I want to thank everyone for keeping this blog alive. I hope that you have enjoyed it. I have been working on my new blog which is now my main site. I hope that you will join me there as the new blog offers much more than this one ever could. I greatly appreciate each of you, your feedback, and encouragement and look forward to providing you with articles on relationships, writing tips, poetry, and so much more. There comes a time to grow and expand. If you're not growing, you are shrinking!
My new blog is: http://www.jaymesianwoode.wordpress.com/
Best wishes to you all,
Jaymes
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
5 Love lessons from a treadmill!
Today, I will go as far as saying that love is much like a workout. In fact, I will go a bit further to say that all you need to know about love can be discovered by a lengthy workout on the treadmill. How can this be? Glad you asked. Today, as I ran on the treadmill, my mind started drawing several comparisons to love and how to keep love healthy, just like your heart. Maybe it is because I have been the patient of cardiologists for so long now, and because I am passionate about love and relationships, that I can understand these things. Regardless of why, I will do my best to help you understand them too! So, here are 5 love lessons from a treadmill:
1. You set the pace! The nice thing about treadmills is that you have control over the pace in which you walk or run. The same is true for love. You are the only one who can determine how much you are able to give or push yourself in a relationship. You are
the best judge in knowing whether or not you are moving too fast or too slow. Just like on a treadmill, whose tread doesn't speed up or slow down unless you make it, the pace of love only speeds up or slows down as you allow it to. The best workout on a treadmill is to sprint and then slow down to a walk and then sprint again and repeat. Love should be exciting and then calm and then exciting, and repeat, so that you fully embrace the excitement and let it sink in. Too much excitement for too long will cause you to be short of breath and you'll dislike the treadmill.
2. Inclines make things harder! It's not rocket science. The more uphill struggles you have, the harder things are. The same is true with love. In order to appreciate climbing hills, one must learn to work up endurance to make it. If you enter a relationship and its all uphill, without rest to calm things back down, you will burn out much quicker. Healthy love should occur in stages and offer enough time for you to appreciate each stage. When you are ready for more, that is when you head up the hill again. Every relationship has struggles but there should never be more struggles than enjoyable times. You need times of rest to learn, grow, and appreciate the experience of being in love and having love in your life.
3. If you look sideways, you will fall! I have done this (on a treadmill) more times than I'm proud to admit. However, it is a fact that if you turn your eyes off of the goal, you will not accomplish the goal. When love is in your path, keep your eyes focused on it. Why? Too often, people forget to keep their eyes on the one they love, thus forgetting to add depth to the relationship. The more you can spend time with, compliment, show adoration for your lover, the healthier your love will be. Remember, you have control and can push the button at anytime to end the incline on the treadmill and in your relationship. It often just takes one person to start the process to make things better.
4. Sometimes you need to hold on! I have been running for quite some time, though I would never call myself a runner, and have had many occasions where I needed to grab the rails while I tried to slow and speed up the treadmill. The same is true for love. Relationships don't always give you fair warning as to the direction you are headed. So, when things look out of control or so in control that it's freaky, hold on to your mate. It doesn't matter if you're going through difficult times or pleasant ones; never miss the opportunity to be affectionate. Affection helps to add depth to your love. If your mate isn't the affectionate type (see my article on 10 ways to add depth to your relationship by clicking on the underlined "add depth"), discover ways to get them to open up. The more depth in your love, the more appreciation for your mate and for you, which helps you better handle all that comes your way.
5. Workouts are healthy! Performing a regular workout routine is one of the healthiest things that you can do for yourself. The same is true for love. What do I mean? Thanks for asking. What I mean is this: When couples can learn to understand the process of love, the ups and downs, the feelings and thoughts associated with love, the frustrations and happy times, they are more likely to appreciate how those teeter-tottering situations develop their relationship. As stated before, one of the best exercises on a treadmill are short sprints followed by short walks, and repeat. The sprints cause every bit of your anatomy to kick into high gear, much like arguments do. The slow walks after the sprint, helps your anatomy to calm down and regroup, much like the quiet times after discourse in the relationship.
So, as you have been told thousands of times to visit the gym regularly, make sure to visit your relationship regularly too. Just because you are in love doesn't mean that things will stay that way unless you and your mate are willing to put forth the effort to give your love a healthy workout on a regular basis. Healthy communication is key to the success of your relationship. Both of you need to know, deserve to know, the truth about whether or not you are going at a healthy pace; whether or not you are spending too much time on the incline; whether or not you both are looking in the same direction; whether or not you are holding onto each other enough to provide the stability that each of you needs; and, whether or not you are exercising your love enough! Just like on a treadmill, and in love, the more you exercise your heart, the longer it will last!
P.S. Please feel free to let me know how I did explaining this to you! Thank you,
Jaymes Ian Woode
1. You set the pace! The nice thing about treadmills is that you have control over the pace in which you walk or run. The same is true for love. You are the only one who can determine how much you are able to give or push yourself in a relationship. You are
the best judge in knowing whether or not you are moving too fast or too slow. Just like on a treadmill, whose tread doesn't speed up or slow down unless you make it, the pace of love only speeds up or slows down as you allow it to. The best workout on a treadmill is to sprint and then slow down to a walk and then sprint again and repeat. Love should be exciting and then calm and then exciting, and repeat, so that you fully embrace the excitement and let it sink in. Too much excitement for too long will cause you to be short of breath and you'll dislike the treadmill.2. Inclines make things harder! It's not rocket science. The more uphill struggles you have, the harder things are. The same is true with love. In order to appreciate climbing hills, one must learn to work up endurance to make it. If you enter a relationship and its all uphill, without rest to calm things back down, you will burn out much quicker. Healthy love should occur in stages and offer enough time for you to appreciate each stage. When you are ready for more, that is when you head up the hill again. Every relationship has struggles but there should never be more struggles than enjoyable times. You need times of rest to learn, grow, and appreciate the experience of being in love and having love in your life.
3. If you look sideways, you will fall! I have done this (on a treadmill) more times than I'm proud to admit. However, it is a fact that if you turn your eyes off of the goal, you will not accomplish the goal. When love is in your path, keep your eyes focused on it. Why? Too often, people forget to keep their eyes on the one they love, thus forgetting to add depth to the relationship. The more you can spend time with, compliment, show adoration for your lover, the healthier your love will be. Remember, you have control and can push the button at anytime to end the incline on the treadmill and in your relationship. It often just takes one person to start the process to make things better.
4. Sometimes you need to hold on! I have been running for quite some time, though I would never call myself a runner, and have had many occasions where I needed to grab the rails while I tried to slow and speed up the treadmill. The same is true for love. Relationships don't always give you fair warning as to the direction you are headed. So, when things look out of control or so in control that it's freaky, hold on to your mate. It doesn't matter if you're going through difficult times or pleasant ones; never miss the opportunity to be affectionate. Affection helps to add depth to your love. If your mate isn't the affectionate type (see my article on 10 ways to add depth to your relationship by clicking on the underlined "add depth"), discover ways to get them to open up. The more depth in your love, the more appreciation for your mate and for you, which helps you better handle all that comes your way.
5. Workouts are healthy! Performing a regular workout routine is one of the healthiest things that you can do for yourself. The same is true for love. What do I mean? Thanks for asking. What I mean is this: When couples can learn to understand the process of love, the ups and downs, the feelings and thoughts associated with love, the frustrations and happy times, they are more likely to appreciate how those teeter-tottering situations develop their relationship. As stated before, one of the best exercises on a treadmill are short sprints followed by short walks, and repeat. The sprints cause every bit of your anatomy to kick into high gear, much like arguments do. The slow walks after the sprint, helps your anatomy to calm down and regroup, much like the quiet times after discourse in the relationship.
