It's been the most amazing year for me. Not only did I discover the awesomeness that is Smashwords, Amazon KDP / Author Central, etc, which enabled me to go down the indie publishing route, but I also made some exceptional pals all over the world. All through writing and books. Isn't that amazing?
I learned a massive amount about the publishing world in 2011 but, when it comes to writing, there are still resolutions I have for 2012. Here are some of them:
Keep on reading
Reading other people's work is a great way to improve your own writing. This year I was honoured to have fellow writer Michelle Isenhoff read Raven. She made some very valid points on how I could improve it. I took all of her advice, but it wasn't until I read her children's book, The Quill Pen, that I really understood exactly what she meant. My writing has since improved, as a result. I am incredibly grateful to Michelle for this. Oh, and The Quill Pen is currently FREE and it is AMAZING!
Keep on writing
Yes, an obvious resolution but I have to admit to a serious procrastination problem. Basically, I am lazy. I am easily distracted by the TV, the internet, that chocolate in the fridge... and so on. The only way I will ever become a big success (!), is by writing as many books as possible. This is THE year... honest!
Don't dwell on negative criticism
In 2011, I swapped 'reads' with another writer. You'd think if she didn't like my book, she would politely say so and decline to review it but, instead she absolutely trashed it. She was very cruel and in most cases, quite wrong about what she wrote (she even suggested that all my good reviews must have been written by family and friends... which isn't true as very few family and friends have even read my book!). Suffice to say, I have not read her book. I simply cannot bring myself to do it. (My husband and friends said that I should have trashed hers but I refuse to stoop that low!)
The point is, I was so hurt by her words that I almost gave up writing. Ridiculous, I know, but that's how hard I took it. As writers, we need to develop a very thick skin and only take notice of the constructive criticism we receive. This year, I will do exactly that!
Happy New Year everyone. I hope that 2012 brings you all the happiness that you wish for!
I learned a massive amount about the publishing world in 2011 but, when it comes to writing, there are still resolutions I have for 2012. Here are some of them:
Keep on reading
Reading other people's work is a great way to improve your own writing. This year I was honoured to have fellow writer Michelle Isenhoff read Raven. She made some very valid points on how I could improve it. I took all of her advice, but it wasn't until I read her children's book, The Quill Pen, that I really understood exactly what she meant. My writing has since improved, as a result. I am incredibly grateful to Michelle for this. Oh, and The Quill Pen is currently FREE and it is AMAZING!
Keep on writing
Yes, an obvious resolution but I have to admit to a serious procrastination problem. Basically, I am lazy. I am easily distracted by the TV, the internet, that chocolate in the fridge... and so on. The only way I will ever become a big success (!), is by writing as many books as possible. This is THE year... honest!
Don't dwell on negative criticism
In 2011, I swapped 'reads' with another writer. You'd think if she didn't like my book, she would politely say so and decline to review it but, instead she absolutely trashed it. She was very cruel and in most cases, quite wrong about what she wrote (she even suggested that all my good reviews must have been written by family and friends... which isn't true as very few family and friends have even read my book!). Suffice to say, I have not read her book. I simply cannot bring myself to do it. (My husband and friends said that I should have trashed hers but I refuse to stoop that low!)
The point is, I was so hurt by her words that I almost gave up writing. Ridiculous, I know, but that's how hard I took it. As writers, we need to develop a very thick skin and only take notice of the constructive criticism we receive. This year, I will do exactly that!
Happy New Year everyone. I hope that 2012 brings you all the happiness that you wish for!
For more Indie Resolutions, visit my wonderful fellow Carnis...
1. Laura A. H. Elliott author of Winnemucca & 13 on Halloween, Book 1 in the Teen Halloween Series
2. Bryna Butler, author Midnight Guardian series
3. Heather Self
2. Bryna Butler, author Midnight Guardian series
3. Heather Self
8. PJ Hoover, Author of SOLSTICE, Blogging at ROOTS IN MYTH
9. Cheri Schmidt, author of the Fateful Trilogy
9. Cheri Schmidt, author of the Fateful Trilogy
10. Rachel Coles, author of Into The Ruins, geek mom blog
11. K. C. Blake, author of Vampires Rule and Crushed
11. K. C. Blake, author of Vampires Rule and Crushed
12. Patti Larsen, The Hunted series and The Hayle Coven series
13. Courtney Cole, author of The Bloodstone Saga
13. Courtney Cole, author of The Bloodstone Saga
16. Fisher Amelie, author of The Understorey
17. M. Leighton, Blood Like Poison Series, Madly, The Reaping
17. M. Leighton, Blood Like Poison Series, Madly, The Reaping