It's Going to Be Okay

First, a HUGE congratulations to my friend Tonya Kappes, author of Carpe Bead'em and The Ladybug Jinx. She is celebrating 1,000 sales today in only 9 weeks. She is part of the amazing writing community at The Writer's Guide to E-Publishing, a site I highly recommend for the latest scoops in the indie world and great old-fashioned camaraderie! (If I type 'the' in my address bar, that's the site that comes up, I go so often!)

In other news, it was a meh kinda week for the writing ego of moi. I keep freaking myself out because I am NOT like other writers in style and tone. For example, I read a tip lately that only "new writers" describe what a character is eating. You know, what's wrong with a little realism? Especially when you use it for characterization. In Chapter 2 (old Chapter 3) my MC is eating a pre-fixe lunch of a terrine with lemony asparagus followed by a salad. His stepmother's boyfriend (who MC did NOT know existed, let alone was tagging along on their Christmas trip to Paris) is eating the same thing. Although the terrine is a soft, meat-loaf consistency, the boyfriend is using the American convention of smashing every bite with the side of his fork, leaving his knife perfectly pristine on the table next to his plate. And he's talking with his mouth full! And you know what? I'm keeping it! 

It gets so confusing. It's a conversation at a lunch table in a swanky 4-star Parisian hotel. How could I not comment on the food? Here's the truth, people eat, sleep, talk, and have sex. Somewhere in there they also work. What's wrong with a little realism to balance the fantasy of a love story? My characters eat: different foods and in different ways. My female lead skips lunch by eating a granola bar when she's stressed and my MC calls her out on it. One of the scenes in Confessions of a Shopaholic that sticks with me most is Becky trying to cook a curry. I can't cook a curry. I don't even know really that I like curries. But I enjoyed the comedy of everyday life. When I read Sophie Kinsella's book, Confessions of a Shopaholic, I loved it so much BECAUSE it was unlike any other book I had read up to that point. 

This morning I read Konrath's piece about authorial intent. Just be deliberate, he says, and too bad for the people who don't like it. Alright. I agree. 

With that, I am going to work on polishing my new Chapter 1 (original Chapter 1 was cut entirely into the deleted scenes bin) which is my old Chapter 2 and have it up on my reader site for Sample Sunday. I also need to get the back cover copy to my awesome cover artist. I was stressing over that, but my paperback will never be sold in stores, so really, what does it matter what the back of the printed book says? For that matter, I am going to heavily subsidize my printed book pricing to promote my ebook, so maybe I will just break the mold entirely. Why not make my back cover of the book a letter to my readers, thanking them for buying this book, a nice picture of me, and encouraging them to email me for a free copy of the ebook? My business is best in electronic media. The more people I can convince to read my books in electronic formats, the better off my business and the businesses of my colleagues will be. 

Wow, I feel like a major DUH!!!! is coming on. Off to work on new and improved back cover copy. 

"CANCELLED" arriving SEPTEMBER 2011. A robotics engineer asks his business partner to marry him, but a previous one-night stand is having his baby.

ROW 80: CANCELLED Back Copy revised

First step on the publishing trek for CANCELLED is getting my back copy to my cover artist. I've played with the language in a few versions and a nice comment from R. H. Watson made me realize the crux of the book: the emotionally complex situation. 

To robotics engineer Johnathan Michaels, a problem is opportunity for solution. His unrequited love of business partner Alexis Rodriguez? At the right moment, he will share his feelings. The company's first multi-million dollar defense contract botched by his best friend? He'll cut his vacation short and take charge. And the one-night stand certain she is pregnant with his child? That one can stay a secret awaiting data confirmation.

As lead engineer on a project that keeps going wrong, Johnathan finally wins Alex's love after years wasted in friendship. But it's time for the truth to come out, forcing Johnathan to reconcile two women into his life--one as his future wife and another as mother of his child. Can he keep his relationship with Alex, stand up as a father, and rescue his company? Or will part of his life end up on the scrap heap?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Ann West is a Jane-of-all-trades, mistress to none. For the last three years, she sold non-fiction articles to websites and marketing firms. Before choosing a career in writing, she made magic at Walt Disney World, planned conferences at the National Center for State Courts, and toiled as a quality technician on titanium castings for Alcoa. Armed with a B.A. in Political Science, and experiencing the world courtesy of her husband's naval career, writing fiction is her next mountain to conquer. She loves feedback from her fans and critics at eawestwriting.com. 

I tried to simplify the back copy but still keep the details of the novel exciting. Johnathan is pursuing three different directions: professional success, success in marriage, and success as a soon-to-be father. There is a sub-plot involving his family and its history coming back to wreak havoc in his life, however I don't think that needs to be on the back cover/book description. I also have minor coursework in English Literature, but I don't know that will really help my readers. My resume is actually extremely varied (I temped my way through college working as an admin assistant in everywhere from engineering firms, for an architect, manufacturing, real estate, non-profits, the military, and many others), and I pull experiences and lessons from those jobs into my writing. As an admin assistant, you are invisible, and you see it all!

