Dear Readers,
First of all I would like to say that I hope you are having a great holiday season so far. I know I am. I have family at home as we speak and it's not even Christmas yet. Good times, great stuff.
Just to catch you up on things, I am now working on Chapter 12 of part 2. I am going to try my best to have it all finished by New Year's Eve. That is my own personal deadline. Unfortunately, I will have to take a short break from things; because, I have a very important paper to write for my Student of the Year portfolio. Like I said before, your girl is no dummy.
Things are going very well on my end with this book, despite the fact that I've only sold one copy. I am really enjoying writing part two and I can't wait to publish the entire part 1 and part 2 as a novel. No matter how low my sales are, I will keep writing. Writing is my therapy, it soothes me. Have you ever heard a runner talk about getting a runner's high? Well, I get a writer's high. It's kind of hard to explain it; but, it's when I hit a certain part in my story and I just flow constantly. It's like when you read a book; but, you don't want to stop at least until the climax is over. Except, in my case, I am actually writing and I surprise myself of what comes to my mind. It makes me want to keep going. This is my "out of body experience." It has me telling myself, "Keep going, who knows what I'll think of next." For those of you who never experienced that feeling before, you should try it. Find something you love and get high off of it. Do drugs or paraphernalia needed. I can personally say that it's a wonderful feeling. So, whether it's running, writing, dancing, climbing mountains, or sky diving, just get out there and go for it.
Now that I have asked you to try something new, let me tell you what I've tried. Even though I didn't get into this business for the money, I did get in it for the exposure. Not to be notoriously known; but, to actually be known as an excellent and successful writer. I can't have either, without good publicity. That's is something that I've lacked from the get-go. So, I'm trying something new. I unpublished my book from Smashwords and Lulu. I don't know if I mentioned it or not before; but, I have also published through Kindle Direct Publishing. Well today when I logged on, I learned about Kindle Owner's Lending Library. On the website it says (and I quote)...
"When you make your book exclusive to Kindle for at least 90 days, it will be part of the Kindle Owners' Lending Library for the same period and you will earn your share of a monthly fund when readers borrow your books from the library. You will also be able to promote your book as free for up to 5 days during these 90 days."
This could be a good move or a bad move; but, I am in it until March 8, 2012. So, if you ever want to look at or buy my book, go to one of the following websites:
US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0066CAPC4
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0066CAPC4
DE: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0066CAPC4
FR: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0066CAPC4
IT: https://www.amazon.it/dp/B0066CAPC4
ES: https://www.amazon.es/dp/B0066CAPC4
So, once again to my faithful readers and followers, thanks so much. Keep supporting me and tell all your friends. Tell a stranger of you have to. Until next time...
---Queen B
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
What Can I Say?-4:05 p.m.-11/17/2011
Good evening readers,
What can I say? Or should I say, Where should I start? I actually have a lot to say, I just don't know how I want to say it.
Okay first of all, I had my first sale a few days ago. It's been my only sale so far; but, hey we all have to start somewhere right?
Anywhoo, I am still working on part two of this book. As a matter of fact, I will start on Chapter 11 when I get home tonight. However, I am facing a few difficulties. Have you ever gotten to that point when you know what you want to write; but, just didn't know how to put it on paper? Well that's what I'm going through. You know writing a book is like writing an extremely long descriptive essay and I find myself struggling with that from time to time. Sometimes there seem to be gaps in my mind that prevent the story from just flowing properly. After I finish one scene, I sometimes ask myself, "Now what?" That's the time when I say, "Hey, it's break time. Put down your pen, relax, and come back tomorrow." You know sometimes when writing, I feel like I'm not doing any physical work; so, I really don't need a break. WRONG! It works your mind and if you are writing like I write, it works your hand. After taking a day or so off, I come back with a new mind and the story begins to flow properly. Whether we realize it or not, writing for long periods of time can change your seeing, thinking, and comprehension skills. That's why when you finish something and come back later for revisions, it's like your eyes were opened. You start to notice things you didn't notice at first.
In the past, I told you that I was working on a book of short stories. It's a book of quickies with a shocking spin to it. I am working on these more slowly; but, it's gradually getting there. I will be starting on my third short stories within the next few days. I've put it off; because, I wanted to finish What it Took to Get Her first. Well, I'm halfway through with it; so, I've slowly picked it back up. Honestly, I don't really take breaks from writing completely. When I put down What it Took to Get Her, I pick up my short stories. My grind is 24/7 (minus the 40 hours I spend at school every week). I am out for Thanksgiving Break all next week; so, I should be able to get a lot done.
Okay, now that that's said, let me venture off the subject for a minute. I just got out of school and homecoming court was announced this morning. Guess who will be on it again? Me! Yay! This is my senior year and only seniors get crowned king or queen; so, hopefully, I will be crowned queen. Wish me luck!
Until next time readers!
P.S. if I don't get a chance to write before the holidays, Happy Thanksgiving! Please do me a favor, don't celebrate Christmas until after Thanksgiving. It seems like advertisers and most people has just passed it by. Thanksgiving is an important thing for us as Americans. It holds great significance. I hate to walk into department stores and pass housing and see Christmas decor up the day after Halloween. It's rediculous! And while I'm on the subject, when Christmas does get here, don't forget its true meaning. Don't get me wrong it is the season for giving, just don't take it as a season for receiving. (Get it?)We sometimes get wrapped up in the gifts and the chaos of it all. Don't take the Christ out of Christmas. Let's have a great holiday season and actual celebrate them for their true meanings.
What can I say? Or should I say, Where should I start? I actually have a lot to say, I just don't know how I want to say it.
Okay first of all, I had my first sale a few days ago. It's been my only sale so far; but, hey we all have to start somewhere right?
Anywhoo, I am still working on part two of this book. As a matter of fact, I will start on Chapter 11 when I get home tonight. However, I am facing a few difficulties. Have you ever gotten to that point when you know what you want to write; but, just didn't know how to put it on paper? Well that's what I'm going through. You know writing a book is like writing an extremely long descriptive essay and I find myself struggling with that from time to time. Sometimes there seem to be gaps in my mind that prevent the story from just flowing properly. After I finish one scene, I sometimes ask myself, "Now what?" That's the time when I say, "Hey, it's break time. Put down your pen, relax, and come back tomorrow." You know sometimes when writing, I feel like I'm not doing any physical work; so, I really don't need a break. WRONG! It works your mind and if you are writing like I write, it works your hand. After taking a day or so off, I come back with a new mind and the story begins to flow properly. Whether we realize it or not, writing for long periods of time can change your seeing, thinking, and comprehension skills. That's why when you finish something and come back later for revisions, it's like your eyes were opened. You start to notice things you didn't notice at first.
In the past, I told you that I was working on a book of short stories. It's a book of quickies with a shocking spin to it. I am working on these more slowly; but, it's gradually getting there. I will be starting on my third short stories within the next few days. I've put it off; because, I wanted to finish What it Took to Get Her first. Well, I'm halfway through with it; so, I've slowly picked it back up. Honestly, I don't really take breaks from writing completely. When I put down What it Took to Get Her, I pick up my short stories. My grind is 24/7 (minus the 40 hours I spend at school every week). I am out for Thanksgiving Break all next week; so, I should be able to get a lot done.
Okay, now that that's said, let me venture off the subject for a minute. I just got out of school and homecoming court was announced this morning. Guess who will be on it again? Me! Yay! This is my senior year and only seniors get crowned king or queen; so, hopefully, I will be crowned queen. Wish me luck!
Until next time readers!
P.S. if I don't get a chance to write before the holidays, Happy Thanksgiving! Please do me a favor, don't celebrate Christmas until after Thanksgiving. It seems like advertisers and most people has just passed it by. Thanksgiving is an important thing for us as Americans. It holds great significance. I hate to walk into department stores and pass housing and see Christmas decor up the day after Halloween. It's rediculous! And while I'm on the subject, when Christmas does get here, don't forget its true meaning. Don't get me wrong it is the season for giving, just don't take it as a season for receiving. (Get it?)We sometimes get wrapped up in the gifts and the chaos of it all. Don't take the Christ out of Christmas. Let's have a great holiday season and actual celebrate them for their true meanings.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Christian Bloggers Café-10:05 a.m.-11/11/11
Hello readers,
First of all, I would like you to know that this post has nothing to do with my updates for my book.
I have a twitter page that is urled to my blogspot profile. Whenever I created a new blog post, it allows me to tweet my new blog without actually viewing anything else on my twitter; so, I didn't really have any other reason to even look at my twitter page. As a result, I haven't actually logged onto my page in about two or three months. This morning I was uploading my book cover onto my profile and I decided to check out my mentions (how shallow...huh?). It wasn't trying to be all wrapped up into myself, I just never log in because I didn't feel anyone would care to ask my opinion on anything. Anywhoo, I stumbled across this:
@Mrs_Bree_ Wrap up Vice Week @ http://christianbloggerscafe.com/blog.html with some retail therapy "Give Me More/I Just Can't Get Enough" share your thoughts.
First of all, I would like you to know that this post has nothing to do with my updates for my book.
I have a twitter page that is urled to my blogspot profile. Whenever I created a new blog post, it allows me to tweet my new blog without actually viewing anything else on my twitter; so, I didn't really have any other reason to even look at my twitter page. As a result, I haven't actually logged onto my page in about two or three months. This morning I was uploading my book cover onto my profile and I decided to check out my mentions (how shallow...huh?). It wasn't trying to be all wrapped up into myself, I just never log in because I didn't feel anyone would care to ask my opinion on anything. Anywhoo, I stumbled across this:
It was posted September 2, 2011. Of course when I read it took me awhile to figure out what she meant. (Sad isn't it?) After about five minutes I realized that she was also a blogger, "Give Me More/I Just Can't Get Enough" was her post for September 2nd, and she wanted me to share my thoughts about it. Well first I had to stroll down through about three months of new blogs to get to it. Then it happened...my eyes landed on her post.
She is a recovering shopaholic and she was going through some of her struggles and how God is helping her get better. At the end she asked the question: "What is your guilty pleasure and is it really bringing you pleasure or causing you pain?"
Now I took a few minutes to ponder that question and all the previous things that I had read in her post. Then, I thought to myself, "Hmm, this must be a sign; because, I can really relate to this."
You know growing up and even now, I never had a lot. Other, than the basic necessities of life, I didn't really have anything. I was always a happy child and I wasn't aware of what I didn't have until I went to middle school. Middle school opened my eyes to the fact that other kids had more. I began to feel more and more depressed. Well, I was always fascinated with shoes...preferably stilettos; but my mother always said I was too young for a heel that high. So, I replaced that love with jewelry and purses. I convinced myself that I needed to have a different color purse for every outfit. I needed different colors of jewelry for every event that I went.
