C.L.’s Comments (group member since Jan 14, 2017)

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

C.L. wrote: "I was looking at the IndieFab (Foreword's award) but it was freaking me out - the website is all over the map. Their latest announced winners are from 2015, they promise some things in some section..."

I rescind this - I was getting them mixed up with the Indie Reader Discovery Awards.

I'm planning to read Modified once I get off my current writing jag and go back to book-eating.

I was looking at the IndieFab (Foreword's award) but it was freaking me out - the website is all over the map. Their latest announced winners are from 2015, they promise some things in some sections (like they say all entries will get feedback in one section, and then say they won't in another) and it makes me worry that maybe it's a black hole that my money will disappear into and never be heard from again.

Alex wrote: "Awesome C.L. that is fantastic, so pleased for you. That's bound to result in a whole bunch of sales for you."

I hope so! They sure made it SOUND good, saying it would be in 350 Barnes and Noble stores, plus going to 30,000 libraries and booksellers...

@Carole - yes, it's in editorial reviews. I have a "'praise for Chemistry" section and you're in there too!

You think it's worth entering their book prize? I've thought about it...

I just found out that Foreword Reviews is featuring my book in their March/April edition under YA Spotlight! Can't believe it - I mailed them that ARC months and months ago so I figured it had long since gone in the dump heap. I added a quote from their review to my editorial review section and my rankings jumped massively today. Coincidence?

Here's the quote: "...funny and irreverent... Chemistry is a fun, clever novel that provides a welcome contrast to the more traditional young-adult romances of the genre, even while drawing on their warmth and familiarity." (Foreword Reviews)

I want to see the paragraphs/short passages that you use as a hook. Maybe it's the opening of your book. Maybe it's just a great cliff hanger at the end of a chapter. Either way, I want to read it!

I'll go first. This is from the preface to my book:

Maybe I should’ve gained some comfort from the fact that I was loved. When you’re in love, you’re supposed to hold hands and face death with serene acceptance. We could share a dramatic kiss as we died in the tradition of star-crossed lovers everywhere.

“F*** that sh*t,” I said as my chainsaw sputtered to life and began to roar. “Let's slice off some heads.”

C.C. wrote: "C.L. - Good luck with book #2. I'm looking forward to reading it. For me, it seemed like just finding where to start the second book was the hardest part.

I'm definitely going to pick up several of the books on this thread. To all of those who put out multiple books a year - wow, I'm so impressed. Got a long way to go. Does it get any easier with the more books you put out?"


Thankfully, since my book series started as a parody, I can mug Meyer's books and rifle through their pockets for spare plot points. But I've gotten so into my characters that things are actually diverging quite a lot.

I don't know how people churn out new books every three months. I just finished the rough draft of my sequel and the plot needs SO much structural help - I'm having to tear apart whole sections and put them back together so that the action and character arcs flow without too much sagging. Editing takes me months and months and even years. I am amazed by those who manage to get it all right - or nearly- on the first try.

Or, you can look at the top of the comment box where it says 'add book/author" and click that and find your book. You can choose to add a link to your book or a picture of the cover (check box on the bottom) and then click "add".

Carole wrote: "I know my son wouldn't write his books without his beta sitting on Google doc watching like a Beta reader angel."

When I did a marathon stretch last weekend I was emailing chunks of my book as I finished them to my prime beta reader. She said it was awesome getting things as they happened, and that she was pacing while waiting for updates. It was fun. Like writing for a live audience.

Hi guys! I have just the one book out right now. It's a feminist, zombie twist on Twilight, basically.



https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MA2G22H


I'm hard at work on the sequel, though!