Frustrations of a Published Author

Writing a book has its ups-and-downs, there is no argument there. But what happens after you’ve done the work and have a shiny new manuscript to show for it? The truth is, as hard as it is to write a novel, the real frustrations tend to begin after it’s completed. First, there is the solicitation process, and I would be remiss not to include this information again here. As a rule, every aspiring writer who is prepared to submit their manuscript must submit to the Top Five. New authors are seldom accepted (if ever) by these publishers, but because there is no harm in attempting a submission, it ought to be attempted, simple as that. After all, there is always the chance, no matter how slight, that a new author will get lucky and get in. After an aspiring writer has been rejected from the Top Five, then comes submitting to the reputable independent publishers. I’ve written as to why aspiring writers should attempt traditional publishing before turning to self-publishing, and it can be read about here: http://nicolemaddalodixon.blogspot.com/2013/09/im-starting-my-blog-over-on-attempting.html This particular blog post also details how to go about choosing the right publisher to solicit to. Now, supposing a publisher likes what they see when they read your manuscript/proposal and send you a letter of acceptance, there is the waiting process. This entails the editing, and can take anywhere from nine months to a year. This time period is frustrating in-and-of itself because, though you have cleared the hurdle of finding and landing a publisher, you are raring to go and, despite having a book, it feels as though you have nothing to show for all of your work because your precious manuscript is held up (wisely) during the course of editing. Now, here comes a special sort of irritation: Once your book is sent to type-setting and is virtually on its away, its launch date within site, you’d think that you’ve finally made it—that you’ve proven to everyone, your family and friends, that you are in fact a serious writer and part of that elite 20% of Americans who say they are going to write a book and by-God actually do it. But, you’d be wrong, because after your book is finally available to the public and a tangible object that should propel you into the intellectual stratosphere, loved ones turn a blind eye. Why is this? There are a few reasons. Firstly, there was a book written in the 1930s by Brenda Ueland entitled “If You Want To Write” that explains how family and friends are terrible supporters of the aspiring writer. As for me, what I’ve found during my own experiences is that reasons for this may include the fact that your loved ones still see you as so-and-so and not a celebrated author (keep in mind that, famous or not, published authors are a celebrated bunch as they contribute to a celebrated medium). But I’ve also found that there is envy. Remember, most of us grow up wanting to do something, to be somebody; to set ourselves apart from the lot. Most of us, however, let that dream fall by the wayside as we get older for whatever reason. Maybe it’s deemed unrealistic, or unattainable, but I think in many cases what it comes down to is most people simply do not have the determination or belief in themselves to try. God help you if you are the one who tries and succeeds because it seems you are not allowed to show pride as those who have either given up after failing once, or never even bothered in the first place, will snub you for your achievement. I have found that I am unable to discuss my book in a group setting because others don’t want to listen. I cannot figure how to get around this because, as a newly published author who is still trying to pave the way for a future career in writing, my life revolves around this one aspect of my life. My book (my trilogy, in fact) is my life’s work; it’s what’s happening. But others perceive your discussing it as a means to show off and brag. It’s an unfair situation that needs addressing, and in my case, I’m on the verge of doing just this. If I am confronted by another person rolling their eyes when I bring it up (and mind you, I purposely do not bring it up often for fear of making others feel “inferior” [their problem, not mine] which is entirely unfair, selfish, and cruel to a degree) I’m going to have to give a verbal smack-down and explain that they need to get over their own feelings of inadequacy and understand the fact that this is what’s going on with me, this is what I’m dealing with. This, my book, is what’s important in my life. These are the same people, mind you, who post photos of their children at various events with wild abandon—photos that really have zero significance. So-and-so backstage, so-and-so on the pitcher’s mound, so-and-so making goofy faces around the pool at a family BBQ. If this is allowed, why, then, is it not okay to discuss such a major triumph that is publishing a book? As I mentioned earlier, it is entirely unfair that those of us who have accomplished this amazing feat need to keep our enthusiasm to a minimum for the sake of not making others feel worthless. Again, that feeling of worthlessness is their problem, not yours. I never consider myself better than anyone else because of my accomplishment, but it goes back to what I had mentioned earlier: People want to separate themselves—they want to feel like they are “somebody”. Becoming a published author gives the writer some semblance of that feeling and reminds those who haven’t achieved anything particularly special that they’re average. It’s an unfair punishment us published authors are forced to endure, but there it is. And remember; I don’t consider myself more important than anyone else. It is others who project this sentiment onto me and my victory.

