Anyone who's had to put a book together knows how exasperating the last stages can be. The Rogues' new book, Writing is Easy is no exception. As we head into the final stretch, there are loose ends all over the place that must be taken tied up.
As a group, we've been working on this project for over two years. It doesn't seem worthwhile to look at time spent but more at future time committed to the project. Wrapping a book up takes patience and a lot of effort. Then the real fun begins.
The Rogues are planning a promotional agenda that will involve many fronts and will no doubt challenge us to step up to larger issues in our writing careers. The only way to do this is to jump in and make things happen. A lot of people can't handle making things happen. They want everything handed to them.
Fortunately, we've been in this business long enough to know it takes work, dedication and commitment. Will we step up? Are we stubborn enough to keep plodding along even when we don't feel it? Stick around and see.
Writing truly is easy. It's the stuff that comes after the writing that tests the gut. The Rogues plan on persevering...
Monday, June 14, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Motherhood is Easy
Fellow Rogue Rebekah is hot on the trail of stardom. I know I've posted about her book recently, but I think it's important to note that she is continuing to market and promote. This is the way of the author. You slave over a book for months, sometimes years and then you find the bulk of the work is yet to be done.
Most new writers have no clue. Intellectually you can possess this information and then get your book published only to find you had no real idea what it takes to be successful in the writing world. Success once your book is out is all about persistence. It's a number's game, folks!
Writers tend to hate that. Writers tend to be idealistic. Writers tend to see the world in their creative minds rather than the cold, calculating world view. If you have a good book and do not market and promote, it will go nowhere. If your book fairly sucks and you market and promote well, your book can actually make some noise.
This REALLY pisses writers off. There is a wrongness there. Something is amiss.
Then, if you have a GREAT book like Motherhood is Easy and you market and promote, all it takes is one person in a strategic position to read it and it will go viral. Viral is the key these days to huge success. In order to get there, you must produce quality and you must market and promote - with passion.
Rebekah found that she loves to market and promote. This is one of the two areas writers fall flat on their face usually. To create a GREAT book AND love to market and promote stands as the simplest road to success in writing.
The other area writers fail is that they're willing to sell their souls to get published. If writers would take the time to gain some business savvy, they would tell the publishing machine this - "Hey! I'm the one creating content. Without me you would have no movies, no books, no magazines, etc. Pay me what I'm worth and stop hogging all the money!"
Unfortunately most writers will either take next to nothing to get published or they will pay through the nose with no real way to recoup their money. Rebekah has made some very smart decisions and is on her way. She will go as far as she is willing to push, and she has the opportunity to make money as well.
Motherhood is Easy is an excellent example of a book done right in these crazy days in the publishing industry. My sincere hope is that Rebekah continues to push it and one day finds those numbers that show all her hard work was worth it. Check the book out. I guarantee you will laugh. Then think about how you might be the next person to create a successful product.
The Rogues Gallery Writers are looking to do just that!
Most new writers have no clue. Intellectually you can possess this information and then get your book published only to find you had no real idea what it takes to be successful in the writing world. Success once your book is out is all about persistence. It's a number's game, folks!
Writers tend to hate that. Writers tend to be idealistic. Writers tend to see the world in their creative minds rather than the cold, calculating world view. If you have a good book and do not market and promote, it will go nowhere. If your book fairly sucks and you market and promote well, your book can actually make some noise.
This REALLY pisses writers off. There is a wrongness there. Something is amiss.
Then, if you have a GREAT book like Motherhood is Easy and you market and promote, all it takes is one person in a strategic position to read it and it will go viral. Viral is the key these days to huge success. In order to get there, you must produce quality and you must market and promote - with passion.
Rebekah found that she loves to market and promote. This is one of the two areas writers fall flat on their face usually. To create a GREAT book AND love to market and promote stands as the simplest road to success in writing.
The other area writers fail is that they're willing to sell their souls to get published. If writers would take the time to gain some business savvy, they would tell the publishing machine this - "Hey! I'm the one creating content. Without me you would have no movies, no books, no magazines, etc. Pay me what I'm worth and stop hogging all the money!"
