In part, a purpose for this blog is to write about my journey as a writer, as well as to share what has worked for me, and my approach to writing a novel. There are so many books and information online on this topic, which will always be of some benefit; however, I find that much of that information is very technical and sometimes, even discouraging to someone who is just starting the journey, hence why I try to simplify when I am writing about a subject. In this case, dialogue, specifically, when it needs to be long.
When I am writing a novel, I strive to have a balance between dialogue, description, and narration. My novels tend to be rich in dialogue, sometimes long (if needed). If not careful, the reader might be lost in the conversation. Although sometimes a long conversation is required between two or more characters, I try my best to include other elements, whether having a character make a gesture, change positions, observe something, or anything that might give the reader a small break from the dialogue. I have a tendency to write in long sentences, as you might have noticed if you have been following this blog, and that is reason enough for me to be aware when I am writing dialogue, or even description in my novels (there you go, that was a long sentence.)
When dialogue is long, such as in the case of a character recounting a story, or a past event, I interject with something in the third person. As an example, Joe is recounting an event. He has been talking for a while, so in order to break it up a bit, as the writer, I can interject with having Emily react to what Joe is saying. Emily’s eyes grew wider with anticipation… or depending on the scene, Emily grabbed Victor’s hand tightly while Joey …. or a character might break the dialog with a question. These are all actions but should never feel forced on the characters. Those small breaks in dialogue give a break to the reader, but also make the other characters present in the conversation while they are silent. When I write dialogue, I want to make it as natural as when I am in conversation with another person or group of people. Characters have different personalities and when they are active in dialogue, their personalities are reflected through their words. It goes a step beyond she said/he said. A reader should never be confused about who said what. Just as chapters are a continuous clean break, so should interjections in dialogue. One follows the next naturally, without leaving the reader behind.
For most of my life, writing and publishing seemed a dream hard to reach. Mostly because the image of most famous writers that was presented by the media to my generation was a bit intimidating and hard to reach. It was one of seclusion, selectivity, money, unwanted-wanted fame, and reserved for the few great ones. This was a different time, one without internet, social media, and writer-friendly technology. Traditional publishing ruled the roost, and the few brave independent authors who dared cross to another dimension were viewed as vane, and even rebels who could not abide and bow down to a perfectly run system that would vomit you if you were deemed not good enough, or below its standards. Many dreamers like me would not dare enter the nightmare, and the ones who became rebels of the system knew they have to pay the price, and a very expensive one it was, literally and figurative, reputation included, and with it, down the dream of being even considered for a traditional publishing contract. Independent publishing was viewed as a mortal sin. Thank God these days are different, although not without its problems. When I realized that my dream of writing could be resuscitated under a new set of rules, I didn’t think twice. It was a new dawn. However, I had many questions. Many of these questions are the same ones that aspiring writers have today, although it is much easier to find the answers now. This post is about some of those questions and how I answered them, as well as questions I’ve encountered.
I want to write, but how do I start?
The short answer to that is just do it, write, but there is so much more to that. When I thought about that question, it wasn’t as easy to answer as I thought it would be. There was so much to consider, and so much more knowledge I needed to gather. I spent nearly two years learning (while writing and transitioning) as much as I could about this new system and independent publishing, but as well about traditional publishing at the time. Many myths were alive, other were just that. I found that the most important issue was my Why. Why did I want to write? Was it just because it was a life dream resurrected or was there more to it? I knew I had to answer that question before taking the plunge. I did. My why is not relevant here, every writer will have a why. So, to answer the question, start with your why. Why do you want to write? How do you see yourself as a writer? Is it for money or a call, or something else? When did your desire/passion for writing start? What triggered it? Have you written anything in the past? Why not? Were you intimidated by misinformation? How do you view writing? As a business? As a hobby? As a career? As a calling? How do you view other writers? Would you consider becoming an independent writer (indie writer) or does traditional publishing align more with your vision? Would you consider becoming a hybrid author?
