#IWSG: The Future and The Past

Happy Insecure Writers Support Group Day. IWSG is the brainchild of Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Thanks, Alex, for starting this group and keeping it going. We are rockin' the neurotic writing world!

The awesome co-hosts for the July 1 posting of the IWSG are Jenni Enzor, Beth Camp, Liesbet @ Roaming About, Tyrean Martinson, and Sandra Cox! Be sure to visit these fabulous volunteers.

Each month we have an optional question. Here's July's: there have been many industry changes in the last decade, so what are some changes you would like to see happen in the next decade?

I wish I knew. That's why I'm really interested to read what others say. I'm excited by the changes in the past decade. Changes that allow me to publish my stories on my own. I dipped my toe into self-publishing in 2011. I'd gotten the rights back to my first published book. A friend pointed out it wasn't doing anything, so why not self-publish it. Why not, indeed? I was scared to death that I'd do something wrong. It seemed to take me all day to publish Switched on Smashwords. The next day, I figured out Kindle, and--bam--it was published on Amazon. Okay, not quite that quickly. Since then, I've published 14 more books. 

Would I have imagined this in 2010? Nope. My imagination never dreamed what I could do. My imagination still hasn't dreamed up what will happen in this next decade. I live day-to-day, month-to-month, and maybe imagine 6 months ahead.

One of the advantages of self-publishing is I can change the price of my books any time. I'm participating in N.N. Light's Christmas in July event. So, for the month of July, my holiday romance (with a hint of mystery) Romance Rekindled is only 99 cents. Amazon  http://a.co/jlmHYD2  Amazon UK  http://amzn.eu/12TqpEM 

What am I working on? My current wip, The Spy, an Outer Rim Novel, is coming along. I know, I've written about it before. I'm slowly getting more written/revised. Meantime, I have three more projects I can't wait to get back to: the 4th book in my Alex O'Hara mystery series plus 2 spinoff novellas.

On the personal front, even though Michigan has eased some of the restrictions (I got a haircut!!!), Hubs and I are still following the COVID safety procedures --wearing a mask outside the house and keeping social distances. I still order my groceries online and pick them up curbside. We get takeout, but don't eat at restaurants. Although we've seen the grandkids (and our kids), we don't hug. We're all trying to stay safe. I hope the resurgence of COVID cases isn't affecting you or your families. 

Stay safe, everyone, and have a good month.

Click here to find others on the Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop. Or go to IWSG on Facebook to see who’s blogging today.

#IWSG: September

Happy Insecure Writers Support Group Day. IWSG is the brainchild of Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Thanks, Alex, for starting this group and keeping it going. 

Thanks to this month's awesome hosts:  Toi Thomas, T. Powell Coltrin, M.J. Fifield, and Tara Tyler!

Like most months, this past month has been one of highs and lows. 

The Highs:

• 3 local book events--sold more books than at any other event
• print version of NUMBERS NEVER LIE is now for sale
• wrote 1k-word flash fiction for WEP (fun!)
• got the rights back for ONE RED SHOE
• celebrated grand-nephew's 1st birthday on Labor Day (so much fun)

The Lows:

• flooded basement--sump pump quit while we were away over the weekend to the 1st birthday celebration
• purging papers and other things that got wet (maybe purging isn't that bad)
• ripping up 4-yr-old carpet (groan)
• restoration costs--$$$

The Best:

• wrote 17,000 words on THE SPY, An Outer Rim Novel
• the Highs outnumbering the Lows

September's optional question - What publishing path are you considering/did you take, and why?

I've been published by two small presses and self-published. I choose self-publishing. I like the control. Yes, it costs money upfront (professional editing and cover design), but I control the cover, the price, and the distribution. I can do sales when I want. With the small presses, I did 99% of the advertising. As an indie, I do all the promotion. From my second publisher, I received 35% of the price of the digital copies and 7% of the print. I'd rather receive 65-70% (digital) and 40% (print). Distribution to bookstores is limited for both small presses and self-publishing. By doing the legwork, I'm getting my self-published books into more libraries and brick-and-mortar bookstores.

Would I earn more money with a big press? Absolutely. With the small presses, no. This is my career. I love to write, but my goal has always been to earn money. With self-publishing, I am achieving that.

Check out the new anthology contest:

IWSG Anthology

The 2018 Annual IWSG Anthology Contest

Word count: 3500-6000

Genre: Young Adult Romance

 Theme:

Masquerade

A Masquerade can be a false show or pretense, someone pretending to be someone they aren't. It can be a ball, a fancy dress party, it can be a mask. Open to interpretation.

Click here to find others on the Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop. Or go to IWSG on Facebook to see who’s blogging today.

#IWSG - Independence Day!

It's July, already. Can you believe that? Where has the year gone? Anyway, Happy Insecure Writers Support Group Day. IWSG is the brainchild of Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Thanks, Alex, for starting this group and keeping it going. 

