Carol James Marshall's Blog

Original post on my blog...enjoy.

This is me
I have heard that readers like to know about authors and that is something I haven’t done much of. Mostly because I don’t think I’m that interesting and I am not being demur when I say that. I lead a quiet life of writing stories and yelling at my laptop. Why would I bore people with that?
It’s also rumored that readers want to know a writers process and they like to get into the mushy good stuff in the skull of a writer in hopes of having a better understanding of what makes them tick. I’m not sure I have anything of value there….my mushy stuff is probably outdated and will grumble at you for turning on the lights.
BUT yet again this week I read some authors chatting about giving the readers a glance or a full look into their lives. I decided to toss my hat in. The following as strange as it may be is what I came up with.

I don’t like fancy; fancy restaurants, clubs, or fancy people. I’m much happier on the tail gate of a big truck, with a beer and cheap flip flops from Old Navy. I’ll also take dive bars anytime on any day. Give me a good dive bar with bikers, loud women who have big hair and a shitty cover band. I’m happy there leave me alone and duck someone is throwing a pool cube.
I realize the above statement makes me sound like a country song. Yea, I’m not that. I’m more inclined to burn it down than to pine away. I’m Heavy Metal with Blues late at night.
I write full-time, not because I’m making any money with it or am particularly good at it. About a year ago my husband wanted to move from California back to his home state of Georgia. He wanted me to leave my family, friends, and job. So we struck a deal.
Since I could forge words together I have wanted to do nothing but write. I have written for different literary magazines, poetry journals blah blah. I wrote two books prior to Starburst book 1 in my series and had tossed them in the trash. My husband craved home. I craved to see through with this writing thing.
Thus the deal was struck I would gladly move cross country if we could figure out a way to give me some years off working to do nothing but write. Handshake, done deal.
I now live in Warner Robins Georgia and am in love with this state. No, I don’t miss California at all. Californians can have it. I’m good.
I’m 46 years old thus most of my “fucks” are gone. The glorious thing about your late forties is the amount of “fucks” you once gave about things start to dwindle down. I’m too busy being me to care if a man checks me out or doesn’t…ha ha, don’t care. I’m also too busy to bring on or bring in drama. The late forties is a gorgeous time in a person’s life to grab a drink, put your feet up and laugh at the young ones.
I have two boys, one 13 and one 9. I’m never the type of person that tells people they “have to” have kids. There is no “have to” in life. You either wish it or not. I didn’t want kids for years then woke up one day wanting one, had two. Parenting is hilarious, aggravating, and the most expensive thing you’ll ever do if you choose to do it.
I will also never show you any pictures of my kids unless asked. Let’s put it this way. I’m sure your baby is cute. I don’t want to see the kid’s picture. I have my own, thank you. I’ll look at my own kids pictures if I’m so inclined.
I’ve been married 19 years. Marriage is ugly and beautiful all at once. When you are ready to choke your partner out they will reach for your hand. I highly recommend it and I highly don’t recommend it. Like parenting, it’s a journey some might not want to take.
Sadly, I’m not a great friend although I want to be. I don’t call as much as I should. I don’t text back right away. Honestly some days I don’t feel like speaking. Sometimes, I get to writing, reading, or gaming and forget the world. Luckily, I have a best friend of 30 years that forgives me these sins on a regular basis.
I will never ask you to go to a mall with me. I dislike shopping. I dislike stores with the exception of book stores or “adult” stores. I find both equally interesting.
With the “adult” store as a clue….
I’m a disinterested pervert. What does that mean? I mean I’m a pervert that keeps my perverted thoughts to myself and doesn't want to share them with you. Likewise, I don’t want to hear about anyone else’s perverted thoughts or see them. That means keep your dick pics to yourself fellas. I’ve seen lots of dicks yours is not that impressive.
Small rant: Why do men feel the need to send dick pics? When I first started posting as an author my FB messenger went wild with dick pics. Let me speak for us ladies of the world. We will not fall over then become hot and bothered by the site of your junk. We love dick, yes we do…but we don’t want to see your dick. Like the pictures of other peoples kids. I have my own at home I’ll look at that one. I personally want to see The Rocks ass if somebody could find me a real picture of that, well then that is awesome.
Sorry…
Monsters especially alien monsters are my favorite things and I hate gore. What? You’re a horror author. Everyone knows horror authors are mandated by the Jason Council to love gore. That’s a strong no. I dislike books, movies, tv shows where people are hurting people it makes my stomach turn and drives me to drink more than usual.I love monsters. I love kaiju and most of all I love anything alien.
I’ll never ask you to go see a romantic comedy. I will, however, be that weird friend that drags you to see Rocky Horror on the bad side of town on a Tuesday night. If I can get myself out of pj’s and convince myself to put shoes on. If I have convinced myself into all that then damn it, you’re going also. My best friend can attest to that.
Most days you can find me in my kitchen tapping away on my laptop. Writing fulfills me. Once upon a time, I had a vacancy in my core. When I went back to writing and took it seriously the vacancy was filled. So now like an addict, I cannot stop.
On an any given night you can find me on my couch, watching something Sci-fi on TV, near me will be a Bloody Mary and I’ll be snuggling whoever decided to land near me…be it husband, child or dog.
Lastly, I believe myself to be both introverted and extroverted all at once. When I’m out in public I will talk to anyone. I believe that’s leftover from my years as a hair stylist and bartender. However, at the first possible chance, I will run back home to my cave and seal the door shut for days. I have Hobbit tendencies.



