I've only mentioned 'research' when I first started my novel - which is still nowhere near finished, please don't question it - and when I discovered you can use it as an excuse to take lots of trips and your husband has to be supportive...
Whilst being more involved with the Twitter's writing community, I've noticed a few patterns and themes within people's queries or pitches. Young Adult and Sci-Fi seems to be what people are looking for / writing themselves.
And I have no idea how to write YA fiction, and I worry too much about plot holes in Sci-Fi stories to even attempt - so as you can see it's off to a good start.
The second most popular genre I've found is Fantasy. I can't write that either.
I cannot for the life of me get into fantasy, books nor television, my brain just doesn't accept it.
BUT - if all of these other indie authors are writing YA, Sci-Fi and Fantasy, then
why would mine stand out? Why shouldn't I jump on the band wagon? Shouldn't I be working on something else
entirely to distance myself from already popular genres?
YES, I should.
Right, I'm almost out of options. Lots of indies are strong with Sci-Fi or Fantasy. So, the best thing I can do is play to my strengths. I can write comedy, so that's the direction I'll send my novels in. It's always good to stand out - especially if you'll be out of your depth if you attempt something you're not knowledgeable about.
Do your research! It's good to know what's popular with other indies, so you can decide if you're diving in with them, or stepping back to rethink.
The writing community is very friendly so making a query will not go unheard!
Showing posts with label Female Author. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Female Author. Show all posts
Saturday, 27 April 2019
Thursday, 4 April 2019
The Macroodelzig - Where To Find One!
The Macroodelzig has been out for a while now, which means the book is available in more stores! Hooray!
Along with the fabulous online feedback, I've spoken with many people who really enjoyed the story, artwork and the message of the book. I'm so happy with the response I've had, and I am grateful that people are willing to set time aside to read my book and write up a little review. Please leave a review if you can, it really helps indie authors out.
The book is now out in the world, and you can grab a copy from all corners of the world. Here's a list of online websites and bookstores that stock the book:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Booktopia
Bokus
Foyles
If you spot a copy of the book in the wild, don't be shy, let me know so I can update this post!
Happy book hunting!
Along with the fabulous online feedback, I've spoken with many people who really enjoyed the story, artwork and the message of the book. I'm so happy with the response I've had, and I am grateful that people are willing to set time aside to read my book and write up a little review. Please leave a review if you can, it really helps indie authors out.
The book is now out in the world, and you can grab a copy from all corners of the world. Here's a list of online websites and bookstores that stock the book:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Booktopia
Bokus
Foyles
If you spot a copy of the book in the wild, don't be shy, let me know so I can update this post!
Happy book hunting!
Friday, 29 March 2019
Indie Writer : Dealing With Imposter Syndrome
I've posted twice about experiencing imposter syndrome. There's genuinely a horrible feeling of playing pretend when you're trying to follow your dreams and getting nowhere fast.
I've seen a few people posting about it in the Twitter Writing Community, which is comforting to know I'm not the only one, but it's also awful knowing that so many talented people feel like this when it comes to writing.
It can come in different forms, feeling like you're not being taken seriously as a writer, looking at your own work and thinking it's absolute rubbish, thinking your work will be overlooked because you're 'a nobody', or even when looking for writing jobs and not applying because you're not a household name.
Writing is hard, it always has been and it always will be - and unfortunately, Imposter Syndrome seems to follow not far behind whenever you start a writing project.
Yet, it's not permanent. Whenever I get excited that work was accepted, or I run with a new idea, or when a project is finished, it goes. Know it's not forever, it never shows it's face when you're on an up - I know it's often a long time between good news, but point stands, enthusiasm seems to curb the idea you're an imposter.
Chin up, crack on, and understand it's temporary.
I've seen a few people posting about it in the Twitter Writing Community, which is comforting to know I'm not the only one, but it's also awful knowing that so many talented people feel like this when it comes to writing.
It can come in different forms, feeling like you're not being taken seriously as a writer, looking at your own work and thinking it's absolute rubbish, thinking your work will be overlooked because you're 'a nobody', or even when looking for writing jobs and not applying because you're not a household name.
Writing is hard, it always has been and it always will be - and unfortunately, Imposter Syndrome seems to follow not far behind whenever you start a writing project.
