National Novel Writing Month of Craziness

As a writer, whether or not you're participating in NaNoWriMo, it's a good idea to write every day. I loved what James Patterson had to say in his pep talk... "Most professional writers keep this kind of pace all year round. Holidays, birthdays, vacations—you name it, we’re writing. The trick is making writing into a daily habit. Same time. Same place. Same hot beverage of choice. Every. Single. Day. Again. And. Again." ~ James Patterson

You can read his entire pep talk here. 

If writing is what you love, what you want to do for a living, then writing daily is the key. So set a goal and then DO IT.  

My goal this November is to write 100,000 words. Yeah, I'm doing double the NaNo. 

What about you? What are your writing goals?

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RaShelle Workman is the international bestselling author of the Dead Roses series ("Sleeping Roses," book 1 in the series, has been translated into Turkish and is NOW available wherever Turkish books are sold), the Immortal Essence series, the Blood and Snow series, the Cindy Chronicles, and Touching Melody (A Forever First Novel). She's sold over three hundred thousand copies of her novels worldwide in the past year, including Japan, Canada, and Europe. You can find RaShelle all over the web, but the best place to start is on her blog: rashelleworkman.com.

Coming Up With Writing Ideas

Recently I took a trip with my family to Universal Studios in California. The trip was quick, but a lot of fun.

One problem. I got ZERO sleep. The beds were supposed to be "sleep number." What they actually were? Blow up mattresses that had only half the air in them. Every time my husband moved, I was shot into the air. He felt like he was going to roll off the bed. It wasn't good. The end result left me sleepless.

BUT, one thing that did occur during my lack of sleep? I got a bunch of different writing ideas.

One came while our driver took us from the hotel to the theme park.

Another on the plane back home.

Both ideas are feasible. And I'm very excited about them. It's funny though... how seemingly great book ideas come at the weirdest times.

My Blood and Snow series came from watching a commercial for "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves." The commercial tooted the movie had been digitally remastered. How exciting.

AND it was. From that commercial came the idea of Snow White becoming a vampire, which equals #awesome.

What about you? Where do your ideas come from?

                                                                                                 *pictures courtesy of google

STILL CLIMBING

“Take the first step in faith.

You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

~Martin Luther King

So true isn't it?
I've been trying to get back in my writing groove because I have TWO sequels that need to be finished yesterday. I’m actually revealing the cover for one of those sequels today, so check it out if you have a sec.

Anywho, I thought about writing a new post, but my mind is running amuck elsewhere, so I'm cheating. This is a post I wrote a couple years ago, but it still applies to me today and I believe wholeheartedly in every word. Maybe some other writers out there can relate.

When I first thought about writing a novel I thought about MLK's quote and stepped. Blindly.

Staring up at the spiraling, intimidating, long path in front of me.
Wondering if all this climbing and stressing is worth it.
Is it foolish to believe I'll ever reach the top?
It looks impossible from way down here.
With such a long, long way to go.
Pushing through the pain.
Tripping & Stumbling.
Self-Doubting.

BREATHE.

STEP.

BELIEVE.

Climb blindly.
But enjoy the scenery.
Make each step mean something.
Realize turning back is also giving up.
Set small, reachable goals, but keep dreaming big.
Don't compete with others climbing the stairway with you.
Learn, grow, and expand your support system--and horizons.
Put one foot in front of the other, passionately, even when it's hard.

Remember, we don't have to see the whole staircase. Keep in mind, we're not alone on this journey. Rest assured, the top is probably nothing like you think it will look like anyway. Besides, there is always another staircase waiting to be conquered. Keep climbing. Blindly. But with faith. Oh, and breathe. Just breathe.

Karen was born and bred in Baltimore, frolicked and froze in Colorado for a couple of years, and is currently sunning and splashing around Florida with her two beloved dogs. She's addicted to coffee, chocolate, and complicated happily-ever-afters. 

www.KarenAmandaHooper.com 

Twitter: @karen_hooper 

The crippling effect of fear (and squirrels).

Fear is always present, if we let it be. 

It can overshadow our thoughts and our actions, paralyze us from making decisions. Even if we move forward, one step at a time, it hovers, whispering in our ear. (Until we kick it to the curb, that is!)

photo credit

No one will like you.

You’ll mess up.

That shirt you thought was cool, the one with the orange ruffles and sequins, is completely dorky.

Everyone is secretly laughing at you behind your back.

The squirrels in the basement are out to get you.

This list goes on.

My son entered middle school. Before the first day, he felt overwhelmed with fears, from giant ones to small ones. What if he can’t open his locker? What? He has a locker for gym too? What if he can’t remember two locker combinations? Does he have to change for gym? What if he gets lost on the way to science class? What if he fails math? How will he know what bus to get on at the end of the day?

And these are just the fears he’d talk about.

I’m sure there were secret fears too, lurking in the back of the mind. Fears about his clothing, peer pressure, popularity. All the stuff that maybe felt too private to talk about even with his mom. (Until I bribe him with ice cream and puppies!)

Most of his worries can be traced back to inexperience. After the first day, he admitted he didn’t need to worry half as much as he did.

Same goes with most things.

I fear the basement. (A very sensitive topic for me.)

Red squirrels party in my basement, waiting for me. They run along the pipes purposefully to create noise that strike terror in my heart. They see me sweat, shake, shriek and then sprint back up the stairs while they have a good chuckle and continue to tear into any crinkly paper they can find and store their nuts.

I know that fear is unrealistic. Really, I know. But I still send my kids down to the freezer to get the bag of frozen peas.

Anything in life can potentially cause fear. New jobs. New business. Writing. Publishing. Relationships.

Fear is normal, but we can’t let it control our decisions. Better to fail a hundred times than never try!

What’s your fear? Have you moved forward despite your fears?  (I'm still working on going to down to the basement by myself.)

Laura Pauling writes about spies, murder and mystery. A Spy Like Me, her YA debut novel released in April 2012. Her short story, The Almost Assassin, a prequel to A Spy Like Me is free on Amazon. How To Survive Ancient Spells and Crazy Kings, her debut middle grade will be released in November from Pugalicious Press. Visit her blog and say hello!

Reading, Writing, and Snacks, Oh My!

When I write, I snack. When I read, I snack. Unfortunately, the foods I crave during these times aren't that great for me--full of sugar and simple carbohydrates. Soda, slushies, cookies, candy, chips. There are probably plenty of peeps out there with this same problem, so I'd like to share some healthful snacks for reading and writing that I've started to eat instead.

Instead of sugary soda, iced green tea is my new fav. Yeah, it's an acquired taste, but then so is soda.

Popsicles? Who doesn't LOVE Popsicles? A whole box in one writing session, please. How about making your own using tea, or better yet, blend some coconut milk with your favorite fruit  or berry and pour into molds, freeze, and gobble up!

Popcorn! I know, this is somewhat debatable--empty calories and all--but if a natural kernel is used, it could be a low-cal crunch fest. Stay away from microwave popcorn, though.

