Sierra Rose's Blog
October 8, 2010
Sequel to Flames of Betrayal finally out! Whew!
Well after it was supposed to be out, the second book in my S.E.A.L. Team Omega seriesSeal Team Omega Treacherous Alliances
So far only available on Kindle but soon it should be out for paperback and on Smashwords...I hope.
So far only available on Kindle but soon it should be out for paperback and on Smashwords...I hope.
April 20, 2010
Sequels, updates, and more!
Anyone who tells you that surely writing a sequel or ongoing book in a series couldn't be that hard since all the hard work was established in the first book should be smacked upside the head with Bartlett's Familiar Quotations.
You would think that since your characters have been established, your group or series background set. As the author of two different series let me say that it's not as easy as one would think.
You have to make deadly certain that you maintain all character quirks, flaws, etc and things in a series really should mesh. One must have an unending supply of sticky notes to keep track of what this character did or said or how he or she would react.
So for all you new writers just coming to Goodreads, if you write a series make certain to note everything little thing because you never know when a character's most tiny little quirk may come back to haunt you.
That said, thanks to a wonderful fellow author, Magnolia Belle, the first title in my S.E.A.L. Team Omega series, Flames of Betrayal, has undergone a huge revision process and is now back live in ebook form for Kindle, Smashwords and on Goodreads. The paperback should go back live next week and at a lower price! That makes me happy since I like $8.99 a lot better. Now the fun comes to find a way to let everyone who read the first version know that there is an edited 2nd version out.
The sequel to the book is...ready but is undergoing checking for grammar/style issues and though it won't be as tweaked as Flames this first attempt won't be as flawed since it has been checked for errors once. I'm hoping for a June release though I may try for a 4th of July since it is a Navy SEAL title. Patience is still needed for this one.
Ryan's title for Celtic Evil is still in the planning/plotting stage since my lead character isn't giving up the plot so easily. Though for those who have read either of the other books in this series should know that Ryan's a stubborn man so he should be interesting to write...or turn into something.
You would think that since your characters have been established, your group or series background set. As the author of two different series let me say that it's not as easy as one would think.
You have to make deadly certain that you maintain all character quirks, flaws, etc and things in a series really should mesh. One must have an unending supply of sticky notes to keep track of what this character did or said or how he or she would react.
So for all you new writers just coming to Goodreads, if you write a series make certain to note everything little thing because you never know when a character's most tiny little quirk may come back to haunt you.
That said, thanks to a wonderful fellow author, Magnolia Belle, the first title in my S.E.A.L. Team Omega series, Flames of Betrayal, has undergone a huge revision process and is now back live in ebook form for Kindle, Smashwords and on Goodreads. The paperback should go back live next week and at a lower price! That makes me happy since I like $8.99 a lot better. Now the fun comes to find a way to let everyone who read the first version know that there is an edited 2nd version out.
The sequel to the book is...ready but is undergoing checking for grammar/style issues and though it won't be as tweaked as Flames this first attempt won't be as flawed since it has been checked for errors once. I'm hoping for a June release though I may try for a 4th of July since it is a Navy SEAL title. Patience is still needed for this one.
Ryan's title for Celtic Evil is still in the planning/plotting stage since my lead character isn't giving up the plot so easily. Though for those who have read either of the other books in this series should know that Ryan's a stubborn man so he should be interesting to write...or turn into something.
February 28, 2010
Multiple but very different genres, how do authors handle the switch?
How does an author who writes in multiple genres handle going from one to another? Much less, do readers take into account how those very different genres are also very different in writing style?
That's something I've been wondering since I write in two primary genres and each title seems to have its own style. Take Celtic Evil for example. It's more of a paranormal/romantic suspense series. Yes, there is some action since that plot calls for it but that series is a complete turnaround to my pure action/adventure series, S.E.A.L. Team Omega. That series is more action and it calls for more violence. So, do readers who look for Sierra Rose consider that while both books are written by the same author that the styles are different or because one may be too violent or extreme in come cases will they hold that against the other, more mild series? If that's the case then it's hardly fair because while one book may not appeal the other could be just fine.
I suppose that's why authors in different genres use a different pen name for the other one. I considered that when writing the Seal series but was advised it would cause confusion to readers who may have begun following Sierra Rose.
As an author, I do not plot or pre-plot a story for the most part. I may have a general idea but the main story fills itself in as I write. I will never make apoligies for how I write in terms of plot, characters or how the story fills itself in. I've often said that I allow my characters to write their own story and then I go behind them and clean up as best as I can and that's what I do. I never try to control or change how a scene goes as it builds in my head because I don't write like that.
Flames of Betrayal, the first in my S.E.A.L. Team Omega series has been coming under fire recently here on Amazon it seems by a couple reviews that I just caught today for a few scenes. I know the ones being complained about because they were the hardest to write in my life and I bounced back and forth, struggled with the inner writer who writes the scenes in my mind until finally all the going back and forth blocked the book up. It took several days until I decided to given in and allow the scenes to remain. I debated on it and waited to get several opinions from people who did read it, one included my very own Mother who has never been afraid to say when something should be taken out or didn't work. It was also test-read by several in the military and also a psychologist. It passed those people.
Now, do I think the style in Flames will appeal to everyone? Of course not. Just like I know my writing itself will never appeal to everyone or anyone with a higher knowledge of the English language or grammar, but that's another matter. Do I agree with a couple comments on a review that I read, about if Flames had been written by a man, it wouldn't be getting the complaints about those scenes? I'm not sure. I can't honestly say that when I wrote the book or its sequel that I considered it being flamed, no pun intened, because it was written by a woman. Many females write action books but maybe it was more because of the scenes themselves. I certainly don't like to think that readers believe that only men can do to a character what I wrote in Flames. As a reader myself, I don't hold those views.
Do I regret putting those scenes in? No, because I write for myself as a whole and if the scene writes itself in a way that people don't like or approve of then I can't regret that. No author will please every reader and if we try, no book would ever be worth reading.
As to address another matter, Flames is based on a fictional story. I am a 35 year old disabled writer with no complex knowledge, authority, or details on military matters. I have read military books since I could read. I researched weapons, locations, and other military matters to the best of a limited ability. It was not written to be 100% authenic but it in no way reflects badly on any branch of the military. It is explained in the story that this team operates outside normal chain of command, and therefore handles themselves differently given the jobs they do.
Celtic Evil is written in an entirely different style but it is still written in the same free flowing method. I allow the characters to write their story how they will. I suppose I should be pleased that I haven't had any modern day witches complaining about something that was portrayed wrong in the first book in that series though as I do with every book I write I do the best research possible.
This brings me finally to the final matter I wish to address, grammar. Unlike most authors, I have never made claims to adhere or understand it. I made a post on a forum that addressed this once but to streamline it:
Due to illnesses that removed me from standard school at 3rd Grade, I was homeschooled by a schoolboard sent tutor from 3rd grade until I graduated. I received excellent grades and had a GPA of 3.8 on graduation. English was passed via extra credit work. The tutor was a single tutor who could teach all standard subjects but was not a plain English teacher with all the skills needed to understand all the workings that perhaps students in a physical English class would receive. Grammar was pretty much glossed over since he only had so many hours a week to teach so I have never denied that I don't understand grammar like those who went to school do or who perhaps went to college. I write how I think and how I was raised and that will never be accepted by readers who choose to look for that style.
Oh, I've been told to take college courses or writing classes. To put this bluntly: if I couldn't go to school due to illnesses that have increased over the years, how do people accept a writer dealing with that to go to classes? Online courses take funds and an ability to learn that this writer doesn't have.
Now, we'll go to the editing issues. Celtic Evil has been edited. it's sequel and the sequel to Flames are being looked over. Unlike writers with jobs to support them, many writers starting out don't have the funds to pay $500-$12,000 for an editor or a proofreader. Readers don't understand that either. They think that every writer can turn a book over to someone to proof or edit for them. They think that every writer has a college professor for a best friend or relative who will do this for them pro bono and that's not the case. Many writers self-edit because that's all we can do and I think that there are some wonderful self-edited/self-published books available these days. Readers complain about poor editing or poor grammar yet they don't stop to think why these things may be happening. There are very few editors who will offer their services free of charge, if there were they'd be swamped. There are writers who bash fellow authors for the very same thing but you also find very few of them willing to edit without wanting money and in this economy if a new author has to choose between feeding their family, buying medicine or paying someone to edit a book, what would you choose? Not every writer has a full time job, not every writer has a family to support them. Many writers live on a single monthly check and then must balance how to spend that on vital things. As one of those, I can assure you that medicine and food and a roof over my family's head will always take top spot.
I often joke that I plain on putting a disclaimer in new books that it is being written by an author with no understanding of proper grammar. That and future disclaimers for violence may become the next section of my copyright page.
This turned out longer than I planned on and perhaps it will hurt sales of future books but I fully believe in being honest with potential readers. Do they care? Probably not but it's better to say it. To explain that I deeply love what I do, the characters I write and the stories that I tell. Do I wish that every book could be perfect? Of course. Will they be perfect? No, they will be as good as I can make them with the abilities I was gifted with. Most readers are able to accept that and I can't help the ones who can't.
That's something I've been wondering since I write in two primary genres and each title seems to have its own style. Take Celtic Evil for example. It's more of a paranormal/romantic suspense series. Yes, there is some action since that plot calls for it but that series is a complete turnaround to my pure action/adventure series, S.E.A.L. Team Omega. That series is more action and it calls for more violence. So, do readers who look for Sierra Rose consider that while both books are written by the same author that the styles are different or because one may be too violent or extreme in come cases will they hold that against the other, more mild series? If that's the case then it's hardly fair because while one book may not appeal the other could be just fine.
I suppose that's why authors in different genres use a different pen name for the other one. I considered that when writing the Seal series but was advised it would cause confusion to readers who may have begun following Sierra Rose.
As an author, I do not plot or pre-plot a story for the most part. I may have a general idea but the main story fills itself in as I write. I will never make apoligies for how I write in terms of plot, characters or how the story fills itself in. I've often said that I allow my characters to write their own story and then I go behind them and clean up as best as I can and that's what I do. I never try to control or change how a scene goes as it builds in my head because I don't write like that.
Flames of Betrayal, the first in my S.E.A.L. Team Omega series has been coming under fire recently here on Amazon it seems by a couple reviews that I just caught today for a few scenes. I know the ones being complained about because they were the hardest to write in my life and I bounced back and forth, struggled with the inner writer who writes the scenes in my mind until finally all the going back and forth blocked the book up. It took several days until I decided to given in and allow the scenes to remain. I debated on it and waited to get several opinions from people who did read it, one included my very own Mother who has never been afraid to say when something should be taken out or didn't work. It was also test-read by several in the military and also a psychologist. It passed those people.
Now, do I think the style in Flames will appeal to everyone? Of course not. Just like I know my writing itself will never appeal to everyone or anyone with a higher knowledge of the English language or grammar, but that's another matter. Do I agree with a couple comments on a review that I read, about if Flames had been written by a man, it wouldn't be getting the complaints about those scenes? I'm not sure. I can't honestly say that when I wrote the book or its sequel that I considered it being flamed, no pun intened, because it was written by a woman. Many females write action books but maybe it was more because of the scenes themselves. I certainly don't like to think that readers believe that only men can do to a character what I wrote in Flames. As a reader myself, I don't hold those views.
Do I regret putting those scenes in? No, because I write for myself as a whole and if the scene writes itself in a way that people don't like or approve of then I can't regret that. No author will please every reader and if we try, no book would ever be worth reading.
As to address another matter, Flames is based on a fictional story. I am a 35 year old disabled writer with no complex knowledge, authority, or details on military matters. I have read military books since I could read. I researched weapons, locations, and other military matters to the best of a limited ability. It was not written to be 100% authenic but it in no way reflects badly on any branch of the military. It is explained in the story that this team operates outside normal chain of command, and therefore handles themselves differently given the jobs they do.
Celtic Evil is written in an entirely different style but it is still written in the same free flowing method. I allow the characters to write their story how they will. I suppose I should be pleased that I haven't had any modern day witches complaining about something that was portrayed wrong in the first book in that series though as I do with every book I write I do the best research possible.
This brings me finally to the final matter I wish to address, grammar. Unlike most authors, I have never made claims to adhere or understand it. I made a post on a forum that addressed this once but to streamline it:
Due to illnesses that removed me from standard school at 3rd Grade, I was homeschooled by a schoolboard sent tutor from 3rd grade until I graduated. I received excellent grades and had a GPA of 3.8 on graduation. English was passed via extra credit work. The tutor was a single tutor who could teach all standard subjects but was not a plain English teacher with all the skills needed to understand all the workings that perhaps students in a physical English class would receive. Grammar was pretty much glossed over since he only had so many hours a week to teach so I have never denied that I don't understand grammar like those who went to school do or who perhaps went to college. I write how I think and how I was raised and that will never be accepted by readers who choose to look for that style.
Oh, I've been told to take college courses or writing classes. To put this bluntly: if I couldn't go to school due to illnesses that have increased over the years, how do people accept a writer dealing with that to go to classes? Online courses take funds and an ability to learn that this writer doesn't have.
Now, we'll go to the editing issues. Celtic Evil has been edited. it's sequel and the sequel to Flames are being looked over. Unlike writers with jobs to support them, many writers starting out don't have the funds to pay $500-$12,000 for an editor or a proofreader. Readers don't understand that either. They think that every writer can turn a book over to someone to proof or edit for them. They think that every writer has a college professor for a best friend or relative who will do this for them pro bono and that's not the case. Many writers self-edit because that's all we can do and I think that there are some wonderful self-edited/self-published books available these days. Readers complain about poor editing or poor grammar yet they don't stop to think why these things may be happening. There are very few editors who will offer their services free of charge, if there were they'd be swamped. There are writers who bash fellow authors for the very same thing but you also find very few of them willing to edit without wanting money and in this economy if a new author has to choose between feeding their family, buying medicine or paying someone to edit a book, what would you choose? Not every writer has a full time job, not every writer has a family to support them. Many writers live on a single monthly check and then must balance how to spend that on vital things. As one of those, I can assure you that medicine and food and a roof over my family's head will always take top spot.
I often joke that I plain on putting a disclaimer in new books that it is being written by an author with no understanding of proper grammar. That and future disclaimers for violence may become the next section of my copyright page.
This turned out longer than I planned on and perhaps it will hurt sales of future books but I fully believe in being honest with potential readers. Do they care? Probably not but it's better to say it. To explain that I deeply love what I do, the characters I write and the stories that I tell. Do I wish that every book could be perfect? Of course. Will they be perfect? No, they will be as good as I can make them with the abilities I was gifted with. Most readers are able to accept that and I can't help the ones who can't.
December 25, 2009
A Celtic Christmas short story
A short holiday tale from my Celtic Evil series is on Smashwords for free.
A Celtic Christmas
Enjoy and I hope everyone had a wonderful day!
A Celtic Christmas
Enjoy and I hope everyone had a wonderful day!
December 13, 2009
Christmas Greetings
Here's a Christmas poem that is also in my Poetry collection.
A Christmas Poem
Silver Bells jingle, snowflakes fall.
Trees glimmer as holiday lights shimmer.
Children laugh and play in snow deep while parents wish for school.
Holiday shoppers rush about as the days draw closer to that fateful day.
Homes are warm with love and the smells of cookies baking.
Music rings from churches all over as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.
Family gathers on this day to celebrate Christmas Day and the birthday of our Savior.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a most Joyous New Year. A Personal Journey Of Poems
A Christmas Poem
Silver Bells jingle, snowflakes fall.
Trees glimmer as holiday lights shimmer.
Children laugh and play in snow deep while parents wish for school.
Holiday shoppers rush about as the days draw closer to that fateful day.
Homes are warm with love and the smells of cookies baking.
Music rings from churches all over as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.
Family gathers on this day to celebrate Christmas Day and the birthday of our Savior.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a most Joyous New Year. A Personal Journey Of Poems
December 10, 2009
S.E.A.L. Team Omega - Flames of Betrayal Available!
Flames of Betrayal the first book in my new action series, S.E.A.L. Team Omega is available on Kindle at: Kindle version of Flames of Betrayal and hopefully the paperback will be on Amazon sometime next week. Until then, it's available on Createspace with a code of 6MWMCW8B for a discount at:
https://www.createspace.com/Customer/...
The CS link also has the cover image and blurb with it until things start popping on Amazon.
https://www.createspace.com/Customer/...
The CS link also has the cover image and blurb with it until things start popping on Amazon.
November 21, 2009
NaNoWrIMo and a new action novel!
Well, I'm pleased to say that I not only managed to get to NaNo's required 50K limit but also completed the story for it at 70,281 words. Yippee. Needs a little tweaking but not much since I can't free write and just wrote. I think it turned out pretty well. Sierra Rose is my username there to if anyone would like to view the synopsis of the book.
Also this month (yes, I am still working on my Celtic Evil sequel) I completed an action novel called Flames of Betrayal which is the first in a series. On my webpage Sierra Rose Books There's a page for S.E.A.L. Team Omega with the blurb, cover art and & excerpt.
I'm hoping to have it out on Smashwords soon with the Kindle and paperback to follow...though I'm formatting manually for the Kindle this time so heaven knows how this will turn out. I tried it in the Mobipocket creator last night and it looked good on the Kindle for PC thingey so maybe...
Also this month (yes, I am still working on my Celtic Evil sequel) I completed an action novel called Flames of Betrayal which is the first in a series. On my webpage Sierra Rose Books There's a page for S.E.A.L. Team Omega with the blurb, cover art and & excerpt.
I'm hoping to have it out on Smashwords soon with the Kindle and paperback to follow...though I'm formatting manually for the Kindle this time so heaven knows how this will turn out. I tried it in the Mobipocket creator last night and it looked good on the Kindle for PC thingey so maybe...
October 21, 2009
Operation Ebook Drop and More!
First, let me say that I have begun particpation in a wonderful program called Operation Ebook Drop. It's a stellar way to give something back to the men and women who serve our country by giving them a little reading distraction in their harried and often dangerous lives.
Celtic Evil: Roarke(yes, I know I left out the sub-title) is now waiting final review by the folks at Kindle before going live there again and I'm hoping to have the physical proof back from Createspace soon so I can get it back up on Amazon. It is on Goodreads (if the PDF opens since I can't get it to do anything) and also on Smashwords for downloads and also on Lulu.
Now that it's been edited I'll push the marketing a little harder toward the holidays though I might have stuck my foot into something I have no clue about by signing up for the NaNoWriMo which will be the first time I've considered doing something like that. Guess we'll see how that goes since lately it's been hard for me to put together a proper sentence much less 50,000 words of a new project.
Celtic Evil: Roarke(yes, I know I left out the sub-title) is now waiting final review by the folks at Kindle before going live there again and I'm hoping to have the physical proof back from Createspace soon so I can get it back up on Amazon. It is on Goodreads (if the PDF opens since I can't get it to do anything) and also on Smashwords for downloads and also on Lulu.
Now that it's been edited I'll push the marketing a little harder toward the holidays though I might have stuck my foot into something I have no clue about by signing up for the NaNoWriMo which will be the first time I've considered doing something like that. Guess we'll see how that goes since lately it's been hard for me to put together a proper sentence much less 50,000 words of a new project.
October 18, 2009
Celtic Evil: Roarke edited and up on Goodreads
While I'm still working on reupping the new version on Createspace and to Kindle (anyone know someone who does Kindle formatting? *Rolls eyes*) I have placed the updated, freshly edited (I hope) version up on Lulu and also here on Goodreads.
Now, once I get the Kindle version and CS updated I can finally go back to concentrating on Ian's tale since I've found most of my research again.Celtic Evil A Fitzgerald Brother Novel Roarke
Now, once I get the Kindle version and CS updated I can finally go back to concentrating on Ian's tale since I've found most of my research again.Celtic Evil A Fitzgerald Brother Novel Roarke
September 29, 2009
Teaser finally finished and up while book is edited
After a long lack of computer access (stupid trojans and viruses) I finally was able to finish work on the trailer, well more like a teaser, for the first book in my series.
Also, thanks to an online friend and fellow author, Roarke's book is undergoing editing which I hope will please some people.
I was going to wait to put ther teaser up until I had the edited edition up but am looking for some tips on it since I did the whole thing on Microsoft Picture It and has been about the most daring I've ever been with something like that.
Also, anyone who has read the e-book version here on Goodreads and would like to see the edited version let me know and when it's up I'll let you know or will certainly e-mail a copy.
Now I can get back to work on the second book which has somehow lagged with a lack of computer and things crashing in all sorts of ways personally.
Also, thanks to an online friend and fellow author, Roarke's book is undergoing editing which I hope will please some people.
I was going to wait to put ther teaser up until I had the edited edition up but am looking for some tips on it since I did the whole thing on Microsoft Picture It and has been about the most daring I've ever been with something like that.
Also, anyone who has read the e-book version here on Goodreads and would like to see the edited version let me know and when it's up I'll let you know or will certainly e-mail a copy.
Now I can get back to work on the second book which has somehow lagged with a lack of computer and things crashing in all sorts of ways personally.
