Recently I've become somewhat disillusioned with Twitter, at least in terms of my intended use of it, which is to sell books. I've read other blogs in which the authors suggest that Twitter does nothing for sales at all. My immediate thought is that one's results must depend upon what how one uses it and … Continue reading Does Twitter help?
Thoughts on Writing
A Writer’s Ego: Necessary Evil?
I've recently returned from attending the Santa Barbara Writers Conference. A topic that arose frequently was that of writers' ego. It usually came up in discussions about the sublimation of ego to editing. It is a necessary evil, true enough. At least to a degree. But a writer must have ego. When a writer sets words on … Continue reading A Writer’s Ego: Necessary Evil?
Does Non-Fiction Sell Best?
This, to me, is a really interesting question. I had always thought the reverse to be true; in fact, I held back my non-fiction project until my first two mystery thrillers could be published. My reasoning? That the crime fiction will sell faster and maybe even help establish a platform for my non-fiction book. Hmmm. … Continue reading Does Non-Fiction Sell Best?
It’s Just A Review, Right?
I've recently had some thoughts regarding Amazon reviewers. I've come to recognize that many reviewers fall into certain types. At another level, I suspect that the reviews for each type reflect the personality type that resides behind them. Follow me here. So far I've received 20 Amazon reviews for my book, THE OTHER. Of those, fourteen … Continue reading It’s Just A Review, Right?
Your Niche Audience
Last Thursday evening found me at the Santa Maria Public Library's Shepard Hall talking about my book and, most particularly, about publishing in today's digital world. The attendees were a mix of young students and mature writers, and not much in between. I had been advertised as a local writer, which appeared to be the … Continue reading Your Niche Audience
The Power Of Free
Yes, I have already written a post about the marketing technique of giving away books. Next to publishing multiple books, it is the most suggested marketing ploy. I mention it once again because I am on the cusp of learning how effective it really is. Six weeks ago I began giving away my eBook, THE OTHER. My … Continue reading The Power Of Free
An Evening With A Writer
This space is customarily devoted to helpful words about writing, excerpts from my personal learning curve. Today I write about another writer. I feel justified in this because this writer is, in fact, part of my learning curve. This past week was spent at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference. An aged institution, with fine old traditions built … Continue reading An Evening With A Writer
Dealing With Critical Reviews
First of all, may I point out that a critical review is better than none at all. Way better, in fact. There are books that have risen from obscurity to notoriety simply because of critical reviews. On a lesser scale, a critical review serves several functions, not the least of which is to cast a … Continue reading Dealing With Critical Reviews
Traditional Publishing? or Self Publishing
Yes, it is the usual quandary. Should one choose representation, assistance, recognition, and maybe an advance on the one hand? Or total control with lots of work (or great expense) on the other? But wait. After months of weighing and considering each approach, I've come across a rather compelling argument for a third. It comes … Continue reading Traditional Publishing? or Self Publishing
Edit Devils
Editing your own book is nigh unto impossible. It's all about left brain language translation of right brain creativity. Your idea generates in your right brain as an entire entity, full-blown and in full color, all its dimensions intact. But when the right brain passes this idea on to be interpreted into language, much of … Continue reading Edit Devils
