From A Writer's POV
Online Magazine

By   Mon, Feb 01, 2010

This month I added a new feature to From A Writer’s POV. I wanted to start spotlighting upcoming authors. These types of writer’s are special because they are just getting their feet wet. They are living on a high; they feel as if they are floating on cloud nine. They really have no idea of the ups and downs they are about to face.

But it’s a good time for any writer that has decided to publish their work. It’s a great accomplishment and it’s good to give them a little more shine.

When becoming a new author there is so much to do. There are so many things an author must know before getting into the business but most of it they learn as they go. Sometimes they spend way too much money to publish their book. Sometimes they realize the team they hired to push their book wasn't needed at all. Sometimes they learn that they didn’t spend enough time editing the book or reading the fine print on the contract.

But still it’s a great time in a new author’s life. When we decide to publish the second book we look back on our mistakes and make sure we don’t go through that again.  We begin to take classes, workshops, read up a little more on our genre, learn the business.

Some even start their own business like I did. Simply because I couldn’t find the service I was looking for so I started it myself.

Being a new upcoming author is so great. Enjoy that time. Each published book gets better and better!

Check out this month’s Upcoming Author of the Month: Patricia Bridewell

By   Mon, Feb 01, 2010

First off it is going to be sooo hard and unless you have a about $15 – $20 THOUSAND dollars on cash reserve set aside for your publishing and marketing then it will be even harder. Self publishing seems to be the way of the publishing world right now. Unless of course you have killed someone or you just decide to make something up about your life – hey that worked for a few Oprah recommendies!! That way you MIGHT get published traditionally. Or you can just hope and pray that the person with the power to publish you at a national house will see your book somewhere. There are plenty of people who get signed large music contracts from just being on YouTube for crying out loud so why not the publishing world right? —- Maybe.

I won’t make this blog my next book so I will just jot down a few tips for you:

1. WRITE YOUR BOOK - nothing is more annoying than someone with just a “pitch” or someone with who says “I have always wanted to write a book so how do I do it?” well first off start by WRITING THE BOOK!!! And for those of us who have actually sat down and written a book be it prose or true story or self help, we know that writing the book is easier said than done. That is why I want you to start there. Write the book first.

2. GET IT PROFESSIONALLY EDITED!! - I know a pain and costly. But it has to be done. I have tried to edit on my own and let me tell you the worst thing to hear from a reader is “It was great but there were a few errors – but it was great!” All I heard was you had a few errors. And tha is all a potential publisher will see as well. If you happen to know an editor or an English professor have them read it and have them make note of any errors. Also getting about 5 friends to read it and do the same thing. But the best way of course is to get a professional editor to do it and that is going to cost you anywhere from$300 – $700 dollars if not more! A professional edit can also give you insight on how to restructure the story so it flows better. What you do want to hear from a reader is “I couldn’t put it down!” These are the fans who tell their friends about it.

3. DO NOT SIGN ANY CONTRACTS!!! - The publisher/printing house I use is Lulu.com . They do not require you to sign any contracts which mean all of your work is YOURS. This is critical! Let’s say that person with the power to get you signed up with a publishing house comes along, reads your book, and says ok we want you! Well if you are under contract with some of these vanity presses you will find it very difficult to make your work available to a publishing house. DO YOUR RESEARCH! Read the fine print and if it is unclear then ask someone because signing a contract with those vanity presses can be the biggest mistake of your life!

4. DO IT YOURSELF!!! - Ok things not to do yourself – Editing and Book Cover (unless you are very good at graphics etc…) but everything else do it yourself. Such as marketing. Look folks I know you’re writers not marketers but DO NOT fork over thousands of dollars to “roodie poops”. Don’t know what a roodie poop is? Well that is someone who “claims” to be a publisher that will market your work etc…. and will do nothing UNTIL YOU PAY FOR IT!! If you have to pay for it then you can do it yourself. Meaning there are presses who charge you Thousands of dollars for thier “publishing packages” that seem to offer all of this exclusive “like a traditional publisher” type of marketing but really all they are doing is collecting your money to do what you could have done yourself – such as bought your own ISBN, got your book on Amazon etc.., and even cover design. Unless you are paying for a UNIQUE cover design that blows you away then you can put text and a graphic on yourself. Just take a look at some of the examples that they give you and you will find that they are not that impressive. You want impressive then find a book cover designer yourself – A REAL ONE – now you are going to pay a nice penny for it but it would be something YOU did on your own and not part of some bogus “package”.