As time went on, I hit high school. In ninth grade, my female classmates where already rocking four and five inch pumps. My height always made me feel left out, but standing next to my fierce-looking classmates I felt emotionally drained. It was like I was crying out to mature, but my mother was too poor and too old school. So I had to continue with my one inch Wal-Mart church shoes. I wore the same black pair every Sunday for two years. Since this was my first year in high school, I also was nominated to be on my first Homecoming court; but, I had to drop out due to our financial situation.
January 2010-I was nominated to once again, be on our school's Homecoming court. Only this time, I was able to splurge a little and stay on the court. I timidly asked my grandfather for $100 to put with the little my mother had to prepare for this occasion and he gave it to me. I went to JC Penny and they had a major sale going on. The dress I fell in love with was out of season and it was on sale for about $12. It was a strapless ivory dress with gold glitter and a gold trimmed diamond pendant in between the breast area. My bracelet was $60. It was so embarrassed that my bracelet cost less than my dress. Anywhoo, my sister and her best friend took me shopping so I was free to get whatever shoes I wanted. I fell in love with these gold 2-inch heels that had diamonds going down the center of my foot and across my toes. It was like a dream come true. The heel length didn't matter; because, they were already an inch taller than what I usually wear. You know I kind of had trouble in them, but I quickly adjusted. I believe that was the moment my love for shoes resurfaced.
February 2010- I had an FBLA conference. I was so stressed; because, it's mandatory to dress in business attire for the conference or I would get disqualified. I didn't have a business suit. All I had were blouses and dress pants. Dress pants are way too long for me unless I wear some type of heel; so, my mother only had two choices: Buy me a whole new outfit or a pair of heels. Going with the cheaper option, she took me to Factory Connection to buy me a new pair of shoes. Again, she gave me $100 bill and sent me with my sister to go shopping. I walked over to the shoe section and I was in awe. I had a total lost of words. I put my hands on both sides of my face and gasped," Oh my God! Look at all the shoe!" No joke, the feeling literally brought me to tears. Thank God I knew what color shoes I was looking for or else my mother probably wouldn't have gotten any change back from that C-note. I purchased a 4-inch pair of white peep-toe pumps. So awesome! When I got home, I had a little trouble balancing my weight on a skinny heel...at first. My mother made me wear those around the house to break them in. I had to prove to my mother that I could walk in those shoes. Well, guess what? I did and I was hooked. She couldn't pay me to get back into those little 1-inch church shoes that I always said were childlike and immature. I tried so hard to convince my mother and I quote, "Awe momma those shoes are babies." Now she had given me an inch and I was determined to take 100 miles. I haven't even worn my 2-inch gold heels since Homecoming night.
That April I made it to Baton Rouge for state FBLA competition. When you go to state, you get paid $108. Our advisory took us to the Mall of Louisiana let my fellow club members and I loose. She said, "Shop 'till you drop and we will met up on the bus in about six hours." Here is this 14 year old girl with so much responsibility in her hands. Nobody has ever given me this opportunity before and baby believe me when I say I grabbed that bull by its horns and rode it the whole six hours. Now today, I completely understand that $108 doesn't go a long way; but, then I didn't know that. At that moment, I felt rich...almost. After my best friend, Tuta and I got our nails done, we went upstairs to 579 and bought matching black, 5-inch pumps that had a 1 1/2 inch stripper platform. They had three straps on them: one across the toes, one around the ankle to buckle, and on big crinkly one going down the center of our foot. They are one bad pair of shoes that I still flaunt today. Then, we walked across the second floor to Eve's shoes and I bought me a pair of silver peep-toe high heels.
By the time I was a junior, my mother had done peeped game on my growing expensive taste. Homecoming shopping for my junior year was waaaaaay more expensive. I got a crazy one of a kind Mohawk out of an old Sophisticated Black Hair magazine. I loved this Mohawk back in 2007 when the book first came out, but no one else did. I guess you could say it wasn't in style then and I knew my mother wouldn't have ever let me get it; so, I just saved the book. Now, almost every girl at my school was jealous because they couldn't duplicate my Mohawk and the style was too complicated to remember everything that was going on up there. For my dress, I went to a bridal dress and formal wear boutique and spent a little over $140 for a red body-fitting dress with spaghetti straps. The dress had a long split, exposing my right leg that was stopped by a small bowl with a silver jewel in the middle. Ruffles trimmed the split and draped down into layers forming a long tail on my left side. After that I went to a shoe store and bought $35 6-inch sparkling, silver stilettos with a platform. The sad thing about what I bought for that is I've never worn anything over. I would love to re-wear those shoes, but they are so sparkly and jeweled up that they just seem too dressy for anything else. You know how diamonds stand out when you wear them; so, you only wear them on very special occasions? Imagine diamond jewelry for my feet; because, that's exactly what it looks like.(Which would be my excuse to buy another outfit).
Since then, I've bought several more pairs of six inch stilettos. My motto is to never buy a shoe lower than 5 to 6 inches. It does something to look around at the females that I know because I can wear them now. Not only that; but, I can comfortably wear them for long periods of time. I find it useless to bring a pair of flats in my purse; because, I don't need them. On several occasions I've worn them a complete school day and I love it. I love when people look at me crazy and say,"I don't see how you do it. I know I can't. Girl, I would've been pulled them shoes off." Then, it's gotten to the point that people expect me to have amazing shoes. Girls at school say,"I don't even need to ask what kind of shoes you wearing tomorrow; because, I know they're going to be pretty". They always ask me where I get them from and I love to see there face when I say either Cortana or Mall of Louisiana.Females around my town love to jock your style and try to duplicate; but I love the fact that I do most of my shoe shopping in Baton Rouge. That way I know they aren't going going to drive four hours just to buy the same shoes I am wearing at that moment. I can see their micro expression of sadness when they realize they are unable to travel that far just for some shoes. When I sported my new turquoise suaded peep-toe, 6-inch pumps, even boys at school say, "Bree, them some fire a** shoes. I like them." You know you got to have mad taste when straight boys start commenting your shoes. It's gotten to the point where strangers stop me and comment my shoes.
So to answer the blogger's question above, my guilty pleasure is spending any money I have to compete with myself and out-do every other girl I know. I guess it's safe to say I enjoy showing off and now that I my mother lets me buy what I want, I can. My obsession is to have a different pair of stilettos on every time I dress up for some school occasion. I don't buy shoes as often as I want, only because I am afraid of being duplicated. However, whenever I take that yearly trip to Baton Rouge, my spending increases. The bad part about it is that $108 is food money. I pack microwave dinners to get me by. I bring extra money with me, but I end up only setting aside a few dollars to eat. It's so bad that I'll buy shoes before I'll feed myself.
My mother finally got hired October 2010; my junior and senior year at school is very expensive. Between trips, school logo'd products, my Letterman jacket, extracurricular activities, senior fees, college application fees, housing fees, and etc., I find myself draining my mother's pockets every month. (Since I haven't gotten hired anywhere). My mother was trying to save up to get her a car, but she gave up on that until I graduate;because, she is supporting me on her own. She doesn't really say it; but, she doesn't make much and she's living paycheck to paycheck. Most of her checks are spent on me and although I try my best to stop asking for things, something else comes up that needs to be paid for. She just finished paying of my $260 Letterman jacket a couple of days ago, when she'd been looking for a small jacket for herself for months. My class ring was almost $300; but her medical bill from her stroke and fall at work hasn't been paid off. Cheerleader uniforms last year were almost $200. She just had to pay my $40 application fee for LSU in BR. It broke my heart to tell her that I have a $150 housing fee that's coming up. The senior sales guy is coming this month and I'm scared to tell her that I need her to buy my cap & gown and my diploma cover.
Speaking of LSU in BR, this brings me back to why I believe that that lady's blog was a sign. I've already told you, that I go crazy when I shop in Baton Rouge. Well, in August 2012, I'm fixing to move out there on my own. There will be no one stopping me for spending. I will be 18 and there a many cards that I can sign up for at 18 years of age. This ladies story made me realize that I am not only bringing my mother down, but I am beginning to bring myself down. Thank God my mom isn't in any debt. She is so old school that she refuses to sign up for anything and she pays for everything in the cash she's worked for. No loans and no credits cards. But, I, on the other hand, am just getting started. Who knows of all the things I can get into next year. Her blog made me realized that I need to be careful and I am starting a bad habit, which needs to get nipped in the bud right now. I don't want to be sitting somewhere one day in debt and surrounded by tons of boxes of shoes.
Spending is my guilty pleasure and whenever I get something new, it gives me great pleasure; but, if I don't slow down, in the future it could cause me great pain.
"Give Me More/I Just Can't Get Enough" is not the only great blog on that site. There are tons more for you to get something out of. Go check the out at http://christianbloggerscafe.com/blog .
Until next time readers....
Monday, November 7, 2011
This Just In-5:25 p.m.-11/07/2011
Hey readers!
I know I left you only one or two hours ago; but, a couple of things have developed in the past couple of hours. I have good and bad news.
Good news...
First, I have successfully created a demo (or "stand-in") cover, which you can see is now my profile picture. Second, I have successfully uploaded my book onto Smashwords and it's on sale for $9.99 at http://www.smashwords.com/isbn/978-1-466-11091-5 . I hope enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed creating it. Well, I hope you enjoy reading it MORE than I enjoyed creating it, because honestly, I have read this book over and over and over trying to edit it; so, you can imagine that I am sick of it. (Don't get me wrong, I think it's a great book, but I think you know what I mean). You also can read a sample online. If you like it please buy it and spread the word.
Bad news...
My book has failed EpubCheck. and 100% EpubCheck compliance is required by Apple. They say I have a text box somewhere in my manuscript, but I can't fond it anywhere (even with show and hide). I just don't know what to do. I'm at a lost for words. I don't know if the problem is with Apple's requirements or for all the other distributor who use Epub. Not only that, but I can't download my different formats from Smashwords (or anything) on the library and school computers. So, I can't go in and find the problem. Right now, I have no choice but to leave it and I'm afraid that may badly effect me in the long run.
Anywhoo, I'll ponder my options tonight at home. Until next time readers...
I know I left you only one or two hours ago; but, a couple of things have developed in the past couple of hours. I have good and bad news.
Good news...
