How to help your favorite Indie

Independent authors are a different breed of people. Usually they have a stick-to-itness that others don't, and they develop a thick skin. They are the DIY'ers of the writing industry, and are not afraid to take a new challenge head on. Whether that challenge is writing the actual book, or wading into the murky waters that is social media to promote their books and build their "brand" (whatever that means *snort*).

But no matter how outgoing, or stubborn an "Indie" is, they still need people to help them in both large and small ways. Below are some of the ways that friends and family are able to help their favorite "Indie" out in the process.

1. Be a listening ear/sounding board. Because we, the authors, spend so much time in our own heads, it is helpful to bounce ideas off of someone who doesn't know the whole story. We can gauge your reactions and impressions, and then adjust accordingly. (Or maybe we just need a break from typing our fingers off!)


2. Provide coffee (or their preferred mode of caffeine/inspiration fuel). We do accept gift cards! ;)


3. Ask us how the writing is going. I know, I know, we may groan and moan, but we will love and appreciate that you are taking an interest in not only our interest, but often times writing stories is our passion. Even the most reclusive introvert will talk your ear off about their writing if you take the time to ask.


4. Once the book is out, buy a copy! Better than that, ask us to sign the inside, and then read it and let us know what you thought. Writers love to hear what people reading their books think. We usually start out writing for ourselves, but it is nice to know how others reading it are responding to the characters and plot that we've created.


5. Once you've read said book, leave a review. Leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, your own facebook/social media. THIS IS THE SINGLE MOST HELPFUL THING TO AN INDIE. Shout out that you loved this book to everyone!
Independent authors do not have a media team behind them like the traditionally published books do. They need every bit of help they can get to promote their work.
Even writing a one line review and leaving a star rating helps. This increases visibility, and also encourages potential readers that the story is worthwhile.


6. Never grumble about the price of the book. An Indie author pays for everything upfront out of pocket, usually funded by a day job they would rather not have, just to make ends meet.



Writing a book is hard, editing a book is hard, promoting a book is hard. Be kind, and help out the Indie authors you know. You are helping them live their dream, and isn't that something worthwhile to support?

So You Want to Write a Book? Pt 4

The very last question/topic for this series is almost the most important one, and the one I hear most frequently.


"How do you get started?"


This is both the simplest and most difficult to answer. It's like answering the existential question of "What does life mean?" There are numerous answers to both, and yet there is only one correct answer for each person.


Every person starts on this journey differently. Some will have similar paths, and some will have very convoluted steps.


But the most simple answer I can give is: just start wherever you are. If you feel like writing on the train, in the car, at the office. Grab some paper, or even your phone. And just start. Sometimes your characters will bug you until you write their stories. Others, you'll need to pursue and convince them their story is worth sharing. But the whole issue boils down to one thing.


You have to tell your inner editor, that naysayer, to shut up and take a back seat.


All the doubts, and negative thoughts telling you that your writing will suck, that no one would want to read your books, that people will hate your writing. Take those thoughts, bundle 'em up nice and tight with duct tape, and ship them off to the artic. Or Sibera, whichever is cheaper for your selected transit company.


You have to get those out of your head. Or even better, use them as fuel. Tell yourself that you're going to write despite or in spite of those negative thoughts. And if it's a person telling you those things? Cut them out. You or anyone else who is thinking of being creative definitely don't need that kind of negativity in your lives.


This is why I love what NaNoWriMo and Camp NaNoWriMo stands for. It's just literary abandon at its finest. AND you have a group of like minded people surrounding, and supporting, your writing. Whether you make the 50K or you only write 10K. You did something that most people would never dream of doing: getting started.


So start today. Maybe just an outline. Maybe a character sketch. Maybe a piece of dialogue. Maybe an entire chapter.
Whatever it is, just start.


I'll just be over here cheering you on.

Tools of the Trade

There are many tools that writers utilize during the process of creating a book.
They can range from reference books, a library, a person, the software used to plan or write the book, hard materials such as notebooks/pens/notecards, to online resources like Pinterest and baby name websites.


