Humans tend to be territorial creatures, and I find myself resisting change though I consider myself flexible and adaptable. I can't imagine what it's like for those who are neither.
shetastorm.com
New website is functioning.
Painted Face | Amazon | Kobo | Nook
The Gamers | Amazon | Kobo | Nook
Last month I published two titles. I'm working on the next two, and we'll see what goes from there.
Also managed to start an email list, so if you'd like updates, please sign up here.
The new year promises to be interesting.
Showing posts with label publishing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label publishing. Show all posts
Friday, March 6, 2015
Friday, June 28, 2013
A Writer Issue
Do you ever look around at people you know and think writers might be a dime a dozen? Do you ever think that because you know someone published - one of those elusive author type of writers - that they must be at least a certain caliber of writer?
I know writers, published and not, that have all levels of skill. Self-published has become something of an opening for all writers to be read, to be shared, and to be reviewed. Traditional publishing (in this case anything that pays you and takes care of the details) might be called outdated by some, but it is also an obvious sign that someone has been trying to get published. It's hard, and it takes a great deal of work to find the market that fits your manuscript.
But whether indie or traditional, most writers start talking about their work at some point. We spread word of mouth through our families, friends, and acquaintances. We do book signings and author or book events and we hope that someone likes our work.
Somehow that gets a little more complicated as soon as what you write is erotica. It's not easy to even start with the entire "hi, I write erotica." Sure, I write. Though my best friend had to save her party when I announced for the first time that I got a story published - dark erotica. I know it was the last two words that made everyone silent.
It's just so hard to gauge a reaction like that. I know not everyone is a fan of anything that might be called dark erotica. I also know that even if a person doesn't like that particular story, they generally will say it is well-written.
So how do you go about sharing this with your nearest and dearest? "Hi, honey, today I decided to write a story about sex," might just get you more than you bargained for. At least, that's what some think happens. In some cases it leads to a sweeping generalization that you must be writing porn.
It's difficult to explain the differences between erotica and porn. Many times the words can be used interchangeably, but at least some try to draw a line and stay on one side. I'll admit I've written both, though I prefer the erotica side. Porn has become a word that implies sex for the sake of sex, so as writers we attempt to reclaim the erotica label to give the reader the understanding that there will be conflict, tension, and actual reasons to get into bed together spiced throughout the tale. I believe there is a place for both, and there's nothing wrong with writing either.
However, I do wish that a few less people would take the "I write erotica" admission as flirtation. I don't think the other genres (though perhaps some romance writers can understand it) have this problem. I'm admitting something, and it might mean you're special to me. It also might mean I have a different idea about sex and its role in our society than any person who would use that as a pickup line.
Wait. That might make a fun story. Erotica writer as a pickup line rather than as someone who actually writes it. I'm sure there are enough people with pen names who wouldn't take credit for their own work that it could actually fly.
I know writers, published and not, that have all levels of skill. Self-published has become something of an opening for all writers to be read, to be shared, and to be reviewed. Traditional publishing (in this case anything that pays you and takes care of the details) might be called outdated by some, but it is also an obvious sign that someone has been trying to get published. It's hard, and it takes a great deal of work to find the market that fits your manuscript.
But whether indie or traditional, most writers start talking about their work at some point. We spread word of mouth through our families, friends, and acquaintances. We do book signings and author or book events and we hope that someone likes our work.
Somehow that gets a little more complicated as soon as what you write is erotica. It's not easy to even start with the entire "hi, I write erotica." Sure, I write. Though my best friend had to save her party when I announced for the first time that I got a story published - dark erotica. I know it was the last two words that made everyone silent.
It's just so hard to gauge a reaction like that. I know not everyone is a fan of anything that might be called dark erotica. I also know that even if a person doesn't like that particular story, they generally will say it is well-written.
So how do you go about sharing this with your nearest and dearest? "Hi, honey, today I decided to write a story about sex," might just get you more than you bargained for. At least, that's what some think happens. In some cases it leads to a sweeping generalization that you must be writing porn.
