Where Do I Go From Here?

In 2008, Moonstone, the first book in the Unbidden Magic series was published by Bell Bridge Books and I signed a contract to write five more books. Moon Rise came out in 2009, along with The Rock and Roll Queen of Bedlam from a different publisher. Three more books in the series appeared in 2010, 2011 and 2012. In late 2013, Baby Gone Bye, the single title YA story of a teenage father, was the final book in my contract.

Christmas came and went. January is typically the time I get back to work. A brand new year. New resolve. New energy. I didn’t write a single word the entire month of January. I had an idea floating around in my head, but couldn’t gather the will power or strength to start something new. Strangely, I felt like a sailboat cut loose from its mooring and adrift on the sea.

Since I keep track of the number of words I write on my daily calendar, I looked back.

January, 2012 – 15,000 words (Midnight Moon)

January, 2013 – 17,000 words  (Baby Gone Bye)

January 2014 – Nada.

What was wrong with me? After writing a book a year for six years, had I lost my mojo? Did I require a deadline in order to produce a book? I did a lot of thinking that month before I came to the following conclusion: I need to look forward not backward. My confusion and resulting paralysis sprang from the sense of loss I was feeling. I no longer had a relationship with a wonderful publishing company who’d taken a huge chance on an unknown author and given me a six-book contract. I will always be grateful for that opportunity.

In early February I realized it was time to move on. With loss comes liberation. I am now free to explore other options. A brand new genre has emerged in the last few years called New Adult. The idea floating around in my cerebral soup coalesced into something resembling a book. I began making notes, creating characters, plot lines, once again excited about starting something new.

On February 9^th, I started the book I now call Affliction. I’m totally into the main character, 22-year-old Honor Melanie Sullivan and can’t wait to tell her story. Though I intended the book to be strictly romantic suspense, I've added another layer. My girl not only has a touch of Asperger’s, she can also read souls. Oh yeah, her boyfriend turns out to be ex military policeman, the Harley-riding William Henry McCarty, aka, Billy the Kid. Yep, I’m having fun again!

Amazon Rankings

                                                                     

Okay, fellow writers. Be honest now. How often do you check your books’ Amazon rankings? Does your heart soar with happiness when that line shoots skyward? How about when it heads for the cellar? I have to admit I’m a bit of an Amazon rankings junkie, obsessively signing into Author Central several times a day. I’m writing this blog as a therapeutic exercise, designed to help me kick the habit.  Here’s what a few of my colleagues have to say:

Kathryn Magendie, (latest release, The Lightning Charmer) rarely checks her rankings or review, with this exception: “When The Lightning Charmer went on sale and someone said it was rising in the rankings, I began peeking in – and peeking in – my mood matching whether it was up or down – and that reminded me why I do not do this – I hate to think I am that fragile – a strong kickarse woman letting her moods be defined by some rankings on Amazon.”

Bill Allen, author of the popular Journals of Myrth series, says, “OK, I will admit to checking my rank more often that I should. Individual book rankings on amazon don’t mean much. A single sale can send the number flying, so I just glance at my overall author ranking. I think reading reviews is important. If one person says there’s a duck on your head, you may or may not, but if a lot of people are telling you there’s a duck on your head, you probably have a duck on your head.”

Deb Stover (latest release, Maid Marian and the Lawman) has this to say: “Amazon rankings can shoot up and down so fast they are totally unreliable as a barometer of how well our books are doing or not doing. I try not to look, but I do check reviews – sigh.

Multi-published author Elizabeth Sinclair (latest book, Winter Magic) adds: “I just looked at my author rankings at Author Central and it appears I’ve had a severe cardiac episode. LOL.”

Prolific author Pam McCutcheon, writing as Parker Blue, doesn’t watch rankings, but reads her reviews. “Since I write a series (The Demon Underground) it’s a good way to find what readers like and dislike with what’s going on with the characters. However, I don’t obsess over bad ones, or people who don’t get me. They’re entitled to their opinion and that’s all it is – one person’s opinion.

L.B. Hayden (Magick Rising), has a creative solution. She says, “Friends don’t let friends read reviews. Designate a friend to watch your reviews and to give you only the highlights.”

Best selling author Anne Stuart (Never Marry a Viscount – Sept. 2014) adds the following words of wisdom, “Now, I only check my rankings if there’s a special promotion up like a Kindle Daily Deal. And, I only read rave reviews! It’s taken me a long time but I’m finally choosing a soupcon of mental health over despair.”

Okay, if they can do it, so can I. Starting today, I will strive to be that kickarse woman described by Kathryn Magendie. I will choose a soupcon of mental health over despair and I will acknowledge the duck on my head only if I hear multiple quacks. If my rankings look like a severe cardiac event, I will laugh it off and be grateful it’s not the real thing. How’s that for a brand new plan?