Unfortunately most writers will either take next to nothing to get published or they will pay through the nose with no real way to recoup their money. Rebekah has made some very smart decisions and is on her way. She will go as far as she is willing to push, and she has the opportunity to make money as well.
Motherhood is Easy is an excellent example of a book done right in these crazy days in the publishing industry. My sincere hope is that Rebekah continues to push it and one day finds those numbers that show all her hard work was worth it. Check the book out. I guarantee you will laugh. Then think about how you might be the next person to create a successful product.
The Rogues Gallery Writers are looking to do just that!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Writing is Easy is on the Way!!!
The Rogues Gallery Writers meet this week to discuss marketing ideas for our first book, Writing is Easy. This book is actually a number of years in the making. It's been through the edit phase with final re-writes being completed as I key this. This book's primary purpose is to challenge other writers to get out there and make things happen with their craft.
The days of write-and-hope are over for those willing to listen. We have a message we want the writing community to seize upon - you can get your writing into print in front of as many people as you are willing to work for. Once your book is published, the real work begins, so whether you sell 5 books or 5,000 will depend mostly upon you the author.
There is no reason for you to be at some publisher's mercy though. You can get your book published, the only question is do you have the desire and fortitude to see it through, and if you do, do you again have the desire and fortitude to market and promote.
Marketing and promoting are what makes or breaks a book. I'd love to write that it's content that makes or breaks a book, but alas, that is not true in this day and age. A great marketer can sell a shitty book, and a pathetic marketer can ruin a classic. That's the world we live in folks. Rage against the machine all you like, but remember, this machine is what feeds writers money. If you want to make a go of writing, you need to learn how books are sold today.
All that said, the Rogues Gallery Writers have some work to do Thursday. We have to plan a marketing campaign and assign tasks that will implement the plan. This can be tedious, but fun as well. I'll let you know what we come up with...
The days of write-and-hope are over for those willing to listen. We have a message we want the writing community to seize upon - you can get your writing into print in front of as many people as you are willing to work for. Once your book is published, the real work begins, so whether you sell 5 books or 5,000 will depend mostly upon you the author.
There is no reason for you to be at some publisher's mercy though. You can get your book published, the only question is do you have the desire and fortitude to see it through, and if you do, do you again have the desire and fortitude to market and promote.
Marketing and promoting are what makes or breaks a book. I'd love to write that it's content that makes or breaks a book, but alas, that is not true in this day and age. A great marketer can sell a shitty book, and a pathetic marketer can ruin a classic. That's the world we live in folks. Rage against the machine all you like, but remember, this machine is what feeds writers money. If you want to make a go of writing, you need to learn how books are sold today.
All that said, the Rogues Gallery Writers have some work to do Thursday. We have to plan a marketing campaign and assign tasks that will implement the plan. This can be tedious, but fun as well. I'll let you know what we come up with...
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Notoriety
Observing the reviews written about fellow Rogues Gallery Writer Rebekah Hunter Scott, I'm learning that a little bit of controversy can go a long way when it comes to marketing and promoting. One online reviewer raved about the book - Motherhood is Easy - except for two little sentences that took minor exception to some four letter words in the book.
Now, there are no f-bombs, and actually, what passes for four letter words in the book, by today's standards, don't even qualify as a hiccup in social speech. But the opportunity to chime in on this issue brings with it some needed notoriety. Getting others to comment on the blogger's review can help ratchet up the publicity as well.
Another blogger wrote a somewhat tongue-in-cheek piece about the plethora of books out there on Amazon about Motherhood. This author wrote a humorous comment after each title she listed. When she stumbled across Motherhood is Easy, her comment was, "Obviously written by a man."
This is a huge opportunity for Rebekah to connect with someone. This is one way to market a book. Find people saying something about your book that is a little off, and then turn it to your gain.
As the Rogues Gallery Writers gear up for the release of our collection of short stories, Writing is Easy, we will need to keep these types of opportunities in mind. A negative comment can turn into something positive if you just step back and figure a way to do it.
The Rogues Gallery Writers will be looking for tons of notoriety very soon. We will be blogging and guest blogging, interviewing on radio and signing books. We will also be looking for negative statements and finding ways to put a positive spin on them.
Viva le Rogues!