First, I have successfully created a demo (or "stand-in") cover, which you can see is now my profile picture. Second, I have successfully uploaded my book onto Smashwords and it's on sale for $9.99 at http://www.smashwords.com/isbn/978-1-466-11091-5 . I hope enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed creating it. Well, I hope you enjoy reading it MORE than I enjoyed creating it, because honestly, I have read this book over and over and over trying to edit it; so, you can imagine that I am sick of it. (Don't get me wrong, I think it's a great book, but I think you know what I mean). You also can read a sample online. If you like it please buy it and spread the word.
Bad news...
My book has failed EpubCheck. and 100% EpubCheck compliance is required by Apple. They say I have a text box somewhere in my manuscript, but I can't fond it anywhere (even with show and hide). I just don't know what to do. I'm at a lost for words. I don't know if the problem is with Apple's requirements or for all the other distributor who use Epub. Not only that, but I can't download my different formats from Smashwords (or anything) on the library and school computers. So, I can't go in and find the problem. Right now, I have no choice but to leave it and I'm afraid that may badly effect me in the long run.
Anywhoo, I'll ponder my options tonight at home. Until next time readers...
My Final Decision-3:35 p.m.-11/07/2011
Hey Readers,
I think I've had an epiphany. For my fellow writers out there, you know that your inspiration or ideas can come from anywhere. Your characters become real. So, I had a dream about my characters' story. This dream made me rethink my whole plan that I previously blogged about. Don't get me wrong, I'm still ready to publish, I just think I'm going to go another route. I'm just glad I had this dream before I hit the submit key on Createspace. As of right now, I don't feel like it's finished.
Anywhoo, I was originally going to publish a two part book through Createspace. Part 1 would be the introductory short story. Forget about it! (In my best Jersey, Italian dialect). I remember what Mrs. DeDe advised me to do when I was stressing over my page count. She told me to publish as an e-book only. Honestly, at that moment, I found that highly offensive. I believe I was too caught up in the idea of producing a hard copy. Now that's not all I want. I want too take my time and do things right and honestly, I think she was right.
My final decision is to release part 1 through Smashwords as an e-book only. I am currently on chapter 10 of part 2; so, when I finish it, then, I will go to Createspace. That way I can release the hard copy together. That's my final decision and I am sticking to it. No...really. This time I am.
Now I admit doing and saying are two total different things. I still struggling with my Smashwords process. The book is formatted correctly, which took me a day to do. (Hey, before you talk, let's not forget I am a rookie. I'm still finding my way). Then when I tried to upload the document the next morning, I had the scare of a lifetime. I was in my WIN class at school and I inserted my jump drive into the computer. Well that friggin' computer converted all my original folders to shortcuts and if you know anything about folder shortcuts, you know why I freaked out. For those of you who don't, when a shortcut is created it only saves the information of the whereabouts of the original folder and everything else is deleted. All my folders were screwed and I didn't manually do it myself. Three of my four flash drives got messed up. Well... at least I caught on before I stuck my forth one in there. Anywhoo, the confusing part of the situation was that all my space was still used; so, I knew my stuff had to be on this drive, I just couldn't access it. I thought I had lost music, schoolwork, and numerous copies and formats of book 1, book 2, and tons of poetry and essays. So, after four hours of overreacting, I sought help from my school counselor and she sent me to my school's mentor teacher, who by the way is also my Advanced Math teacher. He informed me that the documents must be hidden. I should pull up my flash drive and do a hidden documents search. I did it and it failed. After five minutes of sulking, I said, "Hey, if my documents are still on the drive. Why don't I just type in the names of each document and see if it'll pop up?" The first thing I typed in was my book title and it popped up. I was ecstatic. Now my drives are still jacked up; but, at least I still have all my work. Bad news is, if I can't remember what I saved a document under, then I can't search for it.
Now to get back on subject, when I finally finished everything, I realized that I still don't have a cover to submit. Bummer isn't it. Right now I'm short of the proper do it yourself apps, but I will think of something. I just need a "stand-in" cover. My official cover won't be released until the hard copy is. But like I said, I will improvise.
So, readers typing this is not helping me improvise. You have been caught up and now I have work to do. Until next time my lovely dos followers.
---Smooches,
Bree
I think I've had an epiphany. For my fellow writers out there, you know that your inspiration or ideas can come from anywhere. Your characters become real. So, I had a dream about my characters' story. This dream made me rethink my whole plan that I previously blogged about. Don't get me wrong, I'm still ready to publish, I just think I'm going to go another route. I'm just glad I had this dream before I hit the submit key on Createspace. As of right now, I don't feel like it's finished.
Anywhoo, I was originally going to publish a two part book through Createspace. Part 1 would be the introductory short story. Forget about it! (In my best Jersey, Italian dialect). I remember what Mrs. DeDe advised me to do when I was stressing over my page count. She told me to publish as an e-book only. Honestly, at that moment, I found that highly offensive. I believe I was too caught up in the idea of producing a hard copy. Now that's not all I want. I want too take my time and do things right and honestly, I think she was right.
My final decision is to release part 1 through Smashwords as an e-book only. I am currently on chapter 10 of part 2; so, when I finish it, then, I will go to Createspace. That way I can release the hard copy together. That's my final decision and I am sticking to it. No...really. This time I am.
Now I admit doing and saying are two total different things. I still struggling with my Smashwords process. The book is formatted correctly, which took me a day to do. (Hey, before you talk, let's not forget I am a rookie. I'm still finding my way). Then when I tried to upload the document the next morning, I had the scare of a lifetime. I was in my WIN class at school and I inserted my jump drive into the computer. Well that friggin' computer converted all my original folders to shortcuts and if you know anything about folder shortcuts, you know why I freaked out. For those of you who don't, when a shortcut is created it only saves the information of the whereabouts of the original folder and everything else is deleted. All my folders were screwed and I didn't manually do it myself. Three of my four flash drives got messed up. Well... at least I caught on before I stuck my forth one in there. Anywhoo, the confusing part of the situation was that all my space was still used; so, I knew my stuff had to be on this drive, I just couldn't access it. I thought I had lost music, schoolwork, and numerous copies and formats of book 1, book 2, and tons of poetry and essays. So, after four hours of overreacting, I sought help from my school counselor and she sent me to my school's mentor teacher, who by the way is also my Advanced Math teacher. He informed me that the documents must be hidden. I should pull up my flash drive and do a hidden documents search. I did it and it failed. After five minutes of sulking, I said, "Hey, if my documents are still on the drive. Why don't I just type in the names of each document and see if it'll pop up?" The first thing I typed in was my book title and it popped up. I was ecstatic. Now my drives are still jacked up; but, at least I still have all my work. Bad news is, if I can't remember what I saved a document under, then I can't search for it.
Now to get back on subject, when I finally finished everything, I realized that I still don't have a cover to submit. Bummer isn't it. Right now I'm short of the proper do it yourself apps, but I will think of something. I just need a "stand-in" cover. My official cover won't be released until the hard copy is. But like I said, I will improvise.
So, readers typing this is not helping me improvise. You have been caught up and now I have work to do. Until next time my lovely dos followers.
---Smooches,
Bree
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
A Risk and a Realization-3:35 p.m.-11/2/11
Hi Readers,
I am about to do something very, very risky. It could either benefit me or totally hurt me. In my last post you guys found out that money and time was an issue. I just couldn't do it. Despite my fellow LinkedIn group members telling me that I need to rest and revise and then find an editor, I just couldn't wait. So, I took matters into my own hands. I took a weeks rest from my literature to develop a fresh, new outlook at it. Then, I revised my rough draft. I pulled up my Createspace page and uploaded my book. And despite some experienced veterans advising me to get a professional cover artist, I am using Createspace's free cover designer. (Readers, I don't advise you to try this at home). By the way, I've contacted a designer that I would love to work with, but again, there's the money issue. He also advised me not to take the cover photo with a digital camera. Call me stupid because, you'd think I'd listen to experienced professionals. So like I said, don't judge me, sometimes mistakes are the best lessons learned. I just hope it's not too big of a mistake.
Anywhoo, so remember when I told you that my book is 177 pages? Right...WRONG! After all the formatting was done, the interior of my book is about 112 pages. Well doesn't that just suck. At this rate, I'll never be a novelist. I am just glad it's part one. I not done with part 2, but I find myself wondering should I have waited until part 2 was finished so I could publish them together.
A realization...
Even though part of me feels skeptical, I can't help how long my books come out. I just write. I write until the story has ended in my mind. Short story or novella, it's a start. Hopefully, it's a good start. Honestly, I used to try to compete with some of my favorite authors. Well...not compete. I just used to try to be like them. I didn't realize that at first. Now I do. I just need to let go and let God. I will never be them or like them. I want to be successful for me and as me. I don't want to be known as some knock-off-wanna-be-copy-cat-who-tries-too-hard. Even though my book is a only a measly little 112 pages, I'm going to take my little 112 pages and jump out on a limb. I can either sink or swim, but I'll never know unless I try. So until next time readers...
--Bree
I am about to do something very, very risky. It could either benefit me or totally hurt me. In my last post you guys found out that money and time was an issue. I just couldn't do it. Despite my fellow LinkedIn group members telling me that I need to rest and revise and then find an editor, I just couldn't wait. So, I took matters into my own hands. I took a weeks rest from my literature to develop a fresh, new outlook at it. Then, I revised my rough draft. I pulled up my Createspace page and uploaded my book. And despite some experienced veterans advising me to get a professional cover artist, I am using Createspace's free cover designer. (Readers, I don't advise you to try this at home). By the way, I've contacted a designer that I would love to work with, but again, there's the money issue. He also advised me not to take the cover photo with a digital camera. Call me stupid because, you'd think I'd listen to experienced professionals. So like I said, don't judge me, sometimes mistakes are the best lessons learned. I just hope it's not too big of a mistake.
Anywhoo, so remember when I told you that my book is 177 pages? Right...WRONG! After all the formatting was done, the interior of my book is about 112 pages. Well doesn't that just suck. At this rate, I'll never be a novelist. I am just glad it's part one. I not done with part 2, but I find myself wondering should I have waited until part 2 was finished so I could publish them together.
A realization...
Even though part of me feels skeptical, I can't help how long my books come out. I just write. I write until the story has ended in my mind. Short story or novella, it's a start. Hopefully, it's a good start. Honestly, I used to try to compete with some of my favorite authors. Well...not compete. I just used to try to be like them. I didn't realize that at first. Now I do. I just need to let go and let God. I will never be them or like them. I want to be successful for me and as me. I don't want to be known as some knock-off-wanna-be-copy-cat-who-tries-too-hard. Even though my book is a only a measly little 112 pages, I'm going to take my little 112 pages and jump out on a limb. I can either sink or swim, but I'll never know unless I try. So until next time readers...
