When last we visited our newly-printed novel, all the pagination was effectively correct except for being one page off. That meant the title page showed up on the left side instead of the right and all the page numbers appeared almost in the gutter. With some simple instructions from the publisher, I made changes. Now to see what effect the changes had.
It was quite exhilarating to actually hold a physical copy of my novel in my hands. For years, I dreamed about it. I couldn't wait to start handing out promotional copies to get it into people's hands. What I should have done was taken the time to inspect it better. Now I need to get some changes made.
In a recent Twitter post, author Phil Athans asked "What's the hardest part of writing horror fiction?" My response was I find most horror to be humorous and don't know why they find it scary. In response, he suggested some books. I've read some of those, and I here's why I think I don't understand.
My novel, Cordell's Rebellion, has been available for twenty days as an eBook, a little less than that for the paperback. In that time, I've sold exactly one copy and given out thirteen. Those aren't stellar numbers, but I didn't expect much. I will see what feedback I get from the "promotional" copies I've given and, if there isn't anything embarrassing in them, I will start promoting.
This summer has been a killer. Most of my plans died abruptly. I was still able to get some things done. Most important of all, my novel, Cordell's Rebellion, is now published. It is available in paperback or ebook. You can ask for it at your local Barnes and Noble, or get it online.
I realized just what a long semester it had been this spring. Classes took all of my time and disrupted my writing quite a bit. Then I noticed that I said the same thing at the end of the previous semester. I'm starting to wonder if teaching full time will be compatible with a writing career. That's part of the list of things to do this summer. Can I get it done?
With no luck finding an agent, I looked into the possibilities of self publishing. Writer friends have suggested it as a good option. I've read a few things saying it was more respectable these days. It wouldn't hurt to look.
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Once question I've heard over the years is why do I write? There is an assortment of ways to answer the question, some more serious than others. In talking to other writers, it seems there are some common threads. Maybe some of those reasons apply to your writing as well.
The obvious answers are short. Writing is fun. Writing is a cheap hobby. Maybe we have something we want to say to the world and writing lets us do that. If you are skilled, writing can earn money. On top of those, my brain won't let me get to sleep at night if it is in the mood to write.
"G-579, you have stopped moving. Please respond"
I looked over my shoulder to the cockpit speaker on the console and then back to the man pointing the pistol at me. "Well," I said, "it's your ship now. What do you want to tell them?"
The ability to visualize things has been a great help to me over the years. Talking with others has led to the conclusion that not everyone has the same level of skill in doing this. I contemplated this to determine why I had strength in the area. I believe that particular exercises from my teens helped. Those exercises may be able to help you too.
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