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Anyone Writing Their Own Book(142)

Discussion started on  03/27/2005 06:12:17 PM  by  luvlea252
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  • Date: 05/26/2005 12:34:41 AM
  • Total Posts: 3 Msg 1652.78
in Reply To :

Hi everyone:

I see that this subject has been going on for a while now, but I just found out about this message board and became very interested.  I have been a lover of writing for quite some time now, starting in my elementary years writing long short stories including the famous Steve Urkel clone Stefan (lol...yikes right, but I guess that can tell you a bit about how old I am).  But I continued on with my writing, getting more interested in it within the years and however slowed down once I entered college two years ago.  Now, that I have spare time on my hands and expecting my first child, my love for writing has flourished again and I'm actually about to attempt to write my first full novel and perhaps get it published.  I've read the posts in this board and I see there are soo many talented writers out there and I would love to communicate with you all, get some feedback as I begin writing on a storyline I had came up with a couple years ago.  I'm very excited to write about it, being that it will be something different for me to write with a lot of dramatic twists and possible tragedy that I'm very sure will grasp and keep the attention of readers.  Once again I look forward to talking with you all and gaining as much knowledge as I am able to from you all.

 

UniquelyXpressed

  • Date: 05/31/2005 09:14:11 PM
  • Total Posts: 15 Unread Msg 1652.79
in Reply To :

well you have defintely joined the right message board!! I am too new to BV and there are soooo many diverse writers here and I look forward to chatting with them soon. i am too an author my first novel "And Even If I Did" is due out in August of this year and I have been writing for many years and am an avid reader and i also right poems in my leisure...Well hope to chat with ya soon! good Luck to you

dotcomdiva831

http://journals.aol.com/dotcomdiva831/SoYouWannaKnowHuh/

  • Date: 05/31/2005 11:14:50 PM
  • Total Posts: 1 Msg 1652.80
in Reply To :

Hello

I just started to write my book and I have no idea what to do. Can you please guide me in steps of how to get an agent, PR person, published, etc. Thanks

  • Date: 06/03/2005 06:16:13 PM
  • Total Posts: 7 Unread Msg 1652.81
in Reply To :
 You should have a website and your link should be on everyone's website.

2.   Send free copies to various bookstores.

3.   Put a lot of positive energy into the universe why someone should purchase your book.

I agree, I have a fairly popular site and I'm ready to trade links with anyone needing exposure.   javaa1@yahoo.com

I also just released a new novel (A Friend of Nikki Sunshine’s).Use the link to check out the first scene.  

Thanks, Java

 

http://www.1ancientwon.com/nikki2.html

 

Also, I have several free e-books and e-magazine’s on my site.

Download whatever you like. www.1ancientwon.com

 

  • Date: 06/11/2005 01:28:05 PM
  • Total Posts: 13 Msg 1652.82
in Reply To :

One of the first things I learned about online promotions was that you should NEVER just post your book and commercials all over the place.

You should try to participate and be a part of the community you expect to support you.

I posted my book here, but I also participate in the discussions. Please try doing that and you will get a much better response to your work.

Best of luck.

This is very good advice. A couple of authors have visited my site: http://www.sourleach.com  and posted straight advertisements, which didnt go over well.  I am looking for authors and entrepreurs to share their stories and tips  in my business forum: http://soulreach.com/index.php?c=11

Its free exposure for authors that are truly interested in networking .

 

 


Soul Reach- Our New Black Forum
  • Date: 06/16/2005 12:28:37 PM
  • Total Posts: 3 Msg 1652.83
in Reply To :
I am truly inspired by these posts.  I have been working on a book for the past 3 years.  My problem lately is getting over "writer's block".  One day I am writing and the next day, absolutely nothing.  I write in my journal daily, but that is totally different to me than writing a book.  Would you have any suggestions to help me overcome this problem? 

If you really want it, you will have it. If it means enough to you, it will happen.

  • Date: 06/17/2005 11:32:58 AM
  • Total Posts: 5 Unread Msg 1652.84
in Reply To :

Hello....i have to say im impressed by this whole scene here and i agree with you...some very good ideas and good people on here....im forest issac jones. im publishing my first childrens novel which i'll put a link to down below to the front and back cover of 'THE GREATEST ENGLISH DETECTIVE CLUB #1'.... I have one short story published previously a couple of years ago and i thought the self publishing route would be best for my childrens book. My goal is to simply network and get to know people and hopefully i can support them and they can support me in my goal to get out a childrens book that features a main minority character which sadly, as an educator myself, i know we have few of....anyway, any support would be great, i'll definitely be on here daily and the book will be out in a week or so on iuniverse.com  thanks for your time and much love-forest.

  • Date: 06/17/2005 02:31:34 PM
  • Total Posts: 3 Msg 1652.85
in Reply To :

My fellow brother and sister writers.  I think it would be good if we all began to support each other.  What I mean is that a bunch of us writers get together when we have time and buy each other's books.  Then after a month we review a different book and give CONSTRUCTIVE criticism and support.  This will build better relationships, generate some sales and possibly even build some collaborative efforts in the past.  What do you all think?  Be blessed!!!!!!

