H.A. Burns's Blog
August 24, 2020
A plague on writing, or vice versa
I started writing the next book series: an advanced society dealing with the ravages of a deadly plague. Then, as I was getting through the first chapter, a real modern plague began to play-out. It was like writing about a murder and then someone near and dear to you gets murdered. For some people this would bring inspiration. For me it brought feelings akin to disorientation, claustrophobia, and terror. So, I just couldn't bring myself to write another word. Should I try to push myself to write about it anyway? Would it help to bring out some of the feelings I'm having into the light for examination?
Virus from Cyborg Dreams Volume 2: The Buried Past
“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.”
― Stephen King
One of my favorite authors, and one of my favorite quotes about being a writer. If I can't bring myself to write, should I at least read a lot? On relevant information? Okay, I am reading... but not books. I read charts and figures, articles and reports on how the plague is playing out in different countries, counties and cities. My reading is non-fiction on how all of humanity is dealing with the coronavirus/SARS-COV2/COVID-19 pandemic in their own way. I guess it could be considered research for my book series.
This is what I have so far:
In January 2020 the world learned of another virus in China. Like the boy who cried wolf, this wasn't the first time China generated a pandemic threat. I took notice, looked at the figures: 98% survival rate? We already have a reliable test for it? Not so bad, and it will probably never leave Asia anyway... so, I dismissed the threat. In fact, almost everyone at the time thought it was no worse than the flu similar to the massively over-hyped swine flu threat a few years back. Still, despite the WHO not recommending it, countries like the USA began limiting travel to and from China as well as checking passengers for symptoms as a precaution. Italy dismissed it and had a marathon.
Next, reports came out that were somewhat alarming... of transmission rates being high, of being able to catch it from someone who wasn't even showing any symptoms. Well that threw a wrench in things. We were only checking people's temperatures and asking about symptoms... "no temp, no symptoms, come on in!" So it spread all over major cities across the world before anyone knew it was there. Other countries like Singapore, and South Korea forced 2 week quarantines and required everyone to wear masks and their transmission rates were far lower. Japan flat-out refused entry to their country then postponed the Olympics.
Next, news came that the elderly were far more susceptible. Countries like Germany protected their sick and elderly and bee-lined measures for early medical intervention. For some reason, other countries like USA and Australia bought up toilet paper in mass quantities.
The CDC and the WHO recommended everyone go into quarantine for 2 weeks to stop the spread of the plague. Except we still needed fast food, groceries and medicine so not everyone wanted to close down and no one wore masks because the CDC and WHO said they weren't effective. Many argued over who had the right to tell people to stop working, wear masks or avoid a plague that only killed 2%.
And this was just the beginning when 99% of the deaths were in China.
So, I guess you could say I'm getting a lot of relevant information together for my next book...
Virus from Cyborg Dreams Volume 2: The Buried Past“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.”
― Stephen King
One of my favorite authors, and one of my favorite quotes about being a writer. If I can't bring myself to write, should I at least read a lot? On relevant information? Okay, I am reading... but not books. I read charts and figures, articles and reports on how the plague is playing out in different countries, counties and cities. My reading is non-fiction on how all of humanity is dealing with the coronavirus/SARS-COV2/COVID-19 pandemic in their own way. I guess it could be considered research for my book series.
This is what I have so far:
In January 2020 the world learned of another virus in China. Like the boy who cried wolf, this wasn't the first time China generated a pandemic threat. I took notice, looked at the figures: 98% survival rate? We already have a reliable test for it? Not so bad, and it will probably never leave Asia anyway... so, I dismissed the threat. In fact, almost everyone at the time thought it was no worse than the flu similar to the massively over-hyped swine flu threat a few years back. Still, despite the WHO not recommending it, countries like the USA began limiting travel to and from China as well as checking passengers for symptoms as a precaution. Italy dismissed it and had a marathon.
Next, reports came out that were somewhat alarming... of transmission rates being high, of being able to catch it from someone who wasn't even showing any symptoms. Well that threw a wrench in things. We were only checking people's temperatures and asking about symptoms... "no temp, no symptoms, come on in!" So it spread all over major cities across the world before anyone knew it was there. Other countries like Singapore, and South Korea forced 2 week quarantines and required everyone to wear masks and their transmission rates were far lower. Japan flat-out refused entry to their country then postponed the Olympics.
Next, news came that the elderly were far more susceptible. Countries like Germany protected their sick and elderly and bee-lined measures for early medical intervention. For some reason, other countries like USA and Australia bought up toilet paper in mass quantities.
The CDC and the WHO recommended everyone go into quarantine for 2 weeks to stop the spread of the plague. Except we still needed fast food, groceries and medicine so not everyone wanted to close down and no one wore masks because the CDC and WHO said they weren't effective. Many argued over who had the right to tell people to stop working, wear masks or avoid a plague that only killed 2%.
And this was just the beginning when 99% of the deaths were in China.
So, I guess you could say I'm getting a lot of relevant information together for my next book...
February 3, 2019
Getting ready for the show.
Being an indie author is hard work! But also kinda fun... because well, I'm still a published author, which is super sweet. I haven't done any writing in a while, I'm in the 'I need to get the word out about the words I put out' phase. The reality is, you can't write a book and expect it to miraculously be picked up by someone who tells the whole world to pick it up too and then everyone reads it and now you're rich and famous.
