There are a lot of writers out there and a lot of books to choose from. How can you tell if your book is one of the good books or not is obviously a very subjective thing – everyone thinks their own book is good. But there are a couple things you can do to see if your book is any good.
Join a writer’s group and have your fellow authors critique your book.
They might see where something needs to be polished, or edited, or clarified. Or ask friends or family to read your book and let you know what they thought about the writing. Be open to hearing their opinions and see if changing things improves your book.
Record yourself reading your book out loud and then listen to it played back to you.
Can you hear things you want to change? Are there places in the book that sound better or worse when you hear them out loud?
Whatever you hear from other people about your book should not stop you from writing more books though. Everyone has an opinion and just because someone doesn’t like your book, doesn’t mean your book won’t become a favorite of someone else.
Got questions about self-publishing your book? Please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/.
Showing posts with label Self-pubishing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Self-pubishing. Show all posts
How to Control Your Writing Schedule During the Holidays
Everyone’s busy during the holidays – There’s always something distracting us, taking up time, and interrupting our routines. Here are a few quick ideas to maintain control over your writing schedule during the holidays:
First of all, where possible, work ahead.
If you can add on time spent writing in the weeks before things get busy, you won’t feel like you’re running behind. Write for an extra hour on the weekends, or if you normally give yourself a day off each week, use that day to write even if it’s only briefly spent working.
Secondly, limit your holiday activities.
Only go to one party per week, or whatever you think is necessary. You have a great excuse – you’re working! If you need to prepare a holiday meal, divide the meal between the guests – someone brings a salad, someone else brings a dessert, and so on. Or do what I do and find a restaurant that caters – you can get a great catered meal for a reasonable price from Boston Market for example!
Finally, be gentle on yourself – you also deserve a present and some time off might be perfect.
If you’re not able to maintain the level of writing you’d like, it’s all right. The holidays don’t last forever and if you’re a week or two behind schedule, you’ll be able to catch up in January.
What about you? Do you work at the same pace during the holidays? How do you control your schedule when there are so many outside demands put on it?
Please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/ and let me know!
I meet people all the time who tell me they have a great idea for a book, but don’t know where to get started. Here are a few ideas I have for where to get help writing your book:
A great place to start is to join a writing group. These are people just like you who want to write and share their ideas. You can look for groups at your local library or community center, but if you don’t find one, start one yourself! Just post a notice asking other writers if they’re free to meet on a regular basis, usually once a month.
You could also do online searches for how to get started. Search “how to write a book” and you’ll find plenty of sites that give tips on how to get started.
Something you might do is talk to friends. Even if your friends aren’t writers, they might have a good idea for you to get started. You might use them as a sounding board about your book idea, or they might read through what you’ve written and give you thoughtful feedback.
Don’t forget that it helps to read well-written books. You can get a feeling for what works and what doesn’t. You might also try writing a paragraph or two of your book in the style of different writers. Not only is imitation the sincerest form of flattery, it’s also good practice!
Good luck with your writing, and let me know what worked for you to get help with your book!
First of all, where possible, work ahead.
If you can add on time spent writing in the weeks before things get busy, you won’t feel like you’re running behind. Write for an extra hour on the weekends, or if you normally give yourself a day off each week, use that day to write even if it’s only briefly spent working.
Secondly, limit your holiday activities.
Only go to one party per week, or whatever you think is necessary. You have a great excuse – you’re working! If you need to prepare a holiday meal, divide the meal between the guests – someone brings a salad, someone else brings a dessert, and so on. Or do what I do and find a restaurant that caters – you can get a great catered meal for a reasonable price from Boston Market for example!
Finally, be gentle on yourself – you also deserve a present and some time off might be perfect.
If you’re not able to maintain the level of writing you’d like, it’s all right. The holidays don’t last forever and if you’re a week or two behind schedule, you’ll be able to catch up in January.
What about you? Do you work at the same pace during the holidays? How do you control your schedule when there are so many outside demands put on it?
Please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/ and let me know!
I meet people all the time who tell me they have a great idea for a book, but don’t know where to get started. Here are a few ideas I have for where to get help writing your book:
A great place to start is to join a writing group. These are people just like you who want to write and share their ideas. You can look for groups at your local library or community center, but if you don’t find one, start one yourself! Just post a notice asking other writers if they’re free to meet on a regular basis, usually once a month.
You could also do online searches for how to get started. Search “how to write a book” and you’ll find plenty of sites that give tips on how to get started.
Something you might do is talk to friends. Even if your friends aren’t writers, they might have a good idea for you to get started. You might use them as a sounding board about your book idea, or they might read through what you’ve written and give you thoughtful feedback.
Don’t forget that it helps to read well-written books. You can get a feeling for what works and what doesn’t. You might also try writing a paragraph or two of your book in the style of different writers. Not only is imitation the sincerest form of flattery, it’s also good practice!
Good luck with your writing, and let me know what worked for you to get help with your book!
Self-published Author Interview-Kelly Murphy
Today we’re talking to author Kelly Murphy. Here’s what she has to say:
Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.
Hi, my name is Kelly Murphy. I was born and raised in Hamilton, Ohio till age 12. My book starts of memories I had from when my dad shot my mother in the mouth while laying beside her when I was three. My grandmother tried to raise me the best she could but was an alcoholic, and I went through about 32 foster homes from age 3 to 15. I went through a rape from 7 guys and also had a subarachnoid hemorrhaging on both sides of my brain. I was on total life support and totally brain dead. It talks about how through it all I have had Faith in the Lord and he was all I had.
I have a child with Aspergers/Autism and have two live births, my son and my daughter. My second book talks of the boy I took in that no one wanted. I had forgiven my father for what he had done and tried to get to know him, big mistakes, but I have answers I have always wanted and needed. I don’t have a good education so had a big fear, but when God brought me back for my children, He told me to write my memories while I still had them.
I am so blessed to be here today. Even though I have problem with reading, I was given the gift to write. My first book is called “ A World With No End From Beginning And Continuing” and is available at any online bookstore (and can be ordered at any bookstore). You can also go directly at www.Xlibris.com and get it paperback or e-book.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
Well, I had a company that read and wanted to publish it but I didn’t have the $4,000 they wanted to do it all for me. I didn’t do well in school and needed an editor. I decided that my spelling didn’t matter but what did was the story behind it.
