The jexbo® Blog

Interview with Author Kim Alsup

2013-11-16T03:26:00.002-08:00

Today we’re talking to author Kim Alsup. Here’s what she had to say:

Tell us about your self-published books and where they are available

-I began publishing a series called Caught Up! in 2012 which follows main character Shana Lakeman, a 13 year old girl who falls in love for the first time and finds out that falling in love too fast comes with a whole lot of consequences and drama. This series was birthed from a dream that I had beginning ironically at the age of 13. The dream went on every night until I turned 18, it wasn't until I started writing it down at 16 that I realized what an interesting story this was.

-The first two books in the series Caught Up!: The Life and Times of Shana Lakeman and the sequel focusing on her best friend Caught Up!: The Life and Times of Donna Brown can be found on amazon.com (print and digital) as well as iTunes.

Why did you decide to self-publish?

-After searching for avenues to get my story our there one of my colleagues suggested that I try self-publishing. Dealing with publishers and agents that would twist my story and make it into something I did not want just didn’t feel like the right path. I’m not saying that I won’t ever be interested in that route but not right now.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?

-The biggest challenge I would have to say that while self-publishing is a fairly easy process marketing is not so much so. Before publishing I just knew that I would be able to sell it and fast but that wasn’t the case. A lot goes into marketing a book and getting your name out there, it doesn’t just automatically end up in a bookstore or end up on a best-seller list. This is where you have to be publisher and agent all in one. I wasn’t aware of all the research that I needed to do beforehand so that I could market it to the right people. The first book sold fairly well but the second was more complicated because it was a sequel and needed to be marketed completely different which became very challenging.

What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?

-The best part of self-publishing is it is all mine. No one else owns it, no one else has input unless I ask for it, and I control everything. I pick the cover, I choose when its finished, and when to release it.

What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their books?

-My advice is research, research, research! Researching who your book should be marketed to before publishing. It will make marketing so much easier. Also to be confident in your project, because if you aren’t then no one else will.

Is there anything you would like to add?

-My goal when writing is that if one person loves or is affected by what I write then I have accomplished my goal. My desire is to inspire. To launch the 3rd book in this series I am currently working on a cartoon web series.

Thanks for sharing your information with us Kim, and good luck with book sales!

Interview with Brian Starr

2012-09-12T08:33:00.002-07:00

Today we’re talking with author and president of Starr Books, Brian Starr. This is what he has to say:

Tell us about your self-published books and where they are available.

I have 50 self-published books. There are series’ based on Saints, Knights, Travel Journals, and Priests. Most of my books are based on genealogy and research I have done. They are available on Kindle, Kobo books, jexbo, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Lulu.com, Xlibris.com and on my website at BrianDStarr.com.

Why did you decide to self-publish?

So far I have not had an offer from a publisher or book agent and decided this information needed to be made public. I have made some money in royalties so far and hope for more customers.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?

The biggest challenge in self publishing is finding the market and the customers and finding the time necessary to make my books a success.

What has been the best part about self-publishing your books and why?

The prestige and comfort from knowing I am an immortal author and have proven I can write a book. The idea that my books may help someone else.

What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their books?

Go to the City Hall and become a business. Do not stay with any one company, Publish many titles of the same book with different publishers. Copyright everything. Submit to the Library of Congress, and never give up!!!! You are the author of your destiny.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Consider this a promotion of my books. I am willing to entertain a book agent, business partner, etc., with royalty, commissions, and rights to the book to sell as a way to get past the single sale on the internet type of marketing I am experiencing.

Thanks for sharing your information with us Brian, and good luck with book sales!

Interview with Colin Bass

2012-04-18T03:31:00.001-07:00

Today we’re talking to author Colin Bass. This is what he has to say:

Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.

The book is titled The Last Dance, and it is about a father, Jake Stevens, who is in a constant losing battle with alcoholism. He becomes estranged from his daughter, Gabrielle, and thinks he is doing what is best for her by remaining out of her life. When the alcohol becomes a burden too heavy for Jake to bear he commits suicide. The book goes back and forth between Jake and Gabrielle’s perspectives, and after Jake takes his life it leaves the reader wondering what is next? Will Jake ever get the chance to tell Gabrielle how sorry he is? Or will she be destined to live a full life of wishing for just one more moment of her father’s time?

You can get the book for Amazon’s kindle for $1, and the price is the same for the Barnes and Noble Nook. I also published it in paperback through lulu.com, and it is now available in paperback on Amazon as well. The price for the paperback is $8.

Why did you decide to self-publish?