I wrote a blog post about Networking, and that is a great way to get 'outside your comfort zone' intel on what to do for marketing, especially if you're an engineer who's never done marketing. In my network I have some people who had booths at the So Northwest Women's Show here in the Seattle area. They not only inspired me to get a booth at the show (which has over 9000 people in attendance) but also gave me great pointers on what to do at the show to draw people to my booth.
Cyborg Dreams by H.A. Burns will be at the So Northwest Women's Show
Besides going to libraries and bookstores, conventions are great ways to show off all the books you've written and entice people to read them. In fact, I've sold more books at conventions that anywhere else... and that includes launch parties.
I'm always trying to improve, and asking friends and family, as well as combing the internet, for tips, tricks and advice. So, here's my strategy for doing well at the So Northwest Women's Show in March:
1) Have a nice banner that entices people to come over and makes you look more professional.
2) Have a table runner that has your name or name of your book series.
3) Put up your books in a display, something that makes it inviting for people walking by to pick one up and thumb through it.
4) Have a fun sign-up activity. For instance, have a give-away at the end of the day based on random selections from the sign-up.
5) Give away prizes. Have a spinning wheel with various prizes (stickers, temporary tattoos, calendar magnets, postcards, bookmarks, t-shirts, signed copies of books).
6) The prizes listed above are also good things to sell as well, especially if they have logo's and info about the author.
7) Have a great attitude and show genuine interest in others.
8) Provide free autographs of books purchased.
9) List prices so that people don't have to ask (but expect that they will anyway) and get set-up with Square (super easy) or something similar. Make sure you have change if they do pay in cash.
10) Deals are great. Offer time-limited, only for the convention, prices, especially on more than one book.
11) Invite others to come with you, share the cost of the booth and also for the company.
12) Have helpers, you can't do everything (you could but it isn't as fun). Have a few people who are good at sales or at least talking to people and have someone running the cash register/square so that you can concentrate on signing books and talking to your fans.
13) Have great ratings on Amazon and Goodreads that you can brag about.
14) Write/memorize 1 minute pitches for each of your books.
I've got four books to sell this time, so I know I will be super busy. I love the way the fourth book (a combination of the first three called "Cyborg Dreams: The Trilogy") has come out and I designed most of the prizes around it. Check out the cool magnet I designed:
Cyborg Dreams Prize MagnetWish me luck! Also, if you have anymore tips and tricks, let me know.
I wrote a blog post about Networking, and that is a great way to get 'outside your comfort zone' intel on what to do for marketing, especially if you're an engineer who's never done marketing. In my network I have some people who had booths at the So Northwest Women's Show here in the Seattle area. They not only inspired me to get a booth at the show (which has over 9000 people in attendance) but also gave me great pointers on what to do at the show to draw people to my booth.
Cyborg Dreams by H.A. Burns will be at the So Northwest Women's ShowBesides going to libraries and bookstores, conventions are great ways to show off all the books you've written and entice people to read them. In fact, I've sold more books at conventions that anywhere else... and that includes launch parties.
I'm always trying to improve, and asking friends and family, as well as combing the internet, for tips, tricks and advice. So, here's my strategy for doing well at the So Northwest Women's Show in March:
1) Have a nice banner that entices people to come over and makes you look more professional.
2) Have a table runner that has your name or name of your book series.
3) Put up your books in a display, something that makes it inviting for people walking by to pick one up and thumb through it.
4) Have a fun sign-up activity. For instance, have a give-away at the end of the day based on random selections from the sign-up.
5) Give away prizes. Have a spinning wheel with various prizes (stickers, temporary tattoos, calendar magnets, postcards, bookmarks, t-shirts, signed copies of books).
6) The prizes listed above are also good things to sell as well, especially if they have logo's and info about the author.
7) Have a great attitude and show genuine interest in others.
8) Provide free autographs of books purchased.
9) List prices so that people don't have to ask (but expect that they will anyway) and get set-up with Square (super easy) or something similar. Make sure you have change if they do pay in cash.
10) Deals are great. Offer time-limited, only for the convention, prices, especially on more than one book.
11) Invite others to come with you, share the cost of the booth and also for the company.
12) Have helpers, you can't do everything (you could but it isn't as fun). Have a few people who are good at sales or at least talking to people and have someone running the cash register/square so that you can concentrate on signing books and talking to your fans.
13) Have great ratings on Amazon and Goodreads that you can brag about.
14) Write/memorize 1 minute pitches for each of your books.
I've got four books to sell this time, so I know I will be super busy. I love the way the fourth book (a combination of the first three called "Cyborg Dreams: The Trilogy") has come out and I designed most of the prizes around it. Check out the cool magnet I designed:
Cyborg Dreams Prize MagnetWish me luck! Also, if you have anymore tips and tricks, let me know.December 19, 2018
Let's make a deal...
I finished the third book and sent it to the publisher... I think I worked 12 hour days for a few weeks straight but it was well worth it. What a fun story! The trilogy has such a good end and I'm so proud I was able to write it. But, will it be the last thing I write? Am I done writing novels?
When I started writing I definitely didn't know I had it in me to complete one novel, much less three. I remember being on chapter 1, paragraph 1, book 1 and thinking: "What am I doing? I'm an engineer, not a writer!" I'm so glad I pushed past my self doubts and made my Cyborg Dreams happen. :D
Becoming an author has been a crazy road. When did I even become a science fiction author? There isn't a day, or award, certification, or declaration that says: "This person is a science fiction writer." You just write, hope for the best and one day your books are selling and you're like, "Man, I guess I'm a writer!"
