Thoughts on Publishing

I am sitting at my desk, working on my masterpiece. My first book is so full of problems that no one wants to buy it! Granted though, that I did pay someone to edit it. I was suppose to be my pride and joy and now its a pain in he you know where. So what to do? Should I leave it on the proverbial shelves and hope that no one noticed, or  take it off? I prefer to take it off that way someone else can't point out every little thing that is wrong.

Before I started writing, I wanted to  have my books published  but not self published. It is like this: It is nice to be a bridesmaid, but wouldn't it be nice to be a bride? Have you ever dreamed or imagine the kind of man you want to marry? Then someone who would just rather not marry would say, "There is nothing wrong with being single: you can do what you want without having being told what to do." That is fine for a spinster, but not for someone with dreams! I am not putting self publishing down, but I had too many headaches and I much rather have someone else take care of all the formatting. etc.  It is nice to have your own freedom to what you want, but it is also nice to have someone special in your life--even if you have to be submissive.

"Yes," you say, "but what if the person you marry gets to be controlling or abusive? What if he puts limitations on you?"

"Well, I doubt God will have someone like that come across my path. He knows who is good for me."

 In fact, if someone does come across like that, it would be  because I didn't wait upon God. This reminds me of my first publisher. I have a friend who had some problems with them so I knew not to ask them to publish my first book. However, instead of listening to my friends' advice, I followed one person's recommendation--someone who I highly valued and trusted and had found my self with a publisher known as a scam!
No, they didn't take my money, but they bogged me down with their "Promotional services", service that really are none at all, and messed up my book, adding a price too high no one wants to buy!  Because I didn't seek God more or first, I got stuck with a no good publisher. I believe if I did, he would have led me to someone better or maybe to self publishing...
 Back to my point, I am pleased that my second book is doing better with reviews, but even with that I had problems. I even had to make some changes after it has been published.
There is digital company that I had thought of using for my upcoming book until I read the pros and cons. Sigh. Again: What do I do? I so wanted to use  Smashword but not if they are so picky with formatting and not great with keeping up with sales and holding back on royalties! My current work in progress is worth more than those headaches. I want what is only the best and it looks like SW is not it. So should I go with a brand new website called Draft2Digital or use KDP all over again? Both are not just worth it but what should I chose? All I can say is: Wait on God. Perhaps I will find out what God has to say.

Struggling as a Writer

My Struggles as a Writer

          Whenever I write about me in my books, I write that I have always loved to write stories for as long as I can remember and that is true. I also believe that my “writing” genes came from my grandmother, but she didn’t make writing her full-time job! She had another job. (At least I think she did) 

          When I was younger, I can tell you I had ideas what I wanted to be: an actress, a psychologist, a cashier, but writing?  That was the furthest from my mind! I never claimed to be well versed in the vocabulary. I didn’t go to college to major in English either. I am just a woman with an imagination who can share it with others. I also didn’t want to become an author before I became a teacher. (And believe me, I have received criticism for that to—the educators telling me I should try other professions besides teaching.) But I know God has called me to teach. He has given me the desires to teach kindergarten. Don’t you know that God can use the weak things of the world to shame the strong? Do you know why? If someone is able to do things without His help, he gets no glory! But if they are dependent on him, he does! Look at Gideon! God used 300 men to fight against the vast number of the Midianites! I love what Gideon said as he went out to war: “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!”

          I may not be well versed, but I am gifted. The Lord has given me a talent and I refuse to waste it because someone said to me, “You write like a child.” Those aren’t her words, but who else uses elementary words? Children sure don’t have a vast knowledge of words. I write whatever comes to my mind, but I also ask the Lord to help me write too.

          I have said this before, the reason why I rather write and sell later is because I can’t pay people to edit my work, or even proofread it. The Past hunter has been through the fire too many times! After it received a harsh and critical review, I asked some to help me with it and he did! Several people who reviewed my book, liked my book!

          It is hard to get back into writing when someone tells me, it still needs work, but I won’t rewrite it the third time!  I will just learn from my mistakes. For now I am struggling. I am wondering if I should not write anymore if people are going to tell me things I can’t change. The PAST HUNTER is written and published. I know one thing for sure and that is my next WIP will have someone else proofreading it. Who, I don’t know. God will lead me to the next person.

Taking a Hiatus

I have heard it said  that in order to make yourself known or to get people interested in your books to keep publishing or writing. Easier said than done.  I know this from experience and that is why I am taking a break.

In 2011, my first book Marge was published by PublishAmerica. I had learned the hard way that it was the wrong path to take. Not only that but because I was new to to the world of publications, I had no idea that my first book was full of mistakes made by me and the publishers. I felt like a failure and my book was forever in the hands of the merciless and greedy publishers. So I set out to rewrite and make better my book and name it A Second Chance at Love. However, this was an expensive process because I hired an editor to work on it and I don't get much money every month.

