I’m in the slow and detailed process of getting several books ready for print. [...]]]> 2012 is a year of many changes. Not only am I writing and revising more than ever, I’m also looking back on what I did in 2011 to see if I can make it better. Specifically the stories already out there.

I’m in the slow and detailed process of getting several books ready for print. Before doing that, I want to make sure each is the best it can be. One of the big items that I’ve noticed, is that I’m not completely happy with some of the covers.

A good cover is crucial for basic marketing and promotion, and is in the top 5 points of a successfully selling book. It can sell a book to a reader 24/7. That is, if the cover represents the book well.

The first up for changes is the science fiction romance “Coffee Cup Dreams.” While I don’t think the old cover turned off readers, I also don’t think it attracted those who are looking for a dose of romance along with their science fiction. The original cover had several elements from the book, but fails in one crucial area: hinting at the sub-genre.

Sure, it says ‘science fiction’, but where is the rest of it? While watching a few movies with the family, I started playing. I tried adding a human element, first by trying images of women, representing the main character Tish. Then tried adding in an image to represent the male lead: Arthur.

I came up with several options with Tish, but trying to add in one more figure just didn’t work out. The cover ended up far too complicated and did not shrink down well. So, in the end, I stripped it out and stayed with one female on the cover.

Then I started digitally painting. It’s odd, but I can usually look at a painting and remember what I was listening to or watching while I was doing them. For “Coffee Cup Dreams” this was both “Night in the Museum” movies.

Those are fun movies, by the way. I wish they would make a third, even though I’m not sure where they would go with a new story.

The digital painting was fun, and I loved how the skin tones came out. Anyway, here is the result:

I’m much happier with this new cover, as I think it represents the book much better. It is now uploaded at all the retailer sites and will be propogating out to all the distribution sites and databases over the next few weeks.

____________________

J.A. Marlow

Coffee Cup Dreams

She wasn’t supposed to wake up when dead…

During what should have been a simple operation, Tish Douglas died. And yet, she also awoke… in what the doctors called a ‘psi event.’

Despite having no memory of the incident, it means she’s required to go on a life-time course of debilitating drugs designed to reign in her supposedly new psi gifts. She’s left with the option of existing on Earth in a drug-haze, or leave the planet.

When an opportunity for a good paying job on a space station known as Redpoint One is offered, she jumps at the chance. Even though she doesn’t have any experience as a ‘maintenance engineer.’ Even though the station sits in the middle of nowhere, a still-operating construct of a long-gone alien species.

Between pirate attacks, intelligent repair robots, and maintenance emergencies, Tish must find a place for herself.

All complicated by a growing attraction to the one person on the station she can’t have: boss Arthur Getty.

A stand-alone 48400 word, 193 page (approximate), science fiction romance novel.

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It is located on the Superstars Writing Seminar front page. Scroll down just [...]]]> Tracy Hickman related a very moving story about an encounter while at a book signing. He also discuses the subject of why an author writes. It’s a fudge under 10 minutes, and a wonderful story. Bring the hankies and take a listen.

It is located on the Superstars Writing Seminar front page. Scroll down just a little bit and you’ll see the controls to listen.

____________________

J.A. Marlow

A planet-wide conspiracy is waiting at Grandmother’s house…

“Always wear the red hood and cape while you are in the forest,” Grandma admonished.

For a teen with purple and red hair, and an attitude to match, the small claustrophobic city of Oburos grows ever smaller with Uncle Travis’s attempts to take over her and her mother’s life.

An invitation to visit Grandmother’s house, nestled among the giant trees filling the planet, gives Kate a welcome respite. But, there is no time for rest. A conspiracy among the forest inhabitants, moving trees, and other mysteries await her at Grandmother’s house.

Kate learns just how little she knew of the forests, much less its animals. To survive she must learn fast, and that includes trust and teamwork.

And just where was Grandma, anyway?

A Science Fiction 83600, 335 page (approximate) word stand-alone novel retelling of the fairy tale “Little Red Riding Hood”.

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The verdict for 2011 “National Novel Writing Month“?

The 2009 record has been broken!

Bad news: it was broken by more of a whimper than a smash.

