Blog: Retrospective (What I’ve learned after my first trilogy)
What’s up, everyone? Or maybe hello to just you? I’m not sure how many people would see this, but I can use my imagination. If you prefer videos, I’ve also recorded a video version of this blog, which has been posted on Amazon.com on my author page. Also, look for that video at:
shandlincoln.com/myblog
I’m not brave enough to post this on YouTube yet, but we shall see.
At my day job, after each project, what we usually do is a retrospective. A retro is a look back at the project, looking at the feedback, what went well, what didn’t go so well, and seeing what you can do differently for the next time. Feedback, the good, the bad, the … you know how that saying ends, well feedback does help us grow. I figured, why not?
My first lesson, I found the creative outlet that will take me into my older years. While I used to be a professional dancer, actor, and singer. I had a relatively satisfying career in Toronto, Ontario. I have to say that returning to writing and doing something creative again helped me to keep my sanity during those lockdowns. Things are not quite back to normal, but at least we are better than we were in 2020 and 2021 . . . Not that 2022 is turning out to be any better, but I digress. I love the arts. I love science, and I’m glad I get the chance to return to being creative and have two fantastic careers. I plan to continue to write novels into my old age.
The second lesson learned -- omg! Editing! Man, I got dinged for that. And rightly so. While my editors were great and performed editing in their day jobs, they don’t edit fantasy novels for a living. It's a different skill set. I apologize for any typos, misuse of words, and anything that took you out of the story. Hopefully, you can still enjoy the tale of Togan, Jisra, Thillana, Dythan, and the rest. Huge lesson learned -- spend the money on professionals. I am in the process of hiring a professional editor to give these stories a thorough review and republish them. I will spend the extra money on professionals. On that note, I’m looking to cultivate a relationship over my next novel with a good professional editor who I can click with, so if you know someone…send me a message. We can connect and see if we are a fit.
Let’s see, I’m taking a writing workshop as it’s been a while since I’ve taken one. Grammar, or what’s acceptable, has evolved over the years, but good writing is still good writing.
I also need a good writing circle during the creation process of people who are not shy about telling me that I’m being long-winded and too cerebral. I hate reading a book with a slow start or that “tells and not show,” and I fell into that trap at points. Lesson learned. Surround yourself with people who can call you out. Also, I want to know when something is exciting, and I should explore more in a particular direction. But in a kind manner. Constructive feedback is what we all need. I would help others in the same respectful way that does not destroy friendships.
What else… don’t be afraid to leave things that aren’t working on the cutting floor. Be patient, don’t try to write 2 novels in one year -- especially when you have a day job. Oh, by the way, even though I published 3 books, if you noticed, each novel contained 2 parts that were entire novels unto themselves. If republishing a professionally edited version 2, I hope to release them as six complete, more digestible novels.
If you do your own advertising on Amazon, take advantage of their help center. I blew all -- I mean all -- of my advertising budgets after book 2 was released before I figured out how to make better use of their targeting algorithm. … To be honest, I still have not figured this out completely.
Anyways, so I’m going to keep writing. I have six ideas floating in my head at the moment. Two involve taking a couple of the characters from the Mage’s Cradle and doing a prequel or sequel focusing on their stories. I also have two sci-fi novel ideas and two other fantasy scripts. I’ll have something out by next spring -- relatively.
Anyways, thanks for reading … even if it’s an audience of one … If it is, “hi, mom.” If you like this blog, please let me know. I hope to do these periodically.
Take care of each other, take care of the planet, and speak to you soon.
Peace
shandlincoln.com/myblog
I’m not brave enough to post this on YouTube yet, but we shall see.
At my day job, after each project, what we usually do is a retrospective. A retro is a look back at the project, looking at the feedback, what went well, what didn’t go so well, and seeing what you can do differently for the next time. Feedback, the good, the bad, the … you know how that saying ends, well feedback does help us grow. I figured, why not?
My first lesson, I found the creative outlet that will take me into my older years. While I used to be a professional dancer, actor, and singer. I had a relatively satisfying career in Toronto, Ontario. I have to say that returning to writing and doing something creative again helped me to keep my sanity during those lockdowns. Things are not quite back to normal, but at least we are better than we were in 2020 and 2021 . . . Not that 2022 is turning out to be any better, but I digress. I love the arts. I love science, and I’m glad I get the chance to return to being creative and have two fantastic careers. I plan to continue to write novels into my old age.
The second lesson learned -- omg! Editing! Man, I got dinged for that. And rightly so. While my editors were great and performed editing in their day jobs, they don’t edit fantasy novels for a living. It's a different skill set. I apologize for any typos, misuse of words, and anything that took you out of the story. Hopefully, you can still enjoy the tale of Togan, Jisra, Thillana, Dythan, and the rest. Huge lesson learned -- spend the money on professionals. I am in the process of hiring a professional editor to give these stories a thorough review and republish them. I will spend the extra money on professionals. On that note, I’m looking to cultivate a relationship over my next novel with a good professional editor who I can click with, so if you know someone…send me a message. We can connect and see if we are a fit.
Let’s see, I’m taking a writing workshop as it’s been a while since I’ve taken one. Grammar, or what’s acceptable, has evolved over the years, but good writing is still good writing.
I also need a good writing circle during the creation process of people who are not shy about telling me that I’m being long-winded and too cerebral. I hate reading a book with a slow start or that “tells and not show,” and I fell into that trap at points. Lesson learned. Surround yourself with people who can call you out. Also, I want to know when something is exciting, and I should explore more in a particular direction. But in a kind manner. Constructive feedback is what we all need. I would help others in the same respectful way that does not destroy friendships.
What else… don’t be afraid to leave things that aren’t working on the cutting floor. Be patient, don’t try to write 2 novels in one year -- especially when you have a day job. Oh, by the way, even though I published 3 books, if you noticed, each novel contained 2 parts that were entire novels unto themselves. If republishing a professionally edited version 2, I hope to release them as six complete, more digestible novels.
If you do your own advertising on Amazon, take advantage of their help center. I blew all -- I mean all -- of my advertising budgets after book 2 was released before I figured out how to make better use of their targeting algorithm. … To be honest, I still have not figured this out completely.
Anyways, so I’m going to keep writing. I have six ideas floating in my head at the moment. Two involve taking a couple of the characters from the Mage’s Cradle and doing a prequel or sequel focusing on their stories. I also have two sci-fi novel ideas and two other fantasy scripts. I’ll have something out by next spring -- relatively.
Anyways, thanks for reading … even if it’s an audience of one … If it is, “hi, mom.” If you like this blog, please let me know. I hope to do these periodically.
Take care of each other, take care of the planet, and speak to you soon.
Peace
No comments have been added yet.