Auggie's Happy New Year

It’s me, Auggie Doggie, wishing you a Happy New Year. It’s gonna a be a good one, I just know it. How do I know? Because things have changed for me. Big time. Last year, I got dumped off out in the country. I was all by myself. No more mom dog. No more brothers or sisters. I was hungry and thirsty. And then, a guy grabbed me, threw me in a cage in the back of a big, scary metal thing and took me to doggy jail. That’s right, I’m an ex con.

Next thing I knew, I was at a place called The Vet’s. They jabbed me with a needle and when I woke up, I was missing a vital part of my anatomy, if you get my drift. After a bath, I was taken to the adoption center where I tried to look as cute as possible. A man decided he liked me and took me home. But, sadly, it didn’t last. I got returned like an overdue library book. He said I was a bad dog, that I bit his son. But, he didn’t know what the son did to me! I was on my way back to doggy jail.

But then, a nice lady said I was a good dog, too good for doggy jail. She decided to keep me at her doggy day care place until I got adopted again. She emailed my picture (I looked really cute) to a couple who had recently lost their dog. Even though they were 1200 miles away from home, they promised to come see me when they returned.

In March, 2013, my life changed forever. My new mom and dad took me home. I was really afraid they might not like me but they do. Even though I have issues (I hate the scary metal thing that moves really fast) they too think I’m a good dog. I guess maybe I am.

So, if you see my brother or sister, or somebody who looks like me, would you please think about rescuing them? They might be hungry and thirsty like I was.

Happy New Year, everybody. 2014 is gonna be good. I just know it!

Auggie Doggie, signing off.

The Book That Almost Wasn't

 Whenever I open the document titled The Blue Rose, I look at the date it was created and smile. July 15, 2010. Eager to write the story of a male high school senior who is suddenly saddled with an infant, I whipped out five chapters. At the time, I was also working on a book in my Unbidden Magic series. Consequently, The Blue Rose took a back seat.

 In October of that year, I attended a large, highly regarded conference in a major city that included “dozens of industry professional.” One of the workshops featured a panel of agents and editors who offered to evaluate the first page of writers’ works in progress. Hmm, why not give it a try? After all, these are the gatekeepers. The industry professionals. Critiques are good. I stepped to the front of the packed room and added the first page of The Blue Rose to the pile, never dreaming it would be selected.

The panel shuffled through the stack of papers and selected six. Mine was the second. In a juicy baritone and a tone dripping with sarcasm, the moderator read, “The night Gabriel Delgado found out he was a father, he was …” After completing the first paragraph, he paused, sighed and mugged for the audience. Then, each person (industry professional) took turns explaining why this pathetic first page would never make the cut.

For one thing I was grateful. Other than the flush of humiliation burning my cheeks, and the fervent hope I’d developed the ability to vanish, nobody knew it was my work. Later in the day, I had a pitch appointment with one of the agents from the panel. I almost backed out, but decided that would be the coward’s way out. When we met, I said, “I’m pitching the book your panel just eviscerated.” She had the good grace to look ashamed and mumbled, “Well, you know, that was mainly done for the entertainment value.”

After I returned home, the doubts set in. Even though I had several published books, I was convinced The Blue Rose was a dud. It languished in my computer for several years. Had it not been for my librarian friend, Lynne Greene, it would still be unfinished. She’d read the first few chapters and, each time we met, she’d ask, “Have you finished the magic baby book?” Tired of telling her, “No,’ I began to work on it again. With much trepidation, I pitched it to my editor along with a couple of other ideas.

Much to my surprise, she loved the concept of a teen-age boy in an all-male household raising a baby girl. A publication date was set and I tackled the book again. The Blue Rose became Baby Gone Bye. I dithered over the first page but decided to leave it alone. Incidentally, the book still begins, “The night Gabe Delgado found out he was a father …”

Lessons learned:

1.Industry professionals can be wrong.

2. Seek feedback from people you trust.

3. Trust yourself more. Listen to your inner critic. When it goes ding, ding, ding, don’t ignore it. You’re on the wrong track.

4. Attempt to be as supportive to yourself as you are to others. Above all, don’t let anything or anybody stop you from writing your story. If it needs to be told, tell it.

Have you ever been stopped in your tracks by criticism or self doubt? Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Baby Gone Bye.

Adele Downs

Meet Adele Downs, contemporary romance author whose latest release, Santa to the Rescue, features a hunky firefighter. Welcome to Book Blather, Adele.