For the first part of the month the writing [...]]]> “I want to smash my all-time Nano high word count of 160,605 from 2009. Can I do it?”

The verdict for 2011 “National Novel Writing Month“?

The 2009 record has been broken!

Bad news: it was broken by more of a whimper than a smash.

For the first part of the month the writing was going great, despite some problems with the outlines. I hit 50,000 words in a personal best of 6 days. Yay!

Then November 17th hit. Ow, what a hard wall, and there were walls everywhere I turned. The momentum was never the same after that.

It was more than simple momentum. I also realized that the outlines had problems. Many nights I would have to stop to re-outline a problem area. This wasn’t just on one outline, it was on all of them.

This Nano became more than a simple word count challenge. It became a Nano for learning. Before I get to that, here are the final totals:

Total 2011 NaNoWriMo Word Count: 180,415

Projects completed:
A Turn of the Pipes (A Redpoint One Story)
Secret Illusions (Salmon Run)
Spectre of the White Death (Salmon Run)
Aurora Equinox (Salmon Run)
Breakup – Alaska Style (Salmon Run)
The Great Salmon Run Cake Fiasco (Salmon Run Short Story)
From Alexandria to Andromeda (Short Story)
Vaulted Career (Short Story)
The Doppleganger Accountant (Short Story)
Wolf Dance (Short Story)

(Note that Taskforce Zero is not on the above list. Why is explained below.)

A piece of good news is that all the projects started in November were finished in November. I didn’t have to carry any project into December.

The bad news is that the outlines weren’t as good as usual going into November and the writing pace really suffered for it. A series of Nano planning Workshops in late September and all through October probably didn’t help with the outline situation, as I was focused on helping other people. To top it off, I released a new short story in October (Flying Dutchman of the Spacelanes) and then finished the copyedits for “The Phoenix Eggs” so that it could be published in November.

This meant that the time spent on the outlines was not what it should have been. There were whole scenes and sections either thrown out or replotted on every single one of the five longer works written during November.

Ouch!

When I realized that the outlines were a mess, I made the decision to drop the Taskforce Zero books off the writing list. I want to take my time and go through those outlines again to make sure they are as strong as they need to be. The four books I have outlined will be the start of a series, and I want them to be as strong as possible.

Because Taskforce Zero was dropped off the writing schedule, I needed something else to write for the remaining days of Nano. I switched to short stories and made it a goal to write one new one every single day.

I do not view the problems as something to be depressed about (although I found it depressing when the realization first socked me in the middle of the forehead). Instead, I view this as a learning opportunity:

1. I can hit 50k in less than a week if I’m really concentrating.
2. I now know I can write one short story a day. I’d never done that before, so this was a great thing to find out.
3. I need to take more time for myself pre-nano to make sure my own outlines are ready to go. I waited too far into the summer to start. Next year I start earlier!
4. 200k is doable if I have good outlines, as I came really close this year. Now I just need to do the needed pre-prep and get to it! (watch out 2012 Nano!)
5. I’ve come to really enjoy writing several books in one series all in one month. It helps on so many levels: keeping true to the characters, to the world, to the plot, carrying through small details and plot hooks. In fact, I get so immersed that it’s hard to bring myself out of a particular series, which is why the first short story was a Salmon Run story.
6. Having fellow writers to commiserate with and to RAH you on is the greatest advantage any participant in a writing challenge can have. So, thank you to everyone at Forward Motion Chat for all your help, positive words, word wars, 100-word jumps, and simple support. It meant a great deal and got me through the worst of November.

In summary, November could have gone better on the writing front, but it also could have gone much worse considering the state of the outlines. I view it as successful because of the things I learned. They will help me become a stronger writer in the future.

Learning is always a good thing.

____________________

J.A. Marlow

Before I forget, here is the November release I spoke about:

The Phoenix Eggs (The String Weavers – Book 2)

Growing up has never been easy, but most girls don’t have the added complication of having thought she was human only a couple weeks ago.

