Fini!

Over the weekend, I completed reading my book aloud.   This part of the process took about three weeks.  And now, I have the pleasure to say I have finished my first book -- thirty-three chapters and just over 47,000 words.   Now, I will be starting on book two, while searching for a book cover designer for book one.

Literally, I began this journey four years ago in August.  I remember my first draft as a short story with about six paragraphs -- one paragraph per chapter.  Somehow along the path, I turned a short story into full-fleged novel... which I had planned only a single volume... but the story grew to two... then three... then into a whole organization.

Now I have two blogs, one complete book, the start of a second book, and several books ideas.

Time!  I need more time!

Many Happy Birthdays!

August is an important event month for me.  First, my parents would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.  My grandmother's birthday is August 17 (she would be 97).  My mother's birthday was August 10 (she would be 78).   And of course, today -- August 15 -- Julia Child. 

Since I was young, Julia fascinated me.   She challenged America to learn and enjoy cooking as well as to have no fear.  Several years ago, I ate a local restaurant that gave out "fortune pull-tabs."   You pulled the tab open to reveal a quote.  My quote read "I didn't start cooking until I was 32, before that I just ate" and attributed to Julia Child.  

I relate to that quote.  To this day, it remains on my kitchen bulletin board.
I didn't start writing until I was 40, before that I just read.  Hope you don't mind Julia, but you had great influence, not just with your teaching and writing abilities, but also with your choice of words.  I aspire to live up to them.

Aloud!

Currently, I am reading my book aloud.  All of it.   This audible experience has been the best editing method.  I have found several grammatical errors, spelling issues, and punctuation.   On the bigger picture, I have found issues with flow, strange sentence structures, and other weird problems.
  
I highly recommend this method.  I read about it in several books on writing and editing. I cannot emphasis enough how much this has helped me.  I wished I would have read it aloud sooner.

Sailing into unfamiliar waters

When I starting writing, I never thought of all of the paths I would have to travel.   Oh no!   Just write a book...  Life will be great...   HA!  As Mark Twain or Benjamin Disraeli or whomever said -- "Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics!" 

Right now, I am reading aloud the entire book, making any last changes.   When I finish a chapter, I say "done" and move on to the next one.  Right now, I am just over half way.  Next, the formatting process...  I have to make sure I follow Amazon's rules and Smashwords.   Amazon's format is simple.  Smashwords, which I love already, saves me from formatting for everyone else (B&N, Apple, iTunes).

Next comes getting to know the IRS...   I read about establishing an LLC, getting an EIN, opening a business banking account for any money made with my writing, filling out forms during tax season, deductibles, and non-deductibles...   Will I ever make that much money from these books?

Then, since I have decided to be an indie writer/publisher, come the marketing...  This could be fun.  I've already started this blog and one about The Time Savers Club.    I have other ideas on promotion as well.  Maybe free PDF copies of my book?   Business cards?   Parties?   The list goes on...

After much debate!

I have settled on my pen name.  Following the KISS method, I decided on C. S. Marshall.   I really like the name C. Mars Hall. But for publicity sake, it will be easier to stick with my original pen name of many moons ago.  This will simplify my life and use of social media venues.
Slowly reading my book aloud.   Believe me, when someone suggests reading your book aloud, do it!   So far, it has made a world of difference.

The Last Stages

One of the methods of self-editing that I have read is reading your book out-loud.   That's where I am.   Neighbors beware!   There's going to be some dramatics.

In the meantime, I have started a blog strictly for The Time Savers Club.   I agreed to be the keeper.  The blog is called The Time Savers Club.   I have started to add information there as the club allows.

Enjoy!

Show, Flow, Tell... Oh my!

It's been a couple of week since my last posting.   Taking a reading break, I have spent time learning show versus tell as well as flow in writing -- all suggestions from my chosen seven readers.   The reviews have been positive which makes me feel great.   I laugh whenever I look back at my earlier editions.  The first incarnation was a paragraph long and basic.  And now after almost three years... I am ready to complete it and send it out into the world.

On a completely different topic, when I discover a writer, I immediately search for their credentials.   Where did they go to school?   What was their major?   Was it English?  Creative writing?  How many books have theyr written?  Awards?  Tell me more!   Why do I do this?  I want to know that I am not the only writer out there with no background in English or creative writing.  

I have discovered others like me.  I am inspired by them to keep writing and chugging forward. 

One of my readers recommended Rebecca Stead and her book, When You Reach Me.   I checked it out from my local library and love it after only a couple of chapters.   However, I am also encouraged from her personal story.   She was lawyer turned writer.  I love her statement (found on her website under "About"):

"Some people will tell you that real writers don’t use parentheticals (which is nonsense). The most important thing to know about writing is that there are no rules."

Look Rebecca, I used them too...