The basics: Fruits, chopped veggies, nuts (a handful of nuts a day). All these are great quick pick-me-ups.

There's nothing like frozen grapes or frozen slices of peach or mango, especially on a hot summer day. Yum!

KIND Bars are delish to have on hand, too. I can sometimes find them on sale for 99 cents at the grocery store.

So there you have it. The important thing is to keep it simple and clean. Nothing processed. If you absolutely have nothing healthful in the house, drink a giant glass of water instead. :) We are given only one body. Let's make it last a long time...

What are your favorite good-for-you snacks?

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Angela Carlie writes fiction about young people. She's the author of Dream Smashers and the Lords of Shifters Series. When she's not daydreaming or writing, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, and traveling. She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, teenage son, and furry critters. For more information, you may visit her website at http://angelacarlie.com

A Reader Writer or a Writer Reader

What I mean by the title is:

Do you read for enjoyment, the pleasure of reading, of losing yourself in another world, another time?

Or, do you read to become a better writer?

I must admit I do both.

Before I started doing this amazing thing called WRITING, I didn't give the way a sentence was structured a second thought. I read simply to lose myself in a story. After reading the book: "Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and for Those Who Want to Write" by Francine Prose, it changed the way I read.

The book gave me a new understanding of the sentence, the beauty of each word, and why sentences can and should be varied. Long. Short. Flowery. Succinct.

Now, admittedly, I'm still growing as a writer, BUT... I've come a long way.

What about you? Why do you read?

*************************************

Lips red as rubies, hair dark as night. 

Drink your true love's blood, become the Vampire, Snow White.

Every thousand years the Vampire Queen selects a new body, always the fairest in the land, and this time she's chosen Snow White.

Blood and Snow #1 
Revenant in Training #2 
The Vampire Christopher #3
Blood Soaked Promises #4 - add to your Goodreads - available August 2012.

The BLOOD AND SNOW series is a fractured fairytale with Snow White living in present day Salem, Mass. Her next door neighbors are 7 brothers who've been adopted by an eccentric, older man they call Professor Pops. The series will be told in 12 volumes. I hope you enjoy reading about Snow, the seven brothers, and the gorgeous Hunter, as much as I've enjoyed writing about them. 

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Lover of books, baking, and toffee-making. The author of the amazon bestselling romantic suspense, "Sleeping Roses," "Aligned: An Immortal Essence Short Story," "Exiled," and the Blood and Snow series. Honorary nerd with attitude.

Effects of the Indie Revolution on my reading and writing.

Hey, everyone! Laura Pauling here. Glad you popped by. I'm talking about how this Indie Revolution has jolted my reading and writing into high gear.

I’ve been reading a lot. I can't seem to stop. Lately, I've been reading 3 or 4 books at a time.

I have a list of books I’d like to read at my library, by my bed and on my Kindle. And then there are Indie books for under 5 dollars that are doing well that I’d really like to read. And sometimes I skip my lists and stacks and purchase the ones I’m dying to read.

But we’re all like that, aren’t we? (And the girl in the picture isn't me. lol)

picture credit

Just starting out as a writer, I heard the advice read, read, read, and cut, cut, cut. I’m more of an underwriter so the cut, cut, cut for me is more like add, add, add. But to be honest I kinda scoffed at the read, read, read.

I’ve always loved reading but I didn’t purchase many new releases. I read what I could from the library. As a writer, I don’t think I got it. But wait, I read craft books. Tons of them. That must be the key. So with my brain overloaded from craft books, I continued to write.

It wasn’t until I seriously started researching agents that I went out of my way to purchase new releases from authors my top agents represented. After all, that’s what we were told to do so like a good little obedient writer that’s what I did by golly. And I could definitely see a difference. For example, this one agent I respect loved one genre but I learned he also loves incredibly detailed writing. 

But something happened. I became addicted to new releases with gorgeous covers. I wanted to devour them whole. Some disappointed me but others I loved. I didn’t even read a lot of sequels. I wanted to taste new books. This was before self publishing hit.

And then self publishing hit.

So how has this affected my reading and my writing?

I'm reading even more and through all the reading I’ve done in the past few months, the good and the bad, the Indie and the traditionally published, I see that it is not following all the rules of the perfect first five pages that get you an agent or a deal or lots of sales.

It’s a great story with heart. I think it’s always been that way. I know this because regardless of publishing route, those are the books I read. I’ve put down just as many traditional published books as I have Indie books.

I’ve also branched out in my reading. I’ve read novellas and short stories. I’ve been reading adult books too.

I love that I have more choice.

So back to the craft books. I saw a bigger jump in my writing when I started reading more fiction and watching movies to study how authors applied all that craft knowledge crammed in my head. I saw it in action. And it led to blog posts like these:

Tips from the Opening Chapters of Nightshade.

Fifteen Tips to Strengthen Story Structure.

So how has the Indie revolution affected your reading? You are reading, right? And thanks for hanging out with me!

Laura Pauling (that's moi) authored A SPY LIKE ME, the first in the Circle of Spies Series. She writes about spies, murder and mystery. She lives the cover of suburban mom/author perfectly, from the minivan to the home-baked snickerdoodles, while hiding her secret missions and covert operations. But shh. Don't tell anyone.

Hang out with me at my blog and Twitter.

6/12 #indiechat A bit of info on everything!

laurapauling Hey everyone! #indiechat -9:01 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Open topic tonight :-D #indiechat -9:01 PM Jun 12th, 2012