Now, there are no f-bombs, and actually, what passes for four letter words in the book, by today's standards, don't even qualify as a hiccup in social speech. But the opportunity to chime in on this issue brings with it some needed notoriety. Getting others to comment on the blogger's review can help ratchet up the publicity as well.
Another blogger wrote a somewhat tongue-in-cheek piece about the plethora of books out there on Amazon about Motherhood. This author wrote a humorous comment after each title she listed. When she stumbled across Motherhood is Easy, her comment was, "Obviously written by a man."
This is a huge opportunity for Rebekah to connect with someone. This is one way to market a book. Find people saying something about your book that is a little off, and then turn it to your gain.
As the Rogues Gallery Writers gear up for the release of our collection of short stories, Writing is Easy, we will need to keep these types of opportunities in mind. A negative comment can turn into something positive if you just step back and figure a way to do it.
The Rogues Gallery Writers will be looking for tons of notoriety very soon. We will be blogging and guest blogging, interviewing on radio and signing books. We will also be looking for negative statements and finding ways to put a positive spin on them.
Viva le Rogues!
Monday, May 3, 2010
New Kid in Town
Rebekah Hunter Scott.
Remember the name folks. She dove from the heavens and now rides the waves of success in the writing world. Ok, so she just struck her feet to the trek, but Rebekah defies all odds when it comes to writing and marketing and promoting.
Numerous radio interviews, magazines publishing excerpts and wanting articles, speaking engagements and successful book signings, Rebekah defines what a writer needs to do to be successful in this most competitive field of endeavor. Check out her website: www.motherhoodiseasy.com.
She's fresh, sassy and knowledgeable about not only her craft but the things she chooses to write about. Rebekah grabs spotlights, not for herself, but the hilarious antics the children wreak upon mothers. AND fathers.
I'm telling you here and now - her book - Motherhood is Easy - stands as one of the most hilarious books I've ever read. Rebekah's humor strikes at the heart of any parent. Yes, ANY parent. Dads will find this book fun as well.
Rebekah is a Rogue. She defines what our group is all about - writing good books. We have more to come, but for this moment, stash away in your brain the name of an up-and-coming author to be reckoned with - Rebekah Hunter Scott!
Remember the name folks. She dove from the heavens and now rides the waves of success in the writing world. Ok, so she just struck her feet to the trek, but Rebekah defies all odds when it comes to writing and marketing and promoting.
Numerous radio interviews, magazines publishing excerpts and wanting articles, speaking engagements and successful book signings, Rebekah defines what a writer needs to do to be successful in this most competitive field of endeavor. Check out her website: www.motherhoodiseasy.com.
She's fresh, sassy and knowledgeable about not only her craft but the things she chooses to write about. Rebekah grabs spotlights, not for herself, but the hilarious antics the children wreak upon mothers. AND fathers.
I'm telling you here and now - her book - Motherhood is Easy - stands as one of the most hilarious books I've ever read. Rebekah's humor strikes at the heart of any parent. Yes, ANY parent. Dads will find this book fun as well.
Rebekah is a Rogue. She defines what our group is all about - writing good books. We have more to come, but for this moment, stash away in your brain the name of an up-and-coming author to be reckoned with - Rebekah Hunter Scott!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
"DEAR PANTHERA"
Well it seems I have become sort of a, Dear Abby, just call me DEAR PANTHERA!!!! So I will continue my blog and help where I can. Seems some have questions and no answers ,answers and ,What was the Question? always ask questions, question everything, show your enthusiasm for life , show your wonder for the world around you, awaken yourself to your world.
I would be glad to answer any questions, but remember it is simply my perspective from my point of view, my truth, my journey, our journeys are not the same, we may have many similar experiences, and feelings on many different matters may even be common, but only you have the real answers to all your questions, inside you!
Yes ,you have all the answers ,to all the questions in the universe, simply get quiet with yourself and ask the questions and "LISTEN" to the voice inside you! Your inner guidance will lead you to the right answer, sometimes it comes in the form of a symbol, or song, or simple repetition of a phrase, every person who enters your life has a message for you, just got to pay attention and become aware of your own surroundings and trust yourself to recognize the answer, remember not to let that EGO get in your way.