How do I publish my book?
There is much to learn about this subject, and the good news is that today there is much information on this subject online and in books written by many independent authors, as well as hybrid authors. A hybrid author is one who has published via the traditional model, but also independently. The way to answer this question is for you to educate yourself as much about the publishing industry as you can. Learn about both models, but also, about the different methods to publish your work independently, because there are many, and the cost vary widely between these, from very minimal expense to thousands of dollars. Most important, and once you study this information, is to apply what you learned when you answered question number 1 to answering these other questions about publishing. What attracts you more about each model? Which model mirrors more your work ethic? Would you consider becoming a hybrid author? Would you consider working with an agent? What is your ultimate publishing goal?
Do I have to be an avid reader to be a writer?
Most writers are. It is part of your education. You will learn different styles, voices … Develop your writing style and voice. Never try to imitate another writer. It is a disservice to you, and you would be disrespecting your craft. There is nothing wrong with admiring a best-selling author and learning from that author’s style and work; however, develop your own. Understand that it takes time to learn and grow. Most likely, the author that you admire most has been at it for decades.
Do I have to belong to book clubs or writer’s groups?
Short answer, no, and in other words, you do you (or to each its own). You know what you like and dislike, you know your personality well, and you know what ultimately educates you and fuels you. If these groups work for you and excite you, then go for it. If not, there is no sin in that. These can be a great educational tool, but it depends on your personality, preferences, and goals as a writer.
What is the process of writing and publishing a book?
First, read and learn as much as you can about the topic. Aside from the educational part of this question, it is different for every writer. Inspiration comes in many ways. Most serious writers are disciplined enough to have a schedule or method. Many writers use an outline before writing a book, other writers do not. I don’t outline, but a small outline sometimes develops on the side as I am writing. Many times, as a way of remembering important points, or as new ideas pop. There is no right or wrong way here. It also depends on what publishing model you decide better fits your working style and ethic. There are many ways of publishing a book; learn those venues and their differences. Cost ranges from minimal expense to thousands of dollars. The more you contract out the more money you spend. You can use a publishing house for independent writers, which takes care of formatting, editing, etc. or you can hire each phase yourself, from formatting, to edition, from cover to cover, all the way to publishing your book, hardcopy or electronically (eBook). Amazon is a great way to start, if in doubt, and in my opinion, one of the least expensive ways to publish a book, and still put out a decent product. They offer editing and other services as well. There is also a good amount of information on their site, as a way to educate aspiring writers, which translate in more revenue for the company, eventually. Follow the method that you prefer and one that lets you present a well-crafted quality book for your readers, one that you are proud to offer.
Who promotes my book?
You do. Whether you publish traditionally or independently, you will have to do some work to promote your book, and the venue you use is up to you, whether that is social media, blogging, related products (physical products) and promotional materials, giveaways, activities … However, when you have a team behind you, such as in traditional publishing, there are advantages to that, as well as an established name behind your book and proven methods to spread the good news. As an indie writer and publisher, you can do the job yourself or hire people to do it for you, depending on how deep your pockets are. There is also the issue of personal preferences, for example, you might not enjoy social media as much, but prefer blogging, or other methods. I have to say, although I don’t follow this, that being robustly involved in social media, having a YouTube channel, a podcast … does help in spreading the good news about your work faster and widely. It is something that I recognize as a great advantage but not necessarily follow. It all depends on what your ultimate goal is. There are three very good sources to further your education that I like, that is, if you don’t know where to start. One is Stephen King’s book On Writing, Joanna Penn’s book The Indie Author Guide, and a copy of The Writer’s Market (for traditional publishing). Joanna Penn is an independent best-selling author. Her YouTube channel and blog are a great place to start. There are more suggestions under the tab On Writing -FAQ on this blog.
Do I need to be involved in social media? How much is too much?