5. THIS WILL TAKE TIME - Remember that anything worth doing is going to be hard work and time consuming. Hopefully the people in your life understand this. First just writing the book may take you up to a year to do, and then publishing and marketing will take another 6-9 months. You will spend many hours in front of a computer and in front of people promoting your work, so get ready for every waking moment thinking about it. There is not a full staffed publishing house working for you. You have to do it on your own. I hate marketing. There I said it. HATE IT!!!! All I want to do is write, make a few appearances, sign a few books, then get back to writing!! But alas I am a self publshed author so I do spend alot of time working on my book and promoting them. And lets not even factor in my day job and family. So do the math doesn’t leave much time for socializing – unless of course it is socializing and promoting your work at the same time!

6. KEEP WRITING - I know it will be hard to be creative AND think about marketing etc… but you have to keep writing. Actually writing my next novels is my way of staying sane. I write. I do the promotions, then I write my NEXT novel. You just have to keep at it. It will be frustrating, costly, mentally and emotionally draining, but a writer writes ALWAYS so just keep at it. Remember as soon as you put pen to paper, so to speak, you are immortal.

7. LEARN ALL YOU CAN!! - Read up on the lastest in the publishing world. Read Dan Poynter, and get advice from other authors like you. Understand your genre. Get to know what are the going trends in it. Write what you know and write what YOU like to read. Don’t write for quick cash. Write because you love what you are saying and you love the stories you are telling. In the end that’s who you are.

8. And LASTLY: Be Grateful for Your FANS!!! - Even if it’s just one or two – you may have others but you may not ever meet them. Just know that if you are proud of what you have written then I bet you, you have a fan out there loving your work and waiting anxiously for your next novel. Write for them! Do it for them! Not a paycheck. Yes fame and money will hopefully come but I personally live for when a reader tells me how much they enjoyed my work. I love it when they interpret the message and characters in ways I never thought of. So be gratefull for your fans and readers. Don’t worry about the critics, you are an artist!!

Submitted by: Crystal Hickerson

By   Mon, Feb 01, 2010

Shirley tells us that this year is their 10 Year Anniversary. Congrads!!! Most companies don’t make it that far. I asked Shirley why she got into the business. She said “As an author myself, I saw a need for a review source for POD authors.”

 In any business, business will have some good and bad experiences. I asked Shirley about her experience in being a business owner. “This business has blossomed over the past 10 years. We now review and promote authors all over the world, both POD, and traditionally published.”

For those interested and in need of her service, please check out their site at: www.allbookreviews.com

Besides being a business owner, Shirley has a lot going on. “I am the author of four historical fiction novels and am working on the fifth. I write a column for California Chronicles, Writing Raw and do speaking engagements to writer's groups. I have won several awards for poetry and two of my books are award winners. I am married, a mother and grandmother. I live in Southern Ontario Canada, but winter in Florida. My husband and I travel extensively, including our annual pilgrimage to Scotland. I love to hike, garden, travel and write.”

In Shirley’s own words she gives advice to those who may be interested in getting into the business. “Be conscientious and write reviews not critiques. Be there to help not hinder.”

Before we ended the interview, Shirley gave a little insight on her company’s sales and prices. “Our prices have not changed in five years and are one of the best values on the web today. Our entire author review and promo package sells for less than $50 US. We are a host for several book tours, readers should check our blogs and newsletters for upcoming events.”

From A Writer’s POV wishes Shirley and Allbooks Review much Success. “Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.”

 

About the Owner: I will introduce myself as Shirley A. Roe, managing editor of Allbooks Review. In 2000, as an author myself, I saw a great need for reviewers for POD books. I started Allbooks Review for this reason and the company has grown dramatically in the past 10 years. Allbooks Review now reviews both POD, ebook and traditionally published books from authors all over the globe. We offer advertising, promotion, editing, synopsis writing and guest speaker engagements. The Allbooks Review blog site is now a stop for Virtual Book tours. Our newsletter is read and appreciated by thousands of readers. Allbooks now has 27 excellent reviewers, from all walks of life.

