Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

Just hugs to Suam from me and Dog. X

Thank you, Jane and Dog. I've decided to stop researching it for today because it's making me literally sick. Hugs to you and Dog!

Yeah, I'm effin' mad. I'm trying to get this book out, and my cover artist is effin' up. First he effs up Kindle. Then he effs up Ingram. When he says ASAP, that might mean sometime next week. S***! Then he has the nerve to suggest that I use him again when my next book comes out. Yeah, right!

Goin' back to my WIP, now...maybe that'll calm me down.

How frustrating, Roxanne! I hope things work out soon. I agree, I wouldn't use his service again. Hugs

Frances wrote: "Argh! I need a @#$@ name for my $&@% publishing imprint and all the good ones are taken. I need an endangered species to punch."

I feel yore pane. Just did this last year, trying increasingly unlikely city names for the imprint. When I found there was already an "Aguanga Press," I gave up and went with Wyzard Hill Press.

I just noticed that a character that was wondering - TWICE - about the possible purpose of a magical trinket another character is seen wearing was there when he was given it and the purpose explained.
I did not notice that for TWO friggin' years.
/facepalm.
Good that I am still in the drafting stage.
*undecipherable roar*

Tomas wrote: "I just noticed that a character that was wondering - TWICE - about the possible purpose of a magical trinket another character is seen wearing was there when he was given it and the purpose explain..."
I have SO been there! Yes for years. Yes for forgetting what I'd written. Had to go back and change my WIP, so I was able to catch several things that had to be fixed. What on earth made us think we had to write? Can't help it, though.

Tomas wrote: "I just noticed that a character that was wondering - TWICE - about the possible purpose of a magical trinket another character is seen wearing was there when he was given it and the purpose explain..."

The author's nightmare . . .

SHINE wrote: "I’M FRUSTRATED WHEN THINGS DON’T GO AS PLANNED IN WRITING!

(Are we allowed to post gifs for ranting?)"

Sure. In fact, at one time we had a thread of nothing but gifs.

Rereading old stuff is always an adventure. Sometimes I grin and go, "Wow, I can't believe I wrote that" and I swell up with unfiltered and sunshiny pride.

Then... there are the other things... let's just say there's a few works I've unpublished and they'll never see the light of day again, not to mention dozens of drafts of stories so awful I almost want to give up writing.

Also, why does it seem that in-depth edits of a chapter take almost the same amount of time (or even longer) than writing it?...

Is this only for mad about writing stuff? Because I'm furious that my boyfriend (we'd been discussing marriage) came back from vacation and dumped me without any reason why, over text message. I'm enraged and heartbroken.

I guess, in a way, that's affecting how I'm writing... I keep trying to squeeze in various characters with his name who die in ignoble ways. But that's awkward when you're writing a Christian series.

I'd suggest a chocolate and/or a jog. Fueling your writing with revenge can give you a surge of energy but I am afraid it can hurt in the long term.

Anyway, a confession from me: I actually started thinking about putting the concept on my current WIP together two years after finishing the high school, realizing that the girl I loved is probably gone from my life forever (I never had the chance to tell her). So, to put her out of my mind, I filled it with a made-up story. It worked quite well.
Anyway, a (view spoiler)[character that ends up being the MC's soulmate (hide spoiler)] has her name inspired by her.

Karen wrote: "Is this only for mad about writing stuff?"

Nope. You can be mad about anything you want.

I'm actually moving past the anger phase but I was angry at my utter inability to get more than a handful of media outlets to review my novel. I know it's a good novel. I know I'm a good writer. My last novel was published by a big-five publisher and this novel is better. But it turned out to be nearly impossible to get a reviewer to open my indie book and give it a try.

I believe the self-publishing stigma has grown, even as the number of self-published books has grown, where most reviewers toss paper ARCs in a round file without opening the envelope and most email pitches from unknown publishers go straight to the spam folder.

I buried my disappointment by starting my next novel, this time with more realistic expectations, and the feeling that I need to either find an agent or be content with sales in the hundreds.

Karen wrote: "Is this only for mad about writing stuff? Because I'm furious that my boyfriend (we'd been discussing marriage) came back from vacation and dumped me without any reason why, over text message. I'm ..."

I am so sorry Karen. There are no words that can soften the blow. I am guessing your ex bf got cold feet at the last moment. Truly, if that can be of any consolation, it's better now than after the wedding. As for trying to write him into the story, why don't you take a break from it and write a few 'horror' shorts/flash story with him as the MC? :P Who knows, you may have enough material for a book and I bet it would sell good. :P

Tomas wrote: "Also, why does it seem that in-depth edits of a chapter take almost the same amount of time (or even longer) than writing it?..."