I feel these books are my calling in life and what I was meant to do is help others, so I decided that I would self publish so I could go ahead and help someone. And money-wise, I needed to take steps because I did not have $4,000 all at once. Trying to raise three children and get things done is a big task.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
Knowing that I needed an editor because of my spelling and grammar. I, at times, had low self-esteem when reliving my life to write the story - because I had a very hard life to overcome.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
The convenience of doing the money part in steps, because I have always needed help financially, and I can get my story out to help others at the same time.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
Don’t let anything stand in your way no matter how different you may be. Write things down all the time and don’t ever give up on your dreams, ever!
Is there anything you would like to add?
I would like to say that I'm sorry for all the mistakes in the first book. My editor didn’t do a good job, but the next book will have a better editor. Thanks for taking the time to let me share some of my life with you but you have to read it to know it all.
Thanks for sharing your information and inspiring story with us Kelly. Good luck with book sales!
Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.
Hi, my name is Kelly Murphy. I was born and raised in Hamilton, Ohio till age 12. My book starts of memories I had from when my dad shot my mother in the mouth while laying beside her when I was three. My grandmother tried to raise me the best she could but was an alcoholic, and I went through about 32 foster homes from age 3 to 15. I went through a rape from 7 guys and also had a subarachnoid hemorrhaging on both sides of my brain. I was on total life support and totally brain dead. It talks about how through it all I have had Faith in the Lord and he was all I had.
I have a child with Aspergers/Autism and have two live births, my son and my daughter. My second book talks of the boy I took in that no one wanted. I had forgiven my father for what he had done and tried to get to know him, big mistakes, but I have answers I have always wanted and needed. I don’t have a good education so had a big fear, but when God brought me back for my children, He told me to write my memories while I still had them.
I am so blessed to be here today. Even though I have problem with reading, I was given the gift to write. My first book is called “ A World With No End From Beginning And Continuing” and is available at any online bookstore (and can be ordered at any bookstore). You can also go directly at www.Xlibris.com and get it paperback or e-book.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
Well, I had a company that read and wanted to publish it but I didn’t have the $4,000 they wanted to do it all for me. I didn’t do well in school and needed an editor. I decided that my spelling didn’t matter but what did was the story behind it.
I feel these books are my calling in life and what I was meant to do is help others, so I decided that I would self publish so I could go ahead and help someone. And money-wise, I needed to take steps because I did not have $4,000 all at once. Trying to raise three children and get things done is a big task.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
Knowing that I needed an editor because of my spelling and grammar. I, at times, had low self-esteem when reliving my life to write the story - because I had a very hard life to overcome.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
The convenience of doing the money part in steps, because I have always needed help financially, and I can get my story out to help others at the same time.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
Don’t let anything stand in your way no matter how different you may be. Write things down all the time and don’t ever give up on your dreams, ever!
Is there anything you would like to add?
I would like to say that I'm sorry for all the mistakes in the first book. My editor didn’t do a good job, but the next book will have a better editor. Thanks for taking the time to let me share some of my life with you but you have to read it to know it all.
Thanks for sharing your information and inspiring story with us Kelly. Good luck with book sales!
How to Use the Cooler, Fall Season to be a More Productive Writer
One of my favorite things about this time of year is having my windows open to let in the fresh air. It’s so energizing to breathe in the delicious smells of fall that I feel like I can accomplish anything, and you can, too.
Take advantage of the weather this season.
If you are able to, try writing outside. If you normally write on a computer, take a notebook with you and try sitting on the porch just jotting down plot ideas, character descriptions, or favorite words you’d like to incorporate into your book.
If you use a laptop, take it outside and work as usual, just breathing in the fresh air.
Break up your writing with a walk around the block. It might be a treat for you once you write a certain number of words, or you might go once per hour. It will give you a chance to think and you’ll feel invigorated and ready to get back to work.
Does the weather in different seasons change the way you work? Please let me know here or at http://www.jexbo.com/.
Take advantage of the weather this season.
If you are able to, try writing outside. If you normally write on a computer, take a notebook with you and try sitting on the porch just jotting down plot ideas, character descriptions, or favorite words you’d like to incorporate into your book.
If you use a laptop, take it outside and work as usual, just breathing in the fresh air.
Break up your writing with a walk around the block. It might be a treat for you once you write a certain number of words, or you might go once per hour. It will give you a chance to think and you’ll feel invigorated and ready to get back to work.
Does the weather in different seasons change the way you work? Please let me know here or at http://www.jexbo.com/.
What You Need to Do in October as a Self-Published Author
October is actually a great month to take stock of where you are with your writing. The September back-to-school feeling has worn off, and we aren’t yet in the November/December holiday rush, and it isn’t yet the resolution time of January.
Try working at a different time, such as earlier in the morning or later in the evening, to be sure you’ll be able to work enough to finish the year strong.
- What have you done thus far with your writing?
- Are you on track to reach any goals you set back in January?
- Do you need to do some extra work to catch up to where you’d planned to be?
- Is there a habit you need to change that will improve how you work?
- Do you need to modify your schedule to get ready for November?
Try working at a different time, such as earlier in the morning or later in the evening, to be sure you’ll be able to work enough to finish the year strong.
Are there any people you need to contact about your book?
Do you need to find a publisher, or meet with a writing group to finalize something you’ve been working on? October is a great month to do this before you and everyone else enter the final months of the year.
Have a wonderful October, and let me know if you have any tips for other self-published authors – I love to hear from you here or at http://www.jexbo.com/!
Self-Published Book Author - Interview with Saheem Wright
Today we’re talking to author Saheem Wright. Here’s what he has to say:
Tell us about yourself, and your self-published book and where it is available.
I’m from Chicago, born and raised. What made me start writing was the reality I was living in. My mother was doing drugs and my father was in jail most of my life. We lived in one of the worst parts of Chicago so writing helped me escape that.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
What made me decide to publish was as the years went on, I kept writing about things I’d seen, things I’ve been through and things my friends have been through. Like, I wrote something about my friend that lost her baby very tragically. Her baby was only two years old and ran in the street and got hit by a car. I thought people should know that. My book is available at amazon.com, barns&noble.com and iuniverse.com.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
My biggest challenge was getting it prepared, putting it all together, because this is years and years of my thoughts.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
The best part about publishing my book is getting my story out and letting people know what I went through as a child. The hand I was dealt I had to play, and you can rise above all.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
My advice for new writers is to take your time, know what you want to say and tell your story.
Thanks for sharing your information with us Saheem, and good luck with book sales!