"Gather information filter it through your heart!"
I have just answered the question that was asked of me, I hope it helped. Self reliance is the only answer, not to let others sway your knowing, with their own version of the truth. Make it a Blessed day, moment by moment...and thanks for your confidence in me, to understand and offer an honest "point of view through my eyes", I know it is hard to find in this world, but keep the faith...and shine on..."Tracy"
I would be glad to answer any questions, but remember it is simply my perspective from my point of view, my truth, my journey, our journeys are not the same, we may have many similar experiences, and feelings on many different matters may even be common, but only you have the real answers to all your questions, inside you!
Yes ,you have all the answers ,to all the questions in the universe, simply get quiet with yourself and ask the questions and "LISTEN" to the voice inside you! Your inner guidance will lead you to the right answer, sometimes it comes in the form of a symbol, or song, or simple repetition of a phrase, every person who enters your life has a message for you, just got to pay attention and become aware of your own surroundings and trust yourself to recognize the answer, remember not to let that EGO get in your way.
"Gather information filter it through your heart!"
I have just answered the question that was asked of me, I hope it helped. Self reliance is the only answer, not to let others sway your knowing, with their own version of the truth. Make it a Blessed day, moment by moment...and thanks for your confidence in me, to understand and offer an honest "point of view through my eyes", I know it is hard to find in this world, but keep the faith...and shine on..."Tracy"
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Rogues Gallery Writers Secret
Psst! I own a special secret every writer clamors for whether in word or deed... I know why the Rogues Gallery Writers command respect. I know why other writers get jealous over the Rogues Gallery Writers - both those writers who know us and those once they discover us - are you ready?
Get pen or pencil, take this down...
The Rogues Gallery Writers make good things happen.
"That's it?"
C'mon! Check out the verb. Yes, the verb is a bit passive. It sits there like a lame duck hoping the fox doesn't notice it. Yet if you care to look deeper, you see that this verb defines the line between those writers who piss away their writing lives moaning and groaning and the writers who accept awards and sell books.
Books no more sell themselves than they write themselves, yet I see writers every day who sit around waiting for something to happen. I go to writer's group meetings where authors submit their work for critique but don't listen to a damn word of sound advice. These authors pompously cling to their "that's the way I write" mantra while the poor reading or listening audience cringes as adjectives clank off of tired cliches.
The Rogues Gallery Writers stay hungry. We strive for excellence. We're involved, motivated and talented. The one ingredient we have that others pine for comes down to sweat equity - we put in the time and effort to learn what we need to move forward, then we do it. We make good things happen.
I could list the books we currently torque through out souls, three of them on the verge of completion. I could list the articles we write that make us money. I could list the stories we submit for awards. But why brag? Everyone's going to see soon enough.
My sweet little secret about the Rogues Gallery Writers making good things happen should inspire energetic writers to move forward in their craft. All the others will continue to defend mediocrity or less...
Get pen or pencil, take this down...
The Rogues Gallery Writers make good things happen.
"That's it?"
C'mon! Check out the verb. Yes, the verb is a bit passive. It sits there like a lame duck hoping the fox doesn't notice it. Yet if you care to look deeper, you see that this verb defines the line between those writers who piss away their writing lives moaning and groaning and the writers who accept awards and sell books.
Books no more sell themselves than they write themselves, yet I see writers every day who sit around waiting for something to happen. I go to writer's group meetings where authors submit their work for critique but don't listen to a damn word of sound advice. These authors pompously cling to their "that's the way I write" mantra while the poor reading or listening audience cringes as adjectives clank off of tired cliches.
The Rogues Gallery Writers stay hungry. We strive for excellence. We're involved, motivated and talented. The one ingredient we have that others pine for comes down to sweat equity - we put in the time and effort to learn what we need to move forward, then we do it. We make good things happen.
I could list the books we currently torque through out souls, three of them on the verge of completion. I could list the articles we write that make us money. I could list the stories we submit for awards. But why brag? Everyone's going to see soon enough.
My sweet little secret about the Rogues Gallery Writers making good things happen should inspire energetic writers to move forward in their craft. All the others will continue to defend mediocrity or less...
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