Running Horses

Running Horses

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Why You Want Fellow Authors to Succeed

chrismcmullen

Writing, Publishing, and Marketing Ideas


Chris has a lot of good posts, but I thought this one worth sharing.  Enjoy!

You want your fellow authors to be successful.
You even want books similar to yours to do well.
And it’s not just about creating good karma.
It makes good business sense, too.
Some would have you believe that the way to thrive in the competitive publishing business is to play the cutthroat game and slam the competition. Unfortunately, you can find stories of a few big authors and publishers slamming one another, not just recently, but even going way back. You can also find gossip about more underhanded activities.
But that’s just foolish.
And again, it’s not just because it’s not nice. Economically, it doesn’t make sense if you take a moment to look a few moves ahead.
Highly similar books usually sell together. Some customers buy them all at once. Some buy one today, another in a month, and another a few months from now.
Similar books help one another out through customers-also-bought associations. They also help one another out through word-of-mouth referrals because they share a common target audience and people within that audience do discuss books they enjoy.
When you buy a book online, Amazon recommends similar books. When you visit your homepage, again Amazon recommends similar books.
Foolish authors look at similar books and think, “Oh no! That book looks good. It might take all my sales.” The immature reaction is to slam the competition.
And shoot yourself in the foot in the process.
Most likely, that book won’t take your sales. Most likely, that book will either (A) help your sales or (B) not affect your sales.
When customers really like a book, they want to find more books similar to that.
But there is one way that similar books can take your sales. That’s when you succeed in hurting that book’s sales.
Then, instead of that book’s sales helping your book out through customers-also-bought associations, it’s hurting your sales by not sending traffic your way.
When authors slam one another and a lot of the competition, it creates a bad vibe for the whole set of similar books. It hurts sales for everybody.
Similar books are free marketing for you. Other authors’ great content and effective marketing helps you through customers-also-bought marketing. You don’t need to do anything to benefit from this except continue writing your own books, developing your own author platform, and marketing your own books.
Applaud your fellow authors and watch them help you without even trying.
Act on your jealousy and watch you hurt yourself.
First of all, your efforts to hurt the competition may actually help the competition because you’re giving those other books more publicity, even if it’s negative. And you have to credit people, who can often smell a rat.
Second of all, you don’t want to hurt the sales of similar books that can only help you out.
And what about those amazing authors who break through and make it big time?
Does that make you feel all jealous inside? Do you look at those books critically and think how childish the storyline is, how poorly edited the book is, and completely miss the big picture?
Applaud those authors. If you self-publish, applaud the indie authors who succeed. They’re helping to make a great name for indie authors. They’re reaching hundreds of thousands of readers and showing them that indie books can be amazing.
If you self-publish, you want other indie authors to be successful. Their success builds a large audience of readers who are willing to take a chance on indie books. That helps you.
It’s not just indie author success. It’s any author success. Any author who makes readers love the reading experience creates future sales for many other authors.
There is no indie versus traditional battle. What’s most ridiculous about that is the increasing number of authors who publish both ways. Should they punch themselves in the face?
There is just one battle. That’s you wrestling against yourself, your emotions, and your irrational instincts.
What’s good for readers is good for all authors.
And if there are readers who enjoy a book, that book is pleasing readers and therefore good for all authors, including you, whether or not you approve of that book.
Way to go, Amanda Hocking! You made a huge name for yourself. You made a huge name for indie authors.
Way to go, Hugh Howey! Way to go, E.L. James!
Way to go, Stephen King! Your great works have hooked millions of readers not just on your books, but on the love of reading.
Way to go, J.K. Rowling! Way to go, Anne Rice!
Way to go, all authors, big and small, whose books have pleased readers.
Chris McMullen, Author of A Detailed Guide to Self-Publishing with Amazon and Other Online Booksellers
  • Volume 1 on formatting and publishing
  • Volume 2 on marketability and marketing

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Another Great Giveaway!


It's on FACEBOOK, so be ready to sign in.
This is my novel that is available for giveaway.  Take a chance on it while it's free.  You might like it.
Read more about it on AMAZON.