So, as you have been told thousands of times to visit the gym regularly, make sure to visit your relationship regularly too. Just because you are in love doesn't mean that things will stay that way unless you and your mate are willing to put forth the effort to give your love a healthy workout on a regular basis. Healthy communication is key to the success of your relationship. Both of you need to know, deserve to know, the truth about whether or not you are going at a healthy pace; whether or not you are spending too much time on the incline; whether or not you both are looking in the same direction; whether or not you are holding onto each other enough to provide the stability that each of you needs; and, whether or not you are exercising your love enough! Just like on a treadmill, and in love, the more you exercise your heart, the longer it will last!
P.S. Please feel free to let me know how I did explaining this to you! Thank you,
Jaymes Ian Woode
Sunday, February 6, 2011
10 ways to add depth to your relationship!
In order to add depth to any relationship, one must act with intent to do so. What does it mean to deepen your love? How do couples grow closer? Adding depth simply means finding something that causes you and your partner to appreciate each other more than you already do. Whether you have been together one month or thirty years, there is always room to deepen your relationship. How? Below, I have listed 10 ways that any couple can, and will, add depth. Here’s the catch: You actually have to do these things for them to work!
1. Compliment your mate! For many, compliments flew freely during the early stages of the relationship. Over time, complimenting your mate may have gotten lost. Both of you do so many things periodically throughout each day. This poses a wonderful opportunity to appreciate all that your mate does for you, for self, for the world around. By giving a compliment, especially for things expected of your mate, you are acknowledging how important their role is. Who doesn’t want to feel important?
2. Ask a question! No, I don’t mean ask if the garbage has been taken out. I mean, stop whatever you’re doing and ask something different like, “What was your favorite game as a child?” Or, “What is something that you would love to learn about?” You may be surprised of the conversation such a question may spark and you may learn something new about the one you love. Ask something you don’t already know. This will give reason for your lover to pause and think about a pasttime and it demonstrates to them that you care to understand them even more. If you want, make it into a conversation night (see below #8) by having a question where you both ask each other questions about the past. Show your appreciation for the repsonses by thanking them, especially for answering tough questions. Also, make sure that you only ask questions that you won’t mind the responses to.
3. Take a walk! Every day is filled with things to keep the both of you busy. So, instead of keeping busy separately, take your lover’s hand and suggest going for a walk. Couples need to create more opportunities to just be together and leave the routines behind. You can pick the routines back up when you return, they will be waiting. Having time together helps to free the mind and allow for ’other’ things to enter, such as feelings about things.
4. Start a hobby together! Too often, couples will part, going in separate directions, when it comes to taking up a hobby. Why not start a hobby that you both can participate in as a team. There is no question that team building is an important component in relationships. This is something that will also give you both a common topic to discuss outside of bills and workdays. While team building, be a positive support role and compliment your partner as they move through the various stages of learning. Let them know that you would like their positive support too.
5. Discuss your relationship! Did you ever wonder how you are doing in your relationship, through your partner’s eyes? Asking your mate “How am I doing as your lover?” is a great way to safely open the communication lines and learn a bit more about yourself and how your are viewed by the person who cherishes you most. It can be uplifting, encouraging, and may help you learn about areas that you can improve on. Then, have your mate ask you the same question and keep the feedback equal to theirs.
6. Give a massage! If there is anything that deepens a relationship, it is intimate touching. Touching without sex can be incredibly intimate and send the message that you deeply care. Don’t ask your mate if they want a massage. Instead, tell them you are going to give them a massage. Why? Your mate knows you are tired and will most likely say “No thank you,” so you don’t exhaust yourself. Do it when they don’t expect it. Or, schedule an appointment for the two of you to get massages but don’t tell your partner that the massage parlor is in your bedroom and that you both will be giving one too. Or, plan it together.
7. Play a game together! As kids, we played games all of the time. It is a fun way to be interactive and strategize against each other. Yes, going head to head with your lover can be exciting as long as there are no sore losers. Make it more interesting by giving a prize to the winner. Before the game begins, both of you can decide what you will award the other if they win. After the game, ask your mate how they think you did. Engage them in describing what you did right and what you could’ve done better.
8. Pour some wine and talk! There is nothing greater than a couple that makes time to sit down with each other and talk. There doesn’t have to be an agenda either. Whether you talk about world events or things closer to home, a conversation with your mate is priceless. If you are not accustomed to conversing about things other than work and bills, write a list of questions (see above #2) to help you get started. One of my favorites is, “Do you remember…” Something magical occurs when couples reminisce about their own experiences together. It is a shared bond and should be discussed later on in life. Those are the good times and talking about them still emits feelings associated to the event.
9. Write a short story! So many people rely on greeting cards to say things for them. I suggest that you write something yourself. Why? When it comes from you, the recipient attaches more meaning to it. Write something endearing such as what you appreciate about your mate, or, write something funny such as how they have changed since you first met. This allows you to reflect and appreciate the change just as much as they will when they read it or listen to you as you read it to them. If your mate doesn’t like to write, ask them to tell you how you have changed over the past. Make sure to set the boundaries and make it only about positive things.
10. Hug! As stated before, intimate touching is a great way to add depth to any relationship, young or old. Take the time to hold your sweetheart and they will feel loved and appreciated. As the hugger, you will also feel a greater sense of appreciation. Be the first to make hugging a part of everyday life and you will soon be the one receiving the hugs. Sometimes, it takes one person to get things started. The more consistency there is with the act, the better your chances of having the act reciprocated.
Appreciation for your loved one is something that is often lost in the wind of daily happenings and routines. There is never a better time to break old routines, and start new ones, then the present. A trail in the forest is great for walking upon and only seeing the things near the trail. However, if you turn off of the trail and go deeper into the forest, you will see so much more that you didn’t even know was there. Don’t allow your relationship to become a beaten path. Instead, turn off of the trail of routine and go deeper!
Jaymes Ian Woode
1. Compliment your mate! For many, compliments flew freely during the early stages of the relationship. Over time, complimenting your mate may have gotten lost. Both of you do so many things periodically throughout each day. This poses a wonderful opportunity to appreciate all that your mate does for you, for self, for the world around. By giving a compliment, especially for things expected of your mate, you are acknowledging how important their role is. Who doesn’t want to feel important?
2. Ask a question! No, I don’t mean ask if the garbage has been taken out. I mean, stop whatever you’re doing and ask something different like, “What was your favorite game as a child?” Or, “What is something that you would love to learn about?” You may be surprised of the conversation such a question may spark and you may learn something new about the one you love. Ask something you don’t already know. This will give reason for your lover to pause and think about a pasttime and it demonstrates to them that you care to understand them even more. If you want, make it into a conversation night (see below #8) by having a question where you both ask each other questions about the past. Show your appreciation for the repsonses by thanking them, especially for answering tough questions. Also, make sure that you only ask questions that you won’t mind the responses to.
3. Take a walk! Every day is filled with things to keep the both of you busy. So, instead of keeping busy separately, take your lover’s hand and suggest going for a walk. Couples need to create more opportunities to just be together and leave the routines behind. You can pick the routines back up when you return, they will be waiting. Having time together helps to free the mind and allow for ’other’ things to enter, such as feelings about things.
4. Start a hobby together! Too often, couples will part, going in separate directions, when it comes to taking up a hobby. Why not start a hobby that you both can participate in as a team. There is no question that team building is an important component in relationships. This is something that will also give you both a common topic to discuss outside of bills and workdays. While team building, be a positive support role and compliment your partner as they move through the various stages of learning. Let them know that you would like their positive support too.
5. Discuss your relationship! Did you ever wonder how you are doing in your relationship, through your partner’s eyes? Asking your mate “How am I doing as your lover?” is a great way to safely open the communication lines and learn a bit more about yourself and how your are viewed by the person who cherishes you most. It can be uplifting, encouraging, and may help you learn about areas that you can improve on. Then, have your mate ask you the same question and keep the feedback equal to theirs.
