossed my fingers and remembered some wise words -- expect the worst, but hope for the best. Maybe I'll just get lucky.
Have a good rest of the week friends!
EJ
Saturday was a special day for me. I shared my book with a few more friends, and I got great responses. However, only one person has followed through on their commitment to purchasing the book so far. With a big sigh, I resolved to face a fact -- writing is hard and self-promotion is grueling.
The truth is, asking someone to sit down and read a book is kind of a big request. It's time consuming, requires focus and busy lives often overrule "reading time." Case in point -- I have four books on my Kindle that I still haven't finished and some of them are nine months old. For an author, I am a pretty lousy reader!
Don't get me wrong folks, I LOVE my fans and I more than appreciate those that have taken the time to read and review my book. It has meant the world to me and their actions are not unappreciated. It has just become blatantly clear that publishing a book (self or otherwise) is a waiting game and not ideal for the impatient.
With this in mind, I have decided to seek out literary agent representation. Though the odds are quite slim that I will get a bite (more fun of being an author). But it seems like the next step, as I don't have the time or the "know how" to promote my book in the most efficient manner.
I don't plan to ever stop writing. But the truth is, it is sometimes hard to maintain perspective. I want to write because I love it. I have never felt something "fit" so well, with the exception of personal relationships. When I write, I like who I am and how I feel. That is what I hold onto when someone doesn't read my book or "Retweet, Like, or Share" my book status updates.
Will I make it big? Doubtful. Will I get a following? Maybe. Am I writing for these reasons? No! But when you put a piece of your soul in your writing, then put it out there to be seen, your ego can take a hit -- therefore it might be better to delegate that task to someone else for the sake of self preservation.
Today, as I pressed SEND in my submissions emails, I said a little prayer, crossed my fingers and remembered some wise words -- expect the worst, but hope for the best. Maybe I'll just get lucky.
Have a good rest of the week friends!
EJ
February 9, 2014
I'm An Author -- Among Other Things.
What does it take to be considered an "Author"? Does it require you to finish a book, publish a book, sell a book, or all of the above? I suppose the answer is based on a matter of opinion.
Today, while I sat amidst the chaos of a five year old's birthday party, I realized that I am a mother, a wife, a professional, a volleyball mom, an activity organizer, a master grocery shopper and I can plan like nobody's business. BUT I am also an author -- well at least I think I am!
There are many things that one may strive to be during their lifetime -- some accomplishments will even be made without intention. But are we selling ourselves short by not embracing and celebrating our ability to wear many hats....even if they don't always fit quite right?
The day I told my best friend that I had finished my first book, she exclaimed, "You actually wrote a book. That's amazing!" When I initially finished the book, I didn't quite have a grasp on that fact. I was just so grateful to get it done and published, that I didn't take the time to wear the "author hat". But after hearing her words, something ignited and I realized -- Yeah, I guess I did. But did that now make me an author? Or just an aspiring author? Or worse -- is it just a "neat" hobby?
I am not, by any means, claiming to be a veteran writer or even have the clout to say that I am a "published" author -- it is only my aspiration to be. Just as it may be another persons dream to sing the National Anthem, fly to the moon, or become President. And I have no right to deny or criticize them.
I now often find myself watching someone and wondering, "Are they more than they appear to be?" Have I been mentally categorizing and labeling people for my own convenience? Perhaps the garbage man once traveled to Africa and helped build water sources. Maybe the Barista whose making my tall, non-fat, caramel latte, is an aspiring singer. Perhaps I have been too quick in summing up those around me -- doing the very thing that I don't want others doing to me. Judging.
I am discovering that if you dig a little deeper, ask a few more questions and prepare your ears to listen -- you might be surprised by what you learn. Am I an author? Maybe I am, maybe I'm not and maybe that's yet to be determined. But what I do know, is that I have the ability to be many things all at once, while still striving to be more.
And so does everybody else.
Take care my friends,
EJ
Today, while I sat amidst the chaos of a five year old's birthday party, I realized that I am a mother, a wife, a professional, a volleyball mom, an activity organizer, a master grocery shopper and I can plan like nobody's business. BUT I am also an author -- well at least I think I am!
There are many things that one may strive to be during their lifetime -- some accomplishments will even be made without intention. But are we selling ourselves short by not embracing and celebrating our ability to wear many hats....even if they don't always fit quite right?
The day I told my best friend that I had finished my first book, she exclaimed, "You actually wrote a book. That's amazing!" When I initially finished the book, I didn't quite have a grasp on that fact. I was just so grateful to get it done and published, that I didn't take the time to wear the "author hat". But after hearing her words, something ignited and I realized -- Yeah, I guess I did. But did that now make me an author? Or just an aspiring author? Or worse -- is it just a "neat" hobby?