Frustrations of a Published Author

Writing a book has its ups-and-downs, there is no argument there. But what happens after you’ve done the work and have a shiny new manuscript to show for it? The truth is, as hard as it is to write a novel, the real frustrations tend to begin after it’s completed. First, there is the solicitation process, and I would be remiss not to include this information again here. As a rule, every aspiring writer who is prepared to submit their manuscript must submit to the Top Five. New authors are seldom accepted (if ever) by these publishers, but because there is no harm in attempting a submission, it ought to be attempted, simple as that. After all, there is always the chance, no matter how slight, that a new author will get lucky and get in. After an aspiring writer has been rejected from the Top Five, then comes submitting to the reputable independent publishers. I’ve written as to why aspiring writers should attempt traditional publishing before turning to self-publishing, and it can be read about here: http://nicolemaddalodixon.blogspot.com/2013/09/im-starting-my-blog-over-on-attempting.html This particular blog post also details how to go about choosing the right publisher to solicit to. Now, supposing a publisher likes what they see when they read your manuscript/proposal and send you a letter of acceptance, there is the waiting process. This entails the editing, and can take anywhere from nine months to a year. This time period is frustrating in-and-of itself because, though you have cleared the hurdle of finding and landing a publisher, you are raring to go and, despite having a book, it feels as though you have nothing to show for all of your work because your precious manuscript is held up (wisely) during the course of editing. Now, here comes a special sort of irritation: Once your book is sent to type-setting and is virtually on its away, its launch date within site, you’d think that you’ve finally made it—that you’ve proven to everyone, your family and friends, that you are in fact a serious writer and part of that elite 20% of Americans who say they are going to write a book and by-God actually do it. But, you’d be wrong, because after your book is finally available to the public and a tangible object that should propel you into the intellectual stratosphere, loved ones turn a blind eye. Why is this? There are a few reasons. Firstly, there was a book written in the 1930s by Brenda Ueland entitled “If You Want To Write” that explains how family and friends are terrible supporters of the aspiring writer. As for me, what I’ve found during my own experiences is that reasons for this may include the fact that your loved ones still see you as so-and-so and not a celebrated author (keep in mind that, famous or not, published authors are a celebrated bunch as they contribute to a celebrated medium). But I’ve also found that there is envy. Remember, most of us grow up wanting to do something, to be somebody; to set ourselves apart from the lot. Most of us, however, let that dream fall by the wayside as we get older for whatever reason. Maybe it’s deemed unrealistic, or unattainable, but I think in many cases what it comes down to is most people simply do not have the determination or belief in themselves to try. God help you if you are the one who tries and succeeds because it seems you are not allowed to show pride as those who have either given up after failing once, or never even bothered in the first place, will snub you for your achievement. I have found that I am unable to discuss my book in a group setting because others don’t want to listen. I cannot figure how to get around this because, as a newly published author who is still trying to pave the way for a future career in writing, my life revolves around this one aspect of my life. My book (my trilogy, in fact) is my life’s work; it’s what’s happening. But others perceive your discussing it as a means to show off and brag. It’s an unfair situation that needs addressing, and in my case, I’m on the verge of doing just this. If I am confronted by another person rolling their eyes when I bring it up (and mind you, I purposely do not bring it up often for fear of making others feel “inferior” [their problem, not mine] which is entirely unfair, selfish, and cruel to a degree) I’m going to have to give a verbal smack-down and explain that they need to get over their own feelings of inadequacy and understand the fact that this is what’s going on with me, this is what I’m dealing with. This, my book, is what’s important in my life. These are the same people, mind you, who post photos of their children at various events with wild abandon—photos that really have zero significance. So-and-so backstage, so-and-so on the pitcher’s mound, so-and-so making goofy faces around the pool at a family BBQ. If this is allowed, why, then, is it not okay to discuss such a major triumph that is publishing a book? As I mentioned earlier, it is entirely unfair that those of us who have accomplished this amazing feat need to keep our enthusiasm to a minimum for the sake of not making others feel worthless. Again, that feeling of worthlessness is their problem, not yours. I never consider myself better than anyone else because of my accomplishment, but it goes back to what I had mentioned earlier: People want to separate themselves—they want to feel like they are “somebody”. Becoming a published author gives the writer some semblance of that feeling and reminds those who haven’t achieved anything particularly special that they’re average. It’s an unfair punishment us published authors are forced to endure, but there it is. And remember; I don’t consider myself more important than anyone else. It is others who project this sentiment onto me and my victory.

Blog Tour: All Bout My Lead, Female Protagonist

1)      What is the name of your character? Is he/she fictional or a historic person?

The name of my protagonist is Elucia Grey Alexis Howard; Lucy for short, and she is fictional.

2)      When and where is the story set?

The story begins in 1877, right before the Lincoln County War which officially begins in February 1878. I say officially because prior to the first shots fired, killing Cattle Proprietor John H. Tunstall, Lucy's fiancé and Billy the Kid's boss, indifferences and tempers rose high between town contractors who supplied the town with necessities.
 

