76

(28 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Janet Taylor-Perry wrote:

Wow! You just stoked my ego. Thank you.

I agree about the quality of Createspace's actually printed material. AND if there is an issue, they will replace the books at no cost to you.

I also do conferences, workshops, readings, conventions, etc. & have done well with sales at those events. I've started small and have only done events in-state, but I hope to branch out in the near future.

Thanks a ton, Janet. It's been my dream for decades to do a conference. Do you talk about self publishing or your writing process? By the way, in my local writing group, one of the ladies works at Barns and Nobel and she got all excited when I told her you were on this site. She's read your books and ordered them for customers.

Write On

77

(28 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

CreateSpace is the best. I've checked out several, but for what you get, Amazon goes above and beyond. Normally when something is low cost or free, the quality is low. Not the case. I've published 5 books with them. Online sales are so-so, but I don't write amazing stuff like Susan Steck or Janet Taylor-Perry. Still, when I sell books at book fairs or readings, I do very well, actually averaging $200-$300, often times more, each setting. And I love the personal contact with my readers.

I have done workshops for teachers on how to use CreateSpace in the classroom and I can send you notes if you like. Of course many of the members in here know even more about the site than I do.

Write On!
MzP

78

(37 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

I agree with Max.  Love the dance image.

79

(32 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Oh what a totally great idea. I know sometimes I'm slow getting back to work that I really enjoy, mostly because I have so much going on right now. But reviews drop off for me as well.  Loyalty points would be grand, and it doesn't have to be much. I'd say it wouldn't even have to start until the reviewer returns for the third time.
Write On!

You're welcome, Ann.

81

(1 replies, posted in Queries, Blurbs, and Synopsis)

This is from an editor I've been following for a few years. She really has some good stuff on here about the skill so hard to master.

http://behlerblog.com/2015/07/06/querie … rence-way/

Write On!
MzP

82

(37 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Mike Roberson wrote:

Checking out the dif in foreword, prologue's and such.  Found this interesting.
http://theeditorsblog.net/2011/07/06/pr … -prologue/

Okay, I read the article - and subscribed to the blog - and it's exactly what we've been discussing in this thread. Use it if you need it - if it sets up the story AND entertains and gives a massive hook and incentive to read the rest of the book. Don't use it if it's an info dump of backstory. Not sure it works for a flashback since the reader isn't sure what the flashback is about. I'm still struggling with Big Hearts. First I'm told the reader doesn't care about MC who just lost her home because they don't know why she lost the place. Then I get slapped for backstory (they were correct). Now I have a few paragraphs of what happened before MC walks up to her door for the last time. Not sure if I should call it 'Eighteen Months Ago' followed by chapter 1 Lost, or make it Chapter 1 Perfection Lost.

Really getting a lot of information from this discussion. Of all the threads and arguments on this topic, I think this is the best yet.

Write On!

Charles_F_Bell wrote:
MrsPiddles wrote:

Oh, Dear Mike. I fear I've joined the ranks of raking you over the coals with this. Do not let any of this be a discouragement! Roll with it and write the story you want to read!

I used to consume books like a kid eating candy. I still read, but not as much. I've read mostly first person or close, limited POV. I really don't like omniscient because I like to get into the book and feel a part of the story.

How is: "I am a fat, bald 75-year-old man, and I like to shoot stray cats with arrows," allowing you to feel a part of the story? Or, for that matter, "I'm a gorgeous, independently wealthy woman with two lovely children and a caring, thoughtful husband" ?

Gosh, Charles, I'm not sure how to answer that. Like I said, any style done well is great to read, but the snippets you share don't give me enough information to comment.

POV is a writer's choice. And it's a reader's choice to pick it up and go from cover to cover. The important task for the writer is to mould that book into the best possible material, and that takes work and a ton of critiques.

I also love a great discussion. We all benefit by talking.

Write On!

No I'm not asking for me and the author doesn't know I'm doing this. But our wonderfully talented Ann Walters has been posting her new book, Aloha Spirit. It's historical, Hawaii, and it's all Ann. I mean she can really paint a scene, but she could use a few more reviewers. I wouldn't campaign for her if the story wasn't beautiful. And she's easy to critique because there are so few errors. (It helps being a teacher I suppose)

Anyway, I trust someone will let me know if this post is out of line, otherwise, I hope a few of you give Ann's new book a peek. Beautiful literature.