Thanks to this month's awesome hosts:  Nicki Elson, Juneta Key, Tamara Narayan, and Patricia Lynne!

Happy Independence Day, America! Happy Canada Day!

What does independence mean as a writer? How free are we to write and get published? As an independent author (aka self-published), I have a LOT of freedom. Traditional publishers have to watch trends (or set them), and they have to be aware of the bottom line. When the economy takes a plunge, everyone tightens their belts. Publishers have to go with a known quantity. If it’s a choice between BIG NAME author and UNKNOWN, it’s good business sense to throw money at BIG NAME. The (as yet) unknown author is rejected.

As an independent author, I can choose to publish the genre I want (whether it's in fashion or not). I choose when my book will be published. No waiting for two years from the time the manuscript is accepted until publication. Email or print versions? My decision. Granted, there are some downsides to independent publishing. Traditional publishers pay for editing and cover design. Independent authors have to pay for that upfront. If you’re good at design, that’s something you can do yourself. I have a degree in English, and I’m a good grammarian. Errors in grammar, spelling, word usage jump off the page at me. With one exception—my own work. As often as I read the manuscript, these eagle eyes glaze over mistakes. Enter my freelance editor. Yes, she costs money. But, that’s money well spent as she catches my errors. Thank goodness. Formatting can be another expense for an independent writer. I have the patience (and can read and follow directions LOL), so I save a little money and do it myself.

The ease with which I can put my books out there is phenomenal. Because it’s so easy, everybody and their brother are doing it. And that’s the rub. How do I get my book noticed among thousands? I’ve tried many free things. And I’ve tried paid promotion. What works best? It’s hard to tell. Does organizing (or paying for) a blog hop sell books? I don’t know, but since I like doing them, I’m setting one up for my new release. I’d appreciate your help. Below is the link to sign up for hosting the celebration of my romantic suspense, Numbers Never Lie, to be released on July 9. 

Here’s the blurb for Numbers Never Lie.

A shocking secret brings danger to Jack Sinclair and his sister Maggie. 

As kids, they were the fearless threesome. As adults, Jack's an accountant; Drew, a lawyer; Maggie, a teacher and camping troop leader. Returning from a weekend camping trip, Maggie receives horrifying news. She refuses to believe her brother’s fatal car crash was an accident. If the police won’t investigate, she’ll do it herself. Convincing Drew Campbell to help is her only recourse.

Drew Campbell was too busy to return his best friend’s phone call. Too busy to attend a camping meeting important to his teen daughter. Too busy to stay in touch with Jack. Logic and reason indicate Jack’s accident was just that—an accident caused by fatigue and fog. Prodded by guilt, he’ll help Maggie even if he thinks she’s wrong.

A break-in at Jack’s condo convinces Maggie she’s right. Then her home is searched. What did Jack leave behind? And what did he do that puts Maggie in danger?

Sign Up To Host

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtq0uq2nARRiSy1Gb85U0MgUhoACL-7HA5oaM23wY9zkqEjQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

Thanks so much for all your support! A special thank you to all who signed up already. I'll be in touch this week.

A reminder: I'm always happy to help you celebrate a new release. Just drop me a note at dmburton72 (at) gmail (dot) com

This month’s optional question: What are your ultimate writing goals, and how have they changed over time (if at all)?

My ultimate goal is hitting a best-seller list (for example: NYT or USA Today). That has never changed. What has is the method. There are independent authors who’ve hit the best seller lists. So it’s not beyond my reach. Getting my book noticed is the hard part. If anyone has a tried-and-true method, please share.

Until next month, enjoy the summer 

or winter, if you’re in the Southern Hemisphere.

Click here to find others on the Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop. Or go to IWSG on Facebook to see who’s blogging today.

Saturday Sampler: Trouble By Any Other Name by Lori MacLaughlin

TITLE: Trouble By Any Other Name

Sequel to Lady, Thy Name Is Trouble

AUTHOR: Lori L. MacLaughlin

RELEASE DATE: May 16, 2016

GENRE: Fantasy

******

About the Book:

Tara Triannon is no stranger to trouble. She's yet to find an enemy her skill with a sword couldn't dispatch. But how can she fight one that attacks through her dreams?

With her nightmares worsening, Tara seeks answers but finds only more questions. Then her sister, Laraina, reveals a stunning secret that forces Tara to go to the one place Tara's sworn never to return to. Her troubles multiply when Jovan Trevillion, the secretive soldier of fortune who stole her heart, is mentally tortured by an ancient Being intent on bending him to its will. And worst of all, the Butcher — the terrifying wolf-like assassin she thought she'd killed — survived their duel and is hunting her again.

Hounded by enemies, Tara sets out on a harrowing quest to discover the true nature of who she is, to come to grips with the new volatility of her magic, and to defeat the evil locked in a centuries-old trap that will stop at nothing to control her magic and escape through her nightmares.

