It seems as if 2016 flew by in a blur.
For most of us authors, it was a year filled with lots of activity. There were lots of edits, rewrites, conferences, submissions and rejections that occured in 2016.
For 2017, it may be filled with the same but how will you approach it?
Will you take what you learned in 2016 into 2017? Will you submit your manuscript to more publishers? Will you rewrite that manuscript in your desk drawer? Will you attend another conference or maybe your first conference? Will you look at those rejections with new eyes and make improvements on your writing?
Whatever you do in 2017, remember that being an author is a privilege that a lot of people WISHED they had the courage to do.
Remember that you, yes you, can improve on being an author if you do one simple thing.
Be the best author you can be.
That means; attending workshops, conferences and seminars geared towards your genre of writing. That means not limiting yourself to one specific audience. That means taking time to market yourself to everyone; not just your family and friends. That means taking a leap of faith and submitting your work to a publisher, editor or doing it yourself.
Whatever you do; do it to the best of your ability.
I hope that your 2016 ends on a high note and that 2017 begins on a higher one.
See you in the new year.
This blog is all about my life as a lover of Books, Shoes and Writing. I like to think of myself as a diva; if only in my own mind!
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
AUTHORS AT CHRISTMAS TIME
On December 6 80+ authors met for their annual author dinner at The Old Europe Restaurant on Wisconsin Ave in Washington DC.
This is an event that is put together by +Dan Moldea is something that all of us look forward to. This is an event that requires only two things.
You have a published novel and a check for $35.
It's that simple.
There was a room full of authors that write everything from literary works to fiction and we all get to give a 20 second elevator pitch.
We sit with our fellow authors and talk about everything from politics to the upcoming inauguration.
Take a look at all of the pictures that were taken last night and if you want to get on this exclusive list; please leave a comment below.
We also get to take lots of selfies....
This is an event that is put together by +Dan Moldea is something that all of us look forward to. This is an event that requires only two things.
You have a published novel and a check for $35.
It's that simple.
There was a room full of authors that write everything from literary works to fiction and we all get to give a 20 second elevator pitch.
We sit with our fellow authors and talk about everything from politics to the upcoming inauguration.
Take a look at all of the pictures that were taken last night and if you want to get on this exclusive list; please leave a comment below.
We also get to take lots of selfies....
Monday, November 28, 2016
CYBER DEALS ARE FOR EVERYONE
Today starts another big shopping day.
If you thought BLACK FRIDAY was big; then you have never done CYBER MONDAY.
Consumers spend just as much during this day than any other online shopping day.
Please remember this as you are clicking your way around the internet.
AUTHORS LOVE CYBER MONDAY TOO.
This is the day that they may sell a year's worth of books and be able to travel to a new book conference. This is the day that you can buy a series by a new author, for half the price and this is also the day that you will discover brand new reading materials.
If you ever wanted to try a new genre, buy it on Cyber Monday.
Want to get a personalized gift for the reader in your family, workplace or teacher?
Give them a book signed by the author and you will be the best gift giver EVER!
I never liked mysteries until I read Austin Camacho's Hannibal Jones Series. When did I get it?
Cyber Monday 2011 and have never regretted it.
SO take a chance on a new genre, new author or better yet; give the gift of reading to the readers in your life.
And if they have enough books...well there are so many great gifts to give...but that's for the next blog!
Stay Tuned!
If you thought BLACK FRIDAY was big; then you have never done CYBER MONDAY.
Consumers spend just as much during this day than any other online shopping day.
Please remember this as you are clicking your way around the internet.
AUTHORS LOVE CYBER MONDAY TOO.
This is the day that they may sell a year's worth of books and be able to travel to a new book conference. This is the day that you can buy a series by a new author, for half the price and this is also the day that you will discover brand new reading materials.
If you ever wanted to try a new genre, buy it on Cyber Monday.
Want to get a personalized gift for the reader in your family, workplace or teacher?
Give them a book signed by the author and you will be the best gift giver EVER!
I never liked mysteries until I read Austin Camacho's Hannibal Jones Series. When did I get it?
