December 30, 2011

New Years Resolution to Write like a Crazy Person who Plans to Write A Lot

For those of you who have read my book, Brenden Swift and the Vulgren's Curse, and are dying to know what happens next, I've made a New Years resolution.  For those of you who also write, I encourage you to do the same.  What is the resolution?

To write 750 words a day, everyday (or at least 5 days a week) and to complete and publish 2 books by this time next year.  

A lofty goal?  Maybe.  Doable?  Absolutely.  750 words a day equals a completed manuscript in under 4 months!  My first book was 71,000 words.  AT 750 words a day, I could have written the book in 95 days.  That's 3 months people!  2 books a year?  NO PROBLEM.

Now, to the question that burns in my brain.  What book do I write?

I'm trying to decide between Brenden Swift, Book 2, and the beginning of a new modern day series that follows the life of a very special girl.  We'll call her Mallory for now, but that's all you get to know for now...

Maybe I'll write one book for each series, maybe I'll write 2 more books in the Brenden Swift Series.  Thoughts?  Opinions?  Let me know!
Joe

December 14, 2011

So I Published my Book Today

If you're a friend or acquaintance, or somehow accidentally found your way into my Google Contacts list, then you've likely heard the good news.  I published my book today.  Brenden Swift and the Vulgren's Curse (Book 1).  There it is, over on the right.  Look for the cover art with the big scary claws. --------->

It's a weird feeling to publish a first book, that's about all I know right now. . .

There's elation at having completed an arduous project, a little fear that all that work may have resulted in something people will think is subpar, and a third feeling that doesn't really have a word to describe it.  It's a like an invisible burden has been removed from my back, yet a burden that I wasn't quite ready to relinquish.  There was a measure of comfort in saying, "I'm working on a book."  Now that it's out there, I'm perhaps suffering from a kind of literary post partem depression.  Depression is too serious of a word for the indescribable feeling that is slogging through my brain, but there is, strangely a sense of an indeterminate, though significant amount of loss.

I'm gearing up for a big writing year in 2012.  My goal is two shorter books by this time next year, published to the Kindle and Nook.  750 words a night, 5 to 7 days a week.  Should only take 3 or 4 months per book, but I'll need some padding, no doubt.  I learned that with the first book.

I'm happy to answer any questions about self publishing.  Drop me a line or a comment.