By   Mon, Feb 01, 2010

I got the opportunity to talk with her about being a published author. How she felt. What it’s like to be an author and all that she’s experiencing. She began by telling me that she’s had a love for reading since her mother put “Dick and Jane” in her hands. Most of the time that’s how we get started.  Even writers, their story is that they began writing as soon as someone put a pen in their hand. In Patricia’s own words. “I have always enjoyed reading and writing.  From the time my mother put “Dick and Jane” in my hand when I was six, I have never stopped reading. When I was young, I dabbled a bit with writing greeting cards for my family members, and several short stories. But my true calling came approximately five years ago during a time of personal crisis.  As a form of self-therapy, I started journaling every day to help me relax. A year later, I took those notes, sat before my computer, and started my first novel.  I know it was God’s will because it was not something I had planned to do.”

The name of Patricia’s book is “Reflections of a Quiet Storm” This book comes from a time in her life when she was going through a personal crisis. The story expands across Patricia’s life in adolescence through adulthood.

I asked Patricia how it felt to be recognized at such an early stage in her career. She said “I feel honored and extremely blessed for any recognition that I receive. The journey has been hard, though very educational and rewarding. I still have a long way to go, but I am always trying to improve my prose by writing, reading, and studying the technical side of writing fiction.”

Every writer has a story. But the most important question is why did you publish? Not every writer decides to publish after they have written a book. I asked Patricia this important question because I ended our conversation. “I knew after I had written my first five chapters. After I had written nine or ten chapters, I had to put the manuscript away for a while.  The storyline had too many painful memories. Honestly, I believe this novel was destined for publication. Six months later, God put it in my heart to finish it. It was as though I was under hypnosis. I couldn’t stop writing. I would go home every day, eat dinner, and then work on my novel for hours before retiring for bed.”

Patricia will be featured on The POV Lounge February 9^th, 2010. Join us at http://thepovlounge.wordpress.com Join us then as we get a little more personal with the author.

Find out how you can be features as an upcoming author: http://fromawriterspovmagazine.com/issue/january-2010/article/upcoming-authors-spotlight

 

About the book:  Reflections of a Quiet Storm, is about a woman named Pauline Bridges, CEO and owner of a nursing registry.  After a near fatal car accident, she walks away unharmed. But, shortly thereafter, her life starts to change. God begins to reveal her past through dreams, flashbacks, and memories. Recollections of the past are daunting, and deep wounds resurface. Her faith is challenged as she is forced to face the truth about her dark secrets of sexual abuse, the enigma of her husband’s infidelity and drug abuse, and the murder of a former boss. Armed with a love for God, she pushes forward with helping her friends and children with their crises. Amid the chaos, Keith Maris steps in and  becomes a strong support system.  Chronicled in a series of stories, her life unfolds through a journey that will capture the attention of those who are willing to explore her world. 

 

Purchase Patricia's book today:

Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, www.xpressyourselfpublishing.org
autographed copies— visit my website www.patriciabridewell.com
www.patricia-bridewell-reflections.blogspot.com

By   Mon, Feb 01, 2010

I began the interview by asking Paulette who she is outside of being an author. “Outside of being an author I'm a licensed minister, college mentor, inspirational speaker, mother, grandmother and columnist for several on line magazines.

Every author has some type of support system. Being a writer is harder than it seems and having a published book is a job all in its own. So having a support system is very important.  Paulette explained hers. “I totally agree, all authors need someone who will bring encouragement in times of need and I'm no different. In the literary field my readers constantly encourage me. When they send an email or see me in public they share how my writing has ministered to them. Also my family and close friends play a vital role in keeping me focused.”

The Book of the Month is "That Was Then, This Is Now This Broken Vessel Restored". Paulette gives us a little detail on the book.  “My first book is titled "That Was Then, This Is Now This Broken Vessel Restored". I write non-fiction inspirational so this is a true story of how God carried me through a life changing journey while facing divorce. There are several things one can expect to receive from reading That Was Then. I want the readers to be encouraged and inspired. The purpose of writing That Was Then is to bring hope to those facing life challenges and disappointments. I realized that God wanted me to share with the world how I made it through even when all odds of recovery were nowhere in sight; even while facing my own struggles I found solace in knowing that God was going to bring me to a place of healing, deliverance and restoration. “

WOW Very inspirational I then asked Paulette how it came about. “That Was Then came about while pondering over the major transition I was facing. After being married for 23 years and leading in ministry, I found myself walking in new territories of life that was unfamiliar to me. My book was created out of a passion to share how life can throw some unexpected blows, yet in spite of our circumstances God will cause all things to work out for our good.”

That Was Then, was released in May 2008 and has been ranked consecutively for months in the top 50 Black Christian book distributors independent publishers best sellers list; a finalist in the Religious/Religion category in the 2009 Next Indie Book Awards. Congrads!!!! Paulette. This book can be purchased at  www.pauletteharper.com  and at all major book stores.

