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Many writers come to a crossroads when they decide whether or not to self-publish or to go the traditional route. When I decided to self-publish it was a decision based on accessibility. Either way you go, there is a lot of work involved. I'm getting ready to self-publish book number two and thinking back a lot of things have changed (for me). When I first signed up with Amazon and Createspace I was happy to just follow the instructions and I was just so excited that I was actually publishing my book! Now, I've taken much more time in the writing, the work that goes into the writing, researching, and really spending time in trying to get things right. I even downloaded GIMP 2.8 to create my own banners, teasers, and yes - I've even created my own cover art (which I'm so excited about)!

Teaser #1

One of the things that I've picked up on, since entering into the self-published universe, is that in order to have a successful release it's crucial to sign-up for a blog blitz, tour, or something along these lines. I've been working hard getting together my media kit for the release and launch for book two. There were times when the forward progression of getting the book finished and out there have been stalled (life throws wrenches in every now and again). But, you have to soldier through it and make those steps through whatever life tries to throw your way. A major step for me was booking the Cover Reveal and Book Tour. Now I have a specific date and goals to accomplish and work toward. It's an exciting time around here for us!

Teaser #2

Then, after the release and tour is finished I will jump right back in and continue writing. This year I've set a goal for myself: I want to publish two more works! This might sound crazy, while it might sound right to some, and other might think that I'm still in the slow lane. Either way, it's a goal and in order to be successful you have to set those goals to push yourself. In my scheduling addiction now, I've managed to create teasers for each "Teaser Tuesday" leading up to the cover reveal for the second book in the Going off Dreams saga titled For All in the Hope, December 2nd and the goal is to release the book on or before December 9th, 2014! It will be here before I know it - eek!

What are your opinions on these topics?

INSECURE WRITERS SUPPORT GROUP

Do all writers experience the highs and lows of the creative mind? I have days where I have energy, determination and I have drive to dive right in and get to work. Other days, I have self-doubt, anxiety and fear that I'll never accomplish my goals. It seems that my fuel is also accelerated when those that are supporting me through this are more interested and give me feed back. However, when it's the dry spell and there is no one but myself to push the card of writing forward, it seems to stall at times. Is this really the cross of a creative mind or do I just lack motivation and discipline?

From what I've read and gathered from other author and writer groups, I'm not the only one that hits a wall every now and then. I don't have any issues with writing-- I could sit down and write for hours! I've always had a crazy imaginative mind. What slows me down are the other aspects of the self-publishing realms; editing, covers, and marketing. I'm still working out the correct formula for me between the different aspects of writing, editing and so forth. I was just wondering what everyone else thought on this. Do you have a certain formula that is working for you?

Before I was writing my entire book and then going back and editing. I think with the next book I am going to write a chapter and then go back and edit. It seems that the latter process is starting to turn my hair white or giving me those silver highlights (LOL). Furthermore, I'm beating myself up because I feel that I keep reading and re-reading with the edits and sometimes either the story grabs me and I'm missing corrections or I'm getting tired of the story; I don't want to get tired of this story because I love it dearly. Do you experience this?

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A to Z Challenge - Day 23

(image captured via Google search)

What When Where & Why

Today is W's day in the April A to Z Blogging Challenge. Since there are no characters with this initial, I thought I would say a little something about the writing process. What, when, where, and why are the questions I ask myself when I am considering the plots, characters, and the outcome of the series. 

WHAT is going to happen. 

WHERE is it going to happen. 

WHEN is it going to happen. 

WHY is it going to happen.

(gif captured via Google search)

Within the first book, the writing really took on a mind of its own. I didn't really know anything about the writing process. I researched and let the story form within my head and just typed what was forming. Looking back, I really should have developed the base story more firmly within the first book. The reasoning later, I decided, was because maybe the reader could be left just as confused and disorientated as Nyx and Eryn are - sort of - by the end of the first story. She meets a lot of beings, that's disorienting, and then just when she thinks things are safe, she wakes up and Tobar is missing... so now she's confused. Although, it's pretty evident who has him. Either way, I'm learning as I go and now, after reading A LOT; other authors suggestions, tips, and things. These were crucial questions to ask yourself while you are consumed within the realms and trying to write a compelling and addictive story for everyone to love.

What do you think?