A Goodreads Oddity
Compared to the majority of other Goodreads members, I am an oddity. Allow me to state my case, then you may decide for yourself whether or not this observation is accurate.
My first book, a novel published in 2011, will also be the last. It took me fourteen months to produce a completed, polished manuscript, and then an additional two months, working with and learning from those assigned by the publisher, to convert it into a commercially viable book. It was a worthwhile experience, but there are just too many other worthwhile things I wish to experience.
Self-promotion is limited exclusively to discussion threads specifically designated for that purpose. Included are a brief synopsis, available formats, the book's website address, and a list of the fourteen vendors that sell it. It does not include a request for someone to buy the book or a guarantee that they will love it.
I never solicit, swap, or purchase reviews, and seldom read them. I post ratings and reviews of books I have read, but have not and never will rate or review my own book. I believe that readers post reviews to share their opinion of a book with other readers, not the author. I neither seek nor accept free book offers from authors and never personally sell or offer a free copy of my book for any reason. It is sold exclusively through commercial vendors at prices established by them.
I am an avid reader, but do not read incessantly. It takes me about four weeks to finish a book. Again, there are just too many other things I enjoy doing.
I do not have a Facebook page, text, or twitter. I never utilize emoticons (happy, sad, angry faces) or abbreviated phrases (LOL, ROFL, IMO, BFF, OMG, etc.). I prefer to express my thoughts with words. Occasionally, I may share writing or publishing advice, learned from professionals and experts through books, periodicals, seminars, and interaction. I refrain from offering personal advice, because I do not consider myself to be an expert in either subject.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with anyone doing any of the above mentioned things. It is merely a matter of personal choice or circumstances. That said; I believe that my personal choices definitely make me a Goodreads oddity. However, I cannot possibly be the only one. Or am I?
My first book, a novel published in 2011, will also be the last. It took me fourteen months to produce a completed, polished manuscript, and then an additional two months, working with and learning from those assigned by the publisher, to convert it into a commercially viable book. It was a worthwhile experience, but there are just too many other worthwhile things I wish to experience.
Self-promotion is limited exclusively to discussion threads specifically designated for that purpose. Included are a brief synopsis, available formats, the book's website address, and a list of the fourteen vendors that sell it. It does not include a request for someone to buy the book or a guarantee that they will love it.
I never solicit, swap, or purchase reviews, and seldom read them. I post ratings and reviews of books I have read, but have not and never will rate or review my own book. I believe that readers post reviews to share their opinion of a book with other readers, not the author. I neither seek nor accept free book offers from authors and never personally sell or offer a free copy of my book for any reason. It is sold exclusively through commercial vendors at prices established by them.
I am an avid reader, but do not read incessantly. It takes me about four weeks to finish a book. Again, there are just too many other things I enjoy doing.
I do not have a Facebook page, text, or twitter. I never utilize emoticons (happy, sad, angry faces) or abbreviated phrases (LOL, ROFL, IMO, BFF, OMG, etc.). I prefer to express my thoughts with words. Occasionally, I may share writing or publishing advice, learned from professionals and experts through books, periodicals, seminars, and interaction. I refrain from offering personal advice, because I do not consider myself to be an expert in either subject.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with anyone doing any of the above mentioned things. It is merely a matter of personal choice or circumstances. That said; I believe that my personal choices definitely make me a Goodreads oddity. However, I cannot possibly be the only one. Or am I?
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Wendy wrote: "Oddity...I don't think I could write only one book (if I ever wrote any)and have to admit I'm a little bummed that you're not writing more.
I enjoyed "Levels."
It also takes me about a month to fi..."
Wendy,
Thank you for taking the time to share your opinion of the blog post and for reading my novel.
I seldom say "never", but for now at least, I stand by my decision to not write another book. I am not a prolific writer and there are just too many things to do and places to visit. If I ever change my mind, you will be among the first to know.
I agree that my refusal to utilize emoticons and abbreviated phrases is an oddity. Perhaps I am just set in my ways or just plain stubborn.
I am glad that I am not the only one who takes so long to read a book.
Once again, thank you.
Jim
I LOVE that you don't use emoticons and abbreviated phrases.Somebody has to maintain the standards!
The only reason the abbreviations work is that there is a solid language under them, bruised but not yet broken. If the language degenerates to the levels people use on their cellphones (people, not me, and my kids know better), pretty soon communication would be limited to small groups with a common set of emoticons.
Not a pleasant thought.
The other oddity, choosing to write only one book, I can see that happening. Many people only have one book they want to write. But those people often never actually do it. It's a lot of work to learn how to write.
And MANY famous authors only wrote one book (until recently, and to a very odd reception, Harper Lee was in that group). I think the fame part comes when they hit a nerve!
I don't think I could write only one book (if I ever wrote any)and have to admit I'm a little bummed that you're not writing more.
I enjoyed "Levels."
It also takes me about a month to finish a book.
Funny you don't use emoticons or abbreviated phrases.
Happy Reading,
Wendy Q