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working writer wending her way through the labyrinth that is self-publishing

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Reemergence of the muse

Finally a moment to write a blog! I probably shouldn't be taking the time to do this, since I'm in the middle of editing Book III, The Wolf Moon, but...I have some things to share...

First of all I've backed off of FB a bit, using my extra time to write and edit. I check it from time to time but feel somewhat lost now that I have so many 'friends'. At the beginning I could keep track of things, recognizing the same names who were posting in the various groups, but now when I check I have no idea who all the people are or what is going on! I have joined over ten different groups and I think that adds to my confusion. In any case I consider my time more valuable than I did a few months ago when I hadn't begun this final edit.

About the edit--I wrote the entire book several years ago and haven't even looked at Book III for at least a year. That, combined with all the changes I made to Book I and II makes for quite a lot of work! The fun part is all the new detail I'm adding--the skeleton was there but there was no flesh on the bones! My earlier estimate of having it out in February has been moved to March and I plan to have a professional go through before I send it to Createspace.

I had a Goodreads giveaway for Saille during the month of December that seemed quite encouraging. Had over 600 people enter for the five copies that I gave away. More than I had on Amazon the last time I did the Kindle select thing...I encourage everyone to try it!

Speaking of Kindle Select, it continues to be a thorn in my side. The Moonstone is signed up until February at which time I will NOT renew. I now have Saille, the Willow on Smashwords via Rik Hall who formatted for me. Most likely I mentioned this in my last  blog but I can't say enough good things about working with him. The Moonstone is formatted and ready to go, waiting until Amazon allows me to put it elsewhere!

Another thing I wanted to share was that I have managed to get my books into three places here in Tucson. One is a yoga studio and the other two are what I would call metaphysical stores. I have a list for other places here and in other parts of Arizona and will take it one step at a time. I really enjoy the face to face aspect of this. Although maybe not as lucrative as the e-book thing, it's nice to have a personal relationship with those who are stocking my books.

One last aside--I've been despairing of ever finishing this last book of the series. The editing was not going well. I attributed this angst to two things--1. The idea that I had to get it finished and out by February--2. That the book was the END of the series.
So yesterday I had a talk with myself. First of all there is no deadline although I'd like to have it out sooner rather than later. Second, I've begun a sequel so this is not the end of the series! I asked the spirits to help me, those muses who have been by my side during all the writing. I lit a candle and burned incense and had a quiet moment before I began. And it helped get me over a rather large hurdle.

How do you deal with these issues in your own writing?


11 comments:

  1. Samantha Smith - Nice to get an update on your progress - glad to hear you're going to write another!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sam, thanks for reading and commenting! Yes, the sequel will be about the psychic Tarot card reader in book II--

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  2. First of all, I think it's wonderful that you have given so much time and effort to your craft. Your commitment inspires me.

    Maybe, as you come close to the end of this project, the finish line looks farther away than ever. I always find that daunting. The most difficult thing is to tighten your shoelaces and keep running.

    Most of all, it's thrilling that you now have a new book beckoning you onward. Best of luck!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for your support--and you are right...just keep on running!

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  3. How do I deal with writing issues? Well, it took me 5 months to publish after I had decided my book was done. So . . . I use EFT, think I've told you about that. And meditation and writing to identify what the issues are. Did some shadow work, talking to my inner saboteurs. I've been trying to make friends with them, but it's tricky because they don't trust me. ;)
    I'm really excited for you. Glad the Goodreads response was so good. Not surprised about Kindle Select. There's just a huge wave of people jumping into that, I think your best bet is to do other promotional activities, which would help you sell everywhere else anyway, so what is the big deal about KDP?
    Curious how many print copies you made? I haven't yet, but can see a few outlets that would probably carry my book, and lots of people I'd give it to if I had a print copy. Esp. since I haven't yet figured out how to give efreebies.
    Keep up the good work!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comment, Rachel. I have to buy copies from Createspace as I need them...I will be getting another shipment soon...great that your book is out!!! and I wish you all the best.

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  6. Nikki,
    Getting your book into some stores is great, especially if you enjoy doing it. That makes you more than an author with a book for sale on a shelf. You become known and trusted, at least by a few store owners/managers. Don't regret the quantity. If you promote that way on a continual basis, you'll have more face-to-face friends than face book friends.

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