Cyber Monday 2011 and have never regretted it.
SO take a chance on a new genre, new author or better yet; give the gift of reading to the readers in your life.
And if they have enough books...well there are so many great gifts to give...but that's for the next blog!
Stay Tuned!
Friday, November 18, 2016
REJECTION IS A GOOD THING
Rejection isn’t something that anyone likes to go through.
Being a published author, I worry about rejection.
Rejection from a publisher, an editor or from readers.
How do you overcome the fear?
Yes, rejection serves a purpose.
It allows us to remember that we are humans and make
mistakes. It reminds us that we are not perfect, no matter how hard we try to
be. It also reminds us that we have to, correction, we MUST continue to get
better in our writing.
Readers are not going to allow authors to sit back and push
through mundane work. Publishers aren’t going to let authors think that don’t
need improvement and if you have a good editor; they will make sure that they
are pushing you to bring out the best words you have.
Yes, Rejection is hard but it is necessary.
So don’t just sit there crying because you have gotten
another rejection (or your first rejection).
Dust yourself off, pick up that pen, paper, Notebook,
computer or IPad and begin the rewriting process.
Trust me, you will be glad that you did.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
WRITING WHILE WORKING
That is the dreaded 3 W curse.
If you are an author or writer AND you work a full time job than you know what I am talking about.
Working while writing or maybe its the other way around, writing while working is very hard to do.
Why? Because you know you need to write but you are sitting at your desk at work.The choice is hard. Or is it?
For me, it's not. I simply close my door for 30 minutes and I write. I hate that this thing called a full time job gets in my way at times but I have to still pay bills until I take that leap of faith. side note: I'm taking that leap in December.
Some people waste a lot of time gazing off into the world or surfing the internet while working. Yes, I have been doing the same thing. However, I learned recently that while those things are very fun I could be doing something else.
I could be writing.
So when I have the urge to surf, gaze or wander aimlessly around in my head listening to the birds tweet or the crickets chirp, I pull up my trust WORD document and begin typing a new scene.
It didn't happen overnight, trust me. It took days of retraining my brain to go into the creative side instead of the lazy side. It took days of me forcing myself to sit down in my chair instead of just looking for someone to talk to and it took days of me aimlessly playing solitaire on the computer to say, hey you...you are a writer; now get to writing.
So what are you doing that is stopping you from using that creative side of your brain? and whatever it is; try redirecting it so that you can finish that novel sitting in your computer just waiting for you to finish it.
If you are an author or writer AND you work a full time job than you know what I am talking about.
Working while writing or maybe its the other way around, writing while working is very hard to do.
Why? Because you know you need to write but you are sitting at your desk at work.The choice is hard. Or is it?
For me, it's not. I simply close my door for 30 minutes and I write. I hate that this thing called a full time job gets in my way at times but I have to still pay bills until I take that leap of faith. side note: I'm taking that leap in December.
Some people waste a lot of time gazing off into the world or surfing the internet while working. Yes, I have been doing the same thing. However, I learned recently that while those things are very fun I could be doing something else.
I could be writing.
So when I have the urge to surf, gaze or wander aimlessly around in my head listening to the birds tweet or the crickets chirp, I pull up my trust WORD document and begin typing a new scene.
It didn't happen overnight, trust me. It took days of retraining my brain to go into the creative side instead of the lazy side. It took days of me forcing myself to sit down in my chair instead of just looking for someone to talk to and it took days of me aimlessly playing solitaire on the computer to say, hey you...you are a writer; now get to writing.
So what are you doing that is stopping you from using that creative side of your brain? and whatever it is; try redirecting it so that you can finish that novel sitting in your computer just waiting for you to finish it.
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
ARE YOU READY?
This weekend I had the pleasure of going to the #MDC3Con in Columbia Maryland.
Well let me tell you...I had the time of my life! I always do but this time it was different. This time I went into it with an open mind and this time I knew that I was getting ready to begin a new chapter in my life.
That chapter involves doing what I love to do, full-time! That means I'm going to jump right into my author world and swim with the fishes.
