UK Amazon Kindle Forum discussion
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Live Event with Rosen Trevithick - Wednesday 30th of January at 7.30pm OPEN THREAD
David wrote: "Rosen! You've written serious drama, comedy and now children's fiction. Are there any genres or types of stories that you have always wanted to have a crack at, and may attempt in the future?"I always harboured a desire to write a children's book but I've just done that. I quite fancy writing a film script. I've had a bash at some short scripts for film but I'd like to come back to that area some day.
Shaun wrote: "Bryan wrote: "Shaun wrote: "I think she's been kidnapped!!! ;)"The ransom is 50 pence, but I'll accept a cheque."
Are you open to negotiation?"
Only if you throw in a catapult.
Shaun wrote: "Another question for the list: You're a great advocate of indie publishing/books, but what do you think the future holds for the indie writer?"The high street is being massacred by the internet. In order for book stores to survive, they're going to have to start following the tastes of online buyers. We're lucky in that we've already made our mark there and hopefully, in future months, we'll find that buyers for the bigger stores start taking us more seriously.
However, we're going to have to fight hard to maintain a good reputation as self-publishing gets easier and easier, and more and more attractive to people who aren't ready to publish.
Alex wrote: "Rosen wrote: "Alex wrote: "How much of your success would you attribute to having a particular author 'brand'? I've noticed that you have a fairly cohesive presentation style across your blog and s..."In some ways, changing genre has helped my reputation. I often find that reviewers praise versatility.
D.D. wrote: "Sorry I'm late!!!I'm here now! Sorry if this question has been asked but Roz: what is your favourite thing about writing a book?"
Choosing the names of the characters! And the rest of that initial excitement when an idea is growing.
I have to admit, I use the computer game 'The Sims 3' to design characters' physical appearances and I enjoy that a lot. But don't tell anybody!
New question! What books did you used to read a lot before you started writing?
Interesting comment about reputation ... What with the recent disruption in the reviewing system (can we call it reviewgate??) and your recent experiments with metrics for rating books, how do you think reputations will be made or broken in future? Are you trying to anticipate future developments and ready yourself for them as much as possible?
B J wrote: "Rosen, I'm amazed that no mainstream publisher has tied you up in a multi-book contract. Apart from the fact that your writing deserves its reward, by making you one of them they would take away al..."I'm not entirely sure that I would like a mainstream publishing contract. Of course, it would depend on the terms and I would welcome the ease of getting into bookshops. I wouldn't defiantly close my eyes to the prospect if it arose. However, I really enjoy the indie process - working out how it's all done, managing a website, hiring my own editors and illustrators, creating covers... Yes, I would welcome having a little less promotion to do, but apart from that, I enjoy the whole self-publishing experience.
Writing or chocolate? Which one couldn't you live without?
Hi everyone. Sorry if neglected you. I am having a family crisis. Just sneaked on in between things. No doubt I will update you on that. Looks like the chat is going well. Thanks Lorraine and Rosen. Oops. Got to go :-(
Marc wrote: "what proportion of your books have been free downloads and what proportion priced?"Ah! Now that would be telling.
Let's just say that an enormous majority have been free downloads.
Is there a particular book (by someone else) you wish YOU had written?
David wrote: "New question! What books did you used to read a lot before you started writing?"And did those books change after?
David wrote: "I grabbed the short story earlier when I spotted on the newsletter."Thanks to everybody who downloaded it.
Simon (Highwayman) wrote: "Hi everyone. Sorry if neglected you. I am having a family crisis. "Hope it's nothing too serious and it all gets sorted.
Tim wrote: "How much different is your final draft from the first one? Ok, I know this is a learning process, but I'm finding so many inconsistencies (and just plain boll*x) in what I wrote first time that the second draft is almost a different book... "I'm totally guessing right now, but I'd say that the first redraft tends to add about 25% to the total length. I tend to tweak sentences, embellish bits that seem rushed and layer on extra humour in my redrafts.
I'd be amazed if you currently have time to read anything at all.
Steve wrote: "If you could have only one of your books/stories made into a TV drama or cinematic film which would it be? Also who would play the main characters?"It's hard to decide between 'Pompomberry House' (with Steven Fry as Monty and Pam Ferris and Dawn) and 'The Troll Trap'.
If the troll trap were made into a film then there's be kids with models of my characters in their homes. How cool would that be? That would probably please Katie too, because she's the illustrator.
BIG SHOUT OUT TO KATIE STEWART - she has done an awesome job illustrating 'The Troll Trap'. Very talented lady. Lovely to work with. I highly recommend her for anybody looking for an illustrator for cover or interior.
Bryan wrote: "David wrote: "FREEBIES!!!!! Thanks Rosen!"Ditto, I'm gonna be all over that 'make your own troll' thingy."