Meanwhile, Kelsey Hale struggles to find a place for herself among a group of String Weavers assigned the duty of stopping a madman bent on obtaining as many Phoenix Eggs as he can. What he wants with them, no one knows, but considering the raw power contained within it can’t be good. As if that weren’t enough, there’s no time for her training, resulting in a horrific event that jeopardizes her whole team.

Oh, to be only a typical teenager dealing with high school.

So much for that!

A 96200 word, 384 page (approximate), science fiction novel by J.A. Marlow.

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This Nano I discovered a new writing tool to help a writer get their words when they are struggling.

You see, writing a bunch isn’t usually my problem. Obviously, from my word count listed above. The problem is sometimes taking that first step and getting the first 100 words [...]]]> Nano 2011 Current Word Count: 131,412

This Nano I discovered a new writing tool to help a writer get their words when they are struggling.

You see, writing a bunch isn’t usually my problem. Obviously, from my word count listed above. The problem is sometimes taking that first step and getting the first 100 words or so to bring my head back into the story.

The website “Write or Die” is one way to overcome this. You set the time, and you start writing in the text box. If you stop, it will start making noises at you and blinking the screen (depends on the setting). I’ve used this on and off to help me get back into the writing when I’m under a deadline. After I get started, then I typically don’t need it.

But, sometimes I don’t want to be timed. I just need help with the first chunk of words.

Someone out there decided they wanted an alternate. Something without a timer and helped push you forward using positive reinforcement.

Enter “Written? Kitten!”

This has several settings, but the one I like best is the 100-word setting. For every 100 words, the page offers up the picture on the right of a cute kitty. 100 more words? Yet another kitten! No countdown clocks here. Just cute kittens waiting to appear, if only you can find the next 100 words.

Soon, you will find yourself not saying “I wrote 1667 words today” but instead saying “I wrote 16 1/2 kittens today!”

Oh, and are you more of a dog person than a cat person? A group of us were talking it in Forward Motion chat, and one (Hello Fifth!) contacted the makers suggesting a puppy option. The creators answered back the very next day with not only the request, but a bunch more (tip: change the search term in the URL. Warning: some results for things such as ‘dragons’ will not be safe for viewing at work or around children):

http://writtenkitten.net/?search=puppy#
http://writtenkitten.net/?search=squirrel# (I’m loving this one!)
http://writtenkitten.net/?search=horse#

Go, have fun, you crusty ‘ole writers! Go get your kittens! (or puppies, or squirrels, or horses…)

____________________

J.A. Marlow

The String Weavers (The String Weavers – Book 1)

Kelsey Hale thinks she’s just a typical mixed-up teenager. Everyone feels that way, her teachers assure her. Yet, strange things happen to her, like food disappearing before she can eat it and hearing music no one else hears.

Then a giant flaming bird drops an alien at her feet. Well, good grief, how can you ignore something like that?

Abducted from Earth, the only planet she’s ever known, Kelsey finds herself thrust into the middle of a deadly conflict among alien worlds and parallel universe. She must not only survive herself, but also find a way to rescue her father from a dangerous group with unknown motives.

In the process, she’s confronted by a hidden secret about herself which will shake the very foundation of who and what she thought she was.

And connecting it all are the mysterious Weavers.

A 97,100 word, 389 page (approximate), science fiction novel.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

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Writer’s Digest has a special limited-time promotion on seven free writing how-to books in honor of Nano. They will be free for download across a number of platforms (Kingle, Nook, iTunes, and others)  from November 6-12.

The link is here: FREE NANOWRIMO EBOOKS

Get them while [...]]]> Nano Update:
Hit 50k on Sunday! New personal record!

Writer’s Digest has a special limited-time promotion on seven free writing how-to books in honor of Nano. They will be free for download across a number of platforms (Kingle, Nook, iTunes, and others)  from November 6-12.

The link is here: FREE NANOWRIMO EBOOKS

Get them while you can!

____________________

J.A. Marlow

A planet-wide conspiracy is waiting at Grandmother’s house…

“Always wear the red hood and cape while you are in the forest,” Grandma admonished.

For a teen with purple and red hair, and an attitude to match, the small claustrophobic city of Oburos grows ever smaller with Uncle Travis’s attempts to take over her and her mother’s life.