Finally, the website will be live before publication of the book. I plan to make it a reader's paradise with excerpts, behind-the-scenes information, and a weekly live chat. 

Would love thoughts, feelings, and feedback.

"CANCELLED" arriving SEPTEMBER 2011. A robotics engineer asks his business partner to marry him, but a previous one-night stand is having his baby.

ROW 80: Day 1, Cancelled's Backcopy

I'm not going to lie, there is a snafu with my travel documents. My draft is not 100% finished, but it's at 90%, so I'm happy. I had to rework the ending a bit, really. It's not MY fault the robot tried to eat the intern. But it happened. And I had to deal with that. :) So, the good news is we're on version 1.5, but it should be done by Friday so I can get it printed.


Now, I PURPOSELY arranged my first two weeks on Round of Words in 80 Days so there is 0 impact if there was a problem with my travel documents (first draft being finished). The first stop is getting the back copy to my cover artist for the paper cover version.


Here's what I have so far:


To robotics engineer Johnathan Michaels, life is a series of problems needing solutions. When a one-night stand announces she is pregnant with his child, it's perfectly logical to keep quiet until the data is confirmed. In love with his business partner, Alexis Rodriguez, he doesn't see how a baby changes what they mean to one another, and asks for her hand in marriage.


But people are not robots. Inputs don't always match outputs. As the truth comes out, Johnathan fights to reconcile both women into his life -- one as his future wife; the other as a mother to his child. All while getting his company out of hot water on its first multi-million dollar defense contract. 


Can Johnathan save his relationship with Alexis, stand up as a father, and rescue his company? Or is the scrap heap going to get a little bigger?

About the Author
Elizabeth Ann West is a Jane-of-all-trades, mistress to none. For the last three years, she has made a living selling her non-fiction articles to websites and marketing firms. Before settling into a career of writing, she made magic at Walt Disney World, planned conferences at the National Center for State Courts, and performed as a Quality Technician on titanium castings for Alcoa. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science of all things, while she and the kids follow her husband around the world in his naval career, writing fiction is her next mountain to conquer. Yo-de-le-he-hoo! 


It still needs some work, but this is how far I have gotten. I don't know that is the picture I will use on the back cover either. It's hard to pick a picture that looks good and shows a little of my personality behind the smile. I will probably leave final selection up to my cover artist, with veto approval. :)


"CANCELLED" arriving SEPTEMBER 2011. A robotics engineer asks his business partner to marry him, but a previous one-night stand is having his baby.




OTHER AWESOME #ROW80 TRAVELERS:

Self-Published Novel: Writing Accountability = #WORDMONGERING

I've been a dead beat for awhile on my novel. Poor, CANCELLED. But, I've recently found a new accountability program for the dead beat writer: #wordmongering. Yep. Put that hashtag into Twitter and you'll find us. A group of writers who start at the top of the hour, write for 30 minutes, then take a break for 30 minutes.

At first I thought this would be very inefficient. But it's not! My first round of 30 minutes I managed exactly 1,000 words. My second round? 1,172. Two thirds of Chapter 12 done.

So now I'm eating some ice cream and watching a NUMB3RS. Suddenly, my deadline of Tuesday for my first draft isn't so ominous...:)

In other news, information is off to my cover artist. Can't wait to show some results from the wonderful Melissa Oyler!


"CANCELLED" arriving Late Summer 2011. A robotics engineer asks his business partner to marry him, but a previous one-night stand is having his baby.

Day 18 I Have to Say It: Marketing Begins With YOU

When I first considered making the jump from non-fiction to fiction, I read many books about publishing novels. Before joining this crazy whirly-gig of fun, I wanted to know the inside scoop on the industry. The dark skeletons kept in the closet. Here is a piece of advice I read from a book written in the early 90s about publishing that stuck with me:


Be prepared for a face-to-face before a publisher will sign off on a book. They are looking to see how marketable you are.


Harsh, right? But true. Marketing begins with us. My genre, women's fiction/chick-lit/romance is written by some very beautiful women. And some not. Some who have a head shot that looks like they just rolled out of bed in the morning and grabbed the nearest T-shirt. Their hair is a rat's nest. Makeup? Ha. 


