Writing Practice...

I know... we're all aware that I've been slacking the last few months. I haven't done much in the way of writing just for fun, an unfortunate occurrence. As such I've decided to work on a few little odds and ends just to get myself back in practice. 

This one is just a little idea that felt like it should be written... 

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Time stands still in moments like these; you forget to breathe, the world becomes silent and the tears well in your eyes but do not fall, shrouding your sight in a watery haze. No thoughts would dare enter your mind, the wind doesn't blow and the sun, for just that brief moment, ceases to shine. Inevitably, time carries on. You blink, and the heavy tears slide down your cheeks, cold and wet. Air fills your lungs and your heart beats, strong and fast – reminding you that you are still alive.

As long as you are alive, you feel, for time will not stand still again. That one brief respite is all that you will ever have; the moment has ended, and life must carry on.

The Long Morning...

When I woke up this morning I was shocked... and unsure whether to be horrified or delighted that someone had washed my dishes, tidied the living room and somehow painted my nails. While I was admiring the amazingly clean state of my house and trying to figure out if I had started sleep-cleaning (which would be totally ok with me) I woke up to discover that it was all a dream. When I crawled out of bed I found my house just as messy as it was the night before.

Feeling somewhat cheated I phoned my mother and told her the whole sad story. As I was talking to her I happened to glance outside and realized that IT WAS SNOWING... on May long. We shared a long moment of extreme disappointment over the weather, until I blinked and found myself once again lying in bed.

After getting up for the third time, I realized the house is still a mess, I didn't get a manicure and no, it isn't snowing -- but damn it all if I'm not more exhausted than I was when I went to bed. And I still have to clean the house!

Long Live The Introverts

I've always known, despite the beliefs of nearly everyone around me, that being an introvert isn't a bad thing. I personally quite like it; and I like myself more when I am that quiet, thinking person that I am supposed to be, rather than the one that nearly everyone else insists is better. (I hate to tell you, but if she only comes out when I've had a glass or three of wine; she's not the real me.)

This video not only gives me a sense of vindication, but also hope that perhaps the next generation won't frown upon those who sit alone from time to time in quiet contemplation or are happiest with their noses shoved between the pages of a magical book. 

(Credit goes to my brother for bring this video to my attention. I never would have found it if he hadn't first shared it with me.)

Meeeeeeeeeerry Christmas!!!

Hello all!

It's that time of year again; after all the baking, the shopping and the slogging through the snow, it is finally here. You've probably been a little stressed, something didn't go quite right... but don't worry! This will be the best Christmas yet, you just need to want it to be!

I hope, from the bottom of my heart, that you have a very Merry Christmas; a Christmas filled with love, light and laughter -- a little wine, rum, etc... would be acceptable as well.

To go with my present-hauling-lego-stormtrooper I thought I might bring to you a bit of unconventional Christmas Cheer.

To start things off; Check out this post about a Steampunk Christmas tree. It's pretty sweet if you don't mind me saying.

Then....

Watch this video:

Imagine how much fun that family had at Christmas!!!

:D

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Photo via kennymatic

Resources for the Indie Author

Over the last 10 months I've been putting a lot of time into getting my book review blog going and learning as much as I can about the self-publishing world. It might still be a while until I'm ready for that step, but when it happens I want to be as prepared as I possibly can.

Since I can't currently use any of the information I have come across, it only makes sense to share it with people who might be able to put it to use.

WHERE TO PUBLISH

I think most people's first instinct is to publish via Amazon; it's what everyone is talking about and it seems to be where many of the success stories are coming from.

Yes. Publish via Amazon. But don't JUST publish through them. I know they have their lending library and that you can only be a part of it if they have exclusive rights; but that just doesn't sit well with me. If you have a crazy success story that stems from the lending library, please tell me and I'll think about changing my opinion.

Though it is a great deal smaller, consider publishing through Smashwords. You won't get the same access to readers that you will through Amazon, but you will get control. You'll be able to generate coupon codes for specific books/specific time frames, you will be able to offer a higher commission to those promoting books via Smashwords as an incentive, you can use Smashwords as a base to promote your books on your own website, do giveaways to readers who don't have a kindle, etc... I love the fact that they offer multiple formats; once you buy a book you can download it in; .mobi (kindle), Epub (almost everything else), .pdf, .txt, .RTF, .LRT (for older Sony readers), or you can just read it online.

As much as I enjoy my kindle, I think it is pretty silly to prevent people from reading your book if they don't have an Amazon account.

While we're still on the Smashwords topic; if you publish through them, they will also distribute your book to the major ebook retailers. (If you so choose.) The following is from the Smashwords website:

"As an ebook publishing and distribution platform, Smashwords will distribute your books via multiple online channels, including but not limited to the Smashwords.com web site, major online retailers (Apple iBookstore, Barnes & Noble, Sony, Kobo, the Diesel eBook Store, others coming), mobile phone appvendors (Stanza on the iPhone/iPod Touch; Aldiko on Android; Kobo on all mobile platforms) and other online venues."

For more information you can visit their Distribution Information Page. 


There are other, smaller, websites that you can sell your books on. I've just recently stumbled across 'DriveThru Fantasy' which attracts a certain niche market. If you think your book might be a good match then you should definitely check them out. They offer incentive to publish solely through them, but they also accept books that have already been published elsewhere.

PROMOTING YOUR BOOK VIA BOOK BLOGGERS

The amount of book bloggers out there is absolutely mind boggling. At first I was a little disappointed because it meant that my own book blog was nothing new; then I decided that having so many dedicated readers out there sharing books can be nothing but fabulous.

There are bloggers who will review anything and some that focus on particular genres and niches; depending on the type of book you have written, you should search out bloggers that are the best fit for you.

Sending your book to bloggers whose focus is your genre will likely achieve the best results. You can't guarantee a good review, but if you believe your book is good enough then it is a risk worth taking. It is free promotion which requires you to do little more than offer the blogger a copy of your book. (Smashwords coupon codes make this super easy.) Many book bloggers will also be willing to do author interviews, guest posts, host giveaways for your books... etc..

(**Warning** Shameless plug about to commence: My ebook review blog "Ebook Apothecary" is always open to new authors. I have no problem being contacted by indie authors and as long as their book is within my chosen genres I will happily test it out. For more information on how it works, check out my author information page.)

You may need to do nothing more than submit your book and wait. Other book bloggers will require you to be more involved in the process, it depends entirely on how they do things. Just remember that they don't have to review your book and for many of them there is little to no profit in it.

OTHER AVENUES TO SHARE YOUR BOOK

There are many websites, Facebook pages, etc... that focus on a type of book, a certain format, books within a particular price range...and so on. Find some that match your book and see if they are willing to spread the word. (Some are free, some are not.) Being a successful indie author takes dedication, don't be afraid to shout from the rooftops!

The Kindle Lovers Facebook Page shares... Kindle ebooks! If you are published on Kindle and want a little extra publicity you can submit your book to them. Whether they feature it or not is their prerogative. They have over 38,000 followers, so a promotion by them would be nothing to sneer at! (If you do send something to them, I'd love to know how it works out for you!) 

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Alright, there you have it; my ideas for today. If you would like me to expand on any of the ideas here, just let me know and I'll see what I can do!

See you soon!