Making The Most of Your Time as a Writer

I admit.  I haven't blogged in quite a bit.  It took me a few attempts to relearn which account I used and to reset my password just to get into my blog.  I'm a writer; not a computer genius.  Okay.  So, now that I got that disclaimer out of the way, we're going to talk about time.  Yes, it seems like there is a lot of it floating around during the day, but somehow it gets sucked up by lots of different things.  Is it just me or do this also happen to you?  So, then you're a writer.  You want to write.  When I have any spare time, I want to sequester myself away from the world so I can see what my characters are up to.  I want to move their story along.  I admittedly get so caught up in my book, that I forget about blogging, marketing, helping other authors or pretty much doing anything except writing.  Now, I want you to step back for a minute and ask yourself, "Is that such a bad thing?"  Or the more important question of all, "Why do I write?"  If you're an aspiring writer, you will want to have that answer on lock down.  And whatever that answer is, use your time and align it with the reason you write.  For me, it is simple.  I write because I enjoy it.  I write for me.  Would I like to sell lots of books?  Sure.  Would I like to have writing be my primary career?  Eventually.  But none of these are the reasons I write.  What is your main reason for writing?  Are you honoring that reason with how you spend your time?  I challenge you to do that and I guarantee your writing will improve dramatically!  Now, go write.  :)

Writers Website: Wattpad

Are you a writer?  Do you enjoy dabbling in the written word: poetry, fiction, articles.  Whether you have or haven't been published, but you would like some feedback on your work.  There is a great website just for you.  It is called Wattpad.  It is a free site where you can publish your writing no matter if it is 1 page or 500 pages.  People will read your work and provide comments.  As with all websites, it will take you a little time to set up your profile.  It isn't complicated, but it takes time.  You will want a profile picture.  There are communities you can join and talk to other fellow writers.  Warning: I found myself getting a little lost in the communities because there are so many fun posts to read.

A few things you will want to keep in mind.  The site generally has a younger audience; however, there are communities for 'older' writers.  (Older is anyone over 30).  lol.  It is fun to read a younger audience's writing.  Don't let this deter you.  It is just good to know.  Of course, people will read your work for free.  You won't make any money on this site, but it does provide some feedback.  I have also enjoyed talking to people that want to become published.  I enjoy providing them with tips and encouragement.  It is also neat to read a variety of works.  Some are really good and inspiring.  It is all generally a ton of fun.

The website is www.wattpad.com.  Enjoy!

Writing: Keeping the Momentum

I am currently working on my third book in my 47 Destinies series.  It has an incredible plot.  The main character is edgy and blunt.  I've been working up to this story even as I wrote the last two books.  I even placed clues and background in the other two books to make this story work.  (And let me tell you, I am so glad I did!)  It is a really fun book to write.

However, my life outside of writing has been chaotic to say the least.  My bread-and-butter job wears me out during the week so when I get to my bed, I can barely keep my eyes open let alone write.  My weekends have been jammed pack to where I may have one hour each weekend to write, if that!  Why am I telling you all of this?  BECAUSE, you have to keep your momentum going when you are on a project.  If you let too much time slip, the story has a possibility of slipping as well.  I've heard that you should write everyday.  It isn't possible for me, but I do write at least once a week.  I set aside 1-2 solid hours.

 often get asked, "how do you find time to write?"  It is an easy answer, "I love writing!"  Nevertheless, when things get busy, I still have to carve out time.  Anything worth doing is going to take time.  There will be some level of sacrifice involved.  But when you are working in your passion, it won't feel like a sacrifice.  It will feel like you are exactly where you should be.  And that is how you keep the momentum going!  Happy writing!

Free Marketing Websites

You have a book.  You love it!  Your mom loves it!  (If your mom doesn't love your book, you may want to consider a revision.  Your mom is your #1 fan.  If your #1 fan doesn't love your book, you may have a problem.  Anyway, my mom loves both of my books so I am good.)

How in the world do you get the word out about your incredible book?  By no means do I have all the answers to this mystical question.  In fact, I only have a vague idea on how to market a book.  To top it off, I have an ebook and a paperback version to market.  Great!  Now I have two markets.  :)  Both of these markets are radically shifting and changing daily so hang on for a wild ride.

My main advice is to dabble in everything.  See what works.  I personally like Goodreads.  They have a great author program and I have found their giveaways to be helpful.  If you do a giveaway, just start with one book and do a month long time period.  You won't get a ton of response at first, but a few days toward the end of the giveaway, your book gets featured toward the top.  It is the most visible then and people enter to win it.  I also like the author dashboard.  It is interesting to view over time.

