One book leads to another...

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Keeping the Wind at Your Back



In navigation, the wind at your back is both a blessing and a given. That’s not to say you shouldn’t keep a pair of oars handy for when staid market trends have your book drifting lifelessly toward the beach like a 500-page whale. If something – the same old thing – isn’t working, change direction. Keep rowing.




If you find yourself wondering which direction to row, you’re not alone. You might even say we’re all in luck because IWSG has ideas, solutions and resources for everybody!  In addition to monthly meetings like this, conducted every first Wednesday; when we’re all encouraged to join the conversation, IWSG shares golden nuggets of wisdom like this one by guest-blogger Michael Sullivan via IWSG’s own Susan Gourley/Kelley. Michael makes getting reviews seem like rolling into Paradise Island on a custom-made wave - I might just learn to surf! And his advice on flexibility probably can’t be stressed enough.

For instance, at a recent (local) writer’s meeting, an author lamented the “lifeless” summer months when schools are closed, and readings and signings can’t be scheduled. Another author quickly offered that since most kids (these days) have to go somewhere, go where they are. Many summer programs are actually conducted at school facilities. Others, such as YMCA offer courses and/or reading events to which author/writers are largely welcome as guests or for research. 

I love research. Sometimes, I even get carried away. I learned all I’d ever want to know about the “Father of the Sunday Comic Strip,” Richard Felton Outcault, and his iconic Buster Brown strip by researching the timeless classic Mary Jane shoes that Flamenco dancers wear! True, I ended up way off course, but it was fascinating. And what better way to stay afloat than by researching for your next project while you’re ah, drifting?

And speaking of drifting, according to the Association of American Publishers (AAP) there’s a reason we might feel that way; as recent data shows Audiobooks sailing easily passed E-books and hardbacks (Paperbacks are holding their own) in sales from all of the ‘Big Five’ publishers. However, this data is collected from traditional publishing houses, and doesn’t pertain to Indie-authors; whose sales (Quartz) are actually flourishing!

Lastly, though certainly not least (wink), is the engaging new element added to our monthly IWSG postings is to answer one question. The question this month is:

What is the best thing someone has ever said about your writing?

That I “paint beautiful word pictures”.  Gosh, coming from an author I deeply respect, that really made my day week year!

Just one more thing:
What do you suppose your favorite author reads? What if it’s your book?

30 comments:

  1. Hi, dear Diedre!

    I followed the link, read Michael's guest post and agree that he gives great advice. My takeaway is that the keys to becoming a successful full time author are persistence, flexibility and resourcefulness. I like his idea of eliciting reviews for your book by making polite contacts with people who have posted reviews of similar books. "Ask with integrity," meaning make sure you have your act together before reaching out to reviewers and publishers. Make sure your book is a good read worthy of their time and attention. If necessary perform edits and rewrites on a completed book, even going as far as to change the title if that's what it takes to give it a fresh start in the marketplace.

    I have often gone off on research tangents. I don't view it as a waste of time because I am fascinated by life and the world in which we live and hungry to learn. As you know by now I totally agree with the author who lauded your writing with the opinion that you “paint beautiful word pictures.” I think the best thing someone has ever said about my writing is that it is "different." Lord knows I want to position myself as different in a sea of sameness.

    Enjoy the rest of your week, dear friend Diedre!

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    1. Happy Wednesday, Shady!
      Would you believe, as I am fond of quotes I almost added the Japanese proverb "Money grows on the tree of persistence"? That was before I read Michael's guest post and decided he offered not just the statement, but concise and casually presented descriptions of HOW to grow the tree in the first place. What a gem!
      Someone said your writing is "different"? Did that person read much? Jeez, I've always admired your posts for the sinuous prose and exceptional intelligence, inherent in every one. I think you've far surpassed 'different', my friend :-)

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    2. Update!

      The best thing someone has ever said about my writing is what you just said. :)

      Thank you, my kind and generous friend!

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  2. I think I really need to get more involved in the writing community. I mean outside of blogs. I have never thought to go look for writers meet-ups. However, I DO love research and I can get carried away with it at times. I can start doing research at 5:30pm on weather patters in a specific city and by midnight I know everything there is to know about owls. How does that happen? LOL

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    1. Hi there, Jeffrey!
      I really do enjoy the groups I belong to. Typically 10-20 of us gather for a 4-hour meeting (lunch in between)once a month and talk and share all things writing. The scariest thing was when I joined a critique group. Gads, could I critique someone's work? Could I handle them critiquing mine? Now that I've survived (unscathed), I love it!
      I'm with you on the research binges - and I adore Owls!

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  3. I KNOW. Audiobooks... Everything is all set up to make them happen, just have to get on it. Third book release first, then I'll climb that mountain.

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    1. Hi Crystal!
      I was stunned. Audiobooks, really? That's not to say I haven't been aware or intrigued by the concept.
      Look at you! Your THIRD book release? Way to go!
      'Audiobooks' seems to put a whole new spin on "finding your voice", huh? I wonder if voices have groups like writers and illustrators?