Monday, May 12, 2014

Children's Book Week


Children’s Book Week: What’s in Store for 2014

Monday kicks off this year’s Children’s Book Week, May 12 to 18, 2014.
 CBW_Poster-240
Sue has a great article here.  If you have children, grandchildren, or write children's books, it will interest you.  Thanks, Sue.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

How To Write For the 21st Century Reader: 6 Tips to Modernize Your Prose by Anne R. Allen

I found Anne's article most informative and thought I'd pass it along.  Its essential if you are a writer, but if you are a reader you might want to become more aware of your changing habits.

I read a lot, and write a lot, on my computer.  It has a large screen I still need to scoot toward me to see well.  I get very tired sitting here.  And I really get tired of reading from the screen.  I always long for the book so I can lay back comfortably or sit in a comfortable chair with my legs up and read every single word. That's my pleasure.

I tried skimming, but only do it if I find the work basically uninteresting for any number of reasons.  I'll get the gist of it and move on.  That's work, not a pleasure.

Now look over at least some of Anne's long article to find the points that fit you best, for now.  But keep it, because you may want to review it occasionally for its finer points.



Publishing isn't the only thing that's being transformed by the digital age. Reading and writing themselves are evolving.

We may not like it, but as writers, we need to be aware that our audience's habits are changing.

Last month I wrote about how to format your blog for easy skimming, and unfortunately, we need to keep the skimmer in mind when writing our books as well. A good percentage of readers buy their novels for screens now, and their habits spill over from Web browsing to novel-reading.

Continue blog HERE:

Have a great day and don't forget Mother's Day this weekend.

Monday, April 28, 2014

Mother's Day Reading Blitz





There will be a live Giveaway event on Facebook for 
the Mother's Day Reading Blitz

Put the whole three-day weekend on your calendar 
Allow Mom to sign up for awesome gifts,
then shop for her next book, or stock up for her summer vacation.

Also note on your calendar the three day Mother's Day weekend, from May 9 - 11.  During those three days be sure to visit the Indie World Publishing & Author Services website to search through the 72 books by over 60 fantastic female authors which will be available for only $0.99!  That's 99 cents! Participating books can be found here so start looking now: http://www.indieworldpub.com/#!mdrb-books-by-genre/c1f28

On Saturday, May 10th, there will be a giant giveaway of lots of fantastic books written by female authors ~~ some on the book sale lists and some not.  All these books have strong female lead characters.  

There will also be other items available for giveaway.  The great news is you don't have to be a mother (or even a female) to join in the fun!  Just mark your calendars and get ready to enter each contest for your chance to win!  Oh - and invite all your friends and family!  We'll be expecting to see you there!

For my part, I have 7 of my books posted for sale at the amazing low price of 99 cents.  I will also have two others to be given away.  Visit the site today for my listing of books in the variety of genres so you will know which ones you might be interested in purchasing. 

For the giveaway I've chosen my two children's books (see below) since they have no Kindle equivalent.  Click on the link below the picture to visit the Amazon page where you can read about them and see the reviews.  

If you win a book, or decide to buy one, please be considerate of the author and make a comment on the book's Amazon page about your reading experience.  It's not difficult.  Just scroll down the page to the write a customer review button and click.  There is even a Tips and Guidelines link highlighted on the review page if you want some hints on what to do.

DON'T FORGET TO MARK YOUR CALENDAR.  REMEMBER MOM AND WE'LL SEE YOU THERE.





http://www.amazon.com/Carousel-Pony-Make---Wish-Story/dp/1482336766
http://www.amazon.com/Theres-House-Judith-Victoria-Douglas/dp/1478361131
                            



Saturday, April 19, 2014

Ariel's Cottage On Sale!

A traumatized victim, witness protection, risky trysts, love triangle, secrets, stalking, murder, kidnapping, bravery, emotional growth, sorrow and joy.  These are just a few of the things you will find in Ariel's Cottage, along with a victim who searches for her way out of her inner conflicts, and this who attempt to help her.  You won't be disappointed.



Thursday, February 27, 2014

Conspiracy Theories, Petitions and a Bit of Justice

I found out today what a liar Amazon is.
I got an email, after an investigation I requested of a fake 1-star review, that said both the 1-star reviews would be removed in 3-5 days.  On the 5th day I replied through that email asking why they hadn’t yet been removed.  I not only got a response that said they wouldn’t be removed, but the email saying they would be disappeared from my email cache.
It’s not in Sent, or Trash and the one I kept in the In box is also missing.  Amazon actually deleted my email from them that they didn’t want seen.  Who would have thought they would do that?
To read the entire posting, go here.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

What Type of Writer are You?

