My First CON (SFF Convention) … Where I failed, What I learned, Why I still had Fun!

Use of Allegory in Modern Fantasy Fiction: Prince Kristian's Honor

My First Book Signing!

On Halloween night, I had my first book signing at a Barnes and Nobles near where I live and went to college. I was so excited that I showed up an hour early for the event. There was a large poster announcing the event at the main door and a table with a display and books set up along the main isle in the middle of the store. I was immediately concerned.

 The Hero’s Journey and Prince Kristian’s Honor – A Reader’s Challenge

The Self-Publishing Timeline – My Personal Experience 

Writing, for me, is a great joy filled with some pain. Creating stories with characters that develop more and more as I write about them is extremely satisfying. Getting a chance to finally see those characters in print is even more gratifying. The road to self-publishing my book had a few slow moments, though. There were no real deadlines because most requirements were up to me. Not understanding the timeline and how I could have better prepared might have caused me a lot of frustration and miscommunication, but because I had a superb editor and consultant I was able to meet those deadlines with relative ease. 

Self Published Writer Essentials

There are numerous characteristics that a writer considering the self-publishing route will need to have to successfully navigate the road to publication. I am sure there are several other things to consider, but as I wrote a list down of all of the things that I learned over and over again during my first self-publishing experience, eight essential attributes topped my list:

Ancient Ruins, Civilizations and the Link to Fantasy Fiction

Earlier in the decade, I had the opportunity to visit some of the most awe-inspiring ruins of the Middle East.

Thousands of years ago, a civilization carved the facades of large temples, treasuries, tombs, amphitheaters, and homes into the cliffs hidden within a vast desert. These people were shrewd businessmen that understood trade routes and commerce. Their buildings, many are as tall as some buildings used by businessmen today, were designed to impress travelers and demonstrate their economic wealth, sophistication, and architectural beauty.

The Need for Redemption and Fantasy Stories

Many debates are raging across the media over the last week about Michael Jackson. Beyond his outstanding musical talents, was he a good person deserving of world-wide recognition? What about allegations of wrong-doing? I asked myself why I even cared about the hype! Sure, I liked Michael in the 80s, but why should I care about his death now.

It took a short conversation with a friend about my book to put it into perspective ... and it hit me like a hammer!

I don't know anyone that has not made a mistake in their life. I know I have made my share (to the point that you would think my quota was already met)! Do we tend to regard people in a kinder fashion once they have died and left this world? Mass murderers, dictators, and fanatics excluded? Jackson's death is surrounded by contraversy because of his actions - both good and questionable.

New Writer Marketing Tips:
Website function and aesthetics vs. information and content

The latter is obviously more important, but if your website isn't informative and looks bad who will want to take a risk on your book? Any new writer, especially those that decide to go the Print On Demand (POD) route - via a self-publishing company, understand the frustrations of getting potential readers to take note of their work. You may have a lot more control over the publishing process, but you won't have the marketing power that big publishing firms have. So how can you take advantage of the internet and level the playing field? You have to design something that catches the eye of potential readers.

 Self Publishing and the Editorial Process

What to expect from an editor in the self-publishing world...my experience is limited to my first manuscript but I am sure these quick notes will hold true for most people interested in looking at the self-publishing route. There are pros and cons with editors in self-publishing. I am newly acquainted with mine but it seems different than it probably is with a large publishing firm. Following are things I think make the self-publishing process positive: honest feedback on titles, page length, trim, cover design, coordination with copy editor, facilitates ISBN, takes direction from writer but tries to guide a new writer along the best path to success in self publishing.