Bublish is also fun to use.  I am not sure of the results from Bublish, but it is free and enjoyable.  You can re-post the bubbles so be sure to use that option.  Bublish also publishes new bubbles every Sunday.

One of my author friends sent me this great link that I want to share on this topic.  It has some great advice.  It is http://savvybookwriters.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/bookstore.jpg

Did you like it?   (Notice Goodreads is the first on the list.)

Keep in mind that marketing takes time.  What?  I know.  Time.  Does it pay off?  I will let you know in a few years.

10 Questions About My Book: A Next Big Thing Blog Hop Posting

A fellow author, Jo Chandler, tagged me in the in the “Next Big Thing Blog Hop” interview series. The point of the series is to give you readers an insight into an upcoming book or a work-in-progress. I thought it would be a fun way to connect with other authors while also sharing about the third book in my 47 Destinies series.

The Next Big Thing in my writing life is THIS:

1. What is the working title of your book or story?

47 Destinies: The Matriarch


2. What is a one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Leslie Locke, a wealthy snob, crumbles when her haunting past of lies and heartache smacks her straight across the face.


3. Where did the idea for the book come from?

While writing the first two books in my 47 Destinies series, I thoroughly enjoyed writing about the character Leslie. She is direct, sharp, rude and the master of manipulation. I found myself looking forward to writing her dialog and scenes. The more time I spent with her, the more I wondered, why is Leslie so terrible? What experiences in Leslie's past influenced her behavior?


My readers can't stand Leslie so it is my goal for them to help understand her a little. I don't expect them to like her at the end, but I think they will gain a new appreciation for her.


4. What genre does your book fall under?

Contemporary Romance


5. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Leslie: Angelina Jolie (aged about 15 years)

Cora: Sandra Bullock

Brent: George Clooney (about 10 years younger)


6. Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

My publisher is Silverlake eBooks (www.silverlakeebooks.com)


7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

47 Destinies (Book One) 6 months

47 Destinies: Discovering Grace (Book Two) 4-5 months

47 Destinies: The Matriarch (Book Three) I just started. It is set to release in the Fall of 2013


8. What other books would you compare this story to, within your genre?

My novels are a blend of romance, humor and traveling. I would compare them to some of Nora Roberts novels.


9. Who or what inspired you to write this book?

The main setting for this book is New Orleans. The main character, Leslie, inspired me to tell her story.


10. What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?

There will be several twists and turns in Book Three. Be prepared to be surprised when Leslie goes back in time to relive parts of her past. I cannot reveal too much for fear of giving it all away!


Now I've tagged authors to take on these “Next Big Thing” questions themselves. Please check out their blogs.


Jo Chandler has published two young adult fiction novels titled This Side of Forever and Street Girl. She is also releasing another fantastic title soon. Check out her blog at http://www.jochandler.com

Rick Nicholson published a book in January 2013. Bobby’s Song is the poignant tale of two friends determined to not let death separate them as they slowly learn that true friendship has the power to cross every dimension. Rich's blog http://plus.google.com/111663817760436607764/posts



Geraldine Birch's YA historical novel “The Swastika Tattoo” is about life of German POWs held in a camp in Arizona. Her blog is full of incredible information and blog posts about this fascinating time period. http://theswastikatattoo.com/blog

Writing a Book: I'm done. Now what?

Your masterpiece is done.  Your edit phase is done.  (As done as any writer can be.  It is challenging to know when to say enough is enough).  You have a cover.  You should be thrilled.  Part of you is thrilled.  Another larger part of you says, "now what?"  You know you should begin looking for a publisher.  Or if you have a publisher, you should begin marketing your work.  You should want to market your work, right?  Not necessarily.  I was rather shocked about the reality of how much of the marketing falls on the author.  I was under the impression that all I had to do was write incredible books, sit back and bask in the moment.  Well, that is not the case in this age of publishing.  Gone are the large bookstores.  The large publishing houses are dwindling.  At first, this bummed me out a little, but then I saw the opportunity in it.  The publishing world is going through a huge transformation.  I will get into that in a different publishing/marketing post. 

