Megan Morgan's Blog, page 19

Keeping up with the book industry–all you need is witchcraft!

If you’re a writer, you’re often going to hear people talk about the business of writing, and they’re going to say things like “you have to keep up with the industry” or “you have to keep on top of changing trends.” So, what does that mean? What exactly do you need to keep your eye on, and what do you need to look out for?

Well, the problem with “the industry” is that at any given moment, most of it doesn’t make sense.

[image error]When people tell you to “keep up” they usually mean figure out what’s selling right now. Okay, so you can go to the NYT Bestseller lists, and you can see what’s on top, how long it’s been there, and what sort of books are really flying off the shelves. That’s what’s hot RIGHT NOW, that’s what the “industry” is focused on.

But, there’s a problem with that.

Do you think those books resting all luminous and lustrous atop that list were picked up by a publisher last month? No, most of those books were acquired by an agent and editor, two, maybe even three years ago. Since then, author and publisher have worked together on editing, pre-production, and fitting the book into a publication schedule. So that means, if you want to be part of the current, hot trends, you had to write a book like that three years ago. By the time something is popular, it’s already too late.

Of course, you also see what happens when a particular book becomes popular–a million books with the same subject matter get published fast, through self-publishing and smaller publishing houses with shorter turnaround times. That leads to oversaturation of the market, and that subject’s sales plummet. This happened when the 50 Shades books blew up, the romance genre was suddenly glutted with BDSM. If you’re fortunate, you were already writing something that became hugely popular and you get to ride the wave too.

[image error] If you’re fortunate, you were already writing something that became hugely popular and you get to ride the wave too.

So, how do you end up being part of what’s hot this year?

Get lucky.
Be really, really good at predicting trends. However, trends can be insane and highly erratic in the book industry–I’m guessing no one in 2010 was sitting around saying “You know what’s gonna be really, REALLY hot next year? Graphic BDSM erotica!”

To top it off, the rest of the “industry” does nothing but argue with itself. This article from Forbes outlines the constant shouting match between the industry insiders who insist EBOOKS ARE DEAD EVERYBODY, and the industry insiders who insist NO, STUPIDHEADS, PRINT IS DEAD. All you need to do is take a look around you to realize neither one is dead, or really dying.

Does this paint a bleak future for us writers? No, not as far as I’m concerned. For as long as books have been published, all this confusion and uncertainty has surrounded them. Good books, regardless of content, still get to the top. Books about subjects no one saw coming get to the top. Writers who have been working hard for years get to the top and writers who are just starting out get to the top. Thinking too hard about it, and trying to figure out why, will give you a headache.

My advice is the same as it’s always has been, no matter the concern–write. Keep writing. Write write write. It’s the only thing you can control in this mad universe.

[image error] Keeping up with the book industry takes magic. @morgan_romance #publishing
Filed under: Monday Blogs Tagged: advice, books, publishers, writing

Why Every Writer Should Be Told They Suck

I’m trying out something new on the blog: adding clickable, shareable tweets to my posts for reader’s tweeting convenience. I don’t know if this will make a lick of difference, but a lot of blogs do it and I want to be one of the cool kids. In the spirit of this post’s subject matter, feel free to tell me it sucks! 

Constructive criticism is a vital resource necessary for any writer to grow. Especially when you’re a new, unseasoned writer, but even those who have been in the game for a long time need their mistakes pointed out. After all, how will you learn what to fix if you don’t know what needs fixed? Unfortunately, it also means you have to grow a thick skin–something new writers don’t come equipped with.

I value constructive criticism on my work. I want suggestions and feedback from editors and readers alike, letting me know where I screwed up and, ideally, how to fix it, that way I don’t make the same mistakes next time. I’ve learned invaluable lessons from the editors I’ve worked with, and I always strive to look out for my previous missteps in new manuscripts. However, even though I’ve been at this for a while, that doesn’t mean criticism doesn’t sting. My first reaction is always to get a little prickly, but I’ve taught myself to let it prickle for a minute, then take a deep breath and study the mistake and the ways to rectify it. When I’m finished I usually say, “Wow, I’m glad somebody pointed that out and told me how to fix it. Now I know!”

