Ask the Author: Angela Curtis
Answered Questions (7)
Angela Curtis
Hi Terra,
Sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. I have been away writing my new book. I'm so excited for you! Well done for taking the steps to get you this far. I just published a book called The Holistic Approach to Writing which gives you the step by step process. I would suggest starting there. It takes you through everything you need to get to the next stage. It's available on Amazon as a paperback or hardcover. The courses I created are for the editing and publishing process and I'm happy to help you with that when you are ready. To connect via message, join My Novel Idea on Facebook and then we can message each other. I look forward to hearing from you and helping in any way I can. Blessings on you and your writing. Angela.
Sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. I have been away writing my new book. I'm so excited for you! Well done for taking the steps to get you this far. I just published a book called The Holistic Approach to Writing which gives you the step by step process. I would suggest starting there. It takes you through everything you need to get to the next stage. It's available on Amazon as a paperback or hardcover. The courses I created are for the editing and publishing process and I'm happy to help you with that when you are ready. To connect via message, join My Novel Idea on Facebook and then we can message each other. I look forward to hearing from you and helping in any way I can. Blessings on you and your writing. Angela.
Angela Curtis
Meeting people for the first time and they recognize me name and say "Your books changed my life!"
Angela Curtis
It is common for those who want to write a book, to suffer from imposter syndrome. "Who am I to write a book?" "What can I possibly have to say that someone else is going to want to read?"
My advice is to just write! If you have something to share, the world needs to hear your voice. Especially now. EBooks are critical for those who are in lock down. There's never been a better time to get your story out there.
There are easy ways to write your book and there are some who do it the hard way. After 15-years of having to research and study writing/editing/marketing/self-publishing on a zero budget, aka the hard way, I have overcome and hit #1 Best Seller.
Right now I am compiling a book on the tricks of the trade that make the process fun. Don't worry about editing it or whether you'll go the route of finding a publisher or self-publishing. Just get it down on paper.
You can't edit, market, publish a blank page! Creating a book can be the most exciting time in your life. Enjoy the process.
My advice is to just write! If you have something to share, the world needs to hear your voice. Especially now. EBooks are critical for those who are in lock down. There's never been a better time to get your story out there.
There are easy ways to write your book and there are some who do it the hard way. After 15-years of having to research and study writing/editing/marketing/self-publishing on a zero budget, aka the hard way, I have overcome and hit #1 Best Seller.
Right now I am compiling a book on the tricks of the trade that make the process fun. Don't worry about editing it or whether you'll go the route of finding a publisher or self-publishing. Just get it down on paper.
You can't edit, market, publish a blank page! Creating a book can be the most exciting time in your life. Enjoy the process.
Angela Curtis
I only write what I am passionate about, or what I believe would benefit others. I'm writing a book right now called Save Your Sanity - How to Write a Book Stress-Free.
Writing/Editing/Marketing/Self-Publishing can be stressful, so I've made the process fun. I'm filling the book with tips on how to enjoy the process by doing it the easy way, and how to create a balance so your body doesn't suffer the effects of stress. I can't wait to release it into the world.
Writing/Editing/Marketing/Self-Publishing can be stressful, so I've made the process fun. I'm filling the book with tips on how to enjoy the process by doing it the easy way, and how to create a balance so your body doesn't suffer the effects of stress. I can't wait to release it into the world.
Angela Curtis
I found a doctor's diary in the back of a museum while I was searching for proof of my great grandad's birth on board an old sailing ship called ASHMORE.
I had been trying to get my hands on that particular diary for quite some time, to no avail. So I travelled up to the city on a Sunday, and accidentally on purpose arrived unannounced.
It was the receptionists first day at work, so when I requested to view the diary, she picked up the phone and ordered the book to be brought to the viewing room. I just happened to have my iPad on me, so once I had put on the compulsory white gloves, broken out a few Michael Jackson moves, I shot a pic of every page before anyone arrived in the temperature-controlled room to stop me. I left with a big smile on my face that day. I'm still smiling.
It took three years to decipher the writing as it was written by a doctor, and what they say about doctor's write it true. It's indecipherable. Not only that, this thing was old, written in 1882. Plus the British spelt differently back then and I didn't understand any of the terminologies. On the first page, he wrote: "We had tiffin at two bells." What the heck is Tiffin and what are two bells? That's when Google and I became very good friends.