The short answer is yes. You should have some kind of internet presence. Times have changed, and it is part of a very fast environment and culture development. However, you should not have to feel obligated to join every social media site. If you enjoy that, by all means, the more exposure the better, but not at the expense of your writing time. I think balance is key. I only have this blog as my online platform; other authors prefer a much robust involvement in social media venues. There is an advantage to online exposure and interaction. Again, it depends on your ultimate goal. If selling as many books as you can is your goal, then you will need a well-crafted and thought-out online presence.
Will I make tons of money?
Making tons of money is the wrong reason to enter the writing world. Most writers, good or bad, do not make a high income. A better approach would be to treat “making money” as a byproduct of your love for writing; however, passion/love alone doesn’t pay the bills. At one point, you will reconsider and go back to your Why, and make a decision. You will consider your ultimate goal and adjust your plan if necessary. Many independent authors are doing very well.
What about branding and trademark?
Developing a brand is to your advantage, whether you become a traditionally publish author or an indie author. People tend to associate a name with branding. Study the books of best-selling authors, and notice common characteristics such as color, typography, mood… It is cohesive and recognizable. This is something you will develop with time, because in the beginning you are learning about yourself as an author. However, when traditionally published you will be coached and steered towards an image/brand. The experts take care of that, in a way. When you publish traditionally, you are under contract with a particular publishing house, for the duration of your contract, and both sides have legal obligations to fulfill; you are also represented by an agent. As an independent author, it is up to you to develop a brand (or not), and your work falls under copyright laws and protected by it. I advise to educate yourself on this topic.
How fast should I write a book and publish it?
Writing a book is not an easy endeavor. It takes much crafting, editing, reviewing, research, and other considerations, aside from the publishing part, which has its own challenges. You should not be in a rush but take as necessary to present a well-crafted book always, one you are proud of as an indie writer. Under traditional publishing, you are under contract and must meet the deadlines expected.
Do I have to stick to a particular genre?
There is no right or wrong answer here. I recognize the advantage of sticking to a particular genre, one you have some kind of degree of passion, but I don’t see it as a rule. The experts will tell you different. From the point of view of developing a brand and polishing your style there is definitely a strong reason to try to write in one genre. Know that the boundaries of writing go as far as the mind of the writer, and in my opinion, imagination and creativity and boundless. I don’t follow the stick to a genre rule. The answer becomes clearer as you grow in your craft.
What is the most important thing to do when trying to become a writer?
Write, but aside from developing a writing process/schedule, I think that it is educating yourself as much as you can in anything related to writing and publishing. You cannot craft a plan to follow a path without information, and knowing where you are headed. There are many books available now as well as websites, podcasts, videos, that you can utilize. Visit bestselling authors websites. Many of them offer tips for aspiring authors. Even the visual education you gain by studying their well-crafted websites is worth it.
I hope this has been helpful and that you continue to educate yourself in the craft, but most of all that you embrace your passion for writing and run with it.
I love to collect antique books (and writing instruments). There is some magic about these tomes. Although none of mine have great monetary value, these tomes are valuable to me. Whether for its old-fashion wisdom, their depiction of a long-gone era, rich in the culture of the time, or the way these look (material, colors, patterns used in their making …), these books are a delight for me, a gift to my senses.
While I was rereading The Royal Path of Life by T.L. Haines A.M./L.W. YaggyM.S., it occurred to me that there were many words that we don’t see much in books today. Many of them I understood by just rereading the sentence and focusing on the context, but other words I had to look up. This aroused my curiosity, and I thought it would be a good idea to share some of these words and the meaning in a series of posts.
The Royal Path of Life was written in 1876; I own a revised edition (1884). What I love about this book besides the engraved leather binding, gilded title, and gorgeous woodcuts illustrations is the common sense and wisdom found throughout its pages which bleed of the way of living of the times. Here are five words I found interesting. Many words today are derivatives, and many of these old words are obsolete.