[image error]When you’re a newbie, constructive criticism can hurt a lot more, though. That’s because when you’re new you’re making a lot more mistakes, and if someone gives you a full list of the weak spots in your precious manuscript that you worked so hard on, it’s going to feel like they’re picking on you. You might feel overwhelmed, or ashamed, or want to lash out. You might start to think the whole thing is a steaming pile of crap and you should just abandon this writing thing forever.

The thing is, no one develops a tough skin except to crawl through the briars and let them scrape you up. If you’re new, you might not believe it, but eventually things get better, you make less mistakes, and the criticism becomes much easier to swallow. No one benefits from an echo chamber–it makes you go deaf. If you’re just looking for some to tell you how amazing and perfect you are, you’re not ready to be a writer.

[image error] If you’re just looking for some to tell you how amazing and perfect you are, you’re not ready to be a writer.

Of course, there’s a difference between negative criticism or outright abuse, and constructive criticism. As such:

Negative criticism: That was so bad I think you destroyed the entirety of literature itself. Never try to write again.
Constructive criticism: I liked the premise of your story, but I feel like there’s some weak spots or places where you can move the story along quicker–can I give you some pointers?

Feel free to ignore abusive, negative criticism and tell the person who spewed it that you think their face destroyed the entirety of literature. These are not helpful people, and you don’t have to share your work, or your time with them.

Do you enjoy constructive criticism? How thick is your skin at this point?

[image error] Why every writer should be told they suck–how thick is your skin? #writing @morgan_romance
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: advice, writing

Transcending Fire by Casey Moss

Today I’m hosting fellow Evernight author Casey Moss and her futuristic/dystopian MC romance, Transcending Fire. Welcome to the blog, Casey!

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A Word From Casey:

Hello! It’s been quite some time since I’ve had a release, and now I can say all that’s changed. A big thank you to my host for allowing me to visit today and share my story Transcending Fire. This erotic, futuristic, dystopian story based around different motorcycle gangs has had quite a journey to get to this point. Perhaps one day I’ll share the two-plus-year jaunt this story went through to find a home. Luckily, it finally has. Even with all the trials it went through, I still love this story. It’s one of my favorites that I’ve written, and one that I didn’t get tired of during the editing process either. Yay!

A man dealing with an Earth in chaos. A woman from an alternate universe hoping to find her destiny. Two motorcycle gangs and a real bad ass who wants to ruin everything. What’s not to like?

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A man dealing with an Earth in chaos. A woman from an alternate universe hoping to find her destiny…

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Hunter Macario wants one thing—a place to belong. When given an opportunity to solidify his position in the motorcycle club, Devil’s Thunder, he takes it.

Dragon’s Clan member, Safaia King, believes she’s found the man from her people’s legend and her dreams. She has one goal, even if he’s in a rival club—to make Hunter hers and keep him safe so he can fulfill their destiny.

After Hunter makes a huge mistake, he’s sent to where Safaia lives—an alternate universe called The Den. In this new world, sex, battles, and secrets abound. Hunter must survive The Den to right some wrongs or else he could lose everything he’s ever gained, including his home and Safaia’s love.

EXCERPT:

The flames’ mesmerizing dance, the macabre song created by the crackles and pops, and the smell of death kept Hunter frozen to his spot. He wanted to help, knew he should pick up a bucketful of water or a hose and join the fray, but his immobile legs wouldn’t budge no matter the commands his brain sent them.

There must be something in the smoke making me high. Either I really can’t move, or I’m losing my fucking marbles.

He tried again to step forward, but still couldn’t.

Ah, shit. I’m dreaming. Must be it. At least I hope that’s it.

As if in answer to his thoughts, the world around him seemed to slow, become more surreal than it already was. The noises minimized into silence, yet people still rushed around him as if he were invisible, their mouths moving without voices emanating from them.

Straight ahead, Hunter caught glimpses of a woman appearing and disappearing amongst the club members running back and forth in front of her. The ebony-haired beauty didn’t move. She stood there with a smile curling her lips.

A hot, lusty bolt of desire surged straight to his cock. Yet beneath the instantaneous sensation lay something deeper. Dreaming or not, Hunter couldn’t quite put his finger on what he felt, but words like “connection” and “destiny” wisped across his mind.

