Writing outside the Box

Wanna hear a secret. I love reading fanfiction, even more I love writing it. To many self proclaimed "real" writers this is big no-no or at the very least one they don't readily admit to. I can't blame them, to an extent with the massive popularity of Fifty Shades of Grey (a Twilight fanfic that went through many revisions) I wasn't so sure I wanted to admit to it either. But now well frankly I don't care even a little.

For those of you that don't know what fanficton is you don't know what you're missing. Seriously it's any story written based on an already existing, movie, TV show, book or even cartoons. My first forays into writing were not fanfiction, they were more along the lines of what I love to write romance. But I distinctly remember one day many years ago after an internet search (think dial-up) for two characters I loved, finding fanfiction about them. Oh man I was in heaven. So many adventures so little time. So I entered into the world of writing fanfiction of my own and found out I was good at it. This was the first time I'd ever gotten feedback on anything I had written. The internet is anonymous. It was especially so ten or more years ago. So I could post anything I wanted get honest reviews and learn from them.

These are just some of the things I love about fanfiction. It forces you to know the characters, they aren't yours, you didn't create them so you have to watch them learn their idiosyncrasies, habits etc. Make no mistake if you don't portray a character correctly in the world of fanfiction you will know it because everyone will tell you, loudly. Fanfiction  helps you grow as a writer, you'll learn what works and doesn't work in different scenarios. Again if you get some things wrong the fandom will tell you. I wrote a fanfic about Jack and Sam from Stargate I got rave reviews on the character identity, interaction and romance but I was also schooled on how little I knew of physics and wormholes.  I learned very quickly that research is key.

The more I wrote fanfiction the more I wanted to write original fiction. The more invested I became in creating characters, worlds that were mine and moments that were breathtaking. I grew more as a writer in a few years of writing fanfiction than I would have otherwise. I lacked the confidence at the time to share my own work. But if you really look at it and the proof is now in Kindle Worlds I was creating my own work I might be using pre-made characters but everything else had to come from me. When that realization came my confidence grew even more.


There is of course the other side of all this. There is truly horrible fanfiction out there as in bang your head against the wall bad. And sometimes that stuff will be praised to no end simply because it showcases characters people are dying to see together no matter what. Sometimes it even gets published (eye roll) that's okay too because even that can help you grow. Die hard fans of any pairing, show, etc are going to know the good versus bad and you'll know it too.


In all honesty fanfiction gets a bad rap, it's looked down upon as not real writing A lot of people laugh about it and would never admit that they like it.Yet fanfiction continues to be written, fandoms grow and the industry is ever changing.

So what is the point of my very long winded rant. Writing, learning to write and the enjoyment of writing often is best learned outside the norm. Find what works for you, what encourages and drives you to write more. Maybe it's a comic book to get you started, maybe it's greeting cards to help with dialogue, or even fortune cookie wisdom just to get something out. Whatever it is don't let anyone tell you it doesn't have value. If it's in you and you get it out there you're already taking the steps to becoming the best writer you can be.

Making it happen......hopefully:/

So in this world of writing is a terror that many of us face on a semi-regular basis. That is the dreaded writers block. You sit down to write and suddenly nothing. A big fat load of snow in the brain. You know like TV's used to have after hours when station's weren't broadcasting anymore. If you haven't experienced it well it's a lot like foreplay with no follow through. A whole lot of build up only to feel an ego withering level of inability to produce. Ok so maybe it's more like ED but you get the idea.

When you're in school wracking you're brain trying to get work done it's a whole different animal. Generally you have a topic, guidelines etc. As a writer it's all on you. You have to come up with the topic, the guidelines, the name of the dog on page three et al. No performance anxiety there......(sarcasm).

Most of the time you don't know it's coming. You do your pre-writing routine and get in the groove, sit down with your pen and paper or computer start to write and blammo. The snow show's up. Only if it were real snow it might give you a plot bunny but this is like a wall of soundproofing that doesn't allow anything in the way of ideas into your brain.

For those of you who haven't had this happen before, breathe deep this too shall pass...eventually. For those of us that have lived it  (many many times) It's like a tornado of silence. So we grab our coffee, wine and headphones turn up the music and try to squeeze our brain like a sponge. There has to be something in there right? When that doesn't work we take a walk around the house look at the laundry that needs doing and say screw-it and head back to work. We get settled in again and pretend the original vacuum of ideas never happened. Until we try to make the fingers produce something other than our own name and various smatterings of key strokes.

