Great!  Welcome aboard!  Here’s a brief look at what’s ahead for you.

First, longhand or typewritten manuscripts are quaint and nostalgic, but unworkable in the digital revolution. Writer’s use computers – a laptop or a desktop.  Microsoft Word comes installed on most PCs now and is perfect for book writing.

You’ll be spending a lot of time writing, so you’ll want your work environment to be comfortable.  The kitchen table is not a good writing environment on many levels so the den, a spare bedroom, or a corner of the living room is advisable.

Maybe you have an idea for your Great American Novel, or maybe writing in general has been a life-long dream. Either way, you need a basic plan, even if it’s to not plan at all.

Not plan?  There are two basic kinds of writers – those who outline and those who don’t.  Both can produce excellent books – it’s not the result that’s different; it’s the process.  ‘Outliners’ plan and ‘pantsers’ don’t, so knowing which one you are will save time in the long run.

Now you’ve finished your book.  What’s next?

You’ve finished the first draft … but now the hard part starts.  You’ve got months of rewrites, edits and tweaks to do.  Then, find a good editor – a fresh pair of eyes who can see what you can’t because she’s detached.  A good editor will decimate your ‘baby’ but it’s worth it in the end.

Next, you’ll need to find an agent or a publisher.  With the digital revolution, other options are now available, but most authors still work with agents who work with the publishers on your behalf.  This sounds simple but the process can take months, years or even never, depending on a long list of variables.

Because of the recession and the digital revolution, the part your publisher plays in the life of your book is shrinking.  The unsuspecting author will discover she now needs to be a marketing expert, too.  The list of marketing tasks is as long – or as short – as you decide, and your book sales will reflect your work.  Tasks include: establishing an online presence, building your brand, connecting with your readers, establishing media contacts, scheduling virtual book tours, scheduling other public events, and much more.  It’s hard work and often well outside the average author’s skill-set and/or comfort zone.

Non-writers think being an author is a cake-walk.  They see us sitting around in our pajamas, pouring words from our imaginations into our computers.  Not true.  The Great American Novel, like so many other things that are truly worth doing, is a lot of work and sacrifice.

• Do you want to write the Great American Novel?
• Are you ready to do the work and make the sacrifices?
• Have you dreamed about being an author your whole life?
• I look forward to your comments, so, please leave one!
  

Happy Writing!

Julie

PS: Please take a few minutes to read the Wedding Chapter – Edited from my soon-to-be-published book (2012) ‘Janelle’s Time.’ You’ll meet Richard and Janelle Grayson, the newlyweds, AND, meet Duke Logan Conor (he crashes the wedding) from my upcoming book, ‘Logan’s Time.’

The TIME Series – by Dayna Leigh Cheser
Janelle’s Time – Release: March 2012
Moria’s Time – WIP – NaNoWriMo Project, 2011 Winner
Adelle’s Time – Planned
Logan’s Time – WIP

Do you need an interview as part of your platform? 
Check out our DIY Interviews (upper left column)!

Sunday morning, I put this on the Internet:

What happened next blew me away.  I apparently hit a nerve. Emails flooded my inbox.  I’d figured I’d be lucky to get any responses at all!

I added their information feelings and comments to a Table, disregarding names, email addresses, titles, and any other identifying information – I then permanently deleted the emails.  I’m humbled that so many people trusted me – or maybe it’s a reflection on their frustration.

This is a highly unscientific survey, needless to say.  There are so many variables and uncontrollable aspects that it renders the information useless except as anecdotal information.  However, to say I was surprised at the depth of the comments is an understatement.  Of course, the number of responses amounted to less than 0.3% of the authors on my Twitter page – without even considering Facebook or LinkedIn.

Of the thirty-eight authors who responded, about half praised their editor to varying degrees.  The rest had problems ranging from a vague ‘unhappy’ to a rather specific (I think) ‘&#%@$ EDITOR!’  Several asked for – and got – a second editing, either from the publisher or from an outside source – one of them called the editor a ‘prude.’  Three pulled their manuscript – one of them scrapped the edits, and went the self-pub route with some success.  The other two didn’t say what they did after they pulled their ms.  Several responders lamented that they felt the book was no longer theirs.  How sad after all that work …

Editors and authors: see the raw material I collected (PDF).  Data

My thanks to all who participated in this impromptu survey.

 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Please check this out! 
Sal Buttacii is my friend and fellow All Things That Matter Press author.

Master of the Flash is back! In his new collection of 200 short-short stories, Salvatore Buttaci introduces us to characters hard to forget. In less than 1,000 words they tell stories of humor, hidden emotions, love, nostalgia, violence, time and space travel, and downright horror. The author’s flashes appeal to all readers in search of a good read worth the purchase price. It won’t be so easy putting this book down.