I am not, by any means, claiming to be a veteran writer or even have the clout to say that I am a "published" author -- it is only my aspiration to be. Just as it may be another persons dream to sing the National Anthem, fly to the moon, or become President. And I have no right to deny or criticize them.
I now often find myself watching someone and wondering, "Are they more than they appear to be?" Have I been mentally categorizing and labeling people for my own convenience? Perhaps the garbage man once traveled to Africa and helped build water sources. Maybe the Barista whose making my tall, non-fat, caramel latte, is an aspiring singer. Perhaps I have been too quick in summing up those around me -- doing the very thing that I don't want others doing to me. Judging.
I am discovering that if you dig a little deeper, ask a few more questions and prepare your ears to listen -- you might be surprised by what you learn. Am I an author? Maybe I am, maybe I'm not and maybe that's yet to be determined. But what I do know, is that I have the ability to be many things all at once, while still striving to be more.
And so does everybody else.
Take care my friends,
EJ
January 2, 2014
The "Fun" of Self-publishing and Promotion -- an Indie Writers Journey
Hey want to get rich quick? Write a book! Nope -- it's really not that simple. For those of us that have gone the Self Publishing route, you might have found that this can be like swimming through reeds. At first you take a look at the cool, glistening water and think, "I can do this. I am ready to dive in and swim!" But in truth, you may want to bring some water weenies or a life jacket, as you might find that you will be tangled up in much more than you anticipated.
Though the modern, digital, social media age does provide quick access to a broad audience, I've found that it requires patience, persistence and the ability to "not take it personally," when you are not followed, retweeted or your book sits unread on Amazon -- even when you are giving it away.
My book has been available for almost one month now and though my intent was not to profit from my it, but rather tell a story that was personal to me, my hope was that it would at least get a few reads and some good reviews. After all, as writers, we put blood, sweat and tears into our pieces, so we hope that the reader will appreciate the effort in the end, right?
I know I must be patient, which is a weakness of mine. And at the end of the day, I must remember -- I wrote a book. I did something on my bucket list and I awakened a passion inside of me that had been dormant for several years. Now that the beast has risen, I suppose I must entertain it.
For those writers that are struggling and wondering if they should just give up -- don't do that. For only you created something on paper that came from your soul and your mind. Your story won't go away. It won't disappear. And if you keep at the monotony of promoting it, you might be pleasantly surprised at it's success some day.
Happy writing, happy reading, and Happy New Year!
EJ Valson
ejvalson@gmail.com
Follow me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Though the modern, digital, social media age does provide quick access to a broad audience, I've found that it requires patience, persistence and the ability to "not take it personally," when you are not followed, retweeted or your book sits unread on Amazon -- even when you are giving it away.
My book has been available for almost one month now and though my intent was not to profit from my it, but rather tell a story that was personal to me, my hope was that it would at least get a few reads and some good reviews. After all, as writers, we put blood, sweat and tears into our pieces, so we hope that the reader will appreciate the effort in the end, right?
I know I must be patient, which is a weakness of mine. And at the end of the day, I must remember -- I wrote a book. I did something on my bucket list and I awakened a passion inside of me that had been dormant for several years. Now that the beast has risen, I suppose I must entertain it.
For those writers that are struggling and wondering if they should just give up -- don't do that. For only you created something on paper that came from your soul and your mind. Your story won't go away. It won't disappear. And if you keep at the monotony of promoting it, you might be pleasantly surprised at it's success some day.
Happy writing, happy reading, and Happy New Year!
EJ Valson
ejvalson@gmail.com
Follow me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
December 14, 2013
Today is a VERY exciting day. The book is finally availab...
Today is a VERY exciting day. The book is finally available on Amazon.com.
Visit The Nostalgia Effect here to view a 10 chapter sample!
Thanks!
Visit The Nostalgia Effect here to view a 10 chapter sample!
Thanks!
December 4, 2013
Today I wrote the last and final chapter. I was a bit sad...
Today I wrote the last and final chapter. I was a bit saddened to end this story, as it has so many personal parts of my life intertwined. Love was an inspiration, but music kept me going and feeling emotions that allowed me to be creative.
Some of my favorite artists were, Sleeping At Last, Imagine Dragons, Coldplay, Lana Del Rey, Kodaline, Band of Horses, and so many more. Without their well produced tracks, I would have been at a standstill.
I hope you all enjoy reading this book, as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Some of my favorite artists were, Sleeping At Last, Imagine Dragons, Coldplay, Lana Del Rey, Kodaline, Band of Horses, and so many more. Without their well produced tracks, I would have been at a standstill.