DougSolter Hello! #indiechat -9:02 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling I see lots of people do more than one chat at a time. It's called multi tasking! #indiechat :) -9:02 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @LM_Preston Hey LM. Been working on your cover today. #indiechat -9:02 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston I can't wait :-D like? wow aren't you on tour? RT @KatGirl_Studio: Hey LM. Been working on your cover today. #indiechat -9:03 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio How many covers do you do a month typically? #indiechat -9:03 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling it depends on the month. Also covers aren't the only thing I do at my studio. #indiechat -9:04 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Okay how many books have you all written this year? #indiechat -9:04 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio Didn't I see your cover on Joe's cover awards this month? #indiechat -9:04 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio Must be hard to find that balance. Or maybe the different creativity feeds off eachother. #indiechat -9:04 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KCircelli Hmm, open topic. I just signed up for my first blog tour for 'The Sour Orange Derby.' I'm nervous! #indiechat -9:05 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @LM_Preston Since January? I've written one. :) #indiechat And published one. -9:05 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston You'll do great! Just promote it. RT @KCircelli: My first blog tour for 'The Sour Orange Derby.' I'm nervous! #indiechat -9:05 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston That's awesome! Publishing in itself is a lot of work RT @laurapauling: Since January? I've written one. :) #indiechat And published one. -9:05 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @KCircelli Is that your book title? #indiechat -9:05 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Do you think as an Independent you write and publish work more frequently than you would otherwise? #indiechat -9:06 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling It was my first time formatting and setting up author pages so that took up time just learning the ropes. #indiechat -9:06 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @LM_Preston More frequently than if I went traditional? I would think so. Book 2 will be out before christmas. #indiechat -9:07 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling And I have a middle grade coming out this fall with a small press. #indiechat -9:07 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KCircelli @laurapauling Yup that's the title. It's based on my family history and the game we created, The Sour Orange Derby #indiechat -9:07 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Battista_j @LM_Preston I've written 2 and am working on a 3rd. #indiechat -9:07 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @KCircelli Cool. What's the genre? Age group? #indiechat -9:07 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Awesome! Is that more than typical for you since you are the publisher? RT @Battista_j: I've written 2 and am working on a 3rd. #indiechat -9:08 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling It takes me longer to edit than to write the first draft. #indiechat But that's probably normal. -9:08 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KCircelli @LM_Preston I've written 2 this year and will likely publish 2, but 1 is a rerelease of my very first that's out of print #indiechat -9:08 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @Battista_j That is terrific! #indiechat -9:08 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Battista_j @LM_Preston Definitely. I think I'd only write one book a year if I were on a Big 6 schedule. #indiechat -9:08 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KCircelli RT @laurapauling: It takes me longer to edit than to write the first draft. #indiechat But that's probably normal. -9:08 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @LM_Preston I may be touring 30 blogs over the next 2 weeks but I do still have to get work done too. #indiechat -9:09 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Battista_j @LM_Preston Oh yeah. I write at my own pace, but if I had to publish on theirs I'd be miserable. #indiechat -9:09 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Epublishing is so easy and I was shocked at how well my recent short story did that I may release 1 a year now #indiechat -9:09 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio Did you set up the blog tour yourself? #indiechat -9:10 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @LM_Preston So cool! What did you do to market it? anything? #indiechat -9:10 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston There is freedom in this RT @Battista_j: Oh yeah. I write at my own pace, but if I had to publish on theirs I'd be miserable. #indiechat -9:10 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KCircelli @laurapauling YA. Ive got some feelers out for getting it into schools. Genre adolescent lit and general http://t.co/7ydXJu6N #indiechat -9:10 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling yes the cover for DAEMONS IN THE MIST was featured in May's cover awards on The Book Designer. #indiechat -9:10 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Battista_j FYI: I set up forums for indie writers to get help on book blurbs and critiques. Check it out: http://t.co/3nuRKJ9l #indiechat -9:10 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling finding the balance? #indiechat -9:11 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @KCircelli Thanks for the link. Sounds like an emotional story. #indiechat -9:11 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Battista_j @LM_Preston So you found that short stories do well? I haven't done one yet. #indiechat -9:11 PM Jun 12th, 2012

JessicaCheramie Hey, Indies. A little late. What are we chatting about? #indiechat -9:11 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth Hi #indiechat Dropping in to see what's up. What's the topic? -9:11 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @JessicaCheramie Open topic! #indiechat -9:11 PM Jun 12th, 2012

JessicaCheramie @laurapauling Thanks. #indiechat -9:12 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Goodreads recommendation. Set up mini-blog tour & Facebook Release party RT @laurapauling: What did you do to market it? #indiechat -9:12 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @LM_Preston Cool. How many of you schedule or your own blog tours or do you even do a blog tour? #indiechat -9:12 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston They do much better than I expected. RT @Battista_j: Short stories do well? #indiechat -9:13 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KCircelli @LM_Preston I know, promotion is key! I'm the world's worst self-promoter. My mom, however, is my best bragger #indiechat -9:13 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio Yes I did. RT @laurapauling: @KatGirl_Studio Did you set up the blog tour yourself? #indiechat -9:13 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling I think just like novels some shorts do great and others don't. #indiechat -9:13 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston I schedule my own blog tour, but also get a boost of help from others that do it if I run out of time. #indiechat -9:14 PM Jun 12th, 2012

JessicaCheramie @laurapauling @LM_Preston Sorry to intrude, but mkt local too. Many indie bookstores and even coffee shops are big supporters #indiechat -9:14 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @KCircelli I'm not a very good self promoter either. #indiechat -9:14 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston @KCircelli Promotion is hard when not planned. Always create a book marketing plan and do a little each day #indiechat -9:14 PM Jun 12th, 2012

BiblioCrunch Hi! What's the topic for #indiechat today? -9:15 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @JessicaCheramie Great idea. #indiechat Market locally. -9:15 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @BiblioCrunch Open topic! #indiechat -9:15 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling What's been the hardest part of the self publishing journey for you? Or small press journey? #indiechat -9:15 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth I used to schedule my own tours but let someone else take control this time. Loved it! Huge relief to not have to do so much. #indiechat -9:15 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Battista_j @laurapauling Have you found a genre or type that tends to do better? #indiechat -9:15 PM Jun 12th, 2012

BiblioCrunch @laurapauling Nice! Here's my question. What are the best eBook tools you use for conversion? #indiechat -9:15 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @kristiecookauth Great idea. Did it work out? #indiechat -9:15 PM Jun 12th, 2012

BiblioCrunch Anyone try Jutoh for eBook conversion? #indiechat -9:16 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KCircelli @LM_Preston Yeah I know WHAT to do, it's the HOW that gets me. I'm your stereotypical hermit author, ha #indiechat -9:16 PM Jun 12th, 2012

JessicaCheramie @laurapauling Yes. People are so willing to read local authors. They feel a connection. You can set it up by fone many times. #indiechat -9:16 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @Battista_j I don't think I"ve researched the shorts enough. But I enjoy reading them. #indiechat -9:16 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston @JonathanMaberry gave us great advice at our #MBPA meeting. He takes timed breaks to promote #indiechat -9:16 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @LM_Preston One book came out last month. Book 2 is about 64% done. #indiechat -9:16 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth @laurapauling Most definitely. We're working on a service for other authors b/c it was so much better than doing myself. #indiechat -9:16 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston I have an intern RT @KCircelli: Yeah I know WHAT to do, it's the HOW that gets me. I'm your stereotypical hermit author, ha #indiechat -9:17 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @BiblioCrunch No, I make my eBooks in Indesign. #indiechat -9:17 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @BiblioCrunch I've used Sigil. Calibre doesn't work well for me. But I start with a clean word doc for Smashwords. #indiechat -9:17 PM Jun 12th, 2012

BiblioCrunch Also, what are the best resource guides for #indiechat blogs? -9:17 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Battista_j @laurapauling I need to read more shorts. But I'm buried by my novel reading list already! #indiechat -9:17 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio I tried my first with Indesign but felt it took longer. Maybe b/c it was my first time. #indiechat -9:17 PM Jun 12th, 2012

BiblioCrunch Anyone interested in being a guest blogger for @BiblioCrunch and share their marketing tips or success stories? #indiechat -9:17 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Wow 2 in 1 year! RT @KatGirl_Studio: One book came out last month. Book 2 is about 64% done. #indiechat -9:17 PM Jun 12th, 2012