Salvatore Buttaci is a retired English teacher who has been writing since childhood. His first published work, an essay entitled “Presidential Timber,” appeared in the Sunday New York News when he was sixteen. Since then his poems, letters, short stories, and articles have been widely published in The New York Times, Newsday, U.S.A. Today, The Writer, Cats Magazine, and elsewhere in America and overseas. In 2001, Pudding House Publications included his work in the Greatest Hits Series with his chapbook, Greatest Hits: 1970-2000. He was also the 2007 recipient of the $500.00 Cyber-wit Poetry Award.

Happy Writing!

Julie

PS: Please take a few minutes to read the Wedding Chapter – Edited from my soon-to-be-published book (2012) ‘Janelle’s Time.’ You’ll meet Richard and Janelle Grayson, the newlyweds, AND, meet Duke Logan Conor (he crashes the wedding) from my upcoming book, ‘Logan’s Time.’

The TIME Series – by Dayna Leigh Cheser
Janelle’s Time – Release: March 2012
Moria’s Time – WIP – NaNoWriMo Project, 2011 Winner
Adelle’s Time – Planned
Logan’s Time – WIP

Name:

Email:
skodobah@yahoo.com

What is your blog URL?
www.julieduck.wordpress.com

What is your website URL?
www.julieduck.com

What is the contact information you are willing to share?
Email – skodobah@yahoo.com
Twitter – www.twitter.com/skodobah
FB – www.facebook.com/aplaceinthislife
Goodreads

Where were you born?
San Gabriel Valley in Southern California

What schools did you attend?  What was your course of study?
San Clemente High School
Saddleback College
I studied English, of course

When and how did you discover you wanted to be a writer/author?
In the third grade, I discovered the ‘Little House’ books by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  I wrote, illustrated and put together my first book, “Kittyland” and was hooked.  My first published work was “Duckcat” in Highlights, the children’s magazine.

Are you a published author?   Yes

Please list your published material, with dates?
I am a published magazine writer and editor, but that could go on and on. As for books, ‘A Place In This Life’ came out in late-September 2011.

If these materials are books, are they still available, and from where?
Yes!  They’re available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords.

Please tell about your first publication – what was it, when, how you felt when it happened, problems you may have had, etc.
My agent recommended that I publish ‘A Place In This Life’ myself. It took some time to format the manuscript according to each book seller, as well as obtain cover art from my artist colleague. There were many steps involved, but worth it when completed.

Please tell about the most memorable moment in your writing career.
It was a call from a small outdoors publisher who offered me a job as a copy editor. That was more than 20 years ago and it set me on the road to where I am now. I was absolutely thrilled to be in publishing – magazines, books, whatever has words.

Have you won any awards? If yes, which award(s) and when?
Back in high school, I won several awards in the Academic Decathlon for essay writing, as well as an award from the National League of American Pen Women.

Have you been on a ‘best seller’ list?  Which one(s) and when?
Not yet!  ‘A Place In This Life’ has, however, garnered several 5-star reviews.

What problems have you encountered in your career and how did you deal with them?
Frustration with people who didn’t know what to do with my writing. I carried on and kept submitting queries and making contacts on Twitter. It’s who you know that drives any career.

Did an established writer mentor you in your early days? 
No. I like to feel that I learned young adult writing from Judy Blume. She had it nailed – the emotions, the feelings and thoughts of puberty and beyond. Later, when I got into publishing I learned from editors and writers about how it all works.

What genre do you most often write?
Young adult (YA)

What other genres have you written? 
Adult, self-help

Who are the authors who most influenced your writing and your career?
Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary and Laura Ingalls Wilder. I adore Laura’s ability to cherish everything she experiences with a concise and tasty description.

Who are the authors your read most often?
Okay, I do have the entire Twilight series.  However, I am a fan of Anne Rice (better vamps there), Dr. Judith Orloff and Dr. Wayne Dyer (self-help rocks).

Please list the conferences/courses/webinars/workshops/seminars you have attended during the past year?
None this year, but I did attend the West Virginia Writer’s Conference in 2010. I don’t have a lot of time to make the rounds.

Have you mentored an aspiring writer?  Would you mentor, if the opportunity arose?
I have mentored, I would gladly mentor

What would you tell an aspiring writer who asks you for assistance?
It depends on what they need, but I always offer insight and hope. There is a strategy to all of this, wrapped around a writer’s heart. The two are like oil and water but they must work together to accomplish the goal of creation.

What advice would you give to all up-and-coming writers?
Learn your craft. Write copy, write poetry, scribble words. Develop good editing skills and read the dictionary for fun. Becoming a good writer takes time, and whatever you write will help you get there sooner.