Do you have questions about self-publishing your book, please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/.
Tell us about yourself, and your self-published book and where it is available.
I’m from Chicago, born and raised. What made me start writing was the reality I was living in. My mother was doing drugs and my father was in jail most of my life. We lived in one of the worst parts of Chicago so writing helped me escape that.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
What made me decide to publish was as the years went on, I kept writing about things I’d seen, things I’ve been through and things my friends have been through. Like, I wrote something about my friend that lost her baby very tragically. Her baby was only two years old and ran in the street and got hit by a car. I thought people should know that. My book is available at amazon.com, barns&noble.com and iuniverse.com.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
My biggest challenge was getting it prepared, putting it all together, because this is years and years of my thoughts.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
The best part about publishing my book is getting my story out and letting people know what I went through as a child. The hand I was dealt I had to play, and you can rise above all.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
My advice for new writers is to take your time, know what you want to say and tell your story.
Thanks for sharing your information with us Saheem, and good luck with book sales!
Do you have questions about self-publishing your book, please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/.
An Interview with Jim Miller of "Mined Your Own Business"
Today at jexbo we’re talking to Jim Miller, author of “Mined Your Own Business.” Let’s see what he has to say:
Why did you decide to self-publish?
I decided to self-publish for a number of reasons. In no particular order, but of equal importance are; royalties, more overall control of my novels, the ease of publishing today and a kind of ego related, "I did it all".
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
The biggest challenge for me was the initial hurdle of getting a book published. I have been writing for many years, but my novels all seemed to get stuck on disks or manuscripts in drawers, all waiting for the best time for me to move. I would often tell people that the marketing side of writing was where I didn't apply myself. I was doing tons of writing, but not much of 'getting it out there'.
A friend who worked for a small press asked if I had anything ready for print that he could have a look at. I gave him the story 'Mined Your Own Business' and after a couple of weeks he emailed me and said that the publisher wanted to offer me a contract to put it out as an ebook. At that time I was busy working on entering the self-publishing world, but I said okay.
A few weeks later, in May, 2011, he notified me that 'Mined Your Own Business' was up on Amazon. After the thrill of seeing it up there and both my wife and I purchasing a copy I settled down and realized that I was now a published mystery writer. That realization gave my level of confidence a boot upwards and when a few reviews showed up and people actually liked it, I was ready to accept the fact that I could be a writer for real. Notwithstanding that I had had a ton of articles published in newspapers and other little clips, friends telling me who good my work was. All of that didn't seem to matter to some inner me. But, now? Now I've got the confidence to go out and self-publish with enthusiasm.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
I think that some of the above fits this category. But the sense of accomplishment was huge. A kind of validation of myself.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
I can't say enough about just going for it. Without that little bit of a shove from my friend I might still be storing up manuscripts and writing for myself. I have to admit that I do re-write a lot, and put long hours into making it the best I can. My inner voice will tell me, "Nope, that scene, Jim, it sucks." And try as I might to shut him, up, we both know it's not the best I can do. So I go back and re-do it. It might be days before I finally accept the fact that if I left it, I was only fooling myself. So, in summary, write it as many times as is necessary - you shut up that little voice, and then you ignore the next little voice that says, "You ain't good enough." and you do it.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Yes, Jerry Cleaver, a writing teacher has a book out, 'Immediate Fiction' and in that are two rules a writer needs to live by:
I can do it!
Whatever writing problem you have there will be a writing solution.
A bit about the ebook selling. The evening of the book launch on Amazon I got an email from my editor who said, "We've been up for four hours and already sold two copies of 'Mined Your Own Business'."
I had to reply, "Yes, I know, Bev bought one and I bought the other."
My temporary blog site is rabbihawkins.blog.spot.com
'Mined Your Own Business' is on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XMZXX0
Thanks for sharing your information with us Jim, and good luck with book sales!
If you’d like to share your self-publishing story with jexbo readers, please write to me here. Thanks!
Why did you decide to self-publish?
I decided to self-publish for a number of reasons. In no particular order, but of equal importance are; royalties, more overall control of my novels, the ease of publishing today and a kind of ego related, "I did it all".
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
The biggest challenge for me was the initial hurdle of getting a book published. I have been writing for many years, but my novels all seemed to get stuck on disks or manuscripts in drawers, all waiting for the best time for me to move. I would often tell people that the marketing side of writing was where I didn't apply myself. I was doing tons of writing, but not much of 'getting it out there'.
A friend who worked for a small press asked if I had anything ready for print that he could have a look at. I gave him the story 'Mined Your Own Business' and after a couple of weeks he emailed me and said that the publisher wanted to offer me a contract to put it out as an ebook. At that time I was busy working on entering the self-publishing world, but I said okay.
A few weeks later, in May, 2011, he notified me that 'Mined Your Own Business' was up on Amazon. After the thrill of seeing it up there and both my wife and I purchasing a copy I settled down and realized that I was now a published mystery writer. That realization gave my level of confidence a boot upwards and when a few reviews showed up and people actually liked it, I was ready to accept the fact that I could be a writer for real. Notwithstanding that I had had a ton of articles published in newspapers and other little clips, friends telling me who good my work was. All of that didn't seem to matter to some inner me. But, now? Now I've got the confidence to go out and self-publish with enthusiasm.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
I think that some of the above fits this category. But the sense of accomplishment was huge. A kind of validation of myself.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
I can't say enough about just going for it. Without that little bit of a shove from my friend I might still be storing up manuscripts and writing for myself. I have to admit that I do re-write a lot, and put long hours into making it the best I can. My inner voice will tell me, "Nope, that scene, Jim, it sucks." And try as I might to shut him, up, we both know it's not the best I can do. So I go back and re-do it. It might be days before I finally accept the fact that if I left it, I was only fooling myself. So, in summary, write it as many times as is necessary - you shut up that little voice, and then you ignore the next little voice that says, "You ain't good enough." and you do it.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Yes, Jerry Cleaver, a writing teacher has a book out, 'Immediate Fiction' and in that are two rules a writer needs to live by:
I can do it!
Whatever writing problem you have there will be a writing solution.
A bit about the ebook selling. The evening of the book launch on Amazon I got an email from my editor who said, "We've been up for four hours and already sold two copies of 'Mined Your Own Business'."
I had to reply, "Yes, I know, Bev bought one and I bought the other."
