Alexis’s Comments (group member since Jan 04, 2017)

Alexis’s comments from the Navigating Indieworld Discussing All Things Indie group.

Carole wrote: "Yes, but you can't ask them to review your own book on the Goodreads network- or suggest a book of a friend. The other way is to check out reviewers with links to a blog and that post reviews on Go..."

I can’t? Not even by offering ARC’s with no expectations of a positive review?

I think that instead of bloggers and reviewers on Amazon, the only way to spread good word of mouth these days is by approaching reviewers on Goodreads. Most have hundreds of followers who trust their reviews... I think its time for me to do some networking.

Thank you Karen and CL. Not to sound too sentimental but man, did you guys inspire me. I’m following your advice and writing again!!

Superdead.

Carole wrote: "I couldn't agree with you more, Matt. It was s subtle shift. If you remember I wrote last year in Feb- something odd was going on at Amazon-
This was a viable business- we had a clear direction, w..."

Well, this sucks. I had a plan as to how I was going to promote and sell my books too. I’ve been DREAMING of quitting my job and focus on writing romance but man.. I’m not sure that’s realistic anymore. It’s like publishers sat Amazon down and told them; either you make indies lives as miserable or we pull our books and start our own bookstore.

Elizabeth wrote: "Alexis wrote: "Oh, it felt so good to type that. I NEED HELP. :D

In the last few years I’ve started four books and finished zero.
I know I have talent.
I just.. there’s a mental block there that m..."

Sucks doesn’t it? Let’s hope we both finish thta first one this year!

Marie Silk wrote: "Alexis wrote: " I’m just afraid that whatever I write will be pure crap that no one will truly enjoy.

Anyone ever feel like that?"

Every time. Sometimes you don't know how your book will be recei..."

I don’t think I’ll ever be able to read any reviews! Although its a bit selfish, I’m glad you too feel the nerves after publishing so many books lol.

And you’re right; I need to start getting comfortable with the idea that not everyone will enjoy my books and just finish the things!

Congrats! The reviews are good; can’t wait to read it.

Alex wrote: "I did, Portuguese based Creole language from the Dutch-West-Indies.
I now feel like I need to come up with a character from that region just so I can use Papiamentu in a book and confuse my reader..."

Yess! You get a car, you get a car, you get a car!!

Clears throat. So yes, I see Wikipedia was helpful again :p
Oohh you should totally do that. We have insane killers in the region too, like that evil sob Joran van der Sloot.

Carole wrote: "All great advice from everyone here- I think an editor is really a good investment, especially if English is not your first language.
You are creative enough to do the cover and people are here to..."

Thanks Carole. Actually Dutch isn’t my first language either.
I speak Papiamentu (bwahaha, bet you’re going to be googling that :] )

Dale wrote: "Alexis wrote: "Anyone ever feel like that? How did you gather yourself?"

I'm going to be a little different here. First, to answer your questions:

1. Yes. I felt like that for 10 years, during wh..."

http://78.media.tumblr.com/58ff52e2e5...

Thank you. :’)
*cracks fingers*

Alex wrote: "I don't have any advice to offer, Alexis, I just want to say I'm glad you're still around and still determined to get something published. Keep at it and you'll get there."

Thanks Alex!
I need to catch up on everyones work. :)

Theodore wrote: "Thanks, ladies. Was just trying to help. Be even the smallest amount of editing can help, if only to catch the "oh s---" errors that are so off-putting to readers. Sad but true: you only have one c..."

YESSS, Ted. It’s the fact that we only have one chance to make a first impression which drives me nuts. I need to get this first book right!!!

Theodore wrote: "Alexis wrote: "Theodore wrote: "Alexis wrote: "Oh, it felt so good to type that. I NEED HELP. :D

In the last few years I’ve started four books and finished zero.
I know I have talent.
I just.. the..."

I will certainly do this!
I need to stop taking myself so seriously and just publish the d*** thing lol.


And even though I’m not Amy, you certainly didn’t come across as attacking anyone. :)

Amy wrote: "I don't think it's oversharing. I think it's realistic. People seem to take it for granted that indies have hundreds of pounds sitting around that they can throw at getting a book out. I am under t..."

That’s true. It bugs me when people attack writers for not hiring editors, or buying fantastic looking covers. Sometimes putting out a product as best as you can even though it’s imperfect is the only way to fulfil a dream.

I do hope things pick up for you in 2018 though!

Amy wrote: "Here's the thing. I know I have talent too. I have doubts every day. I know I'd have more confidence if I had an editor. However the fact of the matter is, to edit my latest book would cost £300+ f..."

Oh, I’m a starter with college debt too lol (oversharing, sorry) so I know that sometimes 300pounds can seem like 300000. Thank you for the advice, I will pick my favorite today.
(Hopefully it’s also the one I think might sell more.)

Stephanie wrote: "I do feel like that. All the time.
I just keep writing. Put it away for a time and come back to it when I feel I can edit better. Sometimes, I leave it as is. Whatever you do, save it, no matter t..."

Thanks Stephanie. I pretty much stopped writing in 2017 (got a job, ranted about politics..) but I just REALLY want to be a published writer so I’m back at it. Again. Hopefully.

Theodore wrote: "Alexis wrote: "Oh, it felt so good to type that. I NEED HELP. :D

In the last few years I’ve started four books and finished zero.
I know I have talent.
I just.. there’s a mental block there that m..."


Ooh, great advice Ted, thank you. A content editor sounds interesting, but how do you find someone who really knows their stuff and is not too expensive?

I have one book with over 65,000 words.
Another at 40,000.
Another at 20,000.
It’s depressing.

Oh, it felt so good to type that. I NEED HELP. :D

In the last few years I’ve started four books and finished zero.
I know I have talent.
I just.. there’s a mental block there that makes me doubt myself.
I blame the language barrier but the truth is I’m just afraid that whatever I write will be pure crap that no one will truly enjoy.

Anyone ever feel like that?
How did you gather yourself?

Carole wrote: "I always wanted to be a lawyer. My parents took me for a long ride in the car and said, lawyers are for boys, teachers are for girls, and that was the end of that. I don't blame them- they were pro..."

We’ve come a long way as women. Not far enough of course, but I hope my (future) daughter will have even more opportunities!