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  4. It doesn't surprise me that paperbacks are holding their own. I've never been a hardback fan. They take up too much space on the bookshelf and are heavy to read. I like audiobooks on a long car trip, but they're just not my thing for actual reading. Interesting post.
    @DoreeWeller from
    Doree Weller’s Blog

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    1. Hi Doree!
      "Too much space" You're not kidding there, a friend loaned me a book by a favorite author that is nearly four inches thick! It's nearly impossible to read it comfortably.
      I enjoy audiobooks when my hands are too busy to hold a book, like gardening or cleaning.
      Thank you for coming by!

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  5. Here from Alex's blog. I'm impressed with your blog as well and am now following. Regardless of who did the research, it's great to hear that paperbacks are holding their own. I love bookstores and was becoming worried that they'd become a thing of the past. Maybe there's hope that won't happen after all.

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    1. Hi Andrea!
      Oh, I'm with you - bookstores are irresistible! I owned a Kindle for an entire year before I actually used it :-) Nothing compares to the feel and smell of a print book!
      Thank you for coming by, I'm heading to your blog next!

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  6. I'm slowly moving over to the Kindle. Slowly mind you, I still like the feel of a print book.
    One thing about writing books, there is so much change happening, it is bound to open doors for a newbie breaking in.

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    1. Hi Ann!
      Yep, as I replied to Andrea, there's just nothing like a book you can hold in your hands :-)
      "so much change" is right, Ann. Just in the past four years I've seen changes growing faster than weeds in monsoon. While they are mostly beneficial, they certainly bear watching ;-)
      Good to see you!

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  7. I've just joined the IWSG group and I've just joined your blog. You've got some great advice here. And wouldn't it be great if I wrote a book and my fav author read it. I've written a few YA adventure stories for Cricket Magazine, a literary magazine for 10 to 14 year olds. Thanks for sharing. I love your blog. All the best!

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    1. Hi Victoria!
      I'm glad you came by :-) Thank you for your kind and thoughtful comments.
      Being published in Cricket Magazine is indeed impressive - yay you!
      Thinking that perhaps your favorite author would read your book would certainly make polishing seem worthwhile, wouldn't it?
      Best to you, as well :-)

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  8. I wish my small press would do audiobooks. I think that would be a great next step for them. And another way to reach more readers.

    The only thing with Michael's advice on how to get reviews is that Goodreads doesn't like authors to message members asking for reviews. When you try, there's even a note warning authors not to do this...

    You do paint beautiful word pictures. Even in your comments on my blog. Your comments are always creative and vivid. :)

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    1. Hi lady Chrys!
      It might not be long before everybody has audiobooks,as fast as it's growing.
      Ha! I knew there was a reason I signed on and was quickly swallowed by a sea of anonymity at Goodreads. If all you can do is the same as anywhere else, why the exclusivity?
      Your last comment really touched me, Chrys. Thank you ever so much.

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  9. Great post and information. Lovely compliments too. Thanks for visiting my blog.
    Juneta @ Writer's Gambit

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    1. You're welcome, Juneta :-) I enjoyed the visit.

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  11. While I've listened to audiobooks before, I still prefer just reading a book. There's something satisfying about curling up to a good book and tracking my progress with page turns.

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    1. Hi Cynthia!
      Oh yes! And flipping back to swoon once more, over an epic sentence or paragraph is much easier too ;-)

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  12. That's a great compliment! Some day, Stephen King will read a story by me. ;) Or so I hope. Kids are at the library a lot more during summer, too, and they're usually eager to work with writers.

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    1. Hi Shannon!
      Ha! I do believe he will :-)
      I love to sit at the children's table at the library. You'd think I'm a bird feeder; to watch them flock around. I enjoy having them read (a book of their choice) to me, and the short discussions afterward are always insightful.

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  13. The same thought has crossed my mind: You do paint beautiful word pictures.

    And hooray for summer! Not so much the heat, but I just like summertime.

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out

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    1. Hi Arlee!
      I am honored by your compliment, thank you.
      Indeed hooray! Summer is the festival that Springtime dresses up for, don't you agree?
      But you're right - it's too dang hot! You picked a good time to take a road trip ;-)

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  14. Facebook has opened up so many writing communities in recent years...I'm not sure if people realize they're out there, but they are. I even joined one just for school visits (in case a school takes me up on my offer this fall!).

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    1. Hi Stephanie!
      How do you find those groups on Facebook? I suppose I should pay more attention ;-)
      Of course a school (or a few) will take you up! Your irresistible covers are absolute magnets; drawing kids into delightfully told stories of their very own world. Way to chum the children! Oh, and traditional publication should assuage any establishment concerns ;-)
      I hope you'll share your experiences.

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  15. And I was just thinking the other day that I should do an audio book for my upcoming release. You might have convinced me! And what a compliment about your writing! And so true! :)

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    1. Hi Quanie!
      Oooh! You could do a blurb with just the right voice to carry the reader throughout the book :-)
      Upcoming release? Leapin lizards, good woman! Shouldn't you be shouting this from Sassafras mountain? You've got to be walking on air these days - how exciting!
      Bless your heart, thank you for the kind words.

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Any thoughts? Join the conversation, comments welcome here!