Random chit-chat

[Carole]

hahaha. They may see you in a new light. I wrote a historical romance almost forty years ago- When my kids read it they ran around the house covering their ears and screaming. I think I may have scarred them. hahahhaha ( PS they were adults at the time, although you wouldn't know it- it was recently they found one of the copies, and the sex scenes were rather mild by today's standards.)

[Aislinn]

My mum reads all my books, but cringes at ever sex scene. I appreciate her enthusiasm even though she isn't always comfortable with it!

[Amy]

Lol Carole. Kids today! (My husband says that about me. I'm 45!) I don't think anyone in my family has read anything I've written. My husband bought the first one to show support-hasn't read it, I could use his feedback. I have other family members I get the impression would turn their noses up.

Aislinn, I'm pleased you have a mum that reads things you write. My parents are both dead, but I suspect they wouldn't have been at all interested whether I wrote erotica or a thriller.

[Aislinn]

I'm lucky to have a supportive mum and step dad. My step dad in particular breezes through my books, though he doesn't generally read romance. My dad doesn't have an interest, though. He tries to be supportive, but it doesn't quite succeed. ;)

[Carole]

My mother never had a chance to read the stuff we are writing now. I think she would have been tickled- especially my son's stuff. She read my first two romances- I published with a vanity press thirty-five years ago.
My husband doesn't read any of it- but promises to go to the movie when it comes out. hahahah- I'd like to see how my cultural series would translate to film. lol. I told him he could watch my book trailer- it's almost the same thing.

[Amy]

I would love to have some support closer to home. I told a friend I'd published a second book and before he could stop himself last week his reaction was "ugh" then quickly "oh yeah that's good" or some other platitude.

I showed my latest review to my husband hoping for a glimmer of enthusiasm-it was a 4 star review and I was thrilled with it-when I pressed my husband to form some words I think I got something like "yeah that's all right."

Of course my kids are too young to read what I write. I have limited friends, I'm not aware any of them read erotica. One bought the paperback, but didn't tell me what she thought and I'm reluctant to ask. I rely on feedback from unsuspecting colleagues of which I have hundreds.

[Aislinn]

I think erotica is still one of those genres that people are ashamed to admit they read - or even ashamed to try in the privacy of their own home. But people that do like it are pretty voracious, so you have that going for you! Sorry you don't get more support, though. Writing is a lonely business :(

[Amy]

You are absolutely right. Taboos. (rolls eyes) I am looking forward to seeking out some of these voracious readers though lol.

[Aislinn]

I don't know if you're a member of the Dirty Discourse forum. It was recommended to me, but I haven't joined it. Maybe it'll help?

I've also seen a few different strategies for making money with erotica, so there are definitely people doing it! I really hope you become one of them!

[Erica]

This may be out of your comfort zone Alex, but you could see about doing a local artist/author event. You meet all kinds of new people and other authors. I was really nervous about my first one, but it was fun and laid back. I didn't have to give presentations or anything. People would stop by and we would have casual conversations. The conversations always start with my books so it isn't as hard as starting a random conversation with someone. Plus I get to meet the other authors who participate and share experiences.

[Amy]

I haven't heard of the Dirty Discourse forum. I'm looking at it now. It covers all genres, so that's something. Basic monthly fee would cover me. I don't need to go to events that you pay a higher rate for. (Terrifying prospect.) I'll look into it after my holiday. Thanks for the info Aislinn.

Alex I've got a family member that has said, "oh you'll have to send me a copy" they don't realise that costs us money. I agree it would be nice to have someone I could talk about a book with over a coffee. I only move in those circles online. And like you I'm not going to travel hundreds of miles to anything. (Same limitations as my day job)

[Amy]

Can you just imagine the conversations I'd get into if I did one of them?! (Not happening btw)

[Erica]

When you do feel ready, check with local libraries and bookstores. Some have a no book signing policy, but some are happy to host local authors for free and even help with publicity. I find that some of these events are smaller making them less intimidating. And if you don't have to pay a booth fee, there is no risk of loosing money. :)

[Erica]

Wishing you the best of luck, Amy! I hope you are able to find creative ways to get your name and books out there.

[Erica]

Amy wrote: "Can you just imagine the conversations I'd get into if I did one of them?! (Not happening btw)"
They would definitely be interesting conversations!

[Amy]

So today is our wedding anniversary, something like 16 years I think. Been together for... longer... 24 years this year.

Anyway, I released my second book Nate and Day into the wilds of the Amazon erotica/Sci-Fi section. And now I've got to prepare myself for a mobility assessment for a blue badge to allow me to park in disabled spaces. I have no idea what to expect from the assessment. I have no idea if the people doing the assessment have even heard of hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or if I'm going to get laughed out of the room. I shall know at lunch time.

[Aislinn]

Good luck! And congrats and the book and the wedding anniversary.

[Amy]

Thank you Aislinn.