But, now what? My very first blog post was titled, "The writing is done, now what?" I still feel exactly the same. At the time I wasn't sure if that first manuscript was all I had to offer, if anyone would pick it up to publish, or if I would ever write again. Now I don't know what will happen any more than I did then. The lonely cyborg disintegrating on the cover of the trilogy reminds me of myself right now.
Cover of Cyborg Dreams: The Trilogy
I would love to keep writing but I don't know if I can justify the time spent per the return. I think that is the engineer in me talking, and maybe I'll convince her one day and to write for the pure enjoyment of it again. But ,for now, that engineer wants to see/analyze numbers that prove all the effort of writing isn't a waste.
I think I will let the readers tell me if I should keep writing. For my part, I'm going to try the best I can to get the word out about the Cyborg Dreams trilogy. If the books sell well over the next two years then I will write more. Does that sound like a good deal?
If you like my work, share it, talk about it, give a copy to your neighbor for Christmas,... whatever you can do to show support. Even write a review or like my author page, leave a comment on a blog post or share a tweet. It all counts, it all adds up. I would love to keep writing, but I need some encouragement. Thank you for all of your support!
When I started writing I definitely didn't know I had it in me to complete one novel, much less three. I remember being on chapter 1, paragraph 1, book 1 and thinking: "What am I doing? I'm an engineer, not a writer!" I'm so glad I pushed past my self doubts and made my Cyborg Dreams happen. :D
Becoming an author has been a crazy road. When did I even become a science fiction author? There isn't a day, or award, certification, or declaration that says: "This person is a science fiction writer." You just write, hope for the best and one day your books are selling and you're like, "Man, I guess I'm a writer!"
But, now what? My very first blog post was titled, "The writing is done, now what?" I still feel exactly the same. At the time I wasn't sure if that first manuscript was all I had to offer, if anyone would pick it up to publish, or if I would ever write again. Now I don't know what will happen any more than I did then. The lonely cyborg disintegrating on the cover of the trilogy reminds me of myself right now.
Cover of Cyborg Dreams: The TrilogyI would love to keep writing but I don't know if I can justify the time spent per the return. I think that is the engineer in me talking, and maybe I'll convince her one day and to write for the pure enjoyment of it again. But ,for now, that engineer wants to see/analyze numbers that prove all the effort of writing isn't a waste.
I think I will let the readers tell me if I should keep writing. For my part, I'm going to try the best I can to get the word out about the Cyborg Dreams trilogy. If the books sell well over the next two years then I will write more. Does that sound like a good deal?
If you like my work, share it, talk about it, give a copy to your neighbor for Christmas,... whatever you can do to show support. Even write a review or like my author page, leave a comment on a blog post or share a tweet. It all counts, it all adds up. I would love to keep writing, but I need some encouragement. Thank you for all of your support!
October 25, 2018
Networking a Network
What is your network? Have you ever diagrammed it out? I have, using MS PowerPoint of course because I'm a total geek. It was an exercise I learned to do while getting my Change Leadership certification with Cornell University. Here is an example of a brief high-level network diagram:
Network Diagram
Understanding your network is understanding your realm of influence. Usually things cross over, and that's a good thing but it makes diagraming more difficult. For instance, Facebook groups like SWE Pacific Northwest Rainier Ramblings is in both the Social Media and Technical affiliations categories in the diagram above. Rainier Ramblings was a connection I made because I was in SWE and loved book clubs. If I hadn't reached out to this network, I wouldn't have been able to sit in on a book club review of my very own book. Meeting readers is awesome, as you can see from the photo below. My dog even loved it.
SWE Book Club Meeting: Cyborg Dreams
Knowing where these affiliations interconnect is good, but also knowing what contacts stand alone can lead to new possibilities. For instance, if you have a friend who is a librarian that is a great interconnect that could lead to your book in the local library collection. But, having a parent who is friends with a publisher is even better.
Not that I have friends at the library (I wish) but I just wanted to give a shout out to the wonderful people at Sno-Isles Library and King County Library. They will soon have eBook versions of both of my books. Sno-Isles is ordering two paperback copies of my first book, which will be available to check-out soon. King County Library just picked up five copies of my second book! So exciting!
I recently met the most entertaining individuals in a Northwest Science Fiction Society (NWSFS) meeting. It was a social/networking meeting over food and drink. Not only did they help me work out some issues I've been having with my third book involving cyborg owls, but they invited me to a mad scientist Halloween party. So cool!
I've been part of Lizzie Chantree's Book Group on Facebook, and have learned everything from marketing tips, to cover art design tips. Also, I've made a ton of Twitter friends from her #CreativeBizHour group as well. I was introduced to this group by my friend from SWE, Suzie Olsen. She's an author too and helps me out a ton. I met her at a SWE networking event years ago.