If you done this a lot of times you look at notes from previous brainstorms and find none of them bring forth anything that is worth speaking of. If you're anything like me when it's real bad you start through various images related to genre you write. I write romance and erotica. This can be problematic and distracting if you get my drift. ;)

Once you've reached this point you're ready to make a small sacrifice just for an idea that doesn't make you want to icepick your own brain.

The only reassurance I can offer is the writers block does eventually pass. Sometimes it just means walking away for a day, going and actually doing some laundry or for most of us taking a shower or going to sleep. If you haven't learned from my posts by now plot bunnies visit at the most inconvenient times, keep a notebook nearby.

Just remember writers write because our brains tell us we have too, that particular kind of crazy never really goes away......ever. 

The not so spotless mind.

My husband asked me recently what I was reading. I listed off at least four different books and he looked at me as though I was crazy. When I followed up with the fact that at any given time I was working on at least four books as well. He laughed and said he couldn't fathom the idea.

The problem is I can fathom way to many ideas. This is how I suspect it is for most writers. Inspiration for the next idea doesn't wait for the first book/story to be finished. It pounces into the forefront of our mind with a vengeance and it doesn't care what we're doing. Usually we're in the shower, driving or about to fall asleep.

What's perhaps more surprising is for me at least it's relatively easy to keep all those ideas straight. Reason being my characters speak to me. They have their own voice, their own individual stories and ultimately their own destiny. So 99% of the time I can keep them all straight.

That doesn't mean that my mind isn't chaotic. Hence the above picture. Yes it really feels like that every single day. You're average person has thoughts of their day job, work at home, fun activities they can't wait to do. The average writer has all of that, plus all of that for each character they create. Can you imagine? You're sitting there planning dinner while simultaneously planning a conversation between two main characters, over their dinner while deciding what they should wear based on what is happening in the next scene all while trying to keep the six year old out of the cookies. The real live six year old that is. Which of course leads to the next plot idea. Sigh.....pardon me while I take notes.

Of course this doesn't mean any of this is easy. That whole boatload of ideas can be exhausting. Trying to balance real life and the world you're creating takes it's toll. Sometimes the urge to write is so strong you put real life on hold. Two hours later you look up from the computer and the kids are looking at you like they're starving...oops. It's not intentional it just happens. Which is why writers mumble, scribble, stare off into space and randomly shout out swear words. We're trying to keep those voices in our head in check.

Oh and if you see us randomly crying or glaring at our computer screens that's usually normal as well. Offer coffee and power bars it's the safest bet. 

I read another author had someone ask her if she was done writing. Her response "I will never be done writing.".

Exactly true a writer is never DONE, we may take breaks or try to. But I can tell you from experience it doesn't happen. I'll probably be plotting my next book when I'm dying. 


Ultimately with this blog I'm speaking to both writers and non writers. For the writers all the above is an attempt to show you that you're normal, and not actually crazy. For the non writers when that person next to you starts acting twitchy do not call the men in white coats. We're really ok and not plotting your death. Well at least not for real, in chapter eight maybe. ;)

Welcome: Bibi Rizer

When I launched into this indie publishing project there were many things I wasn’t sure of – how to format a Kindle book for example. Or how to build a mailing list. Or, you know, how to sell books. I’m learning all this as I go.

One thing I was sure of though, was that I wanted a strong brand. I know that repeat readers are the lifeblood of the indie author and one way to get your readers’ loyalty is to have a clear and recognizable brand.

Cover Your Dreams Designs was my go to choice for this project. I loved the branding CYD had done for CC Mackenzie across her three series. I had a number of series in mind so I knew I needed something similar.

CYD develops brands at several levels, depending on the need. I wanted an author brand, a distinct look for each genre I was working in, and each series would require its own brand.

Beginning with the author name – we searched for a font. Something simple but with a little twist. When we found Baron Neue we were delighted, particularly with the interesting way the R looked. It was exactly what we needed to make my name stand out.

BIBI RIZER

To add a little extra, CYD chose to color the Z in a shade to match the cover designs.

Now, I’m going to write in various genres. So far I have three series underway, each in its own genre. There’s the Fireworks series which is contemporary New Adult, The City of Dark Pleasures which is future-punk erotic romance, and The Vikings of Vinland, which is historical New Adult romance.

At the level of genre the choice we made was to do minor variations to the author name. In the historical romances the author name will have a weathered texture. In the contemporary New Adult the author name will be un-textured. If I ever get to my paranormal romances the author name will have a little glow.  For the future-punk books the covers will have a limited palette. Black and White and red for The City of Dark Pleasures. Other simple color palettes will be used for later series.