My temporary blog site is rabbihawkins.blog.spot.com
'Mined Your Own Business' is on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XMZXX0
Thanks for sharing your information with us Jim, and good luck with book sales!
If you’d like to share your self-publishing story with jexbo readers, please write to me here. Thanks!
How to Get Your Book Finished by the End of the Year
We’re in the homestretch of the year, and you might be finishing your book with no problem. If you’re stuck though, here are some things you might try that will motivate yourself to finish your book by the end of the year.
If you started off well but have slowed to a crawl, take a moment to think about what worked for you at the beginning.
Do you like starting a fresh document?
Then, try making each chapter a separate document.
Did you work at a specific time and now find yourself working sporadically?
Try working with the schedule you used at the beginning.
Are you stuck?
Have a friend (or a writing group) look through what you’ve finished so far and give some feedback. You might just need a fresh perspective to get back on track.
Do you have an outline for the rest of your book?
Try working on different parts and fill in the outline as you go. You don’t have to stick with working from the beginning to the end. Write the end, jump around and write parts of each chapter, don’t worry about working in a certain order.
Figure out what you have left to do to finish your book and write a schedule.
And if you have questions about self-publishing your book, please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. Thanks!
- Do you need to write a certain number of words per day?
- Do you need to do one day of editing per week along with writing?
- Can you set up a specific time each day to work for the final stretch?
How to Get Ready for the School Season and Have Time to Write
Getting ready for the school season can be a speed bump in summer fun. You know it’s coming, but it feels like it’s coming too fast. Here are a few tips to get things ready and still have time to write.
First of all, once you have your list of items needed for school, find out if another parent will be kind enough to buy double of everything so you don’t have to go shopping at all, with you paying your half once the shopping is done. If this doesn’t work, how about splitting the job with another parent – you go to one store, they go to another. This helps both of you.
Second, try getting everything ready all at once – school supplies, clothes, books – and setting it up in a closet somewhere that won’t be in the way. I find that if I spend one day working hard at getting it all put together, it leaves me more time to write than if I spend a couple hours here and there spread out over a few weeks.
Third, check what you already have before you buy something new. Have you emptied the backpack your child brought home in June? It might be full of things on the list of school supplies. Can your child re-use notebooks and folders? Are there enough pencils/pens/crayons left from last year that you don’t need to shop for new?
If you’re able to split the shopping with someone, work hard for a day rather than spread the work out, and reuse and recycle old school supplies, you should be able to get ready for the new school year and still have time to write.
For more tips on writing, self-publishing and running a business, please contact me at http://www.jexbo.com/.
First of all, once you have your list of items needed for school, find out if another parent will be kind enough to buy double of everything so you don’t have to go shopping at all, with you paying your half once the shopping is done. If this doesn’t work, how about splitting the job with another parent – you go to one store, they go to another. This helps both of you.
Second, try getting everything ready all at once – school supplies, clothes, books – and setting it up in a closet somewhere that won’t be in the way. I find that if I spend one day working hard at getting it all put together, it leaves me more time to write than if I spend a couple hours here and there spread out over a few weeks.
Third, check what you already have before you buy something new. Have you emptied the backpack your child brought home in June? It might be full of things on the list of school supplies. Can your child re-use notebooks and folders? Are there enough pencils/pens/crayons left from last year that you don’t need to shop for new?
If you’re able to split the shopping with someone, work hard for a day rather than spread the work out, and reuse and recycle old school supplies, you should be able to get ready for the new school year and still have time to write.
For more tips on writing, self-publishing and running a business, please contact me at http://www.jexbo.com/.
Self-published Author Interview - Saurav Dutt
Today we’re talking to Saurav Dutt, author of a number of books and winner of the Dark Tales Quarterly horror competition 2010 and the Dark Static short story contest 2009. Here’s what he had to say:
Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.
My book is a biography of Academy Award nominated actor Mickey Rourke. As well as providing a career retrospective, it is a commentary and film criticism analysis of his life and work. It is available through Amazon UK and US on paperback and Kindle formats as well as the Lulu website on paperback, Ebook and digital download.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
Ultimately, it was to have the creative control I so savored and needed to portray the exact vision of my work that I had in mind when it was first conceived.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
Having the tenacity to self-promote and pursue as many avenues of promotion as possible especially when that side of being an author was completely alien to me at the outset. It was time consuming and sometimes self-defeating to trawl through these multitudes of hyperbole to find the best ways to promote and market.
What has been the best part about self-publishing and why?
Having a more one to one relationship with my audience and getting back the positive feedback from them is pleasing knowing that I could reach them through my own endeavors and with a writing style that was completely my own and not diluted by editors, literary agents or publishers. It was purely my own work from the first to the last word, and getting praise from complete strangers was worth all the effort as they understood my vision.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
To stay true to their creative truth and to never ever compromise or dilute their art for the perceived likes and dislikes of others. In other words, don’t commercialize your work for the sake of somebody else, stick to your guns and your vision and believe me, there is an audience out there willing to be engaged.
Is there anything you would like to add?
As well as my biography on Mickey Rourke, I have published books of poetry and fiction ranging from horror to drama. Most recently my book “The Far Lonely Cry of Trains” made the shortlist of the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel award and my first novel “Dark Mood Rising” won the Exeter Writing Competition in 2010.
Thanks for the information Saurav, and good luck with book sales!
Do you need help self-publishing your book? Please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. I'd love to hear from you!
Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.
My book is a biography of Academy Award nominated actor Mickey Rourke. As well as providing a career retrospective, it is a commentary and film criticism analysis of his life and work. It is available through Amazon UK and US on paperback and Kindle formats as well as the Lulu website on paperback, Ebook and digital download.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
Ultimately, it was to have the creative control I so savored and needed to portray the exact vision of my work that I had in mind when it was first conceived.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
Having the tenacity to self-promote and pursue as many avenues of promotion as possible especially when that side of being an author was completely alien to me at the outset. It was time consuming and sometimes self-defeating to trawl through these multitudes of hyperbole to find the best ways to promote and market.
What has been the best part about self-publishing and why?
Having a more one to one relationship with my audience and getting back the positive feedback from them is pleasing knowing that I could reach them through my own endeavors and with a writing style that was completely my own and not diluted by editors, literary agents or publishers. It was purely my own work from the first to the last word, and getting praise from complete strangers was worth all the effort as they understood my vision.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
To stay true to their creative truth and to never ever compromise or dilute their art for the perceived likes and dislikes of others. In other words, don’t commercialize your work for the sake of somebody else, stick to your guns and your vision and believe me, there is an audience out there willing to be engaged.