[Prakash]

Amy wrote: "So today is our wedding anniversary, something like 16 years I think. Been together for... longer... 24 years this year.

Anyway, I released my second book Nate and Day into the wilds of the Amazo..."

Hi Amy
Happy wedding anniversary and Congrats for your book.

[Amy]

Thanks Alex and Prakash, appreciate it.

[Amy]

That's good. Our surgery did my ECG. They spend minutes wiring you up flip a switch for less than 30 seconds and then spend minutes unwiring you again. Then say that's the clearest ECG I've seen in a long time and that's the end of that.

Had my mobility assessment. Couldn't tell you how it went. I was asked a lot of questions and a very nice lady made a lot of notes. I shuffled my way up a corridor and back again to questions of is this your normal walking pace? What zombie? Pretty much during a flare up. She did ask why it was with everything I'd told her that I hadn't claimed benefits. I think I ought to look into the PiP. It would pay for my osteopath. Got to wait a week.

[Carole]

Alex wrote: "Well I've been to the doctor - she took my blood pressure and listened to my heart but couldn't find anything wrong so I have to go to the hospital on Monday for an ECG to see if that will find any..."

great!

[Theodore]

Alex wrote: "Well I've been to the doctor - she took my blood pressure and listened to my heart but couldn't find anything wrong so I have to go to the hospital on Monday for an ECG to see if that will find any..."

Get them to give you an echocardiogram, as well, Alex. I don't know how old you are, but you also might want to inquire about a stress test. When it comes to your life, there is only Plan A.

[Carole]

smart,Ted!

[Theodore]

Carole wrote: "smart,Ted!"

I see my cardio guy twice a year and have an annual electrocardiogram every December. An interesting thing came out of the last one: my heart capacity (ability to pump blood) had improved by 4%, something the doctor attributed to losing 4 pounds. I usually have a stress test every two years, so normally would be due in 2018. He wants to see how the next electrocardiogram looks before ordering that. Diet and exercise are the key!!!!!

[Carole]

Even better great news, Ted!! Keep losing healthy weight!!

[Theodore]

Carole wrote: "Even better great news, Ted!! Keep losing healthy weight!!"

Susan and I both work out seven days a week, four on a treadmill, three with weights. We've been doing this for many years (me, decades). She watches what we eat like a hawk circling a farmer's field at 100 ft, looking for mice. LOL

[Amy]

Yes one of my issues is funds. I pay a cleaner because I couldn't do it myself. And I pay an Osteopath because there's no other treatment. I can't afford the osteopath as often as I should. At least a payment would help with that.

[Erica]

Glad you are getting things checked out Alex. Sending positive thoughts for your upcoming tests!

[R.L.]

Awesome Alex. Make sure unfollow up for the ECG!

[Sam (Rescue Dog Mom, Writer, Hugger)]

Congratulations on both Amy! That's wonderful! Hugs

[Amy]

That's been an eventful day. I have a new walking stick. I know that's not exciting, but I like new things and the one I keep in the car is bent and wobbly.

So I hobbled with my new stick down to the dentist. He numbed me up and pulled a wisdom tooth that has been bothering me for months. Of course I'm in pain now, but I've taken painkillers.

I hobbled around to the chemist and bought some eye drops because I think I've got conjunctivitis, so although I've got new multifocal lenses I can't actually wear them at the moment.

Tired now.

[Amy]

That's about all I'm good for.

[Amy]

I've reached 101 downloads on the instafreebie thing. Tbh that's more of a meh thing than a good thing. Let's be honest here-all it guarantees is 101 people like something for free. It doesn't mean they're going to read, review, tell anyone, or buy the second book. So I can't rustle up enthusiasm for it, if as I suspect, the end result merely is 101 people got a free book out of me.

Similarly I have 8 subscribers to Modified on Radish, one of which has reached chapter 7 out of 20. 3 have got as far as chapter 5, if I'm reading the screen right. It will be interesting to see if anyone finishes it and if anyone is prepared to pay to read the second book, or if they wait for chapters 4-22 to release naturally and pay nothing. Basically if freemium doesn't give me any money I will have to consider premium or not at all.

[Aislinn]

I've found Instafrfeebiw most useful for joining group promotions. They tend to get me the best results for new followers. It'd be worth looking out for some, Amy.

[Amy]

Aislinn wrote: "I've found Instafrfeebiw most useful for joining group promotions. They tend to get me the best results for new followers. It'd be worth looking out for some, Amy."

I've signed up to two group promos. I infiltrated a humour section of one this week. I'm up to 224 downloads as of today which is the first day of the promo. There's a Sci-Fi promo in August, I signed up to. Not sure what I'm supposed to do with that one. I need to search for the details online I think.

[C.L.]

Amy wrote: "I've signed up to two group promos."

I've signed up ..."
Woohoo! Hope you get some reviews out of it!

[Amy]

Thanks.

The freebie download just hit 300. I haven't been able to do much over the weekend-you would not believe the pain I've been in sporadically, I've been operating on family necessities only for a few days. Might have caused some of that myself by helping to build a picnic table. Building positions are not my normal body positions.