Their gazes locked. The lady winked and disappeared.

The compound, except for the fire, was as it should be—club house, church, garage, barracks, factory, and some ancillary buildings—but the sky wasn’t gray. The constant hum from all the robotics and other machinery functioning in the city wasn’t present. He’d grown so accustomed to the white noise, the sudden silence almost hurt.

Hunter shook his head, ran his palm over his face. Nothing seemed right anymore. The sky. The sounds. Even the air he breathed was different—lighter … less polluted.

[image error]No one came up to him to check on him. Nobody questioned why he wasn’t helping.

They all acted like he didn’t exist.

Maybe I really don’t exist here. Maybe I’m still back in one of those foster homes and my life in Vegas has only been a fanciful dream.

Nah. I’ve gotta be dreaming. I gotta…

“Wake up, Hunter.”

A weight bore down on Hunter’s shoulder, gripping his muscles like a pneumatic clamp.

Even in a hazy state of mind, his instincts took over. Years of martial arts training had him shrugging out of the hold and spinning into a neutral stance, ready to defend and attack if need be. No matter what home he’d ended up in, he had always requested lessons. The type of discipline never mattered. The fact that he was learning a skill and had something of his own no one could take away from him had been all that’d counted.

“Hey, boy.” Screw, an aging man, whose favorite way of dressing his scrawny body happened to be denim overalls, a bandana around his head holding back his stringy gray hair, and nothing else, held up his hands. “You know I’m a lover not a fighter.” He chuckled. “Too old and creaky to scuffle anyhow.”

Hunter blinked. Gone was the blue sky and fire. The mechanized hum had returned as had the obsidian night. He stared at the head mechanic and lowered his arms. Last thing he’d ever want to do was harm the man he viewed as a father figure. “Screw. What? What’s going on?”

“You tell me. You’re the one out here in your birthday suit.”

“Birthday suit?” He glanced down at himself. Sure enough, he stood naked in the middle of the compound. “What the hell?”

BUY LINKS:

Evernight Publishing: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/transcending-fire-by-casey-moss/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075DGY3V6

BookStrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/transcending-fire-mf

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/746447

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Casey Moss delves into the darker aspects of life in her writing, sometimes basing the stories on reality, sometimes on myth. No matter the path, her stories will take you on a journey from the light-hearted paranormal to dark things unspeakable. What waits around the corner? Come explore…

Website: https://caseymossbooks.com/

Blog: https://caseymscorner.wordpress.com/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Casey-Moss/e/B0080RC9DQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CRMoss

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_crmoss/

 

[image error] Check out TRANSCENDING FIRE by Casey Moss! #MCRomance #Romance
Filed under: Guest Posts Tagged: books, evernight publishing, guests, romance

In Rememberance

Today is a somber day in the US, the anniversary of the most significant event in American history that I have personally witnessed. I, like many others, will never forget that day, or the days following. While there was a lot of bad, there was a lot of good too, in the way people came together helping and supporting each other.

I refuse to get involved in the politics and controversy that surround this day. Instead, I choose to honor and memorialize those who lost their lives, which is as it should be.

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Filed under: Uncategorized

Filling In The Blanks

A while back, I made a blog post about a new method of writing I was trying out–that is, under-writing instead of over-writing. It’s long been my style to write a whole bunch, far in excess of what I need for a book, and then go back and chop, chop, chop until I have a smaller, streamlined story that isn’t full of extraneous bulk. Although I’m a person slow to change, I decided this past year to start trying to under-write, instead. By that I mean, not writing as much to complete the story–say, write the entire bare bones structure to around 50,000 words, and then while editing and revising, I add more and bulk it up, usually to around 70,000-80,000 words.

[image error]At the time I wrote the post I had only been doing this for a few months, and I wasn’t really sure if I would like it or if it would work for me. I needed a change of pace and I thought “why not?” I could always go back to my old method if things didn’t work out. Well, now that I’ve written two books in this manner, I’m happy to say it works and I enjoy it! That doesn’t mean I’ll never go back to my old ways, it’s just something that’s working for me right now. I’ve learned in my seasoned old writerhood not to be resistant to trying new things.

