All posts by NewEngland_Muse

I'm a traditionally and self published author. I write in the genre of children and YA at the moment but working my way up to adults. I'm a sports loving, photo taking gal who loves to sing/dance to my own enjoyment. I love to laugh even at myself. I am also owned by 8 birds and 2 hamsters, and yes they know it. :)
2013, Author

2013: My Writing Journey

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The year 2013 will soon be behind us. It’s time to reflect on how it treated us and to gather new hopes and dreams for 2014. I was fortunate as an author, 2013 was my best year since I started this venture.

March– My book, “Jasper, Amazon Parrot: A Rainforest Adventure” was picked up by a publisher.

April– Attended a conference in Wadesboro which left me with contacts.

May– I released my short story, “Root Canal” which was my first attempt at self publishing.

September– My book was released on the market.

November– Volunteered at a writer’s conference in town. The first of its kind.

November– I received my first royalty check as an author.

November– I completed NaNoWriMo successfully for the third straight year

November– I was one of seven people in my county to win a literary grant from the local arts council.

December– The Wonder Chicks, a writing group I formed, released the anthology, “Dragons In The

Attic” which was amazing.

December– My book, “Jasper, Amazon Parrot: A Rainforest Adventure was featured with local artists at a small theater in town. The new project for them.

My Jasper has been sold in Denmark, England, Scotland and the US. The reviews have made me feel I did good when it comes to this book. I’m not sure how I can improve on this. What I do now is I won’t be slowing down. My projects for 2014 that I know of are:

-Edit and revise the sequel to my Jasper series

-Edit and revise my NaNoWriMo book that won in 2011

-Start writing volume three to my Jasper series

-Release my true story, “Squirrel Mafia” in Feb/March

-………………(Always have writing projects)

I will be attending a conference in February and April if all goes according to plans and possibly one in November if funding comes through. I’m not sure about NaNoWriMo for I have three books that have won and are all waiting impatiently for me to edit them for submission. I will see as November comes closer.

It has been a hectic year between health issues, family, and life in general. But it has been amazing when I think of how far I have come and how fortunate I have been. Oddly it took all of this for me to say to myself. “You’re an author.” And for me to actually believe it.

Marketing, Published, Writing

Marketing: Small Places

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When you’re starting out as an author the idea of marketing yourself, whether you are self published or traditionally published, can get a bit scary. One has to think of anything that can help. A local theater in town is now hosting local writers in their lobby. All that is required is a few copies of one’s book and a framed picture. Fortunately I knew one of the actress who is also a fellow author. I was able to showcase my book for a few weeks to the patrons of the arts.

This is a different avenue and one that would never have come across my desk if I didn’t know my friend. But it just shows to think outside the box and don’t strictly go with conventional marketing. Every piece that can give the opportunity to show your works should be considered, even the ones that you have not thought of yet.

 

Friendship, Homemade gifts, Merry Christmas

Homemade Gifts for 2013

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This year for Christmas I made a number of gifts instead. It helped on cost and I personally love getting a homemade gift. The items for this year were slippers, two of my writings and a dessert I only make at Christmas time. My son calls it the Christmas dessert of death due to the sugar and calories in it.

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The slippers tend to take me 2 ½ weeks to make if my hands are not hurting too much . The dessert is quick and easy, maybe 1 minute to put together and 10 minutes to cook. The writings well those as you all know takes much longer. Happily the gifts were received well and the people appreciated the effort. That was what it was all about. Making others happy at this time of year from something I made, and making the gifts a little extra special.

Merry Christmas every one. May the holidays be full of joy, peace and rest.