They Know My Name!

When my oldest daughter was two years old, my husband and I took her to Disneyland.  I've never had so much fun in my life than when we got to experience the greatest place on earth with a two year old.  She was in love with each of the characters.  Every time she saw one her eyes lit up.  On our last day there, we bought her the much coveted mickey mouse ears with her name on the back and promptly went to frontier land and who should we see but Aladdin and Jasmin.  She was so excited because Aladdin is a little dreamy.  When he walked up from behind and called her by name her eyes got as wide as saucers and in her whispiest voice she said to me, "Aladdin knows my name!" 

Well that is how I felt at the ANWA conference last month.  People knew who I was and not just because I was wearing a name tag, but because of this blog. It was the Aladdin moment for me when Karen Hoover, author of the "Sapphire Flute", walked up and called me by name and asked how I was doing.  Yes I had met her twice before, but I never thought she would remember me, after all, it had been over a year!  But she did remember me, and why?  Because *gasp* she reads this blog!!   How awesome is that?  I also had other people admit that they stalk the blog.  (Did I mention that I love blog stalkers?  Stalk away!)  And I met Kaylee Baldwin, one of our Saturday Stories that Lisa interviewed.  It was so cool to meet her up close!  (Below I am shamelessly taking a picture with Karen Hoover)

 I also had support from my local ANWA chapter that meets once a month, above is the lovely Lisa D, and our wonderful chapter president DeAnn.  Below is Lisa again with our musically talented Kiera.

And last but definitely not least, I got to meet Tamara Passey (isn't she wonderful?)

And the Amazing Megan Oliphant!

 I was so excited to meet these girls in person finally!  They are just as amazing in person as they are on the blog!  I love this blog and the people I get to meet because of it! 
And because I like meeting new people, you get to meet new people as our blog invariable adds new writers.  You may have noticed that Jessie Oliveros has started writing for us in February.  We will be saying good bye to Amber Lynae as she has the important task of having a new baby soon.  Be sure to let her know how much she will be missed.  To take her Friday spot, we have our newest MMW blogger, Cheri Chesley!  Be sure to give her and Jessie a nice warm welcome to the family.  And, as always, leave lots of comments on the blog so I can learn your name and know who you are when I see YOU at a writing conference!

Amanda Hocking And Why We Should Care Who She Is

I first heard about Amanda Hocking by following former agent Nathan Bransford on twitter. He wrote a blog post about how even Amanda Hocking didn't consider herself a true example of e-book self publishing circumventing traditional publishing.

So a little back story. Amanda Hocking is a 26 year old writer who, through the process of multiple rejections and trying to find a home for her YA paranormal trilogy, decided to go through the self-publishing route on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.com. In the link I provided earlier, she talks about how much work it is and how her lack of writing time is seriously curtailed because of the "everything else" she has to do to get her books up.

But that doesn't diminish the fact that Amanda, by pricing this ebook series between 99 cents and $2.99, sold over 450,000 copies of not only this trilogy, but another 4 book series about vampires that she self published.  In January of this year ALONE. That's right. 450,000 copies in ONE MONTH. 99% of those sales were ELECTRONIC. She keeps 70% of all revenue from books sold at the $2.99 price point, and 30% of all 99 cent sales. She's now a millionaire.

Now Amanda will be the first to say that she could never have predicted that they would be this popular. But she also said that she worked really, REALLY hard to get the books to the point where they could take off like this. She also said, and I quote:

Everybody seems really excited about what I'm doing and how I've been so successful, and from what I've been able to understand, it's because a lot of people think that they can replicate my success and what I've done. And while I do think I will not be the only one to do this - others will be as successful as I've been, some even more so - I don't think it will happen that often.


Traditional publishing and indie publishing aren't all that different, and I don't think people realize that. Some books and authors are best sellers, but most aren't. It may be easier to self-publish than it is to traditionally publish, but in all honesty, it's harder to be a best seller self-publishing than it is with a house.

I don't think people really grasp how much work I do. I think there is this very big misconception that I was like, "Hey, paranormal is pretty hot right now," and then I spent a weekend smashing out some words, threw it up online, and woke up the next day with a million dollars in my bank account.
This is literally years of work you're seeing. And hours and hours of work each day. The amount of time and energy I put into marketing is exhausting. I am continuously overwhelmed by the amount of work I have to do that isn't writing a book. I hardly have time to write anymore, which sucks and terrifies me.

