Traditional vs. Self-publishing: an Introduction

With the recent announcement that Barnes & Noble will be offering self-publishing on their website and in their eBookstore, it is apparent that self-publishing is becoming a more popular option for authors seeking publication.

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Squee with me, won't you?

Today I started a new freelance job!

Squee!

I'm excited about this client relationship. It's going to be ongoing work in a field about which I'm passionate (English education? What? Did someone read my mind?). Right now the gig is part-time, but I'm hopeful it will develop into full time.

This is a good thing for me. Not only is it good work, but it's something that I think will be fun to do. I'll enjoy sitting down to work every day.

Squee!

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Image: healingdream / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Barnes & Noble to offer self-publishing

This summer, the reputable bookstore Barnes & Noble will be releasing PubIt!, entering the company into the self-publishing business. This will allow self-publishers to distribute their works though their website and eBookstore.

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Music (and lyrics) to write by

In yesterday's article about writing to music, Stephanie commented:

I don't know about anybody else, but I can't listen to music with words when I'm writing. The words distract me from what I'm trying to write. That's the reason I listen to classical music or movie soundtracks or something like that.

This is an issue that often comes up as writers try to find the perfect writing music, and there are pros and cons for both scenarios.

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Coffee house book update

I promise I'm still working on the coffee house book!

I'm doing a lot of background work right now: intense character biographies, scene outlines, and research, research, research.

I plan to finish writing by the end of June so I can start edits in July. My goal is to have manuscripts to beta readers in the fall so I can do another round of edits in November.

What are you working on?

Music to write by

Music is inspirational to people. Regardless of what your favorite music is, or the role it plays in your life, chances are there is at least a song or two that "speaks" to you. Fortunately for writers, the creativity and emotion in music can be used to benefit your writing!

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Journal therapy

As a writer, you probably already journal regularly. Your journaling may be in the form of a writing journal, which focuses on your current (and future) projects, or a personal journal, which records important moments in your life. One added benefit to journaling that many people overlook is the "therapy" it can provide.

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Happy Mother's Day

To those who cuddle their little ones at home, to those who have seen their babies fly far away from their nest, to those who are mothers of mothers, and to those who are mothers of fur babies, I wish you a happy, relaxing, and joyous Mother's Day!

The Artist's Way check-in

How many days did you do your morning pages this week? How was the experience for you? 

Learning from ScriptFrenzy: writing dialogue

Now that ScriptFrenzy is over, many writers will be leaving the stage (or screen) behind to go back to writing prose. But just because you're setting aside playwriting for another year doesn't mean you can't take it into your writing the rest of the year.


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Contest Winner

After a month of poetry, several submissions, and some voting, we have a winner for my very first blog contest!

I know you're all waiting eagerly to see who's the lucky winner of the fantabulous prize, so I won't keep you waiting anymore.

Congratulations:

Meeting deadlines

It seems that, for my writing life, there are two modes: bored-out-of-my-skull mode and the-moon-must-be-full mode.

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The Artist's Way check-in: weeks ten-twelve

I've officially completed The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. Just tonight I finished the last of my tasks, and signed my contract for the next ninety days.

At about week ten I got off track. That's the week Hubby, Bean, and I were visiting my family and I was still waiting to find out about the possible heart problems I was having. So I didn't do the morning pages or any tasks for a couple of weeks. But I used the last week or so to get caught up. I'm glad I did the last three weeks again instead of giving up or setting it aside for longer. It was definitely worth it to me. The last few weeks were particularly beneficial.

I'm optimistic about the next phase of my journey, my artist's way. There are specific things I'd like to accomplish during the next ninety days (and beyond), as well as continuing some things I've picked up during the process from the last three months. I'm excited about what's to come. Of course, I have some reservations about stepping away from the book and on my own way, but I know it's going to be good for me. I've learned a lot. I'm a new person, a new writer.

So here is my check in for the last few weeks. I will be continuing my weekly check-in for the next few months to help keep myself on track.

How many days did you do your morning pages this week? How was the experience for you? I averaged six days a week for the past few weeks. It was wonderful to get back into it. I didn't realize how badly I'd missed the daily writing until I came back to it. It's something I look forward to each day.


Did you do your artist date this week? What did you do? How did it feel?
I did my artist date this week; I met with my friend Kelly (online) to chat about writing, The Artist's Way, life, the universe, and everything. It was fun! We hadn't been able to meet the past couple of weeks, so it was great to catch up with her and talk again.

Did you experience any synchronicity this week? What was it?
I did! I had an appointment, and C--'s wife has gone through a similar situation I'm going through right now. Not only is he giving me good advice about it, but he told me about a great networking opportunity that I think will be very beneficial to me.

Beta readers, part three

Now that you know how to select a beta reader, you may be wondering how to handle being asked to be a beta reader for someone else. Here are a few things you should remember before you accept the invitation to be a beta reader.

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Beta readers, part two

Yesterday, you learned some things to keep in mind when selecting a beta reader for your work. Here are a few more tips as you consider people to read your stories.

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