I decided to self-publish mostly because I wanted to have complete autonomy over my work. I wanted to pick my release dates, choose how the book was set up, and surround myself with hard working individuals who I knew had my best interests in mind.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?

My biggest challenge would be patience. And that is because I want as many people as possible to read my book. For me it isn’t about the money I just want to change people’s lives with the gift I have been given. So I know the more people that pick up this book the more lives I have the opportunity of changing.

What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?

The best part, and this may seem silly, but the best part is making my dedication as long as I like. I am really into Hip-Hop music, so I like to listen to Drake, Jay-z, etc., and when I am doing my dedication it always looks like the booklet inside a rappers CD. I meet people on the street, and insert them into my dedication. I just love the fact that I can immortalize a thank you, and that person will remember that forever. They may not like the book, but they will always know they touched my life in some sort of way.

What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?

As far as advice goes I don’t really have much. I think the key when you are a self-published author is to make your own way, never give up, and realize that for every person that likes your book there are five more waiting to tell you they hate it.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I would just like to add that I would be lost without these special people… My mom (Jeannie), Molly Bates, Katlyn Maxwell, Alana Wilkinson, Lee Musser, Sarah Bianchin, and Danielle Uppole.

I would also like to thank you for letting me do this interview. It truly means a lot.

Thanks for sharing information about your book with us, Colin, and good luck with book sales!

Interview with Randel Quandros

2012-01-23T14:03:00.000-08:00

Today we’re talking to author Randel Quadros about his book Necessary Evils. This is what he has to share with us:

NECESSARY EVILS is a mystery and drama about betrayal, lies, and the dark side of people. A young ambitious U.S. Army lieutenant in Vietnam gets court-martialed and kicked out of the military. However, he was completely innocent of the charges. As someone who had dreamed of a life and career in the military since he was a young boy, the incident destroys him.

Years later, after he becomes an attorney, he inadvertently discovers that his court-martial had been rigged and that he never stood a chance of proving his innocence. He then realizes that his psychological scars from the incident have never healed and starts investigating the matter with the hope of exorcising his demons.

He struggles through numerous dead ends, twists, and turns in the investigation and learns that the people he trusted most during the court-martial had mercilessly betrayed him. They had been part of a conspiracy to ensure he was found at fault in the court-martial. When he discovers who instigated the plot against him he is horrified and outraged and swears he will bring him to justice. However, it won’t be easy because he has dark secrets of his own that would ruin him if revealed, and his adversary knows about them. Nonetheless, the former lieutenant doesn’t give up and devises a clever plan to ensnare his nemesis, and in an explosive and surprising ending he springs his trap.

Presently, NECESSARY EVILS is available through Amazon’s Kindle ebooks and Barnes & Noble’s Pubit! I also anticipate it will soon be available on jexbo’s website.

My decision to self-publish the novel as an ebook was based on the exorbitant costs involved with traditional publishing. Additionally, traditional publishing is a long involved crapshoot where authors compete against each other to persuade publishers that their books will outsell the next guy’s. Realizing that new and unknown authors probably don’t farewell against the likes of established authors with proven track records, I decided that self-publishing was probably the better option. With self-publishing no one stands in the way of getting the book published and it’s relatively fast, easy, and low cost.

However, self-publishing has its drawbacks too. Authors have to do everything themselves, and if they are new authors with little or no experience, publishing a book can be a daunting and confusing experience. Unless one is knowledgeable about computer text and image formats and publishing formats accepted by the various publishers, a lot of time can be wasted re-formatting and reediting manuscripts. Also, designing book covers and interior layouts, registering copyrights, obtaining ISBN numbers, finding book printers, etc. can be time-consuming and confusing tasks.

While numerous self-publishing companies are available on the internet to take care of these tasks for you, obviously you have to pay them. But the internet is also littered with complaints about these companies for long delays in service delivery, failures to respond to customer complaints, and failures to answer questions or explain the status of work in progress.

Furthermore, it seems like every company is trying to hustle you. They want clients to buy “packages” they offer, which range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. The problem for new or inexperienced authors is that they don’t know what’s necessary and what’s not. They also don’t know what reasonable charges for various services are. And finally, I seriously doubt that any self-publishing company will tell authors that their books are lousy or that there is no market for them. The old saying, “buyers beware” is as true as ever in the self- publishing business.

The best part of self-publishing my book was what I learned in the process. It forced me to talk to friends and acquaintances with knowledge and experience in the publishing field. I also read dozens of articles on the internet about self-publishing and visited numerous website of self-publishing businesses. In the end, I found and hired my own editors, book formatters, cover designers, and interior book designers. I also registered my book’s copyright and obtained and registered my book’s ISBNs. Now, I’m working through the marketing and publicity phase of the process. These experiences have given me a lot of contacts with people who have considerable knowledge and skill in the publishing and writing fields, which will make things go smoother and faster the next time around.

