Topic 24 Publishing with Createspace

                                                          Self-Publishing-"Oh, no!"
Greetings,
I hope you've enjoyed the last weeks of February as much as I have, at least outdoors anyway. I think I mentioned in a previous post that I wanted my fifth novel available by spring, but there was a slight hitch. The previous publisher I used didn't notify me till the end of November they wouldn't be taking on my book.  So what did I do? I spoke with other authors who have used Createspace to get their books published. Many of them seemed satisfied, so I decided to take the leap.

If you are new to Createspace, I would suggest attending a class on how everything works or sit down with someone who has used it and have them walk you through the steps. Just going on the Createspace home page by myself wasn't sufficient for me. The first step, creating an account, was easy once my friend explained I had to establish an account in order to upload my novel or work with a cover. The next step is downloading the Createspace template for your novel. I chose the 6x9 size since my other novels are that size. You'll need to copy your original work and paste it into your template.

When my account was opened and the novel was saved in the 6x9 template, I uploaded my photo for the cover and worked with Createspace cover templates. Once that's done you can experiment with color backgrounds, and the design fonts too. I tried various designs and colors. I found a color I liked but not the template. Createspace offers cover assistance for a fee, but you also can find your own designer. Luckily for me, the person from my Florida writer's group, who helped walked me through the first few steps on Createspace, told me she does templates for covers. I just needed to send her the photo. The finished product choices for covers are matte and gloss. I chose gloss.

Of course there are other decisions to be made too. The description of your novel. What do you want readers to see on Amazon? What outlets do you want your book available for? Libraries? Universities? How about the price of your book?  One author I know suggested checking what other authors in your field are charging for the same size book. Another author, who has several books in the market, said she tries to keep her novels at the same price. Since my last novel published began a new series, I decided the second in the series should stick close to that price.

You can move in and out of Createspace at your own speed. When I hadn't done anything on Createspace for awhile though, they sent me an e-mail asking if they could be of assistance. I ignored the note. As you progress through the steps and save your work, you'll notice a checkmark by the items you've completed and are necessary to publish your book.

The most frustrating part of this self-publishing is how much time it consumes. I've been down in Florida since December and  haven't even started on my next novel. The other day I thought I was all set to finally order a large quantity of my novel. I had carefully proofed a downloaded copy and uploaded a corrected version to send for review. When I downloaded the new copy, I discovered my pages weren't numbered. The error had nothing to do with Createspace. It had to do with what I sent them. So my advice to you is---examine everything from top to bottom every time you send something in and save yourself a huge headache.

I want to also put my novel online for Kindle and Nook, but I've decided not to waste anymore time with that. My solution and it may end up being yours, find someone who is skilled in the process and can do it for you.

Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot
Mystery Novelist

Topic 23 Commitment for Writers

 

                                                                 COMMITMENT

Greetings,
Happy Valentines Day.
Now that January is over and we've "all" worked on our weight loss resolutions like we wanted to, I think a new concept for February is in order. Call it Commitment Month. We already use Valentines Day to let those special people in our lives know how we feel about them with cards and gifts, but what about ourselves. We as writers could use this month to renew the goals we've set, be it big or small, it doesn't matter. Just don't throw in the towel and stop writing. You've got a gift. Use it.

So many of us feel we're just too busy nowadays with our lives to jot down those creative ideas percolating in our heads day in and day out. But think about it. If we don't do it, what will there be for our children and grandchildren to read in the future. We have wonderful literature and poetry to read only because people like Robert Frost, Carl Sandburg, Emily Dickinson, Maya de Angelo, James Michener, Vince Flynn, Agatha Christie, Isaac Asimov, Nora Roberts, and G. K. Chesterton took the time to write their thoughts down and share them with the public.

Throughout the year, I appear at festivals and events to promote my mystery novels to the public, and I've had some wonderful discussions with those readers who visit with me. Can you guess what their number 1 comment is? They've had  this or that story idea on the back burner for years and still haven't done anything about it. "Maybe I'll get around to it someday," they say. And for most of them that someday never comes.