Yet, it's not permanent. Whenever I get excited that work was accepted, or I run with a new idea, or when a project is finished, it goes. Know it's not forever, it never shows it's face when you're on an up - I know it's often a long time between good news, but point stands, enthusiasm seems to curb the idea you're an imposter.
Chin up, crack on, and understand it's temporary.
Thursday, 14 March 2019
Amazon Bestseller : The Maths
Ever wanted to work out how books reach the Top 100 on Amazon? They have a Best Sellers Ranking system which gives each book a number - this number changes with reviews, sales, and other books being added on to the Amazon website. So, I was wondering what it would take to hit the Top 100 from standing...
My best sellers ranking (at the minute) is 130,706.
So, I would need to have at least 130,606 reviews or sales within a limited period - as I said, if more books are added the book can be knocked back. (ARGH!)
I have approx. 450 Facebook friends, and 750 Twitter followers.
Providing there is no cross over with accounts, that's 1,200 people - so even if they purchased the book or left a review, it wouldn't scratch the surface. To smash this realistically, you'll need the best advertising and promotional team going - but who has the money for this?
It's near impossible - in my opinion - for an indie author, to promote, advertise and even know enough people to have them ALL help accomplish this goal.
I'm still attempting to boost the ranking number - for a personal achievement / for fun - it gives me something to work towards with this book.
The ranking doesn't mean the content of the book is no good - don't forget this!
Want to try and help bump my number up?
Grab The Macroodelzig on Amazon now!
My best sellers ranking (at the minute) is 130,706.
So, I would need to have at least 130,606 reviews or sales within a limited period - as I said, if more books are added the book can be knocked back. (ARGH!)
I have approx. 450 Facebook friends, and 750 Twitter followers.
Providing there is no cross over with accounts, that's 1,200 people - so even if they purchased the book or left a review, it wouldn't scratch the surface. To smash this realistically, you'll need the best advertising and promotional team going - but who has the money for this?
It's near impossible - in my opinion - for an indie author, to promote, advertise and even know enough people to have them ALL help accomplish this goal.
I'm still attempting to boost the ranking number - for a personal achievement / for fun - it gives me something to work towards with this book.
The ranking doesn't mean the content of the book is no good - don't forget this!
Want to try and help bump my number up?
Grab The Macroodelzig on Amazon now!
Friday, 8 March 2019
The Macroodelzig - Super Sneaky Snippet!
I just had to make a small, flick through video to promote my children's book, The Macroodelzig!
It's very short, but it shows the amazing artwork - by Tommings - and this is the first sneak preview video I've ever made, so I love it!
Please give it a view / share / like / comment etc! The book is coming soon, so let's hype it up!
> > The Macroodelzig Sneak Preview < <
It's very short, but it shows the amazing artwork - by Tommings - and this is the first sneak preview video I've ever made, so I love it!
Please give it a view / share / like / comment etc! The book is coming soon, so let's hype it up!
> > The Macroodelzig Sneak Preview < <
Happy International Women's Day!
Shout out to all the female creatives out there making a living!
Celebrate all of the women in your life today (and every single day ever) by supporting their work, and promoting their business - trying to make a name for yourself as an indie is hard enough without there being a gender bias.
Today is a day to celebrate your favourite female artists, poets, writers, musicians, comedians, mothers, scientists, medical staff etc, etc.
I've written a poem about female empowerment in my book, Mind The Gap.
Give it a search on the blog for a link, if you're interested!
Celebrate all of the women in your life today (and every single day ever) by supporting their work, and promoting their business - trying to make a name for yourself as an indie is hard enough without there being a gender bias.
Today is a day to celebrate your favourite female artists, poets, writers, musicians, comedians, mothers, scientists, medical staff etc, etc.
I've written a poem about female empowerment in my book, Mind The Gap.
Give it a search on the blog for a link, if you're interested!
Monday, 4 March 2019
How To Support Indies - FOR FREE!
Imagine having lots of means of supporting your friend's dream, without having to spend a penny!
Well, you can - and you should!
What you can do to help indie authors:
Review the books on Amazon / Like their Facebook page / Share news posts / Share images of their work / Like their posts / Invite your friends to their social media pages / Ask for the books to be stocked at your local library / Ask your local bookstores to stock the books / Talk about their work on your own social media / Tell your other friends about them.