Sundered – to break apart or in two: separate by or as if by violence or by intervening time or space. (Merriam-Webster). Earliest known use: old English period, pre-1150. (from OED)
Cynosure – One that serves to direct or guide. A center of attraction or attention. (Merriam-Webster). Its origins are Greek, and it passed into Latin, later French, then to English. Earliest known use was in the late 1500s (OED).
Sire – Father, male ancestor, a man of rank and authority. (Merriam- Webster). From the old English pre-1150. Inherited from Germanic. Last recorded in the 1500. It is obsolete. (OED)
Sinews – I only found the word sinew, what seems to be a derivative. It means solid resilient strength, power. (Merriam-Webster). The earliest known use, early 1500. From the old English, pre-1150.
Boon – A timely benefit: blessing. Benefit favor. Favorable (archaic meaning). (Merriam-Webster). From the earliest Middle English period (1150-1500), A borrowing from the Scandinavian. (OED).
Even if we never use these words again, it is a good mental exercise, and entertaining as well. Hope you enjoy reading about these old words. Does anybody say commode anymore?
Finding my way back to my book in progress, The Girl Who Could Not Love, hasn’t been easy. I stopped. I tried. I stopped once more. I had to put it aside for some time despite wanting to continue writing it. Something was not right. It lay dormant, and eventually, I knew I had to come back to it. It has been on my mind all this time, morning, night, and in between; however, distant, but calling me. It is the book that begs to be written to a hesitant writer that has finally surrender to it. Whether to answer the call or not, is not important anymore; it is why. Why is this story haunting me? Why the fight between pen and heart? Why do I want to write this story? Why won’t the story quit? Why won’t I quit?
While reading Never Too Late (or was it Shine On? I read them back-to-back) by Claire Cook, I thought about something she mentioned. It is to ask yourself in the reinvention journey, but in her case while writing a book, what stands in the way of my protagonist? I asked that question about my novel, and my protagonist. The answer, me. I was standing in the way. So, I had to ask myself the question, and I got my deep-rooted answer. I am working on it.
In the meantime, I have been reading up a storm, some of which are these. I am currently reading It’s Rising Time by Kim Kiyosaki. I am enjoying this book very much. I like the writing style of Kim Kiyosaki; it is straight and to the point. So far, I think that this is a book that every woman should read. Next on the agenda is Life Glows On by Claire Cook. Her non-fiction books are straight from the heart and fueled by her experience, as a woman who reinvented herself.
Photo by M.A.D.
Photo by M.A.D.
The garden always calls this time of the year. About two years ago, I planted two tiny rose bushes. One of them, the red rose bush, has grown considerably when compared to the other, a pink rose bush. I planted these at the same time, and they have grown under similar conditions. Both were labeled miniature rose bushes. Just as people, they continue to grow at a different pace. Just like writer’s stories, they bloom and develop at different stages.
To the left, near the duck, the pink rose bush, and on the right, the red rose bush. Photo by M.A.D.
Red rose bush. Miniature? Not so much, but spectacular. Photo by M.A.D.
Miniature or not, both rose bushes have their own enchantment.
Has self-publishing on Amazon lost its allure? I have asked myself the question, and I honestly think that it has become a non-monitored farm where the cows run amok, and the farmer is too busy to do it all. The amount of crap (content without any creative effort just for the sake of making a quick buck) that has been published over time is nothing compared to the amount of low content books that plague the site. Low content books are defined as “books” that have minimal content/text, are repetitive or contain templates, blank pages, or a simple design/drawing. Examples are coloring books, notebooks, journals … Although there are many of these items that have been created with much care, creativity, and offer value to the customer, and that is a legitimate endeavor, there is another type of low content that does not follow the guidelines, and the creator has not made an effort to make the product legitimate. It does not have any valuable or substantial content for the customer. This type of low content takes up a lot of real estate on Amazon, and it is being published at a fast rate, thus “clogging up” Amazon. The problem is the product that does not offer anything to the user and is created without any creative care or thought-out intent. These self-publishers only focus on quantity vs quality and are there to sell as many low-content books to make fast money.