DougSolter You have an intern? That's cool. I need one. RT @LM_Preston #indiechat -9:18 PM Jun 12th, 2012

JessicaCheramie Also, 4 mrkting, for YA for example, look 4 advertising 4 local schools. Many school org. do some sort of adv for their programs. #indiechat -9:18 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KCircelli @Battista_j @LM_Preston There's a definite market for shorts. I love using them in my classes. #indiechat -9:18 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth @laurapauling Did you know InDesign first? It has a high learning curve on its own. #indiechat -9:18 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @LM_Preston I was aiming for 3 but I AM getting married too this year. #indiechat -9:18 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio I couldn't get the linked TOC to work. #indiechat -9:18 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Put out ad at local college for marketing majors RT @DougSolter: You have an intern? That's cool. I need one. RT #indiechat -9:18 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston :-D still that's amazing RT @KatGirl_Studio: I was aiming for 3 but I AM getting married too this year. #indiechat -9:19 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @kristiecookauth No I didn't so I think that was part of the problem. I should probably give it another try. #indiechat -9:19 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KCircelli @BiblioCrunch Absolutely. I'd love to share some tips on how I've learned to overcome my annoying shyness #indiechat -9:19 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling Didn't take me very long at all. Did both the Kindle and Nook ones at the same time. #indiechat -9:19 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth I released in Feb & plan 2 more this year. 1's written & in revisions; other is being written now. @LM_Preston #indiechat -9:19 PM Jun 12th, 2012

DougSolter If he loves u. He will wait for you to finish it. :) RT @KatGirl_Studio I was aiming for 3 but I AM getting married too this year #indiechat -9:19 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling in Indesign or another program? #indiechat -9:19 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling How long do most of you take from starting the first draft to pressing publish? #indiechat -9:20 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio With Indesign. #indiechat -9:20 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth @laurapauling I knew InDesign from my days at the newspaper, so I love it. But it's a big program w/ lots of features to learn. #indiechat -9:20 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Do you produce more as an Independent you think? RT @kristiecookauth: I released in Feb & plan 2 more this year. #indiechat -9:20 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @kristiecookauth Yeah, no kidding. But now I'm familiar with both photoshop and Indesign. #indiechat -9:20 PM Jun 12th, 2012

DougSolter Do I have to fill out paperwork and stuff? Or do you pay them in pizza gift cards. :) RT @LM_Preston #indiechat -9:21 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth Yes pls. RT @KCircelli: @BiblioCrunch Absolutely. I'd love to share some tips on how I've learned to overcome my annoying shyness #indiechat -9:21 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @DougSolter lol Not if I want to get married on the day I want. #indiechat -9:21 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KCircelli @LM_Preston Ah, my wedding took over my writing for sure. I'm making up for it this year. Good luck with planning! #indiechat -9:21 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling huh, I had no problem with it. #indiechat -9:21 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Battista_j @LM_Preston @DougSolter That's good to know. #indiechat -9:21 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth @LM_Preston Write more? No. Publish more? Absolutely. #indiechat -9:21 PM Jun 12th, 2012

JessicaCheramie @AppleGrove_Gang Great job. Mrkting local will get those sales boosting until the rest of the world catches up. hehe #indiechat -9:21 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Lol! RT @kristiecookauth: Write more? No. Publish more? Absolutely. #indiechat -9:22 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio I'm sure it was me still learning the program. #indiechat -9:22 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling depends on my studio schedule. DITM only took 2 months to write but about another month or 2 for edits. #indiechat -9:22 PM Jun 12th, 2012

DougSolter I see. From a woman's pov I can understand that. :) RT @KatGirl_Studio #indiechat -9:22 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KCircelli I definitely produce more as an indie. This year I'm writing my current series and releasing old books to restart that series #indiechat -9:23 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio That's good. It usually takes me 2.5-3 months to finish a first draft. #indiechat -9:23 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Yep :-D RT @JessicaCheramie: @AppleGrove_Gang Markting local will get those sales boosting until the rest of the world catches up #indiechat -9:23 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth @LM_Preston I can't help the writing, if I want to keep my insanity. I'm not as prolific as many, but publishers can't keep up. #indiechat -9:23 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling I also don't work on only one project at once so. #indiechat -9:23 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio I can see that. I don't mind working on short stories while working on the novel. #indiechat -9:24 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling I've never written 2 novels at the same time. #indiechat -9:24 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling is that time frame with writing every day or not? #indiechat -9:24 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth I have 4 pubbed books, but the one I'm working on now is the first time I can clock start-to-publish time. Looks like ~5 months. #indiechat -9:24 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon Late, but I'm here for #Indiechat -9:24 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Me either - too distracting and I wouldn't finish either RT @laurapauling: I've never written 2 novels at the same time. #indiechat -9:24 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @kristiecookauth 5 months is awesome! #indiechat -9:24 PM Jun 12th, 2012

JessicaCheramie @MaganVernon Welcome. #indiechat -9:24 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon @KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling I'm kind of working on three novels at once. I'm kind of all over the place. #indiechat -9:25 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston @MaganVernon Howdy! #indiechat -9:25 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling I have about 15 open projects at the moment. #indiechat -9:25 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Addison_Moore Hi all! Topic? #indiechat -9:25 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth @KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling I'm working on 2 at once for first time. One in revision, one in first draft. It's fun. #indiechat -9:25 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio Okay, I bow to your multi tasking! #indiechat -9:25 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth Holy cow! You got skillz. RT @KatGirl_Studio: @laurapauling I have about 15 open projects at the moment. #indiechat -9:25 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @MaganVernon you are so like me. #indiechat -9:25 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @kristiecookauth I could see that. Working on two at different stages. #indiechat I'm sure I'll experiment. -9:25 PM Jun 12th, 2012

DougSolter Strong local base helped me. RT @LM_Preston Markting local will get those sales boosting until the rest of the world catches up #indiechat -9:26 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston So who here is strictly publishing their work in ebook? Who's doing audio? Who's doing Hardcover? Who's doing paperback? POD? #indiechat -9:26 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon @Addison_Moore We are discussing how your awesome book Etheral is #free on #amazon #indiechat -9:26 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KCircelli @KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling Glad Im not the only one. I have at least 5 books going at a given time #indiechat -9:26 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling I'm just ebook right now but would like to do print too. Baby steps. #indiechat -9:26 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth @LM_Preston Eventually all of the above except hardcover. Audio still in the works. #indiechat -9:26 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon @KatGirl_Studio Sometimes I get bored of the same thing. And I write on three diff computers. #indiechat -9:26 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling I write non-linearly so I write what comes to mind and then paste it into the right project. #indiechat -9:26 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling Hardcover seems to not make profit though they are nice to pet. #indiechat -9:26 PM Jun 12th, 2012

DougSolter So far I have two local indie bookstores that were happy to stock my book. Good relationship to build. #indiechat -9:27 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KCircelli @KatGirl_Studio Although, there are times when I find myself slipping into the wrong character. I have to be careful of that #indiechat -9:27 PM Jun 12th, 2012