I know that I am ready because I wasn't ready before. How do I know?
Because I found ways to sabotage my efforts. I found ways to not write every day. I found ways to help everyone else with their marketing, with their novels, with their manuscripts and with their social media presence.
I wasn't ready! But I thought I was. Imagine that. Imagine me, not being ready. Turns out; I should have been asking the questions that I normally ask my friends and new authors.
Are you ready to be an author? Are you ready to put in the work? Are you ready to do all that it takes to be a full time author?
I would have answered yes but I would have been wrong. I tried convincing myself that I was ready when I had no clue what the next step would be.
This weekend, I found my next step and I am taking it.
So get ready world; I"m ready to walk in my purpose and in some really great shoes!
I'm ready to be a full time author!
Well let me tell you...I had the time of my life! I always do but this time it was different. This time I went into it with an open mind and this time I knew that I was getting ready to begin a new chapter in my life.
That chapter involves doing what I love to do, full-time! That means I'm going to jump right into my author world and swim with the fishes.
I know that I am ready because I wasn't ready before. How do I know?
Because I found ways to sabotage my efforts. I found ways to not write every day. I found ways to help everyone else with their marketing, with their novels, with their manuscripts and with their social media presence.
I wasn't ready! But I thought I was. Imagine that. Imagine me, not being ready. Turns out; I should have been asking the questions that I normally ask my friends and new authors.
Are you ready to be an author? Are you ready to put in the work? Are you ready to do all that it takes to be a full time author?
I would have answered yes but I would have been wrong. I tried convincing myself that I was ready when I had no clue what the next step would be.
This weekend, I found my next step and I am taking it.
So get ready world; I"m ready to walk in my purpose and in some really great shoes!
I'm ready to be a full time author!
Thursday, August 11, 2016
WHEN YOU BECOME THE PARENT
This blog will be a little different from any I have done. It's 2am in the morning and my insomnia is worse than ever but my author mind is sharp!
I have been a parent five times over and loved every single minute of it. OK; well except for the potty training, the projectile vomit and the flu running rampant in the house for three years in a row. Except for all of that; I loved every minute of it.
This time it is a little different. I'm a parent, to MY parents. My dad is a strong, and strong willed man but he is now 79 years old. My mom is a vibrant and sassy woman; who just happens to be 87. (Yes, she was a cougar back in her day)
Now they need more. More than I or even they, thought they would. My mom has lost 85% of her eyesight and 70% of her hearing. She has had both hips replaced and suffers with circulatory problems in her feet; which cause they to swell like stuffed sausages.
My dad just recently had to have eye surgery and suffers from severe neck pain; caused by a fracture in four of his vertebrae about three years ago.
So, they depend on me for a lot and at first I didn't' think I could handle it.
Let me explain. I'm an author; I do that very well. I know how to market and I know how to push myself to the limits. I know how to publicly speak and I know how to get things done.
When my father asked me to accompany them to a DAV (+Disabled American Veterans) function this past week in Atlanta, I didn't hesitate to say yes. After all, spending time with my parents is always great.
What I didn't know was that they would need LOTS of help. My mom needs assistance standing, walking, eating, and other things that I won't go into. My dad, although mobile, has to help my mom but also has a hard time standing, walking, and doing basic things for himself.
Imagine going on vacation and having the room next door where you become the room service person for 24 hours of a day.
Here's the thing: I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT.
I felt like now was the time I could give back. Now was the time I could help the people who have supported me, helped me and guided me through life. Now was the time that I could say, THANK YOU, without hearing; "We were supposed to do that because we were your parents." Now was my time to become a PARENT to my parents.
And you know what, I love it. I found myself opening up the connecting door just to check on them in the middle of the night. I found myself racing around when I thought they needed something. I made sure they ate before I ate. I made sure they were comfortable before I was.
My parents are THE best and I will be their eyes, ears, chauffeur and cook for as long as they will have me. This is time I will cherish with them.
I have been a parent five times over and loved every single minute of it. OK; well except for the potty training, the projectile vomit and the flu running rampant in the house for three years in a row. Except for all of that; I loved every minute of it.
