Changes & The Year Ahead
So the year has ended and started slow with the writing. Work has been crazy busy, then I injured myself and...Let’s just not go there! Recovering well, and determined to continue the New writing Year doing, as the Barefoot Investor Scott Pape advises, Treading My Own Path!
The writing world in general has changed a lot since I started as a wee sprite over 20 yrs ago. Some good changes, some not-so-good changes, and some downright ugly changes, let's be honest. Social media now plays a role in a lot of things, as does Political Correctness, eBook piracy, trademarking and the ugly war of words that erupts now and again. I never signed up for the nastiness I sometimes see on the internet. I just wanted to write for my pleasure and others. The marketing is enormous, the drain on time and finances to keep my name out there, even the climbing over other authors to get my marketing bids seen first. It's not just me, many authors are on this cycle. It's the way of it now, the competition is fierce and there's big money to be made from authors trying to keep their names and books visible. The pressure is enormous. I have honestly thought of dropping it all and walking away. I took a break for about 3 months, I was so disheartened by it all. Now I'm writing again, but at my own pace. I'm not pushing to get a certain number of books out a year, and I'm not clawing my way over other authors in the marketing stakes. I'm no longer following the pressure of marketing/advertising guides, I'll do it when and how I like. I've left most of the yahoo groups and blogs I belonged to, I'm going it alone - I did it before the internet became such a huge thing and I'm doing it again. I have some great friends both in the writing world and in my personal life who I talk to. I'm writing from my heart without fear and Treading My Own Path.
It's empowering.
But meanwhile...
So where am I currently with this next book in the Hope Bay series, starring our debonair Steve? I have his heroine all picked, started the first chapter - and now they won't talk to me. I've tried. I've tried to push through it but no-go. I persevered but not happening. So I pushed him aside for awhile (serve you right Steve) and am working on the red-edits of the 4th sci-fi romance I've been doing. Have to say that's coming along a little quicker as by bk 4 my writing was improving a little!
Okay, hoping the New Year has been going well for you all. My heart and prayers are with my fellow Aussies caught up in the fires - the victims, all the firies, ambos, cops, emergency workers, wildlife workers, vets, volunteers and wildlife and animal victims (if I’ve forgotten anyone, you’re on this list too *hugs*).
Also a big thank you to the US and NZ firies for coming to help.
And a special notice - my condolences to those families in the US and Australia who have lost firies in the fires. My prayers are with you all.
The writing world in general has changed a lot since I started as a wee sprite over 20 yrs ago. Some good changes, some not-so-good changes, and some downright ugly changes, let's be honest. Social media now plays a role in a lot of things, as does Political Correctness, eBook piracy, trademarking and the ugly war of words that erupts now and again. I never signed up for the nastiness I sometimes see on the internet. I just wanted to write for my pleasure and others. The marketing is enormous, the drain on time and finances to keep my name out there, even the climbing over other authors to get my marketing bids seen first. It's not just me, many authors are on this cycle. It's the way of it now, the competition is fierce and there's big money to be made from authors trying to keep their names and books visible. The pressure is enormous. I have honestly thought of dropping it all and walking away. I took a break for about 3 months, I was so disheartened by it all. Now I'm writing again, but at my own pace. I'm not pushing to get a certain number of books out a year, and I'm not clawing my way over other authors in the marketing stakes. I'm no longer following the pressure of marketing/advertising guides, I'll do it when and how I like. I've left most of the yahoo groups and blogs I belonged to, I'm going it alone - I did it before the internet became such a huge thing and I'm doing it again. I have some great friends both in the writing world and in my personal life who I talk to. I'm writing from my heart without fear and Treading My Own Path.
It's empowering.
But meanwhile...
So where am I currently with this next book in the Hope Bay series, starring our debonair Steve? I have his heroine all picked, started the first chapter - and now they won't talk to me. I've tried. I've tried to push through it but no-go. I persevered but not happening. So I pushed him aside for awhile (serve you right Steve) and am working on the red-edits of the 4th sci-fi romance I've been doing. Have to say that's coming along a little quicker as by bk 4 my writing was improving a little!
Okay, hoping the New Year has been going well for you all. My heart and prayers are with my fellow Aussies caught up in the fires - the victims, all the firies, ambos, cops, emergency workers, wildlife workers, vets, volunteers and wildlife and animal victims (if I’ve forgotten anyone, you’re on this list too *hugs*).
Also a big thank you to the US and NZ firies for coming to help.
And a special notice - my condolences to those families in the US and Australia who have lost firies in the fires. My prayers are with you all.
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Mephala wrote: "Hi Angela!Glad to hear from you, I was concern about your and your family's safety hearing all the stuff that's happening (was happening?) in Australia, and I'm glad you and the fluffs are safe! S..."
Aw, Mephala, thank you! I'm plugging along writing, taking my time, putting my heart into it. It's a nicer way to write :-)
The fires have been heartbreaking. Our poor farmers hit by drought for so long, then everything hit by fires. We have been so lucky where I live. We had 2 fires out of control each side of town but they got them put out finally. That was scary enough. We nearly got burnt out about 12 years ago and I have never forgotten it. The fear stays with you. My heart just goes out to humans and animals and replites etc. alike, and I am so thankful to the emergency services and volunteers, they are true heroes.
Knowing people like you care so much is so heartening for us Aussies. Thank you *hugs*
Unfortunately people hide behind their screens these days and think that it is ok to be nasty. You just have to take care of yourself and those close to you and try not to let those others get the best of you. Those of us that are great fans of your books will be ready and waiting always so just go at your own pace. Many wishes for a wonderful 2020.
Amy wrote: "Unfortunately people hide behind their screens these days and think that it is ok to be nasty. You just have to take care of yourself and those close to you and try not to let those others get the ..."Thank you so much, Amy. It's people like you and Mephala and so many others that make writing worth it!
*hugs*
Angie, please take care of yourself! There are lots of us out here that care about you, and see you for the sweet spirit that you are. Writing should be personal, it should be for the writer because she has something to say. Follow your muse, publish as you can, and everything else is gravy. Keep loving on your kitties and your mum, and I have been thinking of you all during this dark time in Australia. And I hope you feel better soon!!
Gayle wrote: "Angie, please take care of yourself! There are lots of us out here that care about you, and see you for the sweet spirit that you are. Writing should be personal, it should be for the writer becaus..."Gayle, thank you so much.
Seeing the support from everyone here has been uplifting. I keep focussed on those of you who love to read for readings sake, who love a good story, who can take the good with the bad and not get nasty. There's a huge difference between a true criticism and plain nastiness. I can take critisism of a story I wrote, most authors can, but the nastiness I just don't understand. It doesn't help, it destroys. Books are to discuss, to agree or disagree on, to enjoy, plain and simple.
Thank you all.
It means so much to me and other authors out there finding it tough going in the current 'climate' of the writing world. It gives us hope, and keeps us forging on, doing our best to give you stories from our heart. Because readers like you are worth it.
*hugs*
Glad to hear from you, I was concern about your and your family's safety hearing all the stuff that's happening (was happening?) in Australia, and I'm glad you and the fluffs are safe! Speaking for myself, I'd be sad if you decided to stop writing as one of your books was one of the very first romances in English a non native speaker as me devoured in almost one go, and it still holds a special place in my heart. Anyway, it's ok to take thing at your pace and I'm looking forward to any upcoming books from you :) All the best for you and your family (extra pets for the kitties~)!