Friday, October 19, 2012
News, a Question, and Some Writing Prompts
News:
There's a lot going on in the blog world these days. I can't keep track of it all, can you?
Next week I'll be hosting the Partners in ParanormYA, and I'll be participating in Queendsheena's Sacrifice Blog Hop.
Then I'm joining in on the fun of Jeremy Bates' Halloween Blog Hop.
In November, I'll be participating in I'm Thankful For My Readersblog hop.
And I'm sure there's more in November that I'm probably misplacing/forgetting. Help, anyone?
In December I'll be co-hosting a Hobbit Fest with M Pax. In the next few weeks there will be a button reveal and linky list!
Oh, and you can find an "writer" page for me now on Facebook.
A Question (or two):
So, I'm polishing the last draft of Champion in the Darkness, and I'm taking time each day to learn more about self-pubbing with Kobo, Lulu, Smashwords, and Createspace. Plus, I have some random short stories and poetry already written, just taking up space on my laptop.
Would it be better to focus completely on getting Champion in the Darkness ready for a early 2013 release, or would it be better to put out a "Short Stuff" collection of short works first and then release Champion?
Oh, and I have one other question, which date would be better for a book release: New Year's Day, or President's Day?
Writing prompts can be a much needed warm-up for fiction or poetry writing, or a place to find ideas in the midst of a free-for-all moment on a page. I find them helpful for my writing, and I hope you do too.
Writing Prompts:
1. A ticking clock
2. The roar of an engine
3. The smell of cinnamon and apples
4. A row of tiny figurines on her shelf
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22 comments:
Mary put some of her short stories up for free before releasing her Backworlds books.
I've got a couple blogfests to post for in the next couple weeks and also announcing another one on Monday. Mark is also announcing one next month for December 10-12.
You're going to be busy!
I'm certainly no expert, but I do see many writers release their short stories first to give people a taste of their writing style, and then they release the longer novel once they've attracted a readership.
Alex - thanks for the updates on blogfests!
L.G. - I've seen that too . . .and since I'm getting to know the ins and outs of indie publishing I wondered if I should get my feet wet with a collection of short stuff.
Thanks for posting all the links. I'll check them out!
Brinda - you're welcome!
That is a busy schedule! I'm hoping to participate in some of those blogfests as well, but we'll see how much time I have in November with NaNoWriMo.
Allison (Geek Banter)
You are going to give the busy bees a run for their money lol!
Speaking as someone who self-published a novel before putting out any short stories, I'd have to say that added to the urgency of import in getting my name recognized, hence the Partners in ParanormYA blast off Gwen and I embarked on. Especially since I put Neverlove out as e-book only with the prospect of doing a paperback growing strong.
But if you do a short story collection. Or, do each story separately, that gives you a chance to introduce yourself to the reading world in short spurts building up to the big reveal of your novel.
If I had to do it over again, I wouldn't change a thing. This has been a blessed experience as it is. But you may benefit from having short stories that you can put out, do as free giveaways and what not as you build toward your novel's coming out party.
Allison - I'll see you in the blogfest world, and maybe on NaNo - I'm going to participate part-time - if that's possible.
Angela - I love the release party and schedule that Gwen and you are doing together. I think it's great! The more I think about it, I like the idea of building up to the release with some free short story giveaways. Thanks for seeing it like that!
Many thanks for the links. There certainly is lot's going on. If only I had more time...
Pat - more time would be nice, but I'm cramming it all in anyway
There is a lot more going on then I thought! I usually keep up on things from Alex's blog, though I don't join in things much. I probably should...I will look into some of these.
You are looking into self-publishers too? Have you any you like more then the others? (Right now I'm comparing Lulu and Creatspace. They seem pretty much the same but I like Lulu's paying system better - it would suit me more with rent coming out and such.) Are you leaning more toward one then another?
There is a lot going on in bloggyland lately with fests and releases. It's great to see.
I'd just concentrate on getting the big one done if it's almost ready. The free releases can be done at any time. However, if they're not related to the book, they don't have much impact.
Set up a mailing list. I should have done that from the start. Then I could have emailed them when I started writing in earnest.
Yay for Hobbits.
Hobbit Fest? Oh, that sounds like fun!
As far as I've seen, some authors publish short stories before a larger work and some just publish the novel first. I don't think it could hurt to release short stories beforehand, at least.
Nice usage of the senses. Sound, hearing, smell. Now I'm hungry for something cinnamony.
easy way, whichever is edited first & ready, put that out first, then concentrate on other
suggested way, put out short samples first, then full novel on...presidents day, dont be overshadowed by huge holiday when people have lots on their minds to detract from your release!
thanks for plugging our thankful hop!!
I would vote for President's Day, because I get lots of books for Christmas and probably wouldn't need a new on on New Years. Good luck with it!
I totally love writing prompts - I tend to scour writing competitions and even if I don't enter - I get inspiration from any theme set!
Thank you for these - the smell of cinammon and apples is especially apt for autumn!
I have no idea about book release dates - but I'll go for whatever time generates the most interest in buying pressies, like books!
Take care
x
Jack - I've looked at Lulu, Kobo, Createspace, and Smashwords, and I plan to actually use them all if I can. I've seen other indie(self-pub) authors do that, and I think it's best to get our work out there in a variety of places.
M Pax - Thanks for your experienced advice! I value your thoughts on all of this. And a mailing list - got it.
Golden Eagle - Hope you'll join us for the fun!
Stephen Tremp - glad you liked the prompts!
Tara - good thinking on the release date. There's a part of me that just wants to get it out there right now . . .but I know I should wait until I have everything in place - both for my book, and for marketing.
Angie - Thanks for your advice! I would love to release as early as possible, but New Year's Day definitely has its distractions.
Old Kitty - Glad you enjoyed the writing prompts!
Jack - I've looked at Lulu, Kobo, Createspace, and Smashwords, and I plan to actually use them all if I can. I've seen other indie(self-pub) authors do that, and I think it's best to get our work out there in a variety of places.
M Pax - Thanks for your experienced advice! I value your thoughts on all of this. And a mailing list - got it.
Golden Eagle - Hope you'll join us for the fun!
Stephen Tremp - glad you liked the prompts!
Tara - good thinking on the release date. There's a part of me that just wants to get it out there right now . . .but I know I should wait until I have everything in place - both for my book, and for marketing.
Angie - Thanks for your advice! I would love to release as early as possible, but New Year's Day definitely has its distractions.
Old Kitty - Glad you enjoyed the writing prompts!
Those hops look great...are they closed? Maybe I should go check some of them out. Prompts can be soooo helpful, I like to pull them out if I've been staring at a page too long.
Can't help you on your self-pub questions, but I love your prompts. Some immediately had my muse sparking some ideas. :-)
I'd give myself more time rather than less, so Prez day for a release of the novel. And put together a good intro letter with your cover blurb and start contacting book bloggers ASAP--many are booked up six moths ahead. If they like the description, you can send an e-ARC later.
Short stories can be released any time. They might be a good way to bring in new readers over the long haul if you put out one every few months. Worth experimenting with.
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