So as we celebrate this for her, listen very carefully to what she has to say. Decide for yourself if that is what you're willing to give to get published. It's hard work, no matter how you slice it. And while e-books may be a solid part of the publishing future, and the ability of individual authors to self-publish not only their family history, but more mainstream novels that haven't found a publishing house, the amount of work involved is tremendous.

By the way, the writing still has to be good. I purchased her "Trylle Trilogy", and it's good. It's well-written AND edited. We have to do the same sorts of thing we would if we go a more traditional road. There are never any shortcuts to anything worthwhile.

Over the next few weeks I'm going to share the four main types of self-publishing out there. I hope you find it as fascinating as I have.

If You Love Writing

by Tamara Passey

"If you love writing it must be easy for you, right?"

Has anyone ever said this or some variation of it to you?
I've now been asked this (or had it assumed of me) a few times. I'm slow on the verbal comebacks but I've been mulling this one over and thought I'd share it with the awesome MMW readers & fellow writers.

So I'm sure Olympic swimmers love to swim. But does that make their grueling training hours in and out of the pool easy? If they have a natural athletic talent or ability, does honing their skill or becoming the best in their sport happen magically as they slip into the water on race day? I don't think so.

We can love something, like writing, but that love of creating doesn't automatically translate into effortless composed pages. Writing takes hard work, whether we love that work or not--that's what it takes. Isn't the same true with mothering. I love being a mother, but no one would say to me, "So if you love being a mom so much, it must be easy for you." I suppose what the 'love' does is make the work tolerable, endurable --not effortless or easy.

Any thoughts on this? I always love to hear your ideas.

Our Creative Potential

I've always found some venue for creativity...piano, scrapbooking, crochet, a small and unsuccessful flirtation with oil paints. But it is only since I started writing that I've realized how important creating is to my spirit. It buoys me up to a higher plane and helps me see beyond today.

Writing gives me energy and vision. It teaches me more about goal-setting. It teaches me (and is still trying to teach me) about balance.

I really feel that creative expression makes us better, and I'm always encouraging my sisters to find something...sewing, dancing, cooking...something that they can call their own.

In an earlier post this month, Amber shared an quote by Elder Uchtdorf, but it really stuck with me and I'd like to share it again.

"The more you trust and rely upon the Spirit, the greater your capacity to create. That is your opportunity in this life and your destiny in the life to come. Sisters, trust and rely on the Spirit. As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I love that because he addresses us, Sisters, who have been given that capacity to create. And even if, as moms, we really find that we don't have much time to write or (insert other creative hobby)...how many infinite opportunities are we given during the day?

We create new stories at bedtime.
We create new ways to teach.
We create new dishes for picky eaters.
We create silly songs and amazing birthday cakes.
We create new places to put our children in time-out. (Couldn't resist. That's been my dilemma lately.)

How do you find yourself using your creative potential during the day? What other creative hobbies do you have besides writing?

Like the Pioneers--

source

The Mormon Pioneers fled the eastern coast for a place where they could find hope and life. Many had to leave by the seat of their pants: pack only what they needed.

Heirlooms? Abandoned.

Blankets? What could be piled in the tiny handcarts.

Cookware? Only the bare necessities.

Shoes? What was on their feet.

Children? Well, only the tiniest got to ride, while the older ones helped pull or carry the younger ones.

I was praying earlier this week about my writing dilemma, and as I prayed, I a sudden thought about how these people struggled with the thinnest of things came to mind. I can only imagine having to pack up and leave immediately, taking the stuff that would help keep my family of 6 alive in the wild.

The reason why I bring this up is because it relates to my writing. I've been burdening myself with figurative heirlooms, the extra blankets, extra shoes, a few more pillows, a handful of plates and extra tin cups and maybe a jar of pickles for the craving.

source

I've realized that, on my journey across my writer frontier, I should only take with me what I absolutely need and not what I want. I've found my thoughts to be cluttered with things that have been weighing my heart down to the point that writing has lost pleasure. I need to review my inventory and weed out the things that aren't aiding in my adventure to publishdom.

Since then, I can feel my internal balances shifting to a better fulcrum; a new starting point that has promising

venues with a lighter weight to pull as I go along this terrain that is familiar, yet strange. Daunting, adventurous and magical.

How do you pack your handcart and handle the journey?

Saturday Stories, Regan Brianne Guerra

Today's guest for Saturday Stories is Regan Brianne Guerra. Regan is an aspiring author who is also a major Shakespeare Buff. Boy, I could have used a friend like her in English class!