--Bree
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Blogs By Bree: Next Order of Business-10:25 a.m.-10/22/11
Blogs By Bree: Next Order of Business-10:25 a.m.-10/22/11: What happening readers? You know time I solve one issue, I have bounce back with three or four more. The next thing I need to accomplish...
Next Order of Business-10:25 a.m.-10/22/11
What happening readers?
You know time I solve one issue, I have bounce back with three or four more.
The next thing I need to accomplish is putting my book though at least three different types of editing/proofreading phases. First, I have the basic proofreading. That's basically having someone check for spelling and grammar mistakes, omitted words and typos. Second is the basic editing. Basically they read for confusing language, sentence structure errors, redundancies, wordiness, appropriate word choice and consistency. Third is the developmental editing which includes notes and suggestions on improving style, flow, organization and clarity of thought. That is basically making sure the story flows well. Each one of these phases are priced separately, so if I wanted to, I can only have one without the other two. I am inexperienced, so to be on the safe side I'm going to do all three. As a total that can roughly come out to be $1500 (more or less).
The thing I really want to get done is my cover and my logo, because I'mma tell you right now, books aren't the only thing I plan on doing. It would be great if I can get that cover released as a preview. Doing this will cost approx. another $1500 (more or less). At least I know who my designer will be. I just need to tell him when I'm ready to start.
After I get my book edited, I'm going to need to get it copyrighted. Well I can copyright it myself for I think between $30-$60. That's not much, but I can't do that until I get it edited. Bummer!
So, the obvious problem is the timing. I'm not going to have that money until August 2012. One top of that, I didn't realize the contracts and agreements that are in the publishing process. I can't legally sign for anything until August 2, 2012. If you haven't figured it out by now, I am only 17. Bummer!
By the way, I'm not doing this behind my mother's back. Its no secret. My mother knows that this is what I want to do and she supports me. It's kind of funny how it happened actually. We were looking in the Adult books in Wal-Mart. (I'm terribly short, so I need her there with me to get the books off the top shelf. Besides, when she's not there people see my height and stare. I guess they assume that I'm a ten year old who's curious about the adult books and is trying to hide it from mommy. It's so funny when it happens). Anywhoo, I put my arms around her neck and said, "You know what I want to do? I want to publish books like these, but I'mma use a pin name, because I don't want to get kicked out of med school for nothing like this." She said, "Do it. I'm not gonna tell you you can't. Just don't do anything you'll regret later." At one point I did have to hide it from her. She read the romance novels with the white people on the cover, they are clean compared to the stuff I read. Even with those, I'd get in trouble just for looking at them. It changed a little when I took one of her books and refused to give it back until I read it. Well, I found it boring and I voluntarily gave it back. When she started working at the library (I was about 15 then), her manager (who is also our cousin), used to tease her about not reading those types of books, so she checked my mother out one and made her take it home. It was Dirty Old Men by Omar Tyree. My mama couldn't get through the first couple of pages. She said,"This is nasty, I don't want to read it. She said you can read it if you want and take it to school and let your friend, Tuta read it." Of course I loved it. It was an excellent book and every since then I don't really have to hide anything from her in that area.
Now to get back on subject, I figured there is only one solution to all of my dilemmas: take a year off and wait until I turn 18. In the meantime, I can finish the next two book that I started. Sorry guys, I guess I won't be having that hard copy this soon after all, but I will continue to blog.
In other news Mrs. Deatri King emailed me in response to one of my discussion questions. In the email was a link to her new website http://www.BecomeASuccessfulAuthor.com . I must say that the blogs on this website is very helpful. It makes me think of things in ways I would have never thought of. For example, A Writer's Love Affair by Shelia M. Gross (author of the Lip Gloss Chronicles). She said the relationship between a writer and a reader is like a love affair and she went on to tell you why (visit the website to read more). The stuff she mentioned was so creative, that I wished I could've thought of that. It was well thought about and it made perfect sense.
As for my first book. I am aiming for it to be released by Christmas 2012.
Until next time readers....
You know time I solve one issue, I have bounce back with three or four more.
The next thing I need to accomplish is putting my book though at least three different types of editing/proofreading phases. First, I have the basic proofreading. That's basically having someone check for spelling and grammar mistakes, omitted words and typos. Second is the basic editing. Basically they read for confusing language, sentence structure errors, redundancies, wordiness, appropriate word choice and consistency. Third is the developmental editing which includes notes and suggestions on improving style, flow, organization and clarity of thought. That is basically making sure the story flows well. Each one of these phases are priced separately, so if I wanted to, I can only have one without the other two. I am inexperienced, so to be on the safe side I'm going to do all three. As a total that can roughly come out to be $1500 (more or less).
The thing I really want to get done is my cover and my logo, because I'mma tell you right now, books aren't the only thing I plan on doing. It would be great if I can get that cover released as a preview. Doing this will cost approx. another $1500 (more or less). At least I know who my designer will be. I just need to tell him when I'm ready to start.
After I get my book edited, I'm going to need to get it copyrighted. Well I can copyright it myself for I think between $30-$60. That's not much, but I can't do that until I get it edited. Bummer!
So, the obvious problem is the timing. I'm not going to have that money until August 2012. One top of that, I didn't realize the contracts and agreements that are in the publishing process. I can't legally sign for anything until August 2, 2012. If you haven't figured it out by now, I am only 17. Bummer!
By the way, I'm not doing this behind my mother's back. Its no secret. My mother knows that this is what I want to do and she supports me. It's kind of funny how it happened actually. We were looking in the Adult books in Wal-Mart. (I'm terribly short, so I need her there with me to get the books off the top shelf. Besides, when she's not there people see my height and stare. I guess they assume that I'm a ten year old who's curious about the adult books and is trying to hide it from mommy. It's so funny when it happens). Anywhoo, I put my arms around her neck and said, "You know what I want to do? I want to publish books like these, but I'mma use a pin name, because I don't want to get kicked out of med school for nothing like this." She said, "Do it. I'm not gonna tell you you can't. Just don't do anything you'll regret later." At one point I did have to hide it from her. She read the romance novels with the white people on the cover, they are clean compared to the stuff I read. Even with those, I'd get in trouble just for looking at them. It changed a little when I took one of her books and refused to give it back until I read it. Well, I found it boring and I voluntarily gave it back. When she started working at the library (I was about 15 then), her manager (who is also our cousin), used to tease her about not reading those types of books, so she checked my mother out one and made her take it home. It was Dirty Old Men by Omar Tyree. My mama couldn't get through the first couple of pages. She said,"This is nasty, I don't want to read it. She said you can read it if you want and take it to school and let your friend, Tuta read it." Of course I loved it. It was an excellent book and every since then I don't really have to hide anything from her in that area.
Now to get back on subject, I figured there is only one solution to all of my dilemmas: take a year off and wait until I turn 18. In the meantime, I can finish the next two book that I started. Sorry guys, I guess I won't be having that hard copy this soon after all, but I will continue to blog.
In other news Mrs. Deatri King emailed me in response to one of my discussion questions. In the email was a link to her new website http://www.BecomeASuccessfulAuthor.com . I must say that the blogs on this website is very helpful. It makes me think of things in ways I would have never thought of. For example, A Writer's Love Affair by Shelia M. Gross (author of the Lip Gloss Chronicles). She said the relationship between a writer and a reader is like a love affair and she went on to tell you why (visit the website to read more). The stuff she mentioned was so creative, that I wished I could've thought of that. It was well thought about and it made perfect sense.
As for my first book. I am aiming for it to be released by Christmas 2012.
Until next time readers....
Blogs By Bree: Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place Pt. 2-9:50 a...
Blogs By Bree: Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place Pt. 2-9:50 a...: continued... So when I left you last, I was telling you about my manuscript that was not a long enough to be a novel. Well I have found ou...
Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place Pt. 2-9:50 a.m.-10/22/11
continued...
So when I left you last, I was telling you about my manuscript that was not a long enough to be a novel. Well I have found out a few things since then.
I asked a three of my trusted contacts. One told me to just publish it as is, because there is no limit to creativity. Another told me that the typical rule of thumb is anything over 40,000 words is a novel. Anything below is either a novella or short story. If it's done at 30,000 words, then call it a novella. Nothing wrong with that! If the story seems to need more punch to it to feel complete, then add to it. Otherwise, leave it where it is and don't worry about the categorization.
Then someone commented in a discussion that they didn't know I was still in high school. At that moment, something hit me. They weren't commenting harshly, because they thought I was young. They didn't know.
Now that I look back, since they thought I was older, they also thought I should know better. With that being said, I should have known the typical rule of thumb. Personally, I am fine with having a novella and I'm not about to ruin a great manuscript by making it too wordy, just so I can say I wrote a novel.
As for the rest of it. I'm over it. It's the past and I'm looking ahead.
Until next time readers...
So when I left you last, I was telling you about my manuscript that was not a long enough to be a novel. Well I have found out a few things since then.
I asked a three of my trusted contacts. One told me to just publish it as is, because there is no limit to creativity. Another told me that the typical rule of thumb is anything over 40,000 words is a novel. Anything below is either a novella or short story. If it's done at 30,000 words, then call it a novella. Nothing wrong with that! If the story seems to need more punch to it to feel complete, then add to it. Otherwise, leave it where it is and don't worry about the categorization.
Then someone commented in a discussion that they didn't know I was still in high school. At that moment, something hit me. They weren't commenting harshly, because they thought I was young. They didn't know.
Now that I look back, since they thought I was older, they also thought I should know better. With that being said, I should have known the typical rule of thumb. Personally, I am fine with having a novella and I'm not about to ruin a great manuscript by making it too wordy, just so I can say I wrote a novel.
As for the rest of it. I'm over it. It's the past and I'm looking ahead.
Until next time readers...
Monday, October 17, 2011
Blogs By Bree: Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place Pt. 1-5:41 p...
Blogs By Bree: Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place Pt. 1-5:41 p...: 1. So your manuscript is finished...or is it? Well, you've gone over it a dozen times, rewritten it twice, and agonized over your opening ...
Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place Pt. 1-5:41 p.m.-10/17/11
1. So your manuscript is finished...or is it?
Well, you've gone over it a dozen times, rewritten it twice, and agonized over your opening paragraph for four months. You've carried your baby for nine months (or longer) and finally delivered it. You've even had your wife or girlfriend (or both) read it over and they tell you love it.
2. Knowing the number of pages is a first step, and might be useful to someone who charges by the page, but doesn't do much for people who charge by the hour or project - and 177 pages isn't enough for a novel. I wouldn't even consider editing a book-length project until it was finished.
3.What do you base your claim on? If that is all that you can offer, do you have anything else you want to start a rumor on? What a waste of time!