Speaking of art, the third book cover is going to be amazing! Again, I reached out to my network. I've harnessed the skills of my sister, who has a degree in advertising design, for much of my promotional artwork. However, I have a friend who specializing in creating the most amazing robotic-type monsters and men and he is working on something for my next cover. That is a good thing, because my concept art looked like this:
My Concept Art for Cyborg Dreams: The Awakening
The third book, and final in the Cyborg Dreams trilogy, will be out soon! Am hoping for an early December release so that the trilogy will be available for Christmas shoppers. It would make a great gift for young adults all the way through not-so-young adults. ;)
Network DiagramUnderstanding your network is understanding your realm of influence. Usually things cross over, and that's a good thing but it makes diagraming more difficult. For instance, Facebook groups like SWE Pacific Northwest Rainier Ramblings is in both the Social Media and Technical affiliations categories in the diagram above. Rainier Ramblings was a connection I made because I was in SWE and loved book clubs. If I hadn't reached out to this network, I wouldn't have been able to sit in on a book club review of my very own book. Meeting readers is awesome, as you can see from the photo below. My dog even loved it.
SWE Book Club Meeting: Cyborg DreamsKnowing where these affiliations interconnect is good, but also knowing what contacts stand alone can lead to new possibilities. For instance, if you have a friend who is a librarian that is a great interconnect that could lead to your book in the local library collection. But, having a parent who is friends with a publisher is even better.
Not that I have friends at the library (I wish) but I just wanted to give a shout out to the wonderful people at Sno-Isles Library and King County Library. They will soon have eBook versions of both of my books. Sno-Isles is ordering two paperback copies of my first book, which will be available to check-out soon. King County Library just picked up five copies of my second book! So exciting!
I recently met the most entertaining individuals in a Northwest Science Fiction Society (NWSFS) meeting. It was a social/networking meeting over food and drink. Not only did they help me work out some issues I've been having with my third book involving cyborg owls, but they invited me to a mad scientist Halloween party. So cool!
I've been part of Lizzie Chantree's Book Group on Facebook, and have learned everything from marketing tips, to cover art design tips. Also, I've made a ton of Twitter friends from her #CreativeBizHour group as well. I was introduced to this group by my friend from SWE, Suzie Olsen. She's an author too and helps me out a ton. I met her at a SWE networking event years ago.
Speaking of art, the third book cover is going to be amazing! Again, I reached out to my network. I've harnessed the skills of my sister, who has a degree in advertising design, for much of my promotional artwork. However, I have a friend who specializing in creating the most amazing robotic-type monsters and men and he is working on something for my next cover. That is a good thing, because my concept art looked like this:
My Concept Art for Cyborg Dreams: The AwakeningThe third book, and final in the Cyborg Dreams trilogy, will be out soon! Am hoping for an early December release so that the trilogy will be available for Christmas shoppers. It would make a great gift for young adults all the way through not-so-young adults. ;)
September 23, 2018
Get Back, Feedback!
I'm writing the third and final book in the Cyborg Dreams trilogy. YAY! I've reached out for feedback as I go, joining a couple of writers groups. Writers critique groups can be quite helpful, but can also be harmful. The trick is to have tough skin, and wade through the vast majority of it that isn't useful in order to find the gems that will send the work to the next level.
Cyborg Dreams: The Awakening Coming Soon!
I submitted a rough draft of Chapter 1 in Cyborg Dreams: The Awakening to two different critique groups. Here's what I learned:
Lesson 1: People base their opinions on very little facts, and often make wild assumptions. That is humanity, you can't expect a critique group to be different. The problem is that you have to figure out if the basis is reasonable, or that anyone else may feel the same way. The best way to handle it is to 1) Try and understand their logic and 2) Listen to hear if anyone else has similar feedback. If no one else says the same thing and the logic seems flawed, say "Thank you" and forget everything the person said. Does my lead character really sound like a psychopath? No. But, that is the feedback I got. The guy even gave examples, each of which was a huge extrapolation and all of which added to no basis. No other person said the same thing (thankfully) so I can rest assured my character does not come off as a psychopath.
Lesson 2: Taking negative feedback is easier when someone says something positive first. In fact, going straight into what you don't like about someone's hard work is a great way to get them to not like you or listen to anything you say ever again. I know that when I get a critique from someone who has said something nice, I'll take their suggestions more seriously. I was taught (in my professional career) that the best way to give feedback is to think of it like a sandwich: positive statements are the bread and things that could be improved go in the middle. Or we can take Mary Poppins' words of wisdom, "A spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down."
Lesson 3: Navigating in a frigid pool of filth, searching blindfolded for the light... that is how I feel sometimes listening to feedback and trying to find what is useful. No one is trying to make me feel that way. In fact, they think they are trying to help. They think what they say is important and hope that I take it to heart. This is the hardest lesson for me: the critique is of the work, not me. The people are trying to help me, not hurt me. I gave one woman such a glare that she started stammering... oops.
Navigating Criticism by H.A. Burns
Lesson 4: Only incorporate what you want. Find what makes your story, in your style, better. People don't know what has happened before in the story or where it is going. Plus, if someone doesn't like it that doesn't mean others won't. Keep true to yourself. No one can tell you what to do.
One thing that I have found very interesting is that in all the groups I've been to, no one is a published novelist like me. Maybe published authors don't require feedback? Or maybe they get it from another source. I enjoy the feedback I get from my friends and family, they love my writing. and compliment me like crazy. Nothing like what the critique groups do. But, what tidbits I've gotten has helped my writing even if the experiences are somewhat savage.