I hope you all enjoy reading this book, as much as I enjoyed writing it.
November 22, 2013
The process
I have always wanted to write something that had substance. I tried and tried, my entire life. With age, comes experience, with experience, comes emotion and with emotion, comes inspiration. My biggest inspiration is my husband and family. There are many personal touches to this story that are dear to the both of us. Though this book is primarily science-fiction/fantasy, there is still some truth to it, and I hope the readers find something that can relate to. The bottom line, be grateful for what you have.
Here is an excerpt from the book....enjoy!
There is a man sleeping with his back to me. His hair is dark. Darker than Michael’s. This man is too tan, too thin, and his hair is cut differently. His smell is different. But he looks slightly familiar. I think I know him. But why?! Did I cheat? Did I get drunk and pass out somewhere? Was I drugged? Have I been kidnapped? I don’t feel hungover, I don’t feel hurt, I don’t feel sick. But my mind is screaming, “What the hell is happening?!”
The familiar stranger starts to stir. ”Oh, God Jenni...run!” I think to myself. Still asleep, he rolls over to face me. I stare in shock. My hearts beats faster. How can this be? It’s my ex-husband Joe. My hand finds its way over my mouth to quiet a scream. I draw in a breath...so deep it almost suffocates me.
I feel my body begin to tremble. He is still asleep, oblivious that he is next to a woman whose world is upside down and for whom gravity no longer exists. Why am I here? Why is he here? This has to be a mistake.
“Breathe,” I think to myself, as I slowly and quietly inhale and exhale. I cannot wake him, I wouldn’t know what to say. My mind is racing. What happened last night? How did we meet up? I don’t remember any of it. I haven’t seen Joe in several years. He doesn’t even live in the same state! So how did I get into what I assume is his house?
Where is Michael -- and Olivia and Stella? Have they tried calling me? Are they worried? My cell phone...it has to be here somewhere. I have to find it. I have to find my things. I need to get out of here!
Copyright 2013- E.J. Valson
Here is an excerpt from the book....enjoy!
There is a man sleeping with his back to me. His hair is dark. Darker than Michael’s. This man is too tan, too thin, and his hair is cut differently. His smell is different. But he looks slightly familiar. I think I know him. But why?! Did I cheat? Did I get drunk and pass out somewhere? Was I drugged? Have I been kidnapped? I don’t feel hungover, I don’t feel hurt, I don’t feel sick. But my mind is screaming, “What the hell is happening?!”
The familiar stranger starts to stir. ”Oh, God Jenni...run!” I think to myself. Still asleep, he rolls over to face me. I stare in shock. My hearts beats faster. How can this be? It’s my ex-husband Joe. My hand finds its way over my mouth to quiet a scream. I draw in a breath...so deep it almost suffocates me.
I feel my body begin to tremble. He is still asleep, oblivious that he is next to a woman whose world is upside down and for whom gravity no longer exists. Why am I here? Why is he here? This has to be a mistake.
“Breathe,” I think to myself, as I slowly and quietly inhale and exhale. I cannot wake him, I wouldn’t know what to say. My mind is racing. What happened last night? How did we meet up? I don’t remember any of it. I haven’t seen Joe in several years. He doesn’t even live in the same state! So how did I get into what I assume is his house?
Where is Michael -- and Olivia and Stella? Have they tried calling me? Are they worried? My cell phone...it has to be here somewhere. I have to find it. I have to find my things. I need to get out of here!
Copyright 2013- E.J. Valson
November 13, 2013
The Nostalgia Effect- Coming Soon
The Nostalgia Effect is the tale of Jennifer Nielsen, who awakens one day to find herself thrown back into a past that she doesn't recall living. Convinced that she has a different husband, child and life than the one she finds herself in, she commits to finding answers as to why she has arrived in this time--eight years earlier.
Though her surroundings are familiar, she cannot determine why she is here and seeks out the help of Astrid, a psychic in her small town. Together they work to uncover the secret of how this all happened and how, or if, she will get back to the life she left somewhere in time-- if that life ever really existed at all.
During her journey, she discovers new relationships, solidifies old ones, and is reminded of how quickly life can flash by.
For up-to-date book release information, visit: The Nostalgia Effect
Though her surroundings are familiar, she cannot determine why she is here and seeks out the help of Astrid, a psychic in her small town. Together they work to uncover the secret of how this all happened and how, or if, she will get back to the life she left somewhere in time-- if that life ever really existed at all.
During her journey, she discovers new relationships, solidifies old ones, and is reminded of how quickly life can flash by.
For up-to-date book release information, visit: The Nostalgia Effect