My advice to those considering self-publishing their book is to contact a friend or acquaintance with experience and knowledge in the publishing field and ask them to guide you through the process. Pay them for their time if you have to. Also, look for articles on the internet about self-publishing to learn what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, and what it generally costs.

It’s okay to hire one of the self-publishing services, but I wouldn’t go into it blindly or let them be your advisor. A self-publishing company will make your initial experience much less stressful, but it will also be more expensive. And remember, some of these services are hustlers. Therefore, take your time to find sincere people who are willing and capable of helping you. This way you’ll learn a lot and won’t get hustled out of a ton of money.

Perhaps the least appetizing aspect of self-publishing is marketing and promoting your book. After it’s published, your book will be in competition with all the other books of the same genre, and the books that get the most effective publicity and exposure will be the ones that sell best. You will be alone in this aspect of the process unless you hire a publicity agent. So, be thinking about it because it is probably the most important aspect of publishing.

Finally, be prepared for setbacks and delays, and don’t get too OCD about the publishing process. There are many things that can delay the publication of your book that are unavoidable or inherent in the business. Just try to relax and keep putting one foot in front of the other, and eventually everything will get done.

Thanks for telling us about your book, as well as sharing your tips for self-publishing Randy. Good luck with book sales!

Interview with Author Jeff Bradford

2012-01-08T13:24:00.000-08:00

Today at jexbo we’re talking to author Jeff Bradford. Here’s what he has to share with us:

Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.

My Coyote Creek is an honest and emotional memoir told by the youngest of three children (that would be me, author Jeff Bradford) about a mother’s creative struggle to provide a normal upbringing for her children while living with an abusive sociopath of a husband.

She shields her children from the truth that is her bizarre dark reality; all the while finding imaginative ways to feed and clothe them in the poverty stricken isolation of the vast prune orchards along the banks of Coyote Creek in Santa Clara County, California.

From 1957 to 1961, the children, Sharon, 7; Dave, 5; and Jeff, 4, wallow in the majesty of this wonderland their mother has created for them while being protected from the abusive horrors she endures.

This story shows a mother’s amazing resolve to create secure bliss for her children—a childhood filled with love and creativity. Readers can expect a mind-expanding experience brimming with adventures right out of a modern-day Huck Finn scenario.

That is until the day their innocence is lost and their lives are changed forever as their idea of heaven instantly turns to a confusing and distorted view of their mother’s hell. The children witness for the first time their father’s brutality when he leaves their mother for dead on the side of the road. Without transportation or a telephone, and living in the middle of nowhere, how would they save their mother and escape to safety?

Little did they know that their mother had seen this life-threatening situation coming and had devised a plan to secretly escape in the middle of the night. With the help of relatives, the family makes the move to freedom in the small town of Morgan Hill, California–ten miles south of Coyote. Here, their lives take on new adventures as the family of four, who stuck together during the worst of times, create and build better lives.

You’ll walk with them as they emerge from the isolation of low-end poverty to become one of the founding families of Morgan Hill. You’ll cheer them on as they become known, liked, and respected members of the community giving the three children, and mother, a chance for a better life; a chance to make something for them, and make a positive contribution to society.

Although there are many struggles and failures along the way, it’s not until the end that a struggle of a different kind emerges. When the youngest son, Jeff, at the age of 50, receives a voice message from his long-forgotten tormented father while the father lies on his deathbed, the agonizing question then becomes: should Jeff return the call?

My Coyote Creek is currently available through Smashwords.com (http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/114205) and has just been approved (by Smashwords after checking that the formatting was done properly) for distribution to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other outlets that sell e-books. Smashwords takes care of the distribution to those outlets which makes it easier and less time consuming and frustrating for me. Any sales through Smashwords.com I receive 80-85% royalty from the sale of each book and 60-70% when sold through Amazon or Barnes & Noble, that’s what I have been told but, as of yet, I have not sold any through those other outlets as the distribution process has just begun. If things work out well I will look at going through Amazon for print-on-demand printed books if the demand for the book is strong and warrants the additional cost of re-formatting and the additional creative design for the spine and back cover.

Why did you decide to self-publish?