This probably did not help you get into my head as writer. I’m sure I gave you no better understanding of my process. I gave you the gristle when you requested bacon. I get that but if I had given you the reader a long ho hum bullshit speech about how I go about writing my stories or why I go about writing my stories then you’d have no understanding of who I am.
I’m the type of person that doesn’t care why Stephen King wrote Carrie. I want to know what he had for breakfast and if he can throw a punch. That tells me more about the man.
I hope that the above rambling gave you a hint of who I am that in turn might give you a hint of why the characters in my work are what and who they are.
p.s. If I find you interesting…you bet your ass I’ll put you in a book and possibly create a whole character based on you. Just ask Craig a real life dude and friend who was my muse for Craig in Starburst book 1 in the Women of the Grey series.

For more information about my books click link http://bit.ly/CJMZon

It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted in my Goodreads blog and I apologize to anyone who happened to enjoy my ramblings. I’ve been busy writing 3 books and doing my most to learn marketing. Okay, I’ve become a bit marketing obsessed that’s true, but it’s a healthy obsessed.
Meanwhile (as she listens to yet another indie author podcast) for anyone interested in my books, series, and future endeavors here are some great links.

When you subscribe to the Ella series, bi-weekly a part of Ella’s story will appear in your inbox. The Ella series is not available anywhere else! Carol James Marshall has written it exclusively for subscribers. Ella is 100% free and a 1000% engaging.  Start reading Ella today.
http://bit.ly/ELLACJM

I also have an exclusive excerpt available on Starburst book 1 in my Women of the Grey series. If your interested in my series, this is a great way to get to know me. http://bit.ly/Starburstpreview


I have a nonfiction memoir series on Scriggler. Have a look here http://bit.ly/Barflies


Lastly please follow me on Facebook. I post on there daily with lots of excerpts, sneak peeks, teasers and more. https://www.facebook.com/caroljamesma...

Thank you for checking in with me. I'll be back soon....XOXO Carol

I’m going to get a lot of grief about this blog post. I’m ready for it. Ready to not ignore the spit and hellfire I get from it, because haters might have a valid point. I am ready for people to fundamentally tell me I’m wrong. Which if that’s the case I’m good with that. I’m an agnostic raised by a mom who is a firm believer in the Catholic church and Brujeria, but that’s another long story. Let’s just say she tells me I’m wrong all the time.

Also, fair warning I’m going to talk about pornography. I am not talking erotica, where everyone is spilling over with lust while wearing incredibly tight pants. I’m talking porn; 16-year-old boy sneaky watching 2 girls kissing on his phone porn.

No worries my porn topic won’t last long as always it’ll go into my favorite point of worry, being an indie author.

I’m a documentary watcher. I will watch any documentary (if it’s done well) on just about anything.  Documentaries on sex, sexuality, etc are on the top of my list. I find animalistic urge to hump that drives some humans fascinating. With that said, let’s dive in. I was watching a documentary on the latest state of the porn industry in Life after porn 2. Life after porn 1 is good, but I liked 2 better. It was better because I’m an 80’s young adult. In the 80’s porn stars where the wives to my favorite musicians, on CD covers and stars of music videos this documentary was a where are they now type of thing, but let me get on with my point.