Legitimate authors are paying the price having to navigate the dirty waters that are flooding prime real estate. Although Amazon is making efforts and intensifying the review process, as well as removing non-compliant books, the flood gates have been open for a while. This will be a long and continuous effort, and hopefully, will alleviate part of the problem. I say part of the problem because there are many other issues in the future, if not now, such as AI generated “books” or content from legitimate authors that might have been manipulated and rebranded, and of course, there has always been content on public domain that can be published by anyone. As you can imagine this takes up prime real estate on Amazon.
So, has independent publishing on Amazon lost its allure for legitimate authors? Well, the answer to that might depend on the answer to other questions: Has publishing on Amazon lost prestige? Is Amazon too crap-saturated? Has Amazon hurt legitimate authors by allowing this type of content? Will the traditional publishing industry say, “I told you so?” The questions are many. Self-publishing continues to evolve, hand in hand with technology, and no one knows what the future holds, even for the big giant. I guess that for now, I’ll take it one book at a time.
The other day, I was minding my daily grind and an idea for a new novel came to mind, a good one, I thought. The idea presented itself as the beginning and ending of the story, nothing in between. I was busy, so I decided to write it down later on. Later on never came, and the whole idea went out of my mind; I simply cannot remember it. When it is gone, it is gone for good. This is something that I find happens more often as I age. Before, in my younger years, I would put the thought or idea on pause, and come back to it later. Not so anymore. That is why now it has to be written when it presents itself, otherwise it is lost forever, and forever is a long time.
As we age, our memory is a bit less reliable than it was in our younger years. We are not as quick and sharp as we used to be, and that happens to every person, to some more than others. After researching this topic for my own benefit, I decided to write this post. No matter how old we are, it is good to exercise the mind just as we exercise the body. It is common knowledge that exercising the body improves the mind function, and so does eating a healthy diet; so is leaving habits like smoking, alcohol, drugs, sugar …. Beyond that, what can a person do to improve brain function? Getting enough sleep and rest is another item in the commonsense bucket. Aside from those mentioned above, experts recommend social contact, mental activities that exercise the brain such as word puzzles, painting, drawing, manual dexterity activities, reading, jigsaw puzzles, learning something new … Eating nuts and seeds seems to be beneficial, and so is my favorite treat, dark chocolate. There are other foods that appear to boost your brain, and vitamins such as B6, B9, B12, are also beneficial. Some supplements are specific to brain health, and there is difference of opinion about that. Meditation and keeping a diary seem to help as well. All of the above things I do already, although I have to work on the “sweet tooth” a bit more.
All this information most of us know it by heart; it has been repeated over and over. I find that most times, I forget things when I am on automatic pilot and not being mindful of what I am doing. When I pay attention and focus on what is at hand, I feel more alert and conscious, even organized and with less brain fog. I guess use it or lose it is appropriate in this case. Long gone are the days.
As writers developing a story, we have questions in the back of our mind. Questions about our characters, situations, details in the story… and much more. Many times, these questions define a character, personality, and its story within the main story. As writers we are not afraid to ask or answer those questions. As people, many times we avoid the questions and answers in our own story. Ever wanted to know the answer to a question you did not want to ask? Sometimes, the truth might hurt more than the question. Sometimes, the question you never asked is the answer you don’t want to know. Life is full of questions and answers; some questions are better left unanswered.
I think that writers can be pragmatic, but also drama queens set free in their own worlds. Not only do we deal with our character’s emotions but also our own as we write these characters throughout the story. Sometimes, it becomes overwhelming, other times, cathartic. In my experience, I have found that sometimes a roadblock in writing goes deeper than the pen I am holding. That pause, that resistance, comes from an emotion that I might not want to acknowledge, usually indirectly. What might seem at the beginning a distraction or even a mild case of writer’s block, is no other than an emotion that does not want to be recognized for what it is, whether a painful memory, a weakness, or a more deep-rooted emotion. It resists the pen however it was triggered. Sure, a writer can always go around it and find an excuse for the pen; however, it won’t be the last time.