I originally tried to market this memoir, My Coyote Creek, to the “normal” publishing houses like Random House and others agencies that I’m sure you’d all be aware of, however, all I received back (if anything) were somewhat arrogant rejection letters. After getting input from others who were helpful in the publishing world (Colorado Independent Publishers Association) and doing my own research online I found that self-publishing would be the only way to make a go of this if I wanted by baby (My Coyote Creek) to be read and enjoyed by others. Perhaps a mother that’s in a bad relationship with an abuser can learn from the read and this will benefit the children of those relationships, and that’s been the cruxes of my determination to see this story be published and come to light. If you want to succeed, self-publish!

What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?

Lack of knowledge and experience of the entire process of writing and publishing was the biggest hurdle for me. My situation wasn’t that of an experienced writer who had a story, but of a powerful story that needed a writer. Everything was a roadblock of sorts, grammar, layout, spelling, thought process, publishing process and just the overwhelming task at hand was daunting, to say the least.

What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?

The possibilities are what I find most encouraging and continue to provide motivation, excitability and an uplifting positive drive. I’m not sitting around waiting for some letter to come in the mail or for some “form” email from a publishing house telling me a bunch of crap that I won’t believe anyway as their motivation and drive certainly isn’t me. So, I guess the answer to this question is “control” over my own success . . . not failure!

What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?

The best thing I ever did was to join the Colorado Independent Publishers Association (CIPA). This isn’t a paid endorsement or anything of that nature; it’s simply the honest truth. It’s what has worked for me. By joining an association of others who have the same goals as you and run up against the same roadblocks as you will make all the difference in the world with regards to enjoyment of the process and the completion of your project. I would imagine there are associations of this sort in every state that you can contact and join. Within these independent publishing associations you’ll find individuals and small companies for every aspect of the publishing world, and they want to help you as others have helped them. If you can’t locate one of these associations in your area you can check out CIPA (http://www.cipacatalog.com) and perhaps become a “distance” member or something.

Through CIPA I found Karen Reddick, The Red Pen Editor (http://www.theredpeneditor.com), who was so helpful and caring that I can’t find the words to describe my gratitude. I couldn’t have done this without her. I also found forums and roundtables and seminars and so many other ways to learn about the industry with this group that I can honestly say that I may not have completed my project without their concern and help. I also found through CIPA, or who found me, was Gail Nelson (http://www.e-book-design.com) who did the creative front cover work as well as the formatting and layout. If you need the help I’m sure they would be happy to assist, again this isn’t spam or a paid anything… it’s simply what and who worked and cared for me.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Yes, I’m new to all of this and I’m having difficulty understanding and utilizing Twitter. I could use some help, perhaps examples of how to send a “proper” tweet and not offend anyone or have people think I’m a spammer (I hate that too). I’m just trying to do what’s right, so if anyone can help me comprehend the protocol . . . I’d really appreciate it.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Jeff, and good luck with book sales!

How to Make Goals Now for the New Year Ahead

2011-12-26T05:03:00.000-08:00

Every year, I realize how short life is and how time is flying. Before you know it, we’ll be at the end of next year and if you haven’t set any goals, you’ll look back and think about wasted opportunities. Now is the time to think about what you want to accomplish, and figure out how you will reach your goals so you can look back over a successful year.

I usually start by thinking about what I have to do in the next year, then I break it into workable chunks. For instance, if you want to write a book in the next year, what do you need to do to reach that goal? You might set weekly goals, such as write a certain number of words per week. I lean away from setting daily writing goals, because so much can happen that disrupt a daily schedule, and it’s too easy to become discourage and give up if too many unproductive days go by. Be careful not to set unrealistic goals.

Another thing to consider is not doing the same thing divided into twelve monthly sections but rather trying a variety of things. For instance if you own a business and want to reach a certain number of clients in the next year, you can choose six ways to expand your business and try one each month for the first six months of the year. Then in June you can review the past six months and see what was most successful. You might want to continue doing the one that reached the most customers, or you might want to rotate through the six ways once more.

Take time to set goals and this time next year you’ll be looking back at a successful year!

Why You Should Write a Book

2011-12-19T05:01:00.000-08:00

I am sure I’m not the only one who has heard, “You ought to write a book.” The thing is, should you really? Most of the time I’d say yes, you should.

To start with, we all have something that makes us unique, and writing a book is a good way to share that with others. We’re shaped by where we grew up, who was around us, things we learned. All of that adds up to an interesting mix and preserving it is a way of teaching others. Think about reading Laura Ingalls Wilder’s “Little House” series – she wrote what she knew and it preserved a way of life many of us would never otherwise know.

Next, this is a great time to write a book. You can use software to help you and print it yourself or with the help of one of the many self-publishing firms. You don’t need to find an agent, wait for an editor to read through your manuscript, or spend a fortune to get it done.