The porn industry is dying and flourishing all at once. Here’s the problem, there is so much free porn out that there is no longer a need to buy porn. Because of this the people who create porn are having a really hard time making a living creating porn.

What’s happening now is there are “modeling” companies that bring out new girls to haphazardly film something in someone’s basement slap it on the web for free and move on. The age of the porn star has died because the market is flooded with free material (it gets very sinister and upsetting. Watch Hot Girls Wanted it'll make you want to scream and vomit at the same time).

As I’m watching Life after porn 2  the “mmmm” bubble starts to pop above my head. It sounds like the book industry. The market is flooded with free books, so why bother paying for a book to read.

Funny isn’t it that the writers of the world are in the same dilemma as porn producers. I would like all of us struggling indie authors to chew on that for a minute.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again I’m against free books. Let’s be a hundred percent real on how I feel about free books searchers. Some of the freebie hunters (not all, stop hissing) just want something for free, might read or not read the book, really doesn’t care how much time and cost that author has put in their book and lastly have a reputation for not bothering to leave reviews.

As an indie author it’s believed that you must give away your first book in order to hook the reader into buying the second book. Maybe that’s correct. Who am I to say “nay” to that concept. My sales couldn’t buy a milkshake so apparently I am not savvy at marketing. 

It is preached that if you give away the first book in the series that would lead readers into buying book 2. Here’s the thing I have given away hundreds of copies of book one and that never lead to sales of book 2. Okay I can’t say never, but I’d put money on  it.

Now, I can see that the line is already starting of authors who want to tell me; that my perhaps my writing sucks, my blurb isn’t just righty, the cover is all wrong, I need a marketing plan. That if book 1 rocked, then people would run to buy book 2. Which isn’t true because people now a day’s don’t run to buy anything there is Prime after all, don’t be a heathen.

I believe it’s something different not the main cause but a large part of the problem. There is too much free material out there.

I understand the concept of giving away a free sample to entice the buyer. However it’s a sample, not the product. Nobody ever gave me a whole box of laundry detergent to entice me to buy another box of the same detergent.

I would like to preach samples to fellow indie authors.  Sample chapters, sample short stories, and so forth. Stop giving away the milk, nobody will want to buy that cow.

I wish there was a universal indie author headquarters, something similar to the Ministry of Magic in Harry Potter or Shield headquarters. I would stand on a soap box in the lobby tell the free book people to "stop it" you are screwing everyone else over.

Yes, screwing other writers over. I said it.  I can hear the gaggle of laughter now. Some out there think I’m dead wrong, others believe me dead right and then there are those that don’t care. Either way, that’s cool. Again, agnostic with a  mother who believes I should spend my time lighting candles to some mythical virgin. I’m used to being scoffed at.

“Cool” because I had to vent. I had to once again tell everyone in the writing community how I felt. I also had to let the readers of the world know what goes on behind the curtains. Maybe it’ll paint a different picture in their minds next time they see free books and want to dive in.

I’m fundamentally against giving away my books. Doesn’t matter that book marketers out there believe it will help elevate me to the Grand Pooba of indie authors or not. I just can’t do it.

I can’t do it in the way some people just can’t eat a spider even if you're twirling a couple thousand dollars under their nose. That leaves me where? Well, "Keep on trucking" comes to mind. Perhaps “just keep swimming?” I’ll keep on doing what I’m doing, swimming through the refuge in hopes of one day having enough sales to buy a burger and a milkshake.

p.s this blog post will appear on my website later this week. caroljamesmarshall.com

follow me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/caroljamesma...

I keep a memoir series at Scriggler of my days bartending in the middle of nowhere California. Below is my most recent Barflies post. Please give Barflies a read The series will soon be completed and removed from Scriggler in order to be edited and compiled for publication
https://scriggler.com/Profile/carol_j...