Because it does :P When you write it, you put your thoughts on paper as fast as you can while they are fresh in your mind, which does not always relate to great sentences/writings lol

To be honest, it's better that way than when you try to edit as you write. The last two books I wrote that is what I did. The editing was faster, sure, but the writing process was a real pain. To be honest though, editing has always been my favorite part of the process. :)

Dwayne wrote: "Karen wrote: "Is this only for mad about writing stuff?"

Nope. You can be mad about anything you want."

Er... I should ad that you still need to follow the group rules - no ranting about politics and religion. No attacking other authors, their books, etc. But, pretty much anything else is fair game.

Lark wrote: "I'm actually moving past the anger phase but I was angry at my utter inability to get more than a handful of media outlets to review my novel..."

Yep. I still believe there are a lot of people out there that will not give an Indie book a try. All we can do is keep putting our books out there, writing more and more, making sure they are the best they can be until this stigma goes away. I think it will.

Tomas wrote: "Also, why does it seem that in-depth edits of a chapter take almost the same amount of time (or even longer) than writing it?..."

If you're spending more time on edits than you did writing the rough draft, you're doing it right. I love the editing part of it. That's where the real magic happens. It's where you get to dig around in this pile of rubble and find the diamonds.

Karen wrote: "Is this only for mad about writing stuff? Because I'm furious that my boyfriend (we'd been discussing marriage) came back from vacation and dumped me without any reason why, over text message. I'm ..."

Rage seems entirely appropriate Karen. Way better than feeling like it's somehow your fault. When this happened to me I watched a lot of silly rebound movies that played out in various ways, mostly revenge fantasies, and they were very helpful! Here are some good ones:

Fatal Attraction (ymmv)
Sleepless in Seattle
The Wedding Singer
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
500 Days of Summer
Legally Blonde
Silver Linings Playbook
First Wives Club

Christina wrote: "Did I rant about mosquitoes yet? Tough if I did because eff those little effects. Who the eff thought flying disease machines were a good idea? I hate winter but dammit, can't we just have one nice hard freeze to kill off those lil bastages?"

Update: I'm still just as salty about this two years later.

Dwayne wrote: "Karen wrote: "Is this only for mad about writing stuff?"

Nope. You can be mad about anything you want."

Thank you, Dwayne.
My absence from this group is due to my embarrassment that I haven't yet published a book. I'm mad at myself for not being able to achieve this goal. Though I regularly post articles on a website and earn a little money and gained followers... it's not the same.

Not to make excuses, but I've had some health issues get in the way, which makes me angry with myself. I'm seeking as much medical and psychiatric attention as I can afford. Being unemployed because of my illnesses infuriates me, as our financial situation limits the amount of care and medication I'm able to obtain.

I'm working on it and doing the best I can... which will be engraved on my tombstone. My best isn't good enough, so I feel rotten about that. No, I don't feel sorry for myself. I'm frustrated with my inability to contribute financially to our household expenses

Thank you for letting me vent. I've missed you and wish you all the best of happiness and success. Hugs to All, Sam

Karen wrote: "Is this only for mad about writing stuff? Because I'm furious that my boyfriend (we'd been discussing marriage) came back from vacation and dumped me without any reason why, over text message. I'm ..."

He's a douche bag. Go for it, write a short and do something terribly ignoble.

My biggest rant is the verboten P-word so I can't go into it which is probably a good thing.

Dwayne wrote: "If you're spending more time on edits than you did writing the rough draft, you're doing it right. I love the editing part of it. That's where the real magic happens. It's where you get to dig around in this pile of rubble and find the diamonds."

Thanks for the encouragement. I hope there are some diamonds in the pile.

Sam (Rescue Dog Mom, Writer, Hugger) wrote: "My absence from this group is due to my embarrassment that I haven't yet published a book."

It seems there's no issue with that. I am still far away from my debut being complete yet people here were willing to share advice, listen to my ramblings or just what I thought about the writing process even though I am not published either.

I still fear calling myself a writer, though.

Sam (Rescue Dog Mom, Writer, Hugger) wrote: "My absence from this group is due to my embarrassment that I haven't yet published a book. I'm mad at myself for not being able to achieve this goal. Though I regularly post articles on a website and earn a little money and gained followers... it's not the same."

I'm mad on your behalf, Sam. Not about whether or not you've written, but the factors that are disrupting your life. You're still our favorite Suam.

Also: I'm mad at self-doubt. Say it loudly everyone: we are writers!!!

Tomas wrote: "I still fear calling myself a writer, though."

Tomas, you're a great member in this group. You've given good advice and asked some great questions. I can tell you're working hard on your novel. You're a writer and a valued member here.

I'm so tired of begging people to review my book!! You read it, you loved it, you can't wait for the next one.... GREAT!!! Review it!!! Please!!!??? Jeez!!! And don't tell me you are going to review it then don't!!! ARRGGGG!!!! LOL!!! Ok, rant over!!!!