 I first read this definition of writer types on Megan Cashman's reblog of Alexei Russell's posting.  After reading it I thought it was time to make it public about the type of writer I am…at least by Alexei's definition.

I have been saying, to family mostly, that I know I will never be recognized as an accomplished author until after I'm dead.  That may not be too many years away at my age, or I could feeble on for another decade or two.  I fear having everything about what I've written and/or is unfinished tossed in the trash as happened with Margaret Mitchell.  A Pulitzer didn't even endear her works to her family or estate managers, thus the one book - Gone with the Wind.  At any rate I've made it known that my granddaughter should inherit everything about my writings.  That makes sense since few in my family have taken the time to read any of my books, or finish them, if started.  But I think my granddaughter will be fascinated by who her Grammie really was.  You see, I hardly get to see her.

There's no excuse for it.  We both have FaceTime (like Skype), but I don't have long distance capability.  I have to wait for their initiative.  When it has happened it's been on a hand-held device that suggests (to  me) that real communication with me isn't important.  I've never had a visit, in the five years since she's been for, and only a few short, day visits in the thirteen years I've been here - none since they moved to Austin.  Well, once, when I fell and broke my ankle and it needed emergency surgery.  My daughter happened to be in Dallas on business and it was somewhat convenient.  The last time I was able to make a trip was just before my granddaughter turned two and many others gathered for that Thanksgiving, who saw her often, monopolized her time.  I think I got ten minutes in three days.  It broke my heart because I knew my situation could make it impossible for me to make another trip…ever.

Another issue is based on some of the reviews I've gotten.  I can tell some of my stories are too deep, or difficult for most to complete.  Yes, there are a few four and five star reviews on some of my books where I feel there was no real reading.  In a way, that's a book bashing in a different sense than those troll attacks where there is only 1-star and comments meant to demean the book and the author.

Of course, not all 1-star reviews are to be assumed to be by trolls, but most who can't finish a book probably won't take the trouble to put in a one-star review or make comments.  In fact, I recently asked an acquaintance who won a copy of one of my books, but couldn't finish it for personal reasons, to go ahead and add a 1-star with the same comments she told me.  It would be a constructive review for perspective readers, as even a 1-star should be.

I spend my days at the computer.  I am exhausted by social media connections to keep up with.  I'm an introvert (backed my all the psychological testing through my education) and I prefer interactions on a small scale, not large gatherings.  I've learned to deal with a lot going on around me, but it's exhausting.  I have the ability to sense each person and pick up their feelings and inclinations from the smallest gesture or expression.  Keeping up with a large building of co-workers could have driven me mad if I hadn't learned to close out those not in close approximation.

When at the computer I am housed in a loathsome and decrypted home with a low ceiling, and with several of the few windows stuffed with AC units.  I work with few lights, to save on costs.  I am basically in an above ground basement.  The only time I go outdoors is to walk the dog three - five times a day, attend an appointment or obtain what we both need to get by on…about two or three times a month.  Seldom is it more.  I think some of my old co-workers think I moved away.  Nobody calls, except one brother, once a week, but he has tired of having conversations.

All of this will give you conformation of my writer type.  It's all too clear to me.  For a more in-depth description of the types you should read Alexei Maxim Russell's blog on each. But here is a quick look.



If you knew me, even by what I've written above, you'd find me here right away.  I'm the Weird Recluse, trying not to become a bitter failure, practicing my ray of sunshine and greasy palm skills occasionally.

Enjoy finding yourself.  And look me up and my books after you read my obituary.  That will change everything about how popular we are.  Or, you could look them up now, read one, write a review, and contact me.  I'd love to hear from anyone who truly took the time to complete one of my novels, understood it and found it classic.  Thank you for your time.


Thursday, February 20, 2014

Color Your Fictional World

I read this months ago with the intention of sharing it.  I really liked this concept.  I hope you enjoy it as well.