Anyway, the point is I'm behind on announcing a free book promo. I'll have to dig out a thread for that.

[Elina]

How do I know my book is ready? I've edited it for months now and every time I read it, there's something to fix! I start to question my choices and plot and characters.... And when I do changes, are they going to make it better or worse? I've got no idea what I'm doing!

Do you ever get the feeling that you're just acting and wonder that when will everyone else notice that you aren't an actual writer after all? They would be like "Ha! You're just pretending! That's not a real book!"

Oh yeah... it's that kind of day.

[Carole]

All my life. I used to go to business meetings and think I was dressing in my mother's clothing and they would figure it out that I was still a child and didn't belong. That lasted long into my fifties.

[Amy]

All the time. Part of me knows I'm good enough. Even really good at it. Part of me knows I'm not. You can always pull a book and republish if you decide you're not happy with it. In the end it's a massive leap of faith. You could use beta readers to get feedback. The chances are you've not written the worst book that's ever been published. For me it's about managing my expectations. I "know" I'm a decent writer but my book sales don't reflect that and may never do so. But I publish anyway because while my confidence is building and I'm writing new things hardly anyone is reading what I've published anyway so it comes down to what the hell. And I always find things I'd do better. Doesn't matter how many times I read and edit.

[Elina]

Amy wrote: "All the time. Part of me knows I'm good enough. Even really good at it. Part of me knows I'm not. You can always pull a book and republish if you decide you're not happy with it. In the end it's a ..."

It is a leap of faith! And I'm terrified. But I know that if I wanna be a writer, I have to put myself out there, in front of everyone and be ready to get humiliated. Or not. They say you gotta suck so you can become good. But still.... it's tough to step out from the comfort zone!
I've had some beta readers and they liked my work. I'm also struggling if it's worth to invest the money I've intended on its editing. If the book is bad, should I put my money on it? I think putting money on editing IS an investment, but how risky is it.... you know. All this just rumbles in my head and I've got no idea what I'm doing. :O

Carole wrote: "All my life. I used to go to business meetings and think I was dressing in my mother's clothing and they would figure it out that I was still a child and didn't belong. That lasted long into my fif..."

Ha-ha! I haven't grown up either. It's funny how you see your face aging but your mind is still the same as it was when you were 17. But it's nice to know I'm not alone. :D How did you overcome it? Or did it just vanish some day?

[Amy]

I'm definitely no older than 21. (Liar) If the beta readers were favourable-first were they independent betas or friends? Friends and family are ok for beta readers but no use if they're just going to agree with everything you've ever written because they don't want to upset you.

[Elina]

Amy wrote: "I'm definitely no older than 21. (Liar) If the beta readers were favourable-first were they independent betas or friends? Friends and family are ok for beta readers but no use if they're just going..."

Not friends or family! Totally outsiders from my personal life. Some gave me good feedback but some were kind of vague with their feedback: "I liked it. Keep up the good work." (Oh, great, thanks. That helps.)
I could use more betas but good ones are hard to find.

[Amy]

You're probably ready then. If you've got independent people saying they liked it, regardless of how vague they are then they liked it. Nothing in life is perfect-that includes my first two books, but as I haven't sold many copies for actual hard cash I'm no expert.

[Amy]

I'm not great as a beta reader. I read at the speed of a comatosed sloth.

[Amy]

Eventually...

[Elina]

Alex wrote: "I used Carole, Amy, and Jessica from this lovely group as my betas for my last book and couldn't have been more happy with the results.
Yes, they liked the book and said so, but they also had good ..."

That's exactly what good betas do. :) I did, however, get C.L. from this group to do me developmental editing and she was great. :)

[Elina]

Amy wrote: "You're probably ready then. If you've got independent people saying they liked it, regardless of how vague they are then they liked it. Nothing in life is perfect-that includes my first two books, ..."

I think I'm too much of a perfectionist... LOL. I don't know if I'll ever be satisfied with my work.

I love that you are so brave and determined and positive with your work! That's so inspiring! It's not about the cash (though it would be nice to get something out of it all) but about actually achieving something.

[Carole]

Elina wrote: "Amy wrote: "All the time. Part of me knows I'm good enough. Even really good at it. Part of me knows I'm not. You can always pull a book and republish if you decide you're not happy with it. In the..."

"Ha-ha! I haven't grown up either. It's funny how you see your face aging but your mind is still the same as it was when you were 17. But it's nice to know I'm not alone. :D How did you overcome it? Or did it just vanish some day?"

One day, Elina, I realized I was older than the policeman writing a ticket, or the doctor examining me, or the salesperson who was selling me something. I finally got it when they were saying ma'am, they meant me- I realized that nobody was really looking at me- or even cared about what I was saying. When I realized my place in the cosmic universe, I finally understood the only person's perception that really mattered was my own and I stopped seeing myself as anything but me.