  • Date: 06/17/2005 03:07:15 PM
  • Total Posts: 7 Msg 1652.86
in Reply To :

My problem lately is getting over "writer's block".  One day I am writing and the next day, absolutely nothing. 

 

You're thinking too hard. Just write... no matter what it is, you can always edit it later.

Or if you can't work on your story, work on charactor development.

What religion are they? Why? What kind of car do they drive? What would they really like to drive instead? Favorite color, singer or whatever. A lot of the stuff you write down you’ll never use, but it gives you a clear picture of who your characters are.

 

Best of luck,

Java

 

  • Date: 06/17/2005 09:03:30 PM
  • Total Posts: 3 Unread Msg 1652.87
in Reply To :
I really believe that I am thinking too hard at times.  I write everyday even if it's not pertaining to my book.  It's amazing to me how much writing I can do in one day, even if it does not make sense to the next person!  This is my first novel so I am trying to "stay on point" and stick to the subject as much as possible.  I appreciate your advice!

If you really want it, you will have it. If it means enough to you, it will happen.

  • Date: 06/20/2005 05:39:44 PM
  • Total Posts: 15 Unread Msg 1652.88
in Reply To :

I agree with you 100%...it is hard when you are trying to promote your work and feel like you dont know how to network. That was one of the reason i joined BV to network!!!. i also started a chatroom   Black Voices  "Authors & Poets for that sole purpose of networking and hearing stories of what different people wen through and so forth......but it is hard when people dont support positive people doing positive things...

DotComDiva831
Author of debut novel
"And Even If I Did..."-August 2005
  • Date: 06/21/2005 11:03:07 AM
  • Total Posts: 3 Unread Msg 1652.89
in Reply To :

YES!     wrote a book titeled.............TO ALL THE GIRLS IVE LOVED B4

RANDOM HOUSE LOOKED OVER IT TWICE B4 TELLING ME NO................LAWYERS STATED THAT THEY WERE GONNA BE LOOKING AT TOO MANY LAW SUITS...........

STILL TRING TO GET IT PUBLISHED............

  • Date: 06/21/2005 11:04:25 AM
  • Total Posts: 3 Unread Msg 1652.90
in Reply To :

I SO GREATLY AGREE WITH YOU...........SOUNDS WONDERFUL.

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED

  • Date: 07/04/2005 11:31:13 PM
  • Total Posts: 2 Msg 1652.91
in Reply To :
 Hello, I am new to this website.  But I most certainly have been searching for writing information.  I published my first book in March 2005.  "The Yellow Pages, A Directory From God.  It is poetry.  One of the hardest publications to get noticed in the publishing market.  I have a second book completed and awaiting funding for publishing.  "Girl Talk....Woman to Woman, Sister to Sister and Heart to Heart.  Is there help for the struggling artist.  I need it. Funds, exposure, marketing techniques {some of which I have read and made thorough notes of} and support groups. If you will, and not just vir8giel but anyone on the site check out some of my works on poetry.com  just enter yant for last and d for first initial.  I need funding if anyone is interested in helping investing in a struggling upcoming Author.
  • Date: 07/05/2005 12:27:44 AM
  • Total Posts: 18 Msg 1652.92
in Reply To :

DaisysJoy,

Hey sweetie got ur message about ur struggle I know that's right I am in the struggle myself sweetie delinguent bills but there is not many black people anymore that will help each other over here so I advise u to look where some bigger authors are.  Like Oprah's Bookclub, if u have a book out already then try authorhouse they only ask for under a thousand dollars to publish ur book will work a payment plan that fits ur budget and they put ur work with them authorhouse.com, barnes.com, amazon.com, 25 thousand bookstores print-on-demand only thing other than those books u have to buy ur own for half off.  To promote u need to put ur book in the newspapers, pennysavers pass flyers out everywhere u go, make a target list Church, Universities, Schools, malls, bus stops, libraries, bookstores, airports and pass ur flyers and bookmarkers out, make extra stuff like postcards.  Call the news station see if u can get a news interview in ur town don't stop calling them they will break for u.  I am on myspace where with my poems doors have been open I will be in Consciousness Magazine, And 50 Cents put me up on his page on of my poems and promotes my book there www.myspace.com /50Centsrecords.  I have been talking back and forth with him he sent Jay-Z and I been talking back and forth to him too trying to get someone to pick up my book!  My water is about to get cut off so I will be glad when something comes thru with the views I get on my page and comments I know the struggle is over almost.  I have a bestseller on my hands.  I encourage u to get the book 1001 Ways to Market ur Book by John Kremer and read it and Writers Online Market Place by Debbie Radpath Ohi u really won't make it if u slack off of reading about what ur doing, as a writer you are ur own self promoter, employee, and u can never grow weary you have to work work work work work to push your book, and if u don't your book will fail if you write a hundred of them.  These books express that a lot so I am not trying to look down on you.  I work 17-18 hours a day promoting my book in two months I have gained 300 friends on myspace and have gotten 650 views of my profile.  My goal is 5, 0000 friends and over 100,000 views it's very interactive there comments, messages and bulletins.  Call ur libraries and your bookstores and arrange booksignings they are easy I have two major booksignings in California as soon as my book comes out.  So just call em baby.  Good luck hope this will help if u need me then holler anytime vir8giel @aol.  My webpage is www. myspace.com/ gratefulgiftsbd.  Every rapper Nelly, Ying Yang twins, Halle Barry, Lil Jon, Jay-Z, 50 Cents, Tonex, E.B Williams, Mariah Carey, so many more are my friends and I am every grateful to God and the opportunities for this people to believe in me and support me.  They tagged me The Poetress and The Author that will  Shock the U.S.  Grateful Gifts Beyond Descriptions first edition drops in Sept. 05 thru authorhouse.com, barnes.com, amazon.com, 25 thousand bookstores print-on-demand takes 2-3 days to deliver.  love u keep ur head to the skyyy!!!

