A Writer's Dreams vs Reality #IWSG

So, I started a new Instagram account. The old one no longer exists. You can find my new one here: @Elle.Cardy

I'd really appreciate it if you could like and follow my new account.

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IWSG Question of the month: Do you remember writing your first book? What were your thoughts about a career path on writing? Where are you now and how is it working out for you? If you're at the start of the journey, what are your goals? 

When I was bright eyed and bushy tailed, full of unrealised dreams, I decided I wanted to be a writer. I had no idea how to make that a reality. All I wanted was for my stories to be in every bookshop across the world and to have movies made from my books. Not too much to ask, right? 

I shake my head at my younger self. At that stage, I hadn’t even written a book. So that’s where I started. I threw everything into it. If I only could’ve won on enthusiasm alone. 

First mistake: Other than reading a lot of my favourite genre, I did no research. I had no idea what made a good book, structurally or otherwise. Consequently, my first book was not up to scratch. It was insanely long. Some chapters were 10k plus words. For a single chapter! And that’s just one of its many flaws. 

I had no idea how to approach agents and publishers. Which agents? Which publishers? What was a query letter? What was a synopsis? I hadn’t even wondered how to get my story across in any form of interesting manner that might pique ANYone’s interest. Erm, it’s a fantasy. Lots of adventure and stuff. You’ll love it. 

I soon realised this dream of mine wasn’t going to fall into my lap. I finally did the research. How to write, how to structure, how to edit. I also researched my genre of choice, preferable book lengths, chapter lengths, story beats. And I wrote a whole new book. Then I edited it and edited it some more. Then delved into the business part: finding an agent. 

Second mistake: I gave up too easily. I convinced myself my new book wasn’t good enough. So I stopped looking for an agent and started writing another book. (As if I couldn’t do the two things at the same time). I went through the process again. And did the same thing again. 

Then life got in the way. 

When I finally got back to writing and publishing, life had taught me a tough lesson: It’s short. After some mighty rough times, I wanted control back. So, I took the self-publishing route and haven’t looked back since. 

I’m proud of my books. I love the stories I’ve written. I’m living the dream where I can continue to write what I want, when I want, all within the parameters based on my research of what readers want to read. Life is continuing to throw those nasty curveballs, but I’m not stressed about my writing. As long as people are still reading my stories and enjoying them, then I’m in a good place. And that makes me smile. 

What makes you smile? 

 

Wielder's Prize, Wielder's Curse, Wielder's Fire, 

Wielder's Storm Trilogy Box Set, 

Well of Ash a fantasy novella.

 

This post was written for the IWSG. Every first Wednesday of the month, members post on their blogs about their writing insecurities or offer some encouragement to others. If you are new to the IWSG or want to learn more, then please go HERE.

 

 

 

Note: I'm not actually here. I'm 6.5 hours away visiting family again for a week. When I'm back, I'll tour around the blogsphere to say hi.

Interviews, Writing Tips, and Books

Today I'm being interviewed over at Tyrean Martinson's blog. So if you'd like to know my top tips for writing, or where I find inspiration, or some other quirky things about me, then head on over.

 

And if you haven't picked up a copy of Cling to God: 365-Day Devotional for yourself or a gift for Christmas, then know it's now available as an ebook, paperback, and hardcover.

If you prefer fantasy, then I also have the Wielder's Storm Trilogy as a box set, or you can pick up the series individually starting with Wielder's Prize.

And if you prefer science fiction, then maybe try Tyrean Martinson's Rayatana series of novellas starting with Lift Off which is currently on sale for a short time only.

What are you reading at the moment?  

(And oh my goodness, have you seen the new Netflix animated series called Arcane? It's excellent! I highly recommend it and I've only seen the first two episodes so far.)

Don't forget to pop on over to Tyrean Martinson's blog.

The Ultimate Beta Reader #IWSG

Two weeks ago I released the box set of my Wielder's Storm trilogy. It was fun to do the cover for it and get the series out there as a complete ebook set. Now I've set my mind on a new book. This one will be a standalone (maybe). I plan to release it before the end of the year. I also have another series in the works which will be released next year.

Next month will be the first anniversary of my first novel and going indie. It's gone by so fast and its been a crazy roller coaster, but I've been loving it. I'm insanely busy with my plans and with other commitments I've made this year. I think I'm happiest when I'm busy.

How about you? What have you been doing?

Now on to the IWSG question of the month:

If you could choose one author, living or dead, to be your beta partner, who would it be and why? 

Patrick Rothfuss, author of Name of the Wind

While this epic fantasy is long and rambling, it is magnificent and beautiful and it sucks you right in. The characters are complex and interesting. The world is rich and detailed. The magic system is intriguing. Patrick knows his craft!

How about you? Who would you pick?

This post was written for the IWSG. Every first Wednesday of the month, members post on their blogs about their writing insecurities or offer some encouragement to others. If you are new to the IWSG or want to learn more, then please go HERE.