Now I have published the epic tale, which needed no embellishment, it feels like a dream, a very long-winded, frustrating, time-consuming, tedious, awful, pull-my-hair-out, exhilarating journey. And every day I celebrate not having to watch another old sailing movie, Master & Commander and In The Heart Of The Sea aside. All my research has been stored and 14-years of sailing technique books and swashbuckling novels have been sent to the good-will stores. Time to write book two of the series. If you want to know what it's about, read The Shotover.
I had been trying to get my hands on that particular diary for quite some time, to no avail. So I travelled up to the city on a Sunday, and accidentally on purpose arrived unannounced.
It was the receptionists first day at work, so when I requested to view the diary, she picked up the phone and ordered the book to be brought to the viewing room. I just happened to have my iPad on me, so once I had put on the compulsory white gloves, broken out a few Michael Jackson moves, I shot a pic of every page before anyone arrived in the temperature-controlled room to stop me. I left with a big smile on my face that day. I'm still smiling.
It took three years to decipher the writing as it was written by a doctor, and what they say about doctor's write it true. It's indecipherable. Not only that, this thing was old, written in 1882. Plus the British spelt differently back then and I didn't understand any of the terminologies. On the first page, he wrote: "We had tiffin at two bells." What the heck is Tiffin and what are two bells? That's when Google and I became very good friends.
Now I have published the epic tale, which needed no embellishment, it feels like a dream, a very long-winded, frustrating, time-consuming, tedious, awful, pull-my-hair-out, exhilarating journey. And every day I celebrate not having to watch another old sailing movie, Master & Commander and In The Heart Of The Sea aside. All my research has been stored and 14-years of sailing technique books and swashbuckling novels have been sent to the good-will stores. Time to write book two of the series. If you want to know what it's about, read The Shotover.
Angela Curtis
I have three books I'm working on right now. Was that a gasp I just heard? I know, we're not supposed to work on more than one book at a time. But that's me. I multi-task, because I can. Plus I've always thought the rules applied to everybody else.
I'm in the process of ghostwriting (the easiest way to explain it is I'm writing someone else's book for them) a book called "Talk With Me In Paradise. It's based on the children living at an orphanage and the experiences they've been having in India. As the people I am writing for, live in India and I'm in New Zealand, it takes time to communicate when you are awake at different times of the day. So while I await answers, feedback, edits, I work on my other books. The next one out will be called "How to write a book in 4 weeks without losing your sanity. I am dictating that book instead of typing it so I don't lose mine, again.
I'm in the process of ghostwriting (the easiest way to explain it is I'm writing someone else's book for them) a book called "Talk With Me In Paradise. It's based on the children living at an orphanage and the experiences they've been having in India. As the people I am writing for, live in India and I'm in New Zealand, it takes time to communicate when you are awake at different times of the day. So while I await answers, feedback, edits, I work on my other books. The next one out will be called "How to write a book in 4 weeks without losing your sanity. I am dictating that book instead of typing it so I don't lose mine, again.
Angela Curtis
It's ok to get writer's block. It's not something to fear. I see it as an opportunity to do something different. As a writer, there's always something else needing my attention.
I've found most writers say we have to write every day. But if I have a day where the words don't flow, my creative side has left the building, I don't write. I don't worry about it. I do something fun like watch a movie, or read someone else's book. I read just as much as I write. If not more.
I have also found that I can't write on the same day as I work on the business side of the job. Using both the creative and logical sides of my brain on the same day always ends in total disaster.
I have been blessed because I know what happens in my books. Not just because I have the structure organised before I start, but because they are true stories. I have the diaries and 14-years of research to prove it. But if the child-side of my brain won't create, it's time for a break. When my brain wants to play and write and create something awesome, I won't put it to bed. I'll let it play all night and watch my fingers try to keep up with it.
I love my life!!!
I've found most writers say we have to write every day. But if I have a day where the words don't flow, my creative side has left the building, I don't write. I don't worry about it. I do something fun like watch a movie, or read someone else's book. I read just as much as I write. If not more.
I have also found that I can't write on the same day as I work on the business side of the job. Using both the creative and logical sides of my brain on the same day always ends in total disaster.
I have been blessed because I know what happens in my books. Not just because I have the structure organised before I start, but because they are true stories. I have the diaries and 14-years of research to prove it. But if the child-side of my brain won't create, it's time for a break. When my brain wants to play and write and create something awesome, I won't put it to bed. I'll let it play all night and watch my fingers try to keep up with it.
I love my life!!!
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