  • Date: 07/05/2005 02:48:59 PM
  • Total Posts: 1 Unread Msg 1652.93
in Reply To :

I just published my first book, and I am excited, and so far undaunted. The networking and marketing aspect has been trying, but I realize that this the grind. I support Black authors and artists. I have often bought books at Karibu, simply because I wanted to support.'

Here is my book,

Young and Debt Free

http://www.youngandebtfree.com

  • Date: 07/06/2005 10:06:05 AM
  • Total Posts: 4 Msg 1652.94
in Reply To :

I published my first book in January titled Through the Fire.  http://www.trafford.com/robots/04-1654.html  This is my website where  you can view the information about the book and purchase it also.  I decided to self publish because I was having a hard time getting an agent to represent me.  It has been a long, hard road but I wouldn't trade it for anything.  I have been doing books signings in my state of NC and I have been invited to Atlanta a couple of times.  I tell everyone I see about my book and offer them a post card with the cover on it, or give them a flyer where they can order the book. I travel with books in my trunk and offer one to every person that I meet.  I feel that I have a wonderful book and that everyone should read it.  The message is one that everyone can relate to or benefit from.  I wrote the sequel called A Circle of Women which will be in print in September, if all goes well.  I am currently writing a young adult novel called Today I kissed A Butterfly which is also a wonderful story. 

The time that I was giving to employers is the same time that I am devoting to my business as a writer.  The greatest joy comes when someone says that they read your book and enjoyed it and can't wait to read the next one. It is an awesome feeling.  I encourage anyone that feels that they want to write to do just that. Dream and rely on God to make it come true.

 

 

  • Date: 07/08/2005 01:35:37 PM
  • Total Posts: 8 Msg 1652.95
in Reply To :

HelloBabiG and all fellow writers,

   I have completed my first novel and it is in the production stage at this point. I am now working my marketing strategies at this point. I can sure use some ideas.

  • Date: 07/08/2005 01:48:08 PM
  • Total Posts: 8 Msg 1652.96
in Reply To :

I too am an author and you have just answered some of my marketing questions.  Like yourself I also have gone into self publishing and have started lining up my book signing venues.

My book is a novel based on a true story and is titled THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US.  You may take a take a look at my website,srvan.com.  At present, I am working on modifying the website and have started writing my second book.

I can use any feedback from you, since you have gone were I am now going.

  • Date: 07/08/2005 02:32:05 PM
  • Total Posts: 4 Msg 1652.97
in Reply To :

I live in Winston Salem, which is supposed to be the art district of NC. Unfortunately, the people here have not been too receptive.  It is not uncommon for me to have just two people in attendance at a book signing. and one of those two will be homeless! However, I believe in word of mouth, so if I don't have but one person in attendance I am going to give them the same lively and fun filled evening as if I have a room full of people.

I have gotten card stock paper, and printed up the cover of my book on it; four copies on each page - the size of a postcard. I carry them everywhere I go. I also have flyers, and book marks that I leave at beauty shops, barber shops, record stores, Book stores (if they let me) I put a flyer on every bulletin board I see; grocery store, wherever.

I will pack up ten books and go to a mall and approach the first ten people that I see with a big smile, dressed sharp and say, "Have you gotten your copy of Through the Fire yet?" Well, I know they haven't and so I pause just briefly and tell them about the book in less than 30 seconds. I nod my yes as I ask them wouldn't they like to get their copy now, and ofer to autograph it right there.  It is an easy sale.  In 30 minutes I have sold all ten books.  If you are enthusiastic about your work, people will feel it and want to share in that enthusiasm.

I am currently looking for someone to invest in my business so that I can obtain 2000-5000 books. I know I can seel them if I have them.  I have written 6 other books. I am anxious to get them out there.  I had a wonderful father to raise me, and so every book that I write will have a powerful black man in it.  If you want to email me at my address it is darbywest1@aol.com.

 

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