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How many of you have multiple works in progress?  Are they all the same genre? How do you divide your time between them?

 

Currently, I have 4 WIP's.... sounds like alot huh?  Right now I am thinking that too!  As my second book just went back to my publisher for the formatting (after 13 hours of editing, my eyes are still crossed) I find myself looking at all the projects I have in the works.

 

One project is about half way through - but I had come up with a snag in the plot and I got frustrated so I put it on the back burner.  Recently, as I find myself mulling over the issue, I think I found the way to work through my snag... but.... There is a more recent project that I started that I was working hard on.  As soon as I figured out how to work through the other issue, I lost my train of thought on the new one. 

 

Then there is the other book that I am working on with another author.  Now that one is a huge project that will be in the making for a long time, but we are throwing ideas back and forth and running plot ideas and twists back and forth.

 

Then there is book 3 of my series (the second book is about to be published).  After reading book 2 - and coming back to those characters I find myself running that plot hard and heavy in my mind.  Conversations and characters building.... 

 

I'm at a loss right now as to exactly what I should be working on.  I think I have so many things in the works that I am befuddled as to which one to go to next. 

 

Anyone else get themselves in this situations?  How do you work through them?

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Replies to This Discussion

lol No worries Robert. You can get paid monthly by two options: Automatic deposit into your account which is what I do or they can issue you a check. The check issuing has rules attached to it such as your account must have so much money in sales before they'll issue a check and then they charge an $8.00 processing fee which is why I just found it easier to do the automatic deposit. They drop in your month's earnings and send you an email on how much it was. Pretty simple!

 

Borislava I would definitely recommend using Amazon for publishing, I've had nothing but a positive experience with them. Your publisher sounds like they aren't being on the up and up with things but you're right, without any sales facts how can you prove it? Self promotion is always a great thing, I've actually gotten pretty good at it! I'm part of a group of authors who are working together to promote and have several different promotional things going on the side. Keep working. Success doesn't happen by sitting back and watching the world pass you by. You have to be willing get up and make things happen if you truly wish to succeed. :0)

Robert L. Allen said:

So how do you get paid? Sorry for being nosy...

Amy Manemann said:
I'm like Stacy, I check it once in the morning and once at night too and mark down how many I've sold each time I check and what my ranking is on Amazon so I can keep track.

Wow you guys have been busy! I have had yet another crazy weekend, so I haven't been on the computer.

Anyway, well done on your book signing at Bury, Steve. I would have visited but unfortunately it clashed with other plans. It really is tricky sharing one car nowadays, especially when my husband doesn't like being left stranded at home!

Borislava - I know how you feel about the promotion vs writing dilemma. During the last week I have received some feedback from people who have read my book, and it is so positive I am walking on air. But I made a stark realization. Because I am writing a series based on the same characters in a fixed location, people now want to read the rest of my work, and it isn't written yet. Maybe I should have prepared some manuscripts before I went ahead and got published, but hindsight is a wonderful thing. So my current focus is to write, and then I will have a portfolio of work to promote. But I still want to get my name known now, and sell my debut book because I need the money! Oh it's a hard life...

 

Borislava, what I'm understanding is that you have a small publisher who will not give you pointers on how to promote your book. I must be ignorant. I can't understand why anyone (publisher) would not want to help you make money for them. I agree with Catherine. If you are writing a series, perhaps it is better to write all the books before trying to publish. But perhaps you have the wrong publisher. Small or large. Large publishing houses don't offen publish first time writers, that's not to say you can't try!!! Look at J.K. Rollens. how many publishers are kicking themselves in the you no where. (I don't think we can swear here). Always remember that you are the writer! Do everything you can to make the book sellable. I'm not saying to spend a lot of money. Edit the book, promote it and if need be shelve it and go ontothe next. If it's not moving, perhaps the audience you are seeking is not ready for that book at this time. Just put it aside and write more. I'm certain one day the book will sell when it is ready to sell. I have been sending out my book, After the Fact. I have gotten some rejection letters which is a whole lot nicer than no return at all. So I know some of what you're feeling. But i am writing everyday, for hours. I hope you will too.

 

 

 



Borislava Borissova said:

Hi Robert!

Yes, I know I have a small publisher, not a big one who could offer me a large scale of marketing tips and promotions. I do something every day to make my books noticed, make interviews for bloggers, write queries to ask for reviews, prepare a book's trailer, participate in a online-chat, have organized a big premiere in my city and more than 150 people came /I post many photos on my web-site/, ordered pocket-size calendars for 2012 with the cover of the book /fortunatelly 1000 copies cost only 10 $/, keep the web-site updating etc. It seems to me all this energy and time I would put in writing my next book if I have a good professional in book's marketing but I have not. Of course, this leads me to sad thoughts like that: "to write or not to write"; "to start a new book or not" because I overcame tremendous obstacles and put enormous efforts and at finally all appears in vain because the road to readers is more difficult than the road of writing.