Make sure to go check out Regan's blog at www.reganguerra.blogspot.com where you can check out what she's posting and get a glimpse at her stories.

Q—Would you please begin by telling us a little bit about yourself?

I have loved reading since before I can remember. I love the way that authors, like artists, create vivid people and scenes with the written word. I started writing my own books when I was twelve and have enjoyed creating worlds and characters youth can fall in love with. I'm roaming the nation with my incredibly dashing husband, seeking to understand the many mysteries placed upon this beautiful world.

Q—On your blog you call yourself a Shakespeare buff. Tell us which is your favorite play sonnet, and why?

Gosh, talk about picking a gem out of a treasure trove! I'd probably have to say that my favorite play is "The Merchant of Venice," mostly because of the character Portia. She not only sacrifices her honeymoon to save the life of a man she's never met, but she also dresses up as a lawyer to make certain that man's life is successfully spared. Her personality in general is awesomely quirky, too.

My favorite sonnet... For the sake of time, I'll say my favorite is number 14. It talks about how he can't predict much, but this he does know, that truth and beauty would die if his lover ever did.

Check out the Sonnet here.


My favorite (Lisa) is 116.

Q—How/when did you get started writing?

I started writing when I learned my ABC's and spelling has always been my favorite subject. I really got into writing stories, though, when my 2nd Grade class had an assignment to write a sequel to a children's book. My teacher submitted my story to a school writing contest and I found out that I'd won first place at the school fair.

Q—What is your favorite genre to read/write?

Ooh... Personally, I like to read anything with a message. If that message includes scientific or fantastic creative amazingness, then all the better! To write? I definitely have a favored lean toward sci-fi and fantasy. I'm trying a new route (for me, anyway) in rooting the main character's world into ours. It kind of creates a challenge, since you want to make the world within a world as believable as possible without losing the spark of imagination ignited in a fantasy or sci-fi novel.

Q—Who is your favorite modern author?

JK Rowling. I so admire her ability to keep the story connected and building throughout her books. She must have a LOT of patience to put that much time into plot setting. I'm still working on that...

Q—What is your all-time favorite book/movie/song?

Favorite book? Anything by CS Lewis (Particularly "Voyage of the Dawn Treader" and "The Last Battle" from the Chronicles of Narnia). Favorite movie... The Scarlet Pimpernel. Favorite song is "Say Hey" by Michael Franti.

Q—If you could be any character in any book you've read or written, who would it be and why?

Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee from Shannon Hales' "The Goose Girl" because of her courage and humility in whatever trial was placed before her.

Q—What is your favorite blog, besides Mormon Mommy Writers, of course? Make sure to tell us why your favorite is your favorite!

I really enjoy reading Sarah M. Eden's blog (www.sarahmeden.com). Her authentic humor gets me every time. I also enjoy my cousin's blog (kdoodle-kennedyscorner.blogspot.com). Her pictures are incredible!

Q—This is your chance to tell us about one of your current WIP. Give us your pitch! What would you say to sell it to an editor?

In the land of Jagumas, an uprising has begun. Ryedor, a quirky student inventor, has discovered a secret to her past that throws her into the center of the rebellion. She always knew she was meant for greater things, but now her path to greatness has been quickened...

Q—What do you love about writing?

I love words. I love how they can play with the human mind in creating pictures and people that last through ages. I also love portraying accents in dialogue. It makes the character really come to life for me.

Q—What do you have about writing?

I'm assuming you meant "hate" ;). The Dreaded Writer's Block seems to lurk at every corner if there isn't sufficient planning or communication outside myself. That and admitting to myself that there really are voices inside my head, each scrambling to tell a story.

Q—A lot of writers talk about piles of dirty laundry and sinks filled with dirty dishes--things they sacrifice to spend time building stories. What's the one thing that you tend to sacrifice so you can write?

Currently, I feel that I am very spoiled in this regard. It's only me and my husband moving around, so we have minimal dishes and laundry to do. I guess you could say that I'm taking as much advantage of our position as I can. :)

Q—When I write there's always something on my computer to snack on--peanuts, raisins, M&Ms, etc. What's on yours?

A waterbottle, my scriptures, a folder of notes, and I always wear my thinking cap.

Q—How has writing changed your life?

Everything has become a story. I see people driving, walking, shopping, talking, etc. and I think about what their life must be like. This practice also helps create a sense of empathy for my spirit brothers and sisters.




Thanks for the interview Regan!




