This Writing Journey

Yesterday I had a long chat with a fellow self publisher about the journey we have been on in getting our books out there and we both agreed whilst it is a steep learning curve and a bit of a roller coaster ride it is well worth it to hold that finished product in your hand.

My whole writing journey has been like that and when I think of the incredible opportunities it has given me, the people I have met and the different directions it has taken me I don't regret a single aspect of it.

From writing I have connected, both online and personally, with other writers and people from all over Australia and even overseas; I have attended conferences with top Australian authors and had coffee and chatted with authors who have been my idols; I have expanded from writing freelance articles to self publishing a book to editing and then publishing a magazine; I've shared highs and lows of this writing life with other writers; I have been able to build a collection of wonderful books personally by talented authors that I am proud to call my friends.

The list could go on and on but the bottom line is that for every hill I've slid down, I've been able to climb a mountain on the other side and see an incredible view.

So to every single person who has supported, encouraged and cheered me along this writing journey thank you.

Some days are Diamonds, some are stones!

Today has been one of those 'good' writing days. I'm sure any writer will know what I mean. You have ideas, the words flow, the computer keyboard nearly catches fire you are typing so fast. I wish I could bottle whatever it is in my head that enables me to have days like these. Then I could just have a nip out of that bottle on the days when I am sure I will never write another word again. Ah the fickleness of the writer's life!

Have surely earned myself a couple of chocolate biscuits. If only working at the computer counted as exercise in terms of burning those damned calories.

Thank you to those who have posted comments and apologies to those who have problems. If you keep having problems let me know and I will..... ask someone who knows more than me. When it comes to blogs would be plenty available I'm sure because I know very little!!

When I wrote about marketing the other day another option which can sometimes be worthwhile is to swap your book for someone else's which is of similar value. That way you both get a new book and if they enjoy your book they will hopefully tell others whilst you can do the same for them. Naturally if you don't really enjoy probably best to say nothing!

I hope you enjoy the pics I add to each post. It brightens the page, shows off my photos (only the best shots make it on here) and gives you a glimpse of this outback land I call home.

Editing is a funny thing. I just looked at my blog from yesterday and couldn't believe my eyes. I had the URL for my website incorrect. I've now changed it but if anyone had read my blog and wanted to go to my website they would have been unable and probably given up. Even when you have read something over and over again take one more look at it, preferably after you have left it for a while. Sometimes our eyes tend to see what we think should be written and not what actually is. When editing the magazine I produce for a voluntary group http://www.icpa.com.au/ I edit/proofread several times before it goes to the printer for a proof copy to be run off. Never once have I received that proof copy and not found very obvious mistakes in it. Even after the final proofing and it goes to print my heart is always in my mouth that I will have missed something else. Sometimes I have but at least I have seen errors in big name magazines as well so I don't feel quite so bad!

As a writer I love books and not just adult books for myself but a whole range of books and I particularly love children's picture books. One of the best I've seen in a while is called 'Benny the Blue Heeler Rides the Four Wheeler' by Lisa Case and illustrated by Michelle Achhammer. It is a book that is so Australian and so relevant to children outside suburbia, which often children's books aren't. I bought a copy of Lisa's book, not because I have children of that age group but just because it is a wonderful book. Do check it out at Lisa's website http://www.liscasebooks.com.au/ Lisa is busy writing book 2. The illustration of Benny at the top left of the page is copyright Michelle Achammer.

Marketing is Not a Dirty Word

Yesterday I sent 20 of my books 'Legitimate Bush Woman' to bookshops across the state. I enclosed a letter saying it was a free copy for them and that they might like to stock further copies. With the package I sent copies of articles about my book that had been in the media, as well as a bookmark and feedback from readers.
Whilst this may not generate many sales, if any, I feel it is still a worthwhile exercise. If only one bookshops offers to stock some copies I have had a win. It may seem crazy to give away my self published books for free but I believe that you have to pay out some money in order to get returns. The postage is covered under business expenses and becomes a tax deduction.
I targeted bookshops in rural and remote areas as well as a few in the suburbs. I also made sure there was a mix of large chains and small independant shops included.
Only time will tell if it has been worthwhile but in the meanwhile it inspired me to write an article on ways to market your books which hopefully I can also sell. Win-win situation all around. If you would like a copy of my book (sorry not for free!) or some tips on marketing your books you can contact me by going to my website http://www.outbackwriter.com/ and using the contact link.
Have a great day. I'm off to send some books to tourist centres who don't yet stock my books. Some do and it has been very successful.

We Shall return

Thank you to all those people who commented on my first blog. It seems I'm not alone and I may have to order some more procrastination crowns.
BUT! I did write something last night -on the laptop in front of the TV and it was an overview of the dogs in my life -riveting stuff I know -but I wrote. I have full intentions of writing today as it's mail today and my daughter at boarding school will be expecting a letter.
Wonder if there is a market out there for letters to child at boarding school, they are usually full of exciting happenings like: the budgie pooped in its water again, the dog is fine and yes I have been putting his rugs on at night and have you been studying hard and no I can't put any more money in your bank account because mine is now empty!
But first I must clear the decks. I will put away the paperwork piling up on the desk and while I'm at I'll pay that account.
And if under that account I happen to find the dentist's phone number I must make an appointment for next time I'm in Perth.
Whilst thinking of Perth I should print out my e ticket so I don't forget it and check again the address of the hotel I am staying in.
But if I don't order the hire car I will be going nowhere so best do that first.
Which reminds me of the agenda I have to prepare for the meeting in Perth and before I can prepare that I need to follow up on some sponsorship letters.
So having done all that, the washing is finished so I will just hang it out and make the bed and prepare morning tea. Oh sorry -it's lunch time you say, well prepare lunch then.
After lunch I will write -definitely. As soon as I find the dictionary to check the spelling of 'definitely' as I'm not sure it is right.

Welcome

Welcome to my blog. I am hoping this won't go the way of all my well laid plans. You know the ones I mean -of mice and men! Well add me to the list because my well laid plans actually don't exist.

Well not the well laid part -and come to think of it -not even the plans part!

So maybe I should start with a plan before worrying about how well laid they are or aren't.

Are you confused yet? You are -good because I am too and I am writing this.

The plan is or it will be, when I get around to it, is to write in this blog regularly, well semi-regularly, well when I remember, occasionally and maybe even sometimes.

Am I completely mad you ask? I'm not sure but if you want to find out if a) I'm completely mad and b) will I stick to my plan -well laid out, not laid out or otherwise you will have to check back another day to see if I've written another blog -maybe, perhaps, wait and see!!!!!