I’m happy though. My first novel is published. Today I will get the last physical copy that I need to check the quality. I’ve checked the paperback and hardback from Amazon and the paperback from IngramSpark. Once I flip through the IngramSpark hardback I will let everyone know that they can order it through bookstores. I’m planning to do a video to compare them all as well, so watch for that!
Category Archives: Writing
Looking Forward
Things I’m looking forward to after Eliana-Who-Sees-Us is released.
- Cleaning out files, folders, sticky notes, alternate versions, and small scraps of paper that say “what if ___happens?”
- Or do I need them for “deleted scenes” posts? Oh no – hoarding alert!
- Cleaning my index card scenes off the bulletin board. I plan to do it on July 15th – “Release Day.”
- Cleaning files off the computer.
- Writing more and faster on my next novel. I’m less than halfway through currently. I had considered a spring release, but decided to go easy on myself. I’ll wait till I’m done with the first draft before setting the publication date.
- Start meditating again. My husband says, “Yes, please.” Am I stressed lately? Yes, I am!
More Edits – “The End” is Near!
Final edits are underway on Eliana-Who-Sees-Us. I will be so happy to be finished with the publishing process so I can put more time and energy into writing again!
People who dream of “writing a novel someday” have no idea of all that is involved, but I guess it’s that way with most of our lives and livelihoods. I have friends that I still can’t explain what their job is, just what field it’s in. And maybe it’s best if we don’t know everything that’s going to be expected of us before we commit to something or we might never do it. Parenthood, marriage, even friendship . . . see your favorite rom-com or buddy action movie for details!
A Birth, Of Sorts
I’m learning that success is not a place, but every step leading to your idea of a place.
On Saturday, I sent off two proof copies of Eliana-Who-Sees-Us along with a marketing plan, bio, photo, etc. to a book festival I hope to take part in later this year. Fingers crossed that I get in!
I had planned to do plain white covers on the proofs – also known as “ARCs,” for advanced reader copies. Books are typically sent out to get reviews even before the final edit and book cover design, and a generic cover is normal, I’m told. I tried to get a quote from a printer just walking distance from my office, both to skip waiting for mailing, and to support a local business. But after asking for the page count, they never responded back to me. Well, then, harrumph. So I ordered copies from Amazon. They did not have a plain white cover choice. I got something mostly plain, and hoped that the festival readers don’t think it’s my idea of a YA urban fantasy cover.
I want to think of it as my baby, but it’s a bit ugly. And truthfully, it’s not done. The editor has the manuscript and the designer has the real cover underway. Let’s call it an ultrasound of my soon-to-be-born book.
The best thing about applying to the book festival is that it has pushed me to do things I would not have done this thoroughly otherwise. I had some ideas about publicity or advertising, but I did not write out a Marketing Plan until it was required of me. Even if I don’t make it in, I’m learning how to do all of this and will be better prepared for my next book (not a sequel), which I plan to release sometime next year.
Location Inspiration
Writers sometimes struggle with how specific to be in a novel. If you mention using a particular social media app, for example, will that app still be popular two years later? Or will its user demographics age, leaving your teen character looking out-of-step for using it? On the other hand, if you describe your character as using “a social media app” without naming it, your writing will lose points for being vague.
I took a picture of a parking lot that inspired a location in Eliana-Who-Sees-Us. It’s not a beautiful place – in fact, it’s looking a little worse for wear in recent years. But while editing the book, I asked myself, “Are there still Redbox rental machines sitting outside stores?” I was happy to see that was one thing I didn’t need to change in the text before sending it off!