Make sure to check back next Saturday for another installment of Saturday Stories.

Again. And Again. And Again, Please.

How many of you have ever taken a lesson? Say you learned to play the piano or some other musical instrument. Or you're an athlete, and you trained everyday for years for one race, or you retrain yourself every year for a marathon, hoping to better your time.

I am musically trained. (Meaning I have taken lessons in various forms over the years.) I have done that train and retrain, practicing until the music no longer has meaning, it's been broken down into so many phrases, notes, or atoms. I have taken it all apart and put it back together again so I have the music down cold.

I came into writing with the attitude: 'Hey, I'm a reader. I know what I like. I can predict so many of these books, I could write one in my sleep."

Yes, you can laugh at me, too. Even right now I want to reach back in time and slap myself silly for such arrogance.

I know better now. I've gone through some stages here, though, and wondered if anyone else had travelled the same path as well. Here's what I've identified as the   stage process of becoming anything worthwhile:

1. ADMIRATION: when you look at a performer, be it musical or some other form, and think, "I can do that. I bet I could do it better than they did, even though it was breathtaking."

2. ENTHUSIASM: when you begin the path to your goal, and nothing seems to slow or halt your progression towards it.

3. REALITY: when you realize that the person you were so sure you were better than really knows a whole lot more than you do about the topic. They have achieved of level of proficiency that is far above your skill level. It will be years before you can even come close, and even then it might be a false hope.

4. HEARTBREAK: when you know that the dreams that feed you so full have now dried up, and you are abandoned on the path to mastery. It's swim or be swept back down stream.

5. RESOLUTION: It doesn't matter know what came before or who you were, what thoughts or pride you may have had. You look neither left or right, but trudge forward, keeping your eye on the prize.

I've only recently discovered this applies to writing as well. I know. Shocker.

What about you? Are there any of these rules you agree with? Would you add more? What do you do to get over the hump of rule number 4?

Japan Thoughts

by Tamara Passey

The people of Japan have been in my thoughts and prayers these past few days. The shock has given way to sadness and even dread with the ongoing nuclear crisis. I saw a report last night that highlighted the orderliness and great calm the Japanese people have demonstrated, even distributing supplies evenly among themselves when they came upon shortages. Not exactly what we see here.

I remembered a short poem I wrote after the Tsunami in December of 2005.

I realize I may not have any shirts made in Japan, but I think the sentiment is similar.

Tsunami 

India and Thailand with ocean shores

So far from my dry desert home

If I hadn’t heard the news reports of you

I wouldn’t have known

I couldn’t have known, or believed

How many lives you lost

To waves travelling at jet-plane speeds

My desert life goes on uninterrupted

No un-channeled water here.

Until I pull the iron out to press some laundry and

Open the collar of a clean white shirt

And there on the tag are those oft ignored words

Made in Sri Lanka

While the iron steams in my motionless hand

All I can think is that this someone made this shirt across that ocean

And I wonder amid the news-report scenes of destruction

Replaying in my mind

Is the factory is still there? Are the people still alive?

Do they still have a home?

And with as little warning as Mother Nature gives

One drop, then two, and

I am taken over by a wave of tears in the desert.

Join the Mormon Writer Blogfest!

Recently I received an email invite for Mormon Writer Blogfest (the Second). Some of you may have already heard about this, but with the go-ahead from organizer, Krista Van Dolzer, I wanted to post a general invite on MMW to all who are interested.

Here is an excerpt from the email:

Last year, I organized a Mormon Writer Blogfest in which LDS writers from around the country blogged about gospel-related topics on a specific day and linked to everybody else’s posts. Since the first blogfest turned out so well, I’m organizing another.

I’m planning to hold this year’s blogfest on the second Tuesday in April, April 12. Last year, we blogged about basic doctrines of the gospel, but this year, I thought it would be great if everybody blogged about their favorite general conference talk from the upcoming April 2011 conference.

Are you in? Here is a great chance for the force that is LDS writers to bear testimony. If you would like to participate, you can email Krista at kvandolzer (at) gmail (dot) com. As the time draws near, she will send you a list of all participating bloggers so that you can link to them in your post. And if you know any other LDS writers who may not read MMW, pass the word on!

Something to Hide

I've been struggling lately, to my chagrin, with writing. Yes, I've actually considered giving up because it hasn't brought me the pleasure of thrills I used to experience. Even the thought of attending my most favorite writers conference where I feel like queen, made me feel numb.