If your hands are too crippled to write or you can't see that well, seek out someone who can do it for you. If you don't feel comfortable with a computer, laptop or Ipad, there are people out there who offer these types of services. Your stories or poems are worth sharing.

Let's be honest, for most writers who have published more than one item the first few things we wrote, be it a short story, novel or poem, didn't quite measure up to what we considered acceptable for public consumption. So what did the majority of us do? Stop writing. No. We made a commitment to continue writing and improve on it, tweaking it here and there as we go.

On this Valentines Day, let's not forget about ourselves. I'm certainly not going to. One thing I found that can slow down our progess is a book cover design. That's what I've been struggling with for several weeks now. Luckily a recent writers' meeting I attended covered that specific topic.
A. Numbers in a title get people's attention. Especially Numbers 1, 3 and 5.
B. Make it simple. Think about the wow factor.
C. Who's your audience? Look at the top ten books in your genre. What do their covers look like?
D. Don't use more than three people in a photo.
E. What's the style of lettering used in your genre?
F. If you can't find the specific photo you're looking for on the Internet, think about taking a picture yourself or hire a photographer.  

Don't forget I'd love to receive your comments on any of my blog topics.

Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot
Mystery Author and Freelance Writer

Topic 22 Planning for the New Year

                                                             "AND THEIR OFF"
Greetings,
The first month of the new year ends tomorrow and I'm getting a little nervous. So many things to plan for this year as a writer and I've barely gotten started. Are you in the same boat? The problem is where to start?

I learned a lot from the my first trip to the Greyhound dog races yesterday. Those wonderful dogs have speed, grace, and determination. Nothing stands in their way once the gate flies open, including rain. At Post Time their eyes are glued only on the prize, the rabbit.

Post Time is here for us too. We each need to remember to keep our eyes on the prize. Pick the best events for you as a writer to attend--be it seminars, conferences, webinar's, college classes, writing your next novel, or meeting with your readers. Only you can decide which are the most beneficial to you. According to F.W. Dupee, "Progress always involves risk: you can't steal second base and keep your foot on first." We all have to make those meaningful decisions and go for it. In order to succeed you have to take the first step. If you want to take baby steps, go right ahead as long as you see yourself moving forward not backwards.

In a Writer Unboxed article dated 1/28/2016  author Heather Webb says, "Be yourself--not someone else." She tells writers that we should be proud of what we've accomplished. Every step we take in our writing path should be celebrated regardless if you've just written a book or a chapter.

Think outside the box this year before you firmly commit to anything. One blogger shared this suggestion-- have a birthday celebration every year on the date we launched our book. Not a bad idea. Maybe we should try it. It can't hurt.

Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot
A Minnesota Mystery Author  
      and freelance writer

Topic 21 Striving for the Best

Greetings from sunny Florida,
Well, at least it was today. It's been raining on and off for the past three weeks, but I shouldn't complain when people in other areas are putting up with sub-zero temperatures. It's just that when you come to Florida you expect it to be sunny everyday, without giving any thought to the beautiful vegetation surrounding you and its need for watering periodically.

Speaking of expectations, my home state of Minnesota thought they had the football game in the bag last week when the Vikings played against the Seattle Seahawks and actually lost by one point. The kicker for Minnesota's team was off the mark with his kick that could've won the game. Viewers and players were both disappointed. But a classroom of first graders wrote letters to the kicker to encourage him and make him feel better instead of crummy. Just what he needed. Kind attention.

When we fail at something, including with our writing, all we can do is brush ourselves off and start over. That's what striving for the best is all about. For me it was receiving notice that my publisher wouldn't be taking on my next novel. Did I decide to give up? No. I'm trying other venues to get my book out there for a June release. You see my readers are expecting it and I don't want to disappoint them.

The picture of the Ibis at the top of this blog was taken at the Naples Zoo the other day. Like us humans he kept trying and trying to get the little piece of metal flipped up just right so food would fall out. He didn't give up either. Eventually it paid off. His fellow bird friends were rewarded with food actually meant for fish.