Barflies 12

Bartenders see the truth of people more than people think they do, and more than people want to know they do. The truth is effervescent; bartenders can’t help but to see it bubble up to the surface and glow.
Sometimes the world sends you the truth of people in neon. It’s an event that might occur once maybe twice in a lifetime. Events where you get to clearly see someone’s life, like the great and powerful Oz without that curtain of make believe.
It was an average night in my bar, a cool desert night where the bar doors where left open. The breeze carried nighttime scented air without the hint of trouble. The Barflies were starting to set their paths to home as I was starting to keep my eye on the clock.
Bartenders know to never watch the clock. Never let your guard down in a bar. When you least expect it 20 people will walk in and your back to sucking in your gut and slapping together a smile. It’s best to stay “on” till you unlock your front door.
When a group of correctional officers walked in to my bar an hour before closing I thought nothing of it. My bar wasn’t far from a prison and often the correctional officers came in on their way home.
The officers didn’t’ mix much with the Barflies. Barflies have their own hemisphere that they existed in and often on the outskirts of the law. My Barfly ladies ears would perk up at that the sight of these officers, perhaps they were lonely as they? Sometimes the two would mix together, often not.
This night when my officers arrived I served them their beers, gave a couple of them a passive aggressive stink eye and went back to my own business.
Among the officers was Prom King himself. One of the guys in high school that seemed to always have it figured out. The guy all the girls wanted a taste of. The guy all the guys wanted to be. The one guy that seemed to have it all figured out by sophomore year while the rest of the hoard was busy being losers.
Prom King was now a correctional officer, standing in my bar sipping beer and trying to keep up with the jokes and smirks of the other officers. I found this bit of information almost delicious. I figured a guy like that would be at a fancy college, not as a student but running the place. Here he was standing amongst mortals.
As the night progressed my Barflies all went home and I was left with the officers huddled in a corner. I amused myself by imagining these officers huddled together like penguins for warmth. I spied them on occasion but since closing time was looming I started my nightly routine of stocking the bar, washing mugs, all tedious chores. Beer stocked and mugs washed my night was almost over, all that was left was telling the officers to scatter on home.
This is when the neon of truth hit the bar with a very loud whack.
The front door of the bar swung open, there was the glare of headlights that blinded me for a second then I saw her. It was Prom Queen, in a nightgown; hair tangled up and house slippers on her feet. She slammed the bar door open, looked at me and proceeded to march into the bar.
Maybe some bartenders would run up to her with a “can I help you” or a “are you lost.” Not me, I was instantly fascinated at what I was hoping was about to happen. I stood at the section of my bar where I could see everything and prepared myself to enjoy the show.
Prom Queen was the girl who was at the side of officer Prom King all through high school; she was the girl with a tight smile, perfect hair and parents that had the money for name brand everything. She was fearlessly marching up to the gaggle of correction officers and I was transfixed.
Sadly, I could not hear what she said to Prom King that night. They were all at the very back of the bar and I stood at the helm. I watched the huddle of officers split open. I saw the look on Prom King’s face when his Queen stood pointing fingers at him while waving her arms around. It was an exquisite scene, perfect for a John Hughes film. It was in fact the best thing I had seen in months. The other officers stood silent, grasping their beers as if she would snatch them away.
I watched her perfect hair bounce as she grabbed his arm and pulled him out of the bar without a glance in my direction or a hint of shame.
Picture this bar, a dusty shack of a bar in the middle of the California desert. Set the scene for the story I just told you in your head. Got it? Now, picture Prom King’s feet the last thing you see as the door to the bar slams shut, the seconds of silence then BOOM the laughter that erupted from the officers and me.
I ran up to the officers, we were all holding our stomachs, slapping thighs…nobody could speak from laughing, nobody could not laugh. It was the very epitome of mirth.
I never saw Prom King in my bar again. I saw them both around town Mr. Prom King and Mrs. Prom Queen seemed content and maybe they were, but I never saw them the same. The curtain had been pulled back. I saw the truth, no matter the tight smiles, perfect hair and “I got this” demeanor. I learned a valuable lesson that day Officer Prom King and his Queen were in fact just people like everyone else.

Interested in my books, series, upcoming events and new book release. Join my mailing list
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This blog post appears on my website
caroljamesmarshall.com The Cooked Beast Blog. Please have a look.