Are you involved in the ‘writing scene’ in your community/area?
Very active

Please tell about your other community activities.
I am a former editor of the Basset Hound Rescue of Southern California newsletter, and work as an editorial assistant for a professional magazine. It would be an honor to help kids with cancer, as my first book is deeply involved with that.

What is the name of your current project?
‘The Joy and Torture of Joshua James’

What is the expected release date?
February 15, 2012

What is the genre? YA

Please provide details of your upcoming blog tour, book tour, and/or book-signing.
I am setting up a blog tour that will hopefully happen in February, as well a publishing frenzy for ‘The Joy and Torture of Joshua James.’

Is this work a stand-alone or part of a series?
Stand-alone

Do you have any project(s) planned for the future?  Yes

Please provide some details of the project(s).
I have two books on submission the traditional way through my agent – SWELL and little rooms. I would like to share those with my readers as soon as possible.

What is the anticipated release date?  N/A

What conferences/courses/webinars/workshops/seminars do you plan to attend in the next 12 months?
Would love to go to SCBWI in Los Angeles, as well as the Los Angeles Times Book Fair in April.

Are you involved in publishing in any other capacity?
Editor, Reviewer, Other

If ‘other,’ please specify.
I beta read and provide editorial services. I am also a guest blogger for Apex Publications and YA Stands. Not to mention that I am a marketing copywriter.

Please provide any information  you would like to share that is not covered above.
I love books and writing – when I see that passion in someone it inspires me to continue being my best. If I can help other writers achieve their goals, then my job is done.

I’d like to thank Julie for participating in the DIY Interviews program.  See the details in the left column on how YOU can do your own interview, too.  I’ll post all the interviews here, and then post them on the DIY Interviews Archive page with a Shortlink for your promotional needs.

Happy Writing!

Julie

PS: Please take a few minutes to read the updated, revised and edited Wedding Chapter Rev. from my soon-to-be-published book (2012) ‘Janelle’s Time.’ You’ll meet Richard and Janelle Grayson, the newlyweds, AND, meet Duke Logan Conor (he crashes the wedding) from my upcoming book, ‘Logan’s Time.’

The TIME Series – by Dayna Leigh Cheser
Janelle’s Time – Release: March 2012
Moria’s Time – WIP – NaNoWriMo Project, 2011 Winner
Adelle’s Time – Planned
Logan’s Time – WIP

Over time, I’ve collected a few images off the internet.
So, entertainment is what today’s post is all about!
Gotta have some fun sometimes, right?

This is for those who having difficulty remembering this particular rule of English - an easy way to remember the need for commas in this instance. There are so many rules, and it's so hard to remember them all!

The Gutenberg vs. the iPad. Do you agree with the glee on his face?

A loaded bookstore, replete with plants to pump oxygen into the room for those who spend hours roaming the stacks. Look at all those books!!

This made the rounds at Christmas. Obviously, you're supposed to go quickly to the nearest bookstore for a 'book-fix.' Did you get to your bookstore and get your 'book-fix'?

A disclaimer.  To whomever the originators are of these pictures, there was no copyright information with the pictures when and where I found them.  I’d credit every one of them if I knew who you were.  I assure you, I’m not making any money from the images.  I am presenting them here today to entertain readers.  The are just as they appeared when I found them on the internet.  Thank-you for putting these images on the internet.

If you’ve got something fun that would tickle the funny bone of a writer, send it to me at JulieCJ@aol.com and I’ll post them on my blog.

Let’s have some fun!!

COMING SOON!
Right now, I’m working on an Author Website.  I’ll be moving this blog to that website with a whole new look and even a new name.  With the new website and blog, AND the release of my first book, that’s plenty of reason to have a CONTEST!  Watch this space for details – coming soon!!

Happy Writing!

Julie

PS: Please take a few minutes to read the updated, revised and edited Wedding Chapter Rev. from my soon-to-be-published book (2012) ‘Janelle’s Time.’ You’ll meet Richard and Janelle Grayson, the newlyweds, AND, meet Duke Logan Conor (he crashes the wedding) from my upcoming book, ‘Logan’s Time.’

The TIME Series – by Dayna Leigh Cheser
Janelle’s Time – Release: March 2012 from ATTMP
Moria’s Time – WIP – NaNoWriMo Project, 2011 Winner
Adelle’s Time – Planned
Logan’s Time – WIP

Name: Judith Price

 Email Address:
judithprice.com@gmail.com

What is your blog URL?
http://www.judithprice.com/index.php/myblog

What is your website URL?
http://www.judithprice.com

What is the contact information you are willing to share?
As above

Where and/or when were you born?
Canada in the sixties

What schools did you attend?
What was your course of study?
International Marketing & Sales

Are you a published author?  Yes

Please list your published material, with dates?
SUDDEN DECEPTION: A JILL OLIVER THRILLER – September 2011

If these materials are books, are they still available, and from where?
http://amzn.to/SuddenDeception

Please tell about your first publication – what was it, when, how you felt when it happened, problems you may have had, etc.
In 2011 the coolest part about writing is receiving printed copies.