Is there anything you would like to add?
As well as my biography on Mickey Rourke, I have published books of poetry and fiction ranging from horror to drama. Most recently my book “The Far Lonely Cry of Trains” made the shortlist of the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel award and my first novel “Dark Mood Rising” won the Exeter Writing Competition in 2010.
Thanks for the information Saurav, and good luck with book sales!
Do you need help self-publishing your book? Please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. I'd love to hear from you!
How to Turn Your Book Idea into a Reality
The simple answer to how to turn your book idea into a reality is obviously to write. It’s one thing to come up with a great idea, it’s another thing altogether to actually get it down on paper.
If you come up with an idea for a book, you should start by setting some writing goals. Will you write for a certain amount of time each day? Will you write a certain number of words per day? Where will you write? Do you prefer to work on a laptop in a coffee shop? Can you work from home?
Next do any research necessary for your book. Is there any information you’ll need to know when you’re writing? If you’ve already got the details handy, you won’t need to stop writing in the middle of your book to look something up. Will you be interviewing anyone? Get the interviews done before you start writing. You can always get additional information later, but the more you have to start with, the easier it will be to just fill in details.
Many writers start with an outline. Do you have a rough idea of characters, opening and closing, and plot development? If you get an outline written down, you can use it to keep yourself from going astray while you’re working.
What helped you turn your book idea into a reality?
Please share your tips here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. Thanks!
If you come up with an idea for a book, you should start by setting some writing goals. Will you write for a certain amount of time each day? Will you write a certain number of words per day? Where will you write? Do you prefer to work on a laptop in a coffee shop? Can you work from home?
Next do any research necessary for your book. Is there any information you’ll need to know when you’re writing? If you’ve already got the details handy, you won’t need to stop writing in the middle of your book to look something up. Will you be interviewing anyone? Get the interviews done before you start writing. You can always get additional information later, but the more you have to start with, the easier it will be to just fill in details.
Many writers start with an outline. Do you have a rough idea of characters, opening and closing, and plot development? If you get an outline written down, you can use it to keep yourself from going astray while you’re working.
What helped you turn your book idea into a reality?
Please share your tips here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. Thanks!
How to Motivate Yourself to Finish Your Book
Writing a book is hard work and it takes time. It’s easy to get discouraged when you’re halfway through something and you just can’t think of the next thing to write, or you just can’t face sitting in front of the computer (or opening a notebook, if you’re writing your book longhand) for one more minute. Some ideas that might help are take a break, work according to a schedule, or give yourself a deadline.
If you’ve been working so long on your book that you just can’t face another minute on it, rather than give up on it completely, take a break. If you don’t want to take a break from writing completely, how about starting work on a new book? Maybe write a short story, or an article for a magazine or blog. Writing can be great fun, and if you give yourself something else to work on, when you’re ready to get back to writing your book, you’ll be refreshed.
Another thing to try is set a schedule and stick to it. Give yourself a goal of a certain number of words per day, or a certain amount of time to write, and then do it. Every day you’ll be a step closer to finishing your book!
Last, give yourself a deadline to finish your book. Are you close enough to the end that you can finish it in a month if you work hard? How about by the end of the year? If it helps you stick to the deadline, tell someone and have him or her hold you accountable. If I know someone’s going to be checking on me, I’m much more motivated to do things I said I’d do.
Do you have any tips to keep yourself motivated? I’d love to hear them! Please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/!
If you’ve been working so long on your book that you just can’t face another minute on it, rather than give up on it completely, take a break. If you don’t want to take a break from writing completely, how about starting work on a new book? Maybe write a short story, or an article for a magazine or blog. Writing can be great fun, and if you give yourself something else to work on, when you’re ready to get back to writing your book, you’ll be refreshed.
Another thing to try is set a schedule and stick to it. Give yourself a goal of a certain number of words per day, or a certain amount of time to write, and then do it. Every day you’ll be a step closer to finishing your book!
Last, give yourself a deadline to finish your book. Are you close enough to the end that you can finish it in a month if you work hard? How about by the end of the year? If it helps you stick to the deadline, tell someone and have him or her hold you accountable. If I know someone’s going to be checking on me, I’m much more motivated to do things I said I’d do.
Do you have any tips to keep yourself motivated? I’d love to hear them! Please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/!
How to Develop a Good Book Title
Many books go through a number of working titles. Most titles are what the author comes up with while writing, but sometimes a whole book is built around a title the writer thinks of even before starting the book. Then there are some titles that are changed by editors or friends who read through manuscripts while the work is in progress.
One thing I think you should keep in mind is open-mindedness. Try to not be so attached to a book title that you don’t listen to what others are saying. Is the title you came up with too long? Does it not relate to what you’ve written? Is it confusing?
When you’re choosing a title for your book, try to choose something that will grab the readers’ attention. They might be browsing through a long list of books, and you want your book to hold them long enough to check it out.
Also consider your book category. Are you writing for young children? Teens? Adults? Is your book science fiction? Is it a biography? Think about how you could use the title to market your book to those groups. You might even consider rounding up a group of people and giving them a list of possible titles and have them choose the one that sounds most intriguing to them.
How did you come up with your book title? I'd love to know!
Do you need help creating your self-published book? Please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. Thanks!
One thing I think you should keep in mind is open-mindedness. Try to not be so attached to a book title that you don’t listen to what others are saying. Is the title you came up with too long? Does it not relate to what you’ve written? Is it confusing?
When you’re choosing a title for your book, try to choose something that will grab the readers’ attention. They might be browsing through a long list of books, and you want your book to hold them long enough to check it out.
Also consider your book category. Are you writing for young children? Teens? Adults? Is your book science fiction? Is it a biography? Think about how you could use the title to market your book to those groups. You might even consider rounding up a group of people and giving them a list of possible titles and have them choose the one that sounds most intriguing to them.
How did you come up with your book title? I'd love to know!
Do you need help creating your self-published book? Please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. Thanks!
Self-Published Author Ken Spoerl
Today at jexbo we’re talking to author Ken Spoerl. This is what he had to say:
Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.
My fictional book is the story of a man, who because of a strange set of circumstances faces accusations of embezzlement and grand theft. The story follows him on a quest to prove in innocence as he and his lawyer build a case for his defense.
