Writers - do we worry too much a bout the writing?

I’ve been writing now for about nine years.  I must enjoy it because, if I considered it work making the minimum wage is still an aspiration.  But it’s not about the money is it?  Not that I’m saying making a bit wouldn’t be nice and there’s always hope.  When I began writing I paid for some editorial advice.  For the first book it was great, pointing out some of the traps I guess many new writers fall into.  It also educated me in the basics around construction, writing dialogue and more.  For the second book it was less helpful, however what it did teach was to value my own opinion.

Over the years I’ve taken a couple of on-line courses, read books and blogs on writing, all the time trying to improve my craft and make myself a better writer.  However, what does that mean?  Recently, I’ve been revising several new books, going back over my work numerous times.  It has even had me looking back at my published books with an effort to improve the writing.

For the full blog follow this link.

Indie author - afraid to change?

It’s daft I know.  There I am, an indie author, with books only selling the odd copy every now and then - yet for some reason I’m afraid to change things.  Perhaps part of it, as I talked about in my last blog, is the vain hope that an agent and publisher is going to come a long and wave their magic wands.  Well, that’s not going to happen and even if it does I’m still the one who is going to be making most of the running.

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Science round-up Inspiration - 11

It’s been a while since I produced one of my end of the month science round-ups.  However, recently a few items have grabbed my attention as a science fiction writer.  As always these are not in any order of scientific importance.  However, as any writer knows it’s these sort of things that start you asking questions that lead to… well who knows where.

For the full blog follow the link

My writing - going back to basics 4)

For those that have been following my blog recently you’ll know that I have signed up for the on-line master class series by the best-selling thriller writer James Patterson.  Now, thrillers are not my thing but the guy has sold millions of books world-wide so knows a thing or two about writing successful commercial fiction.  I’m nearing the end now so what’s changing.

Well I never was a great planner, I tended to write and then see where it took me, which I know works for some people.  However, I think especially for the self-publisher that planning of every scene can add real value.  We perhaps can’t afford the luxury of in-depth and repeated editing.  So working on those scenes, the order, the twists and the impact, in detail before you start the writing I think is a winner.

For more follow the link to my blog: http://wp.me/p3ycbY-1mC

My writing - I'm going back to basics

I admit it, my books are not selling. 

Well not many anyway.  On my latest novel ‘Bleak – The story of a shape shifter’ I’ve spent some money on promotion but it is not even coming close to paying for itself.  I know this is common for self-published authors and I’ve ready many times that it can take five, seven or ten books before you finally start to see a return.

Am I disheartened?

Yes, well a little anyway.  I’m not expecting to have that best seller, but it would be nice to sell a few more to cover those costs and maybe show some profit. And it’s not all about the money.  I enjoy my writing and as an author I want people to read and appreciate my work.  Those that have read my books tell me they have enjoyed them, even that they couldn’t put them down.  I have had some positive reviews.  All that’s great and tells me that I have something even if I’m not the finished article (If you ever are?).

So why back to basics?   Follow the link to my blog: http://wp.me/p3ycbY-1lW

5 more reasons for writing and reading short stories

Read more of them.  Write more of them.  Short stories are great for all sorts of reasons. Don't view short stories as somehow inferior.  For any writer they are a valuable asset.  My blog: http://wp.me/p3ycbY-1jM 

Writers - read more and wider

Go on! be a devil and try something different.  When it comes to choosing that next book it is easy to stick to what you know. However, as writers there are great rewards in looking a little wider.  My latest blog: http://wp.me/p3ycbY-1iN

Blogging - what I've learned so far

I've been blogging now for over two years. I'm not sure what I expected when I started, but I'm still going. Here's why. http://wp.me/p3ycbY-1fX

Writers - lots in my summary blog

This weeks blog is a cornucopia for all writers.  A  summary with links to many of my writing blogs.  Dip in and see what you can find.  http://wp.me/p3ycbY-1dM  

Photography is a writer's friend - part 2)

Last week I concentrated on how composing and taking photographs  was a help to writers.  This week I look at the photographs themselves and how we can use them.  http://wp.me/p3ycbY-1dl

Photography is a writer's friend

I have always been interested in photography. However, I didn't appreciate how useful it could be to me as a writer. http://wp.me/p3ycbY-1da

A new writer – Planning (not) for a book launch

In many ways writing the book is the easy bit, at least you have an idea how to do that and where the story is taking you. But with book marketing....My latest blog:

 http://wp.me/p3ycbY-1bN

The responsibilities of a self publishing author

Self-publishing has never been easier.  Agents and publishing houses are no longer the sole custodians of what constitutes a 'good book'.  However, with that, as the writers of those books we must accept certain responsibilities. http://wp.me/p3ycbY-1bC

Writers - enjoy those revisions

I know, I know, it has taken you months to finish, you're proud of it and now you are faced with making revision after revision.  But you can enjoy it - read this:
http://wp.me/p3ycbY-18M

Blogs for bloggers and writers - part 2)

 Part 1) was some weeks ago, but I got a little sidetracked by lawnmowing and advice we writers are often given.  Anyway some websites I've found useful and why:
  http://wp.me/p3ycbY-18u

Writers and all that advice - part 2)

This is my second blog looking at all the advice writers are given.  This  time I'm looking at those things I believe should be viewed with caution.http://wp.me/p3ycbY-18k

Writers and all that advice - part 1)

Last week I wrote about 'writers why do we do it' because while I was pushing the lawn mower and that's where my mind wandered.  Well it also wandered over all the advice I've been given or found, pondering on what was good and what needed to be treated with caution  http://wp.me/p3ycbY-18d 

Blogs for Bloggers and Writers - part 1)

As a writer and blogger it has come to my notice that recently I have been ignoring other people's blogs.  In the next few weeks I aim to put that right and to share the results with you.  

http://wp.me/p3ycbY-17T

Where to go for inspiration - a few ideas

I don't think I have ever suffered from writer's block, but we all need inspiration from time to time.  So here's a few of the places I get mine.

http://wp.me/p3ycbY-15D

Why you should join a writing group

As a would be writer one early bit of advice I was given was, join a writing group. I did eventually, I should of done it sooner.  Here's why:   http://wp.me/p3ycbY-15e