Excerpt:

A gust of wind shook the stable, scattering rain across the straw-covered floor. Tara started, shivering in spite of the warmth within. She'd gotten lost in the fire again, drawn toward sleep by the mesmerizing flames. Sensing her weariness, the creature from her dream began to tug at her mind, trying to pull her into the dungeon. Warning chills crept over her skin. She shook her head and sat up straighter.
"You need rest," Jovan said softly. He pulled blankets out of the saddlebags and wrapped one around her shoulders.
"Thanks." Tara drew the blanket closer around her. "I dread it more each time."
"So do I." His hands clenched. "It's infuriating. I can see what's happening in your dream, but I can't help you. I can't do anything. I'm useless to you."
She covered his fists with her hands and raised them to her heart. "No, you're not. It's your strength that sustains me and keeps me going. It's your voice that brings me back." She leaned forward and brushed her lips across his. "I need you." She kissed him again, felt his arms slide around her, drawing her to him. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she settled in his lap, her body pressed close to his. He deepened the kiss, pulling her closer.
"I can keep the dream away for a while," he said.
"Mmmmm, please do," she murmured.
She pulled his shirt off over his head and let her fingers play over the hard muscles of his back. His lips traced a path down her neck.
She arched against him and moaned low in her throat. "That feels so good. We need to do this more often."
He laughed and continued his trail of kisses.
She cupped his face and lifted his eyes to hers, held his gaze for a moment. "Thank you for being here — for staying with me."
He caressed her cheek. "Until my last breath, I will be with you."
Their lips met again in a tender kiss. He leaned back, drawing her with him. His mind touched hers, and she opened to him, let him flow into her like a river of molten fire. Locked in each other's arms, they made love until finally, their energy spent, they fell into an exhausted sleep.

Buy Links:

Amazon Barnes & Noble Kobo iBooks

Author Bio:

Lori L. MacLaughlin traces her love of fantasy adventure to Tolkien and Terry Brooks, finding The Lord of the Rings and The Sword of Shannara particularly inspirational. She's been writing stories in her head since she was old enough to run wild through the forests on the farm on which she grew up.

She has been many things over the years – tree climber, dairy farmer, clothing salesperson, kids' shoe fitter, retail manager, medical transcriptionist, journalist, private pilot, traveler, wife and mother, Red Sox and New York Giants fan, muscle car enthusiast and NASCAR fan, and a lover of all things Scottish and Irish.

When she's not writing (or working), she can be found curled up somewhere dreaming up more story ideas, taking long walks in the countryside, or spending time with her kids. She lives with her family in northern Vermont.

You can find her here:

Website/Blog              Goodreads      Facebook         Google+          Pinterest

#IWSG - Self-Publishing (publishing entry)

Happy 1st Wednesday in October. It’s Insecure Writers Support Group Day. A big THANKS to Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh for starting this group and keeping it going. And thanks to this month's awesome hosts Kristin Smith, Elsie, Suzanne Furness, and Fundy Blue! Some of us are doing something different today. We’re submitting our posts to be used in an anthology, The IWSG Guide to Publishing and Beyond. Here’s my article.

Self-Publishing

Three years ago, a friend suggested I self-publish an out-of-print book to which I’d regained my rights. I had nothing to lose. The book had already been professionally edited. It needed a little updating and a new cover. Eight years after my last payment from my publisher, Switched began earning money again. So I thought, why not do it again? I’ll be self-publishing my sixth novel this month. The best part? Instead of a publisher keeping sixty to seventy percent of the proceeds, I get to keep that percentage.

Self-publishing is not easy or cheap. You need an eye-catching cover. Your manuscript must be formatted properly and professionally edited. You can almost everything yourself. If you have artistic talent, you can design your own cover. I don’t, so I hire that out. Formatting your manuscript can be difficult. If you have more money than time, you can hire that out, too. I have more time and I’m a DIY girl from youth, so I did it myself. One area a writer cannot do successfully is edit his/her own work. It’s worth the money to have it professionally edited.

Once your manuscript has been edited, formatted properly, and you have a cover, you’re ready to upload the manuscript to a self-publishing venue. Read all the directions first. Then follow them. Step by Step. Once your book is loaded and you receive notice that it’s up for sale, celebrate. Enjoy the fact that you controlled every step of the journey.

These days writers have options. Explore all of them. Self-publishing isn’t for everyone. Do what you think is best for your career. And good luck.

This is my entry for the IWSG Guide to Publishing and Beyond. I give permission for this entry to be included in the anthology. Here's my bio: 

Diane Burton writes science fiction romance and romantic suspense and blogs at http://dianeburton.blogspot.com/

Click here to find others on the Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop. Or go to IWSG on Facebook to see who’s blogging today.