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

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

Garfield wrote: "I saw the 'F' word in the Oxford Dictionary where it can be used as a word of disgust (F***), do you think we should start using it in our writing if used in that context and do you think it will be acceptable any time soon? "

You already can use it in any context you want, or you can choose not to use it. It really all depends on the kind of story you're writing, your characters, what kind of audience you're writing for and so on.

Caroline wrote: "I'm the slowest writer in the world...so what?? lol"

Right. So what? This isn't a race to see who can write the fastest. That you are thrilled when you are able to write is a good thing. Your book will be done when it gets done. I had planned to have my latest novel out in June. Here is is August and I'm thinking it may not be ready until next year at this rate. But, I'm enjoying it, so, yeah, no rush.

Sorry about your health issues.

Clive wrote: "WHAT???????"

Despite the all caps and the string of question marks, I missed your inquiries about your missing post, Clive. I am sorry for that. G.G. stated most of why I removed your post. It was also removed for negativity - you were complaining about what you hate about some author's web sites and then went on to pitch Concrete 5 as a better alternative.

Again, please review the rules and maybe we can avoid this kind of confusion in the future. Thanks.

A.A. wrote: "Hi everyone!"

Comment deleted. As per the instructions at the beginning of this thread:

"This thread is to discuss services and promo tactics. Got a question about a site? Ask it here. Got a suggestion for a new topic? Post here. The point of this thread will be to keep an open dialogue about promotion services without cluttering up the data threads."

Also, per the group rules, we do not allow linking of any kind. Thanks.

Garfield,

I don't know who Emma is, but I'm not sure it matters. Any time you are required to review a book in order to get a review for your own, it is review swapping.

Gaia wrote: "That said, it's not a swap. A "swap" is: I review you and in exchange you review me. Clearly we would both have an interest in giving each other 5 stars and ethically is not admissible. This group polices to make sure swaps do not occur..."

I understand what the web site is for. You stated it clearly. You submit a book, you review another book, your book will be featured after you post your review and it stays featured until you get a review. It's review swapping, no matter how you slice it. You are only reading and reviewing another book in the hopes that it will result in your book getting a review. I can't see how that would produce unbiased and honest reviews, which is what Amazon wants. You are being compensated for your review, which Amazon does not want.

What I imagine would happen in this group is someone would submit their book, then go off and grab one of the other books, skim it, return it, write a review based on what little they actually read just to get a review. This is not honest reviewing.

Gaia wrote: "Hey, guys, I found this website..."

If you have to review a book to get a review on your book, it's a review swap. Comment deleted.

We also have a rule against linking. Please review the rules.

Seems that the one on the right is the popular choice.

I've seen a lot of newer books out with a washed-out green look and orange titles, so I thought I'd give it a shot on this cover. Appears it's not the right way to go.

I've been experimenting with covers for Suckers & Rogues. These are the two I like best so far. Any opinions? I know which of these two I'd go with, but my instincts for covers are generally not good.

Comment deleted for negativity and for linking. Please review the rules. Thanks.

Link to the book removed. No bookwhacking, please. Thanks.

I have to disagree with some of the comments here. A writer should write a book the way they want to write the book. A writer should use all the words they see fit to use. Yes, some readers will not like it if you use "too much" swearing. Some will find it "distracting", but guess what? Other readers might appreciate what you're doing. If we start worrying about every little thing that might upset a reader, our work will be bland.

Dan wrote: "I've heard a lot of people ('experts' according to them) say that no-one should ever listen to music with lyrics while writing"

I've read that in a number of books, too, Dan. I find it harder to write when I don't have music on. Music helps me keep focused. And at about ninety percent of what I listen to has lyrics. Writers should experiment with various types of music (or silence) and find what works best for them.

Okay. You had me with the first paragraph. That's probably enough of a blurb. The second, to me, read like, "He is joined by this guy and this girl and they go here and here and here..." it was a quick list of all the stuff that would happen in the book.

I hate the term "unlikely alliance". I know nothing about these characters, so it's meaningless to me and a cliche.

The third paragraph is completely unnecessary, at least for me. In fact, it's a turn off. I hate being told, "this book is about this and this and you will feel this and this". Let me read it and take from it what I take from it. I don't like being told how I must interpret a book.

*drunk on champagne*

We love you! We love youallsooo*mumble*

We just hit ten thousand members here at Support For Indie Authors!

Thank you to every one of you 10,000 Maniacs.

Wait. No, that's someone else.

Let's now fill the air with champagne corks!

I find it helps. I can't write well from home anymore. I'm too easily distracted here. I find it's good for me to go to a library or coffee shop and find a corner away from people, if I can. Then I put on my headphones and blast away. I listen to quite a variety of music: Rock, pop, country, jazz, blues, rap, and a little classical.

I see no reason a third person narrator cannot use profanity from time to time. Vonnegut did this. So did Heller.

G.G. wrote: "Just listen to your characters. They should let you know when you have the right descriptions and names as you introduce them. "

Yes! This can be a lot of fun. There is one character in my work in progress. I hastily gave her long red hair, said was tall and gangly and named her Kimberly. This character hated it and it really did not work for her at all. So, I modified her and got the sense she needs to be petit with black hair. And I called her Deirdre for a while, but she protested. She does not want a name. So, she's _______ in the book. I get more feedback about her from my betas... hee hee hee!

I don't let something like that slow me down. I give myself a couple of minutes to come up with a name and brief description of a character, then I get back to writing. After all, if the name and appearance of the character do not feel right as you get to know them, you can always adjust in rewrites.