This time it is a little different. I'm a parent, to MY parents. My dad is a strong, and strong willed man but he is now 79 years old. My mom is a vibrant and sassy woman; who just happens to be 87. (Yes, she was a cougar back in her day)
Now they need more. More than I or even they, thought they would. My mom has lost 85% of her eyesight and 70% of her hearing. She has had both hips replaced and suffers with circulatory problems in her feet; which cause they to swell like stuffed sausages.
My dad just recently had to have eye surgery and suffers from severe neck pain; caused by a fracture in four of his vertebrae about three years ago.
So, they depend on me for a lot and at first I didn't' think I could handle it.
Let me explain. I'm an author; I do that very well. I know how to market and I know how to push myself to the limits. I know how to publicly speak and I know how to get things done.
When my father asked me to accompany them to a DAV (+Disabled American Veterans) function this past week in Atlanta, I didn't hesitate to say yes. After all, spending time with my parents is always great.
What I didn't know was that they would need LOTS of help. My mom needs assistance standing, walking, eating, and other things that I won't go into. My dad, although mobile, has to help my mom but also has a hard time standing, walking, and doing basic things for himself.
Imagine going on vacation and having the room next door where you become the room service person for 24 hours of a day.
Here's the thing: I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT.
I felt like now was the time I could give back. Now was the time I could help the people who have supported me, helped me and guided me through life. Now was the time that I could say, THANK YOU, without hearing; "We were supposed to do that because we were your parents." Now was my time to become a PARENT to my parents.
And you know what, I love it. I found myself opening up the connecting door just to check on them in the middle of the night. I found myself racing around when I thought they needed something. I made sure they ate before I ate. I made sure they were comfortable before I was.
My parents are THE best and I will be their eyes, ears, chauffeur and cook for as long as they will have me. This is time I will cherish with them.
Monday, July 11, 2016
WRITING DURING THE SUMMER
During the summer I want to do many things and writing is not really one of them.
However, I'm an author and writing comes natural to me. Have you ever been somewhere and thought; wow that would make a great mystery? Or maybe you went on vacation and said, wow this would be a great place to put some characters and see what they can get into?
If you haven't done that; you are not a writer but most writers will know what I am talking about.
If you notice by the shirt, I wished I was in NYC right now and participating in +ThrillerFest Volunteer Coordinator but I missed it this year due to being on tour for my own novel. But next year I will be back!
During the summer months, I sit in my office and I just stare off into space. There is not much to do when the students are on break but I get a lot of writing done.
Hopefully you are getting some writing done in between going to the pool, the beach, taking the boat out or fishing. If you are; snap a selfie and post it in my comments below.
I'd love to see what you are doing when you are 'supposed to be' writing.
Happy Summer!
However, I'm an author and writing comes natural to me. Have you ever been somewhere and thought; wow that would make a great mystery? Or maybe you went on vacation and said, wow this would be a great place to put some characters and see what they can get into?
If you haven't done that; you are not a writer but most writers will know what I am talking about.
If you notice by the shirt, I wished I was in NYC right now and participating in +ThrillerFest Volunteer Coordinator but I missed it this year due to being on tour for my own novel. But next year I will be back!
During the summer months, I sit in my office and I just stare off into space. There is not much to do when the students are on break but I get a lot of writing done.
Hopefully you are getting some writing done in between going to the pool, the beach, taking the boat out or fishing. If you are; snap a selfie and post it in my comments below.
I'd love to see what you are doing when you are 'supposed to be' writing.
Happy Summer!
Thursday, June 30, 2016
SUMMER TIME AND THE READING IS EASY....OR IS IT?
It's summer time and the days are longer and the writing should be easy, right?
Well, NO. Because we want to be outside enjoying it. So as an author, what do we do? We run down to our local bookstore and pick up a few good books for the beach, pool, boat or just a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Well, that is getting harder and harder to do because; 1. There aren't many bookstores any more and 2. There are so many great authors to choose from, how can you choose just one.
Just like +Lays potato chips; you can't read or choose just one.