Thank you for the courage you give to me, I need it, indeed! For now I consider to complete the editing of my third book and to try as a self-published author with it. I hope to have a bit of luck this time.


Robert L. Allen said:

Hi Borislava,

Not that I know all the publishers, but I don't recognize The Starlight Prince. So I'm thinking it might be a self publisher. I was self-employed for 16 years. I was a Drywall Taper. I loved to tape. But being self-employed, I had to seek work. It was a 24/7 job. I believe when a writer agrees to self publish, the writer must promote the book. I don't think the publisher is obligated to do anything other than what is in the contract. I realize the enternet is a wonderful place to start, but it is not the only place to sell a book. Sometimes the writer has to get out there and do some foot work. Get known. Adjust to the times. Don't get stuck. When you're driving and get stuck in the snow or mud, somehow you figure out a way to get unstuck and I know you will with your book...But don't give up, keep trying...

Yes, in practice mine is self-promotion, Amy, I have learnt to use a couple of marketing tricks but the prices of my book are fixed by the publisher and the information for their sales receives he, too. So I really think to publish my next book using amazon.com and like your message about amazon very much. Perhaps it would be much better for my writing. Good luck to you, too :)))

Amy Manemann said:

lol No worries Robert. You can get paid monthly by two options: Automatic deposit into your account which is what I do or they can issue you a check. The check issuing has rules attached to it such as your account must have so much money in sales before they'll issue a check and then they charge an $8.00 processing fee which is why I just found it easier to do the automatic deposit. They drop in your month's earnings and send you an email on how much it was. Pretty simple!

 

Borislava I would definitely recommend using Amazon for publishing, I've had nothing but a positive experience with them. Your publisher sounds like they aren't being on the up and up with things but you're right, without any sales facts how can you prove it? Self promotion is always a great thing, I've actually gotten pretty good at it! I'm part of a group of authors who are working together to promote and have several different promotional things going on the side. Keep working. Success doesn't happen by sitting back and watching the world pass you by. You have to be willing get up and make things happen if you truly wish to succeed. :0)

Would have been so cool to meet you. One day, perhaps when we have the Mirador Awards one day.

Going to annoy Sarah with that idea now :)


Catherine Green said:

Wow you guys have been busy! I have had yet another crazy weekend, so I haven't been on the computer.

Anyway, well done on your book signing at Bury, Steve. I would have visited but unfortunately it clashed with other plans. It really is tricky sharing one car nowadays, especially when my husband doesn't like being left stranded at home!

Borislava - I know how you feel about the promotion vs writing dilemma. During the last week I have received some feedback from people who have read my book, and it is so positive I am walking on air. But I made a stark realization. Because I am writing a series based on the same characters in a fixed location, people now want to read the rest of my work, and it isn't written yet. Maybe I should have prepared some manuscripts before I went ahead and got published, but hindsight is a wonderful thing. So my current focus is to write, and then I will have a portfolio of work to promote. But I still want to get my name known now, and sell my debut book because I need the money! Oh it's a hard life...

I miss the time when writing was priority for me, Catherine. Now promotion is most important and I think many other writers feel the same. Perhaps one day there would exist a small marketing company offering six or twelve months promotion everywhere for indie writers and many like us would mostly write and write, and write :)))))

Catherine Green said:

Wow you guys have been busy! I have had yet another crazy weekend, so I haven't been on the computer.

Anyway, well done on your book signing at Bury, Steve. I would have visited but unfortunately it clashed with other plans. It really is tricky sharing one car nowadays, especially when my husband doesn't like being left stranded at home!

Borislava - I know how you feel about the promotion vs writing dilemma. During the last week I have received some feedback from people who have read my book, and it is so positive I am walking on air. But I made a stark realization. Because I am writing a series based on the same characters in a fixed location, people now want to read the rest of my work, and it isn't written yet. Maybe I should have prepared some manuscripts before I went ahead and got published, but hindsight is a wonderful thing. So my current focus is to write, and then I will have a portfolio of work to promote. But I still want to get my name known now, and sell my debut book because I need the money! Oh it's a hard life...

Borislava

 

The world of publishing is a crazy one. Try Mirador Publishing which myself and Catherine use. Not completely self publishing, but they like your genre so would fit with their plans. The marketing is still your own but the cost input is less and they organise all the circulation and set up for you.

Borislava Borissova said:

Yes, in practice mine is self-promotion, Amy, I have learnt to use a couple of marketing tricks but the prices of my book are fixed by the publisher and the information for their sales receives he, too. So I really think to publish my next book using amazon.com and like your message about amazon very much. Perhaps it would be much better for my writing. Good luck to you, too :)))

Amy Manemann said:

lol No worries Robert. You can get paid monthly by two options: Automatic deposit into your account which is what I do or they can issue you a check. The check issuing has rules attached to it such as your account must have so much money in sales before they'll issue a check and then they charge an $8.00 processing fee which is why I just found it easier to do the automatic deposit. They drop in your month's earnings and send you an email on how much it was. Pretty simple!