Cyborg Dreams: The Awakening Coming Soon!I submitted a rough draft of Chapter 1 in Cyborg Dreams: The Awakening to two different critique groups. Here's what I learned:
Lesson 1: People base their opinions on very little facts, and often make wild assumptions. That is humanity, you can't expect a critique group to be different. The problem is that you have to figure out if the basis is reasonable, or that anyone else may feel the same way. The best way to handle it is to 1) Try and understand their logic and 2) Listen to hear if anyone else has similar feedback. If no one else says the same thing and the logic seems flawed, say "Thank you" and forget everything the person said. Does my lead character really sound like a psychopath? No. But, that is the feedback I got. The guy even gave examples, each of which was a huge extrapolation and all of which added to no basis. No other person said the same thing (thankfully) so I can rest assured my character does not come off as a psychopath.
Lesson 2: Taking negative feedback is easier when someone says something positive first. In fact, going straight into what you don't like about someone's hard work is a great way to get them to not like you or listen to anything you say ever again. I know that when I get a critique from someone who has said something nice, I'll take their suggestions more seriously. I was taught (in my professional career) that the best way to give feedback is to think of it like a sandwich: positive statements are the bread and things that could be improved go in the middle. Or we can take Mary Poppins' words of wisdom, "A spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down."
Lesson 3: Navigating in a frigid pool of filth, searching blindfolded for the light... that is how I feel sometimes listening to feedback and trying to find what is useful. No one is trying to make me feel that way. In fact, they think they are trying to help. They think what they say is important and hope that I take it to heart. This is the hardest lesson for me: the critique is of the work, not me. The people are trying to help me, not hurt me. I gave one woman such a glare that she started stammering... oops.
Navigating Criticism by H.A. BurnsLesson 4: Only incorporate what you want. Find what makes your story, in your style, better. People don't know what has happened before in the story or where it is going. Plus, if someone doesn't like it that doesn't mean others won't. Keep true to yourself. No one can tell you what to do.
One thing that I have found very interesting is that in all the groups I've been to, no one is a published novelist like me. Maybe published authors don't require feedback? Or maybe they get it from another source. I enjoy the feedback I get from my friends and family, they love my writing. and compliment me like crazy. Nothing like what the critique groups do. But, what tidbits I've gotten has helped my writing even if the experiences are somewhat savage.
August 10, 2018
Dollars and Sense
I started this blog in January to catalog my writing journey. What a journey it has been! I learned early on that making money off of writing was about as likely as winning the lottery. Still, I hoped to be a winner. How can I be disappointed if I have sold more books than I expected? Yet, I am.
Recently, I threw a party to celebrate my second book being published. Only 6 people besides myself were present, 7 if you count the owner of the venue. I did very little advertising/marketing for the event and based on Facebook interest I knew few people would be there... still, I hoped for more. All the people who came received free food, beer and prizes which they all enjoyed. We all played games and had a great time. I even sold 3 books. Still, I hoped for more.
Book Launch Party Stand for Cyborg Dreams: The Buried Past
Is hope my bane? The reason I am so disappointed? I knew as a new sci-fi author being published by a small indie press I would likely sell very little... I knew that the timing was just off for most people and not many would make the recent party... logic and reason told me to expect little.... yet I hoped for more.
This week I received my first, appallingly disappointing, royalty check. It is amazing how much Amazon takes from the cut, they should be ashamed of themselves. Yet, I did sell more than I expected. In just the first 5 months of being a published author I sold over 100 books total, gotten into book stores, conventions, public libraries, and done signing... how can I be disappointed? After all, a year ago I would never have thought I would even be a published author.
Me reading my first book, and enjoying it.
Disappointment is part of the writing journey, no matter how much you steel yourself with facts. The only question is, what do I do with the feelings? This gut wrenching feeling that I am a total failure because I can't make any real money off of writing? This horrid feeling of rejection because people didn't show up to my party? Do I stop writing? Give up? Do I throw the towel in and say "I tied."
What is next?
I have to remember why I started writing in the first place-- because I enjoy it! I love to write. I have a story to tell and that story isn't finished. I never quit. I am a finisher and I will deliver.
I am going to swallow the hard pill of disappointment and write my last book in the Cyborg Dreams trilogy... no matter what.
Will anyone care? Maybe not. Will anyone read it? Maybe no one.
Nevertheless, I write for me.
Recently, I threw a party to celebrate my second book being published. Only 6 people besides myself were present, 7 if you count the owner of the venue. I did very little advertising/marketing for the event and based on Facebook interest I knew few people would be there... still, I hoped for more. All the people who came received free food, beer and prizes which they all enjoyed. We all played games and had a great time. I even sold 3 books. Still, I hoped for more.
Book Launch Party Stand for Cyborg Dreams: The Buried PastIs hope my bane? The reason I am so disappointed? I knew as a new sci-fi author being published by a small indie press I would likely sell very little... I knew that the timing was just off for most people and not many would make the recent party... logic and reason told me to expect little.... yet I hoped for more.
This week I received my first, appallingly disappointing, royalty check. It is amazing how much Amazon takes from the cut, they should be ashamed of themselves. Yet, I did sell more than I expected. In just the first 5 months of being a published author I sold over 100 books total, gotten into book stores, conventions, public libraries, and done signing... how can I be disappointed? After all, a year ago I would never have thought I would even be a published author.
Me reading my first book, and enjoying it.Disappointment is part of the writing journey, no matter how much you steel yourself with facts. The only question is, what do I do with the feelings? This gut wrenching feeling that I am a total failure because I can't make any real money off of writing? This horrid feeling of rejection because people didn't show up to my party? Do I stop writing? Give up? Do I throw the towel in and say "I tied."