JessicaCheramie I have paperback and ebook. Will be putting out hardcover too this year. #indiechat -9:27 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Addison_Moore @laurapauling Agree. #indiechat -9:27 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @KCircelli Ya I think I have about 15 open projects at the moment. #indiechat -9:27 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling The dangers of writing more than one story at a time. #indiechat -9:27 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KCircelli RT @laurapauling: Hardcover seems to not make profit though they are nice to pet. #indiechat -9:27 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth @laurapauling Actually, I just recounted (used my fingers this time). Looks like 6 months. LOL #indiechat -9:27 PM Jun 12th, 2012

JessicaCheramie @Addison_Moore Cool. Thanks. Will remember that. :o) #indiechat -9:27 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Addison_Moore @MaganVernon And to which I am forever indebted that you are so awesome! #indiechat #ETHEREAL #FREE -9:27 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth Agree. RT @laurapauling: Hardcover seems to not make profit though they are nice to pet. #indiechat -9:28 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KCircelli @laurapauling I definitely make more in ebooks, but the vain side of me sure likes to see the paperbacks lined up on the piano #indiechat -9:28 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @KCircelli I've never had that happen to me. #indiechat -9:28 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon Sometimes it's hard to seperate my projects and then I find myself using futuristic swear words in every day life. #indiechat -9:28 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak Hey everyone. #indiechat -9:28 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston @kristiecookauth So who do you use to do the audio? I'm considering this. Have figure out narrator and distribution #indiechat -9:28 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @KCircelli I agree. I will do POD. Hopefully in the next year. #indiechat -9:28 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @kristiecookauth ya it's like my super power or something =^.^= #indiechat -9:29 PM Jun 12th, 2012

DougSolter Many of my local friends wanted print version. RT @laurapauling Hardcover seems to not make profit though they are nice to pet #indiechat -9:29 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Addison_Moore @laurapauling I'm right there with you. I will try paper for the first time this summer. I hope it's delish. ;) #indiechat -9:29 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth Almost said I couldn't do 3, but when current 1 is in edits, I'll have 2 more going. @Battista_j @KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling #indiechat -9:29 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @Addison_Moore I'm sure they will be great. Same covers? Or new ones? #indiechat -9:29 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KCircelli @KatGirl_Studio My husband says it happens to me because I'm slightly crazy and think my characters are real. He may be right #indiechat -9:29 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Addison_Moore @MaganVernon I need to learn those. The present day ones are far too overused. #indiechat -9:30 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio I have a whole system set up to be able to work on so many projects. #indiechat -9:30 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon And it's @Lisa_Nowak #indiechat She writes books from a boy's POV and about racing. #indiechat -9:30 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling I've found that I have less editing with book 2 b/c it's the second. #indiechat -9:30 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Addison_Moore @laurapauling Same. I'm adding a little to the first cover to make it more of a cover family. #indiechat -9:30 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Well we just do paperback and ebook thus far, hoping to add audio next year #indiechat -9:30 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon @Addison_Moore My daughter says 'gop' alot, so I decided that means 'sh*t' in future swearing. #indiechat -9:30 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio I need to work on some systems like that but I'm not sure about 15! :) #indiechat -9:30 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak @MaganVernon I like to write on multiple computers, too. The laptop is my fav. #indiechat -9:31 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @KCircelli I treat all my characters as if they were real. If I didn't they wouldn't be real to my readers. #indiechat -9:31 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Library's apparently like the hardcovers but I won't be doing them for our releases #indiechat -9:31 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Addison_Moore @MaganVernon It's a good monosyllable go-to word. #gop #indiechat -9:32 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio On top of my fiction I'm also working on a few instructional eBooks #indiechat -9:32 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Do you all know that previous to all this epublishing, the rule was 1 book per author a year. #indiechat -9:32 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KCircelli RT @KatGirl_Studio: @KCircelli I treat all my characters as if they were real. If I didn't they wouldn't be real to my readers. #indiechat -9:32 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon @Lisa_Nowak I write on my Ipad while at work, PC at home and sometimes I bring the Mac to write on my lunches. #indiechat -9:32 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling How many of you have different covers for your print vs ebook? #indiechat -9:32 PM Jun 12th, 2012

JessicaCheramie @KatGirl_Studio @KCircelli Same here. I make character profiles. To keep track when I work on different stories. #indiechat -9:32 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak @MaganVernon like "frak"? I impressed a boy in 8th grade by saying that. That was when the original Battlestar Galactica was on. #indiechat -9:32 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth @LM_Preston Still working on it. Looking at Audible's program. #indiechat -9:33 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon @laurapauling I know @karlkirkpatrick has a different cover for her print and Ebook of ITS (which is also #free on #Amazon) #indiechat -9:33 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston I do. RT @laurapauling: How many of you have different covers for your print vs ebook? #indiechat -9:33 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @LM_Preston that's why some wrote under pen names I'll bet. #indiechat -9:33 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @LM_Preston What did authors do with their spare energy? Write for fun? #indiechat -9:33 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KCircelli @LM_Preston Will you do the audio for your book or assign it out?Id love to do audio version for my latest,but not in my voice! #indiechat -9:33 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Addison_Moore @LM_Preston I bet some of those authors were frustrated. #indiechat -9:33 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak @KCircelli they ARE real. #indiechat -9:33 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling Very true! RT @KatGirl_Studio: @LM_Preston that's why some wrote under pen names I'll bet. #indiechat -9:33 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth Yep. RT @LM_Preston: Do you all know that previous to all this epublishing, the rule was 1 book per author a year. #indiechat -9:33 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak Not to make you guys jealous or anything, but I have French fries. #indiechat -9:34 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon @Lisa_Nowak Frak has to be one of my favorites! I decided to use 'fritz' in my futuristic book so not to rip off BSG completely. #indiechat -9:34 PM Jun 12th, 2012

JessicaCheramie Who do you recommend for producing audiobooks? #indiechat -9:34 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @JessicaCheramie I actually don't make character profiles. I just keep most of it my head. #indiechat -9:34 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Assign it out definitely, lol! RT @KCircelli: Will you do the audio for your book or assign it out?I #indiechat -9:34 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth @Lisa_Nowak I raise your fries to Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Therapy. Hmm..I think they'd go well together. #indiechat -9:34 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @kristiecookauth I'll take the Ben and Jerry's! #indiechat -9:34 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston I believe they used other names RT @laurapauling: What did authors do with their spare energy? Write for fun? #indiechat -9:34 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Addison_Moore @Lisa_Nowak I'll trade you some iced coffee for a fry. #indiechat -9:35 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @Lisa_Nowak I have Red Bull and citrus-free hand-made jam =^.^= #indiechat -9:35 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @LM_Preston I"m sure some were fine with one a year. #indiechat -9:35 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling Man, I got nothing! #indiechat -9:35 PM Jun 12th, 2012

