COURAGE

 I'm really not one for inspirational messages, but this was one I picked up at a thrift store as I was starting my journey as a writer. Plus, I really liked the picture. Who doesn't love a penguin? This image doesn't do it justice. The colors are deeper and richer than they appear here. 

It says: Courage is daring to take that first step, or a different path. It is the decision to place your dreams above your fears. 

At the time, I was hoping to quit my day job and write novels for a living. That never happened. Let's face it, making a living as a writer is near impossible unless you are Stephen King or Nora Roberts or a celebrity with a tell all book. There just aren't as many publishing houses offering new writer contracts with lucrative advances as there used to be. And being single, I depended on a steady income.

But, I still had the dream of writing and publishing a novel. And against all odds, I did.

 I recently found this picture after unpacking some boxes from my move. I immediately placed it on my desk. I want to write more novels, but somewhere along the line I lost my courage. Now is the time to reclaim it. 

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Top Ten Reasons To Self-Publish

http://www.morguefile.com

As I mentioned last week, my publisher closed shop, leaving me with three options: One - look for another publisher. Two - give up and tell everyone that I once was a published author or; Three - self publish Beyond The Horizon. Here are my top ten reasons I chose the last option.

     10.  I have more control over how my work is presented.
       9.  No pesky contracts.
       8.  I'm learning something new, which is a good thing at my age.
       7.  I've discovered friends with hidden talents like cover design and editing.
       6.  I'm finally going to have a print copy of my book for myself, friends, and family.
            (BTH was e-book only)
       5.  I'm testing out different ways to sign my autograph.
       4.  I can still say I was traditionally published - although I don't think that carries as
            much weight as it used to.
       3.  I can work at my own pace and set my own deadlines.
       2.  I can keep more of my royalties. Yea, money!

       And the number 1 reason: No more rejection letters!

I will never forget the excitement of FINALLY landing a publishing contract and all I learned along the way. But, publishing has changed and unless you are a celebrity like Bruce Jenner, with a tell all book, or a well established author, the big houses aren't interested. And the small publishing companies are struggling.  

If you are like me and just have a story begging to be read, self publishing might be our best option. 

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FRIDAY STIR FRY - January Thaw

http://www.morguefile



We are in the midst of a January thaw or what we Ozarkers like to call 'Mother Nature's little joke'. "Ha, ha you mere mortals, winter is not over, the worst is yet to come."

I'm going to ignore her taunting cackle, because it is going to be a nice, warm weekend. One that I really need to spend writing, which unfortunately requires time inside.
Ah the sacrifices we writers make.
I'm doing a NaNo, JaNo, no no. I'm reading my WIP from the beginning and editing as I go. I've come to the conclusion that is the only way I'm going to get a handle on this story and finish it. So I have a pitiful 250 new words so far. But, that's okay. I keep telling myself I'm making progress. Sort of.
I hope.

There's been a lot of talk among my writer friends concerning self-publishing vs traditional. Publishing has changed so much in the last few years. It is more difficult to get a contract with a large company and easier to publish it yourself. Which is the best way to go? My book is with a small press and they did a great job with the editing and cover art. Things I didn't want to handle. They have a good promotional department also. But, do I want to continue on that path or try my hand at doing it on my own?
I'm getting ahead of myself. Need to finish the damn book first.

Last week I hosted my author friend Lisa Medley and her new book. I tweeted the heck out of it and I had the most page views ever. Thanks to everyone who came by. I don't know if it was the tweets, the Google keywords or Lisa's fan base, but something definitely worked. I hope everybody keeps coming back.

I'll quit rambling (at least until next week).

   

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Conference Time!!!

2013 ORACON



It's conference time for one of my writing groups http://ozarks-romance-authors.com/conference-2014/oracon-2014/

I love going to this event. We always have great presenters, inspiring and motivational content and great networking opportunities. It helps rejuvenate my muse. 

The last few years I've helped with the planning because I've been on the board - two years as secretary and this year as treasurer. It's fun and exhausting at the same time. But we have great volunteers and everyone wants this day to be a complete success. 

Four years ago I pitched to a New York agent and she requested my manuscript. What a thrill. I was so nervous, my voice shook and cracked as I gave her the summary of my novel Beyond The Horizon. After she said she wanted to see it, I walked on air the rest of the day. Unfortunately, she ended up leaving her publishing house and they sold and my book came back. But, I will never forget that thrill.

The next year: 

Not so good.
The agent I pitched to was less than thrilled with my story.
In the critique session with a published best selling author, she ripped me a new one for my choice of language and references to characters in a bar scene.
And then the final blow was a critique of a query letter I submitted for the Query Letter Gong Show.
It also got ripped apart.

But, I learned something even from that conference. I better get a thicker skin if I was going to succeed in this business. 

This year, I'm not pitching but I am getting a professional head shot from http://www.davisphotodesign.com/        Wish her luck trying to make me look pretty. :-)

Do you enjoy conferences or do you see them as a waste of time?

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Can't Say I Don't Have Anything To Do

http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photography

Nope. In fact, I'm bordering on too much to do. I'm still waiting on line edits for Beyond The Horizon (the line editor's computer crashed, so she had to start over - bummer).

But, waiting doesn't mean lying around doing nothing. The publicity person at Breathless Press e-mailed me 12 - yes 12 - blog hop tours I need to compile and return to her. They are scheduled for the month of June. Apparently my release date will be sometime during the month!! Believe me, I will shout the date from the rooftops as soon as I know.

I still need to write a story for the Sleuths' Ink contest - check it out here.   http://sleuthsink.blogspot.com/p/whodunnit-guidelines.html
Only 2 days left, but, by golly, I can do it and so can you.

I hope it doesn't sound like I'm complaining, because I'm not. I'm thrilled beyond words. I couldn't have asked for a better or more supportive publishing house. The story and characters I love will soon be born to the world. I will be famous. Well, maybe not famous, but my name will be on a book. How cool is that!

And finally, this time next week I will be another year older. Here's to hoping I have a little time to celebrate.

Now, please tell me how busy you guys are because I know I'm not the only one.

Friday Stir Fry - Blah

Did anybody notice I didn't post last week? Please say yes.

Anyway, I had a pity party last week. I believe everyone is allowed one of those once in a while. As long as you don't make a habit of it and become a real Debbie Downer.

Why was I feeling sorry for myself? Several reasons. I received my second rejection letter for Beyond the Horizon. I know that's nothing compared to other writers. We've all heard the story of JK Rowling. And "The Help" was rejected about 60 times. Maybe after the 10th or 20th one I won't feel so bad about the process. Of course all my writer friends congratulated me for at least sending it out there. Whoopee!

Then the weather turned to crap. Friday we had 35 degrees and snow and sleet. Why should that get me down. I HATE THAT STUFF. And to add insult to injury, our work turned off the heat earlier in the week. I literally froze to death at my desk. Turtle neck, sweater, coat and a blanket over my legs. I was not a happy camper.

And probably the most deciding factor in my mood - I'd let my Prozac run out for about 3 days. Not a good idea. My co-workers told me in no uncertain terms to never let that happen again.

But, I'm on the rebound. I'm researching agents and publishing houses and I've got my book with a Beta reader for some feedback. I got my prescription re-filled and the weather has gotten better. And here I am writing a new post.

Here's to hoping when your pity party arrives, it doesn't last long and when you come out the other side, you have re-newed energy and purpose.