What is next?
I have to remember why I started writing in the first place-- because I enjoy it! I love to write. I have a story to tell and that story isn't finished. I never quit. I am a finisher and I will deliver.
I am going to swallow the hard pill of disappointment and write my last book in the Cyborg Dreams trilogy... no matter what.
Will anyone care? Maybe not. Will anyone read it? Maybe no one.
Nevertheless, I write for me.
July 8, 2018
Kicking Names, Taking A$$
June was amazing: I had three events scheduled and successfully completed. I also managed to get halfway through writing chapter 2 of the 3rd book in the Cyborg Dreams trilogy. Things are looking pretty good from where I sit. Two books published in 2018 already, and we're only halfway through the year! Yay!
The three events (Half Price Books Signing, Brick & Mortar Books Indie Author Night, and ACE Comic Con) each had their pros and cons. I learned a lot from all of them.
Half Price Books Signing:
Pros:
Very easy set-up. Little prep needed. No cost. Good advertising/PR. Sold a few books.
Cons:
I was tucked away from main traffic. Sat right next to another author of a very different genre.
I would do that event again in a heart-beat, and might next year or at another Half Price Books in the local area. However, next time I will try and sit alone and get more visibility (closer to door).
Brick & Mortar Books Indie Author Night:
Pros:
Great visibility (hundreds more Twitter followers). Meeting other authors is fun and great connections. Sold a few books.
Cons:
For how much time it took and how many people were there I expected to sell more books. I looked around and only a few other authors out of the 17 total authors had anyone come up and get their book signed. So, not a lot of book sales per author overall. The venue took 40% of the profit, which is a bit steep for their contribution.
I would do this again, just have much lower expectations as far as book sales and maybe negotiate a lowered fee for the venue.
ACE Comic Con:
Pros:
So fun!!! Getting to see everyone in costume was amazing. There was a Cinder-Hela and a Rambo-Bright as well as many Marvel comic favs like Loki, Thor and Captain America. My husband and sister both helped out and dressed up. One little girl actually said she was in love with my husband (she loved Vegeta from DragonBallZ) and kind of stalked him a bit, it was cute. I sold a ton of books! Much more than expected though I didn't sell out. Based on my research I expected to sell between 33-100 books over the weekend, and much closer to the lower end because it was my first Comic Con and because I am not that well known yet. I sold 48 books! I also met a few vendors that were amazing and a guy named Shawn Lance who gave me tons of tips, especially on booth barnacles. I met other authors and have almost 50 new people signed up to receive news about Cyborg Dreams.
Cons:
It was expensive, especially when you count how much we spent on artwork ourselves (it was hard to resist!).
I would love to do this again! I learned so much. Some of the items I worked on worked out well and some did not. The t-shirts ended up not coming in time from Zazzle even though I paid for expedited shipping. They reimbursed me, but I didn't have them for the Comic Con so I won't know how those do. I had read ahead of time that giving out fliers to get people to come to your booth would work, but only one person all weekend came back with a flier. Having a sign-up sheet to give away prizes and engaging with passerby's did work-out very well.
So, what is next? The book launch party for the second book, of course!!! :D I created an Eventbrite and Facebook event and updated my Amazon Author Page and Goodreads Author Page with the event details. Save the date! August 5th, 5-7pm in Lynnwood, WA at SubSpace Comics. :D
The three events (Half Price Books Signing, Brick & Mortar Books Indie Author Night, and ACE Comic Con) each had their pros and cons. I learned a lot from all of them.
Half Price Books Signing:
Pros:
Very easy set-up. Little prep needed. No cost. Good advertising/PR. Sold a few books.
Cons:
I was tucked away from main traffic. Sat right next to another author of a very different genre.
I would do that event again in a heart-beat, and might next year or at another Half Price Books in the local area. However, next time I will try and sit alone and get more visibility (closer to door).
Brick & Mortar Books Indie Author Night:
Pros:
Great visibility (hundreds more Twitter followers). Meeting other authors is fun and great connections. Sold a few books.
Cons:
For how much time it took and how many people were there I expected to sell more books. I looked around and only a few other authors out of the 17 total authors had anyone come up and get their book signed. So, not a lot of book sales per author overall. The venue took 40% of the profit, which is a bit steep for their contribution.
I would do this again, just have much lower expectations as far as book sales and maybe negotiate a lowered fee for the venue.
ACE Comic Con:
Pros:
So fun!!! Getting to see everyone in costume was amazing. There was a Cinder-Hela and a Rambo-Bright as well as many Marvel comic favs like Loki, Thor and Captain America. My husband and sister both helped out and dressed up. One little girl actually said she was in love with my husband (she loved Vegeta from DragonBallZ) and kind of stalked him a bit, it was cute. I sold a ton of books! Much more than expected though I didn't sell out. Based on my research I expected to sell between 33-100 books over the weekend, and much closer to the lower end because it was my first Comic Con and because I am not that well known yet. I sold 48 books! I also met a few vendors that were amazing and a guy named Shawn Lance who gave me tons of tips, especially on booth barnacles. I met other authors and have almost 50 new people signed up to receive news about Cyborg Dreams.
Cons:
It was expensive, especially when you count how much we spent on artwork ourselves (it was hard to resist!).
