Tag: self publish

Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 1/10/14

BUILDING SAND CASTLES…

Some time ago—during a wonderful day of listening to the writings of poets, essayists, short-story writers and mystery weavers—I heard one whispering voice behind me make the following statement:  “No one will ever understand what I’m writing.  They just won’t take the time to consider the levels.”

That “level” of discouragement was not what I anticipated—or experienced up to that point—in the midst of this marvelous group of writers.  The fledgling authors were bubbling with enthusiasm.  The experienced (yet unpublished) writers spoke of challenges they’d met and new horizons before them.  And the published men and women seemed to actually sparkle as they autographed copies of their books and encouraged everyone.  When I tried to inconspicuously locate the person who’d spoken those disheartened words, the crowd had shuffled.  I didn’t want anyone leaving that gathering in such consternation, yet it was apparent that I would not be the one to reassure that person.

Later, as I thought about this unknown writer, a present-day author came to mind: Anne Lamott.  Some might call her more of a political activist; however, the popularity of her work has proven that writing with honesty will not only meet the unexpected needs of the writer, but also touch the lives of readers who WILL understand the multi-levels of development and meaning.  Ms. Lamott has published a book titled Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life.  Many of her statements inspire me and, yes, some confuse me a bit.  However the following—speaking directly to all writers—is so beautifully written that I must share it.

“You are lucky to be one of those people who wishes to build sand castles with words, who is willing to create a place where your imagination can wander. We build this place with the sand of memories; these castles are our memories and inventiveness made tangible. So part of us believes that when the tide starts coming in, we won’t really have lost anything, because actually only a symbol of it was there in the sand. Another part of us thinks we’ll figure out a way to divert the ocean. This is what separates artists from ordinary people: the belief, deep in our hearts, that if we build our castles well enough, somehow the ocean won’t wash them away.”

So it is, my friends, that I encourage every writer out there to “build your sand castles!”  Weave your memories with research and imagination.  Let the characters—the “people”—whose passions must be heard tell their stories.  Then PUBLISH!

Royalene ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene Doyle is a Ghostwriter with Outskirts Press, bringing more than 35 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their writing projects. She has worked with both experienced and fledgling writers helping complete projects in multiple genres. When a writer brings the passion they have for their work and combines it with Royalene’s passion to see the finished project in print, books are published and the writer’s legacy is passed forward.
Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: The Mind of the Historian

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review by Midwest Book Review:

 the mind of the historian

The Mind of the Historian

Ali Parsa

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432769222

History is perhaps in the eye of the beholder. “The Mind of the Historian: Causation in Philosophy of History: A Case Study in Perso-Islamic Historiography” looks into the philosophy beyond history as Dr. Ali Parsa argues that much of history is tilted towards the views of the writer, pointing the causes into what the writer believes. Using the Middle East as a focus of his discussion, “The Mind of the Historian” offers many intriguing ideas on the nature of history, and is very much recommended reading.

Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 1/03/14

WHEN YOU BEGIN (or continue) a writing project and look at that new, clean, fresh page, have you ever wondered how many other people out there in the wide-wonderful-world are doing the same—even at the exact same time?  When talking with one of my dear, self-published author/friends recently, our conversation left me with that thought.  She will soon publish her third book and is already building concept-files for the next two!  The fact that there are many “other” writers out there preparing to do the same doesn’t intimidate her in the least.  Why?  Because she is keenly aware that her topics, her writing style, her “voice” that will speak from the book pages are uniquely hers—and no one else can write her books.

Talking with this author also brought back memories of working with high school students as they built their writing skills—and developed their writing voices.  One of the poets we studied was William Blake.  In his lifetime, he was never really recognized for his writing gifts.  In fact, it was once said of him that he was “the least-read poet in the English language.”  Yet, his critics did not deter him.  His writing career spanned the late 1700s-early 1800s.  In 2002, Blake was listed as number 38 in the BBC’s poll of the 100 Greatest Britons.  How wonderful it is to know that our works of writing will live into the future!

