Writer in the Making

For all my authors wanting traditional publishing, this one’s for you! Though the majority of my work is self-published, I did query my most recent manuscript back in February. I hit the send button! So... what now? I’m waiting just like you. What do we do when we’re waiting. I’ll tell you what I’m doing.

Is a longer book better than a shorter one? Does it matter? Does it depend on the story? While my personal goal as a writer is to write a 100K novel, that doesn’t mean anything less is wrong. Have a listen.

So... yeah, 13,324 in four days. I’m currently at 26,456 in my work in progress. Is there a secret to this? Have a listen.

Don’t move too fast but don’t drag your story. What do you do? This is my personal opinion on how I write. Part 2 will cover more research.

Christmas Therapy, a new sweet romance coming soon! Meet the main characters! My own way of doing a behind the scenes/meet the cast. I used onestopforwriters.com to create character profiles.

So I decided to experiment with the writing sprints this week. How have they worked so far? Have I made any progress? Should you try it as a last resort? How does a little over 9K in two days sound? Have a listen.

Now that you’re gaining a following, how do you keep track of readers? How do they know new works are coming out? An email list? Though social media is important, nothing can replace a good old fashioned email. Have a listen. mailchimp.com is mentioned in this episode.

What’s a sufficient word count for your chapter? When is it over? Have a listen.

What’s a writing sprint? Time set aside where you do nothing but write with no distractions. It can range from 30 minutes to 2 hours. For those of us that work outside jobs or have other responsibilities, is this helpful? Tune to hear the results of my trial with sprinting.

Here’s a typical writing session for me. Do I write so many words a day? Is there a deadline as an indie author? Music or silence? Outline or no outline? Listen in for my answers. Shout out to my listeners. I called everyone out except I forgot Canada. Thank you listeners in Canada!

How fast do you write? Should it matter as an indie author? What steps need to be taken if you do? What if you don’t finish by the date you originally intended? Is it even worth it?

How did my newest release, Match-Made Christmas, come to life? Well... though an indie author, I decided to query this story to a publisher that I thought was the perfect fit. Tune in to hear the rest of the story.

Trim size and paper color. How do you pick for your paperback?

We know how to open a book and that the climax brings our story to an end. What about the middle? It shouldn’t drag but don’t rush it either.

Dedicated to the Writing Community. Just don’t.

Though ebooks have become popular, does that mean a good old fashioned paperback book has died? As an author, do you need both? viladesign.net is mentioned in this episode.

Now that the release date is in July, how will I be promoting Match-Made Christmas? Is there a formula for a successful book launch? While I can only share what I have learned so far, here’s a few things I’ve implemented over the years. Booksprout.co is mentioned in this episode and don’t forget to check out booksirens.com to find bloggers!

Instead of releasing Match-Made Christmas later this year, it’ll be available on July 6, 2019! Christmas in July! Not only that, you’ll have the choice between ebooks and paperbacks. Look for it on Amazon. Pre-order today!

Is the writing community important? Should I get involved? Hear from someone who thought she could do it alone as an indie author. It was me and it didn’t work. Hear how I was in the past. I thought no one paid attention, but it was all in my head due to self doubt. Break free today, because someone is paying attention.

Amazon KDP or Amazon KDP Select? Learn the importance of building deep and wide with your books and not constricting yourself. Again, the final decision is up to you. This is what I do as an indie author, so listen and decide for yourself. This concept was discussed at SelfPubCon2019.

Yay! You got your feedback from critique partners, beta readers and your editor. Now... what? Which advise do you listen to, especially if it’s your first time working with them? Is all advise good? Listen in for my opinion, but ultimately then final decision is up to you.

ARCs copies and giveaways? Are they worth it? How much is too much? Booksprout.co and booklikes.com are mentioned in this episode.

So I decided to participate in Camp NaNoWriMo for the month of April. I’m assigned to a virtual cabin with about ten other writers. Give all my cabin mates a follow if you’re not doing so already. So... how’s camp going? Have a listen campnanowrimo.org is mentioned in this episode. My cabin mates are on Instagram @s.f.barkley, @loridianni_writer, @miacarterauthorof, @danaterrystories, @authorpiper...

This is what happens when you step outside the box. Fellow writers notice! Welcome our first guest, Sadie Chelsea, thehonestwriter.org you can also follow her on Twitter @sadiewriter and all other social media platforms. Can’t wait to share our interview swap with you all! Disclaimer: Internet issues cut us off the first time, so this is take 2. Some parts may still sound choppy, but we laugh anyw...

The key with writing is to keep going. You can do it!