Hello Readers,
If you are wondering what those are, those are three of the comments that I have received in the past day. Don't get me wrong, I don't find them offensive. Its just the critisism that I have been asking for. Like a man told me the othe day, I need to develop thick skin in this business. I am glad they said the things that they said. It just makes me think and it makes me work harder. (By the way I want you all to know that the third comment was not at all directed to my book. It was on a whole different subject. By the way, I still receive a lot of great advice from other people).
Reading these comments did; however, put one question in my mind, "Do some of these people think I am a joke?" Sometimes, I believe they aren't taking me seriously, because of my age. I don't know. I'm not worried. It just gives me more determination and a better reason to keep going.
On the other, I did not know my book was 177 pages until I finished typing it. Honestly, when I saw that number at the bottom of Microsoft Word, I was a little embarrassed, but I shrugged it off. In the back of my mind, that thought was always ther though. Today, there was no ignoring it and I am actually glad she brought it up before publishing. If she thinks this way, I woder how many other readers and writers think this way too. I have been debating about adding 30 extra pages for awhile now. The only problem I have is that my manuscript is finished. The story line is finished. Where am I going to pull 30 extra pages from?
Well readers, the library is about to close and I have to go. Until next time.
to be continued........
Well, you've gone over it a dozen times, rewritten it twice, and agonized over your opening paragraph for four months. You've carried your baby for nine months (or longer) and finally delivered it. You've even had your wife or girlfriend (or both) read it over and they tell you love it.
2. Knowing the number of pages is a first step, and might be useful to someone who charges by the page, but doesn't do much for people who charge by the hour or project - and 177 pages isn't enough for a novel. I wouldn't even consider editing a book-length project until it was finished.
3.What do you base your claim on? If that is all that you can offer, do you have anything else you want to start a rumor on? What a waste of time!
Hello Readers,
If you are wondering what those are, those are three of the comments that I have received in the past day. Don't get me wrong, I don't find them offensive. Its just the critisism that I have been asking for. Like a man told me the othe day, I need to develop thick skin in this business. I am glad they said the things that they said. It just makes me think and it makes me work harder. (By the way I want you all to know that the third comment was not at all directed to my book. It was on a whole different subject. By the way, I still receive a lot of great advice from other people).
Reading these comments did; however, put one question in my mind, "Do some of these people think I am a joke?" Sometimes, I believe they aren't taking me seriously, because of my age. I don't know. I'm not worried. It just gives me more determination and a better reason to keep going.
On the other, I did not know my book was 177 pages until I finished typing it. Honestly, when I saw that number at the bottom of Microsoft Word, I was a little embarrassed, but I shrugged it off. In the back of my mind, that thought was always ther though. Today, there was no ignoring it and I am actually glad she brought it up before publishing. If she thinks this way, I woder how many other readers and writers think this way too. I have been debating about adding 30 extra pages for awhile now. The only problem I have is that my manuscript is finished. The story line is finished. Where am I going to pull 30 extra pages from?
Well readers, the library is about to close and I have to go. Until next time.
to be continued........
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Blogs By Bree: What To Do Next?-10:13 a.m.-10/15/11
Blogs By Bree: What To Do Next?-10:13 a.m.-10/15/11: What to do next? That's the question that I have been pondering over since I finished my first manuscript. I mean seriously, what should I d...
What To Do Next?-10:13 a.m.-10/15/11
What to do next? That's the question that I have been pondering over since I finished my first manuscript. I mean seriously, what should I do next? I found out a long time ago that I was a fish out of water, I just didn't realize how much water I used to live in.
What to do next? As I do every other problem, I took this question to my Linked In group. These are people who are mostly veterans and they are here to help out rookies. I didn't realize how many different processes there are out there. I forgot that different things work for different people. Well when you ask a bunch of authors, "I'm finished typing my manuscript. What should I do next?" It's like asking the social media, "What religion or political view is best?" Okay, well maybe not that bad, but you get my point.
Every bit of information I received is very helpful. One guy told me to:
Print 4 copies and give them to 2 friends. Ask each of those two to give the extra copy to someone they know that does not know you. It is important to have people read your book that are not familiar with your speech pattern -- or else they'll hear your voice in every word. Then another guy came back and said :
Do not, under any conditions, give your draft manuscript to friends or relatives - they can't be trusted to be objective. Give them to readers and people that will provide you with both positive comments and suggestions for improvement. Critiquing is an art and you must implicitly trust those you ask to comment on your first draft.
Personally, I had already asked two of my friends to read my manuscript, but now I don't know if I should do that or not. Both of these men have valid arguments to support their opinion and now I'm torn. I've always felt that I have a very outspoken group of friends. They don't filter for nobody. They speak their mind. However, now I'm wondering would they filter for me? Sometimes close friends tend to be your 'yes men' to spare your feelings. That is good for your feelings, but not for the future success of my book.
So that's still up in the air.
Another thing somebody suggested was to:
While you have others or a professional editor look over your book, you should start preparing the BUZZ. Let your social network friends know what's coming in the near future. Contact a professional book cover designer and layout artist so that you have a book cover to start promoting your book and get your fan base excited. Once the text is done then your can move right into layout and printing. Develop the publicity now if all possible, don't wait until your manuscript is perfect.
I must say, I love the way this guy thinks. After all this is what this blog is for. That just made me think that maybe I should do more promotional things. It is also sort of motivational, because I know that in my past posts I've talked about lack of motivation and thought about giving up. Pre-promoting makes you want to keep going on, because you'd look stupid if one day you just up and stop. Not only that, but you'll be known as a quitter to anyone who knows your name.
I have also noticed that I am not patient whatsoever. I am constantly wanting to get things done and I am definitely not a procrastinator. I always like to feel like I'm doing something. You know the first thing my crazy behind thought after finishing my manuscript was, "Oh, yeah I'm finished. So tomorrow I can just take this .pdf file to the library and upload it to Create space and get my hard copy." Really? Bree...really? I doesn't work like that. That's why I wanted to quit my blog, because I wasn't getting any hits. I've had this blog for months and I've just got my very first follower yesterday. I guess I had this crazy fantasy in mind that I would become a hit overnight. But hey, Michelangelo didn't paint the Sistine Chapel overnight did he? Patience is the key.
In the comment above, the guy also brought up designing my cover and releasing it. I think this is a great idea. I will probably do this next. That way I can do something to occupy my time, while my book gets the amount of 'polishing' that it needs.
Another worry of mine is copyrighting my work. When I presented this topic to my group, I found out that I can actually copyright my own work. Isn't it amazing how much you can do by yourself? After I copyright my work, I feel better when I place my book into the hands of editors and publishers. I know they are professionals, but my book is my baby right now. I know I need to learn how to be less attached, but for now I think my first step will be cover design and copyrighting.
Until next time my faithful readers.
What to do next? As I do every other problem, I took this question to my Linked In group. These are people who are mostly veterans and they are here to help out rookies. I didn't realize how many different processes there are out there. I forgot that different things work for different people. Well when you ask a bunch of authors, "I'm finished typing my manuscript. What should I do next?" It's like asking the social media, "What religion or political view is best?" Okay, well maybe not that bad, but you get my point.
Every bit of information I received is very helpful. One guy told me to:
Print 4 copies and give them to 2 friends. Ask each of those two to give the extra copy to someone they know that does not know you. It is important to have people read your book that are not familiar with your speech pattern -- or else they'll hear your voice in every word. Then another guy came back and said :
Do not, under any conditions, give your draft manuscript to friends or relatives - they can't be trusted to be objective. Give them to readers and people that will provide you with both positive comments and suggestions for improvement. Critiquing is an art and you must implicitly trust those you ask to comment on your first draft.
Personally, I had already asked two of my friends to read my manuscript, but now I don't know if I should do that or not. Both of these men have valid arguments to support their opinion and now I'm torn. I've always felt that I have a very outspoken group of friends. They don't filter for nobody. They speak their mind. However, now I'm wondering would they filter for me? Sometimes close friends tend to be your 'yes men' to spare your feelings. That is good for your feelings, but not for the future success of my book.
So that's still up in the air.
Another thing somebody suggested was to:
While you have others or a professional editor look over your book, you should start preparing the BUZZ. Let your social network friends know what's coming in the near future. Contact a professional book cover designer and layout artist so that you have a book cover to start promoting your book and get your fan base excited. Once the text is done then your can move right into layout and printing. Develop the publicity now if all possible, don't wait until your manuscript is perfect.
I must say, I love the way this guy thinks. After all this is what this blog is for. That just made me think that maybe I should do more promotional things. It is also sort of motivational, because I know that in my past posts I've talked about lack of motivation and thought about giving up. Pre-promoting makes you want to keep going on, because you'd look stupid if one day you just up and stop. Not only that, but you'll be known as a quitter to anyone who knows your name.
I have also noticed that I am not patient whatsoever. I am constantly wanting to get things done and I am definitely not a procrastinator. I always like to feel like I'm doing something. You know the first thing my crazy behind thought after finishing my manuscript was, "Oh, yeah I'm finished. So tomorrow I can just take this .pdf file to the library and upload it to Create space and get my hard copy." Really? Bree...really? I doesn't work like that. That's why I wanted to quit my blog, because I wasn't getting any hits. I've had this blog for months and I've just got my very first follower yesterday. I guess I had this crazy fantasy in mind that I would become a hit overnight. But hey, Michelangelo didn't paint the Sistine Chapel overnight did he? Patience is the key.
In the comment above, the guy also brought up designing my cover and releasing it. I think this is a great idea. I will probably do this next. That way I can do something to occupy my time, while my book gets the amount of 'polishing' that it needs.
Another worry of mine is copyrighting my work. When I presented this topic to my group, I found out that I can actually copyright my own work. Isn't it amazing how much you can do by yourself? After I copyright my work, I feel better when I place my book into the hands of editors and publishers. I know they are professionals, but my book is my baby right now. I know I need to learn how to be less attached, but for now I think my first step will be cover design and copyrighting.
Until next time my faithful readers.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Blogs By Bree: A New Milestone-10:53 a.m.-10/13/11
Blogs By Bree: A New Milestone-10:53 a.m.-10/13/11: Hello Readers, I must say it has been a long while. More like two months. I must say it has been a challenging two months. This is my very...