Finally each series has its own distinct look. The Fireworks series is defined both by the layout and elements in the image – a kissing couple to the bottom left, fireworks in the sky – and by the overall design of the fonts and lettering.  The title is in two fonts (the actual titles are also part of the brand – Electrify Me, Objectify Me etc). The series title goes in the bottom right with a little firework of its own. This series will end up being very recognizable.

The Vikings of Vinland has its series title in the top right. In addition the covers will all have a depth to them, as well as similar coloring and of course the distinctive font.

The City of Dark Pleasures uses the striking black, white and red palette to define the series, along with the clever composite images.

Overall, I'm thrilled with the plan CYD has laid out for me. Now if I could just figure out how to get CreateSpace to work...

Stay in touch with me. Facebook     Twitter


Need a cover? Please visit the wonderful Cover Your Dreams Design

Procrastination vs Consistency

We all do it, the procrastinating thing. We do it in our job (the one we actually get paid for), at home with chores, in any number of ways. When it comes to writing or more specifically when it comes to being a self-published writer procrastination can be an issue.

I haven't touched my blog in seven days, not so big a deal in the grand scheme of regular life. But as I'm learning a bit of an issue in the self publishing/self promo world. Consistency is key if you want to build a fan base, a following you have to constantly work at putting your name out there. People only stay interested in something as long as it's interesting or at the very least frequently in there face.

You know those annoying ads that pop up everywhere you go because you once looked at a  chatty Kathy doll for your neighbors kid. You need to be like one of those ads. And procrastination will not help with that. You should treat your writing and the promoting part of it like a job. You should be putting in a certain number of hours each week preferably each day. Writing should be a joy something your passionate about. But along with that if your going to be published and make sales you have to work work work at it.

It isn't easy, remember I have four children, a house to work on, a part time job and I home school. So I understand how what I just said seems impossible but it's important and it will pay off.

Recently I started a calendar and am keeping track of the progress of each book, each blog etc. So I can see when I have to large a gap in there. And I need to work on promoting even more....


As you're doing these promos try to be creative. A little money out will help push books sales. No I'm not about to pimp a product. Simply ask other self-published authors what they're doing and try doing that. Ask your friends what would encourage them to read etc.

But more than all the self promo, more than anything else. You have to not allow the procrastination get to you. Write every day, even it's just a small amount of words. Five hundred words is still being consistent. Don't avoid your blog. Maintain your author page on fb, twitter wherever you've got one and even if you have very little out there keep consistent with a webpage. It will payoff in the end.

I've found that through some insane luck the more consistent I am with my writing I'm forced to be that way in the rest of my life. I have to get that pile of laundry done if I want to do the next thing and when all those things are done then it's my time to write. Do whatever works for you, carve out the time whenever you have it, just push to make sure you're doing it everyday.

If this spoke to you I'd love to hear your thoughts. :)

Surprise you're it!

My first foray into the world of self-publishing has certainly been a learning experience. Through the advice of a friend I was encouraged to work on and publish a short that could be put out for the public to enjoy. She told me that my work was up to par with other writers and that small ego stroke pushed me into a direction I've wanted to go in since I was 12. Self publishing was the way to go for me, I control all the content, the cover etc.

Now there are different schools of thought on self-publishing and equally strong opinions. I'm not discussing that today. Not directly anyways What I am covering is what I'm finding to be true as I work my way through self-publishing.


Self-publishing has it's advantages, you can publish when you want and how you want. You don't have to ask any for content approval. There's no anxious waiting to see if a publisher picks you out of the thousands of other submissions. There's no fighting to have just the cover you want because this is after all your dream and your vision. All of those things are the exact reasons I chose self publishing.

However those upsides are met with some labor intense down sides. You will do ALL the work. And once you put it out there any and all mistakes you've made are out there for your readers to see. This is not something to be taken lightly.

Covers: Very simple covers are somewhat easy to make (somewhat) as long as you're okay with very generic title choices etc. However as both a reader and a writer we know that a cover is what helps our readers make a choice. The old adage "Never judge a book by it's cover" well that's nice in theory but in reality our eyes are drawn to pretty shiny things. So making a cover requires skills, various photo editing programs and lacking those funds to purchase the right cover. If you're lucky you know people who make covers and can sometimes work out a trade. However this requires a lot of give and take and networking skills.

