IWSG - Publishing

Insecure Writer's Support Group

Founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh

I am late, rushed and dealing with little to no Wi-Fi. My apologies.

I’ll do my best with this post and comment and then I’m on a break until October.

When I’ll be hosting the WEP’s Halloween Challenge. Can you believe it, HALLOWEEN!?

You’ll not want to miss this one!

Sign up on Oct 1^st!

Oh, and check out the last challenge and the amazing winning entries HERE!

CONGRATULATIONS!

TANYA MIRANDA

MICHELLE WALLACE

&

TOI THOMAS!

Your stories surpassed!

***

Now down to IWSG business:

Question - What publishing path are you considering/did you take, and why?

I’ve done them all, first self-publishing, when it wasn’t COOL! Not a fun time. Then traditional publishing. Not a fun time either. Buyer beware again!

So now I self-publish through Amazon. They PAY monthly, give accurate statistics and make the process EASY. There are some drawbacks to distribution, but even those are surmountable.

Good luck with what you choose! For me, it’s having the control that makes the difference. Now if I could only get better control (understanding) of the Marketing angle. I’d have it made. 😊

The awesome co-hosts are Toi Thomas, T. Powell Coltrin, M.J. Fifield, and Tara Tyler! Don’t forget to visit!

IWSG - PLANS & GOALS

THE INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP

ALEX J. CAVANAUGH

Today's Question: In terms of your writing career, where do you see yourself five years from now, and what’s your plan to get there?

I plan to have at least 10 books in publication, and I'll get there by continuing to write.

However my non-writing goals are a whole other story and means another paragraph or two. Maybe another time.

Good luck, everyone. May you all reach your goals, writing and otherwise!

Be sure to say hello to these awesome co-hosts:

Jennifer Hawes, Jen Chandler, Nick Wilford, Juneta Key, JH Moncrieff, Diane Burton, and MJ Fifield!

*****

Have you signed up for the latest WEP Challenge?

Do you set goals?
Create lists? 
Know where you're going and how to get there?

Or are you flying by the seat of your pants!
How's that work'in out?

IWSG - QUESTIONS?

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group
 

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time. Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post.

As Alex say's, let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Twitter is @TheIWSG and hashtag #IWSG

And the crew is revving up IWSG Day to make it more fun and interactive! Every month, they'll announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

Today's Question:

What's the best thing someone has ever said about your writing?

My answer:

When they compared my writing to that of Stephen King, an author I've always respected. Although, it was also the reason given by a few readers for why they would not finish my book, Memories of Murder. 
Still, I'll take it as a compliment!

The co-hosts are ME, Tyrean Martinson, Madeline Mora-Summonte , LK Hill, Rachna Chhabria, and JA Scott!

The IWSG is also gearing up to announce the next anthology topic
and you get a vote on what that topic will be.
Just go HERE!

Today I have a question regarding reviews: 

When someone posts a review on their blog should you respond with a comment - a thank you? I've always tried to hit the 'like' button on Goodreads, and thank a blogger that I know with an email message, but will leaving a comment 'thank you' mean that the Amazon police will see it and delete the review? 

How do you respond to a great review from someone you know 

vs. someone you don't. 

Is there a certain etiquette to be followed?

IWSG - NON-ENDINGS

INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP

Thanks goes to these awesome co-hosts for their hard works and great comments: 

Gwen Gardner,
Dolorah, 
Sarah Foster, 
and M. Pax!

I read a book last night. Took me four hours and when I finished I was pissed. It ended in a cliffhanger. There was a beginning, middle, but no end! Why? It's a trilogy, but that doesn't give the author the right not to tell a full story, or does it?

I've read too many of these recently, decent books, but I resented the ending or lack of one. I can't write a review with such a bad taste in my mouth. Is this a new trend? Did I miss something along the way, because I was taught that a book, a story no matter the length, should have a beginning, middle, and an ending? Most flash fiction challenges expect the basics. Sorry, a little off script, but this really does rile me!

Anyway, that's not really an insecurity, more of a pet peeve, but as far as insecurities go – this month I have them all! Waiting on word from the publisher, the editor, and beta readers is enough to drive a person to drink! Okay, now I feel better – not really, but it sounds good! Right?

What do you think about not telling a full story in a book of over 350 pages, is it fair to the readers? Is it the new way of doing things? How do you deal with the waiting once you let your baby, I mean book go, and no, drinking is not an option?!

FYI

Hey authors! Want some extra exposure for your books? Got a book trailer sitting around and collecting dust? Why not join the Book Trailer Love Fest Contest?

All you have to do is sign up, share, participate, and vote! The success of this is dependent upon you, so the more you share, the more exposure, the more votes, the higher your chance of winning the contest! Sharing is a requirement, so please keep that in mind before signing up. 

What do you win? 

You mean besides putting that book trailer to work and getting you exposure? You’ll receive a banner/badge, digital certificate, and bragging rights!

This is a fun, nifty little contest I’m putting on to help authors show off their book trailers! Join me for the week of Valentine’s Day for exuberant book trailer love! Oh! And don’t forget to sign up too! Bloggers are welcome!

Signup form:  CLICK HERE!

 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Pll5ALqCocI5JC5YKE43Zi_SBqXMcWM7sEEi2vRBz30/viewform

Blog:

http://booktrailerlovefest.com

For more information, please contact Samantha LaFantasie at sslafantasie@gmail.com with Book Trailer Love Fest in the subject. 

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