Another reason I am taking a break it is not stress free. Since I don't know any publisher who would like to publish my books and it seems that agents would like to know what  book or author your book is similar to, I can't answer that question.  My latest manuscript is a Chrsitian Paranormal Romance and frankly, I don't know any Christians who write that kind of genre-- I consider most of what I write unique in its own way anyway. The only other route is Self publishing and from my own experience, it has caused some stress in my life-- getting the format right stinks!  I just as soon have a publisher that is known to do all that.

I have two works (one in progress) that I would like to get published. One is in the process of being edited while the other? Well, let us say that it is just sitting in my computer folder collecting dust. I am waiting to get enough royalties or even a job to pay for another editor.

Since May, I found out I have anemia. I found out why I have been so tired and lack energy on most days and writing is a lot of work. I just don't have enough energy to do my research. I write for pleasure. So that is what I will do when I am bored, but the stories may not get published unless something else turns up. I am short of a miracle. Promoting my book locally takes energy too.

People told me I should not expect professionals to edit for free so I won't. They also tell me not to expect to get a professional cover design for free so I won't. But I will say this: If God provides, I will accept. I will not limit Him in anyway.  If a professional says he or she will help me at no charge, it is not by my hand, but by the favor of God. Those two services I can't afford.

Another thing that has me down is promoting my own books. I can't use certain pictures without someone saying "Hey! That's mine! Pay up or else!" I really don't understand why people share their photos. I guess they all hope to get profit and that is why they share. I would be even glad to give them credit, but if people are greedy for gain, forget it. Why become an author if you have to  Be "careful" of what you use? I am definitely not an artist either.

So there you have it. After Jesus Paid It All  is published and unless a miracle happens, it will be a long break.

The Pitfalls of

Before I met any authors and became friends with any of them, I used to thought you could write anything you wanted.  As long as I didn't defame anyone or wrote anything that would be libel, I thought I was all set, but then as I let people look at my manuscripts, I find out there are pitfalls to writing. Not only that, but restrictions as well! Below is the list of pitfalls and restrictions that to me have made writing less enjoyable.

1. Using other people's photos. Come on! You mean to tell me that if I find a photo I like for my book I have to make sure it is okay to use or pay to use it? Are people so greedy for money that they won't settle for credit? Why then do people share their photos? Why just share with their friends and family or email it to them instead of having for the general public to see. That is like the "You can look but can't touch" rule.
I have photos at Photobuckets and anyone wanted to use them, I wouldn't mind unless as long as I get credit for the photos. Besides not all photographers and uploaders have a contact link so how can we ask the person "Excuse me, but is it okay if I use your photo for my book?   I have even suggested to my friends the idea of distorting the photos but there is still a problem.... RESTRICTIONS.

2. Using a famous person's name, a franchise or any business name.   Okay. What is the problem here? You mean to tell me that if I want to be realistic, I can't? I have to change a band's name because if I dare to put down say "Newsong" Newsong, which is a Christian band will sue me? I can understand if a nonchristian band does that, but a Christian Band? Come on! So then Newsong becomes what?  Old Music? Whatever!
 I understand with any business that does not know acknowledge Jesus as Lord might sue, but still why? I much rather use a name of an establishment like IHOP instead of renaming IHOP to IHOB (International House of Breakfast)   As for famous people, what if they are dead? Should I as a fellow author so humorously suggested, hold a seance?  "I call upon Amy Carmichael. Amy Carmichael please come to us so I can ask you if I can use your name in my story." Someone suggested to contact the next of kin. Okay so then I should see a list of genealogy and find out who is still alive and say "Hi! I am an author. I would like to use your great grandmother's name in my story. And what about Christian public figures? Are they really going to sue if I  write their names in my stories? Do you really believe that they are like nonchristians?  ***rolls my eyes**

After I abide by other's people's concern for copyright infringement, I change everything around. I wonder to myself,  "Why write? People have taken the fun out of writing. Did I forget to mention that they also do that when my fellow authors tell me, "You need to be more descriptive."? Yep. When my book is published I came across pitfall number 1 again when I make a book trailer.  I think I would be thrilled if someone uses my photos in their book trailers.

I don't think everyone thinks alike. I am pretty sure Christians don't think as those who aren't, but for the sake of everyone, if doing what is right not in the eyes of the general public, but also in the eyes of God, then fine. I won't "infringe" on their ... Copyrights

Writing is Not Easy

I would like to say that it is a piece of cake to write. I have being doing it for many years and get great story ideas, but over the years I never had anyone  tell me that I need help. My mother and sister knows I have the  gift of story telling  and they encourage me to not give up.  I never dream of becoming an author before I become a teacher, but it has happened and I have had my share struggles and very little success.
I have great friends who bought my book and give me a good review, but I also have friends who will be honest and tell me: You need help.
I am torn between giving up and pressing on. If anyone ever said, that you can make money writing books, they are wrong. Not unless you happen to be a best seller which is my dream. I never wanted to self publish my books.  There have been times when I wanted to throw in the towel.  My friends  writes about how well their books are selling, getting  rewards and all kinds of great things that has happened while I feel like I get pushed in the mud. Don't get me wrong. If I need to improve, I will, but it is not easy.  Did I ever say my books don't need help? Maybe once.
 One of my biggest challenge and obstacles is getting descriptive. I have a an author friend who had  told me countless of times   "add description" or "Show how they feel"  I  try! This is where I want to give up.
Writing is a passion, but teaching is my calling. Write is what I do when I  am waiting to teach. Just a note: I am not sure I would even be a great school teacher because I have been outside of education for too long, but that doesn't mean I will give up on my calling an dream of teaching. I have to believe in myself because God believes in me. The same goes for writing.

