Self publishing

Since I decided to put out my third book, The Phoenix Blade, by self publishing, I felt like my next post should be about self publishing. I want to talk about why authors choose to self publish, the pros and cons about self publishing, and various sites and groups that can be useful.

So first things first.  Why do authors choose to self publish?  There are many answers to this question.  Some do it because they want to just get their work out there.  Others do it because they feel it is the best way for them to get noticed.  And many others do it because they want to share their work and ability with the rest of the world.

Now these are valid reasons.  But like everything else in this world, there are pros and cons to self publishing. 

Pros

• You are able to share your work with others.
• It can help to get you noticed by publishers and literary agents.
• You can generate sales on books that you have worked on for years.
• It does not cost much to self publish (There are sites that will allow you do publish for free.  Don't spend money with other companies).
• It pushes you to work harder for what you want.
• There are less people to take a percentage of the sale.

Cons

• Because people find it easy and affodable to self publish, everybody rushes to put out their work; even if it's not ready. 
• People spend hundreds of dollars on sites that encourage people to self publish with their packaged plans.
• The best way for your book to sell is pushing advertising for it; which can sometimes become costly.
• You have to spend money to buy your books up front to sell them to make a profit or else you make less per book selling online (that is until you get a lot of momentum and following).
• It can take a while before a literary agent or publisher takes notice of you.
• You have to setup your own book signings.
• Because of self publishing there are more authors out there than there was five years ago (can be a good thing and a bad thing).

Now I don't want anyone to think just because you are self publishing that you're in this by yourself; you're not.  There are hundreds of authors that are out there going through the same thing you are.  There are groups on Linkedin that help authors connect, share stories, share best practices, and even give advice.  Here are a list of groups that I found useful information and help with my writing and even promoting my books.
http://www.linkedin.com/groups/AFFILIATED-AUTHORS-65681?trk=myg_ugrp_ovr
http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Book-Marketing-1848415?trk=myg_ugrp_ovr
http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Indie-Authors-3806381?trk=myg_ugrp_ovr
http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Indie-Authors-Publishers-4180273?trk=myg_ugrp_ovr
http://www.linkedin.com/groups/SelfPromoting-Indie-Authors-3945428?trk=myg_ugrp_ovr
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1799488&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr

Another useful social media site to use is Twitter.  You can connect with other writers, literary agents, publishers, even celebrities.  It doesn't guarantee anything, but has a possibility to lead to something greater.

Updates, Trying New Things, and Getaways

I know I haven't been on here too much lately.  There's been a lot going on, and hopefully some more announcements later on this year.  For now, I can safely say I have been very busy with my writing.  I am getting closer to releasing my first official novel, and have sent two movie scripts out to a producer in Hollywood.  Currently, I am working on my first horror script and outlining my second horror script.

It's ironic that I am now getting into writing within the horror genre.  So much of my story ideas, books, and poetry were dangerously close to being considered part of that genre, but lingered on the sides of drama and suspense.  This is my first time crossing the line into the horror realm.  It's exciting but at the same time it's making me over think things. 

Most managers or agents frown upon changing your writing style.  But that's more for their clients that have found complete success in the genre they've been writing in for years.  But to me, writing a horror script is more than just choosing a different genre or writing style.  I spent years watching horror movies and criticizing them.  I have a profound respect for them and their writers, but there are also so many that were unfavored by many.  My scripts are going to breach the different sub genres.  The one I'm working on now is going to be a horror/suspense.  I figured it would be the easiest way for me to begin my journey through horror realm.  I have several others that go from slasher films, to psychological thrillers, and classic horror.  But for now I will focus on one the first script and write an incredible story that you will one day see on the "Big Screen."

The last thing I want to discuss is using a getaway to your advantage.  A getaway can be anything from taking a trip out of the country, jumping in the car and going on a long drive to a known or unknown destination, even just changing your normal routine.  These getaways are a way to relax, rest up, or even provide motivation and inspiration to create something amazing. 

For the last week, I have been away from my normal routine.  Despite the constant annoyances and added undo stress, I was able to get more writing done than I have in the previous weeks.  Maybe it was being back on my own for the first time in a while, maybe it was the silence that filled the house, or maybe it was derived from pure boredom.  In any case, the week alone proved to be beneficial to my writing.  So I encourage others who need to find clarity, inspiration, motivation, or just some sort of stress relief to always take time to find some form of a getaway and take full advantage of everything it has to offer.