This is almost a cliché of a blog post. I think I’ve seen a half a dozen writer’s blogging about their relationship with music. What music means to them, their writing, and their connection with music. The subject is almost trite and that has kept me from writing a blog post on the subject. Thinking on it though, I have written my origin story of my writing and how I started writing my books. I have written the cost of producing my books and the amount of effort I put into it. There was a bug in my ear telling me I should write about one of the biggest influencers of not only the Women of the Grey, but the characters in my series, in my upcoming novel and new characters coming into play.
I had thought of the Women of the Grey for a while, contemplating the concept of these women. I could piece them together but my main character wasn’t appearing yet. My main character was out there wandering around my universe.. I just couldn’t grasp the essence of her. Then the day came where it all fell into place and for some young ones reading this I come from the generation of MTV when it actually played music videos. If you loved a band you watched their music videos over and over. It was a thing, I promise.
Being that music video watching was a habit and I am a fan of The Pretty Reckless I turned Youtube on and started to watch The Pretty Reckless videos. That is the afternoon that the world fell out from under my feet and placed me somewhere else. I ran into the Miss Nothing music video. The look to Taylor Momsen the lead singer in Miss Nothing caught my eye and captured my attention. She walked the way I wanted my main character to walk. She sang the lyrics I wanted my main character to think. The look of “I don’t care” in her eyes is what struck me the most. Lisa is after all an anti-hero she wants for nothing that is ever placed at her feet.
All that I wanted to say about Lisa’s attitude, appearance, her hates; everything was in this one music video. By the end of the video I knew exactly who Lisa was. I could see Lisa standing next to me in my living room, watching the video nodding with fake agreement. After all Lisa agrees with no one.
Without trying to sound overly grandiose when the video ended I sat down and wrote the intro to Lisa. I felt the burst of that “who is she” bubble. I couldn’t help myself. That is the origin of Lisa. She was born from a music video and a seed of an idea that I had passed around my thoughts for years.
I’m not plugging The Pretty Reckless believe me if the lead singer knew I am writing a whole Sci-Fi horror series based on one of her music videos I’d be ecstatic and happily stand next to Ms. Momsen holding up copies of The Women of the Grey series smiling like a fool full of Jagermeister for the world to see.
I’m sure, not positive but kinda sure that many characters in books are born similar to this. I want to think I invented the way Lisa came to be, but I am sure I didn’t. I am writing book 3 in my Women of the Grey series. I still go to the Miss Nothing music video to watch the swagger, the expression and then turn to my laptop and give Lisa her very Lisa perspective on life.
It didn’t stop with Lisa though, Miranda Lambert’s “Mama’s broken heart” is the key inspiration for my character Gia in my current manuscript The Demon Dealer. I usually watch that music video when I feel that I am starting to lose who my character Gia is at her core. Also Warner another character in The Demon Dealer is based on the look Nathaniel Rateliff had on his face in his music video S.O.B. Have you seen the look on his face, in that video? It’s begging for a character.
This “WOW” moment of inspiration happens a lot more than I think readers know. I had been thinking about a new character for book 3 in the Women of the Grey series when I watched Halestorm Apocalyptic. From that video I got the full taste of what that character needed to be. Disclosure I am a huge Lzzy Hale fan. I want to go grow up and be her. She is seriously one of the most badass women on the planet.
Perhaps books should come with a playlist. How awesome would an audio CD of songs that inspired the book as a companion be? It proves a fact that art inspires art.
I do fantasize of the reverse situation happening. A singer/songwriter would read my work feel inspired by it and write a killer song out of it. If that would happen I could then walk off into the sunset a happy broad.

This blog post originally appears in The Cooked Beast Blog on my website. XOXO Carol