William Blake is also an inspiration for today’s Illustrators!  In his day, his artistic gifts were labeled “printmaking,” created by transferring ink through a prepared screen to a sheet of paper.  Each print was considered an original—not a copy—because they were inspired by the concept/image he held at that time.  These works have also stood the test of time influencing artists and illustrators who add expert detail and fine lines to create personality and flare in each individual piece.

So it is that I “shout out” my encouragements to writers and illustrators in this New Year!  You have gifts that need to be shared with the world.  Don’t hesitate!  The self-publishing arena has been developed just for you!  Create your best work and get it into the hands of those who will appreciate it and love you for doing the hard work!  2014 IS YOUR YEAR OF SUCCESS!

 

Royalene ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene Doyle is a Ghostwriter with Outskirts Press, bringing more than 35 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their writing projects. She has worked with both experienced and fledgling writers helping complete projects in multiple genres. When a writer brings the passion they have for their work and combines it with Royalene’s passion to see the finished project in print, books are published and the writer’s legacy is passed forward.
Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Weekly Self Published Book Review: A Welcome Walk Into the Dark

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review by Midwest Book Review:

 A Welcome Walk Into the Dark

A Welcome Walk Into the Dark

Ben E. Campbell

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432778910

A quiet life in the mountains must soon face the demands of the modern world. “A Welcome Walk Into the Dark” is a novel exploring Appalachian life, as Ben E. Campbell explores the life and challenge that comes with mountain life and how the times changing have threatened the traditional life, resistance and embrace of change. “A Welcome Walk Into the Dark” is a strong look into the people of the mountains and their plight.

Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 12/27/13

‘Tis A NEW SEASON.

With our families surrounded with tattered snowflake wrapping paper and empty boxes, there are now moments—fleeting though they may be—when we can take a collective breath and look into the future.  We are writers; people filled with scenes and scenarios; storylines of mystery and intrigue; characters who live and breathe!  We are the writers who can (as Carl Sagan said) write books proving “that humans are capable of working magic.”  If that seems too big a plan for you in 2014, remember there is a whole team of marvelous people in the self-publishing realm who are ready, willing and excited to help you!

One of my favorite authors Madeline L’Engle (A Wrinkle In Time) counsels writers saying, “You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.”  Words of wisdom I hope to put into action in 2014 and beyond!

My 2014 plan looks like this:

  1. Acknowledge that not every genre fits me!  Over the years that I’ve been placing words on paper to create stories; I’ve weeded out the genres of satire, most romances, political, horror and comedy—and, of course, the x-rated stuff.  I know that my ability to write is a gift and from that gift the foundation of all that I write will be built—and built well—if I respect and honor it.
  2. Acknowledge my responsibility to nurture this writing gift.  A very dear writing friend of mine (who will be 101 years young this January and is still writing) has strongly encouraged me to “never quit learning.”  The world of writing dwells in a state of conundrum that “remains the same yet is ever-changing.”  It is up to me to hone my writing abilities while learning about the new technologies that are out there in the publishing world.
  3. Acknowledge that I am the steward of my writing talents, abilities and materials.  Remembering the mantra of journalism is a good way to help with this: Who, What, When, Where, Why and How.  Answering these questions for myself—about what I’m writing—keeps me on track.
    1. Who is my audience?
    2. Why am I writing this story (my motive)?
    3. What are the motives of the characters in this story?
    4. When is the best time/season to release this story?
    5. Where will I publish/self-publish it?
    6. How will the Readers benefit from reading this story?

Anne Frank has also left an inspiring message for us.  “I can shake off everything as I write;” she said, “my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.”  So as this year of 2014 approaches, may your courage in writing be reborn, and may you rejoice when holding your book(s) in your hands!  The right self-publishing team is waiting to assist you.

Royalene ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene Doyle is a Ghostwriter with Outskirts Press, bringing more than 35 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their writing projects. She has worked with both experienced and fledgling writers helping complete projects in multiple genres. When a writer brings the passion they have for their work and combines it with Royalene’s passion to see the finished project in print, books are published and the writer’s legacy is passed forward.