What you can do to help indie illustrators:
Like their social media pages / Like the artwork that they post / Share and comment on images they share / Invite your friends to their social media pages / Talk about their work to your other friends / Recommend them to people looking for artists / Share and credit their work on your own social media platforms / Create fan art and tag the original artist / Attend exhibitions or shows they may put on.
All. For. Free!
Saturday, 16 February 2019
Stepping Away From A WIP
Spending some time away from a writing project could go one of three ways:
1. Fresh eyes on a project could inspire new ideas, which could result in pushing time and effort into finishing your work.
2. You could feel it still has potential, but now isn't the right time to fully emmerse yourself in it. Put a pin in it and you can always return later.
3. You find the project is longer relevant, it has run it's course and you no longer want your name on it.
If it is the third route, don't feel guilty for cutting ties with a WIP.
Yes, you worked hard on a particular creative writing piece, but do you really want to put your heart into something you find limited?
It happens.
Some WIPs got put on hold for a reason - it's better to put time into new projects, than trying to salvage something you believe isn't going anywhere.
If you aren't sure about a WIP, go for option 2 - but if you know you're stunted, drop it, you can always cut extracts from it you feel can be used elsewhere.
Keep moving forward!
Don't feel bad for letting go of a project!
1. Fresh eyes on a project could inspire new ideas, which could result in pushing time and effort into finishing your work.
2. You could feel it still has potential, but now isn't the right time to fully emmerse yourself in it. Put a pin in it and you can always return later.
3. You find the project is longer relevant, it has run it's course and you no longer want your name on it.
If it is the third route, don't feel guilty for cutting ties with a WIP.
Yes, you worked hard on a particular creative writing piece, but do you really want to put your heart into something you find limited?
It happens.
Some WIPs got put on hold for a reason - it's better to put time into new projects, than trying to salvage something you believe isn't going anywhere.
If you aren't sure about a WIP, go for option 2 - but if you know you're stunted, drop it, you can always cut extracts from it you feel can be used elsewhere.
Keep moving forward!
Don't feel bad for letting go of a project!
Wednesday, 13 February 2019
Revisiting A WIP : The Macroodelzig!
I recently revisited a WIP that I began last year - it was to create a Dr Seuss style story.
It's not quite Dr Seuss, but it's definitely a Beffy Parkin!
It's a children's story, loosely based on my dog, Ziggy. She's a naughty, silly but lovable little dog, who doesn't understand boundaries - she is the ideal children's book character!
I have written up The Macroodelzig, and I'm just waiting on illustrations now - so the book should be released this year! Oh yeah, already smashing my 2019 writing challenges!
Revisiting a work in progress will always be rewarding, you need breaks away from your work so it doesn't go stale and you start to hate it - a break allows fresh eyes on a project, and it can have a happy ending - if not, let it rest a little longer!
I'll be going wild promoting The Macroodelzig in the near future, so please share, like, whatever you can!
Keep your eyes peeled!
It's not quite Dr Seuss, but it's definitely a Beffy Parkin!
It's a children's story, loosely based on my dog, Ziggy. She's a naughty, silly but lovable little dog, who doesn't understand boundaries - she is the ideal children's book character!
I have written up The Macroodelzig, and I'm just waiting on illustrations now - so the book should be released this year! Oh yeah, already smashing my 2019 writing challenges!
Revisiting a work in progress will always be rewarding, you need breaks away from your work so it doesn't go stale and you start to hate it - a break allows fresh eyes on a project, and it can have a happy ending - if not, let it rest a little longer!
I'll be going wild promoting The Macroodelzig in the near future, so please share, like, whatever you can!
Keep your eyes peeled!
Monday, 4 February 2019
Trying To Write With 'Baby Brain'
For those who don't know, you do now.
I'm pregnant!
See, you couldn't even tell on my blog because my writing has been up to scratch, hasn't it?
Well, now my 'baby brain' is getting worse.
I forget words, I get distracted and I completely mess up what I'm saying - which is difficult when you're trying to be a full time writer.