6. Give a massage! If there is anything that deepens a relationship, it is intimate touching. Touching without sex can be incredibly intimate and send the message that you deeply care. Don’t ask your mate if they want a massage. Instead, tell them you are going to give them a massage. Why? Your mate knows you are tired and will most likely say “No thank you,” so you don’t exhaust yourself. Do it when they don’t expect it. Or, schedule an appointment for the two of you to get massages but don’t tell your partner that the massage parlor is in your bedroom and that you both will be giving one too. Or, plan it together.
7. Play a game together! As kids, we played games all of the time. It is a fun way to be interactive and strategize against each other. Yes, going head to head with your lover can be exciting as long as there are no sore losers. Make it more interesting by giving a prize to the winner. Before the game begins, both of you can decide what you will award the other if they win. After the game, ask your mate how they think you did. Engage them in describing what you did right and what you could’ve done better.
8. Pour some wine and talk! There is nothing greater than a couple that makes time to sit down with each other and talk. There doesn’t have to be an agenda either. Whether you talk about world events or things closer to home, a conversation with your mate is priceless. If you are not accustomed to conversing about things other than work and bills, write a list of questions (see above #2) to help you get started. One of my favorites is, “Do you remember…” Something magical occurs when couples reminisce about their own experiences together. It is a shared bond and should be discussed later on in life. Those are the good times and talking about them still emits feelings associated to the event.
9. Write a short story! So many people rely on greeting cards to say things for them. I suggest that you write something yourself. Why? When it comes from you, the recipient attaches more meaning to it. Write something endearing such as what you appreciate about your mate, or, write something funny such as how they have changed since you first met. This allows you to reflect and appreciate the change just as much as they will when they read it or listen to you as you read it to them. If your mate doesn’t like to write, ask them to tell you how you have changed over the past. Make sure to set the boundaries and make it only about positive things.
10. Hug! As stated before, intimate touching is a great way to add depth to any relationship, young or old. Take the time to hold your sweetheart and they will feel loved and appreciated. As the hugger, you will also feel a greater sense of appreciation. Be the first to make hugging a part of everyday life and you will soon be the one receiving the hugs. Sometimes, it takes one person to get things started. The more consistency there is with the act, the better your chances of having the act reciprocated.
Appreciation for your loved one is something that is often lost in the wind of daily happenings and routines. There is never a better time to break old routines, and start new ones, then the present. A trail in the forest is great for walking upon and only seeing the things near the trail. However, if you turn off of the trail and go deeper into the forest, you will see so much more that you didn’t even know was there. Don’t allow your relationship to become a beaten path. Instead, turn off of the trail of routine and go deeper!
Jaymes Ian Woode
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Embracing your voice!
There is so much to be said when it becomes your time to be in the spotlight. For some, being in the spotlight is something feared; for others it is something embraced. Whichever side of the fence you find yourself on, just remember to be you. Last night, I was interviewed about my book and, though my nerves were worked up to the max prior to the interview, I realized that I just needed to be me and let people know why I wrote what I wrote. It was easier than expected and the night was fun and went off without embarrassment.
Someone once told me that if you have something to say than you need to say it and say it loud! It is not that my book is better than other books. However, I felt that I had something to say and wrote a book about it. That is why most of us write, right? When it comes time to defend why you felt you had something to say, dont' be afraid to speak up and stand up for your own voice. I am no better than anyone else and that is something that keeps me in check and humble. I am most grateful for any opportunity that I have to speak up about the things that I believe to be true. You should too! We are each unique with many ideas different and the same, and if we speak up, we fill in the gaps that may be missing in the world! If you would like to listen to my interview, click on: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jblairbrown/2011/02/03/livin-the-dream-with-author-jaymes-ian-woode ! Please feel free to give me your feedback. Let me know what you think, what you like/dislike, and more importantly, let me know if I spoke loud enough about what I believe! Thanks!
Someone once told me that if you have something to say than you need to say it and say it loud! It is not that my book is better than other books. However, I felt that I had something to say and wrote a book about it. That is why most of us write, right? When it comes time to defend why you felt you had something to say, dont' be afraid to speak up and stand up for your own voice. I am no better than anyone else and that is something that keeps me in check and humble. I am most grateful for any opportunity that I have to speak up about the things that I believe to be true. You should too! We are each unique with many ideas different and the same, and if we speak up, we fill in the gaps that may be missing in the world! If you would like to listen to my interview, click on: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jblairbrown/2011/02/03/livin-the-dream-with-author-jaymes-ian-woode ! Please feel free to give me your feedback. Let me know what you think, what you like/dislike, and more importantly, let me know if I spoke loud enough about what I believe! Thanks!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Time to ask questions about my book:
Tonight, I will go head to head with J. Blair Brown in a showdown! Didn't mean for that to rhyme. This interview was postponed for two weeks so you can imagine that I have been gearing up for it. Actually, I've spoken to Judith on the phone several times and she is really a great person. She did warn me that she will be playing devil's advocate and defending the female race. Though the book is not meant to discredit woman, I can understand where she is coming from. So please, if you'd like to Tune-in, sign on to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jblairbrown/2011/02/03/livin-the-dream-with-author-jaymes-ian-woode !
Feel free to ask questions online so that we can address them on the show! Even if you don't have a question, it will be a fun time tonight! After the show, please feel free to come back here and leave a comment with your feedback! Thanks for listening, Jaymes
Feel free to ask questions online so that we can address them on the show! Even if you don't have a question, it will be a fun time tonight! After the show, please feel free to come back here and leave a comment with your feedback! Thanks for listening, Jaymes
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Is creationg an eBook right for you?
Okay, I did it! For months, I have been encouraged to publish an eBook but I put it off for just as many months. Why? Well, as many of you know, there comes a time in life when your brain just doesn't want to learn how to do something new, especially when you feel that you are just perfecting something you've been working at for a while. Well, unfortunately, the publishing world doesn't wait around for writers to perfect their craft these days. Instead, as a writer, we are expected to keep up with the pace of how fast books and eBooks are hitting the market. What is a writer, who just wants to write books of their speciality, to do?
As I read through Smashword's Style Guide, which is a great tool to prepare your work to meet their uploading format, I put all other thoughts aside for an entire afternoon and simply embraced the process of publishing something new. My self-help booklet: Becoming the Creative Writer that You know You are! was my test book for the eBook self-publishing world of mine. I spent more than 4 hours re-formatting my book to meet their standards and finally getting it uploaded. Upon reflection, I learned a lot about how to format and utilize tools on Word that I had never clicked on before. Once the process ended and my book successfully uploaded, as I am anal about following the guidelines that companies take the time to inform you of, I felt a great sense of accomplishment and immediately began thinking about the next book I want to turn into an eBook. Sometimes, learning new things is difficult but if you make the time for it, there is much to be gained in your writing profession. The book market will continue to expand and speed up. We have come a long way since writing a book in a spiral notebook, better or worse, and it is only up to us to make things easier on ourselves as time goes by. So, what are you waiting for? These thoughts will help you decide if creating an eBook is right for you:
1. Do you have something that you would like to offer to your blog members? Creating an eBook is a great way to draw new members to your blog as well as give a little surprise to your current members. Creating your own eBook is fairly easy and your members will appreciate the gift.
2. Do you want to surpass query letters and agents and loads of rejections? I will be the first to tell you that I Love querying agents and awaiting that hopeful day to be signed by one, thus becoming a regular client. However, I have some books that I want full control over. There is nothing wrong with either approach to getting your book on the market. Think about it.