Recently I had been twirling the idea of my opening for Stainless Steel book 3 in the Women of the Grey series in my head. I needed a name for a new character. Being that Women of the Grey is about an alien race of women I thought nothing of approaching a large Facebook Science Fiction group for ideas.
I was met with nothing but spit and ugly from this group. I received smartass answers that were hovering on just trying to call me out for not being hardcore science fiction enough. I had posted a question to the group searching for suggestions and ideas. Instead it felt as if they wanted to dispute my knowledge of Science Fiction. I did not hesitate to delete my question and leave the group.
I don’t have time or patience for venom attacks on my character. I’m way too busy not being an asshole. I don’t feel bad about leaving this group. There are many other groups with much kinder and cooler people who are open to discussion not judgment to stress over it.
The situation however got me thinking of those in the science fiction community that revel in being hardcore Sci-Fi. You know the kind of people I’m talking about; the ones that know the specific name for one screw, on one spaceship that a certain character only flew once in some book/movie/tv show. These same people that huff at you if you don’t the name of that screw. “You call yourself a fan?” Kind of people.
It gets me shaking my head; it’s that type of people who scare off the softer fans. Let’s take myself as an example. I am the type of person that loves Science Fiction books, movies, especially video games. I won’t tell you how many hours (shrug, years) I played Dead Space, only that I can proudly saw I played on zealot. If you’re a Dead Space video game fan then you’ll know what I’m talking about. I do not know the correct terminology for Isaac’s craft, suit, or gun. I don’t care about that I just knew that I liked it.
There it is, I like science fiction. I would sit down to watch an Alien movie before a romance. If it’s science fiction and horror I’m your lady. Let’s just say I would lose my shit to see someone cosplay Predator at a Con. Could I explain the details of Predator, his home planet, his species, the name of that cool thing on his wrist? No, I could not and I am sure that would drive some people bat shit.
I do not understand why there has to be different levels of fans? Why do some believe that they are superior to the rest and feel the need to shove others aside and yap out facts? What is there to gain from alienating others from the genre?
My Women of the Grey series is about an alien race of female clones. Yet, this week I had to look up space opera. Does that somehow cancel the validity of my writing? It does to some, because I’m not Sci-fi enough. What exactly is enough and what’s just right?
It also got me wondering if such fluff exists in other genres. Are there hardcore romance fans out there that scoff if someone mentions a romantic scene as not romancy enough? “Rose petals on a bed?” “Hack,” hiss “amateur” scoff. Do thriller fans try to out thrill other fans with facts about thriller authors?
I’m being silly because it is. How can we value ourselves for berating others? It makes me wish I could grab a megaphone and hit the stage with an announcement “Sci-fi community…” cough wait for the booing to stop because I interrupted an argument over who did what, when and how better than someone else. “Chill the hell out. There is room here for all levels of fans, from the mildly interested to the hardcore. The point is to enhance the genre”

I’m positive I’d get egg’d off the stage. Here is my coming out party to the Sci-Fi community. I really really like Sci-fi. Love is a strong word, but I can say deeply like and prefer it above all else. However I will never be that person who knows every intricate fact on the genre or care to. That does not make me any less of a fan or any less of a Sci-fi author.

Isn’t the whole point of being a fan of something, liking it and wanting to share that love with others? I can’t understand how throwing hate gives value to the Sci-fi genre. I can’t understand how throwing hate gives value to anything.

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XOXO Carol
https://www.caroljamesmarshall.com/

This post is originally from my website The Cooked Beast Blog. I thought it would be fun to share it on GoodReads also. Check out my website https://www.caroljamesmarshall.com/we... for more details on this interview.

Meet my narrator!
Before my first book Starburst was completed I knew I wanted an audio book version available for the public. Audio books are beginning to take their rightful stand in the literary world. With lifestyles increasingly busier every day some people are opting to get their stories, “to go.” As audio books sales rise the demand for narrators also rises.
Please meet Molly King my narrator for the Women of the Grey series. We did a quick interview together, a getting to know you speed date type of interview. Enjoy!

Molly King
1. Tell us a bit about yourself. I'm a stay at home mom who loves to read, craft, and learn new things. I also do animal rescue in my home so we always have a slew of critters. In my down time, you can usually find me attempting to learn a new skill such as crochet or knitting recently. I, of course, love to read (I couldn't do the job if I didn't), but I also love movies and British television shows.

2. How did you get your start as a narrator? A friend of mine is an indie author and was looking for someone to narrate a book of hers. There was little interest on ACX so I told her I would take a crack at it. The rest is history. I love this job

3. What's the biggest misconception the public this includes authors have about narrating audio books? It's not near as easy as it sounds. There is a lot that goes into a production especially when one person does the work from start to finish. The editing is tedious but necessary. Another thing is that finding a voice for each individual in the story can be challenging. Lastly, one can only talk for so long before the voice gives out. This means that I can't sit in the booth for hours upon hours reading. It's hard on the throat, that's for sure.

4. What is the average amount of time it takes to produce an audio book. For example, my book Starburst book 1 in the Women of the Grey series is
6 hours long. I know it took a lot more than that to record it. It can take nearly twice or three times as long to complete a book. This is due to not only having to read it, but having to read some parts several times. The editing can take up to 3 hours for one hour of finished audio, depending on how you do it. For a 6 hour book, such as Starburst book 1 in the Women of the Grey series, it took roughly 15 hours over several weeks to complete.

5. Tell us something we don't know about audio book narration, something out of the ordinary that the general population wouldn't have figured out. It's lonely. It's a very singular job. The booth can sometimes be overly hot depending on how you've got it set up. I converted a walk in closet for my audio booth. It's warm in there and near the air conditioner so it picks up the sound of the conditioning being on. There are so many minute complications that come with the work that it can be incredibly frustrating at times.