So what else is Paulette involved in? “In the literary field I'm involved in several writing groups; I conduct workshops for inspiriting writers called "Write Now" which promotes and equips new writers while teaching them how to effectively promote, market and enhance their skills. I am actively involved in several women's groups that are designed to inspire and propel women into their God given destiny and purpose.”

All writers have to take some time off from being a writer. She explains how she spends her days and how she gets a little relaxation. “Most of my days are filled with work, writing and teaching. I currently work full time in corporate America so outside of having a typical 9-5 job, I find time to continue branding myself as a published author.

How do I relax? I make time for me. I enjoy the movies, listening to jazz, and playing cards. Reading is one of my favorites as well. I enjoy Christian fiction. When the weather permits, I love to walk in the park and alone the piers.”

So what’s next for the author? New Books? Tour? She explains. “I participated in an anthology entitled "Victorious Living for Women" which is set to be released on Nov 24, 2009. I have a chapter titled "I Win there is a champion in you". Victorious Living for Women is filled with wisdom, inspiration and pathway of 40 incredible women who share stories of their life experiences. Each of these women have endured personal pain and have come through empowered, encouraged and victorious. These stories we want to share with women all over the world.

My next book "Completely Whole" will be release in spring of 2010. Under my very own publishing company "Thy Word Publishing". Completely Whole will lead readers on a spiritual quest while finding wholeness spirit, soul and body.

I'm currently working on another book titled: "For such a time as this". For such a time as this is a guide to finding and fulfilling your life's purpose. Set to be released in the winter 2010.”

I asked Paulette to give a little encouragement to other authors who are just getting started in the business. “My words of encouragement to those aspirating writers is pursue your writing with passion and zeal. If you believe this is your purpose in life, fulfill that by diligently staying focused and on course. Set goals in which to measure your success and take the limits off you and God.”

You can find Paulette at: www.pauletteharper.com and
www.victoriousliving4women.weebly.com

From A Writer’s POV wishes Paulette much success with her book!

About the Book: How could God have a purpose for me amidst this mess? Why do such bad things happen to good people? If you’ve recently asked yourself these questions, Paulette Harper’s That was Then, This is Now has the answers. Struggling to recover from a broken marriage and disappointed dreams, Paulette Harper gropes for meaning and understanding, and through her searching, God reveals Himself to her in ways she never before imagined possible. By sharing her struggles with transparency, she illustrates how a heart attitude of surrender allows God to use a broken vessel for His ultimate plans of glory.

Book is available on line at: www.bvministry.org or www.tatepublishing.com  

 

About the Author: Paulette Harper is a workshop facilitator, Christian non-fiction writer, inspirational speaker, college mentor and licensed minister.

Beyond her writing ability she has a passion to lead people to a clear and precise understanding of how life challenges can become one’s ultimate source of victory by sharing solid, biblical principles that will enable people to find a way out of every trial so they can reach their God given potential.

Paulette has been a contributing writer for Inspired Women, Women of the Word Magazine, Divine Inspiration, Internet Café’ Devotions and Sista Talk Magazine. She is the “faith sista” columnist for Step up Sista Magazine and Faith Filled Stilettos. She has been interviewed on various radio and television stations.

Paulette Harper’s literary achievement includes her first published non-fiction inspirational book: That Was Then, This Is Now This Broken Vessel Restored has been ranked consecutively for months on the Top 50 Black Christian Book Distributors Independent Publishers Bestsellers List for Non-Fiction, a finalist in the Religion/Religious Non-Fiction category of the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. That Was Then, promotes personal growth and long term change by offering deep rooted solutions to everyday problems.

Paulette is Co-Author for Victorious Living for Women, ( Nov 2009 Victorious Books ) the first series of books designed to share with women how their lives can be empowered, purposeful and victorious…one chapter at a time.  Her third book Completely Whole will be released in 2010.

By Dominique Watson   Mon, Feb 01, 2010

I received a question about rejection letters. Here is the question,

How do you stay positive when you receive rejections?

Here is my response

By Dominique Watson   Mon, Oct 19, 2009

I received a question a few weeks ago from Jose Torres. Here is Jose's question.

"I see a lot out there about writing short stories and novels but not much about scripts writing, especially animation. I have a wonderful animated story and it will do excellent in the right hands of a producer, so my question is how do I go about finding an agent to take on this project and find a home for my work?