Maybe the story or poem you wrote wasn't accepted by a particular venue. Don't give up. Look for other avenues for your work. There's plenty out there.  Has your teacher or friend told you your work still hasn't hit it's mark yet. Work on it. Revise. If you give up, you'll never know if your work could've been published. So, keep working at it.

It's a new year, so let's start anew. Do you want to get the right's back to your novel or stories? Here's an excellent article found at Writer Unboxed I' d like to share with you. Obtaining Reversion Publishing Rights: the Good, the bad, and the Ugly by Susan Spann  January 10, 2016. Making sure you new contracts are written right is extremely important. I asked Susan about the rights to a book cover and her reply can be seen at the bottom of her article in the COMMENTS section.

Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot
    

Topic 20 The Year in Review

December 2015-A Time to Review

Greetings,
As we wind down the year, it's a good time to reflect not only on changes we'd like to make as a writer in the coming year, but also to review the progress we've made in the year ending. So, let's take a look at writer ideas and thoughts shared on this blog this past year and see how many you've already incorporated in your own writing life.

1. Tuning in to conversations around you--be it the hairdresser, barber shop, grocery store, airport, work, or the beach. You never know when you might want to use those words.
2. Capture ideas--read newspapers and other pertinent articles, listen to
    news reports on radio and TV.      
3. Life experiences--Don't be afraid to weave them into your stories.
4. Travels--keep a notebook with unique names of streets, lakes, shops, license plates, etc.
5. Research--It's imperative for any writing project. Check and recheck. Get the facts straight
   no matter if you're writing fact or fiction.
6. Interviews--Take advantage of them. Be courteous, on time, listen, and take copious notes.
   You never know when you might want to use info for a poem or another story.
7. Beginnings--Great ones pull the reader in the instant book is opened.
8. Balance--It's all about balance in your life. Letting go and prioritizing. Take a deep
    breath and set aside time for yourself.
9. Writer versus spectator (readers)--People's life's change from day to day. An Author is
     affected by his writings and the acceptance/rejection of his work.
10. Images--Attending events such as parades, live stage shows offer a wealth of things to
      write about. Pick up on emotions and description of people.
11. Molding characters--Select appropriate name, discover background, details, strengths/fears/
      challenges.
12. Exploring topics--Take in a state fair or a circus. Tons of ideas for stories and poems.
13. Rewriting--Keep rewriting till things smooth out and fall into place.
14. Character Names--Finding great ones. Page through magazines, books, etc.
15. Reading other writer's works--Infuse your work with inspiration from other authors.
16. Writing tips from fellow writer/bloggers--A writer can always pick up new ideas. You just
      have to pick and chose as they come across your computer.
17. Marketing--the 4 P's. Product, Place, Promotion, and Price
18. Mentoring--Don't be afraid to ask a fellow writer for help. And offer advice to a struggling
      new author.
19. Everything Old is New--We actually draw on the stories of long ago to write a new version.
      Stories from ancient Greeks, philosophers, the Bible, Mother Goose, Aesop's
      Fables, Shakespeare contain violence, conflict and love/hate relationships.
     
Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot

Topic 19 Everything Old is New Again.

Happy Holidays from Florida,

I know this is really late and I apologize. Ever since the end of October my life has been topsy turvy and has just now settled down. Sold the house, had a 2-day moving sale, packed up everything in the house and moved. When we took out packed belongings at the new, much smaller dwelling, we found ourselves settling items in different spots we never thought of. Well, it was either that or tossing things we really didn't want to part with.
   
If you celebrate special holidays in your life, more than likely you make use of the same decorations year after year - changing out the old ones from time to time after catching a clever idea in a magazine or in a store display. Similarly, a writer's work is heavily influenced by what we see and read too, even if we don't realize it.