In this blog post I'd like to talk about one that I have recently, really begun using more. That is the App, or website known as Pinterest.
Now, I have been a Pinterest user for several years; it definitely started after I got my first iPhone. At first I used it for the usual things like, jokes, cat memes, planting advice, house ideas, writing advice for both during NaNo and writing in general. (There's seriously tons on my boards, and it would take way too long to list everything!)


Then I found the geek tab, and I added more boards all about Lord of the Rings, Supernatural, House, Castle etc. From that board I started finding interesting fantasy posts and pictures. Any writing advice got pinned to the writing boards, but what was I to do with these inspiring and cool pictures that sparked my imagination? Well, create a board called "Inspiration"!


This "Inspiration" board has become a catch-all for anything that sparks my imagination, or reference materials for books. You will find things that range from types of weapons and armor, to plants and their medicinal (or poision) uses. From reference pictures of characters and clothing to snippets of dialogue or listings of medieval jobs. Anything that catches my attention goes in.


Later, or even if I know right away where that particular piece fits, I either add it to an existing board, or I create a new one. So now not only do I have an "Inspiration" board, but also a board for my first trilogy, "Incalescent", and for the romance trilogy I'm working on that's set in Ireland, "Irish Romance".


Lately I've been using it to save images of characters for a middle grade/young adult Christian Fantasy I've had brewing in the back of my mind. Which is a little odd. Before this I never actively searched for character references. But I have found that this is helping to solidify the characters and their traits more in my mind.


Have you used Pinterest before in your writing process? If you have, I'd love to hear about it!

Comparison

One of my favorite quotes is "Comparison is the thief of joy." And almost nothing is more true than that when it comes to writing and the publishing industry.


It's almost easy to go along and believe that your books are something special, that they are one of a kind, and that you can't wait to have lots of readers who will feel the same right out of the starting gates. That you'll be receiving fan mail full of praise, fan art, and all positive reviews on Good Reads and Amazon. Your Twitter, Instagram, and blog will flood overnight with subscribers.


Sadly, for the majority of authors, this does not happen overnight. Or even ever. Not all of us can be the next J.K. Rowling, Diana Gabaldon, Nora Roberts, or Stephen King. And even those writers went through periods of doubt, and low readership.


You cannot allow the negative thoughts and feelings to creep in. And if they do get around your barriers? You flush them out as fast and as hard as you can. If you don't doubt will crawl in and make a home. Often this influences every part of an author's life, not just their writing. But most definitely their writing will suffer as a result.


It can be hard to see someone selling well, and their readership climbing via social media. It can be disheartening to take your books and attend an author event only to see tables/booths that are teaming with people, and making sales all day.


I know it's hard, but try to remain positive. Instead of whining and making yourself miserable, ask yourse;f "What can I learn? How can I *insert topic here* better?" (Examples, are Market, Write faster, Set up a booth etc) Then analyze what the people are doing. Are they blogging more? Are they more active on social media? Do they set up more giveaways and promotions? The list is almost endless and can be tailored specifically to your situation.


We're writers! We steal ideas and then change them to fit us. This is just another instance of this. Yes, it is disheartening. Yes, it is difficult. But isn't your writing worth it? Aren't you worth it?


And so what if you only have a small reader base? As long as they're loyal, love your characters, and believe in you, that's all that matters!




Keep your heads up, and your fingers busy typing (or writing long hand), I believe in you.

Realizing I wanted to be a Author

Many writers can tell you the story of when they first wanted to be a real "author". For me I grew up writing stories. I think my mom still has some of the earliest pieces tucked away somewhere safe. Eek, let's not look at those! I excelled in the writing and English classes throughout school, but there was a moment in middle school when I knew something had shifted.


I was in 7th grade, and was reading Terry Brooks Elfstones of Shannara for the first time. My father has a love of fantasy, so when I was looking for more books to read, he jumped at the chance to share his love with me. (I was a voracious reader, and it was at this time I also started reading the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, the Lord of the Rings trilogy by Tolkien, as well as The Mists of Avalon.)