Write On
MzP

Oh, Dear Mike. I fear I've joined the ranks of raking you over the coals with this. Do not let any of this be a discouragement! Roll with it and write the story you want to read!

I used to consume books like a kid eating candy. I still read, but not as much. I've read mostly first person or close, limited POV. I really don't like omniscient because I like to get into the book and feel a part of the story. If I'm watching from above, like I'm watching a movie, I'm not part of the story. I guess I'm also not really fond of books where the narrator talk to me about what is happening in the story.

HOWEVER

It can all be done. It's all work and requires dedicated critique, revision, rewrite, and edit. And all styles have been best sellers. When I'm more awake than I am now, I'm going to check out the links in here.

Write On!

86

(37 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

My two cents worth. I enjoy reading prologues. It's like the appetizer before the meal. I also love a good forward. Those make me love the author and the reason the story was written. As in all writing, a poorly done prologue is a turnoff. But then, if the teaser is poorly done, what does that say about the rest of the book? I say, if the prologue fits, wear it. If it squeezes your toes, rebuild the entire shoe. Okay, I've been working outside all day and had a few beers to keep going and it's late, so I don't think I made much sense. smile

But I do like a well written prologue

Write On!

87

(5 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

I'm not sure about the answer to your question. I've had luck simply contacting Amazon and talking to them. You could also talk to your publisher. I use Create Space and call them regularly. If they can't answer a question, they point me in the right direction. I'm not sure about the sales channels, but I've sold quite a few books somewhere in Europe, also some in England. I run a royalty report on Create Space to find this information. Hope that helps
Connie

Oh, Janet, I'm both laughing and crying inside. I'm awful at real poetry, but can do thoughtful prose. I'd love to see what a real poet could do with that concept.

Thanks Janet, for that vote of confidence!

Dags, I just sent it. There was a time when procrastination was no part what so ever of my world. Now I'm just bogged in the quicksand of life (that is a sorry excuse for lazy)

Okay, I feel a little shy blowing my own horn about my little blog, but since I mention one of my favorite authors and reviewers in here I thought I should post in here. I was once asked about foreshadowing and I thought it might make a good blog subject. I don't get a whole ton of readers mostly because I barely post once a month, but I'd like to think I'm not totally full of you know what in my writing. Anyway, if you're a bit curious take a look: http://mrspiddles.weebly.com/blog

Meantime,
Write On!

91

(10 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Great article and great chapter. You encourage me to get busy both with writing and blogging (and hoping someone finally reads and makes a comment) But I'm learning, as always, and growing more comfortable with social media and such.

By the way, I also commented. smile

92

(2 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Well, I just read the article from the link you shares and now my head is spinning. I had no idea there were that many social media sites, although now that I've read it I suppose there are even more. My question is how in the world does one keep up if they have a regular job, or serve as care giver to a needy member of your household, or are engrossed in writing or revising your novel, or ... You get the idea. I rarely log into LinkedIn and have difficulty learning Twitter. I try to post a blog at least once a month, but even when I posted weekly I had few readers and no comments. 

Is social media really that essential?

Write On!
MzP

janet reid wrote:

Here's a fun exercise: try and find all the writing tips topics in this forum as it is now. To do so, a person has to go through all 12 pages of threads. The fun bit is, try not to miss the specific thread from months ago you're looking for. Now repeat this exercise, but imagine it's 1200 pages instead of 12 ...


*jumps off apple crate to start a new thread*

Janet, thank you for that insight. The suggestions make more sense the way you put it. I imagine it would be impossible to find such a needle in the haystack, and this forum did expand pretty quickly. I did a bit more exploring after my last posting. Organizing under tabs might be the ticket.

Write On!
MzP

I appreciate the ease in making connections as well as the messaging system. The home page is well organized and I can go where I want easily. And I love the option of inline or regular review. Much has improved and I'm getting better at navigating.