Matthew Scott left his place of employment one afternoon with company funds that were entrusted into his care to deposit into the firm’s corporate account. That was the last anyone saw of him. He seemingly vanished from the face of the earth until one year later he returned with a bizarre explanation for his disappearance. He was taken into custody and charged with embezzlement of company funds. He ultimately ends up in a court of law where a jury must decide his fate.
The title of my book is “The Return of Matthew Scott” by Kenneth Spoerl. It is available at Iuniverse.com (click on the book store tab), amazon.com and barnes&noble.com.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
I decided to self-publish after contacting numerous traditional publishers. Although almost all of them told me that my book sounded interesting and the story line captured their attention, the response to my query was consistent. They were either not taking on new clients or they did not want to look at work from new unpublished authors.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
The biggest challenge for me in self-publishing was, and still is, book promotion. I work a full time job so I had to find time to contact newspapers and radio stations for interviews to promote my book. I also have to visit bookstore owners in the hope that they will stock my book on their shelves.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
The best part of self-publishing is that I have total control over everything involved with the book from selling price to promotion. Also the publishing process is much faster than it would be with a traditional publisher.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their books?
My advice to others about self-publishing is, do your homework. There are a lot of self-publishing companies out there. Investigate these companies and weed out the ones that don’t offer a book evaluation and a personal representative to guide you through the publishing process. Although it is completely up to the author whether or not he or she wants to use the evaluation to make changes to their work, the evaluation can be a useful took in writing a quality book. It may be hard to hear that your work isn’t perfect but it is important to realize that constructive criticism can be very beneficial in the long run.
Thanks for sharing this information with us Ken, and good luck with book sales!
Do you have questions about self-publishing your book? Please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. Thanks!
Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.
My fictional book is the story of a man, who because of a strange set of circumstances faces accusations of embezzlement and grand theft. The story follows him on a quest to prove in innocence as he and his lawyer build a case for his defense.
Matthew Scott left his place of employment one afternoon with company funds that were entrusted into his care to deposit into the firm’s corporate account. That was the last anyone saw of him. He seemingly vanished from the face of the earth until one year later he returned with a bizarre explanation for his disappearance. He was taken into custody and charged with embezzlement of company funds. He ultimately ends up in a court of law where a jury must decide his fate.
The title of my book is “The Return of Matthew Scott” by Kenneth Spoerl. It is available at Iuniverse.com (click on the book store tab), amazon.com and barnes&noble.com.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
I decided to self-publish after contacting numerous traditional publishers. Although almost all of them told me that my book sounded interesting and the story line captured their attention, the response to my query was consistent. They were either not taking on new clients or they did not want to look at work from new unpublished authors.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
The biggest challenge for me in self-publishing was, and still is, book promotion. I work a full time job so I had to find time to contact newspapers and radio stations for interviews to promote my book. I also have to visit bookstore owners in the hope that they will stock my book on their shelves.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
The best part of self-publishing is that I have total control over everything involved with the book from selling price to promotion. Also the publishing process is much faster than it would be with a traditional publisher.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their books?
My advice to others about self-publishing is, do your homework. There are a lot of self-publishing companies out there. Investigate these companies and weed out the ones that don’t offer a book evaluation and a personal representative to guide you through the publishing process. Although it is completely up to the author whether or not he or she wants to use the evaluation to make changes to their work, the evaluation can be a useful took in writing a quality book. It may be hard to hear that your work isn’t perfect but it is important to realize that constructive criticism can be very beneficial in the long run.
Thanks for sharing this information with us Ken, and good luck with book sales!
Do you have questions about self-publishing your book? Please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. Thanks!
How to Start a Writing Group
Some writers work well on their own, and writing is a solitary business. But something that can really help you focus on your writing is joining or starting a writing group. Writing groups can hold each other accountable for reaching personal goals, and they can help fine tune the work each member is writing.
If you can’t find an already established group, you can start your own. Find out what the requirements are for using a local community center or library. Is there a charge? Are you allowed to eat or drink in the venue?
Good luck starting a writing group!
First of all, you should check to see if there is already a group in your area. Many community halls have a variety of groups that meet, and they might already have a writing group. You might also check with your local library.
If you can’t find an already established group, you can start your own. Find out what the requirements are for using a local community center or library. Is there a charge? Are you allowed to eat or drink in the venue?
Next, decide how you want the writing group to work.
- Will you each read a piece of what you’re working on?
- Will you have a different subject each meeting, and everyone writes on that subject and critiques each other?
- Are you going to focus on a specific topic, such as children’s books, or science fiction, or will you be a group for all writers in general?
- How often will you meet?
Good luck starting a writing group!
Do you have questions and need help with writing and marketing your self-published book? Please contact me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/.
3 Top Tips for Dealing with Rejection Letters
Most writers, myself included, have received their share of rejection letters from publishers. While it is disappointing every time, there are some things you can do to make the rejection hurt less.
First of all, remember that a rejection of your book is not a rejection of you as a person. Although our books are like pieces of ourselves to us, to an editor it’s just a book, and you are just getting their opinion.
Second, make sure you are submitting books in the proper format that each editor asks for.
Are you sabotaging yourself by not including a cover letter if one is required?
Is it a publisher who requires you to have an agent?
Do your homework before sending anything so you can be sure your book won’t be rejected for a reason that would’ve been easily corrected before you sent it.
Finally, take action if your book is rejected. If there are comments from the editor, read them to see if you can make changes in your manuscript. Maybe it’s just a small change you need to make and you can resubmit it with a greater chance of having your manuscript accepted the second time around. Or do what I did, and find a self-publisher and publish your book yourself.
Do you have questions and need help with writing and marketing your self-published book? For additional resources, check out our self-published interview series on this blog and the information http://www.jexbo.com/.
First of all, remember that a rejection of your book is not a rejection of you as a person. Although our books are like pieces of ourselves to us, to an editor it’s just a book, and you are just getting their opinion.
Second, make sure you are submitting books in the proper format that each editor asks for.
Are you sabotaging yourself by not including a cover letter if one is required?
Is it a publisher who requires you to have an agent?
Do your homework before sending anything so you can be sure your book won’t be rejected for a reason that would’ve been easily corrected before you sent it.
Finally, take action if your book is rejected. If there are comments from the editor, read them to see if you can make changes in your manuscript. Maybe it’s just a small change you need to make and you can resubmit it with a greater chance of having your manuscript accepted the second time around. Or do what I did, and find a self-publisher and publish your book yourself.