I would love to do this again! I learned so much. Some of the items I worked on worked out well and some did not. The t-shirts ended up not coming in time from Zazzle even though I paid for expedited shipping. They reimbursed me, but I didn't have them for the Comic Con so I won't know how those do. I had read ahead of time that giving out fliers to get people to come to your booth would work, but only one person all weekend came back with a flier. Having a sign-up sheet to give away prizes and engaging with passerby's did work-out very well.
So, what is next? The book launch party for the second book, of course!!! :D I created an Eventbrite and Facebook event and updated my Amazon Author Page and Goodreads Author Page with the event details. Save the date! August 5th, 5-7pm in Lynnwood, WA at SubSpace Comics. :D
June 16, 2018
Am I Tinkerbell?
What keeps going through my mind is the fairy Tinkerbell in Peter Pan and how she just fades away to nothing without applause & attention. I kind of feel that way about book sales... the author in me comes alive as long as there are book sales but they are so hard to get sometimes that I feel like I just fade away, all depressed, without them. Thankfully I got a few this week, so I am still alive and happy. Tink! Tink!
One thing that led to book sales this week is that the second book of the Cyborg Dreams Trilogy is now officially published! A few awesome friends and family members were the first to buy from Amazon. I made a rush order with the publisher to have some paperbacks for ACE Comic Con, where the very first signed copies will be available to the public. I got mine in today. <:^D Shiny! Spectacular! More to come in the next blog about when and where the party will be to celebrate. I suggest you get the book now and start reading because I plan to have a trivia for those that have read the first two books with awesome prizes for the winners at the party.
Cyborg Dreams: The Buried Past has arrived!
Another thing that happened this week was that I got to meet 16 other authors at an Indie Author Event with Brick & Mortar Books. Some of the authors were 10 year old girls writing about getting along with others at school and some were weathered older men writing about the wild west. I sold a few books and signed a few copies, and it made me feel like a celebrity. I think I even made a few friends, and definitely jumped up the numbers on my Twitter followers thanks to the efforts and talents of Stephanie Collins, a fabulous writer and avid tweeter. One of the authors, Kim Hornsby, will be getting her books turned into movies and is even teaching a workshop at the Pacific Northwest Writers Academy Conference in September. Of course I plan to attend. I wrote the Cyborg Dreams novels as if they were action adventure movies in my head and would absolutely love to have them on the big screen one day.
Indie Author Night at Brick & Mortar Books Redmond, WA
What else happened this week you ask? Well, I went from learning about how to make digital print t-shirts to creating a design shop in Zazzle. Who'd of thunk it? It's all part of the author journey. I didn't like the quality of the ones I printed myself after they were washed, so I went to the professionals. Now You can get t-shirts and mugs from Zazzle with the Cyborg Dreams design my sister Crystal (who is a professional artist) helped me design. Everything is under $25 and you can get them for 15% off if you use the code ZSUMMERSALEZ. If you like the design and want to show off something neat & unique, they're a great deal!
Zazzle T-Shirt of Cyborg Dreams
One thing that led to book sales this week is that the second book of the Cyborg Dreams Trilogy is now officially published! A few awesome friends and family members were the first to buy from Amazon. I made a rush order with the publisher to have some paperbacks for ACE Comic Con, where the very first signed copies will be available to the public. I got mine in today. <:^D Shiny! Spectacular! More to come in the next blog about when and where the party will be to celebrate. I suggest you get the book now and start reading because I plan to have a trivia for those that have read the first two books with awesome prizes for the winners at the party.
Cyborg Dreams: The Buried Past has arrived!Another thing that happened this week was that I got to meet 16 other authors at an Indie Author Event with Brick & Mortar Books. Some of the authors were 10 year old girls writing about getting along with others at school and some were weathered older men writing about the wild west. I sold a few books and signed a few copies, and it made me feel like a celebrity. I think I even made a few friends, and definitely jumped up the numbers on my Twitter followers thanks to the efforts and talents of Stephanie Collins, a fabulous writer and avid tweeter. One of the authors, Kim Hornsby, will be getting her books turned into movies and is even teaching a workshop at the Pacific Northwest Writers Academy Conference in September. Of course I plan to attend. I wrote the Cyborg Dreams novels as if they were action adventure movies in my head and would absolutely love to have them on the big screen one day.
Indie Author Night at Brick & Mortar Books Redmond, WAWhat else happened this week you ask? Well, I went from learning about how to make digital print t-shirts to creating a design shop in Zazzle. Who'd of thunk it? It's all part of the author journey. I didn't like the quality of the ones I printed myself after they were washed, so I went to the professionals. Now You can get t-shirts and mugs from Zazzle with the Cyborg Dreams design my sister Crystal (who is a professional artist) helped me design. Everything is under $25 and you can get them for 15% off if you use the code ZSUMMERSALEZ. If you like the design and want to show off something neat & unique, they're a great deal!
Zazzle T-Shirt of Cyborg DreamsMay 31, 2018
Check Me Out!
I'm at the Library... not me, its 10:30 at night, that would be creepy... I mean my book!! YAY!
Five libraries to be exact. There are copies of my book circulating in the King County Library System, and guess what? People have already checked them out at two of the libraries! That is so exciting! I may go by this weekend and get a picture to commemorate. It is not everyday you get to be on the shelves of a library and it has been a lifelong dream of mine. Dreams do come true!! :D
Cyborg Dreams in King County Library System
The book seems to be doing well everywhere, not 50 Shades well, or even close to making a living well, but much better than expected and it is thrilling. In fact, everyone has given it 5 Star reviews on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and Smashwords. That has to mean something, right?