Re-Writes

Rewriting is the one thing writers don't like to do.  No one likes to hear their idea doesn't work or that it should be better than what you wrote.  That's what the writer interprets it to mean when you tell them they need to rewrite a story.  That's not what it actually means.  Critics, Literary Agents, Publishers even friends and family are offering advise on how to make your story better. 

Something I learned while doing constant rewrites is the more you write and rewrite, the better your writing becomes.  I have written and rewritten my first novel several times before I was satisfied with how the story flowed.  It has been about two and a half years since the last time I worked on that novel.  I started to write the movie script based on the novel to help shop it around more and found the beginning changed as I started to write it.  The beginning to the script seemed more eye catching and at that moment I understood what others told me a while ago. 

So here I go again.  Writing my first novel over again to spice it up a little more; make it more eye catching.  For the first time, I'm not upset about it.  I look at it as a step in the right direction to improve on what I couldn't before and a step closer to making my dream come true.

Poetry, Novels, Movie Scripts pt1

Over the next week I will be talking about the topics of writing poetry, novels, and movie scripts. There are many differences between these three genres of writing.

The first topic I will cover is poetry.  There are many types of poetry (way too many to cover in one post, but I will post a link that covers all of them.) http://www.types-of-poetry.org.uk/
Here are just a few as examples.

• Lyric poetry is a poem that expresses the thoughts and feelings of a poet.  It does not tell a story of characters or actions.  The poet speaks to the reader directly; telling their own state of mind, feelings, and perceptions.
• Haiku poetry is a type of Japanese poem written in three unrhymed lines of five, seven, and five syllables.  It typically reflects on nature or creative images.
• Free verse is a type of poetry that can be either rhymed or unrhymed lines without a pattern.  This allowed poets to break from the typical structure of poetry and express their feelings.

When I first started to write poems, I was always under the impression they needed to rhyme in order for it to be considered a poem.  As I studied at New Paltz, my professor assured me a poem is fueled by the emotion behind it.  A poem is however you decide to write it regardless of its structure or rhymes.  As long as the reader can picture and feel the meaning of the poem in their minds,  it is a successful poem.

Now there are several outlets for poetry writers.  Most Literary Agents and publishers will tell you they do not accept queries based on poetry, and for the most part they don't.  There are a few agents that will accept poetry submissions but they are very rare to find.  There are websites, blogs, and contests where you can have your poetry published; which is the path that most poets take.  There are quite a few that self publish their poetry and sell it online or personally.  These are the best ways to start getting your name out there as a writer for future projects when contacting Literary Agents. 

As I stated this is only part 1 of the topic.  Stay tuned for part 2 where I will cover writing novels.  As always I welcome any thoughts and comments on my posts.  And feel free to check out my interview on the Anthony Charles Podcast: http://soundcloud.com/anthonycharlesofficial/episode-20-andrew-hess-author and follow me on Facebook and Twitter for other updates: https://twitter.com/ThePhoenix1369, http://www.facebook.com/#!/TheRealPhoenix13

Staying Positive and Pushing Forward

I worked in retail and dealing with the public for well over a decade now.  During that time, I have come across all different types of people.  I have heard their stories and what they wanted to do with their lives.  There have been people who wanted to be lawyers, doctors,psychologists,  actors, musicians, pro wrestlers, basketball players, rappers, surfers, skaters, and yes even independent business owners.  When I asked them why they didn't pursue it more, most of them said it was too difficult and not realistic.  Others said it was easier and more comfortable working a decent job that paid well and had benefits, or they didn't want to keep going to school to get the degree they needed for their career choice. 

Maybe these people weren't meant to have their dream job.  Maybe they weren't destined for it.  I don't believe that's true.  I believe everyone has a talent that they should share with the world.  Their dream is achieveable because it's been done by plenty of other people in the world.  Those people started out just like every single one of us, and yet somehow made it to where they are now.  So what is the difference between those who are working their dream job and those that are not? 

I think it has more to do with the motivation to push yourself further towards your goal, or maybe because everyone around you tells you it is unrealistic or it's an impossible goal. 