Please tell about the most memorable moment in your career.
Being on a dhow in Abu Dhabi.  It looks like a pirate ship in which the protagonist sails on.

What problems have you encountered in your career and how did you deal with them?
I hired an editor in which I found out later that I should have asked for my money back.

Did an established writer mentor you in your early days?  If yes, how did the mentor help you?
Yes, I had two NYT best-selling authors help with MS coaching.

What genre do you most often write?
Thriller

Who are the authors who most influenced your writing & career?
Greg Iles, Brad Thor and Lisa Unger

Who are the authors your read most often?
Greg Iles, Brad Thor and Lisa Unger

Please list the conferences/courses/webinars/workshops/seminars you have attended during the past year?
Deep POV
Prologue Structure
Surveillance 101

Have you mentored an aspiring writer?  Would you mentor, if the opportunity arose?
I am mentoring right now

What would you tell an aspiring writer who asks you for assistance?
Don’t get stuck in the details.  You can fill those in later.

What advice would you give to all up-and-coming writers?
Make sure to book time to write 1000 words everyday

Are you involved in the ‘writing scene’ in your community/area?
Active

Please tell about your other community activities.
I volunteer for one of the largest online communities where I live in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in the middle east.

What is the name of your current project?
Matthew McGregor: A Jill Oliver Thriller

What is the expected release date?
April 2012

What is the genre?
Thriller

Is this work a stand-alone or part of a series?
Series

Please provide some details of the project(s).
INDECENT DECEPTION:  A JILL OLIVER THRILLER   Jill breaks open a money laundering scheme that is connected to one of the largest terrorist groups in the world. Along the way to uncover its intended use, Jill stumbles across a horrific kidnapping sex slave ring.

What is the anticipated release date?
Summer 2012

Please provide a blurb about your current book.
SUDDEN DECEPTION: A JILL OLIVER THRILLER.  The protagonist, Jill Oliver, is a contemporary American heroine—a fresh new take on the popular type of action hero previously embodied by Jack Bauer of the hit series “24” and the characters of Tom Clancy, James Patterson and other bestselling authors.

I’d like to thank Judith for participating in the DIY Interviews program.  See the details in the left column on how YOU can do your own interview, too.  I’ll post all the interviews here, and then post them on the DIY Interviews Archive page with a Shortlink for your promotional needs.

Happy Writing!

Julie

PS: Please take a few minutes to read the updated, revised and edited Wedding Chapter Rev. from my soon-to-be-published book (2012) ‘Janelle’s Time.’ You’ll meet Richard and Janelle Grayson, the newlyweds, AND, meet Duke Logan Conor (he crashes the wedding) from my upcoming book, ‘Logan’s Time.’

The TIME Series – by Dayna Leigh Cheser
Janelle’s Time – Release: March 5, 2012
Moria’s Time – WIP – NaNoWriMo Project, 2011 Winner
Adelle’s Time – Planned
Logan’s Time – WIP

‘Janelle’s Time’ Update

On Tuesday, January 3rd, my publisher, All Things That Matter Press, started the edits on ‘Janelle’s Time.’  It’s been a very long journey, but my life-long dream of being a published author is about to come true.

The scheduled release date is March 5, 2012 – my birthday.

There’s a list of items required of me before publication:

• Completed:  ‘Back Cover Copy.’  My original submission for this was 215 words, but was too long.
• Completed:  My ‘Bio.’  I copied the ‘Julie’s Page’ from my blog, put it in a Word doc, and started deleting – a lot!  After much work, it’s now just a page in length.  Short enough?  Probably not.
• Completed:  ‘Dedication Page.’  I wrote this to acknowledge everyone who helped me . . . and I had a lot of help.
• In Process:  My book cover art goes into production on January 23.
• Not Completed Yet:  I’m planning to get my photos this week.
• Not Required, but Complete:  Because the main story line of each of the other three books in the series is pretty much set, I also wrote a short blurb (see below) for each one for inclusion in the back of the book.

I’ve now started other marketing activities.

From LinkedIn, I sent notes to my Book Reviewer connections, asking if they’d like to do a Pre-Publication Review of my book.  Long story short, several reviewers are reading the Wedding Chapter and more are reading the un-edited manuscript.  In return, I’ll get short reviews for possible inclusion with others like it in the book.

