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message 51:
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Gemma
(last edited Jan 01, 2011 08:55PM)
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Jan 01, 2011 08:51PM
Hello, ladies! I've been following this discussion for months and only just worked up the courage to join in. At this point, I'm still just a writer and haven't published anything yet. If I may say so, it's like I've heard someone else telling my story as I've read about everyone's personal experiences with writing. I can't say how frustrating it is to live in a city known for publishing and yet be unable to see my own dreams made into reality. A lack of finances is detrimental to such aims. It often seems to me that I was made with ink in my veins and stories in my mind that want nothing more than to be told. Sometimes it's like I'll explode if I don't share my stories with someone. What draws me the most toward POTO is how isolated Erik is from the rest of the world, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I guess I saw a bit of myself there, so to read all of your posts and to know that you've all gone through the same struggles (and more, since as of yet you've actually published your work) gives me fresh heart. I'm not as alone as I was inclined to believe, and with some faith and perseverance, Lord knows what can happen.
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There is just something about Erik which seems to bring out the writer in so many people. I was devistated by the movie and my heart broke for him. The only reason i started writing was i wanted him to find happiness. I did not think about publishing. I have a dear friend who is a published writer and who has told me of the heartbreak of trying to get published. At my age, I did not want to go through that. Then i talked to several people on one of the Gerard Butler Phan sites and they told me about self publication. I still balked as I was not affluent at all, in fact am close to poverty level. I finally was able to find a place where you could choose different packages at different prices.
I never judged my own book by other authors. I never thought of myself as an "author." Even when I held my published book in my hands, it was still difficult to think of Anne Caluwaert, author-LOL.
Gemma, I'm not sure where you want to go with your writing, but in terms of cost, POD publishing does not cost a fortune. I was able to get in on a 2 for 1 deal through Xlibris (the POD publisher I used) My initial cost was less than $500.00, then a couple hundred $ more in the galley proof phase. I remember when years ago, self publishing would cost an author thousands, because they had to meet the printing minimums, but that has changed with the internet and POD. Also, you might consider publishing in an ebook format, which can be quite reasonable. I'm just now researching this possibility for my own novel, because ebook sales are rocking the publishing world!There are several ladies here posting on these threads who have either published or are currently publishing their novels in ebook format, and I am sure they would be happy to advise you. There has never been a better time than now for the average person to publish their written work. You don't have to be rich...you just have to be brave! The possibilities are wide open!
From the many articles I have read on the subject, it appears that traditional publishing houses are struggling financially and so are cutting way back on the number of authors they sign and support, while at the same time, the number of self published or POD published titles is exploding!
Thanks for the suggestions! I'd never thought of publishing as an ebook before, but I will definitely look into it. I have considered self-publishing, but never could find a good place to go through. I'll keep looking, though. Thanks again!
Gemma wrote: "Thanks for the suggestions! I'd never thought of publishing as an ebook before, but I will definitely look into it. I have considered self-publishing, but never could find a good place to go throug..."If you decide to do eBooks, I cannot say enough about Smashwords. They provide all of the information you need in order to publish, and have distribution agreements with several large distributors like Apple, Sony, Barnes & Noble, Amazon (although there are some delays with that one) and more.
There's a sample of my latest book, You Had to Be There: Three Years of Mayhem and Bad Decisions in the Portland Music Scene, in the new Bestseller Bound Anthology, Vol. III. This eBook contains excerpts from several members of the Bestseller Bound community's work. Be sure to check out the other volumes as well. :-)
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When that happens with my writing I have to do something else and take a break. It happened right smack in the middle of working on Book One. I had to quit working on it for 3 months. Of course I did not stop writing altogether because I am always blogging or doing some kind of creative writing. But I did not work on Chanson until I got excited about it again.Sandi, maybe you just need to stop reading for a while. Maybe do something creative...challenge your artistic side. I'm sure your passion for reading will come back in time!
Footnote: I haven't picked up a novel (other than Vicki Hopkins book) for months, but I just recently got interested again in the Narnia Chronicles. Purchased a book Called Planet Narnia (fascinating examination of the hidden meaning behind CS Lewis children's stories), so now I'm getting ready to order a new set of the stories and re read them.
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To be completely honest, writing the story was easy! For the most part it just flowed out of me and took about a year and a half. I already had a good outline I was working from so I knew basically where I was taking my characters. My problem with writing, and the reason it has taken me so long (6 years) is because I barely graduated from high school, was sick all the time through grade school and never really learned 'HOW' to write. I wrote from my passion with no real skills. So it has taken me forever with revising, re writing, draft after draft, and trying to figure out the punctuation on my own. I nearly lost my mind in the galley phase! LOL I BEGGED for beta readers, but everyone was just too busy to take on a 1500 page book. (Chanson was intended as ONE complete book) I basically SUCK at punctuation and grammar, but I wasn't gonna let that stop me, so I persevered. I had serious periods of doubting my abilities-especially after seeing how authors are taken to task by readers and critics when 'those' kind of errors are present.
My hubby tried to help me, but I'm afraid his cognitive impairment made that impossible.
I do have someone helping me with technical edits for book 2 though! Thank God!
So now I just spilled my guts!
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I've been working on my own book for several months now, and I'm starting to learn exactly how hard it is to create a sequel that is worth reading while remaining true to the original characters. Finding the midpoint between your own invention and the author's creation is rather tricky, and now that I'm going through this, I have greater respect for all you ladies who have published your own POTO books. I spent several weeks evaluating the characters' personalities and learning what makes them tick, and strangely enough, Erik's character is coming easiest for me. Did any of you have any trouble coming up with an original story while staying in line with the characters?
Gemma Irene wrote: "I've been working on my own book for several months now, and I'm starting to learn exactly how hard it is to create a sequel that is worth reading while remaining true to the original characters. F..."Mine actually started as a short story that wouldn't shut up, LOL. And yes, sometimes it was troublesome. Consider that it took me four years to finish, which included two major re-writes and a great deal of research. I am two years into working on the sequel and am facing a major re-write already as I re-examine where I've gone.
I'm fairly envious of all you who have managed to finish a book (not to mention getting it published). I've had the worst writer's block for the past few years and haven't been able to churn out anything I've been satisfied with. What little I've written (or co-written) fit for reading is up on a fanfiction.net account.. but all the things I've considered publishing are still gestating in the bowels of my harddrive. (I've got at least 6 Phantom projects simmering impatiently and they might be the death of me.)From you successful authors, what have you done when you've had writer's block?
Lindsay wrote: "From you successful authors, what have you done when you've had writer's block? "Honestly? Worked on something else. I took on an editing project that was very complex, and not at all like what I write. Something about using a different part of my brain freed up the "stuck places."
Right now, I don't have a block per se ... feeling daunted about a re-write, to be sure, but not a block. Plus, I have a second WIP that I can go to. I just need to sit down and work on "Eye of the Storm" and not be afraid, LOL.
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Dont give up Lindsay! Im sure the authors here can help you out as well as give you tips..it will pay off in the long run Im sure.Your lucky to have such a talent.. I will look forward to what you turn out! :)