3. Do you want to get material to specific audiences? Sometimes, writers write for a specific group of people. I wrote one book specifically for people who have suffered through trauma and wanted an eBook so that I could send my book directly to them. This also gives them easy, inexpensive access to my book. Who knows where it will go from there?
4. Do you like the idea of people downloading your book? An eBook, as we all know, can easily be downloaded through several apps worldwide. Now, all you'll have to do is help people realize that your book is out there.
5. How would it hurt? Realistically, creating an eBook doesn't hurt your career and may be just the side-job you need to supplement income. Besides, self-publishing an eBook isn't going to discredit your abilities as a writer. Just make sure that your book is written well and edited before making it available.
Okay, you just read 5 thoughts that should set you on the track best for your needs. Before creating an eBook, I would recommend taking the time to discover what you really want and what would serve your purpose best. Remember, most of the greatest writers of the past wrote shorts that never went through an agent or publisher's hands. Nope, they simply created many of their own copies and handed them out to gain recognition of themselves or specific information. In all essence, creating your own eBook is the same as handing them out! Whatever you decide, embrace the process!
Jaymes Ian Woode
As I read through Smashword's Style Guide, which is a great tool to prepare your work to meet their uploading format, I put all other thoughts aside for an entire afternoon and simply embraced the process of publishing something new. My self-help booklet: Becoming the Creative Writer that You know You are! was my test book for the eBook self-publishing world of mine. I spent more than 4 hours re-formatting my book to meet their standards and finally getting it uploaded. Upon reflection, I learned a lot about how to format and utilize tools on Word that I had never clicked on before. Once the process ended and my book successfully uploaded, as I am anal about following the guidelines that companies take the time to inform you of, I felt a great sense of accomplishment and immediately began thinking about the next book I want to turn into an eBook. Sometimes, learning new things is difficult but if you make the time for it, there is much to be gained in your writing profession. The book market will continue to expand and speed up. We have come a long way since writing a book in a spiral notebook, better or worse, and it is only up to us to make things easier on ourselves as time goes by. So, what are you waiting for? These thoughts will help you decide if creating an eBook is right for you:
1. Do you have something that you would like to offer to your blog members? Creating an eBook is a great way to draw new members to your blog as well as give a little surprise to your current members. Creating your own eBook is fairly easy and your members will appreciate the gift.
2. Do you want to surpass query letters and agents and loads of rejections? I will be the first to tell you that I Love querying agents and awaiting that hopeful day to be signed by one, thus becoming a regular client. However, I have some books that I want full control over. There is nothing wrong with either approach to getting your book on the market. Think about it.
3. Do you want to get material to specific audiences? Sometimes, writers write for a specific group of people. I wrote one book specifically for people who have suffered through trauma and wanted an eBook so that I could send my book directly to them. This also gives them easy, inexpensive access to my book. Who knows where it will go from there?
4. Do you like the idea of people downloading your book? An eBook, as we all know, can easily be downloaded through several apps worldwide. Now, all you'll have to do is help people realize that your book is out there.
5. How would it hurt? Realistically, creating an eBook doesn't hurt your career and may be just the side-job you need to supplement income. Besides, self-publishing an eBook isn't going to discredit your abilities as a writer. Just make sure that your book is written well and edited before making it available.
Okay, you just read 5 thoughts that should set you on the track best for your needs. Before creating an eBook, I would recommend taking the time to discover what you really want and what would serve your purpose best. Remember, most of the greatest writers of the past wrote shorts that never went through an agent or publisher's hands. Nope, they simply created many of their own copies and handed them out to gain recognition of themselves or specific information. In all essence, creating your own eBook is the same as handing them out! Whatever you decide, embrace the process!
Jaymes Ian Woode
Friday, January 28, 2011
From writer to marketer!
I have never been much of a marketer but as a writer, in the modern world, marketing is a key element to the success of any book reaching the audiences intended. With the help of my assistant and some other wonderful people, interviews are starting to come in. My first interview will be on WED Feb. 2, 2011 on www.blogtalkradio.com/jblairbrown and I have to admit, I'm nervous. It is much easier to write a book, knowing exactly what you are intending to write than it is to try to explain why you wrote what you did. However, the bread comes with the basket! Okay, it's an old saying but it still applies. In order to earn an income from writing, you must participate in the basket (interviews, articles, signing, etc.) that will carry you there. Interviews are a great basket to help spread the word about your book and create the buzz needed to get people to buy it.
Many people have told me that I have written a book that is in demand. When I wrote 101 Behaviors a Guy Needs to Understand about His Woman! I believed that as well. Now, as my work begins materializing in the marketing world, I am excited to talk about it but it took me a while to get there! So, how do you alter your mind so that you are prepared for interviews? Glad you asked!
First, travel back to the beginning, before you wrote the book, and ask yourself why you wrote it in the first place. This will help you remember, not only why you wrote your book but, how you felt when you wrote it. Because the publishing process takes a while and so does marketing, authors can often forget the origin of their writing process and you must remember this as you sell it through the various marketing avenues.
Second, remind yourself that what you have to offer is important and has an audience that wants to hear what you have to say. I live a fairly quiet life and it is more difficult for quiet types to compel their intended audience to buy their work. Why? We often don't enjoy being out in the open. We would rather just tell you to read it and see for yourself but this isn't realistic. However, you can minimize fears by remaining true to your cause. You have something of value to offer readers and this should be on the forefront of your mind.
Lastly, enjoy the process. I will say this over and over, even to myself, because it is equally important to enjoy your work through the full process of fruition. Just because you finished writing your book doesn't mean the process is over. So sit back and relax. Enjoy participating in seeing your book take off and get into the reader's hands! It's an exciting time and your own excitement about your book will transfer over into those who tune-in to your marketing campaign!
I believe the most important thing to remember is this: You wrote a book for a reason and though readers will probably enjoy reading your work, you must first help them understand what caused you to write it! You possessed enough confidence in yourself to complete your book and now, you must use that same confidence to demonstrate to your soon-to-be fans how they can relate to your book! When they do, they will buy it and you will feel even more achieved than when you finished writing it!
Jaymes Ian Woode
Many people have told me that I have written a book that is in demand. When I wrote 101 Behaviors a Guy Needs to Understand about His Woman! I believed that as well. Now, as my work begins materializing in the marketing world, I am excited to talk about it but it took me a while to get there! So, how do you alter your mind so that you are prepared for interviews? Glad you asked!
First, travel back to the beginning, before you wrote the book, and ask yourself why you wrote it in the first place. This will help you remember, not only why you wrote your book but, how you felt when you wrote it. Because the publishing process takes a while and so does marketing, authors can often forget the origin of their writing process and you must remember this as you sell it through the various marketing avenues.
Second, remind yourself that what you have to offer is important and has an audience that wants to hear what you have to say. I live a fairly quiet life and it is more difficult for quiet types to compel their intended audience to buy their work. Why? We often don't enjoy being out in the open. We would rather just tell you to read it and see for yourself but this isn't realistic. However, you can minimize fears by remaining true to your cause. You have something of value to offer readers and this should be on the forefront of your mind.
Lastly, enjoy the process. I will say this over and over, even to myself, because it is equally important to enjoy your work through the full process of fruition. Just because you finished writing your book doesn't mean the process is over. So sit back and relax. Enjoy participating in seeing your book take off and get into the reader's hands! It's an exciting time and your own excitement about your book will transfer over into those who tune-in to your marketing campaign!
I believe the most important thing to remember is this: You wrote a book for a reason and though readers will probably enjoy reading your work, you must first help them understand what caused you to write it! You possessed enough confidence in yourself to complete your book and now, you must use that same confidence to demonstrate to your soon-to-be fans how they can relate to your book! When they do, they will buy it and you will feel even more achieved than when you finished writing it!
