It doesn't get old.

 

Remember Me

I'm so excited to announce the release of my second book. Remember Me is an Erotic interlude about a woman with no memory and a man with secrets.

I thought after I released my first book that I couldn't feel that excited again. After all, it was my first jump into the world of real publishing. Yet as I sit here today able to announce that my second book is officially for sale I can't help but feel almost the same excitement.

It's a pretty amazing thing to know that you have you work out there on the world stage just waiting for someone to love it as much as you do. Whether I sell one copy or thousands the satisfaction comes from knowing once again I jumped the hurdle of doubt and did it again.

If you haven't published yet I'll remind you that as well as being excited is the worry that it won't be received well etc. But, for me at least, the happiness outweighs that.


I'll likely spend the next few days checking and rechecking the reports that tell me what the sales are. At some point I'll be frustrated or even discouraged. Still the moment of knowing you did it, that you published something is worth pushing for, worth writing into the night for, worth every bit of sweat and frustration writers know every day.

About taking a break....

I wrote about how being consistent is important and it absolutely is. Making sure your voice, your name and your work is constantly out there and in the face of the reading public is vital. But and it's a big but it's also highly important to take a step back now and then. In order to be good at anything; being a parent, a spouse, a friend, a worker or a writer means having time off. Real time off when you don't have to think about whatever role it is you haven't had a break from. As a spouse and parent I think it's vital for alone time from your children and spouse as well as date night with your spouse to both disconnect and reconnect with what we love about the people in our lives. This includes friends and family. At work in the real world we get days off and when those days off are few and far between we begin to show the strain and resentment that comes from doing anything continuously.

Being a writer is no different. We have to learn when we're getting close to burn out or that overwhelmed feeling that doesn't let up. Sure we can keep writing but at some point if you don't allow yourself a break you'll begin to hate the thing you used to love. It will become a chore with only a hint of the passion you used to have. It can take a long time to get past that feeling.

I'm not saying this happens to everyone but it's something that happens a lot especially to writers just learning their way. Usually they are listening to the advice of "write everyday". That is good advice on the whole but we have to allow for real life, illness, moodiness and down right fatigue. Also it's really okay to not feel like writing . This year I completed NaNoWriMo ten days early and was completely psyched to continue writing everyday. I got tired, I got busy, I managed to write every few days and had fun but I also let myself have a break. I had met my goal my metaphorical "deadline" after that I felt I deserved a rest.

You can take these well earned and much needed breaks and still stay consistent and present in the public eye.  A little planning is all it takes. If you blog and are having a creative day try to complete one or two blogs in advance and putting them in draft status. Don't publish them the next time you feel like you need a blog. Post them when you've had a run of days where you don't feel like posting. You might be tired, sick or just angry at writing in general. It's really helpful to have a few just waiting. As a mother of four who has something come up more often than not it's very helpful. The same for author page posts, graphic art for book covers and even Twitter posts.

If you're anything like me you'll have days when your creative energy seems to overflow. Use those days to bank art, ideas, notes and posts. I promise they will come in handy. If you do flash fiction, or fanfiction, or shorts you can do this as well. If nothing else it will give you a starting point, a place to draw new ideas from.


But overall what I want to stress is it's important to take a break, let your mind rest now and then. It allows your brain to reset itself find the energy needed to keep writing, creating in a way that you'll actually like when you look at it again.

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. :)