This coming week, I’ll work with my Twitter-List of Reviewers, looking for a few more short reviews.  My Twitter List of Reviewers has nearly 350 Tweeps who, in their profile, say they are reviewers.

Also in the works, my new website/blog.  For over two years now, I’ve had this blog while my domain name (www.DaynaLCheser.com) sat idle.  Recently, I signed up for a hosting account.  My blog will now be a page on my new website. With a fresh, new WordPress.org theme, it will have a new look, and a new name.

≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈

A fellow ATTMP author volunteered to read my MS last week.  He provided a short review.  Check it out:

“This is a book for those who love the magic of romance and the romance of magic. Filled with wonderful description, written with historical accuracy, and charged with sexual energy, ‘Janelle’s Time’ truly glows.” (Kenneth Weene, author of Tales From the Dew Drop Inne, Memoirs From the Asylum, and Widow’s Walk)…………Thanks, Ken!

≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈

BTW, for those interested in a contest, here’s an easy one for you.
It will run monthly, all through 2012 for new Fans.
It’s on my Facebook Fan page – and it’s badly under-publicized.
All you have to do is go to ‘Author Dayna Leigh Cheser’ and LIKE the page.
That’s it.  Just LIKE http://on.fb.me/AuthorDLC!
Monthly, I’ll draw a new Fan who LIKEd the page during that month.
The prize will be a print copy of ‘Janelle’s Time’ (once it’s printed).
So, head on over and LIKE that page to win a free book!
(If you already LIKE the page, you’ll be included in the January drawing.)

≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈

Watch for Book Two: ‘Moria’s Time’
Janelle’s daughter, Moria, then an infant, is the focus of a startling
vision by an old woman.  As a teen, she meets Elizabeth Blackwell, M.D.,
who later introduces her to Florence Nightingale. Moria fulfills the
vision in service to others but finds herself in grave danger – and
in love. Will she and her lover survive the danger? Will their
love survive her destiny of service to others?

.

Watch for Book Three: ‘Adelle’s Time’
Moria’s twin sister, Adelle, is an American country girl with her
English father’s aristocratic blood coursing through her veins.  She
longs to be a high-society Lady in Victorian England, the wife of a Duke,
and she’ll stop at nothing to achieve her goal. Will Adelle find love
and happiness as a Duchess in Victorian England, or will she discover
her true self and find her way home to her family’s American roots?

. 

Watch for Book Four: ‘Logan’s Time’
Logan Conor, the Duke of Muileach, grows up in Scotland. His mother
abandons her two sons and her husband. His father spends his life
missing his wife.  Logan meets Richard Grayson at school in
England.  After school, it’s on to Paris where their friendship suddenly
ends when Minuet dies.  There are women in Logan’s life – Annella, his
mother; Rachel, his wife; and Seanna, his sometime-lover. Will Logan
make peace with his mother? Will Logan and Rachel live happily
ever after?  Will Seanna destroy Logan’s marriage?.

≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈

Happy Writing!

Julie

PS: Please take a few minutes to read the revised and edited Wedding Chapter Rev. from my soon-to-be-published book (2012) ‘Janelle’s Time.’ You’ll meet Richard and Janelle Grayson, the newlyweds, AND, meet Duke Logan Conor (he crashes the wedding) from my upcoming Book 4, ‘Logan’s Time.’

The TIME Series – by Dayna Leigh Cheser
Janelle’s Time – Release: March 5, 2012
Moria’s Time – WIP – NaNoWriMo Project, 2011 Winner
Adelle’s Time – Planned
Logan’s Time – WIP

Name: Erik Swiger

Email Address:
erikincheyenne@hotmail.com

What is your blog URL?
http://www.happycatbooks.blogspot.com

 What is your website URL?
https://www.happycatbooks.com

 What is the contact information you are willing to share?
Email: erikincheyenne@hotmail.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/orbeye11
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/ErikSwiger
Google+:  https://plus.google.com/104640207017509079680/posts

Where and/or when were you born?
I was born in Evart, Michigan on October 31.

What schools did you attend?  What was your course of study?
We moved around a lot when I was young, so I went to many schools.  I did not graduate, but I got a G.E.D. in 1992.

When and how did you discover you wanted to be a writer/author?
I’ve had health problems for years, which has given me a lot of time alone to think, and after years of this, I decided that writing was the most enjoyable thing I could do.

Are you a published author? Yes

Please list your published material, with dates?
In May of 2011, I published “5 Short Cat Tales.”