Jaymes Ian Woode
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Is planning everything...best?
In the creative world it has always been said that planning out your year is what helps you reach your goals and be successful. What we don't hear a lot of is that planning out your year may interfere with your creative process. So, how do you know which plan of action is the best for you? There are a few simple steps that you can analyze (I love using this term when talking about creativity) to learn more about you and just how full you need to make your calendar:
1. What type of personality do you have? For me, I am a thinker and a feeler who makes tons of mental notes and every now and again jots things down in my spiral, just so I don't forget. I am someone who needs to feel ready to do something and not forced to do something just to keep with a calendar. However, I have set a few goals for the year that are vague and can certainly be interrupted if other things take precedence. For others, you may need to follow a more strict path, and by strict I mean laying out a step-by-step plan of action. Many great creators do this. They will write down just how much they need to "write to complete a book" within a particular time period. Some go as far as creating start and stop points all year-long, regardless of their talent. What you need to ask yourself is, "How am I effectively creative?" "Am I more motivated byfollowing a strict plan or by loosening my belt until I feel ready?" Granted, being creative doesn't eliminate you from needing to run your business. If you aren't earning an income, it is quite difficult to live out your creative endeavors. Either way, be true to yourself and follow a plan that you are comfortable with. If you are not sure which method is best, dedicate yourself to following one particular method for an entire year and then reflect upon your experience. You may also choose to combine these methods, leaving room for creative interruptions.
2. The importance of creative interruptions. As a creative person, it is important that you maintain your sense of inspiration. Often, when sticking to a strict schedule, creative types forget to partake in what inspires them. Many feel they need to do A,B, and C before they earn the right to be inspired again. I would disagree with this completely. Sure, A,B, and C are important but you mustn't forget who you are. In my mental schedule, I allow myself to be inspired relentlessly. How? Glad you asked! Whatever you do in life, having a balance is extremely important. I write several hours a day but if I don't feel that I am enjoying my time writing, I close my laptop and get out in the world. I maintain my exercise regime (which always helps the creative process because it give you time away from thinking and allows you time to focus on you!) and I venture out to do things that I enjoy. Taking time to tend to all of your needs is just as important as writing your best-seller. You will find that when you step away from creating that sooner or later you will miss it and want to return. This is something that needs to be done often and when creative types neglect to step away, they often become overwhelmed and feel forced to be creative which, in itself, creates burn-out or block. If you plan out your year, plan blocks of time to get away from creating. Take a vacation or go visit somewhere new. Or, if you are like me, be sure to get out into the world on a daily basis unless your are fully engaged in your craft. Remember, it is often our experiences that spark our imagination and ability to create.
3. Socialize. Many creative types struggle with regular socialization. I, for one, am victim to this as I prefer a quieter life and truly enjoy my time writing. However, I have learned the importance of making connections with others and the role those connections play in my well-being. Throughout my day, whether through email, Skype, online networks, or at the gym and coffee shop, I make time to talk with other people. This gives me a sense of normalcy in my abnormal lifestyle. I do not long to have thousands of friends but I do long to be a part of my world and connect, even if briefly, with those living more normal lives. These brief interactions allow me to feel less isolated and, sometimes, cause me to run back to my computer out of fright or because that person just reminded me of how I needed to describe a character or scene. Other times, these interactions become a part of my routine. When I exercise at the gym, there are a few people who I chat with more regularly and it makes my experience richer because of it. If you are like me, more isolated than most, I believe that you will find similar benefits from small interactions, whether in person or not. However, the opposite is just as true. If you enjoy lots of socialization, it may interfere with your creative flow and keep you from performing at the level that you know you are capable of, thus damaging your progress and success. Keep tabs on what your needs are and remember to try to keep a healthy balance.
4. Lastly, have fun. Being creative is probably the funnest lifestyle to actualize. As your business grows and you continue to hone your craft, it is easy to get wrapped up in all of the details of being successful. If you ever feel that you are overloaded with a business mindset, stop and go have fun. Doing what you do is a gift and it should be a fun and rewarding experience for you. If you are not enjoying how your life is unfolding, take the time to make alterations on how you get from point A to point Z. Always remind yourself that there are plenty of 9-5 jobs out there just waiting to monopolize on your lessor than creative abilities. With that said, slow down and be sure not to force your creativity into being something that you are not pleased with. You are creative and your creations are just as important as the next person, so be true to yourself. If you don't like planning and doing the business end of things, like me, there are many assistants out there that will be happy to help (not all are overly priced either). My assistant and editor are amazing people and don't rob me for their time. Take time to reflect upon yourself and realize that you are living your dream and then make the most of it by enjoying the process, especially those areas that you just cannot see with your own eyes, thus being unable to plan for.
So, is planning everything best? Well, that really depends on you and your needs. I believe there is room for planning and there is more room for allowing the creative process to unfold on its' own. Creating is about discovery; discover is about finding something that you believed was there but hadn't uncovered it yet. As you uncover your creation and bring it into existence, you and the world around you will revel in the surprise. We all like surprises right? If you plan anything, plan on making the most of your abilities and do whatever it takes to make that happen!
Jaymes Ian Woode
1. What type of personality do you have? For me, I am a thinker and a feeler who makes tons of mental notes and every now and again jots things down in my spiral, just so I don't forget. I am someone who needs to feel ready to do something and not forced to do something just to keep with a calendar. However, I have set a few goals for the year that are vague and can certainly be interrupted if other things take precedence. For others, you may need to follow a more strict path, and by strict I mean laying out a step-by-step plan of action. Many great creators do this. They will write down just how much they need to "write to complete a book" within a particular time period. Some go as far as creating start and stop points all year-long, regardless of their talent. What you need to ask yourself is, "How am I effectively creative?" "Am I more motivated by
following a strict plan or by loosening my belt until I feel ready?" Granted, being creative doesn't eliminate you from needing to run your business. If you aren't earning an income, it is quite difficult to live out your creative endeavors. Either way, be true to yourself and follow a plan that you are comfortable with. If you are not sure which method is best, dedicate yourself to following one particular method for an entire year and then reflect upon your experience. You may also choose to combine these methods, leaving room for creative interruptions.2. The importance of creative interruptions. As a creative person, it is important that you maintain your sense of inspiration. Often, when sticking to a strict schedule, creative types forget to partake in what inspires them. Many feel they need to do A,B, and C before they earn the right to be inspired again. I would disagree with this completely. Sure, A,B, and C are important but you mustn't forget who you are. In my mental schedule, I allow myself to be inspired relentlessly. How? Glad you asked! Whatever you do in life, having a balance is extremely important. I write several hours a day but if I don't feel that I am enjoying my time writing, I close my laptop and get out in the world. I maintain my exercise regime (which always helps the creative process because it give you time away from thinking and allows you time to focus on you!) and I venture out to do things that I enjoy. Taking time to tend to all of your needs is just as important as writing your best-seller. You will find that when you step away from creating that sooner or later you will miss it and want to return. This is something that needs to be done often and when creative types neglect to step away, they often become overwhelmed and feel forced to be creative which, in itself, creates burn-out or block. If you plan out your year, plan blocks of time to get away from creating. Take a vacation or go visit somewhere new. Or, if you are like me, be sure to get out into the world on a daily basis unless your are fully engaged in your craft. Remember, it is often our experiences that spark our imagination and ability to create.