While reading Elfstones I fell in love with the entire mythology and world that Brooks was able to build. His characters made me laugh, cry, and love them with each chapter. The mysteries of the world and magic as well as the races intrigued me. I distinctly remember sitting in a study hall reading, and realizing that not only did I want to write something like I was reading, but that I COULD. There was nothing stopping me from trying, and if I hated it, I would never share anything I wrote with anyone else.


With all the heart and brain power my little 13 year old body could muster, I started writing longer, more detailed stories. Often for projects I would turn in something that was supposed to be only ten pages, but would be closer to 20. This really came to a head when I was 16 in high school. During a creative writing class (It was a new class for the school, and I was so excited) for a short story, my mind just would not stop going. I thought of back stories, names, new geography, new languages, and even new creatures. Enter in my love of all things fantastical, including dragons! For that "short story" I turned in the first 25 pages (single spaced), of the very first draft of Through the Mountains.


Now, a lot has changed since those first few pages, but what I try to hold on to is that passion. The spark that says that I can do it. The spark that drives me to write. I will never forget that realization in study hall. It changed my life forever.

BONUS!

A little while ago on Twitter I put out that if I hit 405 followers I would post some new writing.
Well, it took a few weeks...but I finally hit it! I know it seems trivial, and maybe it kind of is, but still. I said I would, so here is a segment from one of the short stories that will be released in the early fall!

This is a short story that centers around one of the secondary characters, Yaretzi. The story is "meant" to be read between books 2 and 3, but really can be read any time as it gives background or extra, information on the characters and world.


Blue Seas

Slap, slap, slap.

Yaretzi’s scandals slapped the stone beneath her feet with every step. Her hair had been swept back into an intricate braid that had taken her only half a bell. Most women would have needed half the morning for such an elaborate design. But growing up in a royal household had helped her, even if she didn’t feel that way often. If she chose her footfalls would be silent; but not this day.

Slap, slap, slap.

She had woken early. Risen with the sun in fact; like she had every day before during her trial period. Today would be different. Today she would receive her marks. The swirling marks that all members of her tribe bore—all the adult members anyway. Her task had been fairly simple, diving to the bottom of the lagoon to retrieve a rare sea plant. An affair only witnessed by the elders.

Slap, slap, slap.

Yaretzi’s chambers were far from where the ritual would be held. Though she had left plenty of time before she was required to arrive, her strides carried her swiftly through the hall. The thin, white fabric of her dress fanned out behind her in her wake. None of the servants or people in the halls approached her. She could have that effect on people. All except two it seemed. Footsteps echoed her own, approaching fast.

A hand rested on her shoulder for a moment before she grabbed the attached arm. Twisting mercilessly, she forced the person against the wall.

“Easy!” The voice came out muffled from the white-haired man shoved against the white stone.

Yaretzi growled in her throat and released the man. Backing up a few steps, she placed her hands on her hips. “What do you want, Chimalli?”

“I came to walk with you.” He rubbed at his wrists and arm. “Where did you learn that?”

She quirked an eyebrow. “I have my secrets.” Turning, she resumed her journey.

“Hey!” Yaretzi didn’t stop for him. She didn’t have time for his antics. Unfortunately his long-legged strides overtook her, and soon he was matching her pace.

Under the cover of her lashes she looked him over. He looked like he had gotten dressed in a rush. As part of the elite warriors of their people he didn’t have to be awake at a certain time. She had heard the rumor; he loved drinking and the company of beautiful women. Half his head was shaved to display the black swirling patterns of his own marks earned almost a year past. Chimalli was always trying to talk to her, though she wanted nothing to do with him once they became adolescents.

It was one thing to have close male friends as a child, but as not only an adult, but the future Chieftess? That was not acceptable. Besides, a smile crept across her lips, he didn’t want to be just friends with her anymore. Her hips may have swung out a little more at the thought. If she desired, she could use that; for what she wasn’t sure, but she could think of something. His voice interrupted her musings.