Please upload photos of any home made trolls!
Marc wrote: "gotta go make supper for my family. Thanks for having me.M x"
Thanks for stopping by.
Katie's definitely done a great job - her trolls are disgusting!
David wrote: "New question! What books did you used to read a lot before you started writing?"Psychology text books!
Rosen wrote: "David wrote: "New question! What books did you used to read a lot before you started writing?"Psychology text books!"
You crazy hellraiser!
Alex wrote: "Interesting comment about reputation ... What with the recent disruption in the reviewing system (can we call it reviewgate??) and your recent experiments with metrics for rating books, how do you think reputations will be made or broken in future? Are you trying to anticipate future developments and ready yourself for them as much as possible? "It's very sad that our reputations are so heavily based on customer reviews. It is so easy for one or two spiteful individuals to stand in the way of a blossoming indie's career.
Personally, I try and appeal to communities like this one, where members review books. That way it's harder for individuals to have an impact on my ratings. Sometimes reviewers aren't even being spiteful, they genuinely don't realise that giving one star to a book because they picked up the wrong title is wrong. Sadly, that can make or break a young book if you're not vigilant.
I certainly keep an eye out for fraud on Indie Book Bargains but whether I will be able to continue to do that as it grows, I don't know.
As for future developments, as the indie book scene grows, we will hopefully become less reliant on consumer reviews and find it easier to get into magazines etc.
Bryan wrote: "Writing or chocolate? Which one couldn't you live without?"That's like asking me which one of my kids I want to shoot in the head.
Will wrote: "Is there a particular book (by someone else) you wish YOU had written?"I love some of Ben Elton's stuff. He satirises things in ways I like to think I could - but got to things I'd like to satirise first (i.e. Big Brother, X-Factor).
Off to hose the budgie down, mucky little bugger. Thanks for the invite, Rosen, very illuminating.
Rosen wrote: "Alex wrote: "Interesting comment about reputation ... What with the recent disruption in the reviewing system (can we call it reviewgate??) and your recent experiments with metrics for rating books..."
Good point--I think if you have some form of relationship with the reader in question then they will be more likely to think before posting a careless bad review.
I suppose maximum communication and engagement between author and readers can only be a good thing!
Good point--I think if you have some form of relationship with the reader in question then they will be more likely to think before posting a careless bad review.
I suppose maximum communication and engagement between author and readers can only be a good thing!
Do you listen to music as you write? I tend to prefer peace and quiet. What are your musical tastes?
Tim wrote: "David wrote: "New question! What books did you used to read a lot before you started writing?"And did those books change after?"
I hardly have any time to read at all now. I can't read a book when I'm planning or writing a first draft because I'm too easily influenced. When I do get a chance to read, between projects, I tend to favour indie books because I want to see what the lovely people I interact with daily have been working on.
Simon (Highwayman) wrote: "Hi everyone. Sorry if neglected you. I am having a family crisis. Just sneaked on in between things. No doubt I will update you on that. Looks like the chat is going well. Thanks Lorraine and ..."I hope everything will be okay.
David wrote: "Katie's definitely done a great job - her trolls are disgusting!"Suitably gruesome.
Bryan wrote: "Off to hose the budgie down, mucky little bugger. Thanks for the invite, Rosen, very illuminating."Thanks for coming!
Alex wrote: "Rosen wrote: "Alex wrote: "Interesting comment about reputation ... What with the recent disruption in the reviewing system (can we call it reviewgate??) and your recent experiments with metrics fo..."Sometimes people I 'know' have left negative reviews but they've always been constructive.
Steve wrote: "Do you listen to music as you write? I tend to prefer peace and quiet. What are your musical tastes?"I can't work with music on. I find it too distracting. However, for some reason I can work with the buzz of a cafe going on.
My musical tastes are very eclectic.
Am I on top of the question! Phewf!How is the chocolate fountain. Any left for me?
Lol, sounds like they're all at the fountain already !
Calling for any last questions, anyone? If not we'll wrap up and enjoy the marshmallows !
Lorraine - Lover of Jellybeans wrote: "Lol, sounds like they're all at the fountain already !"It's exhausting! You have to keep answering questions or you can't keep up, but then you feel bad for asking nothing in return!
Thanks for a very useful and illuminating discussion Rosen!
David wrote: "I saved you a puddle."Er, thanks.
Rosen wrote: "Lorraine - Lover of Jellybeans wrote: "Lol, sounds like they're all at the fountain already !"It's exhausting! You have to keep answering questions or you can't keep up, but then you feel bad for..."
You done great Rosen, yes, it's a bit full on... But you can get revenge at a later time ;) It was a really interesting chat Rosen, thank you :)
Yes, thank you for answering my questions. An interesting and enjoyable evening!
M x