If these materials are books, are they still available, and from where?
You can purchase “5 Short Cat Tales” at Amazon.com for the Kindle, at Barnes and Noble.com for the Nook, and at https://www.happycatbooks.com as a PDF download.

Please tell about your first publication – what was it, when, how you felt when it happened, problems you may have had, etc.
My first publication was “5 Short Cat Tales.”  It’s a collection of short stories about living with my cats, two strays that don’t like each other.  I’ve tried to find ways to help them get along, with some success.

As I was writing these stories, two more stories were submitted to me, which I edited/co-wrote and added to my own.

The editing and re-writing was hard work, but enjoyable at the same time.

Please tell about the memorable moment(s) in your writing career.
The most memorable moment in my career was seeing my stories and cover art published as an e-book.  It was a feeling of accomplishment.

What problems have you encountered in your career and how did you deal with them?
I enjoy the process of writing and editing.  The biggest problem I’ve had is afterward, with publishing my work and getting it noticed by the public.

Who are the authors who most influenced your writing and career?
Number one on my list of influential authors is Isaac Asimov.  He made me understand ‘chemistry’ when no one else could.

I’ve read science and science-fiction all my life.  In recent years, I’ve moved into the metaphysical, mystical and spiritual categories.  In these areas, my favorite author is William Henry.

Who are the authors your read most often?
My most-read authors are Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Robert Heinlein, and William Henry.

What would you tell an aspiring writer who asks you for assistance?
Many people will try to talk you out of your career.  They may be well-intentioned, but misguided.  If your soul burns with a passion to write, do it.  Commit to it.  You WILL find success if you believe in yourself and stay with it, even when things seem bleak.

Please provide details of your upcoming blog tour, book tour, and/or book-signing.
I’m just beginning the process of guest-blogging.  I’ll be sure to let everyone know more about it as soon as I can!

Is this work a stand-alone or part of a series? Stand-alone

Do you have any project(s) planned for the future? Yes

Please provide some details of the project(s).
I have ideas for books and/or screenplays, but I haven’t had time to pursue them.

I love the science-fiction genre, and one idea is for a different incarnation of the Star Trek franchise.  It’s about the Red Shirts from the original series, who are always used as cannon-fodder.  I want to flesh-out their short lives, and then follow them into the afterlife when they get killed.  It’s a metaphysical twist on the classic science-fiction genre.

What is the anticipated release date?
So far, it’s only in my head.

Are you involved in publishing in any other capacity?
Editor, Publicist

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

I’d like to thank Erik for participating in the DIY Interviews program.  See the details in the left column on how YOU can do your own interview, too.  I’ll post all the interviews here, and then post them on the DIY Interviews Archive page with a Shortlink for your promotional needs.

Happy Writing!

Julie

PS: Please take a few minutes to read the updated, revised and edited Wedding Chapter Rev. from my soon-to-be-published book (2012) ‘Janelle’s Time.’ You’ll meet Richard and Janelle Grayson, the newlyweds, AND, meet Duke Logan Conor (he crashes the wedding) from my upcoming book, ‘Logan’s Time.’

The TIME Series – by Dayna Leigh Cheser
Janelle’s Time – Release: 2012
Moria’s Time – WIP – NaNoWriMo Project, 2011 Winner
Adelle’s Time – Planned
Logan’s Time – WIP

We’re taking today off,
but we’ll be back on Thursday.
See You Then!

Don’t miss the Group Blog below
Will we succeed?  Or will we blow it?
I know I’ve got a full plate for 2012!!

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Will we keep our New Year’s
Resolutions in 2012? 

Juliana Brandt:

To make my resolutions for this year, I wanted to check out if I succeeded at all in completing any from last year. I had to go wayyy back to my old blog (aspiretobejuliana.blogspot.com) to find my resolutions from last year. Impressively, I actually managed to do one of them! (Although it was totally by mistake.)

Last year, I had four resolutions:

1. Become a published author, whether it be a short story, an article
…for a newspaper/magazine, or a book.
2. Learn how to cook!
3. Play the piano every day.
4. Floss every day.

I did become published this year, though it was through Rachel Harrie’s blogfest. Woohoo! Her fest was a ton of fun and I LOVE that she published a book out of the fabulous short stories everyone wrote. The only other resolution I kept was flossing and THAT only lasted half the year… *sigh*

SO, this year, I am going to cut the resolutions in half and see if that helps.

1. Floss every day!
2. Query and try my best to land an agent.

Juliana Brandt http://julianalbrandt.com/blog/

 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Julie Jordan:

I’m one of the many who has always wanted to be a published writer. 2012 is MY YEAR!  My debut novel, Book 1 of 4 in my TIME Series, is an adult romance with a touch of paranormal.  This is what I’d like to accomplish in 2012.