Which element dominates the stories you write and read?
The Four Elements
Air (Mystery)
Earth (Setting)
Water (Character)
Fire (Happenings)
Your choice reflects your passion. Whichever element is strongest in your story is the one you should concentrate on writing. This does not mean you exclude the others. It simply helps you find your ‘voice’ and write to your strengths. All stories require a good plot. Identifying the type of story you like to write about is not the same as plotting. However, it will give you guidelines for choosing plots that suit your writing style.
 ~~~
Air - Mystery 
Air asks
If you plot a story around a question – uncovering information, looking for someone and searching for clues – mystery is the most important element. Your story begins with a question and ends with an answer. All mysteries follow the format of the chase, as do most adventure stories.
Examples: The Firm, The Da Vinci Code, Black & Blue, The Poet, The Star, Sherlock Holmes, The Hunt for Red October, The Colour of Magic, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Animal Farm, The Fugitive
The best way to tell this story? You want a character to find out who did it, how they did it and why they did it. Tell the story from the viewpoint of both the protagonist and the antagonist.
 ~~~  
Earth - Setting
Earth experiences
If you plot a story around the world you create, the setting is your most important element. Your character travels to a new ‘world’, changes and chooses to either stay in that world or come home. Your story begins when the character arrives in this setting and ends when he leaves. Some Science Fiction and Fantasy novels fit into this category. Historical, and pioneering, journeys also qualify for this story type.
Examples: Robinson Crusoe, Gulliver’s Travels, Shogun, The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, The Fountainhead, Treasure Island, Mort, The Magic Faraway Tree, On the Road, The Heart of Darkness, Spud
The best way to tell this story? You want a character to explore or discover your creation. Tell the story from that character’s viewpoint.
 ~~~
Water - Character
Water feels
If you plot a story around a character whose ‘character’ changes then this is your element. The protagonist’s role in society changes. Your book begins when the character is so unhappy that he begins to change. It ends when the character either accepts a new role or remains in the old role. The character could end up being happy or unhappy whichever way the story ends.
Examples: Room, To Kill A Mockingbird, Pride & Prejudice, The Prince of Tides, A Man in Full, The French Lieutenant’s Woman, White Oleander, The Pilot’s Wife, I Know This Much is True, Gone with the Wind, Emma, The Great Gatsby, The Old Man & The Sea
The best way to tell this story? You want to watch the character change. Tell the story mainly from that character’s viewpoint, using first or third person. Using other characters as viewpoint characters adds mystery, texture and perspective.
 ~~~
Fire - Happening
Fire acts
If you plot a story around ‘something’ that happens that makes the world a dangerous place, this is your element. Your book begins when a threat is perceived; it moves into a journey and builds up to a battle. The story ends when a new order takes over, an old order is restored or when anarchy descends. The plot here is the quest. All fantasy and science fiction uses this ‘happening’ for a story premise. The hero here has to find something or someone who can save the world. Sometimes, the hero is the saviour.
Examples: The Hunger Games, Star Wars, Dune, Macbeth, Lord of the Rings, Mad Max, Harry Potter, Twilight, The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe, The Count of Monte Christo, The Stand, Artemis Fowl, The Godfather
The best way to tell this story? Do not make the mistake of using a narrator. The viewpoint character experiences the story. He guides us with what he knows and understands. We only care about this type of story when we care about him.
 ~~~
The Fifth Element? The Abyss – aka Reader’s Hell
This is for all of those books you should think of as worthy, but secretly you know they’re not. You just don’t know how to describe them.
Examples: The Lord of the Flies, Catcher in the Rye, July’s People, The God of Small Things, The Reader (Feel free to add your own to this list.)

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

“If I can think of it, anyone can” and other false thinking.

This is a reblog I thought you'd like.  I did.  I got it from another reblog so I think it's popular in its subject.  Every writer has doubts, but remember, even if someone else thought of it, they couldn't have thought of it in the same way you did.
This is the site for those who want to explore:  http://mwsasse.wordpress.com/2014/01/28/if-i-can-think-of-it-anyone-can-and-other-false-thinking/
Did you ever ponder how one can be truly creative in today’s world? I mean, hasn’t everything already been thought of. Hasn’t every melody already been written? Hasn’t every plot line been explored?
I used to think like this and such non-productive thoughts have significantly shortened my writing years.
I remember when I used to get a random idea – whether a line in a poem, a catchy melody, or an idea for a story – and I would say to myself “If I can think of it, anyone can.” At that point I put the thought out of my mind and did nothing with it, knowing for a fact that my idea had already been done before.
How foolish I was! If you find yourself ever doubting your creative limits, consider the following:
1) we are all different. No two people are even remotely alike. How could we expect any two people to come up with the exact same idea?
2) thinking like that is admitting failure. Sometimes perhaps we want to readily accept failure instead of stepping out with our creativity and opening ourselves up to criticism. It’s easier to play it safe. But we weren’t created to play things safe. We are meant to express ourselves from the very core of our being.
3) we are living off the creative ideas that have come before us. Any creative artist stands on the backs of giants, whether he or she realizes it or not. We have all been influenced by the classics, the moving whims of culture, and the relentless drive of media. But the way we process and think and move and change and grow is completely different from other people.
4) a better thing to think would be “I wish I had thought of that” or “I could have never thought of that.” Did you ever read some thought-provoking lyrics or some wonderfully deep descriptive language where you wished it had been your idea. This is exactly what I’m talking about. Faulkner writes the best Faulkner out there. Hands down. But Faulkner, whether good or bad, could never have written like Sasse. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I write better than Faulkner. I’m saying that my writing is unique, molded by experiences and life circumstances that no one else has had.
Therefore, your best writing will be when you are emulating yourself. That’s it.
I don’t let myself fall into this false thinking trap anymore. If I can think of it, then it means that I thought of it and I should write about it. And by the stares and strange looks I get from people sometimes, I realize that they are asking me, “how did you ever think of that”?
I don’t know. I just did, and I wrote about it.
You should do the same.

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Another Review for Each of My Children's Books

Donna wrote another wonderful review of my granddaughter's first favorite book with her name in it.  It will be posted on Amazon and Goodreads soon.  The book is available on Amazon, and there is no ebook edition.
Published Sadie's Tree Front BookCoverPreview.do

There’s A Tree On My House 
By Judith Victoria Douglas
 
A small maple seed is blown by the wind and lands on the corner of the roof of a house and the seed is so protected there that it begins to grow.  Sadie, the little girl who lives in the house is playing with her cousins, Ava and Abby in the yard, running around with their balloons when one of the balloons gets loose and floats up toward the seedling.  So that their cousin isn’t sad, the other two girls let their balloons free too.  They believe the seedling tried to catch the first balloon, and run in to tell their mother that there is a tree on their house.  Their mother and father help to save the tree from growing on their house.  Thus, the story of the tree on the house has started.
 
I really enjoyed this book and I believe children will enjoy it too.  There are lots of extras included with the book a tree that a child can color and decorate with included clip art, and extra pages to illustrate a child’s own tree story.  5 out of 5 stars.