Here’s some of the reasons I’ve found I enjoy under-writing and then adding more to the story later:

I end up with more product. I’m a pretty fast and prolific writer to begin with. As I stated above, I’ve already written two books this way. I can write a lot of stuff, rather quickly. By under-writing I end up with more ‘finished’ stories faster, and that leads me to the next plus:
I enjoy editing and revising. I used to hate editing, back in the day, but now I’m a huge fan of it. I like revising, fixing, and shoring things up. Producing more stories quicker means I get to spend more time doing my favorite part of the writing process. I can write a bunch of books, and then I get to spend a lot of time working on making them whole and better. It’s a good way to keep switching gears in my creative brain, so they don’t get rusty.
 Ideas follow ideas. I’ve found once I have the whole story laid out before me, I can look at it from beginning to end and see where stronger emotional connections need to be made, where things need to be clarified, and where things need to be expanded upon. It’s easier to put in fine details and crank up the conflict when I have the complete structure to study at once. I discover ways to improve the story that wouldn’t have been clear while I was in the middle of writing it.
I feel a lot more accomplished. Even though when you balance it all out I’m probably not writing any more than I was before, having a book done faster and ready for revision makes my brain think I’m doing more and accomplishing more, and as long as the ‘writer anxiety’ stays at bay, I don’t care if I’m only fooling myself.

This is just an update on how things work for me. Everyone has their own method of writing, and I’m not trying to sell anyone on this process because it may not work for you. Everyone has to write according to the way their own brain and creativity works. But I like trying new things, and I like finding different approaches and methods. Maybe it’s simply a breath of fresh air for me right now from the way I usually do things and that’s why it seems so shiny and fun. I guess I’ll update you again at some point and let you know if it’s still working.

Have you ever changed up any of your writing methods to try something new?

Filed under: Behind The Scenes Tagged: creativity, editing, inspiration, me, tools, writing

Limbo Isn’t Just A Party Game

[image error]This post is part of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group blog hop. The first Wednesday of every month is Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. The awesome co-hosts for the September 6 posting of the IWSG are Tyrean Martinson, Tara Tyler, Raimey Gallant, and Beverly Stowe McClure!

It’s IWSG day! What are we insecure about this month, everyone?

My insecurity is that right now I’m waiting to hear back from an editor. Is there anything more nerve wracking for an author? To know that your precious manuscript is sitting on someone’s hard drive, waiting to be judged. You wait, and wait, and grow old, and refresh your inbox until your eyes glaze over, and fly into a frenzied panic every time you hear that little alert go off. But it’s just Grandma again, with another funny picture she found online that literally everyone else on the internet has already seen (and it has Minions in it) and you’re like GRANDMA PLEASE, I AM TRYING TO MELT DOWN IN PEACE WOULD YOU STOP CLOGGING UP MY INBOX. I mean, what if you accidentally delete the email from the editor because you were trying to get all of Grandma’s chain emails out of there? Oh my God, what if you already did it days ago??? What if it accidentally went into your spam folder and got deleted FOREVER???

Yes, staying calm and rational during this time is a difficult task. Supposedly, if you focus on other work the time goes faster and you think of it less, but in my experience hahahahahahaha. Not to worry though, said editor eventually gets back to you–either to tell you your story is the greatest thing since fried chicken, or to tell you to burn it and never speak of it to anyone again. Only, in more polite terms.

Meh.

September 6 Question: Have you ever surprised yourself with your writing?

Yes, and it happens often, which is also surprising! Sometimes I’m reading something I haven’t touched in a while and I think “man who wrote this?” and then realize it was me and kind of boggle. Turns out I’m often a better writer than my squirrelly brain likes to let me believe. Of course it’s a double edged sword, because it feels good but you also can’t vainly text everyone you know in that moment and tell them what an awesome writer you are and quote your prose at them.

Well, you could, but these people probably won’t want to hang around you much anymore.

I also surprise myself that I’m much more willing to try new things as I grow as a writer. I’m willing to test different methods, take risks, and approach things differently. I’m always so stuck in my ways, it pleases me when I actually move myself to try something fresh. I guess I’m not as cantankerous as I thought. Now, you damn kids better get off my lawn.