A New Milestone-10:53 a.m.-10/13/11
Hello Readers,
I must say it has been a long while. More like two months. I must say it has been a challenging two months. This is my very last year in high school and I am working on graduating. On top of that, I am going to be the Valedictorian of my class; so, I have to make sure I keep that title. I've been accepted to one of the colleges I'm considering attending. I would put the name, but I'm still not sure what I can and cannot post on things like this. I don't want to get sued or anything like this. I am also applying for other colleges and scholarships, and I am taking avantage of Dual Enrollment in my school. That means right now I am also enrolled to two college courses and I am getting dual credit for both high school and college. Well with that being said, I have taken two classes last school year, and I will be taken four this year. That means I will graduate with about 15-18 hours of college credit. Your girl is not dumb, as a matter of fact I am very smart.
Now on top of all of that, I am senior class president, president of FBLA, Vice-President of Student Advisory Group (SAG), I am a cheerleader, and I play varsity baseball. Yes... I do mean baseball. My small school does not have softball team; therefore, our baseball team is co-ed. By the way, I must say this is very hard for me to do since I am only 4 feet 10 inches and weigh only 125 pounds. Now imagine how physically challenging it is for me to keep up with huge high school boys.
My schedule is horrendous and by the time I get home, I am beat. Now I have recently made it to Chapter 7 of my second book and it hit me, I am not finished typing my first book. I said to myself, "Bree, you need to finish one book before you start on another big project." I must say it is sometimes it is difficult to stay in the gist of things. Especially with no computer at home and for a writer, that can be very difficult. I found myself getting depressed about my situation. When I finally logged onto my Linkdin account, one lady was asking our group members have they herd from me lately. It kind of hit home that people would notice my absentee and I didn't want to loose any of my connection.
I thought about this blog everyday. I just knew I was going to loose it. I thought people are going to think I just stopped and that's not true. Then my lack of motivation got to me again and I started saying, well no one ever reads my stuff. No one ever comments on my blog posts; so why bother? Why do I bother to waste my time on this blog when no one is reading it? I wanted to pre-advertise my book; so my blog readers will go through my struggles with me and anticipate its release, but I wasn't getting the response that I thought I would. I finally came to that point and I said forget it. I'm not doing another blog post.
Today I logged into my Linkdin account and checked my inbox and someone sent me this:
I read your Blog and found it interesting, Bree. Isn't writing exciting? Self-publishing is definitely the way to go, and adult fiction is a field that is overlooked by many first-time authors. Kudos to you! I look forward to sharing many good discussions with you.
I must say God works in mysterious ways. This is the very first person, besides my best friends, who has ever told that they've read my blog and found it interesting. Of course my friends say it, but its different when a complete stranger takes time out to say something like this. So thank you Mr. because you have saved my blog and given me a reason to keep it up and running.
Another thing, school is out this entire week (Oct.10-14, 2011) for Fall Break. I went and got all four of my wisdom teeth out Tuesday (October 11) and it didn't hurt as bad as I thought. I am up and running around until I take my pain meds and then I'm confined to my sofa with two ice packs and my favorite blue blanket. My mother won't let me go out a night time until my extraction sites are completely healed and there should be a law against soft food diets. That is torture. I know I've lost at least five pounds and I'm not one of those girls who obsess over being fat. I am happy with myself and I like my weight. I don't need to loose anymore.
Anyway, my counselor let me check out a laptop for the week so I can keep up with my college classes. There schedules run different from high school. Well what is a writer going to do when she is confined to the house for a week with nothing , but a laptop and no internet connection, because she lives so deep in the back woods of Louisiana? She's going to pull up Wordpad and type. I kid you not, I typed my entire book in about six says (Friday-Wednesday).
Now I'm about to put the finishing touches and hopefully within my next post I'll be telling you that I have a hard copy of it. So pray for me you guys!! I'm really doing it!
Until next time you fabulous people!
P.S. I also think I have a title, but I should know for sure in my next post.
I must say it has been a long while. More like two months. I must say it has been a challenging two months. This is my very last year in high school and I am working on graduating. On top of that, I am going to be the Valedictorian of my class; so, I have to make sure I keep that title. I've been accepted to one of the colleges I'm considering attending. I would put the name, but I'm still not sure what I can and cannot post on things like this. I don't want to get sued or anything like this. I am also applying for other colleges and scholarships, and I am taking avantage of Dual Enrollment in my school. That means right now I am also enrolled to two college courses and I am getting dual credit for both high school and college. Well with that being said, I have taken two classes last school year, and I will be taken four this year. That means I will graduate with about 15-18 hours of college credit. Your girl is not dumb, as a matter of fact I am very smart.
Now on top of all of that, I am senior class president, president of FBLA, Vice-President of Student Advisory Group (SAG), I am a cheerleader, and I play varsity baseball. Yes... I do mean baseball. My small school does not have softball team; therefore, our baseball team is co-ed. By the way, I must say this is very hard for me to do since I am only 4 feet 10 inches and weigh only 125 pounds. Now imagine how physically challenging it is for me to keep up with huge high school boys.
My schedule is horrendous and by the time I get home, I am beat. Now I have recently made it to Chapter 7 of my second book and it hit me, I am not finished typing my first book. I said to myself, "Bree, you need to finish one book before you start on another big project." I must say it is sometimes it is difficult to stay in the gist of things. Especially with no computer at home and for a writer, that can be very difficult. I found myself getting depressed about my situation. When I finally logged onto my Linkdin account, one lady was asking our group members have they herd from me lately. It kind of hit home that people would notice my absentee and I didn't want to loose any of my connection.
I thought about this blog everyday. I just knew I was going to loose it. I thought people are going to think I just stopped and that's not true. Then my lack of motivation got to me again and I started saying, well no one ever reads my stuff. No one ever comments on my blog posts; so why bother? Why do I bother to waste my time on this blog when no one is reading it? I wanted to pre-advertise my book; so my blog readers will go through my struggles with me and anticipate its release, but I wasn't getting the response that I thought I would. I finally came to that point and I said forget it. I'm not doing another blog post.
Today I logged into my Linkdin account and checked my inbox and someone sent me this:
I read your Blog and found it interesting, Bree. Isn't writing exciting? Self-publishing is definitely the way to go, and adult fiction is a field that is overlooked by many first-time authors. Kudos to you! I look forward to sharing many good discussions with you.
I must say God works in mysterious ways. This is the very first person, besides my best friends, who has ever told that they've read my blog and found it interesting. Of course my friends say it, but its different when a complete stranger takes time out to say something like this. So thank you Mr. because you have saved my blog and given me a reason to keep it up and running.
Another thing, school is out this entire week (Oct.10-14, 2011) for Fall Break. I went and got all four of my wisdom teeth out Tuesday (October 11) and it didn't hurt as bad as I thought. I am up and running around until I take my pain meds and then I'm confined to my sofa with two ice packs and my favorite blue blanket. My mother won't let me go out a night time until my extraction sites are completely healed and there should be a law against soft food diets. That is torture. I know I've lost at least five pounds and I'm not one of those girls who obsess over being fat. I am happy with myself and I like my weight. I don't need to loose anymore.
Anyway, my counselor let me check out a laptop for the week so I can keep up with my college classes. There schedules run different from high school. Well what is a writer going to do when she is confined to the house for a week with nothing , but a laptop and no internet connection, because she lives so deep in the back woods of Louisiana? She's going to pull up Wordpad and type. I kid you not, I typed my entire book in about six says (Friday-Wednesday).
Now I'm about to put the finishing touches and hopefully within my next post I'll be telling you that I have a hard copy of it. So pray for me you guys!! I'm really doing it!
Until next time you fabulous people!
P.S. I also think I have a title, but I should know for sure in my next post.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Catching Up-11:08 p.m.-7/28/11
Hello Readers,
Sorry I have been out of contact lately. I have been away from home for a few weeks and as you all know by now, my only computer source is at the library. Anyways, a lot has happened since my last post, so let's catch up.
1. As you probably guessed, I have not been able to type anymore of my manuscript, but school is about to start back so I will have plenty of time to work on that book when I finish my work in my four hours in the computer lab.
2. I may have been away from the computer, but y'all know that did not keep me from writing. I know I said I didn't want to start another project with pen and paper, but I couldn't help myself. I live to write and I write to live. I was about to go nuts sitting around with all that time on my hands and all those ideas in my head. So, I not only did I start one project, I started two. Don't worry, I plan on finishing them.
The first one is, of course, book 2 of the one I just finished writing.
I always wanted to do a book of quickies, well I am again doing mine with a little twist. Y'all know I love my twists, that's how I stay different. Anyway, I'm not giving up any secrets, but I will tell one thing. I am not Zane and I am not trying to be Zane. These quickies probably don't even qualify as erotica, but it is adult fiction.
3. I have been caught up in my research, which is something I always do. I am a rookie, but I don't want to handle my business like one when I do get ready to publish. So, first things first, I have finally decided to self-publish. There is no doubt in my mind about that. Second, on my Linkdin profile I started a discussion about choosing the right editor. Well as usual, my group flooded me with helpful information that I knew nothing about. Today was the very first day that I realized just exactly how new I was to the business/publishing side. I did not know that editors and proofreader were different people with different job titles. I did not know that editing alone, had many level and critical steps. It was just so much that I didn't know and honestly it was very overwhelming and frightening. So, now I know I need to sit down and list the things I want in an editor. Then, I'll go from there.
4. As I said earlier, school is about to start back. August 3 to be exact, which is one day after my birthday. Best birthday gift ever, honestly I love school...especially since it's my senior year. I am telling you this, because I won't be able to do this blog as often and I didn't won't everybody to think I gave up. If this site isn't blocked at school, I'll blog everyday or two. If it is blocked, I'll just try to get to the library once a week.
So, today post has come to an end. Keep reading and I'll keep posting!
Sorry I have been out of contact lately. I have been away from home for a few weeks and as you all know by now, my only computer source is at the library. Anyways, a lot has happened since my last post, so let's catch up.
1. As you probably guessed, I have not been able to type anymore of my manuscript, but school is about to start back so I will have plenty of time to work on that book when I finish my work in my four hours in the computer lab.
2. I may have been away from the computer, but y'all know that did not keep me from writing. I know I said I didn't want to start another project with pen and paper, but I couldn't help myself. I live to write and I write to live. I was about to go nuts sitting around with all that time on my hands and all those ideas in my head. So, I not only did I start one project, I started two. Don't worry, I plan on finishing them.
The first one is, of course, book 2 of the one I just finished writing.
I always wanted to do a book of quickies, well I am again doing mine with a little twist. Y'all know I love my twists, that's how I stay different. Anyway, I'm not giving up any secrets, but I will tell one thing. I am not Zane and I am not trying to be Zane. These quickies probably don't even qualify as erotica, but it is adult fiction.