6. What is your dream narration job? Any particular book you'd love to narrate? I haven't got one in particular. I would like to do the Inspector Hobbes series by Wilkie Martin, but that's just because they are fun books to read. Otherwise, I prefer to work on independent books, ones that are written and published by the practically unknown author. Those are my favorites. I feel, in a way, I'm helping them build a readership and that is a job well done in my book.

7. Lastly, steak or cheesecake? How can one choose between two wholely different foods!? I'll go with cheesecake. Who doesn't love a good desert?

I belong to a plethora of FB indie writer’s forums. It’s a great place to socialize, share ideas, and worries. Recently, one writer posted on how he was saving up money to publish his book. He was preparing for the costs of editing, formatting, and audio book production. This had me thinking, does the reader know how much money we Indies pour into our books?

Before I get comments let’s clear the air. I am speaking only for myself. I cannot tell you how much money an individual indie author has poured into their work. I can only tell you how much I have spent on my series so far.

My Women of the Grey series Starburst book 1 and Red Drug book 2 has cost me close to 3 thousand dollars. This includes professional editing, formatting, and covers. I have yet to make a profit and after producing these books have zero budget for advertising.

Take this into perspective. I have recently stopped working so that I can focus on my writing. I am anticipating having two books released next year. That means that I am currently seeking a part-time job to pay for my books needs, because I cannot stomach taking money from my family budget to pay for my hobby.

That’s right I called it a hobby. Until, I make a profit, creating books is my hobby.  It is a hobby that makes me happy, keeps me sane and is cheaper than therapy.

Now that you know where I am coming from you might understand where I am at. Lately, I have wrestled with anger. Anger at Joe/Jane public that want free books all the time. I have anger at the people who think its okay to go to pirate websites and receive a free copy of my books.  I’m sick of it.

Now, I’m not complaining about the amount of money I have spent on my books. I did so willingly. I shall spend close to another 3 thousand to release another two books that will also probably not see a profit.

The anger stems from the fact that after I have not only poured my soul into my books I have also have dedicated my wallet to them.  Some people in the public believe .99 cents is asking too much for an EBook.  Think on everything I have just stated, next time you think .99 cents is too much for an EBook.

For the moment I have two Instafreebies going on for Starburst book 1 in my series and it is free on my website when you sign up to my mailing list. I hate that, just hate it. Once those two promotions are over I shall no longer offer my work for free. I simply cannot stomach it.

I will also only drop my price from $2.99 to .99 cents for an occasional promotion.  If the literary world cannot value my work, then I will. If a reader believes that $2.99 is too much for an EBook then they can pass me by.

I cannot speak for all authors only myself, but I’m disgusted by devaluing my work. I have decided to take a stand.

Supporting the arts, means more than reposting a meme on social media or nodding when a local artist explains their craft. Supporting the arts means understanding the value of the artist. Artist of all forms pour hours of heartache in their work.

It should be understood that art in all forms, be it writing, painting, music is a calling. We as a society should respect that.

Next time you run into an artist, buy that painting or perhaps pay for their book, buy their CD then play it proudly.

Art is not free, there are hours of labor involved and must be treated with reverence.

Have a look at my personal website
https://www.caroljamesmarshall.com/

Interested in my series? Check out my reviews.
https://www.amazon.com/Carol-James-Ma...

I am often asked for writing advice, or publishing advice, marketing advice, all sorts of advice. If you read my authors blog you get that I am the very last person on earth that should hand out writing advice. I need advice, not vice versa. There is however one thing that I am most certain of in writing.
A writer must have a editor. This editor must understand the writer’s voice and vision. The writer and their editor need an open relationship where they can speak freely with one another. A professional editor is a must. It should not be your grandma with a red pen, or a writer friend. Your editor must be nonbiased and most of all “get you.”
I often speak of my love for my editor. She “gets me.” There is an understanding between us of my distinct style. My editor works with my writing style, not against it. I have asked my editor to write a blog post for me on what an editor should be to you the writer. Enjoy and check her out at http://www.courtneyedits.com/