Filed under: IWSG Tagged: blog hop, insecure writer's support group, writing

Happy Labor Day!

It’s Labor Day here in the US. According to Wikipedia, Labor Day: …honors the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws and well-being of the country.

Unfortunately, I’m laboring for Labor Day, but those of you who have the day off, I hope you’re having a great day! It’s also the unofficial end of summer in the US, but bring on fall, I’m ready for it!

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Filed under: Holidays

It’s Already September?

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September is here! That’s means it’s going to be fall very soon where I live. We don’t get much of a summer, that’s probably why I love summer so much. It’s already starting to cool down and leaves on some of the smaller trees started changing a couple weeks ago. But, I also LOVE fall, especially early fall, and next to summer it’s my favorite season. Late fall sucks here of course, because it’s cold and usually starts snowing and I have no love of snow (probably because I do live in a place where the majority of our year is cold and snow).

When it comes to writing, I tend to insert seasons into my books a lot. I almost always make some reference to what season it is, and sometimes it’s a plot point or a big part of the story. For example, The Wicked City takes place in the bitter January cold of Chicago, which not only sets the tone of the book, but helps to show the passage of time–in the two sequels, which take place one right after another, it’s summer of the same year, and the series also ends back in the winter. Also, my Kentucky Haints series utilizes seasons, admittedly in the first one just for the fun of showing off how much I love fall. Lorena is visiting Kentucky during the fall and having lived in a big city most of her life, she is amazed by the foliage. It didn’t really have anything to do with the plot, I just enjoyed writing it!

Do you use the seasons in your writing? What’s the weather like in your part of the world?

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: me, seasons, writing

Tips For First-Time Book Convention Attendees

The folks at Vegas.com asked me if I would make a helpful post today for first-time book convention attendees, in honor of Love N. Vegas, a romance book convention/author signing that will be held October 27-29 at Planet Hollywood Vegas. Although I won’t be attending this convention, I’ve been to a few in my time and I said sure, I’d love to share my tips!

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For a full list of authors attending the event, check out Love N. Books site here. You can also buy tickets for the convention on their site and learn more. And of course, Vegas.com has some great flight and hotel packages for attendees.

I’ve mostly only attended book conventions as an author, but I’ll try to share some tips for both authors presenting at their first convention, as well as fans attending their first book convention.

It’s my first convention, I’m super nervous/don’t know anyone!

It’s okay to be nervous! A lot of other people are too, trust me. And you’re almost certainly not the only author/fan at their first convention.
Hang out in common spaces to meet people: lounges, bars, the lobby, eating areas, any place where folks are mingling. These are the best places to meet new folks and strike up a conversation.
Attend panels and readings–discover new authors, as well as other fans of your favorite authors. It’s always great to have someone to gush with!
If you can bring someone along with you to the convention it always makes things a little less nerve-wracking. But don’t worry, even if you go alone, it’s easy to make new friends.

What are some do’s and don’t’s of attending a book convention?

Authors:

DO be ready to mingle, chat, sign autographs, and take pictures with your fans. That’s what they’re there for!
DO keep an open mind, as not every fan who approaches you may agree with the way you wrote a story. Helpful criticism and venting may very well be part of your fan experience (this was something I wasn’t prepared for at my first convention!). Of course, there’s a huge difference between criticism and someone being abusive. Know when to end a conversation, if necessary.
DON’T stuff your work down the throat of everybody you see and promote yourself to the point of being annoying. Let folks find you–you may very well become their new favorite author!
DON’T get discouraged if you see other authors getting a lot more attention than you. You’re there to have fun and make your presence known to readers. That could be you someday, too.

Fans:

DO check out new authors, books, and series. Take in everything–and everyone–the convention has to offer and enjoy yourself to the fullest.
DO tell your favorite authors how much you love them, and tell them specific things you like about their characters and books. They’ll appreciate it!
DO make friends with other convention-goers as well and be open to conversation and discussion. You might just find your new best friend!
DON’T expect free stuff from every single author or expect people to give you free books. Authors need to make a living too!

