9 November 2009 at 10:11 (Books, Children, Publishing, Writing, promotion)
Tags: reading, River Lights 2nd Edition, self-published, small press, The Art of Science
Really, I’m not. Which is why I was so surprised to read this: http://www.thonline.com/article.cfm?id=262529
Most of the information is no surprise. I do reside in Des Moines, I am going to be reading from my novel on Saturday, but my publisher would be shocked to hear she doesn’t exist! (Right, Vivian?)
I sent a note to the paper, and I think I’ll also contact the bookstore. Just so my readers know: I won a contest at a small press publisher. I entered my manuscript in January 2008, and I found out in March that it won.
Since then, my small-press publishing company has editors who helped me improve the novel, and it was published in March of 2009.
It’s available online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and through my publisher’s website. And if you don’t want to order online, I believe you can walk into any Barnes and Noble and ask them to order it for you.
Meanwhile, I’m contacting the paper and the bookstore. I’m even thinking about writing a letter to the editor about self-published vs small press authors.
I’m also gearing up for a reading at River Lights 2nd Edition. I’m really excited to make an appearance at another bookstore!
1 Comment
27 September 2009 at 08:16 (Writing, promotion)
Tags: sequel, The Art of Science
When I’m asked about The Art of Science, inevitably the idea of a sequel comes up. I haven’t given a lot of thought to sequels, but then, on my way home from my reading, a couple ideas surfaced.
So I suppose as I make notes for the next reading, the next appearance – I’ll also make notes about the next novel, the possible sequel(s). So many things circling in my head now, between the rewrite of the other one and possible sequels and the stories I’ve been working on here and there.
4 Comments
26 September 2009 at 19:14 (Books, Publishing, Writing, philosophy, promotion)
Tags: author appearance, Prairie Lights, real author
I’ve seen some of those thoughts going around – am I a real writer? I had a moment today where I felt like a real author. Part of it is being published, I’m sure. But today the moment came where I read part of my book to people in a bookstore. It’s amazing!
Yes, I write. That makes me a writer more than anything else. I know that. I have respect for a lot of writers that may or may not be published, simply because of what they write. I know I have a lot of weaknesses that I’m working on, one at a time.
But I love to share my stories with people. And having people take time out of their days to listen to part of mine makes me feel like a real author. I love it!
I’m also amazed at what people can find when they research the ‘real’ author.
Thank you to everyone who could make it to Prairie Lights today. For those who couldn’t – there are some signed copies out there for sale.
2 Comments
25 September 2009 at 14:07 (Books, promotion)
Tags: Prairie Lights, reading, The Art of Science
It’s so hard to believe it’s already tomorrow! I think I’m ready. How do you prepare for something you’ve never done before? I haven’t seen many authors do readings.
It’s on the website for the bookstore. I’ve informed as many people as I could get to listen to me (which is always fun). It’s great to be able to say that I’ve done what I could to pull this together.
And tonight, I’ll practice. I know what I want to read, but I don’t want to stumble in front of family, friends, and strangers!
Hope to see you there, if you’re in Iowa City.
4 Comments
6 September 2009 at 08:02 (Writing, philosophy)
Tags: grammar
It shouldn’t amaze me about the mistakes plastered everywhere. Facebook is full of errors that make me cringe, and I’ve come to expect that from the majority of the users. People who can’t tell a plural from a possessive seems the least of the concern there. Typos multiply like rabbits and there are a few posts I have serious trouble reading.
I know I’m a writer and somewhat snobby where grammar is concerned, but my Twitter page has fewer errors. (Probably because I’ve been following writers, a few friends who know how to string a sentence together, and some publishing professionals.)
What is it about a public page that people feel free to express themselves but don’t care enough to be understood?
Then I think about it, and I truly hope that the masses don’t degrade the language farther that an apostrophe may be used to make a word plural, exchange you’re and your as if they mean the same thing, and drop random letters if they don’t match the pronounced word.
I’m a snob. I’ll admit it. My grammar isn’t perfect, but I do my best and I appeal to higher knowledge bases when I have questions.
6 Comments
3 September 2009 at 20:33 (Publishing, Writing)
Such is the lot of a writer. Well, not every writer. I’m sure if I was one of those big names I wouldn’t have this problem, but they were all sitting where I am at one point in time.
I knew when I sent the story that it would be a long shot. I am of the opinion that one must aim high if ever to succeed. So, I didn’t make the cut this time. Perhaps next time.
It has a small flaw to be fixed that I found after I sent it. It’s always after that you find the little things, even with the aid of others. Next time – there is always next time.
9 Comments
26 August 2009 at 08:57 (Writing, philosophy)
Tags: flash fiction, picture books, poetry, Writing
I’ve been thinking about these more often. I have some short flash fiction pieces and some poetry that I’ve thought could be good picture books lately.
Isn’t that funny how you can write for one audience, then transform it into a different one?
The flash fiction piece could go either way, adult or children’s, and I’m considering trying to spin both and see what I can do with it. The poem I was challenged at my writer group yesterday to make it unrhyming, and I realized it could also make a good picture book with that kind of rewrite.
Some of these seem to be overlapping forms. It’s neat to see where the words lead me.
2 Comments
23 August 2009 at 08:48 (Writing, philosophy)
Tags: historical writing
Historical writings need a lot of research to make sure they’re correct. It isn’t just about the events of history – it’s the little things that make that period unique.
Certain things will put you directly into a time period, and others will pull you out. When do you think of when you think pillbox hat?
Beyond that, there are the words used. We can’t all be like Heinlein and make up words like ‘grok.’
I haven’t written historical pieces. In some ways, I find them overwhelming. When they’re done well, they’re beautiful. I know some writers who do it very well. I feel like I’m learning when I listen to the writers I know who do historical pieces.
Perhaps one day… but not today.
1 Comment
22 August 2009 at 15:38 (Writing)
It’s something a lot of writers try. Not everyone can do it, especially on a consistent basis that it takes for a novel.
We discussed it at my writer’s group today. How difficult it is to identify with the other gender convincingly. I love the candor of the group – they’ll tell you when you stray and expect you to do the same.
Like when male characters, otherwise ordinary, start spouting off long bits of dialogue. Or when female characters seem oblivious to the surroundings. Just another thing to keep in mind.
Why couldn’t one thing be easy? Oh, yeah, it’s because we’re writing.
3 Comments