I haven't lost any motivation as I try to write daily. I haven't ran out of ideas because my notes are bursting. I haven't put a pin in writing as this is my dream job and I need to continue.
I am just struggling to form a decent sentence and words don't look right anymore.
I thought my peak worst 'baby brain' moment was thinking someone was called 'Wolf Fingers', rather than 'William'. It's hard work.
I'm writing now in short bursts and taking longer breaks, it's not ideal, but I'm not stopping writing. My WIPS are still open and I'm attempting to be more productive. If you are a pregnant writer - you're doing amazing. It is hard when your brain is slowly melting. Writing will always be worth it. Keep your 'baby brain' busy.
I'm pregnant!
See, you couldn't even tell on my blog because my writing has been up to scratch, hasn't it?
Well, now my 'baby brain' is getting worse.
I forget words, I get distracted and I completely mess up what I'm saying - which is difficult when you're trying to be a full time writer.
I haven't lost any motivation as I try to write daily. I haven't ran out of ideas because my notes are bursting. I haven't put a pin in writing as this is my dream job and I need to continue.
I am just struggling to form a decent sentence and words don't look right anymore.
I thought my peak worst 'baby brain' moment was thinking someone was called 'Wolf Fingers', rather than 'William'. It's hard work.
I'm writing now in short bursts and taking longer breaks, it's not ideal, but I'm not stopping writing. My WIPS are still open and I'm attempting to be more productive. If you are a pregnant writer - you're doing amazing. It is hard when your brain is slowly melting. Writing will always be worth it. Keep your 'baby brain' busy.
Monday, 21 January 2019
Sticky Note Haiku Procrastinator
I feel the title could be my superhero name / be on my headstone without it being questioned.
If you follow me on Instagram - my handle is @thebeffyparkin - you'll know I was supposed to be doing paperwork today, something I've been putting off since the dawn of time. Obviously, I shuffled three pieces of paper then began writing..
My brain has rewired itself. I used to enjoy organising paperwork.
Now, I'm happy writing all day and making a massive desk mess. Shocking.
I'm attempting to use this to my advantage, somehow. I am hoping to create rhymes and haikus WHILST ticking things off my to-do list - and when some jobs are done, "as a treat" I can begin making notes. What an exciting life!
It has to be sticky notes - or I'm just going to create more paperwork that I'll never finish. Smart.
Here's the result of this morning's procrastination:
If you follow me on Instagram - my handle is @thebeffyparkin - you'll know I was supposed to be doing paperwork today, something I've been putting off since the dawn of time. Obviously, I shuffled three pieces of paper then began writing..
My brain has rewired itself. I used to enjoy organising paperwork.
Now, I'm happy writing all day and making a massive desk mess. Shocking.
I'm attempting to use this to my advantage, somehow. I am hoping to create rhymes and haikus WHILST ticking things off my to-do list - and when some jobs are done, "as a treat" I can begin making notes. What an exciting life!
It has to be sticky notes - or I'm just going to create more paperwork that I'll never finish. Smart.
Here's the result of this morning's procrastination:
Saturday, 19 January 2019
Collecting Material
Whilst having a day out this week, this beauty was found:
After finding this pleasant surprise, I've decided I need to really consider writing some novels..
Based in Australia.. Or Hawaii..
But it'll be a very long winded book, so I'd need to collect material, for approximately, a year?
I never thought of this aspect of writing - changing your scenery to spark ideas or research a particular place/event.
This is probably because I can find inspiration to write whilst running a bath, or having a drive, or trying not to burn pasta sauce.
I definitely need to broaden my horizons and get myself off to interesting places - to see what weird and wonderful things I could come up with!
Here's to finding inspiration, and collecting material, everywhere and anywhere!
After finding this pleasant surprise, I've decided I need to really consider writing some novels..
Based in Australia.. Or Hawaii..
But it'll be a very long winded book, so I'd need to collect material, for approximately, a year?
I never thought of this aspect of writing - changing your scenery to spark ideas or research a particular place/event.
This is probably because I can find inspiration to write whilst running a bath, or having a drive, or trying not to burn pasta sauce.
I definitely need to broaden my horizons and get myself off to interesting places - to see what weird and wonderful things I could come up with!
Here's to finding inspiration, and collecting material, everywhere and anywhere!
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