3)      What should we know about him/her?

Lucy is a very, very strong woman in a time where strong women were scarce or frowned upon. That is not to say that women haven’t been strong throughout history, but Lucy is not afraid to show it or back down which places her in a lot of hot water. She finds herself in trouble as she lives in a world dominated by men who of course oppose back-talk from a woman, or who do not take women very seriously.

4)      What is the main conflict? What messes up his/her life?

The main conflict (that ultimately messes up her life) is that she is sent out west to Lincoln County New Mexico to marry a man whom she does not love, John Tunstall, in order to suit her father's prospective, robber baron needs in expanding his own financial interests through the west and beyond.

Due to this, she falls in love with one of John’s hired hands, William H. Bonney, and he vice versa, and the two are caught up in the famous, historic battle that rages in Lincoln caused by the death of John Tunstall, propelling William H. Bonney into stratospheric infamy as Billy the Kid.

Lucy’s own life is threatened, which places her in strict danger and drives her into the protective custody of the Lincoln County Regulators, one of which is Billy himself. Lucy then finds herself  caught up in and a part of the vicious war that will prove the true owners of the town once and for all; the evil Santa Fe Ring, whom the Regulators are up against, and who have a large army and are selfishly closing in on the monopolization of not only Lincoln County but its surrounding small farming residents (this is what the Lincoln Co. Regulators are fighting against).

5)      What is the personal goal of the character?

Lucy is desperate for her freedom from the role of a Victorian era, oppressed woman, and finds some semblance of this freedom in riding the trails with the boys. Even more so, she sees this as an opportunity to stay by the side of her true love, Billy.

6)      Is there a working title for this novel, and can we read more about it?

The title is called Bandita Bonita: Romancing Billy the Kid.  Initially the title was based on the old pulp nickel/dime books of the 19^th century as pertaining to outlaws, but my editor had a very smart idea and that was to maintain Billy’s name on the cover and to also point out on the cover that this is a romantic story, though there are also human-conditional aspects involed.

7) When can we expect the book to be published?

The book had launched on December 23, 2013 from Sunstone Press , but Book II is in the works, and afterwards, there will be a Book III.

This Blog Tour post was sent to me by Matthew Peters, author of "Conversations Among Ruins" and "The Brothers' Keepers". His blog can be found at: http://www.matthewpetersbooks.com/about-matthew-peters/ , and his website is: MatthewPetersBooks.com

 

Blog Tour: All Bout My Lead, Female Protagonist

1)      What is the name of your character? Is he/she fictional or a historic person?

The name of my protagonist is Elucia Grey Alexis Howard; Lucy for short, and she is fictional.

2)      When and where is the story set?

The story begins in 1877, right before the Lincoln County War which officially begins in February 1878. I say officially because prior to the first shots fired, killing Cattle Proprietor John H. Tunstall, Lucy's fiancé and Billy the Kid's boss, indifferences and tempers rose high between town contractors who supplied the town with necessities.
 

3)      What should we know about him/her?

Lucy is a very, very strong woman in a time where strong women were scarce or frowned upon. That is not to say that women haven’t been strong throughout history, but Lucy is not afraid to show it or back down which places her in a lot of hot water. She finds herself in trouble as she lives in a world dominated by men who of course oppose back-talk from a woman, or who do not take women very seriously.

4)      What is the main conflict? What messes up his/her life?

The main conflict (that ultimately messes up her life) is that she is sent out west to Lincoln County New Mexico to marry a man whom she does not love, John Tunstall, in order to suit her father's prospective, robber baron needs in expanding his own financial interests through the west and beyond.

Due to this, she falls in love with one of John’s hired hands, William H. Bonney, and he vice versa, and the two are caught up in the famous, historic battle that rages in Lincoln caused by the death of John Tunstall, propelling William H. Bonney into stratospheric infamy as Billy the Kid.

Lucy’s own life is threatened, which places her in strict danger and drives her into the protective custody of the Lincoln County Regulators, one of which is Billy himself. Lucy then finds herself  caught up in and a part of the vicious war that will prove the true owners of the town once and for all; the evil Santa Fe Ring, whom the Regulators are up against, and who have a large army and are selfishly closing in on the monopolization of not only Lincoln County but its surrounding small farming residents (this is what the Lincoln Co. Regulators are fighting against).

5)      What is the personal goal of the character?

Lucy is desperate for her freedom from the role of a Victorian era, oppressed woman, and finds some semblance of this freedom in riding the trails with the boys. Even more so, she sees this as an opportunity to stay by the side of her true love, Billy.

6)      Is there a working title for this novel, and can we read more about it?

