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Let me preface this by saying that I was already pretty old when I started this writing gig. I've always had a sense of my mortality and a wish to accomplish certain things before I go on to my "next great adventure". As a result, I've been carrying a hurry, hurry mentality.
You know why, don't you? They say one of the best ways to market your first book is to write a second book.
My problem? I'm not a fast writer. Oh, I can draft really fast. But I'm still stewing on the story and the characters, bouncing ideas around while I'm editing. The end result is in 2013 I took on too many things and spent too little time with my loved ones. That's going to change in 2014.
I want to take the time I need so I don't risk putting out crap.
Have you seen Dean Wesley Smith's post about what 2013 meant for the publishing world?
The US or European courts are still messing with the “First Sale” doctrine ... Right now, electronic books are not sold, they are licensed. (The person buying the book license has no rights to do anything with the book except read it.) But if the courts rule that an electronic book sale is an actual “sale” and “First Sale” applies, then things will shift dramatically in many, many areas. (The very least of which is “used electronic books.”) There are other aspects of “first sale” rulings coming as well that could affect international sales. This all has been in the works now for two years and we might see some cases come down in 2014 finally.Lots more stuff in the article, including sections on traditional, indie, agents, and writers. Whether you're traditionally or indie published, you might find it an interesting read. (click here)
How about you? Have you noticed any trends that could impact 2014?
Any epiphanies about your writing?
Doing anything fun for New Year's Eve?
Happy New Year!
No real epiphanies, except I'm still too slow! Thanks for the link, I'll have to check that out. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteMeaning people and businesses could start selling used eBooks? Why would anyone buy a new one then? That's a scary thought, especially for us authors.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fast writer either, Donna. We just do the best we can!
Jeff, I kept thinking that as I wrote more I'd get faster. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteAlex, I know, right? And how much "wear and tear" does someone put on a new ebook to make it less valuable as a "used" one?
The publishing industry is in its worst period ever here in my country currently. Some publishers have published less than ten books this year :( And I went from translating 7 to 8 books a year to one or two a year :(
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fast writer either, Donna. And I started late like you and with work and family have not produced much. I just try to enjoy the journey.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I write slow as well since I'm a binaries panster. I'll write 60 chapters of crap before I begin to make a connection. I've now rewritten chapters 1-6, 31 times.
ReplyDeleteAs for the industry, may God be with is.
Hugs and chocolate!
hmmm reselling ebooks? That is kinda dumb, but then it does get one out there more
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fast writer either - my first book launched in 2011 and I just released the sequel - this past week. I don't think this is a bad thing - not to promote procrastination, but I have read some works from more prolific authors that really, I think, Could have/should have taken more time. So I'd rather wait and read high quality. I have no idea what will be up with the publishing world, but it's always a-changing! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteDesmond, it's curious that publishing overall should be down in your country. Kinda scary, actually.
ReplyDeleteNatalie, that's what I forgot to do--enjoy the journey. 2014 will be very different for me (the last part of the year anyway) than 2013 was.
Shelly, but you are getting books done. I own a couple of them. :D
Pat, with ebooks being such a big deal anymore, what does a "used" ebook that sold for $.99 to begin with go for? Will the author get any of that?
Melissa, I'm with you there. I'm concerned that some people are in such a rush to get a lot of books out that they're really bad. I don't want to be one of them.
I'm curious to see what changes will come, and I hope I'm able to 'just keep writing' as my love for writing is what got me into this in the first place.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, Ilima! Just let us keep writing.
ReplyDeleteThis is scary! And I'm also a late starter and slow writer. :)
ReplyDeleteFirst off, you are so funny, Donna. You are totally young! (And such a babe) :)
ReplyDeleteThe idea of used ebooks is ridiculous to me...
And huge happy New Year to you! I'm excited for 2014!
Kimberly, Yay for us late starters, I guess. But I imagine I'm a much later starter than you. ;)
ReplyDeleteMorgan, it's a good thing I didn't have anything in my mouth when I read your comment. Babe. Right. :D
I write a slow 1st draft, but can accelerate on the revision/edits.
ReplyDeleteThe used ebook thing is scary. It's something we all need to start thinking about I guess. But it seems silly. Do they sell used MP3's?
Ah, now, M Pax, that is a very good question. Isn't music also merely a license?
ReplyDeletePopped over to the link - very interesting reading - thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteHappy new year!
Suzanne @ Suzannes Tribe
x
Another late starter, slow writer here :) It would have been easier to give up a long time ago, but we keep persevering. Maybe we should start a club, lol.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you and your family, Donna!
I don't like the idea of used ebooks.
ReplyDeleteMy epiphany is how much I'm able to do and how I can stretch myself in this business.
Happy New Year.
Oh I can relate to the slow part. I tend to lose interest in my stories after I write the first draft. I have so many unedited stories that my goal for this next year is to go back and edit them! If I can conquer three next year, I'll be very happy!
ReplyDeleteMy epiphany came with a lot of things that happened this past year, but it all led to one thing -- needing to take a year to refocus and enjoy writing again. I'm looking forward to the journey of 2014. :)
ReplyDeleteLike you, I used to be a slower writer, and proud of it! But I've noticed I've been able to writer faster as I go along. Sometimes it just depends on the book, though. I'm beginning to think slower is often better. More time to enjoy writing it!
Much love and happiness to you and your family in 2014, Donna. X
ReplyDeleteI think the way we buy and consume books is still in flux and we won't really know what the future holds until the dust settles. Too many people are rushing to judgement or making claims of disaster when change is hard to predict. I'm pretty sure stories will still be written and read no matter how they're sold.
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Moody Writing
You too, Suzanne.
ReplyDeleteYeah, Suzie. I like the idea of a club. :D
Me either, Medeia.
Nicole, I'm glad I don't lose interest in my stories, though I've heard of others like you.
Michelle, it might help if I had more discretionary time. lol I hope I live to a ripe old age, so I can do more, faster, when I retire.
Donna, same to you!
Moody, I agree that there are always cries that the sky is falling. The one thing we can count on is change. And we need to change with it.
I feel your pain, my friend! I find it's a lot better when I take a (small) step back from social media. Aside from it being a tool for procrastination, it adds unnecessary pressure. Yuck. :/
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