 

Borislava I would definitely recommend using Amazon for publishing, I've had nothing but a positive experience with them. Your publisher sounds like they aren't being on the up and up with things but you're right, without any sales facts how can you prove it? Self promotion is always a great thing, I've actually gotten pretty good at it! I'm part of a group of authors who are working together to promote and have several different promotional things going on the side. Keep working. Success doesn't happen by sitting back and watching the world pass you by. You have to be willing get up and make things happen if you truly wish to succeed. :0)

I know what you mean Borislava - its a real challenge to manage it all. Welcome to the modern world :(

Borislava Borissova said:
I miss the time when writing was priority for me, Catherine. Now promotion is most important and I think many other writers feel the same. Perhaps one day there would exist a small marketing company offering six or twelve months promotion everywhere for indie writers and many like us would mostly write and write, and write :)))))

Catherine Green said:

Wow you guys have been busy! I have had yet another crazy weekend, so I haven't been on the computer.

Anyway, well done on your book signing at Bury, Steve. I would have visited but unfortunately it clashed with other plans. It really is tricky sharing one car nowadays, especially when my husband doesn't like being left stranded at home!

Borislava - I know how you feel about the promotion vs writing dilemma. During the last week I have received some feedback from people who have read my book, and it is so positive I am walking on air. But I made a stark realization. Because I am writing a series based on the same characters in a fixed location, people now want to read the rest of my work, and it isn't written yet. Maybe I should have prepared some manuscripts before I went ahead and got published, but hindsight is a wonderful thing. So my current focus is to write, and then I will have a portfolio of work to promote. But I still want to get my name known now, and sell my debut book because I need the money! Oh it's a hard life...

 

Robert, I also cannot understand why my publisher is not sales-oriented but I am afraid it is the fact. Therefore just write and write is not enough for me. I must consider finding another publisher to touch the readers. Sometimes the audience could be ready for your book but it should hear a word about the story somehow.

Happy writing!

Robert L. Allen said:

 

Borislava, what I'm understanding is that you have a small publisher who will not give you pointers on how to promote your book. I must be ignorant. I can't understand why anyone (publisher) would not want to help you make money for them. I agree with Catherine. If you are writing a series, perhaps it is better to write all the books before trying to publish. But perhaps you have the wrong publisher. Small or large. Large publishing houses don't offen publish first time writers, that's not to say you can't try!!! Look at J.K. Rollens. how many publishers are kicking themselves in the you no where. (I don't think we can swear here). Always remember that you are the writer! Do everything you can to make the book sellable. I'm not saying to spend a lot of money. Edit the book, promote it and if need be shelve it and go ontothe next. If it's not moving, perhaps the audience you are seeking is not ready for that book at this time. Just put it aside and write more. I'm certain one day the book will sell when it is ready to sell. I have been sending out my book, After the Fact. I have gotten some rejection letters which is a whole lot nicer than no return at all. So I know some of what you're feeling. But i am writing everyday, for hours. I hope you will too.

My great thanks, Steve! I will check the site of Mirador Publishing :)

Steve Norris said:

Borislava

 

The world of publishing is a crazy one. Try Mirador Publishing which myself and Catherine use. Not completely self publishing, but they like your genre so would fit with their plans. The marketing is still your own but the cost input is less and they organise all the circulation and set up for you.

Borislava Borissova said:

Yes, in practice mine is self-promotion, Amy, I have learnt to use a couple of marketing tricks but the prices of my book are fixed by the publisher and the information for their sales receives he, too. So I really think to publish my next book using amazon.com and like your message about amazon very much. Perhaps it would be much better for my writing. Good luck to you, too :)))

Ooh, Mirador Awards, that sounds fun! OK I will ask her as well ; )

 



Steve Norris said:

Would have been so cool to meet you. One day, perhaps when we have the Mirador Awards one day.

Going to annoy Sarah with that idea now :)


Catherine Green said:

Wow you guys have been busy! I have had yet another crazy weekend, so I haven't been on the computer.

Anyway, well done on your book signing at Bury, Steve. I would have visited but unfortunately it clashed with other plans. It really is tricky sharing one car nowadays, especially when my husband doesn't like being left stranded at home!

Borislava - I know how you feel about the promotion vs writing dilemma. During the last week I have received some feedback from people who have read my book, and it is so positive I am walking on air. But I made a stark realization. Because I am writing a series based on the same characters in a fixed location, people now want to read the rest of my work, and it isn't written yet. Maybe I should have prepared some manuscripts before I went ahead and got published, but hindsight is a wonderful thing. So my current focus is to write, and then I will have a portfolio of work to promote. But I still want to get my name known now, and sell my debut book because I need the money! Oh it's a hard life...

I have a new problem today. My daughter. Well, ok, she's not a problem, that's a bit mean. But she is extremely grouchy at the moment, so I cannot sit down and write because I can't leave her alone. Oh dear. Well, that'll teach me for getting knocked up at the same time I launch my writing career!

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