--CONTEST ALERT! -- Leave a comment for author Adele Downs and be automatically entered to win a firefighter themed Christmas ornament for the holidays. USA and Canada mailing addresses please. Follow Adele’s blog tour for multiple chances to win. Weekly winners announced on Adele’s blog Saturdays through December. http://adeledowns.wordpress.com 


1. You’re an extremely prolific writer, Adele. How many of your books have been published?   
     
Funny you should say that, Marilee, because I always feel like I’m not producing fast enough. SANTA TO THE RESCUE from Entangled Publishing is my debut release as Adele Downs. I’ve been multi-published since 2007 under another pen name with over a dozen titles to my credit. It’s been both fun and challenging to re-brand, but I’m encouraged by the enthusiasm I’ve received by my readers and author friends.

2. Tell us about your new release, SANTA TO THE RESCUE. 

I’m very excited about this fun and flirty firefighter romance novella and hope it will become a reader holiday favorite. Women from ages Young Adult to the Senior Center can read and enjoy the story. Here’s the summary:

Firefighter Jamey Tucker knows three things in life to be true: An honorable man doesn't go back on his word, never hurts a woman, and lasting love isn't a myth. But with his recent move to a new job at the Appleton Fire station, the long hours don't offer hope of finding the love he’s looking for. 

When Jamey meets beautiful pediatric nurse Heather Longhurst after hearing her sing Santa Baby in a supermarket aisle, he offers her a promise he discovers he can’t keep. Determined to find a way to make amends, Jamey uses firefighter engine-uity and Heather’s favorite song to prove he’s got Christmas spirit she can believe in all year.

SANTA TO THE RESCUE costs only .99 per download. I hope readers will buy extra copies as gifts or in place of holiday greeting cards. The book is available at all major ebook outlets. 

3. It seems that every author’s road to publication is unique. How did yours evolve? 

I’ve been writing stories since I was a child. My first short story was published in a Sunday news magazine at age 19. After college, I wrote news articles, features and columns for newspapers and magazines while I worked a day job. These days, I write full-time, thanks to a supportive husband.


4. What’s next for you?  

KISSING HER COWBOY from Boroughs Publishing will release on January 10, 2014. I hope to have more news about another release soon. I’m always working and submitting.


5. Any advice for aspiring writers?  

Write regularly, find a talented critique group, and learn to self-edit. Polish your stories again and again until the writing is clear and concise. Keep writing new books until you create a body of work. Wait to submit to a publisher until you have at least two completed projects. That will buy time to write the third book while the first is released and the second is in production. Finally, learn the art of patience, because the publishing business tests writers every step of the way. 


6. How about a short excerpt from Santa to the Rescue? 

Sure! I hope you enjoy it. First, though, I want to thank you for inviting me to visit your blog and for offering your kind hospitality. I wish you all the best!

SANTA TO THE RESCUE by Adele Downs

Excerpt:

Jamey Tucker unfastened his helmet, lifted his facemask and tugged off his fire retardant gloves before gulping half a liter of water. He could almost hear the liquid sizzle against his throat, much like the smoldering embers behind him turned to sodden ash.

He held out the cup to the volunteer rescue worker manning the drinking water. “More.” That simple word was as much as he could manage. After chugging down a refill, moisture returned to his mouth and tongue. He licked his lips and released a satisfied sigh. All he needed was a hot shower and some chow to feel human again. “Thanks, man.” 

“No problem. Merry Christmas, Jamey.”

“Yeah. You too.” The last thing on his mind was Christmas.

He stunk like a chimney after fighting a fire ‘till dawn. Dumb kids and their vacant warehouse rave had caused their team hours of grief and gut wrenching work. Luckily, no one died. 

Though the crew decorated the firehouse with lights and garland, and set up the tree a week ago, Christmas spirit had failed to find him. Loneliness could do that to the new guy in town, not that he’d admit that to anyone. He’d cut his heart out first.

http://www.entangledpublishing.com/santa-to-the-rescue/

Buy The Book on Amazon! .99!
http://www.amazon.com/Santa-Rescue-Entangled-Flirts-Adele-ebook/dp/B00G1IM260

Buy The Book on B&N Nook! .99!

B&N Nook Book Link:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/santa-to-the-rescue-adele-downs/1117194515?ean=9781622663811

Visit Adele Downs at http://adeledowns.wordpress.com 
Like Adele Downs on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/authoradeledowns 
Follow Adele Downs on Twitter! https://twitter.com/Adele_Downs
 