Dealing with our feelings as we write will eventually release the words that have been held hostage, and result in a better flow of the story. Many times, acknowledging that the emotion is present might be enough. Sometimes, characters become mirrors; most of the time, they are just beings from the imagination being brought to life by a passionate pen. Other times, the ink takes a bit longer to dry.
This post is about my feelings on AI (artificial intelligence) and the future of writing and publishing. First, I should disclose that I am biased, and also old-school. I am more like the character Will Smith plays in I-Robot. Of course, when new inventions have been introduced in the history of humankind, there has been distrust, inquisition, questions, trepidation, and so much more. Much has been said about AI, especially, during the past year, and by now most of you must be familiar with some applications in technology, including writing. My concern is with the future of writing and the quality of content, as well as the increase on an already saturated market full of the good, the bad, and the ugly. Must all be doom and gloom? Of course not. The same was said about print on demand and independent publishing, and here we are today. Saturation? Yes. I am sure that there are many benefits to AI, probably across and extended to all endeavors. Going back to the topic of quality and quantity, AI will be a best friend to those who want to make a quick buck while saturating the writing market with stories/content written at a fast pace and without care or soul.
That being said, so many questions arise, at least on my mind.
Will the publishing giants favor their own mass-produced stories?
Will freelance writers compete with AI on speed and delivery or will they embrace it?
Will they be paid less for their originality? What are the parameters for originality when it comes down to AI? Is it possible for AI to commit plagiarism?
Will readers appreciate a book written in what will become the “classical way” or will they become consumers of fast stories that might cater to their need for “more and quickly, please.”
Will the quality of stories suffer, or will it challenge writers? Will readers even notice?
Will AI become a favorite tool of writers or an archenemy?
Will it help with writer’s block or make it worse?
Will writers who care for quality and not quantity feel threatened by AI?
Will human writing even exist in the future or will “Robotina” kill the writer?
Of course, it is too early to tell, and I don’t have a crystal ball on my desk. As for this old-school writer, I believe that words evoke feelings, and that might or might not matter in a not-so-distant future.
Many years ago, I was watching a best-selling author being interviewed and she was asked if her husband read her books. She answered no, and proceeded to explain that he was very supportive and encouraging of her career, however, he had never read one of her novels. The interviewer seemed a bit puzzled; however, I think that in most cases, a spouse or significant other, even family and very close friends, do not jump into the reader’s pool right away, or ever.
This is something that for some writers is a sensitive topic, and they feel hurt when the people closest to them seem to disregard their books. It happens more than we might admit, in all fields/careers. Personally, I don’t think that if a close person has not read my books that it translates into not caring or a lack of support. Many times, people are not avid readers, or just don’t have enough time, or interest in the genre. If my work is treated with disdain or uninformed harsh criticism, (happened on one occasion, and by a person who I thought would be very happy for me) then, I view that as a different issue that is rooted in that person’s issues and not in my work. There is a distinction to be made.
As human beings, it is natural to expect the support and cheers of the people who matter most to us, and most likely, these are the same people who have supported us in many other ways throughout our entire life, so when something that is very dear and important to us doesn’t seem to have equal importance in their lives, we tend to feel hurt. Support comes in a variety of ways and people show their support differently. For example, my husband has not read any of my novels, but he has been very supportive in many ways, whether that is flashing a big smile when I publish a new book, economic support, giving away copies or promo cards to people he knows and I don’t, and many other ways. Do I mind that he has not read my books? Absolutely not. Having his support is having him on my team, and that is valuable to me.
For writers, sometimes just a caring or congratulatory word suffices; it shows that the person acknowledges their effort and is present, even if that person never reads one page.
Inkspeare 