Besides that wonderful news, I have even more good news. I did a lot of brainstorming with friends and family on ideas for promotional items. I worked with my absolutely fabulous sister to come up with a t-shirt we can wear at ACE Comic Con. We might even have a few available to sell. Because we are making them ourselves, we will be able to sell them for like $15 if we do. Check out the logo below, does it look 3D to you?
Cyborg Dreams T-Shirt Design
ACE also allowed me to use their logo on some postcards I designed that people will be able to get for only $2 as a souvenir. Check out the back of the postcards:
Postcards Available Exclusively at ACE Comic Con Seattle June 22-24th, 2018
To top it all off, I spoke with my publisher and he said the second book should be available very soon, so exciting. Hopefully in time to have some paperbacks available for ACE, fingers crossed! Who knows, the book could even be available online (like on Amazon) by this time next week!
Five libraries to be exact. There are copies of my book circulating in the King County Library System, and guess what? People have already checked them out at two of the libraries! That is so exciting! I may go by this weekend and get a picture to commemorate. It is not everyday you get to be on the shelves of a library and it has been a lifelong dream of mine. Dreams do come true!! :D
Cyborg Dreams in King County Library SystemThe book seems to be doing well everywhere, not 50 Shades well, or even close to making a living well, but much better than expected and it is thrilling. In fact, everyone has given it 5 Star reviews on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and Smashwords. That has to mean something, right?
Besides that wonderful news, I have even more good news. I did a lot of brainstorming with friends and family on ideas for promotional items. I worked with my absolutely fabulous sister to come up with a t-shirt we can wear at ACE Comic Con. We might even have a few available to sell. Because we are making them ourselves, we will be able to sell them for like $15 if we do. Check out the logo below, does it look 3D to you?
Cyborg Dreams T-Shirt DesignACE also allowed me to use their logo on some postcards I designed that people will be able to get for only $2 as a souvenir. Check out the back of the postcards:
Postcards Available Exclusively at ACE Comic Con Seattle June 22-24th, 2018To top it all off, I spoke with my publisher and he said the second book should be available very soon, so exciting. Hopefully in time to have some paperbacks available for ACE, fingers crossed! Who knows, the book could even be available online (like on Amazon) by this time next week!
May 24, 2018
Cyborg Art
Looks like I am in the Seattle Creator Spotlight with Ace Comic Con in Seattle! I am so excited and have so much to prepare, including a good strategy on how best to draw people in to my table to check out my books.
In preparation for ACE Comic Con, I am working on artwork to give away and sell as maybe iron-ons, stickers, prints, or temporary tattoos.
For the book launch in March I gave away some prints I called Cyborg Art. I had asked what people wanted as giveaways from a selection of things like temporary tattoos and chocolates in a Facebook survey. Cyborg Art was the top choice.
I walked around the Artist Alley at Emerald City Comic Con and tried to figure out what made people stand out. I think it was their art work. My husband even bought some artwork that he really liked.
So, from the book launch survey and from the experience at Emerald City Comic Con I gather that if I can present some neat looking Cyborg Art then I might have a better chance at selling my book.
I brainstormed some ideas and came up with a few different things. Right now I am stuck trying to decide which Cyborg Eyeball I like best. I have 10 variations and I want to narrow it down to closer to 2-3. Let me know which one you like best.
Cyborg Dreams Art: Eyeball 1
Cyborg Dreams Art: Eyeball 2
Cyborg Dreams Art: Eyeball 3
Cyborg Dreams Art: Eyeball 4
Cyborg Dreams Art: Eyeball 5
Cyborg Dreams Art: Eyeball 6
Cyborg Dreams Art: Eyeball 7
Cyborg Dreams Art: Eyeball 8
Cyborg Dreams Art: Eyeball 9
Cyborg Dreams Art: Eyeball 10
In preparation for ACE Comic Con, I am working on artwork to give away and sell as maybe iron-ons, stickers, prints, or temporary tattoos.
For the book launch in March I gave away some prints I called Cyborg Art. I had asked what people wanted as giveaways from a selection of things like temporary tattoos and chocolates in a Facebook survey. Cyborg Art was the top choice.
I walked around the Artist Alley at Emerald City Comic Con and tried to figure out what made people stand out. I think it was their art work. My husband even bought some artwork that he really liked.
So, from the book launch survey and from the experience at Emerald City Comic Con I gather that if I can present some neat looking Cyborg Art then I might have a better chance at selling my book.
I brainstormed some ideas and came up with a few different things. Right now I am stuck trying to decide which Cyborg Eyeball I like best. I have 10 variations and I want to narrow it down to closer to 2-3. Let me know which one you like best.
Cyborg Dreams Art: Eyeball 1
Cyborg Dreams Art: Eyeball 2
Cyborg Dreams Art: Eyeball 3
Cyborg Dreams Art: Eyeball 4
Cyborg Dreams Art: Eyeball 5
Cyborg Dreams Art: Eyeball 6
Cyborg Dreams Art: Eyeball 7
Cyborg Dreams Art: Eyeball 8
Cyborg Dreams Art: Eyeball 9
Cyborg Dreams Art: Eyeball 10