A recent discussion on G. P. Ching's blog about my pricing ideas prompted me to start checking my genre. Turns out, I can price a little higher because the indie women's fiction author population is about 12 (okay, I'm exaggerating, but seriously, put women's fiction in the Kindle Store search). I will be competing with $7.99 and up traditionally published books. This is very different from the thriller, YA, fantasy genres that are up to their necks in indie authors. I was scoping out my competition when I realized besides price, the author photo was another dead give away that someone was an indie/self-published author instead of a publisher backed author. The traditionally published authors have gorgeous, professional photographs in their author bios. The indie authors? Mostly casual photos that look like they were taken in the backyard at a random time. 


Now, back to to the regularly scheduled programming. I spotted G.P. on Twitter after following another author, Megg Jensen. I will be absolutely honest and this isn't meant in a sexual/lesbian kind of way. I clicked to learn more about her because her photo was attractive. I liked her hair style and the jewelry and attire made me wonder what kind of books she writes. She isn't in my genre, but I kinda guessed that based on the cross around her neck. This doesn't mean everyone needs to look runway ready with a teeny-tiny waist and perfectly veneered teeth. I will never fit that description! But, even authors who aren't a perfect size 2, and more like a 22 can have very attractive photographs. Styled hair, a touch of makeup and a fashionable top is all that is needed. Oh, and smile. Like your best friend is sitting across from you, drinking a cup of coffee and complimented your new shoes.


Here's the point: If you are going to put a picture of yourself up as an author, make sure it is an attractive one. Actually, go further. Pose for a portrait. You probably know a friend who is great at taking pictures, or hit a Sears/JC Penny/Walmart. Take lots of outfits, make lots of poses and buy the CD for $99. You spend tons of time on your book's cover, consider yourself just as important.


I am not immune to my own advice. I hate my black-and-white photo that I'm currently using as my official public photo. Guess what? That's 4 weeks after I gave birth to my soon-to-be 2-year-old. Yeah. I'm still puffy, and there's a very good reason that photo is a head shot. But not many people would guess that from the photo. And, I am working on remedying this situation. That picture will NOT be the photo on the back of my novel or anywhere my face is associated with my book. No way. I'm working on losing a few pounds over the next few weeks and my photo session is planned with the brilliant Kristen Channel.  It will be lovely. Most importantly, my picture is going to make people want to get to know me and read my books.


I may be a stay-at-home Mom writing my first novel, but I'm certainly not going to look like it.


"Disengaged" arriving Fall 2011. Johnathan Michaels, a robotics engineer, jeopardizes his engagement with his business partner when a previous one-night stand surfaces, carrying his child.

Day 10 - Cover Concept Complete and Writing, Writing, Writing

There it is. That's the concept. The photo of the wedding invitation still has the Dreamstime watermark because I haven't 100% chosen the specific wedding invitation I want to use. But the gist is there. I am still toying with the idea of making my own wedding invitation for Johnathan and Alexis, and slapping the cancelled stamp on it. 


I am relieved. I think the cover concept works and once finished, it will be eye catching. Cancelled? What's cancelled? 


Now to get back to writing. Chapter 7, here we go!

"Imperfect Timing" arriving Fall 2011. Johnathan Michaels, a robotics engineer, jeopardizes his engagement with his business partner when a previous one-night stand surfaces, carrying his child.

Day 9 - Self-Published Covers and Crazy Characters Taking Control

I'll change things up tonight and handle the publishing side first. On your right is the cutesy blueprint of a baby I made in GIMP following a Youtube tutorial. It has dawned on me that putting a baby on the cover is just too difficult. First, babies while cute, are awkward photographs. Second, my story is really about the cancelled wedding because of the baby. But the baby by itself would be no big deal. 


This leaves me with what is the nuts and bolts of my story? A cancelled wedding. And that leads me to what I think will be the final cover design: a glossy, snazzy wedding invitation for Johnathan and Alexis with a big, fat CANCELLED across the front! That is a front cover image that I would pick up. A blue print baby? Upon seeing it, no, honestly, I wouldn't pick it up and read the back. Cancelled wedding invitation? Oh give me the dirt! And that plays into my trainwreck romance brand! 

Day 7 Self-Published Novel Writing Extreme

Sleeping tiger...ready to ROAR!

Technically, Day 7 was yesterday, and I managed 1500 words. Roughly 47% of Chapter 5. In two days, I've clocked 5200 words. This brings me to 8 chapters written out of 24. That means I am a third of the way there! I keep pushing, because as Joe Konrath says, the longer an ebook sits off the market, the more money you lose. 

Every once in awhile the little voice in the back of my mind, Ms. Naysayer, says "This sucks. No one is going to want to read this." I show her the middle finger and smile, in true heavy metal fashion. I know people will like the story because *I* like the story. And, this is my first novel. It's always going to be one of my worst. But, as long as I keep pushing ahead, keep writing and publishing, I have complete control. Nothing says 5 years from now I can't revamp "Imperfect Timing" and re-release it as a second edition.