Posted in Writing, tagged books, creative writing, Delilah Dawson, Fallen Cloud Saga, novel writing, publishing, self-promotion, self-publishing, whimsydark, Writing, writing tips on 14 Apr 2015| 8 Comments »
To be honest, I started this blog because I want your money. That’s not the only reason, but it’s definitely in the mix.
As a writer, I want people (i.e., you) to read my books. I’ve worked hard writing them, I’m proud of them, and I want folks to read them and enjoy them. I think my books are worth something, though, so I (generally) don’t give them away for free, which means readers must part with some of their money.
Ergo, I want your money. (more…)
Posted in Books, Writing, tagged book promotions, book tours, Candace Robb, creative writing, Emma Campion, Ned Hayes, public speaking, publishing, Rebecca Morris, self-promotion, self-publishing, Sumner Arts Commission, Sumner Public Library, Writing, writing tips on 07 Oct 2014| 4 Comments »
Last Saturday, I battled a demon, and emerged triumphant.
Okay, maybe not “triumphant.” But I was able to walk away under my own power.
Last Saturday, the Sumner Arts Commission, in partnership with the Sumner Public Library, hosted a panel of authors on the topic, “Getting it Right,” i.e., the importance of accuracy in historical research.
With me on the panel were three respected authors: Rebecca Morris, co-author of If I Can’t Have You, about the true story of the Susan Powell disappearance; Ned Hayes, who wrote Sinful Folk, a novel set in the 14th century; and Candace Robb (writing also as Emma Campion) author of the Owen Archer mysteries and whose latest novel, A Triple Knot, focuses on Joan of Kent, cousin to King Edward III.
Yes. Three bestselling authors.
And me.
In front of a crowd of people.
Speaking.
Posted in Books, Culture, tagged creative writing, self-promotion, self-publishing, Writing, writing tips on 18 Sep 2014| 1 Comment »
Pursuant to my earlier post on self-promotion, I want to share what happened to me yesterday: a prime example of what NOT to do.
I am very well aware that, these days, writers must promote their work. I also know that, for the self-published, all promotion is, by definition, left solely to the author’s efforts.
But there are limits, both to what is effective and to what is appropriate.
Posted in Books, Writing, tagged creative writing, publishing, self-promotion, self-publishing, Writing, writing novels, writing tips on 04 Sep 2014| 9 Comments »
Self-Promotion: the crude and unappealing practice of marketing one’s own work; in British slang, often called “flogging.”
I’ve only met one writer who actually enjoys flogging his books. He travels up and down the coast, reading excerpts, glad-handing, meeting people, building an impressive network. For every other writer I’ve met, mention the word “promotion” and watch them wince.
We hate promoting our books. HateitHateitHateit. Some writers hate it so much, they don’t do it at all.
But according to ND Author Services (aka NDAS, run by bestselling authors Barb and J.C. Hendee, who–believe me–know what they’re talking about), there’s some good news. As with everything else in the publishing industry, self-promotion–the very nature of it–is changing.
Unraveling Time
Desert Wind
Ploughman's Son
Ploughman King
The Year the Cloud Fell
The Spirit of Thunder
Shadow of the Storm
The Cry of the Wind
Beneath a Wounded Sky
Cryptogenesis: A Memoir