An invitation to visit Grandmother’s house, nestled among the giant trees filling the planet, gives Kate a welcome respite. But, there is no time for rest. A conspiracy among the forest inhabitants, moving trees, and other mysteries await her at Grandmother’s house.

Kate learns just how little she knew of the forests, much less its animals. To survive she must learn fast, and that includes trust and teamwork.

And just where was Grandma, anyway?

A Science Fiction 83600, 335 page (approximate) word stand-alone novel retelling of the fairy tale “Little Red Riding Hood”.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

PHP Freelancer

I’ve often said that lower priced or free ebooks can be a good idea, if there is a plan behind them. Lowering a price or making an ebook for free based on emotions (“I’m a new writer”, “No one knows me.”, “I only have [...]]]> Current Nano Counts:
Day 1: 9629
Day 2: 5121
Total: 14750

I’ve often said that lower priced or free ebooks can be a good idea, if there is a plan behind them. Lowering a price or making an ebook for free based on emotions (“I’m a new writer”, “No one knows me.”, “I only have one book out, but I need to get my unknown name out.”) is not a good business, marketing, or promotion plan.

Kristine Kathryn Rusch takes on this very subject today on her blog in an article titled “Free” where she not only talks about a guide to using free for your true benefit, but also the results of one of her publishers putting one of her paranormal romances out for free.

I’ve been waiting for her to reveal the results of her book “Wickedly Charming,” published by Sourcebooks, going free in early October. This is the post! It’s a very interesting read, and I expect the comments to be just as informative as her blog attracts intelligent discussion.

Pop on over and give it a read. You’ll be glad you did!

As for me, I’ve been planning to do this for some time, once I have a bit more backlist up. It is high on the promotion plan, as I’ve seen it work for many authors to use the concept in the right way.

Now to get back to writing a bit more of that backlist. Yay for Nano!

Speaking of new work, we have something new this week! Kat, this one is for you!

Flying Dutchman of the Spacelanes

Sora’s first surprise of the day is finding the legendary Flying Dutchman of the Spacelanes docked at Langdon space station. The second is finding herself trapped onboard the deserted ship. The surprises keep coming with the discovery of alien skeletons… and then a human skeleton…

Sora races to unlock the riddles of the cursed ghost spaceship in a bid to return home before she suffers the same fate. Only to find the true nature of the ship could give her the dream of a lifetime.

A 7880 word, 32 page (approximate), science fiction short story by J.A. Marlow.

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During a recent writer’s chat on Twitter an old myth came to light once again. What is it?

You are either a “starving artist” or you are a “sell-out” and not a real artist. Art is above money!

To [...]]]> I was really hoping to go rant-free for a while, maybe a month. Really, I tried…

During a recent writer’s chat on Twitter an old myth came to light once again. What is it?

You are either a “starving artist” or you are a “sell-out” and not a real artist. Art is above money!

To put even more simply:
Making money = selling out
Making real art = starving artist

Before getting into why this is so wrong, I have to say this view should die a horrible miserable death!

Why?

Ask any of these professionals that have spent years learning a skill-set and continue to learn, hone, practice, and become professionals that they should work for free:

• Doctors
• Lawyers
• Teachers
• Programmers
• Engineers
• Architects
• Scientist
• (and too many more to list)

I’m guessing they would have choice words about your lack of respect for their skills. Oh, and call them a ‘sell-out’ while you’re at it. I dare you.

Yet, when we move to the arts there is a very common perception, even among the artists themselves, that we should not expect money. Oh, it’s a nice bonus, but don’t expect it.

This is the ideal: Artist, expect to live in poverty. Expect to starve. Expect to never bring in enough to provide shelter for them or their family. This is ROMANTIC. This is what is expected. If it doesn’t happen this way, you are a failure and don’t deserve to call yourself a real ARTIST.

Now, replace ‘artist’ with ‘writer.’

Right now, I want to yell a word that is something you find in a cow field. Think steaming and stinky.