Sam (Rescue Dog Mom, Writer, Hugger) wrote: "Dwayne wrote: "Karen wrote: "Is this only for mad about writing stuff?"

Nope. You can be mad about anything you want."

Thank you, Dwayne.
My absence from this group is due to my embarrassment tha..."

Sam you can vent all you want. You are a writer, even if your book isn't finished yet. I'm with Christina. I am mad that you cannot find the help you need, that the treatments/doctors are outrageous costly and that it is so hard for you to find the right one(s). BUT we are not mad at you for taking time off, everyone does at some point. I did too. And while I am here today, I may not feel like being on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ tomorrow. It wouldn't do me no good to get mad at myself for the way I feel (or don't feel). Remember that we love you and that's about all that counts...you have all the rights to be here and we WANT you here. <3

Tomas, Christina, Alex, G.G,
Thank you so very much for your emotional support. It means so much to me because I've been hit with too many very emotionally and physically painful days lately. Now the weather has turned cold and the holidays are approaching. I'm so screwed!
Hugs to All!!
And, yes, I AM a Writer!!!!!

Sam (Rescue Dog Mom, Writer, Hugger) wrote: "Tomas, Christina, Alex, G.G,
Thank you so very much for your emotional support. It means so much to me because I've been hit with too many very emotionally and physically painful days lately. Now t..."

Sam if you can I recommend crossing a border where you need to fill out form that includes the line: "Occupation."

Answer it: "WRITER."

I actually did this while on a business trip for a computer company in 1992 and when I got back I sold my first story (one that I wrote while on this trip, just after I wrote WRITER on the "occupation" line)

Lark wrote: "Sam if you can I recommend crossing a border where you need to fill out form that includes the line: "Occupation."

Answer it: "WRITER." ..."

Thank you, Lark. I will follow your advice. Nice story, by the way. Congratulations! Hugs, Sam

I'm trying to publish the fourth (and final) book in my superhero series. I have everything ready, but my cover artist needs to adjust the spine on the print book. So, now I have to wait for someone else until the story is complete, which must be what has kept me from fame and fortune, right?

The other problem I have is converting my book to a .mobi file. I have it ready to go, except the stupid fleuron. For some reason, it doesn't show up when I finish my conversion. I'll never use one again. I'd eliminate it, but the other three books have used the same one, so to drop it now would look off. My ignorance is keeping me from finishing my series and revealing the identity of my hero to my readers (both of them).

Sam (Rescue Dog Mom, Writer, Hugger) wrote: "Thank you, Lark. I will follow your advice. Nice story, by the way. Congratulations! Hugs, Sam ..."

I am bubbling over with advice. Sorry! You're so far ahead and you already are a writer if you're writing things for websites and getting paid for it.

Maybe the book you're working on isn't the one. Maybe there is something else wanting to be written first...that situation can also lead to writers' block, when you get stuck on a book that just isn't the one you should be working on and the universe is telling you that.

Phillip wrote: "I'm trying to publish the fourth (and final) book in my superhero series. I have everything ready, but my cover artist needs to adjust the spine on the print book. So, now I have to wait for someon..."

That's great, Phillip, to be ready to publish book four. Hope it doesn't take long to get it all squared away.

Sam (Rescue Dog Mom, Writer, Hugger) wrote: "I'm hopping and steaming mad and need to vent, please! It's been almost 2 years since I lost a good job with good insurance coverage due to illness. We've been paying for our own insurance ever sin..."

I feel your anger from Oregon! We are self-employed and just got our rates for 2018 from Moda, our insurance provider. We are insuring two healthy middle-aged adults and our college-aged son, and our rates for "Bronze coverage" (aka, third best out of three) is going up $300 to $1700/month, with a $6500/$13,000 deductible and no out-of-network allowed -- worthless really, except for major medical emergencies. It is outrageous, but we don't want to go without medical coverage for the emergency, so we will pay their invoice. At least we can apply the out-of-pocket to our HSA. Universal healthcare would solve this for us self-employed/under-insured, middle Americans (and everyone else can join!)

Lark wrote: "I'm actually moving past the anger phase but I was angry at my utter inability to get more than a handful of media outlets to review my novel. I know it's a good novel. I know I'm a good writer. My..."

Hi Lark! Your book caught my attention a few months ago on Netgalley and it has been on my "reading" shelf since. Like so many with good intentions, I have been overwhelmed with other time-stealing work and have not found time to sink into anyone else's books. When I do finish yours, I will write you a review (it will be under my (real) other name.)
I just wanted you to know it may not be that your book isn't attracting the attention from bloggers/reviewers you had hoped for--I thought it looked interesting, entertaining, and the length makes for a quick read.
I don't think you are being shunned for having self-published. We might just be reaching saturation soon and bloggers/reviewers are feeling it -- there are so many great new books out there to pick from! I, myself, self-published and when I see my sales stats I think: books are being sold (and given away,) but is no one reading them after buying? If read, why is no one leaving a review? I have a series, and the second and third books are selling, so someone is indeed reading the first.
Who knows! You can only do your best at what you can control and plow ahead, just like you are. Cheers!