The title is called Bandita Bonita: Romancing Billy the Kid.  Initially the title was based on the old pulp nickel/dime books of the 19^th century as pertaining to outlaws, but my editor had a very smart idea and that was to maintain Billy’s name on the cover and to also point out on the cover that this is a romantic story, though there are also human-conditional aspects involed.

7) When can we expect the book to be published?

The book had launched on December 23, 2013 from Sunstone Press , but Book II is in the works, and afterwards, there will be a Book III.

This Blog Tour post was sent to me by Matthew Peters, author of "Conversations Among Ruins" and "The Brothers' Keepers". His blog can be found at: http://www.matthewpetersbooks.com/about-matthew-peters/ , and his website is: MatthewPetersBooks.com

 

The Best Advice I, or Anyone, Can Give to Aspiring Authors.

"What advice do you have for aspiring authors?" is one of the most frequently asked questions of accomplished, published authors. The most frequent answer you'll hear is "Never let anything get in your way; don't let anything stop you. Keep reaching for your dream." And that's totally right. But it's a tired response, and I can't imagine most people wouldn't agree. I myself have never asked a successful, accomplished author "What advice do you have for me?" Because not only did I know that's the response I'd get, but it would be moot because I never, ever let anything get in the way of what I want (integrity persisting, of course). The aforementioned response is a copout, and I believe most people know that, even if it is true. Here's the advice I have for those who are aspiring to achieve a career in writing: Expect to do the goddamned work! Expect to run into obstacles and jump them like an Olympic hurdle jumper, and expect to become significantly frustrated. Writing a book is no cake walk, not even by a long shot. There are plots to be sussed out, characters to be created (and ideally made believable), there are premises to be designed, there are character arcs that need to be worked out and resolved, character struggles to be considered, and most importantly, there are facts to be checked. If you write a book like mine, which is Historical Fiction (accurate historical fiction, I might add), then be prepared to have your work seriously cut out for you! You’d better hit the library, or the book store, and save reputable webpages to your tool bar, and you’d better have your little red pen at the ready. Even better, make it a highlighter. Whenever I write I surround myself with the books I use to help me get to where I need to go in my story. My books have notes written in the corners, they’re dog-eared, they’re marked with post-its. I have a pile of notes with written dialogue that I then have to type in order to insert them into the chapters I was working on or will work on in the future. Maybe “pile” is the wrong word. A mountain of notes is more like it, and that’s not including all of the inserts (that’s what I call them) that I’ve dreamed up and had to quickly type into my laptop and save them for later use when the time came. You’re gonna want to cry over spilt milk, my friend, and that’s okay. Please do. Crying releases stress—that’s a scientific fact. Look it up. You’re going to have to give into that hated need to open your tired eyes after you’ve crawled into bed thinking only of sleep so you can write down that magnificent idea you’ve just come up with (if you can’t do that or are unwilling, how can you call yourself a writer? ALL writers are subject to this intrustion). If you truly want a writing career, then guess what comes first. Writing. Of course you probably have a job, but if you’re like me, it’s just temporary until my *real* job, my writing career (if you're a writer and you work for a corporation to pay the bills, you have two freakin' jobs--remember that! Writing IS a job), finally takes off, and it will, because that’s the attitude I have. And I have a good job, too. But I have no plans to move up in this company. If it happens, great, but it’s still temporary so that I can supplement my husband’s income to help pay the bills and have some disposable dollar bills. And, please listen to and understand me: You’re going be lonely, and you’re going have to learn to love it or lump it. You’re going be frustrated and want to throw tantrums. Throw them—just don’t throw them at anyone. And that loneliness I mentioned? I wasn’t kidding. Expect to be a shut-in. You have friends? Forget about them. I don’t mean to say not to call them on their birthdays or just to check in, but your book, just like a real baby, comes first. You’re not going to accomplish your dream of a writing career by dropping your effort to go out dancing, and those friends you’re out dancing with? They’re not going to worry whether or not you succeed. In that respect, those friends are not friends at all. Sure, you love them like a sister (or brother), but in the end, they can’t help you, and they more than most likely won’t. They don’t care if you finish the great American novel or not. Don’t drop your dream because you want to go out and have a good time. Take it from someone who’s been there in her early 20s. God do I wish I hadn’t dated that asshole and instead had finished my novel, which I completed, by the way, and then rewrote (second draft), and then abandoned to give my time to that waste of a human being. If this sounds like a rant, then good, because I want you to understand that I’m coming at you like a drill sergeant because guess what--*I* want you to succeed. Contributing to the intellectual medium of the world is a tremendous accomplishment and a pretty decent responsibility to have on your shoulders and one you can be proud of. So yeah, don’t let anything get in your way, keep on keepin’ on. But remember what I just took the time to tell you (and as you can see I didn’t worry about my writing technique here because I’m deadly serious, and I don’t have time to make my words flow like butterflies if I want to get my point across).