So, you’re looking for an editor.
Selecting the right editor for your book is one of the most important decisions you can make throughout this process. There are many different kinds of editors out there, and they all have slightly different styles and approaches to working a manuscript. It’s important to collect several different samples so you have the opportunity to compare and contrast. When selecting the right editor for you, start by identifying priorities for your book. Do you feel like something is missing in the plot? Are your characters not as 3-dimensional as you want them to be? Or maybe, you are more interested in having a grammar guru scan the book for typographical landmines. Understanding what your goals are will help you focus your search. You want to select someone who’s editing style addresses your needs and remains true to your writing. You don’t want someone who is just going to come in and hack your work to pieces without first understanding your objective.
Your editor should spend time getting to know you and your characters, getting to know your audience, your vision of where you want the book to go. This information will be crucial in the editing process. The most important question you can ask yourself when reviewing a sample from a potential editor is, “Are their edits enhancing my work, or changing it?” Look at the comments and feedback that you receive. If you don’t receive anything, red flag. A good editor will always offer feedback and keep the lines of communication wide open for you to banter and make suggestions. This is going to be a joint effort, a partnership, and it’s important that you have someone who can communicate effectively with you and offer both positive and negative feedback as a means of enhancing the book. You want to avoid the auto-pilot machines who just spit back edits to you without explanation or suggestion.
One final thought. Choose an editor you trust. Trust their insight, trust their skill, and trust that they have the best interests for your book at heart. When you go to publish, you will undoubtedly encounter criticisms for one reason or another. There is no way to please everyone and there is always someone out there who can do it better. Even I read books sometimes and think, Oh, I totally would have written that differently. Editing is a huge sphere of rules to follow and styles to explore. No two editors are the same. For me personally, I find it more important to honor the writing voice of my authors than to follow every grammar rule ever written. We are human beings and our speech is imperfect. Our characters and personalities are imperfect. And, I find, that imperfection is much more interesting to read and easier to relate to. To me, it’s more important to create an experience for the reader. Avid followers of the Chicago Manual of Style (or any other style book out there) may—and often do—disagree, but it’s my approach and it’s an approach that my clients appreciate because they trust me. Choose an editor you trust and who is in alignment with what’s important to you. Trust them to do their job, trust that your work is a great reflection of who you are as a writer, and trust that eventually all of the critics will someday choke from sipping so much Hater-Ade. There are plenty out there who will appreciate your work as it is. Write the story you want to write. Pick an editor who best helps you do that. And tell everyone who doesn’t like it to go stub their toe on the coffee table.

What does a writer do with themselves when they are ready to walk away? I am a writer, been ignoring that fact for 30 years. I wrote two books prior to Starburst then promptly tossed them out. I don’t know how to shake “writer” off of me. Most days I’d trade in writer for anything else however "writer” clings to my sides with a death grip.
Lately though the dark cloud of disillusionment is hanging low and occasionally banging me on the forehead. With this dark cloud as my companion for the past week came remarks from my husband who felt the need to inform me of his frustration that at one point my writing was a thing that brought me joy was now causing me nothing but a state of continual grumbling.
Big breath, this post is hard to write. Standing tall and speaking my pain is not any easy thing to do. I’d rather not tell the world that I have no commercial success. I’d rather not tell the world that I spend more time trying to figure out marketing than writing. I’d rather not tell the world that I am failing.
Why is coming out with the truth vastly painful? Perhaps it’s difficult because it’s showing the world your wounds. Here’s the worst part I’m ready to walk away, but can’t. Can’t make myself walk away from something I have wanted not a while, not a couple years, but a lifetime.
To get some perspective on that I’m 45 and I have ignored the writer in me for almost 20 years. So how does one person walk away from the very essence of who they are? Honestly, I’d like to know.
I want to know how to hush up the stories that climb all over my thoughts. I want to know how to tell myself on quiet mornings to not sit and write chapter after chapter. I would love to find out how to take this “writer” toxin out of my system and go about my day.
I am throwing rocks in a dark place. Darkest yet when I consider that old saying I’ve heard tossed around “art is pain.” Is that it? I’m not sure how that saying goes, but to have art in the depth of ones being and to suffer for it, is not a place of comfort or joy.
I have rolled out my emotions all weekend with not one positive conclusion to make. No idea really what to do with all that I feel. I often refer to my books as my babies, as any parent I want to see them thrive and succeed. Like any parent when they don’t it’s a hurt that you carry.
I believe now is a time of contemplation for me. A rest to reach in and make peace with who I am. After the peace will come the choices of what to do with what I am.

Authors note: Interesting how a couple weeks ago when I wrote The girl with the purple lips blog post I felt so determined, however now I feel beaten down.

Carol
caroljamesmarshall.com