Do you have questions and need help with writing and marketing your self-published book? For additional resources, check out our self-published interview series on this blog and the information http://www.jexbo.com/.
Interview with Gibran Tariq, Self-published Author
Today at jexbo, we talk to self-published author Gibran Tariq. Here’s what Gibran had to say:
• Tell us about your self-published book.
The name of my self-published book is "When I Say Jump," and it is about a government conspiracy to imprison one out of every four black males born in this country. To a lot of us in the black community, this grim statistic is more than a mere conspiracy theory. In fact, it is more of a governmental prophecy. I chose to write about it because I have spent 35 years of my life in prison and dating back to when I was 14, I have seen up close and personal the devastating rape of the black community by the invisible hand of the prison/industrial complex.
• Why did you decide to self-publish?
In 2002, I had a very bitter experience. I was still in prison and my work had become known in the greater Atlanta writing community and I was approached by an independent publisher to write a novel. I did.
However, I never received any royalties on the sales of the book. Upon my release, I was secretly contacted by the husband of the publisher who provided me with the details of what had happened to the money of the writers who had all been cheated by this particular company. They were going through a nasty divorce and he wanted me to sue her. Instead, I simply chalked it up as a lesson learned, deciding then to self-publish if I continued in the world of literature.
• What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
A total lack of confidence. Not in my work, mind you, as I was absolutely convinced that I had a viable product. However, I did lack confidence in my ability to reach out to the world. Being in prison severely limited my perspective, forcing me to think small. Sure, I had dreams of reaching a world audience, but had no real clue as to how to sustain this dream or how to put it into motion. The Internet had narrowed the vastness of the world's cyber-geography, but I was the new kid on the block when it came to computer use.
Then I got a miracle in the guise of Angela Morrow, her partner Chris, and the Writer's Choice. They believed in me, my work, and my aspirations. They then put together a literary package for me that was tailor-made for my particular writing sensibilities, and in addition formulated a promotional plan to help me go from one level to the next in a timely fashion so I wouldn't feel overwhelmed. They have even helped me start a creative writing class where I teach and use my own unique brand of writing prompts that I personally developed as writing tools while I was confined.
• What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
Now that I am not alone, my confidence in my ability to promote myself has soared and now I enjoy meeting people and talking to them about my work. Self-publishing awards me total control of my work and this is very therapeutic for me. After 35 years of having absolutely no control over my life where I was told when to go to bed, when to get up, when to eat, when to talk,etc... it feels great to wake up in the morning, knowing that what I accomplish throughout that day will be according to the plan of my choosing.
• What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
Even though they may not encounter the mental roadblocks I did, I urge them most emphatically to pursue the dream of doing for self. But even more than just offering a slogan, I encourage them to study their craft and then to study the market. I do not hesitate to tell anyone out there who is embarking on this wonderful, creative venture to contact Angela Morrow and Writer's Choice. I promise that they can and will help anyone navigate their way through the murky waters of the publishing world. And help is indeed needed. I was once a drug-trafficker and I conducted a lot of business with a lot of shady characters in a lot of dark alleyways, but they didn't frighten me half as much as some of the shady people I have met in the literary world. Writer's Choice helped me determine who was who, and what a blessing that was.
• Is there anything you would like to add?
At long last, it is my time to shine and I will seize the moment. "When I Say Jump" is merely the beginning of something I will be doing for quite a time to come. Thanks for the opportunity to express my views.
Thanks for the information about you and your book Gibran! Good luck with more book sales!
• Tell us about your self-published book.
The name of my self-published book is "When I Say Jump," and it is about a government conspiracy to imprison one out of every four black males born in this country. To a lot of us in the black community, this grim statistic is more than a mere conspiracy theory. In fact, it is more of a governmental prophecy. I chose to write about it because I have spent 35 years of my life in prison and dating back to when I was 14, I have seen up close and personal the devastating rape of the black community by the invisible hand of the prison/industrial complex.
• Why did you decide to self-publish?
In 2002, I had a very bitter experience. I was still in prison and my work had become known in the greater Atlanta writing community and I was approached by an independent publisher to write a novel. I did.
However, I never received any royalties on the sales of the book. Upon my release, I was secretly contacted by the husband of the publisher who provided me with the details of what had happened to the money of the writers who had all been cheated by this particular company. They were going through a nasty divorce and he wanted me to sue her. Instead, I simply chalked it up as a lesson learned, deciding then to self-publish if I continued in the world of literature.
• What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
A total lack of confidence. Not in my work, mind you, as I was absolutely convinced that I had a viable product. However, I did lack confidence in my ability to reach out to the world. Being in prison severely limited my perspective, forcing me to think small. Sure, I had dreams of reaching a world audience, but had no real clue as to how to sustain this dream or how to put it into motion. The Internet had narrowed the vastness of the world's cyber-geography, but I was the new kid on the block when it came to computer use.
Then I got a miracle in the guise of Angela Morrow, her partner Chris, and the Writer's Choice. They believed in me, my work, and my aspirations. They then put together a literary package for me that was tailor-made for my particular writing sensibilities, and in addition formulated a promotional plan to help me go from one level to the next in a timely fashion so I wouldn't feel overwhelmed. They have even helped me start a creative writing class where I teach and use my own unique brand of writing prompts that I personally developed as writing tools while I was confined.
• What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
Now that I am not alone, my confidence in my ability to promote myself has soared and now I enjoy meeting people and talking to them about my work. Self-publishing awards me total control of my work and this is very therapeutic for me. After 35 years of having absolutely no control over my life where I was told when to go to bed, when to get up, when to eat, when to talk,etc... it feels great to wake up in the morning, knowing that what I accomplish throughout that day will be according to the plan of my choosing.
• What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
Even though they may not encounter the mental roadblocks I did, I urge them most emphatically to pursue the dream of doing for self. But even more than just offering a slogan, I encourage them to study their craft and then to study the market. I do not hesitate to tell anyone out there who is embarking on this wonderful, creative venture to contact Angela Morrow and Writer's Choice. I promise that they can and will help anyone navigate their way through the murky waters of the publishing world. And help is indeed needed. I was once a drug-trafficker and I conducted a lot of business with a lot of shady characters in a lot of dark alleyways, but they didn't frighten me half as much as some of the shady people I have met in the literary world. Writer's Choice helped me determine who was who, and what a blessing that was.
• Is there anything you would like to add?