JessicaCheramie @KatGirl_Studio I wish I could. I would get lost w/ who hates chocolate and who knits their eyebrows. Terrible memory. hehe #indiechat -9:35 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Addison_Moore @KatGirl_Studio @JessicaCheramie I have a notebook for each series and it guides me as to who has what colored eyes and what not. #indiechat -9:35 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KCircelli An author I knew wrote under his name but originally used a woman's pen name, as he was one of the first romance writers. Crazy! #indiechat -9:36 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @MaganVernon Frak is used in far more places than BSG just so you know. #indiechat -9:36 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling So what's the most challenging part of publishing for all of you? #indiechat -9:36 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Well options are much better for authors nowadays. Before it was much different with only option Vanity and high priced PODs #indiechat -9:36 PM Jun 12th, 2012

DougSolter I don't really know my characters until after the first draft. RT @KatGirl_Studio @JessicaCheramie #indiechat -9:36 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Addison_Moore @JessicaCheramie I would love this answer as well. #indiechat -9:36 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @JessicaCheramie oh I have a nearly edetic memory. #indiechat -9:36 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth I have a bible for each series, too. Divided by main chars, settings & each bk @Addison_Moore @KatGirl_Studio @JessicaCheramie #indiechat -9:37 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak @KatGirl_Studio not in 1980 it wasn't. :P #indiechat -9:37 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Addison_Moore @laurapauling Not enough hours in the day. #indiechat -9:37 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 @KatGirl_Studio That's so cool! Have I mentioned I am LOVING your book? #indiechat -9:37 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @Addison_Moore So true. We all want to do more. I hate putting of an idea b/c of lack of time! #indiechat -9:37 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Wearing both publisher/writer hat makes for little time RT @laurapauling: The most challenging part of publishing for all of you? #indiechat -9:37 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @Froze8 not yet. But yay! #indiechat -9:38 PM Jun 12th, 2012

JessicaCheramie @kristiecookauth @Addison_Moore @KatGirl_Studio hehe me too. Or I spend so much time looking through old book. #indiechat -9:38 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling So we all need a magical extra 6 hours each day. #indiechat -9:38 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth Yes, please. RT @laurapauling: So we all need a magical extra 6 hours each day. #indiechat -9:38 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 @KatGirl_Studio I so do! Been sneaking away to read it, haha! #indiechat -9:38 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Before epublishing was popular - the most challenging was being taken seriously as a business owner & publisher #indiechat -9:38 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @Lisa_Nowak I used frak in DITM but only for some of the characters. #indiechat -9:38 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Addison_Moore @laurapauling Let's up it to 8. #indiechat -9:38 PM Jun 12th, 2012

DougSolter I agree! RT @LM_Preston Wearing both publisher/writer hat makes for little time RT @laurapauling #indiechat -9:38 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @LM_Preston I can see that. I love that self publishing is more accepted now and cheaper! #indiechat -9:39 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth @JessicaCheramie Yeah, I do that anyway. LOL #indiechat -9:39 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @Addison_Moore I do all my writing in Scrivener. Even used it to write all the guest posts for the tour. #indiechat -9:39 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling No kidding! RT @Addison_Moore: @laurapauling Let's up it to 8. #indiechat -9:39 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 So what are we talking about in #indiechat ? I have missed the last few D: -9:39 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon Hmmm maybe I should write instead of doing #indiechat #maybe -9:39 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston @laurapauling I'm wondering if it's as accepted as it appears. It's better but old perceptions die hard #indiechat it still hovers there -9:39 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 @MaganVernon We still need to meet sometime o_o #indiechat -9:40 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak @laurapauling Only six? I need an extra 12. #indiechat -9:40 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling Okay so if you could one piece of advice to someone just starting out - what would it be? #indiechat -9:40 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @Froze8 Open mic night. #indiechat -9:40 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @Froze8 ask a question. #indiechat -9:40 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KCircelli @Addison_Moore @laurapauling Definitely 8. 2 jobs plus writing leaves for very little TV and fun time. #indiechat -9:40 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth @laurapauling Research, research, research. Know what you're getting into. #indiechat -9:40 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @LM_Preston I know. It's not quite where we'd like it to be yet. #indiechat -9:40 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston My advice to a new Independent publisher is to take your time and LEARN the business, do a business plan, DON'T rush it! #indiechat -9:41 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Battista_j @laurapauling Pay for editing.#indiechat -9:41 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling in indie or in writing in general? #indiechat -9:41 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @kristiecookauth Great one. And so important. #indiechat -9:41 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio In indie. #indiechat -9:41 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 Since this is #indiechat and I dream of being on a book cover one day what do YOU authors want for your cover girls? -9:41 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Addison_Moore @laurapauling Set big goals then little ones to get you there and stick to them. #indiechat -9:41 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak @laurapauling Indie publishing is a business. Treat it as such. #indiechat -9:41 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling Oo I like RT @Addison_Moore: @laurapauling Set big goals then little ones to get you there and stick to them. #indiechat -9:42 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 Amen to this! RT @Battista_j: @laurapauling Pay for editing.#indiechat -9:42 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth Good one! RT @Lisa_Nowak: @laurapauling Indie publishing is a business. Treat it as such. #indiechat -9:42 PM Jun 12th, 2012

DougSolter Love my local SCBWI group. But I feel weird telling them I've selfpub. Still feel that old stigma. RT @LM_Preston @laurapauling #indiechat -9:42 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth Esp the "stick to them" part. RT @Addison_Moore: @laurapauling Set big goals then little ones to get you there and stick to them. #indiechat -9:42 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Addison_Moore @Froze8 Confidence! #indiechat -9:42 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Has anyone considered publishing others? #indiechat -9:42 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon @Froze8 If I'm going for a cover model I see if she is who I envision as the character. #indiechat -9:42 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling Learn to do as much as you can yourself and hire pros for the rest. #indiechat -9:42 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @DougSolter I felt it at our scbwi too but ran into authors in the biz a long time that were very supportive. #indiechat -9:42 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak @DougSolter Don't get me started on SCBWI. #indiechat -9:43 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth @LM_Preston Will be as soon as I get my business partner full time. #indiechat -9:43 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 @Addison_Moore I have some nice shots I think show confidence :) #indiechat -9:43 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling If you’re not willing to put in the work to deliver a professional product, then don’t even try to go it your own. #indiechat -9:43 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling ha ha RT @Lisa_Nowak: @DougSolter Don't get me started on SCBWI. #indiechat -9:43 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon @Froze8 I can do tonight if you are up for it. I'm in my jammies, though. #indiechat -9:43 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Has your perspective about becoming a published author changed since you became a publisher? #indiechat -9:43 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 @MaganVernon Where do you look for images? #indiechat -9:43 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KCircelli RT @kristiecookauth: Good one! RT @Lisa_Nowak: @laurapauling Indie publishing is a business. Treat it as such. #indiechat -9:43 PM Jun 12th, 2012

overdunne Hi all, I'm really late, but I thought I'd pop by and say hello. Never been here 'afore. #indiechat -9:43 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon @Froze8 I use Dreamstime and a photographer friend has models she uses. #indiechat -9:44 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @LM_Preston I've definitely seen it more as a business and a career instead of a dream. #indiechat -9:44 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 @MaganVernon Totally can to it tonight :) #indiechat -9:44 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak @Froze8 The girls on my book covers need to be able to hold a wrench like they know how to use it. #indiechat -9:44 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Addison_Moore @overdunne Welcome! It's never too late! #indiechat -9:44 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @MaganVernon Dreamstime? #indiechat -9:45 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Who still expects to make millions by just sitting at home and writing all day? #indiechat -9:45 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon @Froze8 Alright when shall we 'meet' up? #indiechat -9:45 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak @overdunne howdy! #indiechat -9:45 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 @MaganVernon I hear this a lot about photographers having models. I need to find a way into this business…#indiechat -9:45 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @LM_Preston lol definitely not me. #indiechat -9:45 PM Jun 12th, 2012