When I was in high school, I was someone who wanted to be a pro wrestler.  It was my dream since I was a kid and was told by too many people that I was dreaming; that I couldn't do it.  I told them I would prove them wrong, and I wanted to.  Unfortunately due to medical reasons it was something I could not do.  I dwelled on it for a little while.  After realizing my passion for writing and letting it become my voice, I knew there was a talent that had yet to be tapped into. 

There were quiet a few people who told me I wouldn't make it, and others that pacified me by saying oh yeah let me know when that happens.  I wanted to prove people wrong.  My friends and family were some of my biggest supporters.  They told me if it was something I really wanted to do, then go for it and don't stop until it happens.  Everytime I hit a roadblock or some sort of obstacle, including being told no by Literary Agents, I focused on my writing and became more determined. 

I can't give you the answers to the questions that plague your mind.  Maybe you need to find the proper motivation.  Maybe you need to surround yourself with the right people that will encourage you to pursue your dream.  All I know for sure is, anything that's worth having is worth working hard for.

Literary Agents, Publishers, and Known Authors.

Ever wonder how you become a writer?  I don't mean how to write a best selling novel, or what topics to write about.  What I mean is do you ever wonder what you have to do or who to contact when trying to get your novel/manuscript published.  I did for a long time.  For a short time I thought just word of mouth and talking to people would get me in touch with the right people.  When I used to work in Lindenhurst at a "cell phone company," I came across a customer who had a lot of contacts including a few in the literary world.  I gave him several chapters of my novel in hopes of getting it to the right people.  After a few phone calls, I was contacted by a well known author and agent Peter Miller.  He was nice enough to call me to discuss my novel, but unfortunately I was not a known writer and believed my material at the time was not what they were looking for.

With the one road that I put all of my hope into being closed, I didn't know where else to go.  I looked up another well known author (who will remain nameless) and emailed him directly to ask what I would need to do to become an author or to get signed.  That email to this day has gone unanswered. 

It took my father's dietician to tell me what I would need to do.  She told me most Literary Agents do not want to take a risk on a new writer who doesn't have anything out for the public to follow.  I was told to get published through different writing contests or to self publish a book.  She said books of poetry and short stories are generally disgarded by most agents because there isn't much of a market for it.

I however decided to take the idea of self publishing and use it to put out a book of poetry (The Chamber of Souls).  I knew my poems were a good way for my readers to relate to me and the situations that I went through.

In my final thoughts of this post, I want to convey that there isn't one specific way to get signed by an agent.  There are some that are picked up instantly due to circumstances or they have a well known name.  Others that seem like they burst onto the scene with a new unique concept have been on the same journey as the rest of us writers.  They have sent out querie letters to numerous agents; hoping their manuscript is finally picked up.  Although it may be a long road to hit that goal, there will always be that time when someone says yes and it will all be worth it.  I look forward to the day when I get that yes as well.

The Beginning pt1

When writing anything, you should always start with an idea and then work on your beginning.  So that is exactly what I'm going to do.  I don't want to bore you with the random childhood memories of how I started writing crazy imaginative stories in fifth grade and how I took part in the Creative Writing Club before school that year, but that's where it began.  Unfortunately I cannot remember much of that time or the stories I wrote.  To be honest there's not much I can remember from my childhood in regards to writing other than creating my own newspaper in sixth grade and selling it for a quarter (I've never been one to take No or you can't do that without coming back with a heavy response).

The next time I decided to write anything was after four years of wrestling in various backyard wrestling promotions on Long Island.  I was injured numerous times and knew I couldn't go after my dream of being a Pro Wrestler.  I was told by my doctor that the bottom of my spine was twisting pretty bad and was not advised to continue any kind of wrestling.  It crushed me that I was told I shouldn't wrestle again.  There was so much more that I wanted to do; more that I could contribute.  But in my mind if I couldn't be a wrestler, I didn't want to be part of it at all. 

So I started college in 2001 at Farmingdale University and tried to find a different path I could travel down; hoping to find a new career or dream to throw myself into.  As I sat in my english class I decided to write the ending to my wrestling life (the ending I wished would have happened).  I figured it woudl be a good and healthy way of dealing with things I could not control in my life.  I wrote every day during my breaks between classes and every night when I came home from work.  I included everything I could that legitimately occurred before writing what I wished would have happened.

It took another four years before I decided to attempt another book, but you'll have to wait for the next installment for that one.