Janelle’s Time (Book 1) is at the publisher now. Janelle, the daughter of a New Hampshire farmer, and Richard, the youngest son of an English Duke, have a rough time getting it right, for all their great love. Will their love overcome all the obstacles? I’m already working on the marketing and promotion. This book, especially, must show at least moderate success or everything else planned for the year won’t matter much . . .
No pressure, right?

Moria’s Time (Book 2) was my NaNoWriMo project for 2011 and sits at 51,000 words. Moria, Janelle’s daughter, is the focus of a vision as an infant. She fulfills that vision for her life in service to others, but finds herself in grave danger – and in love. Will Moria and her lover survive the danger? Will their love survive her destiny of service to others? I need to finish and submit this.

Adelle’s Time (Book 3) is still in my mind, but the story is starting to gel. This book alone could take a big chunk of the year. Adelle, Moria’s twin sister, is an American country girl with an English aristocrat father. She dreams of being an English Lady, and will stop at nothing to achieve that goal. Will she be happy as an English Duchess in Victorian England, or will she find her way home to her American roots?

Logan’s Time (Book 4) is about halfway through the first draft. Finishing this book is also a priority. Logan, the Scots’ Duke of Muileach, grows up in the Scots’ Highlands. There are women in Logan’s life: Annella, his mother who abandoned him; Rachel, his wife; and Seanna, his sometimes-lover. Will Logan make peace with his mother? Will Logan and Rachel live happily ever after? Or, will Seanna destroy Logan’s marriage?

I’m not delusional – Wonder Woman couldn’t do all this in one year – but I’ll give it my best shot.

Julie Jordan http://aplaceforwriters.wordpress.com/

 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

 And from the Swaggers: http://swaggerwriters.blogspot.com/

 Kim Van Sickler: In 2012, I resolve:

1. To pursue the path to publication for my mermaid and witch MG
. ..books, including continuing to search for an agent and publishers,
. ..and rewriting as needed.
2. Write at least one short story a month.
3. Keep the Swagger blog going strong.
4. Complete a new book that’s not narrated in female first-person
. ..present.

Kim's hubby knew exactly what to get her for their anniversary. Her first laptop, so she's not chained to the desktop.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Gina Gort: 
With the support of my family, I can swagger. 2012 Resolution: To press on regardless.

Gina will draw inspiration from her family in the year ahead.

 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Kathy Cannon Wiechman:
I resolve to try to have a more positive attitude and be more proactive in my manuscript submissions.

Kathy's going to force herself to move to the next level.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Graziella Buonanno: I will write my WIP at least every day at least 15 hours per week. 

Grace hopes her resolution isn't a fish story.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

For all of you out there making resolutions, GOOD LUCK! We sincerely wish you the best for the upcoming year. Leave us a comment below about your goals in 2012. Then don’t forget to come back to our blogs in June for the Mid-year Accountability Blogfest! 

Happy New Year!!

Juliana Brandt, Julie Jordan, & Swagger

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Happy Writing!

Julie

PS: Please take a few minutes to read the revised and edited Wedding Chapter Rev. from my soon-to-be-published book (2012) ‘Janelle’s Time.’ You’ll meet Richard and Janelle Grayson, the newlyweds, AND, meet Duke Logan Conor (he crashes the wedding) from my upcoming Book 4, ‘Logan’s Time.’

The TIME Series – by Dayna Leigh Cheser
Janelle’s Time – Release: 2012
Moria’s Time – WIP – NaNoWriMo Project, 2011 Winner
Adelle’s Time – Planned
Logan’s Time – WIP

Book Marketing, Part 4
Author’s Website and Blog

Why do you need a website and a blog?

The short answer is ‘because every other author has a website and a blog.’

The long answer is because you need them.  They are integral parts of your marketing campaign.  Your website will probably end up being a static display of your books (with links to Amazon, and other selling locations), along with a page about you, the author, contact information for everyone involved with your book(s) and other pertinent material.

The blog will likely be more dynamic.  It will get more attention from you, in direct proportion to how much you like to blog and/or how good you are at it.  It takes a while to get into the blogging groove but once you’re there, it’s not so bad.  Be sure to set a schedule for your blogs whether it’s once a month, once a week or every day and stick to it, no matter what.  Advertise your schedule – let people know that on this schedule, they can expect a new post from you.

Like everything else in your Marketing Plan, you need to devote serious time to considering just how deep into technology you want to go. Are you computer-savvy or did you just get your first computer?  Do you know from experience that ‘technical stuff’ leaves you cold or are you willing to jump in and learn so you can have control over your marketing activities?  Many variables and a lot to think about.