So, as I normally do. I make a budget for myself and say; I'm only going to get 2 or 3 books.
Yeah, like that REALLY happens. I shop for books like I do at the dollar store. I go in for one or two items and come out with a basket full of stuff. (But it's great stuff AND its only a dollar) who could pass that up.
So this summer I am going to try and give you some great new authors to choose from. It's not my fault if you spend to much money. After all, its summer and reading is part of the summer time activity.
1. +Ayesha Shoulders
2. +Frances Frost
3. +Austin Camacho
4. +Jeff Markowitz
5. +JeffreyWesthoff
6. +Annie Rose Alexander
7. +Dee Lawrence
8. +Puja Guha
9. +krraye@jpadpublishing.com
10. +Sharon Lucas
These are just a few of the people that I recommend and their books will keep you on the edge of your seat or at the very least teach you a few things.
So take a chance and go on; pick up a book or two. (Maybe three or four)
Happy Reading!
Well, NO. Because we want to be outside enjoying it. So as an author, what do we do? We run down to our local bookstore and pick up a few good books for the beach, pool, boat or just a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Well, that is getting harder and harder to do because; 1. There aren't many bookstores any more and 2. There are so many great authors to choose from, how can you choose just one.
Just like +Lays potato chips; you can't read or choose just one.
So, as I normally do. I make a budget for myself and say; I'm only going to get 2 or 3 books.
Yeah, like that REALLY happens. I shop for books like I do at the dollar store. I go in for one or two items and come out with a basket full of stuff. (But it's great stuff AND its only a dollar) who could pass that up.
So this summer I am going to try and give you some great new authors to choose from. It's not my fault if you spend to much money. After all, its summer and reading is part of the summer time activity.
1. +Ayesha Shoulders
2. +Frances Frost
3. +Austin Camacho
4. +Jeff Markowitz
5. +JeffreyWesthoff
6. +Annie Rose Alexander
7. +Dee Lawrence
8. +Puja Guha
9. +krraye@jpadpublishing.com
10. +Sharon Lucas
These are just a few of the people that I recommend and their books will keep you on the edge of your seat or at the very least teach you a few things.
So take a chance and go on; pick up a book or two. (Maybe three or four)
Happy Reading!
Monday, June 20, 2016
ONE DAY AT A TIME
Now is the time that you should be working on those new manuscripts. Why? Because during the summer most major publishing houses do not bring out new books.
This gives the rest of us a chance to get our books out there
You have to take one day at a time and remember that even when you want to give up on writing or being published; you can't.
So when I want to give up I just remember what I normally do.
One day at a time is how I approach my writing.
One day I sit and think of the concept.
One day I begin typing without an outline.
One day I finish and then begin to re-read it and then One day it is ready.
Where are you in your process?
Are you beginning your writing, one day at a time?
This gives the rest of us a chance to get our books out there
You have to take one day at a time and remember that even when you want to give up on writing or being published; you can't.
So when I want to give up I just remember what I normally do.
One day at a time is how I approach my writing.
One day I sit and think of the concept.
One day I begin typing without an outline.
One day I finish and then begin to re-read it and then One day it is ready.
Where are you in your process?
Are you beginning your writing, one day at a time?
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
SURPRISE.....I'M BACK
I took the month of April off to celebrate my 50th birthday!
Yep I needed an entire month because after all; you only turn 50 ONCE in your lifetime and many of us don't make it.
But I'm back and full of it!
Yep, full of ideas and I am going to share an small excerpt of what I have been working on.
Tell me what you think?
(Untitled Mature Romance novel)
Yep I needed an entire month because after all; you only turn 50 ONCE in your lifetime and many of us don't make it.
But I'm back and full of it!
Yep, full of ideas and I am going to share an small excerpt of what I have been working on.
Tell me what you think?
(Untitled Mature Romance novel)
She rolled
over and noticed the time on the clock. “Holy hell!” she said as she threw the
covers from her thick frame. Then she heard it. Snoring.
“Hey, hey.”
She said as she pushed the back of the sleeping man on the opposite side of the
bed.