3. I have been caught up in my research, which is something I always do. I am a rookie, but I don't want to handle my business like one when I do get ready to publish. So, first things first, I have finally decided to self-publish. There is no doubt in my mind about that. Second, on my Linkdin profile I started a discussion about choosing the right editor. Well as usual, my group flooded me with helpful information that I knew nothing about. Today was the very first day that I realized just exactly how new I was to the business/publishing side. I did not know that editors and proofreader were different people with different job titles. I did not know that editing alone, had many level and critical steps. It was just so much that I didn't know and honestly it was very overwhelming and frightening. So, now I know I need to sit down and list the things I want in an editor. Then, I'll go from there.
4. As I said earlier, school is about to start back. August 3 to be exact, which is one day after my birthday. Best birthday gift ever, honestly I love school...especially since it's my senior year. I am telling you this, because I won't be able to do this blog as often and I didn't won't everybody to think I gave up. If this site isn't blocked at school, I'll blog everyday or two. If it is blocked, I'll just try to get to the library once a week.
So, today post has come to an end. Keep reading and I'll keep posting!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
One Step Futher-1:40 p.m.-7/13/11
Honestly, I wasn't even going to blog today, because I felt I had nothing to say. Well sitting back at the computer at the library, I was doing my daily research. I spent some time on my Linkdin profile http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=119879842&locale=en_US&trk=tab_pro trying to get the hang of things. I joined this really awesome group of authors and publishers, who are all highly experienced compared to me. It is and honor, a privilege, and a big help to chat with some of these people, since they are older and they know the game. Well how do I say that better? They know the do's and don'ts of publishing and self-publishing; many of the group members have published books.
I was questioning whether or not I should self-publish or not? Well I think I'm going to do it...whenever I finish typing my manuscript. In discussions, they suggested some sites that they have published through successfully, and about three were mentioned over and over. One of the three, I was already planning on using. As for the other two, I checked those out and I will be publishing through at least two of the three. Why publish through two companies you ask? I asked the same questions to myself. Well one site, is own by amazon and that way, I can sell online much cheaper. Another company is connected to the big stores like Barnes & Nobles and etc. Great isn't it? I know.
Well, I am going to keep diligently working to my finish. Just thought I'd give you an update. Until my next entry good folk!
I was questioning whether or not I should self-publish or not? Well I think I'm going to do it...whenever I finish typing my manuscript. In discussions, they suggested some sites that they have published through successfully, and about three were mentioned over and over. One of the three, I was already planning on using. As for the other two, I checked those out and I will be publishing through at least two of the three. Why publish through two companies you ask? I asked the same questions to myself. Well one site, is own by amazon and that way, I can sell online much cheaper. Another company is connected to the big stores like Barnes & Nobles and etc. Great isn't it? I know.
Well, I am going to keep diligently working to my finish. Just thought I'd give you an update. Until my next entry good folk!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
A Newly Met Goal!-9:40 a.m.-7/12/11
O.K. first of all, I know I said I'll be back yesterday, but I had to babysit. In all actuality, I need that time away from it all this weekend. I got a lot of work done. I have great news everybody! I finally got Chapter 15 started and finished in one day. That's the thing about me, when I do get started, I have to keep going, and going, and going until I let everything out...or else I'll forget. Don't get me wrong, Chapter 15 wasn't done in an hour, it actually took the entire day to write, but I finished it.
In other news, Chapter 15 wasn't the only thing that I finished. I have successfully finished writing my book. I decided at the last minute to take some information out and save it for the third book in my series, so its a few chapters short of what I intended, but I thinks it's still good. I finished at Chapter 17. So I am proud to announce that all I have to do is finish typing my manuscript...which I have 12 chapters left to type.
Honestly, I am still struggling to finish typing, because one: I still don't have that computer at home and two: Books two and three are already floating in my head. My problem with that is ending up like I am now with my first book. I don't want to have stacks of notebooks filled with my work that needs to be typed. That's just depressing to look at.
O.k. back to the subject at hand. I know I have a good book, but with everything comes doubts and I have many insecurities. I started off reading Wahida Clark and this year, I my bestie introduced me to Mary. B. Morrison's Who's Loving You. Then, my mother actually got Unconditionally Single for me. It's kind of intimidating to me when I am getting ready to throw myself out there with many authors of their calliber. Can I get past or even to their level of expertise? Can I get that way through self-publishing? If I self-publish successfully and then make it past their level completely on my own, I will be known as a go-getter. A possible entreprenuer. A determined, great, successful author. But do I have the gutts to do it? Somedays I doubt myself so much 'til it just ain't funny. You know you are your own toughest critic. Somedays I look at my book and be like, this will never sell or stand out. Maybe I am just kidding myself.Then other days I'm like hell yeah!! I can do this. I mean I never will know until I try. As you can see, I am still writing this blog even though I have no comments and even though it seems like I have no readers. I have determination, I just hope I have a bestseller.
In other news, Chapter 15 wasn't the only thing that I finished. I have successfully finished writing my book. I decided at the last minute to take some information out and save it for the third book in my series, so its a few chapters short of what I intended, but I thinks it's still good. I finished at Chapter 17. So I am proud to announce that all I have to do is finish typing my manuscript...which I have 12 chapters left to type.
Honestly, I am still struggling to finish typing, because one: I still don't have that computer at home and two: Books two and three are already floating in my head. My problem with that is ending up like I am now with my first book. I don't want to have stacks of notebooks filled with my work that needs to be typed. That's just depressing to look at.
O.k. back to the subject at hand. I know I have a good book, but with everything comes doubts and I have many insecurities. I started off reading Wahida Clark and this year, I my bestie introduced me to Mary. B. Morrison's Who's Loving You. Then, my mother actually got Unconditionally Single for me. It's kind of intimidating to me when I am getting ready to throw myself out there with many authors of their calliber. Can I get past or even to their level of expertise? Can I get that way through self-publishing? If I self-publish successfully and then make it past their level completely on my own, I will be known as a go-getter. A possible entreprenuer. A determined, great, successful author. But do I have the gutts to do it? Somedays I doubt myself so much 'til it just ain't funny. You know you are your own toughest critic. Somedays I look at my book and be like, this will never sell or stand out. Maybe I am just kidding myself.Then other days I'm like hell yeah!! I can do this. I mean I never will know until I try. As you can see, I am still writing this blog even though I have no comments and even though it seems like I have no readers. I have determination, I just hope I have a bestseller.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Getting Back On Track (Just A Quick Update)-1:30 p.m.-7/8/11
Hallelujah!! I am getting there...sort of. I just finished typing Chapter 4, so Monday I will start typing Chapter 5. I know it's not much, but it's a big deal to me. Especially, since I had fell of so badly (NOTE: Read about me falling of in my last blog post My Struggle To Get and Stay Motivated).
I am even trying to do some tweeting to get my name and blog out there. Readers follow me on twitter @ http://twitter.com/#!/Mrs_Bree_. I have also be doing a lot of researching and networking. At least as much as I can do at my age. So, during my research, I found out that creating a manuscript is very difficult. Well, not difficult, just straight forward. These publishers are very specific about what they want, I just hope that one day I can meet their critical standards. Not to mention the prices of publishing, printing, and editors. I can't afford anything right now.
On the other hand, here's some food for thought: I have the option of self publishing. Personally, I kind of like that idea, because there is no middle man, and I like to be in control of everything that I create. Not to mention I plan on being an entrepreneur in some form or fashion. There's only one this that worries me about going this route: there is a bunch of advertisement, promotion, and other dirty that I'd have to do solo. Whereas, if I get publishers, editors, and etc. I wouldn't have to have to worry as much about the big stuff. Also, I am scared that I can't get my book to the places the big time publishers can.
Readers, I am calling you out for comments again. What do you guys think I should do? Should I save and try to get published or should I take the big plunge and self-publish?
My laziness is battling my will to be successful and it is very difficult, but whether you guys believe it or not, I feel that this book will make it big, so I am majorly dedicated.
Well readers it's that time again, my post has come to an end. Until Mondays you guys!!
I am even trying to do some tweeting to get my name and blog out there. Readers follow me on twitter @ http://twitter.com/#!/Mrs_Bree_. I have also be doing a lot of researching and networking. At least as much as I can do at my age. So, during my research, I found out that creating a manuscript is very difficult. Well, not difficult, just straight forward. These publishers are very specific about what they want, I just hope that one day I can meet their critical standards. Not to mention the prices of publishing, printing, and editors. I can't afford anything right now.
On the other hand, here's some food for thought: I have the option of self publishing. Personally, I kind of like that idea, because there is no middle man, and I like to be in control of everything that I create. Not to mention I plan on being an entrepreneur in some form or fashion. There's only one this that worries me about going this route: there is a bunch of advertisement, promotion, and other dirty that I'd have to do solo. Whereas, if I get publishers, editors, and etc. I wouldn't have to have to worry as much about the big stuff. Also, I am scared that I can't get my book to the places the big time publishers can.
Readers, I am calling you out for comments again. What do you guys think I should do? Should I save and try to get published or should I take the big plunge and self-publish?
My laziness is battling my will to be successful and it is very difficult, but whether you guys believe it or not, I feel that this book will make it big, so I am majorly dedicated.
Well readers it's that time again, my post has come to an end. Until Mondays you guys!!
My Struggle to Get and Stay Motivated-9:37 a.m.-7/8/11
As of right now, I have only typed 3 1/2 chapters of my book since I don't have a computer at home, but I have chapters 4-14 written in a notebook that I carry with me everywhere I go.
Writing and typing are to very different things. Personally I enjoy them both (with typing being my favorite), but I hate having to re-type what I write. It is very big to me that I wrote ten chapters less than a month, but that tablet is just discouraging to look at sometimes when I think, "Hey, I still need to type this if I want to finish my manuscript." I guess the fact that I know I have a lot to type, is what leaves me procrastinating for so long. I don't have the money to hire anybody right now, so I have to do everything on my own.
A bigger problem has started to arise in my writing process. I know how I want to end this book, but I'm stuck on how I want to start chapter 15. It just gets to me sometimes, because I know how everything began and I know how I want things to end, but some parts in the middle are very sketchy to me. Chelsea has just regained her memory and I don't know how I want her reaction to be. I don't know weather I want Chapter 15 to take place on the same day she regained her memory or start it a few weeks later. I have put my book down for almost three weeks just pondering this question. I am struggling to not put my book down a third time, especially this late in the game. Readers, any suggestions?
Well my time on this entry has come to an end. I will never finish this manuscript if I keep on complaining, so hopefully next time I write, I will be way past typing Chapter 4. I'll worry about writing Chapter 15 later.