3. Socialize. Many creative types struggle with regular socialization. I, for one, am victim to this as I prefer a quieter life and truly enjoy my time writing. However, I have learned the importance of making connections with others and the role those connections play in my well-being. Throughout my day, whether through email, Skype, online networks, or at the gym and coffee shop, I make time to talk with other people. This gives me a sense of normalcy in my abnormal lifestyle. I do not long to have thousands of friends but I do long to be a part of my world and connect, even if briefly, with those living more normal lives. These brief interactions allow me to feel less isolated and, sometimes, cause me to run back to my computer out of fright or because that person just reminded me of how I needed to describe a character or scene. Other times, these interactions become a part of my routine. When I exercise at the gym, there are a few people who I chat with more regularly and it makes my experience richer because of it. If you are like me, more isolated than most, I believe that you will find similar benefits from small interactions, whether in person or not. However, the opposite is just as true. If you enjoy lots of socialization, it may interfere with your creative flow and keep you from performing at the level that you know you are capable of, thus damaging your progress and success. Keep tabs on what your needs are and remember to try to keep a healthy balance.
4. Lastly, have fun. Being creative is probably the funnest lifestyle to actualize. As your business grows and you continue to hone your craft, it is easy to get wrapped up in all of the details of being successful. If you ever feel that you are overloaded with a business mindset, stop and go have fun. Doing what you do is a gift and it should be a fun and rewarding experience for you. If you are not enjoying how your life is unfolding, take the time to make alterations on how you get from point A to point Z. Always remind yourself that there are plenty of 9-5 jobs out there just waiting to monopolize on your lessor than creative abilities. With that said, slow down and be sure not to force your creativity into being something that you are not pleased with. You are creative and your creations are just as important as the next person, so be true to yourself. If you don't like planning and doing the business end of things, like me, there are many assistants out there that will be happy to help (not all are overly priced either). My assistant and editor are amazing people and don't rob me for their time. Take time to reflect upon yourself and realize that you are living your dream and then make the most of it by enjoying the process, especially those areas that you just cannot see with your own eyes, thus being unable to plan for.
So, is planning everything best? Well, that really depends on you and your needs. I believe there is room for planning and there is more room for allowing the creative process to unfold on its' own. Creating is about discovery; discover is about finding something that you believed was there but hadn't uncovered it yet. As you uncover your creation and bring it into existence, you and the world around you will revel in the surprise. We all like surprises right? If you plan anything, plan on making the most of your abilities and do whatever it takes to make that happen!
Jaymes Ian Woode
Monday, January 24, 2011
Things learned at NY Writer's Conference
This past weekend was filled with excitement and new learning at the NY Writer's Conference. Yes, I did meet a few literary agents and, Yes, they did ask to see two of my books. I will be sending off manuscripts today and feel rewarded by their response. There were also a few important things that I picked up in the well instructed workshops that I felt I should pass on to you:
1. Pitch: When pitching your work, much like the opening paragraph of your query letter, keep it simple but to the point. For example: "My book, (title) is complete at (number) words and is a (describe genre: i.e. YA, Self-help, Women's Lit...). Then, in two to three short sentences, explain the storyline, especially the main character and what the main character goes through, why they go through it, and the goal to be accomplished (climax). Don't give the ending away.
2. There is a large difference between YA and middle-grade books. If writing a YA book, it may be beneficial to add the specific age group you are trying to reach (11-14; 15-17, etc.). A middle-grade book is a younger audience than YA, they are not young adults. Many people supposedly make this error and when agents see that the author doesn't know the difference, it doesn't help them feel confident in your writing.
3. Agents are really nice people. Believe it or not, until you've sat in front of an agent, you may not have the respect for them that they deserve. Imagine having a job that begins with looking over one piece of paper. Then, every five seconds someone drops off another piece of paper every day for the rest of your life. I know, it's dramatic but quite the realization of agents. They are people who actually care but they do expect authors to take the time to make their job, and decision on you, easier.
4. Attend a conference. If you haven't done so already, attend a writer's conference and use your time to learn as much as you can. Sure, you can read about different areas of marketing, publishing, writing, etc., but when you are at a conference, you will also feel the information and let it sink in. If a thousand authors are attending a class, you can bet that the instructor already knew the importance of the information and the direction that the writing industry is going. It is nice to see, with your own eyes, that you are not alone in trying to figure out how everything works and trying to learn what is really important.
5. A writer's conference is a nice refresher to any writer. It is a time to take a break and be recharged by being surrounded by others like yourself. You will see that you are not the only person struggling to get ahead and you may discover that what you are doing is appropriate for your goals. The first class that I attended confirmed that I was doing things right and this confirmation gave me my full money's worth and I still had the rest of the day to go. I left that workshop with a huge smile on my face and feeling that I had more sense than I had realized.
Okay, enough, overall, at a conference, you will never know who you will meet and what may occur unless you go. I assure you, if you are a serious writer that you will benefit in more ways than you probably expected. Also, I met someone their who develops marketing plans for writers, whom I had spoken with on the phone for several weeks prior to the conference and was now able to put a face to the voice. With so many things happening online and over the phone, it was reassuring to meet this person. That meeting added to my excitement and we had a great conversation and I felt like I had made a strong connection that may last a lifetime.
1. Pitch: When pitching your work, much like the opening paragraph of your query letter, keep it simple but to the point. For example: "My book, (title) is complete at (number) words and is a (describe genre: i.e. YA, Self-help, Women's Lit...). Then, in two to three short sentences, explain the storyline, especially the main character and what the main character goes through, why they go through it, and the goal to be accomplished (climax). Don't give the ending away.
2. There is a large difference between YA and middle-grade books. If writing a YA book, it may be beneficial to add the specific age group you are trying to reach (11-14; 15-17, etc.). A middle-grade book is a younger audience than YA, they are not young adults. Many people supposedly make this error and when agents see that the author doesn't know the difference, it doesn't help them feel confident in your writing.
3. Agents are really nice people. Believe it or not, until you've sat in front of an agent, you may not have the respect for them that they deserve. Imagine having a job that begins with looking over one piece of paper. Then, every five seconds someone drops off another piece of paper every day for the rest of your life. I know, it's dramatic but quite the realization of agents. They are people who actually care but they do expect authors to take the time to make their job, and decision on you, easier.
4. Attend a conference. If you haven't done so already, attend a writer's conference and use your time to learn as much as you can. Sure, you can read about different areas of marketing, publishing, writing, etc., but when you are at a conference, you will also feel the information and let it sink in. If a thousand authors are attending a class, you can bet that the instructor already knew the importance of the information and the direction that the writing industry is going. It is nice to see, with your own eyes, that you are not alone in trying to figure out how everything works and trying to learn what is really important.
5. A writer's conference is a nice refresher to any writer. It is a time to take a break and be recharged by being surrounded by others like yourself. You will see that you are not the only person struggling to get ahead and you may discover that what you are doing is appropriate for your goals. The first class that I attended confirmed that I was doing things right and this confirmation gave me my full money's worth and I still had the rest of the day to go. I left that workshop with a huge smile on my face and feeling that I had more sense than I had realized.
Okay, enough, overall, at a conference, you will never know who you will meet and what may occur unless you go. I assure you, if you are a serious writer that you will benefit in more ways than you probably expected. Also, I met someone their who develops marketing plans for writers, whom I had spoken with on the phone for several weeks prior to the conference and was now able to put a face to the voice. With so many things happening online and over the phone, it was reassuring to meet this person. That meeting added to my excitement and we had a great conversation and I felt like I had made a strong connection that may last a lifetime.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
NY Writer's Conference
There is no questions in my mind, the NY Writer's Conference is one of the biggest conferences available to writers today. I am excited and nervous and have much to do in preparation. If you are attending, here is a short lists of a few things you should do to be ready:
1. Review the list of agents that will be attending the PITCH SLAM. The pitch slam is a great opportunity to pitch your book while standing in front of an agent who may want to see more. It is on the spot. Review the agents ahead of time so that you can make the most of your time during this two-hour frenzy. You don't want to pitch a novel to an agent only looking for non-fiction material.