For the "I'm still not a writer" group:
Sherrilyn Kenyon said the most difficult thing for a rookie writer is to finish a book.
The book I have out took a lot to finish, and I'm currently trying to complete the second one, which is taking me a lot more than I thought (after all, I have done it before, right?)
So don't blame yourself for something that is supposed to happen.
Also, I recommend reading the article "Environmental Reinforcement of your Goals" by Steve Pavlina (or better, all his blog).

M.L. wrote: "Phillip wrote: "I'm trying to publish the fourth (and final) book in my superhero series. I have everything ready, but my cover artist needs to adjust the spine on the print book. So, now I have to..."

Thanks. I've got the cover good to go now. I'm still trying to crack the nut on getting my fleuron to show properly. The first three books, I just paid for all formatting issues. I'm trying to save the money this time.

Okay. This happens more often than it should. I'm rolling up to an intersection. There's already a car there, to my right, ready to make a left turn. So, I wait for them to go. And I wait. And I wait. Then I get the angry, agitated wave to me to go first. Why? Why not just go when you can. You have the right of way. And why get pissy with me because I can't read your mind and realize you're waiting for me when you don't need to!

Karen wrote: "Is this only for mad about writing stuff? Because I'm furious that my boyfriend (we'd been discussing marriage) came back from vacation and dumped me without any reason why, over text message. I'm ..."

Forget the series and write that angry book with the antagonist the ex. I like the idea of giving in a very long painful death. When done, throw it in a drawer (or a file) and go back to what you were doing. It might actually make a good book when you are finished with your series. Then again, it will be a cathartic way of killing him off without the need to hide the body.

That could actually work... Sue Grafton started her "Alphabet" series because of fantasies of murdering her ex-husband during the divorce.

Jillian wrote: Hi Lark! Your book caught my attention a few months ago on Netgalley and it has been on my "reading" shelf since. ..."

Oh, Jillian, you made my day. Thanks for taking the time to write!

B.A. wrote: "Karen wrote: "Is this only for mad about writing stuff? Because I'm furious that my boyfriend (we'd been discussing marriage) came back from vacation and dumped me without any reason why, over text..."

Then again, it will be a cathartic way of killing him off without the need to hide the body.

I need a 'like' button for this! :)

Lark wrote: "Sam (Rescue Dog Mom, Writer, Hugger) wrote: "Thank you, Lark. I will follow your advice. Nice story, by the way. Congratulations! Hugs, Sam ..."

I am bubbling over with advice. Sorry! You're so fa..."

Thank you for your advice and encouragement, but I'm only making a few bucks with what I'm doing... not successful enough to pay even a utility bill, but I'm working on it.

Sam (Rescue Dog Mom, Writer, Hugger) wrote: "Thank you for your advice and encouragement, but I'm only making a few bucks with what I'm doing... not successful enough to pay even a utility bill, but I'm working on it. !..."

I like to take every opportunity to say that being a good writer is a rare, highly marketable skill, especially once you start thinking about non-fiction or corporate or promotional writing opportunities.

In my experience there has almost always been a negative correlation between writing to make money vs. writing to share a story that is important to me. And the things I write that touch people most, where I get the most positive fb, have almost always been things I'm not paid very much for, in comparison to the things I am paid a lot to write.

Lark wrote: "Sam (Rescue Dog Mom, Writer, Hugger) wrote: "Thank you for your advice and encouragement, but I'm only making a few bucks with what I'm doing... not successful enough to pay even a utility bill, bu..."

And isn't that an interesting conundrum? I wish it weren't so, but I agree with you. It is what I see play out in the mass market all the time.

And, Sam, you write well. I've seen the proof.

Lark, you are correct... sadly so. hugs!

Carmel, thank you for your generous compliment! Hugs!

I'm still mad about GR Giveaways.

I've vented about this already elsewhere but I feel like it's a public service to say again, now and then, that these giveaways are a scam.

First you pay for the privilege of giving away your book for free and then the people who sign up turn around and sell your book.

The overwhelming number of people who 'won' my giveaway have no profile, no profile pic, no reviews, AND they sign up for every giveaway...their business model is to get free inventory sent to them and then sell it online. Pretty good business model!

I did only one giveaway on goodreads, before there was a cost, and had similar results. I won't be paying for giving away books here again. It just didn't seem to help with being seen by those who might appreciate the read. Other efforts have been more fruitful. I find that sad, because it seems like it could be a really good opportunity to connect readers with what they enjoy reading, but not the way it's currently set up.