Writing and typing are to very different things. Personally I enjoy them both (with typing being my favorite), but I hate having to re-type what I write. It is very big to me that I wrote ten chapters less than a month, but that tablet is just discouraging to look at sometimes when I think, "Hey, I still need to type this if I want to finish my manuscript." I guess the fact that I know I have a lot to type, is what leaves me procrastinating for so long. I don't have the money to hire anybody right now, so I have to do everything on my own.
A bigger problem has started to arise in my writing process. I know how I want to end this book, but I'm stuck on how I want to start chapter 15. It just gets to me sometimes, because I know how everything began and I know how I want things to end, but some parts in the middle are very sketchy to me. Chelsea has just regained her memory and I don't know how I want her reaction to be. I don't know weather I want Chapter 15 to take place on the same day she regained her memory or start it a few weeks later. I have put my book down for almost three weeks just pondering this question. I am struggling to not put my book down a third time, especially this late in the game. Readers, any suggestions?
Well my time on this entry has come to an end. I will never finish this manuscript if I keep on complaining, so hopefully next time I write, I will be way past typing Chapter 4. I'll worry about writing Chapter 15 later.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
A Little About My Book- 2 p.m.-7/7/11
On my last entry I told you that I was writing a book. This entry, I want to try to give you a summary of what my book is all about without giving away too much information, so bare with me.
Well everybody knows what urban erotica and adult fiction is, right? Usually, in these books the story is about an adult or adults who are in love triangles, sex scandals, have a promiscuous sex lives or no sex lives at all (of course there is more situatations than I named). Well I did a spin on the normal erotica. Since most of the time erotica is based on adults, I did the opposite. My main character is a 16 year old junior in high school. Why would I make a minor the main character in an adult fiction book? Simple. Its reality. Although, teenage sex is not really condoned in modern day society, that does not stop it from happening and believe me, I know this firsthand. Teenagers talk about sex, think about sex, want sex, and have sex...even at school....literally, in locker rooms, classrooms, the weightroom, the gym, and any other free place they can find. So bottom line is shit happens.
Although my book is adult fiction, I believe it will appeal mostly to people in their late teens to early twenties, just because it is real life.
Like I said earlier, my main character is Chelsea Jones, who is a 16 year old junior in high school. Chelsea was raised in a small town in Louisiana that is considered the country, because there is so many trees down there that its like a mile in between each house. Her father left her mother while she was pregnant, which is why you'll see Chelsea refer to him many times throughout the book as her 'sperm donor.' She was raised by her mother and her mother's parents. Growing up in a very religious and strict household, she find herself stuggling to stay level headed and not rebel. Screaming for freedom, she instantly fell for Rashad Rodriguez (her co-main character), who is a notorious Ohio gang banger who has recently been incarcerated. And boy does he come with alot of baggage and trouble. Although they are from different worlds, they instantly fall in love and Rashad unintentionally drags Chelsea into the line of fire. Will Chelsea and their growing family make it out alive or will they get burned?
Follow my blogs, and evry now and then, I may share a secret or two.
Well everybody knows what urban erotica and adult fiction is, right? Usually, in these books the story is about an adult or adults who are in love triangles, sex scandals, have a promiscuous sex lives or no sex lives at all (of course there is more situatations than I named). Well I did a spin on the normal erotica. Since most of the time erotica is based on adults, I did the opposite. My main character is a 16 year old junior in high school. Why would I make a minor the main character in an adult fiction book? Simple. Its reality. Although, teenage sex is not really condoned in modern day society, that does not stop it from happening and believe me, I know this firsthand. Teenagers talk about sex, think about sex, want sex, and have sex...even at school....literally, in locker rooms, classrooms, the weightroom, the gym, and any other free place they can find. So bottom line is shit happens.
Although my book is adult fiction, I believe it will appeal mostly to people in their late teens to early twenties, just because it is real life.
Like I said earlier, my main character is Chelsea Jones, who is a 16 year old junior in high school. Chelsea was raised in a small town in Louisiana that is considered the country, because there is so many trees down there that its like a mile in between each house. Her father left her mother while she was pregnant, which is why you'll see Chelsea refer to him many times throughout the book as her 'sperm donor.' She was raised by her mother and her mother's parents. Growing up in a very religious and strict household, she find herself stuggling to stay level headed and not rebel. Screaming for freedom, she instantly fell for Rashad Rodriguez (her co-main character), who is a notorious Ohio gang banger who has recently been incarcerated. And boy does he come with alot of baggage and trouble. Although they are from different worlds, they instantly fall in love and Rashad unintentionally drags Chelsea into the line of fire. Will Chelsea and their growing family make it out alive or will they get burned?
Follow my blogs, and evry now and then, I may share a secret or two.
My Introduction (How It All Started)-11 a.m. 7/7/11
If you are reading this, I want to let you know that this is the first to a series of blogs. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it. In this entry, I want to tell you about my writing history and inspiration to become an author.
Well, as you saw from my About Me section, I am currently on my very first Adult Fiction/Erotica Novel. I have been writing Adult Fiction since the tender age of 12. Yes, 12 (It however, didn't involve anything sexual, but my language was still a little inappropriate for my age). And I loved reading at an even younger age. However, that wasn't my first aspiration. My 6th grade English teacher intoduced my class and I to poetry and I did mine very very quickly and received the highest grade in the class. That's when I first realized that I could write and that I actually enjoyed it. Some of my next assignments where a short story that I had to make up and then a 20-page prospectus complete with rough drafts, outlines, and final drafts. (And yes I was still in the 6th grade. My teacher's favorite saying was, "I'm preparing you for college.")
Fast forward, to my Freshman year in highschool. Many of my closest friends failed our 8th grade LEAP Test, so they where left behind. I didn't get to see them at all, because even though my school is elementary, middle, and high school combined, my principle made our schedule so well that none of the three levels crossed paths or even saw each other on a day to day basis. I only had one bestfriend left in my class to talk to in high school, because I wasn't really close to my other classmates. Anyways, that friend failed a couple times before, so he was a couple years older. Eventually, he got into this program to help him get his degree earlier, so he left like at midterms. Well I was left alone, don't get me wrong I knew everybody in my class, because the school is so small, we all basically grew up together, expect the people who we picked up along the years, but I was at that age where I was trying to find myself, I was shy, and didn't really fit in. (Of course, now my class and I are like brothers and sisters. We are one big happy disfuctional family, but it wasn't easy getting to this point). Well, feeling out of place from my own crowd, I feel into this crowd with at that time, two senior boys and three junior girls. Two of the junior girls I hung with read alot and very very faster than me. They hand literally, a new book everyday, and then they'd come and talk about it. It was like their own book club, and the things they said really got my attention. All I knew was that they read books that my mother always tried to keep me away from. Then they finally gave me one (since I wasn't old enough to check them out at the library then) and it was Around Tha Way Girls 2. I loved it!! A few books later, they gave me Wahida Clark's Every Thug Needs a Lady and it hit me. I wanted to write like her, so I pulled out an old story I had been workin on when I was twelve, but quit at like, Chapter 4. I read it and revised it and then set it down again.
Two years later (which was last year), I pulled the revised copy out, read it, and then revised it....again. This time I was determined to finish it and this time I planned on making it slighty erotic. I began typing it at school during my LVS computer classes since I don't have a computer at home. I let my classmates and friends read the first three chapter and everybody loved it. On girl in my class asked me was I gone publish it. Honestly, the thought had crossed my mind once or twice but fearing her reaction, I said, "No, it's just what I do for fun when I'm bored." Her response was, "Well, if you not gone publish it, give to me and I'll publish it." Then, something else hit me, "If I dedicate this much time into writing it, I should at least try to publish it. So no, I shouldn't doubt my writing and yes, I should give it a try. It's better to try a fail, rather than to never try at all and forever wonder 'what if?' "
Well, as you saw from my About Me section, I am currently on my very first Adult Fiction/Erotica Novel. I have been writing Adult Fiction since the tender age of 12. Yes, 12 (It however, didn't involve anything sexual, but my language was still a little inappropriate for my age). And I loved reading at an even younger age. However, that wasn't my first aspiration. My 6th grade English teacher intoduced my class and I to poetry and I did mine very very quickly and received the highest grade in the class. That's when I first realized that I could write and that I actually enjoyed it. Some of my next assignments where a short story that I had to make up and then a 20-page prospectus complete with rough drafts, outlines, and final drafts. (And yes I was still in the 6th grade. My teacher's favorite saying was, "I'm preparing you for college.")
Fast forward, to my Freshman year in highschool. Many of my closest friends failed our 8th grade LEAP Test, so they where left behind. I didn't get to see them at all, because even though my school is elementary, middle, and high school combined, my principle made our schedule so well that none of the three levels crossed paths or even saw each other on a day to day basis. I only had one bestfriend left in my class to talk to in high school, because I wasn't really close to my other classmates. Anyways, that friend failed a couple times before, so he was a couple years older. Eventually, he got into this program to help him get his degree earlier, so he left like at midterms. Well I was left alone, don't get me wrong I knew everybody in my class, because the school is so small, we all basically grew up together, expect the people who we picked up along the years, but I was at that age where I was trying to find myself, I was shy, and didn't really fit in. (Of course, now my class and I are like brothers and sisters. We are one big happy disfuctional family, but it wasn't easy getting to this point). Well, feeling out of place from my own crowd, I feel into this crowd with at that time, two senior boys and three junior girls. Two of the junior girls I hung with read alot and very very faster than me. They hand literally, a new book everyday, and then they'd come and talk about it. It was like their own book club, and the things they said really got my attention. All I knew was that they read books that my mother always tried to keep me away from. Then they finally gave me one (since I wasn't old enough to check them out at the library then) and it was Around Tha Way Girls 2. I loved it!! A few books later, they gave me Wahida Clark's Every Thug Needs a Lady and it hit me. I wanted to write like her, so I pulled out an old story I had been workin on when I was twelve, but quit at like, Chapter 4. I read it and revised it and then set it down again.
Two years later (which was last year), I pulled the revised copy out, read it, and then revised it....again. This time I was determined to finish it and this time I planned on making it slighty erotic. I began typing it at school during my LVS computer classes since I don't have a computer at home. I let my classmates and friends read the first three chapter and everybody loved it. On girl in my class asked me was I gone publish it. Honestly, the thought had crossed my mind once or twice but fearing her reaction, I said, "No, it's just what I do for fun when I'm bored." Her response was, "Well, if you not gone publish it, give to me and I'll publish it." Then, something else hit me, "If I dedicate this much time into writing it, I should at least try to publish it. So no, I shouldn't doubt my writing and yes, I should give it a try. It's better to try a fail, rather than to never try at all and forever wonder 'what if?' "
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