2. Plan your workshops ahead of time. Writer's Market has put out the schedule so that attendees can decide where they want to go and when. Each workshop offers great information and insight on the publishing/writing world, so discover your needs and plan accordingly.
3. Use Thursday to rest up. Why? With so much exciting opportunities avialable at the event, the last thing that you need is to be approached by an agent and be so tired that your mind is not sharp enough to gear the conversation towards pitching your book or future book. Agents know that when they speak to an author, that author will most likely want to pitch their book. So, if an agent approaches you, be rested and ready to fill their ears with something good.
4. Smile. This is a great time to rub elbows with many agents that may have turned you down in the past. Now, however, you have a chance to let agents see who you are. This, sometimes, will be all an agent needs to be turned on to your work. A positive, upbeat attitude can go far in an agents world. So keep your smile big and bright because you never know what may happen!
If you are going to the event, I wish you much success and fun! The outcome of the experience is truly up to you and I hope that you are able to make the most of it. For me, I'm ready and I hope to see you there!
1. Review the list of agents that will be attending the PITCH SLAM. The pitch slam is a great opportunity to pitch your book while standing in front of an agent who may want to see more. It is on the spot. Review the agents ahead of time so that you can make the most of your time during this two-hour frenzy. You don't want to pitch a novel to an agent only looking for non-fiction material.
2. Plan your workshops ahead of time. Writer's Market has put out the schedule so that attendees can decide where they want to go and when. Each workshop offers great information and insight on the publishing/writing world, so discover your needs and plan accordingly.
3. Use Thursday to rest up. Why? With so much exciting opportunities avialable at the event, the last thing that you need is to be approached by an agent and be so tired that your mind is not sharp enough to gear the conversation towards pitching your book or future book. Agents know that when they speak to an author, that author will most likely want to pitch their book. So, if an agent approaches you, be rested and ready to fill their ears with something good.
4. Smile. This is a great time to rub elbows with many agents that may have turned you down in the past. Now, however, you have a chance to let agents see who you are. This, sometimes, will be all an agent needs to be turned on to your work. A positive, upbeat attitude can go far in an agents world. So keep your smile big and bright because you never know what may happen!
If you are going to the event, I wish you much success and fun! The outcome of the experience is truly up to you and I hope that you are able to make the most of it. For me, I'm ready and I hope to see you there!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Surfing the marketing process...
As you all know, I am currently working with my assistant who had put together a wonderful marketing campaign for my 101 Behaviors book. With a few interviews already set up, we are discussing television appearances on a few local and non-local stations. Along with interviews, reviewers have started commenting on the book and my nerves are beginning to ease. There are more decisions to be made when marketing a book and I am finding this a fun learning process. Many questions enter my mind about which avenues are the most properous to follow and which are truly devils in disguise. Thankfully, I possess, what I like to call, a surfer mentality. Sure, I have surfed before, never being really great at it, but it is the principles of surfing that have guided me to make important decisions and to learn to accept the outcomes of those decisions whether good or not-so-good.
You see, in the ocean, waves come and waves go. The important thing to remember is that the ocean continues to produce waves, some big and others small, on a continual basis. As a surfer, it is nice to sit on your board in the ocean and watch for the wave that you want to ride. If you never grab a wave, you haven't surfed. More experienced surfers know what waves will provide them with the better ride while less experienced surfers are just happy to catch a wave, regardless of size. Well, in the book world, I am a less experienced surfer who is glad to ride small waves so that I can understand how they influence my process. With each wave that I catch, I learn more and become more skilled. The more that I develop my skills and understanding, the choosier I can be about which waves I will ride. However, as any surfer knows, on flat days, a small wave might just be the giant you've been waiting for! Surf's up!
You see, in the ocean, waves come and waves go. The important thing to remember is that the ocean continues to produce waves, some big and others small, on a continual basis. As a surfer, it is nice to sit on your board in the ocean and watch for the wave that you want to ride. If you never grab a wave, you haven't surfed. More experienced surfers know what waves will provide them with the better ride while less experienced surfers are just happy to catch a wave, regardless of size. Well, in the book world, I am a less experienced surfer who is glad to ride small waves so that I can understand how they influence my process. With each wave that I catch, I learn more and become more skilled. The more that I develop my skills and understanding, the choosier I can be about which waves I will ride. However, as any surfer knows, on flat days, a small wave might just be the giant you've been waiting for! Surf's up!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Waiting is tough...
There is no doubt about it, waiting for reviewers to write their reviews of your book is tough to do. I am so excited about how many reviewers responded to the letter that my wonderful assistant Mary put out there. Now, all we can do is wait. My book fully releases 2/14/11 and trying to create a buzz is fun and emotionally draining. I'm nervous, of course, because this will be the first time, for me, that a large audience of people that I don't know will be reading my work. Secondly, I have no idea what they are going to write about my book and how much buzz it will create. Though I believe in my book as a fun read for men and women, whether in a relationship or not, it is a step of faith to trust that enough people will like it and encourage their audiences to buy it.
I can tell how worked up I am about waiting because the book I am working on now is loaded with emotional situations. Often, the emotions, as I write them, seem to be overflowing within me and onto the pages. Good or bad, I don't know but it is definitely therapeutic for the moment. I just hope that when I go back and read what I've written that I won't have to start all over again because it is too emotionally charged. I've only got a week before the NY Writer's Conference and I still haven't mastered my pitch for my kids fantasy book. What to do; what to do? Oh well, there's no sense in fretting over something out of your control. I'll put my stress on the shelf and pull out my jar of giddiness! Happy writing!
I can tell how worked up I am about waiting because the book I am working on now is loaded with emotional situations. Often, the emotions, as I write them, seem to be overflowing within me and onto the pages. Good or bad, I don't know but it is definitely therapeutic for the moment. I just hope that when I go back and read what I've written that I won't have to start all over again because it is too emotionally charged. I've only got a week before the NY Writer's Conference and I still haven't mastered my pitch for my kids fantasy book. What to do; what to do? Oh well, there's no sense in fretting over something out of your control. I'll put my stress on the shelf and pull out my jar of giddiness! Happy writing!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
That first copy...
Yesterday, I got a surprise knock on my front door and it was the UPS man. He handed me a yellow envelope and asked me to sign for it. I did, seeing that it was from my publisher. Though I knew what it was going to be, I ripped through the envelope like a starving werewolf rips through its next meal. Finally, my very own copy of my book 101 Behaviors a Guy Needs to Understand about His Woman! arrived and was in my hands. It was such an amazing feeling to see things come to completion. I starting flipping through the pages and for the first time, I read my book as a reader and not a writer (though I kept scanning for errors). Oh, well, I tried.
Later, in the evening, I walked down to my pub with my book in hand. I sat at the bar and ordered my favorite drink as a means of celebration for receiving my book (in case you didn't know, Irish people can use anything as a cause for the need to celebrate and yes, I'm Irish). The barkeep asked me what I was celebrating and I held up my book. She couldn't believe that I was the author and asked to see it. As she flipped through the pages, I could hear her making comments like, "Yep, my friend needs this," and, "Yep, I can relate to that one." So, I gave her the book, hoping that she would introduce it to others, her friends especially. It was nice to see the target audience responding positively to my book and though I gave away my only copy, I felt satisfied knowing that it had reached a reader's hands.
Later, in the evening, I walked down to my pub with my book in hand. I sat at the bar and ordered my favorite drink as a means of celebration for receiving my book (in case you didn't know, Irish people can use anything as a cause for the need to celebrate and yes, I'm Irish). The barkeep asked me what I was celebrating and I held up my book. She couldn't believe that I was the author and asked to see it. As she flipped through the pages, I could hear her making comments like, "Yep, my friend needs this," and, "Yep, I can relate to that one." So, I gave her the book, hoping that she would introduce it to others, her friends especially. It was nice to see the target audience responding positively to my book and though I gave away my only copy, I felt satisfied knowing that it had reached a reader's hands.
