Dwayne’s Comments (group member since Apr 01, 2017)

Dwayne’s comments from the Support for Indie Authors group.

Douglas, you'll probably need to go see a lawyer. This sounds super shady.

Gotcha. Thanks. Comment removed from someone who (again) is assuming the people who post here haven't a clue how to write and want to know his favorite books on writing.

Roxanna wrote: "If it makes you all feel better I sold twelve books and haven't gotten any reviews yet. Which drove me crazy for a month or so because, well, being ignored is so much worsed than anything else. And..."

Getting twelve sales is not being ignored. Getting a sale does not mean the customer has read your book, yet. They may choose to review later. If not, it's nothing to worry about. You're getting sales. That's much more important than getting reviews.

Amelia,

I would like some clarification. I thought you were looking for someone to help motivate you. Some are responding as if you're looking for someone to help you learn to write. Is that what you need?

Safari wrote: "Would it work to write 1st person or would 3rd person work best?"

This is one of those many questions where the answer ends up being - it's up to you. You're the writer. My questions would be - What is your hesitation in changing point of view? How did you arrive at writing in the first person for the other books? Is there any specific reason this one feels more like it should be in third person? Often times I'll try writing a story in third person and from various points of view until I find the right one. It's all about setting that camera in a place where the reader will experience what they need to in the order they need to experience it - and will be kept ignorant of any secret goings on in the background.

Edward wrote: "What is does the add book/author link above the comment section do? I am a little afraid to click for fear of pimping my own book in violation of the rules. :p"

It does what you think it does and even though Goodreads put it there, we ask that our members don't use it in this group. Don't do it. Don't do it! Don't. *shakes finger at you*

The reviews are in the books, not on the internet. Some of my characters are aware of me and have low opinions.

Tomas wrote: "I don't give it much attention myself but some authors managed to write a 'review' of their own book in a funny way and not-so-serious way which might be a good thing."

My books are... weird. Twice I've had characters review my books within my books. Never favorable.

Well, yes, Edward. I was a new author at one time. And I did rate a couple of my books at one time. And I was called on it by several readers. I'm passing on advice I learned the hard way. You can take it or leave it. Most months my sales still are nothing to brag about, but I don't believe rating my own books is going to help that.

I don't think there's anywhere where you can just pick up an email list of people that might like your genre. I always thought authors that put together email lists ask that their readers sign up for the email list. I've never done this so I could be wrong.

I generally will not buy books from authors who rate their own work. It turns me off. The only reasons I can think that authors would rate their own books is out of desperation to see a rating on their book or to try to fool the public into thinking it actually earned that five star rating. This is actually one practice that turns the general reading populace against Indies. Beyond that, it's kind of stupid. Do I think my books are worth five stars? Yes, because they are exactly suited to my taste. So, what's the point of telling the world "I love my book?" If I didn't love it, I wouldn't have published it.

That's a great question Denise. The answer is different for everyone. Browse through conversations here in our group, do some trial and error things, etc. Every author is different, every book is different. What sells one book might not sell another.

I accidentally rated one of my books just now so I could take screen shots and show you what Jeremiah is talking about. Do you see in the middle shot where you see the word "read" in a box and below it you see my generous rating of this book? Between that are the words "Clear Rating". Those words will appear if you hover your mouse over your rating. When you click on "Clear rating" your rating will disappear.

Sharon wrote: "I'm a beta reader and editor and I can tell you that it used to be that it was only acceptable to write from one POV. Times have changed."

Must have been a very long time ago. Multiple POV is far, far from a new thing.

Deleted your comment due to the link.

Phillip wrote: "On a completely separate note, this month's Cynics Anonymous meeting will be 11 May at noon. We'll have punch and pie. "

I'll believe it when I see it.

One of my current projects is similar to this, being told through diaries and interviews. It's broken into many short sections, each section starts with From and interview by... or From the journal of....

Along with this, I think the best thing you can do is make sure each character has a unique voice.

Aaron wrote: "True. It's definitely a lot more niche, and I've got my work cut out for me trying to find and hook potentially interested readers."

And this is where I'm intrigued. First, not many Indies are trying to be bold and different and I really respect you for attempting to do something... "artsy-fartsy". My work is for a small niche, too, and I've struggled to get attention. I have good months and I have quiet months. I think you're targeting an even smaller niche than I am. And my hat is off to you... and you have my sympathy.

I bought Williams book today. You have me kinda curious about it. I'm a bit clueless on how to do a blurb on yours, but I'll admit I'm curious about it, too.

I think I need to know more about the story. As a reader, the notion of someone blending an old work with new material isn't that exciting to me. As a writer, I know we all do this all the time, even if we don't like to admit it.

I like the original title the best. Of the two new suggestions, I like the Origami Lotus.