At long last, it is my time to shine and I will seize the moment. "When I Say Jump" is merely the beginning of something I will be doing for quite a time to come. Thanks for the opportunity to express my views.
Thanks for the information about you and your book Gibran! Good luck with more book sales!
How to Get Your Self-Published Book Reviewed by a Blogger
One tip to help you promote your self-published book is find a book reviewer who blogs about books online, and get your book mentioned on that person’s blog. When I did a search for “self-published book review blog” I found more than 30 million results! You can narrow your search by searching for the type of book you’ve written, or by a location if you want a local reviewer to read your book.
Check out what sort of reviews someone writes before you decide to send them a copy of your book to review, then ask the reviewer some questions. Do they write harsh reviews? Do they have a large audience? If you send them a copy of your book, does that guarantee they will review it?
Many people believe all publicity, negative or positive, is good, but some do not. If you don’t want a negative review, be sure the blogger knows that and will not include your book on his or her blog if he doesn’t have anything good to say about your book.
Or ask if you could read the review before it’s posted on the blog. If you do have a negative review on a blog, find out if you can write a comment at the end of the article and tell what you think of the review.
Getting your book reviewed by a blogger is a great way to generate publicity for your book, and a great way for readers to find a book they might be interested in!
Do you have questions about being a self-published author? Please write to me here or at info@jexbo.com. I’d love to hear from you!
Check out what sort of reviews someone writes before you decide to send them a copy of your book to review, then ask the reviewer some questions. Do they write harsh reviews? Do they have a large audience? If you send them a copy of your book, does that guarantee they will review it?
Many people believe all publicity, negative or positive, is good, but some do not. If you don’t want a negative review, be sure the blogger knows that and will not include your book on his or her blog if he doesn’t have anything good to say about your book.
Or ask if you could read the review before it’s posted on the blog. If you do have a negative review on a blog, find out if you can write a comment at the end of the article and tell what you think of the review.
Getting your book reviewed by a blogger is a great way to generate publicity for your book, and a great way for readers to find a book they might be interested in!
Do you have questions about being a self-published author? Please write to me here or at info@jexbo.com. I’d love to hear from you!
How to Write While on Vacation-1-17-11
I travel a lot, and I know it can be hard to bring work along when you’re on vacation, but there are some things you can do that will make it easier for you.
I always travel with a Netbook. It’s smaller than a normal laptop (not to mention cheaper!), and I am still able to access documents I need and connect to the Internet when I have a chance. Many restaurants and coffee shops have free Internet connections available, and it’s a great way to break up travel by stopping for a bite to eat and spending some time working.
Try to fit writing in with sightseeing. Will there be a train or bus ride to your destination? Count that as extra time to get work done before you get to the attraction. Will you be spending time at the beach or pool? Take along a notebook and jot down ideas while you relax.
If you’re on vacation in a city, find a local library and check it out. Some libraries have writing groups that meet there and you would probably be more than welcome to sit in with the regulars. It’s a new audience for you, and a chance to learn something different.
While you’re taking pictures, write down impressions and ideas about what you’re photographing. You might use the information in your writing later, and it will help you look at the places with different eyes if you’re documenting it as you go along.
Got questions about self-publishing? Please let me know here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. Thanks!
I always travel with a Netbook. It’s smaller than a normal laptop (not to mention cheaper!), and I am still able to access documents I need and connect to the Internet when I have a chance. Many restaurants and coffee shops have free Internet connections available, and it’s a great way to break up travel by stopping for a bite to eat and spending some time working.
Try to fit writing in with sightseeing. Will there be a train or bus ride to your destination? Count that as extra time to get work done before you get to the attraction. Will you be spending time at the beach or pool? Take along a notebook and jot down ideas while you relax.
If you’re on vacation in a city, find a local library and check it out. Some libraries have writing groups that meet there and you would probably be more than welcome to sit in with the regulars. It’s a new audience for you, and a chance to learn something different.
While you’re taking pictures, write down impressions and ideas about what you’re photographing. You might use the information in your writing later, and it will help you look at the places with different eyes if you’re documenting it as you go along.
Got questions about self-publishing? Please let me know here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. Thanks!
Tips for Running a Business and Self-Publishing a Book While Raising a Family
As the New Year approaches, I thought I’d share some of my tips with you on running a business, self-publishing a book and raising a family at the time. I know I’ve mentioned this before, but it bears repeating:
Be organized and work ahead as much as possible.
Something I love are the free, printable calendars available from a number of websites (search “free printable calendar” and you’ll find a number to choose from). When I need to have a day organized carefully, I print off a calendar with everything for that day in set blocks of time so I can follow it closely.
Most of the time, I just need a weekly calendar-page printed with the jobs I have to do, and I print off one copy to keep next to my computer and one copy to keep in my purse. I check it every night to be sure I know exactly what I need to do for the upcoming day.
With the school calendar, I need to change some of my schedule to include carpooling, after-school practice times, and additional school and church activities. For me, this means back to working early in the morning, rather than in the middle of the day. For you, it might mean working later in the evening.
Finally, be sure you set yourself some sort of schedule to follow, even if it’s as simple as doing laundry on Mondays, sending e-mails at 8:30 am, or writing 3,000 words per day. It’s easy to let time slip away if you don’t have a goal to reach each day, but it’s also just as easy to accomplish something if you put your mind to it.
Do you have questions and need help with writing and marketing your self-published book? Please contact me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/.
Happy 2011!
Be organized and work ahead as much as possible.
Something I love are the free, printable calendars available from a number of websites (search “free printable calendar” and you’ll find a number to choose from). When I need to have a day organized carefully, I print off a calendar with everything for that day in set blocks of time so I can follow it closely.
Most of the time, I just need a weekly calendar-page printed with the jobs I have to do, and I print off one copy to keep next to my computer and one copy to keep in my purse. I check it every night to be sure I know exactly what I need to do for the upcoming day.
With the school calendar, I need to change some of my schedule to include carpooling, after-school practice times, and additional school and church activities. For me, this means back to working early in the morning, rather than in the middle of the day. For you, it might mean working later in the evening.
Finally, be sure you set yourself some sort of schedule to follow, even if it’s as simple as doing laundry on Mondays, sending e-mails at 8:30 am, or writing 3,000 words per day. It’s easy to let time slip away if you don’t have a goal to reach each day, but it’s also just as easy to accomplish something if you put your mind to it.
Do you have questions and need help with writing and marketing your self-published book? Please contact me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/.
Happy 2011!
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