I want to come back to the, "now what?" question.  Here is my advice, celebrate.  Take some time and let it sink in.  Stare at your book.  Pat yourself on the back.  Smile.  Enjoy the moment.  It is a huge accomplishment.  I have heard statistics that for every 200 people that want to write a book, only one person writes a book.  There is plenty of work ahead for you so take a set amount of time and relax.  For me, it is about 2-4 weeks where I just don't write.  I think a lot about my next book, but I don't write.  I want the process to stay fun.  I don't want to get caught up in the, "I have to do this or that."  Maybe if it was my only income, I might be harder on myself.  :)

I just published my second book.  It dawned on me that I may be writing books for the rest of my life.  I am in no hurry to get them all done.  In fact, I will likely never be done.  As a writer, that is a very good thing.  So, now what?  Who knows!!!  I sure don't and that fact makes me very happy.

Writing: Finding the Time

One of the most frequent questions I receive since I have become a publisher author is, "when do you have time to write?"  I must admit, this question brings me several mixed emotions.  At times, I feel it is an authentic question and people want to learn how to make more time in their lives to write.  At other times, I feel it what they are really asking is, "what are you ignoring in your life in order to write?"  So, after much thought, I have come up with two great responses:

1.  When you do something you love, you make the time.  I mainly write late at night.  I occasionally will write during the day on the weekend between all of my other activities.  I have a laptop my dad gave me and my intent was to write during lunch at my day job.  Unfortunately, it is difficult for me to take a lunch at my job so this has yet to pan out.  It seems like a great idea, but just doesn't happen.  I don't have a writing schedule and I don't write everyday.  I am in no hurry to get my books done.  I just let it flow.  I don't put any pressure on myself because then it wouldn't be fun.

2. I gave up reading and watching television.  People don't seem to like this response as much.  I didn't realize exactly how much time I spent watching television in the evenings.  On average, I watched 1-2 hours a night.  Instead of watching television, I usually spend that time writing or promoting my book.  The reward is far greater than what I received from the television.  Please don't get me wrong, I am not advocating for anyone to give up television.  It just worked for me.  I also stopped reading.  I did this mainly so I won't be influenced by another writer's style.  I want my works to reflect me 100%.  This includes my jargon and own version of slang.

There you have it!  There is no magical potion or extra time given to authors (wouldn't that be fabulous).  We are all given the same amount of time in life.  If you want to find more time, look at how you are spending your current allotment and challenge yourself to try something different.  I guarantee that you will be pleased with the results!

Writing a Book: Designing a Cover

There were so many surprises for me when I published my first book.  One of the biggest was when my publisher asked for my cover.  Yikes!  I am a writer, not an artist.  (Trust me on that one.  I don't have an eye for fashion, colors or anything artistic.  I like things in nature, but that is about it.)  So, luckily for me, my brother has an eye for graphic design and a knack for Photoshop.  Somehow, we found the perfect picture, he designed the lettering and we were in business. It took only a few days and it was like 'Shazam!'  The cover was great!  It all worked together.  It fit the story.  Everyone was happy.

Now, we are on to Book Two in the series.  I am thinking how the cover will be a piece of cake.  I know what I am doing.  It will be a snap.  WRONG!!!!!!  The cover has given me grief, frustration and more grief.  I have sent away for a few proofs of the paperback.  I finished my final edit of the interior and I am still not done with the cover.  Where did I go wrong?  I can tell you!  , I didn't map out what I wanted the cover to say before I began the cover.  The first one fell into my lap; which has to be rare.  What I will do for the next one is as follows:

1. Map out the plot of my book and early on begin the cover work.  I won't wait until the end.
2. Outline what I want the cover's 'message' to be.  Is it fun and sexy? Distant and thought provoking?  Bold and dramatic?
3.  I will find themes from my first two covers that I want to carry over.  What do my first two covers have in common?  For me, they both have women, body parts, no faces, sexy, and bright/bold colors.
4. I will begin looking earlier at pictures.  My goal will be to have the third cover done, wording and all, before I am done with the interior of Book Three. 

One final note on the cover...EVERYONE HAS A DIFFERENT OPINION.  The more you show your draft cover ideas, the more everyone will like and dislike different versions.  Just know this going into it.  Don't let their constructive criticism deter you.  It is YOUR cover.  (For the most part, your publisher has the final say, but you get my drift).  And you will know when you know.  If you don't, then hire someone and live with what they decide.  I am sure my brother will sell his services.  Just keep in mind, it won't look like my covers.  I have him copyrighted for those.  lol!

Have FUN!!!!