“What?” he said
groggily.
“It’s nine o
clock, you have got to go.” She said as she snatched the covers from his body.
She sucked in a breath as those thick, muscular arms and broad shoulders
brought back memories from the previous night.
“C’mon it
was a late night.” He said as he pulled the blanket back up to his shoulders.
“No, no,
no.” she said tugging at the covers. “My son will be here in less than an
hour.” Although if she knew her son, it would be more like two hours but she
didn’t’ want to tell him that.
“Babe, let
me sleep just a little longer. I mean, damn; it’s not like you let me get much
sleep last night.” He said as he turned over and grabbed her hand.
“Well,
somebody had a lot of mouth and I had to make you live up to your words.” She
said as she closed her eyes and let his fingers trace down her C cup breasts.
He moved
towards her and brought a hardened nipple to his mouth.
“Look…” she
began saying but his tongue slid lower until he was licking her thighs. “Umm,
well, since you insist.” She said as she allowed him to climb on top of her and
soon nine o clock became nine forty five.
He lay on
her back, sweat dripping from him onto her. He kissed her cheek.
“Now that
you have thrown off my whole morning, can we now get in the shower before my
son gets here?”
“Yes! You
want to continue in the shower.” He said as he rolled off of her and sat on the
side of the bed.
“No, you
shower; I’ll make coffee and then join you. But you better be half way finished
by the time I get there. No fooling around.”
“If you say
so.” He said as he got up and walked towards the bathroom.
She smiled
and let her eyes travel down the length of him. “I’m so lucky.” She said as he
turned.
“No, I’m the
lucky one.” He said as he closed the door and she heard the water come on in
the shower.
She righted
herself in the bed and reached for her glasses. She then poured two of her
arthritis pills in her hand. She got up and pulled on her robe and slippers.
She passed the mirror and brushed down her unruly grey hair.
“Not bad for
57, not bad at all” she said as she continued to the kitchen.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
GREAT INTERVIEW
Going to conferences and being interviewed is two of the best ways to get yourself and your brand out there.
Last year, I was interviewed at the MDC3Con, Creatures, Crimes and Creativity Con.
The interview is now up for your viewing pleasure.
If you know me, you know that I'm full of information.
So if you want to know what I'm working on, you will find it here! B. Swangin Webster Interview
Last year, I was interviewed at the MDC3Con, Creatures, Crimes and Creativity Con.
The interview is now up for your viewing pleasure.
If you know me, you know that I'm full of information.
So if you want to know what I'm working on, you will find it here! B. Swangin Webster Interview
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
ARE YOU READY FOR SPRING?
Spring is almost here and the question is; Are you ready?
As an author we should be ready at all times but spring is the time that we should get ourselves in gear for the upcoming 'conference' and 'writing' season.
March and April are typically when you make your definite plans on what conferences, trips or writing events you will attend.
Why you may ask?
Because once you file your taxes you have a little more liquidity to plan such events. In some cases your tax refund may fund your writing endeavors.
In most cases your tax refund will also replenish your stock of books, postcards and marketing swag.
So go online, research some local writing or conferences for writers. Sign up for some that you can afford and then take a look at your marketing handbag. (You do have one don't you?) and see what needs to be thrown out, restocked or refreshed and get to work because it is Spring cleaning time as well.
So, I'll ask the question again...Are you ready for Spring? and if not; why?
As an author we should be ready at all times but spring is the time that we should get ourselves in gear for the upcoming 'conference' and 'writing' season.
March and April are typically when you make your definite plans on what conferences, trips or writing events you will attend.
Why you may ask?
Because once you file your taxes you have a little more liquidity to plan such events. In some cases your tax refund may fund your writing endeavors.
In most cases your tax refund will also replenish your stock of books, postcards and marketing swag.
So go online, research some local writing or conferences for writers. Sign up for some that you can afford and then take a look at your marketing handbag. (You do have one don't you?) and see what needs to be thrown out, restocked or refreshed and get to work because it is Spring cleaning time as well.
So, I'll ask the question again...Are you ready for Spring? and if not; why?
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