It's difficult to explain the differences between erotica and porn. Many times the words can be used interchangeably, but at least some try to draw a line and stay on one side. I'll admit I've written both, though I prefer the erotica side. Porn has become a word that implies sex for the sake of sex, so as writers we attempt to reclaim the erotica label to give the reader the understanding that there will be conflict, tension, and actual reasons to get into bed together spiced throughout the tale. I believe there is a place for both, and there's nothing wrong with writing either.
However, I do wish that a few less people would take the "I write erotica" admission as flirtation. I don't think the other genres (though perhaps some romance writers can understand it) have this problem. I'm admitting something, and it might mean you're special to me. It also might mean I have a different idea about sex and its role in our society than any person who would use that as a pickup line.
Wait. That might make a fun story. Erotica writer as a pickup line rather than as someone who actually writes it. I'm sure there are enough people with pen names who wouldn't take credit for their own work that it could actually fly.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Dragging My Feet
I need to stop dragging my feet. There is always another reason to not get out there. To just say I'll do it tomorrow. Forget that I've been super busy with things outside of my writing and they're good excuses - they're still excuses.
I missed on one of my goals. I just realized I did not send out a story in March. I sent out two in February, but that doesn't count. So I decided I must send out two this month to balance that out. I pretty much know what I'm sending where. I thought I'd have a response from one of them by now, but I'm sure they'll get back to me soon.
Goals are good to keep us on task to where we need to be, but I don't feel the need to beat myself up over little stumbles. This goal is getting me toward where I want to be - published. If I quit now I'll never get there.
So I review my progress every so often. I try to figure out what I'm doing well and where I can improve. It's far more productive than beating myself up. For the most part I write short stories, though I do have a few projects in the novella and novel range that I will continue to work on.
The only hard part is the whole process is not very permanent. A short story gets a few minutes in the limelight and then it is pushed to the side for something else. There are a few places where you may pay and view what you like. Ruthie's Club was one, but they went defunct a while back. Literotica is a free site that is similar, but there is very little in the way of quality control - if you write it and it is within their guidelines, it doesn't matter how well it's written, it's out there.
So there are also ideas in my head that to make those more permanent. Just because it is a short story doesn't mean it can't be out there. And I'll give more information on that later.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
On the Search for an Artist
I'll admit I prefer to keep things among friends. It isn't that I don't like strangers or big corporations, but helping out a friend is important to me. So I've been pushing myself to remember all the artists that I know that might want to do some work for me with my determination to get some collections published this year.
It's an interesting thing, trying to find an artist. One option is in college and likes that I have a bunch of ideas and I am open to her insight on how to put them together. I just think I know where my strengths lie. I love art, I want to see it put together nicely, but I also know that I might not be the best judge of how that is done. She also let me know what her strengths are, which makes me like her better.
Anyone who isn't afraid to share where the weaknesses are is pretty great in my book. So I started a search for someone else who is more for drawing and less graphics for the next part of my search.
Somehow another name fell into my lap along with a sketch by the artist my friend was talking up. I just have to see how he feels about working with an erotica writer. Could be the start of something great.
My head is overflowing when I start to consider the art aspects. I need covers for each of the collections I'm planning - three at the moment - and also I'd love to get a new piece for my bio. I want these to be the best I can afford, but also patronize the people close to me who want to do this kind of work.
Then it's just about decisions to make the best fits for the projects at hand. But artwork really isn't easy to put together for a writer. I'll admit that I have a bit of talent when it comes to art, but also it's been years since I did anything with that. It's sad, since my high school art teacher once thought I could major in art. How different things might have been - if I were the illustrator looking for an author to partner with.
I remind myself I can't be the master of every talent, and look again for someone whose first passion is in the artistic imagery rather than the written word to portray the covers and other artwork I might need in my work.
Better to spend the rest of my time editing, rather than trying to put together a picture. It's my hope that the fans will want me writing something else, rather than waiting for my to make my own artwork. Perhaps if I get inspired I'll manage that, too, one day.
Until then I need an artist or two.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Acceptance!
There's something beautiful about an acceptance. Sometimes you can know the story's good but not know where to put it in the many options for the markets. Sometimes you can wonder if the story's good and hope someone will think that, as well. I'm not the type to send out a piece if I don't think it has a chance.
The problem then becomes with whom to share that acceptance. Who will appreciate it like I do? Who do I feel comfortable enough to tell that some little erotica magazine thought my story was awesome? I only say little because this one isn't a big fish in the erotica market, not that it in any way lessens the honor.