Okay, so I am posting all these things about writing a book.  I have forgotten one of the key elements: have fun!  Being an aspiring writer takes a ton of effort!  There are a lot of late nights.  Your book looms on you like a virus at times and a ray of sunshine at others.  So, here I am on a Sunday night.  I could be doing a final, final, final (times 10,000) edit of Book Two.  I could be working on the cover (again).  I could be researching....blah, blah, blah.  You get the idea.  Instead, I stumbled across a poem I wrote a few years ago.  It wasn't quite right.  So, I worked on that for a little tonight.  It is all creativity.  Most of all, I had fun!!!!!  So on that note, here it is!

The House
Parallel lines of old growth trees mesh together,
unable to separate themselves from the other.
A grand rod iron gate announces
man’s perceived ownership of land.
No man owns land; land owns man.

Two tattered barns
battered by the sun, wind and rain
stand guard.
Over what, we do not know.

Majestic oaks dot the landscape.
Mountains surround the land,
casting sun shadows to usher in the evening.

Meadows bursting full of dry grass
sway and dance in the breeze.
creating a living carpet.

Someone peers out
the upper story window,
breathing in the beauty
with a heart full of gratitude
to experience this richness called life.

 

Interviewing with a Newspaper

I had my first official interview regarding 47 Destinies: Book One last week.  It was exciting.  I've been so wrapped up in Book Two that at first I had a hard time remembering my plot line from Book One.  Once I refreshed my memory, I had a great time.  For those of you wondering what type of questions are asked, here are a few of the details:

*Date published
*Publisher
*Setting
*Plot line
*Main characters
*History with writing
*How long it took to write
*Where to purchase
*Contact information
*Head shot

A few things I learned from this interview:
*I need to be better prepared with all of the book information
*I am going to get a professional headshot
*I will find out important details like when the article may be published
*I will have book signing dates available

Overall, I did good.  The article came out today in the Georgetown Gazette.  Yippee.  It's my first of hopefully many to come!

Writing a Book: The Edit Phase

Ewww.  As you can see, I don't like to edit.  Well, by the time I have reached the point of doing a 'final edit'.  I have already gone through many versions.  There is the first version in my head, then an outline, first draft, second draft, re-writes, third draft....the list could go on forever, but I don't want you to think I actually track all these versions.  I don't.  Well, I kind of do. 

One of the best hints I tell new writers is to be aware of version control.  There is nothing worse than attempting to figure out which version is the most current.  I label all of my versions in one easy to understand format.  For example, for Book Two my system is Grace.draft.12.16.12.  If I am doing a ton of important versions in one day, I even add the time at the end.  You might think I am obsessive, but I guarantee if you have ever been confused about versions you understand.  Drafts are important.  I have gone back to my drafts to add something back in that I have taken out.  You never know what you might need.  I save all of my drafts in a folder titled 'Draft'.  None of this is rocket science, it is just my method.

I also save it on one portable drive.  I occasionally save a version to my laptop in case I lose the portable drive.  However, I only make edits to the portable drive.  The other versions are merely for backup purposes.  Sometimes near the end, I also email it to myself.  Am I paranoid?  Yes.

For Book Two, I cut down on the number of pre-readers.  In fact, there were only two.  One read to ensure that the character's actions stayed true to their personalities.  The other reader did the main edits.  I stink at commas, 'which' versus 'that', and several other issues.  My editor, who likes to remain nameless, is amazing at all of my weaknesses and more!  After I got the bulk of the story done, I also had one 'fan' read it for content.  Was it good?  Did it flow?  Will people like it?  They helped me answer these important questions.

Currently, I am in the re-reading phase.  I will have a proof done in a week or so of the paperback.  I will read that over and over again.  Then I will read it again.  :)  After, I will send it to my publisher.  And, that is it! 

The edit process in a nut shell.  Crazy, eh?

Writing a Book: It's a Wrap!

I am at the end of Book 2 in my 47 Destinies series.  There are only 2 more chapters to write.  I am stunned.  How did I get here?  And now what?  Coming to the end of a novel is a strange experience.  As the author, you are excited to be near the end.  You have been working close with the characters for several months.  You think about your plot all day long; sometimes at the strangest times and places.  Then one day, you wake up and realize you are almost done.  If you are like me, you may wonder, how did that happen?  Am I really near the end?  Have I chosen the best ending?  Is it good enough?  Is it long enough?  Is it too long?  Of course, then the dreaded editing phase begins. (More on that later.) 

After getting through all the paranoia, then the euphoria begins.  I'm almost done!  I want people to read this!  It's good!    I can't wait to hear what people think.  It is an amazing experience.

