This and That

For those of you who like reading about what I have been doing on the marketing front, I apologize for being MIA. I was finishing edits on one book, and completing the writing on another.

I have joined a couple of new opportunities I wanted to share. The first is the now free http://www.webook.com. I am being honest, I don't know how it works. There is a Page-to-Fame section where you post your first page and others can rate it. I have one rating on the first page of Julie's Ascent and I rated another writer's story. I am 1 for 1 right now. I gave a four, received a four, and had a friend request.

There is another section Agent-In-A-Box which allows you to query agents within the program. Having recently started querying agents which is a whole other stress attack, I am not comfortable doing it this way even though they say it's fine. It feels impersonal, but that could just be my thoughts on the matter.

The WEbook site is supposed to get you noticed by agents and readers by getting ratings, and eventually if you are good enough your book is elevated. So we will see how that goes, but it might be fun to check out if you are looking for some opportunities to share your work.

I also signed up for the Writer's Market. There is a lot of good information on there for writing queries, and things agents are and are not looking for. You can also search for agents in your genre and see what they are looking for. It's a little over five dollars for a month, or you can pay for six months off the bat.

http://www.writersmarket.com/ There is also the site - http://www.writersdigest.com/ which gives you a lot of valuable information about writing and agents.

Another great site that I discovered when I first started writing for people to read and rate your work is http://www.fanstory.com/ There are lots of people who will tell you what is good, and what isn't. Mind you, no one is an expert but it helps to get feedback for your stories.

Myself and several other amazing authors have started a blog that will kick off on June 1st and each author will have a day to tell you about writing, and all the fun stuff that goes along with it.
Here's the link for when it's live!! http://thenotsofamousauthorsblog.blogspot.com/





This was just a catch up on some sites I have tried lately. My Goodreads campaign went well it is over now, but 81 people have added Long Road Full Speed Ahead to their TBR which is cool for only 20 books and literally thousands of views.



Long Road is coming back with a vengeance and a new cover on June 19th. It will be free that day!!! Can't wait.



Take care writers and readers,
Emily

Inspiration from Jean Booth!

Today's Inspiration comes from Jean Booth a talented fellow zombie and paranormal writer, let's see what she has to say....

Writer's Inspiration - working with your muse

I've recently been getting quite a few questions about writers block from some of my author friends. If you haven't experienced this wonderful phenomenon, just wait. It'll happen.

For those of you who may not know, I write a Paranormal Romance series (Choice,Changed, Created, Consumed) and a Zombie series (The Beginning, Little Apocalypse on the Prairie), sometimes concurrently. Some people are flabbergasted that I can switch between the two completely different writing styles and topics so easily, sometimes even in one day. My answer: My muse has ADHD.
My muse isn't content in just one genre. She likes to flip flop and flit all over the place. Once I say I won't write about a subject, she comes up with this brilliant idea and tries to prove me wrong. My challenge: Keeping her focused.

"How do I do this and deal with writer's block?" you ask.

My answer is simple and complicated. I personally work best with deadlines. Most of the time I manage to reach them, other times, life gets in the way and I have to push my deadline back a bit. My muse kinda hates this. If she had her way, we'd start a hundred projects and never finish any of them, but she'd be happy with the results anyway. When I have my deadline settled, I try not to read anything during the writing process. Instead, I watch movies pertaining to the subject matter, doodle outlines, walk, drive listening to the music that fits the particular scene I'm writing, and then I write. I've found I write better when I hand-write things and then type them into the computer. When I stick with the genre I'm trying to write about, flood my mind and my senses with the differing ideas, I find my muse becomes almost over stimulated and focused. Words and ideas fly through my head faster than my fingers can type.

We work hard, for long periods of time, exhausting both her mental reserves and my physical strength. Once we're done with a subject, sometimes she's ready to move on to something else, sometimes she's just done.

My point to this post is to learn and get to know your muse on a personal level. How does it work with you? What are its breaking points? How do you nurture and reward your muse?

I overcome writers block by giving my muse the rest she deserves. During these times, we read for fun, we simply enjoy the music, not look for the inspiration it provides, and we simply enjoy the pleasure of each other's company, in a restful, quiet way.

I know I sound schizophrenic. Believe me, I know. I've had a difficult time trying to find a way to describe my muse as anything other than another entity inside of me, but that's how she feels to me. She's part of me, but not entirely me. She's that little voice inside of me, inspiring me, encouraging me, and allowing me to entertain the childish fantasies that have inspired my writing.

My challenge for you today: Find a way to show your muse you appreciate it. Let it relax, recharge and just simply be content to live inside your psyche. You'll be amazed at how it rewards you.

Thank you for popping by Jean!!

Emily