“…excruciating. Your mother may have them give you something for it while the elder finishes.” He paused and gathered more air. “Hopefully he doesn’t choose your face. That would be a shame.”

Yaretzi silently agreed. There had been a girl two years back that had gotten hers across her cheek and brow bone. She had cried when the looking glass was held for her before promptly fainting. Inside her stomach turned, but Yaretzi didn’t show it. Somewhere on the edge of her mind Chimalli was still talking, and she let him continue. It helped to keep the other people milling about away.

They neared the small hallway that would take her the rest of the way. Coming to an abrupt halt, she forced Chimalli to face her.

“I am continuing on alone.” His blue eyes were darker than the other Insulons. She could see herself reflected in them, right down to her purple eyes. “They are waiting for me.” Without another word, she shifted and strode down the hallway. This time he didn’t follow her, and she moved undisturbed on silent feet.

This was not a place that one went loudly through. This was for reverent silence. On both sides stood statues of the leaders of her people, forever captured in stone. The newest would be at the end of the hall, and though she knew what waited for her, her breath caught in her throat when she saw them.

The carver had truly been a master of the craft. Captured in perfect detail, her brother and father stood staring down at her with soft expressions. Traditionally it was only the Chief or Chieftess remembered for all time in this hall, but her brother had died not only alongside his father, but countless others. This was a memorial to everything that had been lost on that fateful day when the Ryders—who had been their friends and allies—attacked.

Yaretzi had been young, but she was old enough to remember the large winged beasts spouting flame, and the screams of her people. She knew that it wasn’t the dragon’s fault, but her skin prickled at the memory of claws, teeth, and fire. The Ryders had been their contact with the outside world, without it they were completely isolated.

She reached up and placed her right hand on her brother’s foot, and her left on her father’s. Their brows and jawline were the same, but her brother lacked the broad shoulders and muscular arms that their father had. Shaking herself, she turned to the doors. Wiping away a tear and straightening her shoulders, she pushed the large doors open.

So You Want to Write a Book? Pt 3

Welcome back to my series "So you want to write a book"!
The first post covered the inspiration part, and the second went over how long it takes to write a novel. This post is all about "Finding the Time" to write that book of yours.

I purposely put "Finding the Time" in quotes on purpose. There is no such thing as finding time. Whether it is for working out, crafting, or writing. You will never find the time to do something new. Even something that you love. Finding is not what you're going to have to do. If you want to accomplish anything you're going to have to "Make" the time.

There will always be something (and often times multiple somethings) pulling for your attention. Kids, spouse, work, friends, other hobbies. Everything suddenly needs your attention as soon as you decide you want to learn something new, or to finally sit down and work on a long overdue project.

I get it, I have balanced work, writing, friends, family and working out. It is NOT easy. But then again nothing worth having in life is. If I haven't scared you off yet, below are some of the tips and tricks that I have learned over the years at balancing everything.

1. Utilize breaks at work or school to their fullest. I mean it! If you get breaks and a lunch at work, that's just bonus time! Even if you only get a 30 min lunch, take 15-20 and write, brainstorm, daydream. Just take that time and use it to work on your work. Do you commute on a bus or train? Great! Once again there is extra time, use it to its fullest potential!

2. When you do have time to work on writing, focus. Tune out your surroundings, however you can. Go into a different room, use music with personal earbuds, or sit at a different table in the lunch room. Make sure that when you sit down to work, you're focusing on work.

3. Tell people about your goal, and set a deadline. By telling people you have set this goal, you are creating people that will hold you accountable. Heck, you might even find people who want to do the same thing. You need to find support anywhere you can. Join a writing group, join the NaNoWriMo site. NaNoWriMo is held every year in November. It is when thousands of people around the world band together and agree to spend the month of November writing a novel. It's a great organization that has wonderful communities.