A Problem With the Ideal

Let’s see…

• Years of learning.
• Years of research.
• Years of PRACTICE.
• Years of classes, workshops, and books.
• All of the above never stops because none of us are perfect!
• Hours and hours spent to create each work.
• Business education so we aren’t taken like sheep to a slaughter by corporations who are ALL about the profit. (those who do not pursue this type of education typically don’t survive very long except by sheer blind luck)

We spend years and decades honing our skill-set and craft, but money shouldn’t come into it? Because something is labeled ‘art?’

I love writing. I will always write. HOWEVER…

When my writing is published, or I start a work that I expect to be published, I have a legitimate reason to believe I should be given compensation for the years of work and dedication and skills that went into creating the work. When I start a work with a view towards publication and GASP! money, it is not a disservice to my years (and continuing) training. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

I train to hone my craft. I practice. I actively try to learn. With more training and skills I can earn more money. Money to LIVE on so I can continue to hone my craft, gain more training, develop more skills. I am not a hobbyist. I don’t have time to waste on things that take so much knowledge but gives no return.

Does this view make me a capitalist? If being a capitalist means eating, having basic clothes and shelter, then YES! Or a “sell out”, then YES I am. Let me emphasize this: YES YES YES!

An Artistic Capitalist!

An author creating a work has brought something into existence from nothing. A new work. A new story. New characters and settings. It did not exist before!

It was created with skills learned over years. While writing does bring a lot of joy, it is also a lot of hard work. It is ‘value creation’ for the benefit of those who find value in your form of art.

Is this to be viewed as a nothing? Is a car viewed as a nothing when it’s designed and put together? If so, I want a really cheap or free car, please.

Creating something another values is not a sell-out. It is not selfish. It is not evil capitalism. It is quite the opposite. Providing more value for those same people by creating even more, is not a sell-out. It is providing something special and unique for someone who appreciates it.

The Choices

A person has only so much time in a day, so an artist/writer have two choices:

1. Take a ‘day job’ and help SOMEONE ELSE make money and write a little bit on the side if you still have the energy.
OR
2. Write with a view towards compensation and make money FOR YOURSELF (oh horrors, I mentioned money!) and write MORE.

Well, duh, which one do you think I will pick? As someone who LOVES to write?

Wow, the opportunity to write more, to create more, to tell more stories? Not having a ‘day job’ or ‘survival job’ stealing away precious energy and time?

The labels of ‘capitalist’ and ‘sell out’ have an interesting source. Most of it comes from the rest of the author/artist community (mostly by unemployed or under-paid). I’ve not heard this coming from anyone who is making a living off their art/writing. A touch of jealousy at another’s success or expectations, perhaps?

A professional writer is in business for themselves just like so many in the business world. It is a valid career. Just because the profession is viewed as ‘artistic’ does not change this.

The Realities

We live in a cash society. Verbal accolade do not provide the necessities of life. Art for art’s sake has a place, but not at the cost of feeding yourself. Or at the cost of producing MORE art.

So, to say that craft and skill and art have nothing to do with money and SHOULDN’T have anything to do with money? That the two should not be viewed together?

Go get a life. But, don’t expect it to be any of the so-called non-artistic professionals. After all, you just said there shouldn’t be a view towards money, much less the necessities of life in anything requiring skills…

End the ‘starving’. Get a backbone, let go of the fear, and start viewing what you do as having worth. It begins in the mind.

Rant over (and yes, I need to stop joining in on twitter writing chats. ARGH!)

____________________

J.A. Marlow

My latest novel, The String Weavers (The String Weavers – Book 1), is now available at online retailers everywhere.

Kelsey Hale thinks she’s just a typical mixed-up teenager. Everyone feels that way, her teachers assure her. Yet, strange things happen to her, like food disappearing before she can eat it and hearing music no one else hears.

Then a giant flaming bird drops an alien at her feet. Well, good grief, how can you ignore something like that?

Abducted from Earth, the only planet she’s ever known, Kelsey finds herself thrust into the middle of a deadly conflict among alien worlds and parallel universe. She must not only survive herself, but also find a way to rescue her father from a dangerous group with unknown motives.

In the process, she’s confronted by a hidden secret about herself which will shake the very foundation of who and what she thought she was.

And connecting it all are the mysterious Weavers.

A 97,100 word science fiction novel.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

PHP Freelancer