What should I bring with me?

Authors:

Bring swag–things like pens, buttons, stickers, bookmarks, and other fun toys and gadgets with your name/website on them. The more creative and memorable, the better! You can also make things like character cards, postcards advertising your book, and business cards. I’ve seen authors make t-shirts to pass out, as well. Vistaprint is a great place to have things like this made in bulk, for a low price. You can also make posters/signage for your table. Make sure you bring advertising materials with you to pass out to fans!
If this is a convention where you can sell books, be realistic about how many you need, so you don’t sink a fortune into a book order. No one wants to go home with a huge box of their own unsold books!

Fans:

Bring anything you’d like your favorite author to sign for you–books, postcards, an autograph book. If you’ve made something special in honor of your favorite author, book, or character, bring it along. Trust me, authors love to see how you appreciate our work!
Bring money–trust me, you’re going to find all kinds of new books you want! Carry cash, as not all authors may be capable of processing a card for you.

What should I take home?

Books! Tons of books! Also swag, gifts, food, and memorabilia that reminds you of what a great time you had!

What do I wear?

The fun thing about conventions is they’re a time to cut loose, have fun, and dress any way you want to. Some people of course come in normal, casual wear, some people dress formally, and other people dress in costumes, like their favorite characters, or very dramatically or in period clothing. At my first convention I was Steampunk-ed out almost the entire time! Of course, always check ahead of time to see if there’s a dress code, but if there isn’t, you’ll probably see a lot of people dressed in fun attire!

Any additional tips/advice?

Book conventions can be really overwhelming, especially if it’s a huge event held somewhere exciting. Ask at check-in about maps and schedules to make your experience easier. It’s best (and most fun) to rent a hotel room in the hotel where the convention is held (if it’s held in one) but staying off premises can also be more relaxing and let you decompress between events.

There you have it! Are you planning on attending any book conventions in the near future, as a fan or author? Will you be going to Love N. Vegas? If you have any additional questions for me, feel free to ask!

Filed under: Promotion Tagged: advice, books, conventions, information, romance

All At Once, Or Not At All

This past weekend (and much of last week) I’ve been down with the flu. Apparently the back-to-school virus caught me, though I don’t have any school age children. Several of my coworkers do though, and I blame them for carrying it to me, or something. Regardless, today is the first day since Wednesday I actually woke up and didn’t feel like my cat had tried to bury me in her litter box while I slept.

Ugh.

[image error]Anyway, while I was down and out I still managed to get a huge editing/revising project done. This was mostly because I had sort of backed myself into a corner with a dumbly self-imposed deadline and I had to get it done. However, I’ve noted this behavior many times in myself. I can have weeks, even months, to get something done, but I usually end up doing it all once somewhere near the deadline, instead. On top of that, even when there’s not a deadline, I tend to be the type of person who will write nearly an entire book in two days and then spend the next week on the couch staring at Netflix. I’m a binge writer, a binge editor, a “do it all at once and then be lazy forever” type person.

I don’t know when, or how I got this way. It’s kind of just how my brain works. One would argue a slow, steady pace for a short time every day would be much more productive, but I’m happiest when I spend ten hours in a feverish typing frenzy and then don’t even look at writing for the next ten days. I can get a lot done, but I tend to get it all done at once. When my brain says “let’s write!” boy, am I gonna write. And it’s only gonna be during that time. I find that when I try to discipline myself to do “a little every day” I end up with horrible anxiety about making sure I get it done every single day, that I wedge it in there somewhere even if I don’t feel like writing. It makes me too squirrely.

I don’t know how to change this, or even if I should worry about doing so. Obviously, it works for me. I churn out books, and get them revised and edited, without issue. It’s just that I do it in marathons, instead of short dashes. My brain tends to be fickle too, and if I spend too long on one idea I end up bored of it.

I’m a bit impressed with myself I managed to do this editing project while zombie-ish and high on flu medicine, though. It looks like even when germs are crawling through me, my writing brain is on autopilot still.

How about you? Do you take things slow and steady, or like to do it all at once?

Filed under: Monday Blogs Tagged: creativity, me, personal life, writing