If you haven't read it (and perhaps rated it) by now, please do so: "The Ice Storm" at Every Night Erotica.
One of the cool things I like about Every Night Erotica is that there's something new there every night. There's quite a range in the accepted stories and it leaves a reader wondering what to expect next - I feel that's a strength. I'm always on the lookout for new places to send stories.
The problem then becomes with whom to share that acceptance. Who will appreciate it like I do? Who do I feel comfortable enough to tell that some little erotica magazine thought my story was awesome? I only say little because this one isn't a big fish in the erotica market, not that it in any way lessens the honor.
If you haven't read it (and perhaps rated it) by now, please do so: "The Ice Storm" at Every Night Erotica.
One of the cool things I like about Every Night Erotica is that there's something new there every night. There's quite a range in the accepted stories and it leaves a reader wondering what to expect next - I feel that's a strength. I'm always on the lookout for new places to send stories.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Finished!
I should apologize for not posting for a week or so. Everything's been quite busy - and I finished the novel.
It took a year and a half to complete, since I started writing it 1 November 2007 and finished 2 March 2009. I had the idea from mid-January 2007 with a short story that needs to be updated if it's really going to take place ten years after this novel. There is more about my main character's life and I could do sequels if I wanted. We'll just see how the first one goes.
Entwined has been the working title, and I still like it. It has 26 chapters and totals 84,611 words, fitting well within the 'adult novel' length. I know some of that will change with the next draft, since I need to restructure the beginning and I might need to add a little where I finished.
Now I get to make plans and start the next phase for this project. I was (okay, I still am a little) in shock that I really finished it, and I should just let it sit for a bit to get the right amount of distance to really dig in again and get it ready for publication.
Then I also need to decide where and how I want it published. Joy!
It took a year and a half to complete, since I started writing it 1 November 2007 and finished 2 March 2009. I had the idea from mid-January 2007 with a short story that needs to be updated if it's really going to take place ten years after this novel. There is more about my main character's life and I could do sequels if I wanted. We'll just see how the first one goes.
Entwined has been the working title, and I still like it. It has 26 chapters and totals 84,611 words, fitting well within the 'adult novel' length. I know some of that will change with the next draft, since I need to restructure the beginning and I might need to add a little where I finished.
Now I get to make plans and start the next phase for this project. I was (okay, I still am a little) in shock that I really finished it, and I should just let it sit for a bit to get the right amount of distance to really dig in again and get it ready for publication.
Then I also need to decide where and how I want it published. Joy!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Reviewing the Year
I guess it's just something we all do at this time of year. Look at the previous year and look ahead to the next one. We make goals and decide how to change our lives for the better.
Looking back, I've published three short stories. I've racked up a few rejections as well, which is good for any writer and her ego. Two rewrite requests also figured into that, and we'll see where they lead me. One resubmitted, the other is still brewing to figure out what's needed.
I made progress on the novel; I made it mostly through a rewrite and nearly finished. That seems an odd way to put it, but after finishing NaNoWriMo in 2007, I left the book at its 50,000 words for six months without touching it. I put all the little snippets in order, then began to rewrite as I went along and smoothed the pieces to make a whole. I finished 16 chapters, with another 3 at the end and a gap in between where I know what I need to say, just haven't done it yet.
I even found somewhere to publish it, but I need to finish it first. A possibility, anyway, which is better than I had before. Perhaps it was a productive year.
Looking back, I've published three short stories. I've racked up a few rejections as well, which is good for any writer and her ego. Two rewrite requests also figured into that, and we'll see where they lead me. One resubmitted, the other is still brewing to figure out what's needed.
I made progress on the novel; I made it mostly through a rewrite and nearly finished. That seems an odd way to put it, but after finishing NaNoWriMo in 2007, I left the book at its 50,000 words for six months without touching it. I put all the little snippets in order, then began to rewrite as I went along and smoothed the pieces to make a whole. I finished 16 chapters, with another 3 at the end and a gap in between where I know what I need to say, just haven't done it yet.
I even found somewhere to publish it, but I need to finish it first. A possibility, anyway, which is better than I had before. Perhaps it was a productive year.
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