I read an intriguing article "Old Books > New Books" by Lance Schaubert on Writer Unboxed the end of November in regards to the above paragraph. And I find myself agreeing with him. According to Lance, "Everything you create is not true creation... We're makers." We authors are just taking a different spin on an idea already out there. Making the old new again.

By now most of us are familiar with the classics. We recognize quotes from Shakespeare, movies, plays, and the bible. We think about the protagonist and antagonist in various stories of old and pick up a thread here or there from them to tie our story up into a bow.

My fifth novel, which I hope will be out in the spring, refers to a house in Duluth that looks like it's from the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel. Since I finished writing the novel, I've read two books referring to houses looking like that. The most recent reference found in Sue Grafton's book U is for Undertow. 

Maybe you've referred to a quote from one of Shakespeare's plays only to discover another author referred to the same thing. According to Lance's article, Shakespeare borrowed 60% from the great writers living before him. Pretty amazing isn't it? Even famous writers borrow from others.

In the end of Lance's article he says if you haven't read certain books in your field of writing you probably don't know your field. I believe in one of my other topics I suggested that you read, read read other authors works whenever you can. Especially top notch authors from different eras. For mystery authors Poe, G.K. Chesterton and others were mentioned. Some, on Lance's list of suggestions, I hadn't even heard of, but  I definitely plan to check them out. Who knows, a new idea might spring to life for me from a glimpse into their written words.

Have any of you ever seen something in someone else's writing that you've used in your own stories? Would love to hear from you on that subject.

In the meantime, have a safe holiday no matter what you're celebrating and I'll try to do the same down here in sunny Florida.

Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot
Mystery Author

Topic 18 Mentoring

Greetings,
 
I know it's been a while since you last heard from me even though I had promised to write 2 blogs a month. But I have a darn good excuse. The end of October we sold our home and have been busy ever since gathering our belongings collected over the years from a million different hiding spots in our log home. If you've lived someplace for any length of time and then moved, you understand the process.

Of course, as soon as friends and relatives heard the news they offered a lot of sound advice just like a mentor would. Some advice was good other information not so helpful involving packing, downsizing, what moving service to use, and weather or not to hold a moving sale in Minnesota this time of year. When someone offers advice you take it with a smile. Then you take some time to think about the suggestions and decide which to follow through on and which not to. After all you're the one moving and doing all the work, not them.

Being mentored to as a writer is similar. You sort through the suggestions and then you make the final decisions, whether they're right or wrong. What should you keep of a story or discard? What writing tools should you use or publishing company? Do you feel your story fits middle school readership as well as the over twenty age bracket?

Today we gathered the things we no longer wanted, but were still in good condition, and took them to a thrift store where someone else can take possession of what we thought we couldn't live without. Some day when you're ready to mentor a fellow writer maybe you'll do the same. Don't be afraid to pass on suggestions that you've found helpful to another writer who is looking for that specific information.

In Writer Unboxed, -"Getting the Most Out of Mentoring from Both Sides of the Fence" author Sophie Masson states, "Writers experience mentoring in one way or the other at every stage in their careers." And it's true. Whether you're a new author or have been writing a long time. Most writers belong to one or more writers groups and share what they've written to get feedback. Those listening to the reader try to offer solid suggestions to the authors. Not tear them down. Trust is the essential ingredient for mentoring or being mentored to Masson says. Without trust no one would feel comfortable exposing their writing to fellow writers.

A lot of us are thin-skinned though and it's hard to swallow what others think of our work. Try to remember it's just a critique. You can heed their advice or not. It's up to you. Just smile, say thank you, and keep your thoughts to yourself.

Years ago when I joined a writers group in my area, one or two writers would really tear other writers' works to shreds. It didn't matter if the  story was great or not.  But guess what? Something amazing happened. One of the long-time writers spoke up and said, "I think there's too much negative criticism of the work being read. We need to start being more positive about our feedback." And that's when our meetings got better for the writer as well as the listener.

Well, it's time to end my blog on mentoring. Tomorrow I still have more packing to do. Friday we move to our new home in the Twin Cities.

Happy Thanksgiving A Little Early
Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot