Sarah Bates's Blog

I just answered a bunch of the Goodreads questions in their new Ask The Author feature. Take a look. If you have a question about writing, my books or me, ask away!

Working on a historical fiction account of Elizabeth Cady Stanton's girlhood. Up to 43,000+ words with the intent of publishing the end of this year or early 2014.
What an amazing journey. Researching life in the 1800s is opening my eyes to all we have today that makes our lives easier.

Keep up with my progress?

Thanks!

Sarah

I'd like the opinion of Goodread enthusiasts about reading a collection of short stories published only for e-readers. My dilemma is that I have 20 or so short fiction pieces I'd like for readers to see, but don't know if they would be interested in them in any format. Unlike many of the famous short fiction writers like Raymond Carver I am a relatively unknown author with only two books to her name. Since publishing in traditional fashion–paper-is very expensive and digital is not, it's an option I can afford. The "book" price would be low; $2.99 or so.

Any thoughts?

The National Parks Service has authorized sale of my novel Twenty-One Steps of Courage in the Arlington National Cemetery bookstore. I am honored and excited about this opportunity to have the book available to people who visit this hallowed place.

I will be in Arlington, Virginia in November and hope to visit the bookstore and thank them.

On August 28 I learned the National Parks Service has authorized sales of Twenty-One Steps of Courage in the Arlington National Cemetery Bookstore. I am honored and excited because there is not better place for this book to be than at the site of its story.

Just when I think I have a few minutes to work on something new, I remember a tiny detail about marketing Twenty-One Steps of Courage that is still unresolved. Today, I contacted BarnesandNoble in Oceanside to see if they'd be interested in hosting a signing, perhaps around Veteran's Day. And, I've almost got the big signing event in Arlington, Virginia set for November. Working with people who are four hours ahead of me has both advantages and disadvantages. If I linger over my morning coffee and the newspaper, by the time I contact them, they're at lunch. However, after a flurry of questions the afternoon before, when I open my morning e-mail they've answered! Like that charming line from the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, "All things work out in the end. The end just isn't here yet." Best this week, though, I posted my book trailer on YouTube. Here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uz_21n...

The thing about being a writer is that you always have something to say. Maybe not something important, but there are always words to fill the void. Opinions, advice, suggestions; just ask a writer. So, here are a few things I have to say about my writing journey.

After years of writing non-fiction and getting paid for it; even journalism pays $.10 a word, jumping off the gravy train onto the tracks, honed bare by other fiction writers, is scary.

With a bit of short fiction success, my attempt at long fiction took six grueling yet exciting years. Little did I know when I started telling a Soldier's story that the audience for his tale is miniscule. No vampires, no "steampunk", no dystopian world; just a guy who joined the Army to follow in his father's steps.

I'm out now, shaking the bushes for readers, and when I decided to offer six free books to Goodread member, I had no idea anyone would respond. Yet, out there in the digital Goodreads world, 344 people wanted my book. The first six respondents will receive their free copies in a few day. Thanks to all who responded. I am energized and happy that there are readers who like military action fiction not penned by Tom Clancy and his small band of brothers. Movin' on. Hooah!Twenty-One Steps of Courage