Wow, what a thread. First off, I'm thinking with every person who is a member automatically being in this 'Premium' group, doesn't this make it the main forum? I'm wondering what the forum looks like in 'Basic'. I haven't been over there in months (heck I haven't been anywhere in months)

Second, I'm thinking that this forum is pretty much like the old one. Different threads, each with a long list of responses. Since this is the main forum, I'd be looking in here for general writing tips, general marketing tips, general whatever, and the like. If I'm looking for something YA specific, I may look in here or I may look in one of the YA groups. (I hear there are some reallllyyyy good writers in there) And the same with thrillers or sci-fi, which I sometimes like to read, but can in no way write.

Finally, I probably could be the poster child for hating change, but hey, progress happens and if it steps on your toes that means you didn't move your feet fast enough. I also strongly dislike all things technical - as in computers and social media. But I need these things to do what I do, so I gather what few brain cells I have and go talk to my grandchildren for advice on how to use things like Twitter!

It boils down to this - Sol created this amazing place where I got a foothold in the writing world. I've learned more from TNBW than from any workshop of university program I ever paid for and I don't want to see it fall apart. With technology evolving at the rate of rabbits having babies, we have no choice but to move along. Yes, we are more fractured - if we only focus on our individual groups. But Duh, there's how many thousands of members in Premium? You can't get more common or main than that.

Instead of grumping about how it used to be and how bad it is right now (other than expanding the forum notices on the right side of the screen) why don't we start using this forum in Premium like we used the forum in the old site? I never posted much, but I can tell you I read much of hey penang along with a whole bunch of other threads. And I can tell you that every question and concern I had which I started a new thread to ask, got answered.  If we want to discuss something in public, just start the thread! If it is something too narrow and only fits in your genre, then by all means, post in your group.

Well, I'll get off the apple crate now and get back to writing. I need to catch up and start posting again.
MzP

96

(0 replies, posted in kid's korner)

I'm not a really great manager - especially when I'm spread as thin as baby oil on a surfer. And since there are a few other groups which function much better than this one, and also since none of us do much with picture books, I'm thinking it's time to disband this group and make room for more active ones. 

I really appreciate the help, encouragement, and learning experiences I receive from TNBW, but all these groups really has us fractured. This fact hit home when I read a couple of posts in Premium. Therefore I feel I'd be better served by posting in the YA groups as well as Premium and Basic where more people will have the opportunity to scan or read my content.

Sometime in the next couple days, I will take down this site - and join another group, like Marketing.

I'll see all of you in the other groups, I'm sure,
Write On!
MzP

I've been beating myself to death finishing a couple of projects and of course my time in TNBW has suffered. I know that querying agents or publishers very likely isn't on the top of the list for many of us who self-publish (and thereby also must self market and promote) However, I do know that some of us have successfully attracted both agents and publishers.

Personally I've been scared to death to try again even after attending that workshop. What I've learned since then is that the model I learned - from agents who actually work to acquire manuscripts and sell to publishers - is only the tip of the iceberg. Apparently different agents look for different styles. I wish there was a way to see examples of these winning letters from agents we are interested in. I write for a niche audience, which makes it even harder, but then most genres are fairly focused on a topic or age group.

Sooooo, any success stories - or flops to share?

Write On!
MzP

98

(16 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

I'm glad I scan these forums from time to time! I just found that button. It really looks useful. I'll be able to keep track. Glad only the author can see it, I'd never wish to offend any of my fabulous readers. Not sure what I'd do without them!

My other comment is that if the youth group in here is a closed group and members must be approved and only members of that group can see and comment, then I'd think it would be okay. If anyone posts a harsh comment which could discourage a young writer, that person should be booted from the group. Polite and constructive. Of course that should be the rule for every group and reviewer, but it's not always the case.
MzP

Nicholas, I really have to agree with you. If we had a Junior section and someone could moderate the critiques (Not at all sure how that could be done) it would be easier to protect a young mind from some of the harsher commenters we have. I know I'm a mature writer with thick skin and I know how to deal with critiques, but lately I've received a couple of comments that actually put me in the dirt. I'd never want that to happen to a young person who looks in the mirror and sees the next Pulitzer prize winner!

I would be willing to help moderate something like that, just a glance at the review and if it's appropriate, send it on. No different from most blogs where the administrator has to approve your comment.