JessicaCheramie @KatGirl_Studio So true. Totally agree #indiechat -9:45 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon @KatGirl_Studio For stock art. It's where I got the cover art for My Paper Heart. #indiechat -9:45 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KCircelli @LM_Preston I started young with a crappy publisher(didnt know better) so my opinion changed for the better when I did it myself #indiechat -9:46 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 @Lisa_Nowak Good one :) #indiechat -9:46 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Battista_j @KatGirl_Studio @MaganVernon I use them too. Some good models. #indiechat -9:46 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston That's awesome! Will you work with authors in current genre? RT @kristiecookauth: Will be. #indiechat -9:46 PM Jun 12th, 2012

overdunne @Addison_Moore @Lisa_Nowak thank you! Just decided this week to self pub an ms. Very excited but holy cow, what a learning curve #indiechat -9:46 PM Jun 12th, 2012

DougSolter Again, my SCBWI group is awesome and some of the published authors have been supportive. But I don't "promote" inside my group. #indiechat -9:46 PM Jun 12th, 2012

JessicaCheramie @overdunne Hey. Glad you're here. #indiechat -9:46 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 @MaganVernon RIght after this chat? I'm not sure what time it is over where you are :)… #indiechat -9:46 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @overdunne The first one is the hardest! #indiechat -9:46 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth @LM_Preston Yeah, will probably start in current genre, then expand from there. #indiechat -9:46 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @MaganVernon Oh could you post i link? I always like finding new resources. #indiechat -9:46 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon @Froze8 If you find a local photographer alot of times they need models for projects,or you can just upload your own photos (cont)#indiechat -9:47 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Smart to start w/ market you know RT @kristiecookauth: Yeah, will probably start in current genre, then expand from there. #indiechat -9:47 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon @Froze8 a stock photo site like Dreamstime or istockphoto #indiechat -9:47 PM Jun 12th, 2012

DougSolter And that's all I have to say about that. :) #indiechat -9:47 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth @LM_Preston Exactly. Plus we can cross-promote books to readers. #indiechat -9:47 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling What's everyone's biggest piece of marketing advice? #indiechat -9:48 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston You don't need to! Great cover and great book is enough :-D RT @DougSolter: I don't "promote" inside my group. #indiechat -9:48 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon @KatGirl_Studio http://t.co/5jpNcC73 and then my book cover is here http://t.co/ZzVQZWpH #indiechat -9:48 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Addison_Moore @overdunne Remember to have fun and relax! Congrats to you! #indiechat @Lisa_Nowak -9:48 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @MaganVernon Love how the cover turned out! #indiechat -9:49 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 @MaganVernon I had a friend that was into it but changed to writing I guess I still feel new to my area (only been in GA 3 years) #indiechat -9:49 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak @overdunne That's for sure. Good luck. It can be brutal, as far as time management, but it's so worth it. #indiechat -9:49 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KCircelli @laurapauling Just get out and do it,even when you dont think you have the guts.You might just end up in front of 3000 people! #indiechat -9:49 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Marketing - Don't burn out. Don't break the bank. Do a little each day. Find what works & what you like & do it well. Have a plan #indiechat -9:49 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon @Battista_j @KatGirl_Studio I am paying for original artwork for my next series, though. #indiechat -9:49 PM Jun 12th, 2012

DanaElmendorf what does types of conversation happens during #indiechat -9:49 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 @laurapauling Have a good cover. The only time I pick up a book with a cover I don't like is if someone tells me I HAVE TO. #indiechat -9:49 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon @laurapauling Thanks! I love your cover more. #indiechat -9:50 PM Jun 12th, 2012

overdunne @MaganVernon Looks awesome. #indiechat -9:50 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @Froze8 I agree me too. Cover totally plays into it. But then the writing and story is why I keep reading. #indiechat -9:50 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston True it is. RT @Froze8: @laurapauling Have a good cover. The only time I pick up a book with a cover. #indiechat -9:50 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon @Froze8 I think #indiechat is over in 10 minutes. -9:50 PM Jun 12th, 2012

JessicaCheramie Different Marketing works for different people. No two ways work the same for anyone. Bank on 10% of what you try working #indiechat -9:50 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Addison_Moore @laurapauling Try all forms of advertising to see what works best for you. #indiechat -9:50 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon @overdunne Thanks! I try! #indiechat -9:50 PM Jun 12th, 2012

overdunne @Lisa_Nowak I've got time... well, no, I don't - but I'll make time. #indiechat -9:50 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Addison_Moore @Froze8 @laurapauling Ditto. #indiechat -9:50 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling It amazes me the difference b/t adult and YA covers. It's like YA is more art. Adult covers get away with a lot more. #indiechat -9:51 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak @laurapauling It's a crapshoot. What works for one person, won't work for everyone. Luck is a big factor. #indiechat -9:51 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Who publishes in paperback first? Then other formats? #indiechat -9:51 PM Jun 12th, 2012

JessicaCheramie When you find that 10%, Market like it's nobody's business #indiechat -9:51 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @MaganVernon I purchase stock photography and create enhanced photo covers but I also do 100% painted ones as well. #indiechat -9:51 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon #Indiechat has been my best form of advertising. For sure. -9:51 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 @laurapauling Very true. But it is always cover and word of mouth that gets me to buy the book :) #indiechat -9:51 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @LM_Preston I publish eBook first then paperback. #indiechat -9:51 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @Froze8 Def. me too! #indiechat -9:51 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak @overdunne You won't have time once you go indie. Bwa ha ha ha! I'd give my left kidney for an extra hour in the day. #indiechat -9:52 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @Froze8 It's amazing the power a cover has. #indiechat -9:52 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KCircelli RT @Froze8: @laurapauling Very true. But it is always cover and word of mouth that gets me to buy the book :) #indiechat -9:52 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 @MaganVernon Okay. Meet on Skype? #indiechat -9:52 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak @LM_Preston I do ebook first, in case I missed any typo. They're easier/cheaper to fix in ebook. #indiechat -9:52 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston Up until this year we published paperback first - then ebook. Now we've changed #indiechat -9:53 PM Jun 12th, 2012