So here I am, I have two chapters to go.  Well, enough talking about it.  I need to go finish!

Writing and Chewing

I came to the realization last night while I was writing that I like to chew on things while I am deep in thought.  Anyone that works with me or lives with me, knows that I chew on pens and pencils.  I especially like to chew the top of a pen cap.  Weird, I know.  I also LOVE popcorn, but don't like to chew gum.  So, as I was creating Chapter 8 in Book Two last night, I was very deep in thought.  There were several different angles I could take on a scene and I was thinking about the best option.  When I was in that thought provoking moment, I looked all around for a pen, pencil or anything to chew.  I remembered I purchased some chips from Costco so I grabbed those from the kitchen.  I returned to the scene, chewed and it was all good.

Why in the world am I telling you this?  For several reasons:
1. Writing can reveal things about yourself that you never knew.  They can be small revelations or large ones.  Bottom line: it is a chance to get better acquainted with the one person that will be with you the rest of your life-YOU.  Writing opens up closed areas of your mind.  Try it, you will see.

2. I have cracked a habit that has perplexed me for years.  I was way worse about chewing pencils when I worked at the CCC.  It drove my staff nuts; especially when I accidently chewed up their pencils.  (Huge apology to my CCC staff.)  Was my brain more challenged at the CCC than my current job?  Or have I grown mentally?  These questions I won't be able to answer, but it is fun to think about it.

3.  If I am ever writing one of my novels at your house, please keep all of your pencils and pens away from me.  Consider this your one and only warning.

Writing a Book-Character Development

Thorough character development is an extremely important aspect of any short story or novel.  If your reader does not connect with the characters, the plot alone won’t keep them reading.  The reader does not have to like the characters.  In fact, the characters they abhor can be their favorite.  Readers want to understand the characters and relate a little to their predicaments. 

I have done character development two different ways: I let them develop on their own or I map out their entire life history.  I recommend doing a little of both.  When you are first playing with a new character, allow them to show you who they are.  Try not to ‘box them in’ too much.  Remember, you can always edit it later.  After you get a feel for their personality, then you can begin the mapping out process.  For instance, when Cora appeared in my book, I just let her come alive for me.  Once I could literally see her in my mind, I began to shape the parameters of her life: age, physical appearance, schooling, living situation, siblings, hometown, quirks, hobbies, dreams, and weaknesses.  The list actually goes on and on and on.  After thinking thru all the details of her life, I put it down on paper.  I often referred back to the list when writing Book One to ensure that I kept true to her character. 

When developing Grace for Book Two, I added even more to the character list.  I also created one sentence which described her life very succinctly.  This one sentence helps me stayed focused on the integral aspects of who Grace is as a person.  It is almost like a vision statement for an organization.  It took me over an hour to whittle it down to one sentence; however, I highly recommend making the time for this exercise.  Since Grace is my main character, I need to be sure I have her personality in a nice neat package.  Plus, it gave me the chance to spend some real time with Grace.  It was like we were getting to know each other as friends.  You will spend so much time with your characters that they will begin to feel like your friends!  Sometimes I catch myself during the day wondering what they are doing.  Lol.

Writing a Book-Dialog

This post pertains to writing primarily fiction.  All of my writing prior to 47 Destinies invovled narrative.  If you read my book, you will notice that I love to describe a setting (a future blog post).  I can go on and on and on describing a scene.  In fact, I had to cut a lot of that out in my novel because I tended to ramble about the colors, clouds and ocean.  :)  Attempting to write dialog was frightening.  I had never written dialog.  It seemed like an insurmountable task.  So as most ambitious people do, I avoided it completely for awhile.  I allowed myself to feel comfortable again just writing.  It was free flowing.  Anything that came to my mind I wrote about it.  Nothing was off limits.  Once I gained some confidence, I began to experiment with dialog.  After some time, I actually found it to be easier than narrative.  Say what?  I know, I couldn't believe it either.  My main characters love to banter back and forth.  Interesting, so do I.  So, the dialog just flowed right out of me.  After I conquered the fear of simply trying it, I couldn't get enough.

However, even the best writers have a few issues with dialog: the word 'said' and punctuation.  I pulled out my "Little Brown Book" from college and studied all of the punctuation involved in dialog.  I implemented a tried and true method as well.  Even if my punctuation wasn't 100% correct, I made sure it was 100% consistent!  As for 'said', I now have a list of different words for 'said'.  This list has broadened my horizons and added even more flavor to the dialog.