Content: Yes you can publish any and all words that come into your brain. There is no overlord editor forcing you to cut the two page epic about your characters Aunt Sue. This is great for those of us that are control freaks but it means that whatever you put out there stays out there, if it doesn't fit, doesn't work or is just plain weird it can and will hurt your name. Avoiding this as a self publisher can be tricky. A good beta reader is vital. Someone who will be brutally honest and tell you exactly what doesn't work. It's important to listen to them. Not the same as an editor's demands but essential to putting out good work. I recommend more than one beta reader familiar with the genre you write.

Additionally when it comes to content Editing. I'm am not savvy at grammar I know it, I don't like it but there it is. So having someone edit your work for publishing is a MUST. This isn't running spell check on word. This goes beyond little squiggly red and green lines. This has to be done by a professional or at the very least someone who has studied the English language. I truly believe a professional is best. Again this is a cost that you will have to incur all on your own.


Name recognition: To put it bluntly you have to pimp your name. The hardest thing you'll do is get book sales. At least at first. No one knows your name, what you write and no one cares. You have to network, twitter followed by every other way you can imagine. Getting your name out there and selling those first few books is an every day process. You can stand on your head holding a sign and they still won't sell. Unless you pay for advertising and social media blurbs.

On this note is where a LOT of work comes in. You need to create a market around your name. FB author page, twitter account, author email, author website, author business cards, bookmarks (for dropping here and there) and the list goes on. You have to do all of this and you have to keep doing it. Build Twitter followers, and talk about your book constantly, promote it post blurbs and reviews when you get them. It's work and to think otherwise is going to get you in fast trouble.

Read and Follow: Interacting with other Authors reading and promoting their work is essential. If you promote other work your name gets around as well. It's a give and take business. By interacting with other authors you build that ever so important network. Trust me that network is what will build you. Build up others and they will build you up.


Write: Despite all this work that has to be done every-day you have to write. And in volume. The more you publish the more you put out their with your name out there the more you have to promote. Time will pass when zero copies of your book will sell. Ignore that, for now it's about getting it out there and building a foothold. 


Now having said all the above, I'm going to plug along with my self publishing and keep hoping fort the best. I just wanted to share what I've learned thus far. And while it has been an enormous amount of work and book sales are currently stalled for me I'm more than optimistic. I'm encouraged, I have to keep doing the work, doing everything I can to put myself out there. In time it will pay off and I'll be able to point to my books and say "I did that"

What Really Matters

Being that it's NaNoWriMo there is a lot of author discussion flying about on both Facebook and Twitter. It's great fun to see the different ideas, questions and genres that are discussed in such a vast array of people. But I've noticed a trend that makes today's post a necessity, at least , in my eyes.

I see so many questions about what may or may not turn a reader off. "Will this be too much for readers, will this turn them off, will this offend them, what if I do this, will my book still sell?" And the list goes on. I try to answer this questions gently by saying write the story as it speaks to you, go with the story that feels honest that demands to be written. Only that way will you have a book you can be proud of.

What I really want to say is "There is always going to be someone who hates your book, hates your writing and is offended by any scene you point to." Guess what that's why there are so many book choices, so many genres and so many variations on the same theme. Now I don't usually say things so harshly but the truth remains if you try to write while at the same time worrying about who you will offend, if a certain type will like your book or if a certain scene crosses the line too much you will never like what you write. Writing to try to please everyone and offend no one doesn't exist and doesn't work. Not to mention when you try you come dangerously close to losing your voice and entering the world of formula writing.

That's fine if it's what you want. But if you write because it's a passion an obsession, a need that drives you to take notes on napkins then go with your gut. Write what drives you, what forces itself from your fingers and leaves you looking at the clock and wondering where the time went. The physical act of writing isn't easy and often times we have to work to make certain scenes come out of our brains but at the end of the day you should be writing what you want.

I write Erotica/Romance and I used to be quiet, restrained and almost embarrassed about what I write. Now frankly I'm proud of my work. It will never appeal to a vast majority of the population. In fact a great amount of the people out there probably think I write the devils work and again I don't care. Not because I don't value others opinions that's not what I'm saying at all. Asking for help deciding if a certain scene flows, or if logistically it makes sense or if said building does exist etc. That is not what I am referring to. We all ask for advice on certain things.

What I want most to encourage in writers is trust your art, trust your voice and trust that someone somewhere will love what you wrote. Have faith in yourself enjoy what you write take pride and confidence in it, even if you know for certain that someone somewhere would love to burn your book to ash.