Websites and blogs range from simple to ultra-complex.  A simple one page website and a simple freebie blog site are at one end of the spectrum.  At the other end, a huge, multi-page website with flash, videos, audio, interactive polls, surveys and more, and a multi-page blog with a lot of the same stuff on board.

Also to consider, will you personally be selling books from your site?  If you are, your site will need certificates, you’ll need a shopping cart option, you’ll need a merchant account (so you can accept credit cards – shop around for the best transaction rates, they vary all over the road), and you’ll need to stock your books along with shipping supplies.  You’ll need to be your own fulfillment center and then deliver the packages to the USPS, or UPS or where ever you ship from unless and until you have enough volume to warrant them picking up from you.  It’s much easier (and cheaper) to link to your publisher’s website for direct sales,  and/or use Amazon and/or Barnes & Noble links for most of your sales?

You’ll still need to have a case or more of your books kicking around. You’ll need them as prizes in the contests you’ll be running on your blog or on social media sites.  You’ll also need them just to have around for when you get the chance to sell one – or give one away.

One more point on the technology subject – most of you already have a cell phone, a computer and maybe a laptop, and at least one e-reader and/or tablet.  At what point are you over-technologied and have no time left for writing?

In future posts in this series we’ll discuss
topics including: finding outlets for your
books; capitalizing on social media without
losing all your friends; finding reviewers
and using the reviews; writing and
distributing press releases; setting up
blog tours and book tours; and more.

When it comes to websites and blogs, unless you have a bunch of cash sitting around that’s not already spent, you’ll probably be doing the bulk of the work on your website and/or blog yourself.  That’s fine because in today’s day and age, it’s getting easier and easier.  Both Blogger and WordPress are user-friendly and anyone with a some computer skill can use them.

Websites tend to need a bit more technical know-how to maintain on your own, but there are folks out there who do web maintenance either as a hobby, or as a business/job.  The best arrangement is to find someone who does web work as a job and offer to pay him/her a nominal fee after hours or on weekends to do the stuff you can’t do – or are afraid to do – on your own.  Things like incorporating flash, video or audio are a little daunting.  But, the basic website is getting easier all the time.

For both the blog and the website, authors need to become familiar with the term ‘SEO.’  This is an acronym for Search Engine Optimization – the process by which the search engines rate your website or blog.  In short, it’s a necessary part of the ‘driving traffic’ to your blog or website which is very important.  Why have a blog or website if no one ever visits them?  This is especially true if you have a store (to sell your books).  There are books available on the subject.  Probably the best one for beginners is from the ‘Dummies’ series – ‘SEO for Dummies,’ available at Amazon.  There are several ‘Dummies’ books that can help you learn the ins and outs of Marketing.

Below are a few websites I’ve found with some great information about Author Websites and Blogs.  These will  get you started in the learning process.  Obviously, search engines are your best friend so don’t be afraid to go looking for more information.

http://janefriedman.com/2011/12/09/big-mistake-author-blog/
http://janefriedman.com/2011/10/26/wordpress-plug-insessentials/
http://yodiwan.com/2009/07/08/what-to-include-on-author-websites/
http://www.smartauthorsites.com/authorsblog/
http://www.authormedia.com/2010/11/30/7-secrets-for-amazing-author-websites/
http://michaelhyatt.com/four-surprising-conclusions-about-author-websites.html

Happy Writing!

Julie

PS: Please take a few minutes to read the revised and edited Wedding Chapter Rev. from my soon-to-be-released book (2012) ‘Janelle’s Time.’ You’ll meet Richard and Janelle Grayson, the newlyweds, AND, meet Duke Logan Conor (he crashes the wedding) from Book 4 of the TIME Series, ‘Logan’s Time.’

The TIME Series – by Dayna Leigh Cheser
1. Janelle’s Time – Release: 2012
2. Moria’s Time – WIP – NaNoWriMo Project, 2011 Winner
3. Adelle’s Time – Planned
4. Logan’s Time – WIP

PS: Please take a few minutes to read the updated, revised and edited Wedding Chapter Rev. from my soon-to-be-published book (2012) ‘Janelle’s Time.’ You’ll meet Richard and Janelle Grayson, the newlyweds, AND, meet Duke Logan Conor (he crashes the wedding) from my upcoming book, ‘Logan’s Time.’

The TIME Series – by Dayna Leigh Cheser
Janelle’s Time – Release: 2012
Moria’s Time – WIP – NaNoWriMo Project, 2011 Winner
Adelle’s Time – Planned
Logan’s Time – WIP

]]> http://aplaceforwriters.wordpress.com/2011/12/25/apw-happy-holidays/feed/ 0 aplaceforwriters A_lightstring_2002 Christmas 2011 a A_lightstring_2002