Christians and paranormal Fiction and others

 I am a very devout person, and I was raised with very spiritual convictions.  I try to be accepting if my other Christian authors/friends' faith are weak.  The Apostle Paul wrote that we should accept him whose faith is weak. Is it my place to tell them "A Christian should not write certain fiction?" Do I have  convincing proof that writing books about alien beings is not right for Christians to write? Or that writing about witches and vampires is also wrong? No, I don't. It is between them and God. If they have no convictions about what they write then is it my place to make it clear to them? No, but does it mean I have to agree with their reasoning? No.
However, it doesn't mean these creatures and beings don't exist. Take for example ghosts. I for once thought that only the Holy Ghost exists until I read a verse in the Bible where the disciples thought Jesus was a ghost.  As for witches, yes there were witches in the Bible but God told people that they were not suppose to have anything to do with the occult (Witchcraft, sorcery, etc. is the occult) In the Harry Potter Series, Harry and his cohorts are all witches. Yes, you may say it is good versus evil but there is no such thing as good witches. Witchcraft is wrong! Writing about the use of witchcraft is almost like glorifying it. The more you write about it or talk about, the more the devil loves to hear! But what if you write about a Christian who falls in love with a warlock or a witch? The warlock or witch does not tell the Christian who or what they are, but they seem to have some power over them until the Christian realizes that any curse the other person puts on them can not work.  In the book of Numbers, Balak asked Balaam to put a curse on God's people, but he could not. He said, "How can I curse what God has blessed?" This had given me an idea to try a paranormal romance!
Another kind of fiction I think is strange for Christians to write are Vampire Fictions! How is that a Christian can become a victim of a vampire if she is blessed? Unless however that Christian is not aware of that. It is not my place to judge. Perhaps God has allowed his people to write such stories. I would like to try paranormal romance sometime  if God allows me too. We shall see.  By the way, some readers may consider reading HP Series a fantasy but we are not suppose ot chase after fanstasies.

To Rewrite Or Not

When I began  writing Marge it was with pencil and paper. I wrote to escape so when I finished writing Marge, I  wrote another version and I enjoyed  finding  out the different results, but when I write for publication, it is a different story and a whole new ball game. 

I struggle with the issue whether I am good enough. I don't have  what it takes to be a best seller and I want to be!  The first thing I have to do is believe in myself!  I realized that I have been given the ability to tell stories and I have to set up expectations for myself. That is when frustration sets in because I have become self critical.. You know, they say we are our own worst critics?  Someone makes a cake and it doesn't measure up to perfection, you berate yourself and you want to do make another cake. Of course, it is more costly to make another cake. What is costly for me is my time.  What I thought was perfect was a story I am working on.  It is called the Butterfly and the Cocoon.

 

I wished that I never read a certain book. Although it has been helpful, it told me that the use of "to be" verbs should be very minimal and  we should "show" and not "tell"  As an amateur author I struggle with that. I write what comes naturally to me and  someone comes along and says "It won't sell if you write like that."  What do I do? I rewrite. However, it has become a nightmare. Instead of enjoying what I do, I get frustrated and want to quit. No, I don't quit, but I do say "Why bother?" because as I look at what I have written, I am finding it is not good enough.  

It is good to take advice from an experienced author. You want to follow in his steps because you know he sold books, but when you set up that person's  guideline as your standards, you are bound to be frustrated. If God  gives you the ability he will also  give you the words to write if you listen to him. If he says to you to take heart  and not be discouraged, then look up and say to yourself, "I can do it!" Do not compare yourself to  others.  God created you to be you not anyone else. You are unique.

Wanting Redemption

When Marge was first published, I was never so happy!  The dream of becoming a published author has come to pass.  At that time, I still thought good of my publisher until I found out who  they really are.
 I received two reviews and one was very critical and it would hurt any chances of anyone wanting to buy my book. How could my aunt do that to me? I never thought there were mistakes in my book! What has been published is published and now for ten years I have to live with it. Not only did I make mistakes but so did they and my book once my pride and joy has turned out to be my shame.
 PublishedAmerica would not release me from the contract or give me the rights to my book back. So how can I ever feel redeemed? I know some of you will say that  we all learn and must move on, but I can not let it go!  I had no one to proofread my manuscript nor did I have Microsoft Office Word which has its own grammar check and Ginger Software works better with it.  I could not afford an editor to look at it. I was a poor women with a BIG DREAM! And I still have the dream.  Although I have learn never to trust PA again and to have my manuscript  proofread before publishing, I still want redemption and I have the faith to believe it can happen not in my or when the contract expires but in God's time.