Summer Update Imagine working for a company for five years without meeting any of your bosses or co-workers face to face. This is exactly the situation for many writers, myself included. I've written six books for the Bell Bridge imprint of Belle Books, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. We have approximately 2,500 miles between us. All communication happens via email messages and phone calls. Therefore, when the opportunity arose to attend a writing conference in Atlanta, Georgia, curiosity trumped logistics. Especially when I discovered Belle Books was one of the sponsors of the conference and had a luncheon planned for their authors. The trip was both overwhelming and surreal. First, zipping across the country and three time zones... and then, the sheer number of people. The hotel was packed with over 2,000 writers, both published and unpublished. Fortunately, serendipity played a role. In that crush of people, I found myself standing next to my editor, Pat Van Wie. She glanced at my name tag, smiled and said, "Marilee?" At the luncheon I met a number of Belle Book authors, publishers Debra Dixon and Deborah Smith, production manager Brittany Shirley, and marketing director Danielle Childers. Brittany and Danielle were responsible for organizing our luncheon, complete with a fabulous gift bag (see pictures below). Bet you wish you had a wine sippy cup! Would I do it again? Probably not. Blame it on my somewhat introverted nature and need for "alone" time. Am I glad I went? Absolutely! New book update I'm closing in on the end of The Blue Rose, due to be published in October. I had to laugh when I found out Belle Books folk refer to The Blue Rose as "The Magic Baby Daddy Book." I think you'll enjoy reading about teen basketball star Gabe Delgado and the trials he faces as he tackles his senior year in high school encumbered by the infant who appears on his doorstep. It's a huge change from Allie Emerson's story in the Unbidden Magic series but I've enjoyed writing from a new and very different viewpoint. Stay tuned for a giveaway when the book comes out. Auggie's Corner "I like big toys and I cannot lie." Well, apparently I'm here to stay because we're now going to school. Yes, that's right. The class is called obedience training. Must not be working, though, 'cause my people still don't do everything I want them to. Oh, wait! Marilee just told me it's the other way around. I'm supposed to learn to sit, stay, heel, come. You know the drill. Actually, it's stuff I already know how to do when I feel like it. One big plus about the class — awesome snacks! When I graduate, I'll be going to a class called Agility. Hmm, sounds like hard work. As far as the muse thing goes, it's a pretty easy job. My job is to make sure Marilee is at her desk and writing while I curl up on the big, cushy chair, ears up, looking cute and interested. Piece of cake! Until next time... Auggie Doggie signing off

Don't Be a Quitter

Thousands of people start writing books but, somewhere along the way, get bogged down and never finish. I can’t say I have all the answers, but here are some of the roadblocks I’ve experienced.

Expecting First Draft Perfection. The odds against writing perfect prose the first time around are astronomically against you. Nobody, I mean, nobody is capable of writing a final draft the first time around. One of my favorite writing books is Write Away by best selling author Elizabeth George. Each chapter begins with a quote from the journal she kept while writing one of her 150,000 word novels (yes, that’s an enormous book). This woman who’s sold a bajillion books, whose fans anxiously await her next offering said after viewing her daily quota of words, “What am I doing pretending to be a writer?” We all have self-doubts. We can’t let them cripple us into believing we have to strive for perfection the first time around. That’s what re-writes are for.

Don’t Get Bogged Down in Research. I adore research. Google, I love you! Here’s an example of how research led me astray. In the last book of my series, Midnight Moon, I wanted to describe an interesting piece of Native American jewelry, one that might be easily imbued with mystical qualities. Had I been more organized, I’d have done my research well ahead of the time I actually wrote about it. But, no, I wasted three hours scrolling through countless websites as I looked for the perfect ring, pendant, bracelet or locket to fit my needs. Since the Big Dipper figures into the final plot, of course I had to order a pendant featuring the seven stars. For inspiration (heh). Bottom line: research first or better yet, underline or highlight the area that requires research. Trust me, it will save you time and money.

Fear of Rejection. Before I sold my first book I knew the odds were against me. A close family member told me only 2% of books submitted to agents and editors are published. Why did I persist? I admit I have a stubborn streak. When someone tells me I can’t do something, the little voice inside my head says, “Oh, yeah”? I wanted to prove I could start and finish a book. And I did. Even today, with seven published books under my belt, old doubts still float to the surface. What if I can’t come up with a fresh plot? What if nobody likes my latest book? Fear of rejection is paralyzing. It stifles your creativity and moves you backward instead of forward. So, do what I do. Take a deep breath and kick it to the curb. 

Forge a Relationship With Someone Who Will Make You a Better Writer. Writing is solitary, lonely business. The Internet has made it less so. Because it is absolutely impossible to be objective about your own writing, join a critique group, find a beta reader or, if you plan to self-publish, hire a competent editor who will go over your manuscript with a cool, dispassionate eye and offer the constructive criticism needed to polish your book. Trust me, it will save you many an embarrassing moment. How do I know this? Because people simply love to point out the error they found on page 44.

Give Yourself a Pat on the Back. You started the journey. You’ve made progress. Instead of looking back at what you’ve written and agonizing over your unpolished prose, take a moment to be proud of what you’ve accomplished. While you’re at it, promise yourself that you will finish. Try to squeeze in a little writing time each day. Before you know it, your book will be done and you will have accomplished what many others set out to do but failed, probably because of one of the roadblocks already described. Writers write. They persist even when discouraged. They finish what they start. You can do it!