DougSolter Don't market to people. Give to people. (80% Give) (20% Sell) Don't be a used car salesman. RT @laurapauling #indiechat -9:53 PM Jun 12th, 2012

overdunne @Lisa_Nowak :) I kinda figured that... thank God I have an understanding husband. #indiechat -9:53 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon @KatGirl_Studio http://t.co/LpSjag4w this is the girl who is doing the covers for my next series. All drawing. #indiechat -9:53 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 @KatGirl_Studio That is too cool. I just wish I could give stock to authors I adore and hope they find it useful :) #indiechat -9:53 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling I don't have as much time but I write just as much or more. I just use my time more wisely. #indiechat -9:53 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak @laurapauling Also, be like Susan Kaye Quinn and keep records and graphs on everything you try. #indiechat -9:53 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 @laurapauling It is! #indiechat -9:54 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon @Froze8 Okay, do I have your skype name? #indiechat -9:54 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak @overdunne I do, too. All I have to do is hand him a smart phone with Angry Birds on it and he's happy. :P #indiechat -9:54 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @Froze8 give stock photos? #indiechat -9:54 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 @MaganVernon Beautiful art! #indiechat -9:55 PM Jun 12th, 2012

hmward heres a post on evolution of a book cover #indiechat http://t.co/sTyFO86s -9:55 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon Everyone should look at this original Ace and Alex artwork! http://t.co/TJFHqta0 #indiechat -9:55 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @MaganVernon Love her illustrations. #indiechat -9:55 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 @MaganVernon It's froze8 (K8 Tilton ) :) #indiechat -9:55 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LeagueEnt Check out the latest SIMON VECTOR Review by @TwistedSciFi! http://t.co/tTt4O8nd #scifi #indiechat #kindle -9:56 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling I fold my laundry and do the dishes in my sleep. #indiechat -9:56 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 @KatGirl_Studio Yes? #indiechat -9:56 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak @Froze8 If you want to be on a book cover, you can do your own stock photos and sell them to one of the websites. #indiechat -9:56 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Phyrra RT @LeagueEnt: Check out the latest SIMON VECTOR Review by @TwistedSciFi! http://t.co/tTt4O8nd #scifi #indiechat #kindle -9:56 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon @laurapauling It's hard to find stock art and cover models when you have something really futuristic and high concept. #indiechat -9:56 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth Had a techno malfunction. Looking at what I missed in the last 5 mins of #indiechat -9:56 PM Jun 12th, 2012

hmward @laurapauling treat writing & marketing like a business. it'll help u not flush money down the drain. #indiechat -9:56 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @MaganVernon i bet. No wonder you went with illustration. #indiechat -9:56 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 @Lisa_Nowak True. I think right now I am more interested in knowing the book and author than the money part of it. #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Addison_Moore @laurapauling You're always ahead of the game Laura. #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio I used to post a lot of evolution shots but now i forget to save the WIPs I'd need to post about them. #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon @laurapauling If more models would just splice animal parts on to them I wouldn't have this problem, ha. #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston True RT @Lisa_Nowak: @Froze8 If you want to be on a book cover, you can do your own stock photos . #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 12th, 2012

JessicaCheramie All right, guys. I'm swamped. Gotta go. Hope it will be better next week. Bye y'all. #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 12th, 2012

hmward Been researching what forms of marketing work and which dont. OVERWHELMINGLY huge results with social media. #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @JessicaCheramie Good night! #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 12th, 2012

beccajcampbell RT @hmward: Been researching what forms of marketing work and which dont. OVERWHELMINGLY huge results with social media. #indiechat -9:58 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KCircelli The book cover is definitely what gets me first. If it has an awesome cover, chances are I'll think the book is just as awesome #indiechat -9:58 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling What are some topics everyone would like to discuss in the future? #indiechat -9:58 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @Froze8 are you a photographer? #indiechat -9:58 PM Jun 12th, 2012

overdunne Oddly enough, hubby and I have been talking about covers, stockphotos, marketing, indie pub in general all week. so glad I found #indiechat -9:58 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @MaganVernon ha ha! #indiechat -9:58 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 @KatGirl_Studio No, I had a friend that wanted to be though. Did a lot of modeling for her and have a mini portfolio. #indiechat -9:58 PM Jun 12th, 2012

kristiecookauth Haha! RT @MaganVernon: @laurapauling If more models would just splice animal parts on to them I wouldn't have this problem, ha. #indiechat -9:59 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Addison_Moore My internet has slowed to a crawl. Time to edit! Night! #indiechat -9:59 PM Jun 12th, 2012

beccajcampbell Did you guys talk cover design tonight in #indiechat and I missed it?!? -9:59 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon What do you all think of illustrated V. photo covers? #indiechat -9:59 PM Jun 12th, 2012

LM_Preston @overdunne Welcome to the madness :-D control of your work comes with lots of hard work, slow results but happiness #indiechat -9:59 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 @laurapauling For me, covers :) #indiechat oh and artwork (fan art and such) -9:59 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @beccajcampbell Open topic! #indiechat We talked about everything. -9:59 PM Jun 12th, 2012

beccajcampbell @kristiecookauth @MaganVernon @laurapauling Love that. :) #indiechat -9:59 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Steenaholmes “@laurapauling: What's everyone's biggest piece of marketing advice? #indiechat” Write More! -9:59 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @Froze8 oh coolness, you should show me sometime =^.^= #indiechat -9:59 PM Jun 12th, 2012

beccajcampbell @laurapauling Oh! Then my request for future is cover art/design. :) #indiechat -10:00 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 @MaganVernon Depends on the book I think #indiechat -10:00 PM Jun 12th, 2012

MaganVernon @beccajcampbell @kristiecookauth @laurapauling I aim to please. #indiechat -10:00 PM Jun 12th, 2012

DougSolter How to get a publisher? :) RT @laurapauling What are some topics everyone would like to discuss in the future? #indiechat -10:00 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling @DougSolter As in a small press publisher? #indiechat -10:00 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @MaganVernon I prefer enhanced photo imagery myself. It's a blending of both worlds. #indiechat -10:00 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 @KatGirl_Studio I would love that. I think I could pull of a daemon ;) #indiechat -10:01 PM Jun 12th, 2012

laurapauling Keep sharing future topic ideas! We're open. I'm signing off to do the transcripts. #indiechat -10:01 PM Jun 12th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio I second this! RT @beccajcampbell: @laurapauling Oh! Then my request for future is cover art/design. :) #indiechat -10:01 PM Jun 12th, 2012

Froze8 @KatGirl_Studio @MaganVernon And it is gorgeous! #indiechat -10:01 PM Jun 12th, 2012

DougSolter I'm sorry. That was a joke. :) RT @laurapauling #indiechat -10:01 PM Jun 12th, 2012