Thanks,
Jose"

Check out my answer below:

By   Sat, Mar 06, 2010

Become a division of From A Writer's POV. From A Writer's POV has decided to branch off and allow members of our magazine and networks to run and operate their own division of From A Writer's POV.

Members will be allowed to create groups all over the internet on any website, network or social media. Members will not be able to run a group on any of our networks or websites. It must be a group outside of From A Writer's POV.

This new feature to our magazine allows From A Writer's POV to receive more members and exposure as well as allow the member to run and operate this group the way they choose. The member will receive expsosure to their name and all literary sites/groups they are affiliated with.

From A Writer's POV will not only allow the member to run the group themselves but will help in advertising here on the main website as well as other networks we are affiliated with.

So what is a division of From A Writer's POV? It's a group that offers a literary service or interest to others. ex. a literary group for urban fiction authors, a literary group for poetry publishers, a literary group for marketers, a literary group for erotica writers. Your group will surround one concept in the literary field and will focus on that concept only.

Those who are in the literary field and are looking to start small in running a literary group but need help in exposure and advertisements, this is for you. You have the choice of naming your group, adding features to your group etc upon approval of your group.

Anyone is welcome to become a division of From A Writer's POV but here are a few guidelines and rules:

1. From A Writer's POV is a copyrighted name. It cannot be used without the permission of the owner Dominique Watson. In order to create a group outside of our magazine, it must be approved by Dominique Watson.

2. In order to run and operate a group, you must be an active member of our networks and/or magazine.

3. Your group must remain active.

4. You are to keep Dominique Watson up to date with events and activities so she can help with advertisement for your group.

5. The name of your group is your choice. You have the freedom to add features, host events, etc

6. Your group can be placed on other ning networks, yahoo groups, gmail groups, myspace groups, facebook groups etc but it cannot be created until approved.

7. Once members have had their group created and approved, they will then communicate with Dominique on how to get their group up and running and how to get members involved. You will be directed to our main website for Literary Divisions to create your profile and begin working on your group.

Why should you create a group through From A Writer's POV? We will help with exposure and bring you members. Anyone today can create a group on any social network but are people joining? We want to help you bring your group to light. We can encourage our members to join your group, advertise your group on our website and get you the exposure you need as a group owner.

Interested in creating a group? Contact Dominique today: publisher.ceo.povmagazine@gmail.com

By   Wed, Mar 03, 2010

Book Club Survey: http://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/tools/questionnaire.php?sId=4283

Magazine/Network Survey: http://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/tools/questionnaire.php?sId=4073

By   Wed, Mar 10, 2010

From A Writer's POV is looking to start an official online Book Club. As many of you know, we have a Book Club group at our network but it's not doing anything but taking up space and collecting dust :)

So I'd like to start a book club for my book readers. As busy as I am I still find the time to pick up a good book.

Right now, the club has not been started, it's in the "idea" stage and I'm looking to bring someone to run this book club with me.

I'm looking for someone that has the time, dedication and motivation as I do to run something like this.

If you think you might be interested in becoming a part of the POV family, please email me your ideas or what you might be able to bring to the table.

Like I said it's in the beginning stages so I'm open to any and everything. This is just a project that has become a passion for me and I'm ready to bring it to light.

I look forward to hearing from you all.

Send email inquiries to: publisher.ceo.povmagazine@gmail.com

By   Sat, Feb 06, 2010

Join us every week for a weekly discussion on various topics on writing and being an author. We will have guest speakers and special events.

Join us at our next meeting:

http://fromawriterspovevents.webs.com/authorswritersmeeting.htm

By   Fri, Jan 01, 2010

Exact dates of tour: Monday, April 12, 2010 - Monday, Sunday, April 18, 2010 i-Virtual Assists is hosting a Virtual Book Tour for Poetry Authors who are members of From A Writer’s POV Online Magazine. Each night each author will have an opportunity to talk about their new book via private blogs and websites and meet their readers. This cost of this tour is $126.25 per author. Tour Services include: •email requests to host bloggers, •coordination of book tour and •all pre-tour campaign promotions •A press release of this exclusive tour will be distributed and advertised to hundreds of readers. •Spotlights on The POV Lounge Blog Interested in joining this tour in April, email Dominique Watson, owner of From A Writer’s POV at: publisher.ceo.povmagazine@gmail.com to get your name on the list as one of the featured authors! Thanks, Dominique and Alba