~~~~~~~


And Shelby gave a 4-star review for The Carousel Pony last November that is just appearing on the reviewer blog.  It's my granddaughter's second favorite book with her name in it.  It's posted on Amazon and Goodreads.

Best Final Pony FrontBookCoverPreview.do copy

A special carousel with special ponies. When one winks at Sadie she is sure her wish for a pony will come true.

Released 11/12/13; available on Amazon. There is no e-book edition.  http://www.amazon.com/Carousel-Pony-Make---Wish-Story/dp/1482336766

A children’s book to be read to children up to the third grade when they may be able to read it themselves.

The Carousel Pony by Judith-Victoria Douglas is a delightful story about the simple magic of childhood.

Sadie is a sweet young girl who wishes for a pony of her very own. Unfortunately, like a lot of us, she must settle for riding the carousel ponies at the local fairgrounds. Sadie’s father is a photographer and is hired to take pictures of the new carousel ponies in order to make brochures. He takes Sadie with him on what turns out to be a fantastic day full of fun, imagination, and magic for her.

Kids and parents alike will quickly fall in love with this enchanting story. The illustrations are beautifully hand drawn and idyllic. The ponies are described in excellent detail allowing the readers to place themselves into the story with ease. There are lessons on the history of carousel ponies and a cast of wonderfully written characters. My favorite, besides little Sadie and her favorite pony Whisper, was Mr. MacTavish. He was so very kind and patient and his gift to Sadie was very sweet.

This is not my first book by Judith-Victoria Douglas and I’m sure it will not be my last. My little one and I thoroughly enjoy the amazing adventures her books take us on and we very much look forward to our next.