Don't worry too much about all of these small details.  Keep in mind that practice makes perfect.  The beauty of writing is that you can always edit it!

Writing a Book-The Topic

Once you decide that you want to write a book, you need to eventually pick your topic.  When I began my first book, I wrote about my childhood.  One of my fondest memories was watching the snow fall.  So I wrote a few pages about it.  Once the pages were done, I changed topics and started writing about a prior job experience.  Then I switched gears again and thought about life after college.  One thing led to another and the character 'Cora' came to life.  I am not Cora, Grace or Leslie, (my main women characters), but there are parts of me woven in all of them.  By writing about things that were familiar to me, a character would suddenly pop into my head. 

I had NO idea where the story was headed.  I didn't edit.  I just let the story come out.  Once it began to grow legs, I created an outline.  Over time, I had to go back and clean up the beginning, but by allowing myself to simply write, I didn't impede my own writing process.  At the proper time, you can edit EVERYTHING.  By the time you are done with your book, you will have re-read every sentence more times than you can imagine.  Leave your critical hat for the editting.  When you are writing, be free.  My book did not end up about mu childhood snow days.  Yet, when my main character was in the mountains, guess what I used?  The snow scene I originally wrote many months before.  Let your topic come to you.  Play with it until it feels right.  The more you enjoy your topic, the better odss are that you will stick it out until the book is finished.

Writing a Book-Starting

I am often asked how to write a book.  Here is how the dialog typically goes,

Prospective Author, "I want to write a book, but I don't know how to start."
Marlies, "What is holding you back?"
Prospective Author, "I don't know what to write about.  How did you begin your book?"
Marlies, "The best advice I received on writing was this, just start writing."

Okay, the look on your face most likely mirrors the look I often recevie after giving this simple answer.  I am not being patronizing.  We often make things too complicated in life.  You don't need to be an English major to write a book.  You don't need to go to a class.  There is one thing that you need and that is motivation to write a book.  If you just begin and stick with it, everything else will fall into place.

When I began writing 47 Destinies, I had only dabbled in poetry, short stories and government writing.  However, I had a passion for writing.  I had never attempted dialogue, made chapters or all the other things you will eventually learn how to do.  I just started writing.  Once I finished the book, I noticed that the middle and end pieces were WAY better than the introduction.  In fact, I ended up re-writing some of the first chapters in order to clean it up!  It felt so good to see the progress I made from when I just simply took a chance and began writing.  You can do it, if you really want to do it.

Publishing Your Paperback

For those of you wanting to publish your book in a paperback version, I highly recommend working with www.createspace.com.  This company works closely with you on the myraid of details required to make your e-book into a paperback.  They have tutorials, templates and you can also pay for consulting services.  I did not use the consulting services since I have a professional Photoshop creative expert right in my family (aka-my brother Karl).  I also have a fantastic agent (Thomas) and final editor (Melanie) so I was set!

CreateSpace does not charge for any of the services until you order your first proof book.  They help you with pricing, dsitribution, royalties and everything else you never knew you needed to know.  (That sure would be a snazzy title for a book....hmmmm.)  Anyway, they have top notch customer service and are wonderful to work with on your masterpiece.  CreateSpace is also an Amazon owned company so your book is linked right on to Amazon.  Not bad, eh?

It is also print on demand so when someone buys your book, just one is printed for them.  You don't have to order 1,000 and store them in your garage! 

If you have any questions about how to make all this happen, let me know.  I am an expert with this company now!

Book #2

Yes, I am working on book #2.  I just finished Chapter 2 last night and have half of Chapter 3 written.  The characters are all the same, but the focus is on one character in particular.  I don't want to give too much away for those that haven't finished the first book.  I will tell you that it is also based mainly in San Francisco.  I have been having fun incorporating more landmarks from the city into this book.  If you love San Francisco, you are going to really enjoy this book!  As you can tell, my heart belongs to San Francisco!

Welcome to My Blog

I am excited to have a blog to share my thoughts and ideas.  Ever since I published my book, 47 Destinies, I have been on a whirlwind adventure.  I never in 5 million years had any concept of what it would take to publish a book.  I thought the writing part was the biggest challenge...boy was I wrong!  Writing the book was the easiest part.  Editing and reediting and editing again has given me nightmares.  I doubt there is such a thing as an error free book.  I apologize right now for all errors you have found in reading the book.  My paperback version is super better; however, I am sure there are still errors.  Heck, there are probably five errors in this blog alone.  Yikes.  Who is going to proof my blog?