Monday, January 10, 2011
How things come together...
It is funny how things come together sometimes when you make the decision to live your dream. Though I had heard many people tell me before, those who were way ahead of me in living their dream, that "Everything will fall into place." However, no one can tell another just how much faith you have to put into yourself in order to step over into your dreamworld. For me, I exhausted every other possibility in my life before I realized that there was nothing else I truly wanted to do than write. For others, the path may be different. Regardless of how you get there, believe me when I say that when you are going after your dreams, "Everything will fall into place."
Yes, I am now a wiser member in the 'Leap of Faith' group and I want you to be also. It is still up to you to take the leap and believe in yourself enough to not shy away from your dreams when times get tough. Know this, tough times will come and before you know it something happens to help you along the way. This just happened to me recently, when I was asked to use my skills in writing in a way I never considered before, and I can't help but continue to share such happenings with you. The dreamworld is exciting and will continue to be exciting as long as you keep chasing it down. Obstacles come and obstacles go but living your dream never fades away!
Yes, I am now a wiser member in the 'Leap of Faith' group and I want you to be also. It is still up to you to take the leap and believe in yourself enough to not shy away from your dreams when times get tough. Know this, tough times will come and before you know it something happens to help you along the way. This just happened to me recently, when I was asked to use my skills in writing in a way I never considered before, and I can't help but continue to share such happenings with you. The dreamworld is exciting and will continue to be exciting as long as you keep chasing it down. Obstacles come and obstacles go but living your dream never fades away!
Friday, January 7, 2011
On going saga...
So, I 've been working on a saga poem for the last week now, which is a new experience for me. I love creativity and how our minds just open up and paint pictures of stories, some worth writing about and others not so much. Regardless, it's a wonderful experience and I would encourage anyone to sit down with a piece of paper, a laptop, paint and canvas, and just start writing or painting whatever starts coming to mind. As soon as you allow you mind to catch on to a particular thought, it begins developing details of character descriptions, sentence structures, story lines, flow, and, if you're painting, you'll suddenly realize, after that first stroke, that your mind begins seeing the next stroke and then the next. This form is typically known as 'freestyle' but more importantly, it is what our minds often long for. A 'doing' that is outside of our normal patterns and methods.
When I started my saga poem, I only had the first two lines. As I have learned in the past, the first two lines are plenty enough for a story to be created and developed if I allow my mind to go where it wants to. This is the major reason that I am not classified genre writer, because I never really know where my mind will travel once I write those first two lines. I just let it be what it is and I write how my mind creates. Though this is an exiciting practice, it actually takes time and many attempts to get used to. Our minds are typically directed by what is acceptable in our routine driven life. We try to force things to happen and stay within the lines on the road we feel most comfortable travelling on. However, to tap into more of the brains abilities, we must allow our instruments to veer off-course and onto new terrain. This is how we learn to push the boundaries of our abilities and become more comfortable at trying new things! Let go and Let it flow! By the way, my first two lines have turned into 12 single-spaced pages so far!
When I started my saga poem, I only had the first two lines. As I have learned in the past, the first two lines are plenty enough for a story to be created and developed if I allow my mind to go where it wants to. This is the major reason that I am not classified genre writer, because I never really know where my mind will travel once I write those first two lines. I just let it be what it is and I write how my mind creates. Though this is an exiciting practice, it actually takes time and many attempts to get used to. Our minds are typically directed by what is acceptable in our routine driven life. We try to force things to happen and stay within the lines on the road we feel most comfortable travelling on. However, to tap into more of the brains abilities, we must allow our instruments to veer off-course and onto new terrain. This is how we learn to push the boundaries of our abilities and become more comfortable at trying new things! Let go and Let it flow! By the way, my first two lines have turned into 12 single-spaced pages so far!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
It's really exciting...
It is really exciting to see all things coming together. I have worked hard to finish my book, get it edited, work through the publishing process, and now learning and implementing the marketing process of my book (due out February 14th). With the help of my wonderful assistant, reviewers are starting to request copies of my book and I just ordered a large amount of copies for myself to promote locally. I am sure that many of you have been through similar processes but this in particular is all new for me. It is a very affirming process that lets me know that I am doing what I love and am driven to do. It is funny though, the thoughts that travel through my mind. "Will the reviewers like/dislike my book?" "Will people mock me as a wannabe writer?" "I wonder what it will be like once I start getting reviews?" So many thoughts and so much energy is surging through me that I might not be able to sleep for a while.
Either way, regardless of reviewers and critics (positive or negative), I wouldn't change things. I write because it is the one thing in this world that I am truly passionate about. I write in a different style and I don't worry about trying to be like other writers. I use my voice, my creativity, and most importantly, I use my emotions. After all, isn't that what makes people seperate from others? As in any deed that is done, it is those who believe in themselves, their abilities, their passions, and who actually follow them that will stand apart; not just to the world but within themselves. So, I encourage you, make sure that your heart and mind and soul are in alignment and you will experience the burst of energy that flows when the pipes are fitted right. When water pipes are not connected properly, lots of water is lost. When your heart, mind, and soul are not lined up where they should be, lots of who you truly are is lost also!
Either way, regardless of reviewers and critics (positive or negative), I wouldn't change things. I write because it is the one thing in this world that I am truly passionate about. I write in a different style and I don't worry about trying to be like other writers. I use my voice, my creativity, and most importantly, I use my emotions. After all, isn't that what makes people seperate from others? As in any deed that is done, it is those who believe in themselves, their abilities, their passions, and who actually follow them that will stand apart; not just to the world but within themselves. So, I encourage you, make sure that your heart and mind and soul are in alignment and you will experience the burst of energy that flows when the pipes are fitted right. When water pipes are not connected properly, lots of water is lost. When your heart, mind, and soul are not lined up where they should be, lots of who you truly are is lost also!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Let the games begin...scheduling!
Alright, the new year has begun and my mind is already bombarded with ideas, upcoming contests, new books and the such. Therefore, I sat down yesterday and began working out a plan to make it all happen within a very short 365 days. Because contests are typically posted well in advance, I was able to overlap yet-to-be created works for contest with my upcoming books. I had learned, over the holiday break, that setting a schedule is a must in order to succeed in the writing world and that 8-10 pages a day, on a book, is a fairly acceptable practice. My first contest ends Jan. 01 and is a collection of poems, 48 pages worth, which doesn't seem like much since I have already saved up 20 pages of unused material over the last year. So, I figure I need at least 1 poem a day and will work to gain 4-6 pages a day on my book. Once January passes, my focus will alter based on need.
Why am I telling you all of this? Well, I'm not sure. However, it helps me to clarify things in my mind when I write them down and what better place to write them than here, for my readers. My hope is that it may help you to also realize the importance of writing down your schedule so that you have a foundation to work from. If you are not used to planning, which I am not, take it from those who have been in the business for a long time...make a schedule! Sure, you can alter it as needed but at least you will have an idea of what needs to get done and by when. It adds a bit of motivation also. Either way, or whatever works for you, I hope you find out how to make the most of your new year. Besides, it may also give you something to write, if your struggling.
Why am I telling you all of this? Well, I'm not sure. However, it helps me to clarify things in my mind when I write them down and what better place to write them than here, for my readers. My hope is that it may help you to also realize the importance of writing down your schedule so that you have a foundation to work from. If you are not used to planning, which I am not, take it from those who have been in the business for a long time...make a schedule! Sure, you can alter it as needed but at least you will have an idea of what needs to get done and by when. It adds a bit of motivation also. Either way, or whatever works for you, I hope you find out how to make the most of your new year. Besides, it may also give you something to write, if your struggling.
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