Finally, you should write a book just to have written one. What a great feeling of accomplishment you’ll have once it’s done, and you won’t look back and say, “I wish I’d done it.” You can do it, and this is a great time for you to write a book!

Do you have questions about writing? Please contact me here or at www.jexbo.com.

3 Tips to Figure Out What to Write About

2011-12-12T05:46:00.000-08:00

I’m frequently asked, “I’ve written a book – what do I do next?” The next most common question I hear is “I want to write a book but where do I start?” Here are some of the things I suggest people do when they don’t know what to write.

First of all, write what you know.

You don’t have to write your life story, but you could use where you live or where you grew up as the setting for your story. No need to invent a street when you can picture it in your head as you write. You could also use an incident from your own life in the story – anything stand out as particularly great or particularly horrifying? Has anything that happened to you that would capture a reader’s attention?

Second, you could write what you wish could be.

Set your book in a place you invent – create a whole different world, or make everything happen in the future or past. It’s your book – you can be as creative as you like. Describe life the way you imagine it on a different planet, or in a different time. Sometimes once you get started describing a place you get ideas of what could happen there.

Third, write something to teach another person.

Every single person knows something that someone else doesn’t. What do you know that you could teach? Try writing it to different groups – how would you teach a group of children what you know, how would you explain it to a police officer, and so on. Once you figure out what you want to teach, you can figure out what kind of audience you want to write to.

Do you have any tips when people ask what to write about? I’d love to hear them below or at www.jexbo.com!

How to Finish Your Book By the End of the Year

2011-12-05T06:16:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe it but the year is nearly over, and if you’re a writer with the goal of finishing your book by the end of the year, you should be in high gear right now.

Here are some ideas for you to try if you’re struggling to get done with a book in the next few weeks.

First of all, you should realistically assess how much you still have to do to finish your book. If you cannot finish it without cutting out all food and sleep, then take a moment to figure out how much you can do before the end of the year and aim for a goal other than finishing.

Second, if it is a manageable amount of work you have to do to finish your book, try to break it down into hours and then keep to a strict schedule for these next few weeks. Get up a little earlier or go to sleep a little later if possible.

Third, see if there are any shortcuts you can take to reach the goal of finishing your book by the end of the year. Are you pausing after each chapter to have someone read through it? While they read through it, continue to move ahead with your book rather than editing that chapter after it’s been read.

It’s great to reach the goal of finishing your book by the end of the year, and I hope you successfully reach that goal if it’s one you’ve set!

Please feel free to contact me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/ if you have questions about self-publishing.

3 Things You Can Do During the Holidays to Become a Better Writer

2011-11-28T06:28:00.000-08:00

Even though the holidays are a busy time of year, there are some things you can do this season to become a better writer.

First of all, think of using some of the decorations everywhere as an inspiration for your writing.

Do they remind you of childhood?
Happy memories?
How about writing about positive things you remember.
Gritting your teeth to get through the whole season?
Can you turn something negative around and write the way you wish things had turned out?

Secondly how about using holiday cheer to find someone to read through your book and give you some feedback?

When someone asks if there’s anything they can do for you, ask them to read your book. Tell your reader you’d like them to focus on the positive things in your book if you’re nervous about hearing negative feedback, then use what they say to improve your book.

Finally if you’re asked what you’d like as a present, suggest some books about writing, or a monetary gift that you’ll use to take a writing course or seminar.

Those will definitely help you to become a better writer!

Whatever you do, I hope you can find ways this season to write and improve!

For help with your self-publishing and writing efforts, please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/.

Why Writers Should be Thankful

2011-11-21T06:24:00.000-08:00

This is the time of year when many Americans look back over the past year and remember things they’re thankful for. If you’re a writer, here are some things you could specifically be thankful for:

If you’re living in the United States, you should be thankful that you live in a country that allows you to write what you like. You can express yourself in writing without having to worry that you will be punished or threatened by writing something that disagrees with someone else.

You should be thankful that you actually doing something that many people dream of doing. So many people say, “I could write a book,” but they don’t. You have taken a step well beyond what most people do.

You should also be thankful that you’re sharing your story and knowledge with readers and touching their lives. Just as you can probably look to certain authors and think, “that book changed how I think about things,” others can look at your book and say your book changed them.

As for me, I’m thankful for all the wonderful self-published authors I’ve met and talked to and whose books I’ve read. You have also changed my life.

How to Know If Your Book Is Any Good

2011-11-14T05:23:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of writers out there and a lot of books to choose from. How can you tell if your book is one of the good books or not is obviously a very subjective thing – everyone thinks their own book is good. But there are a couple things you can do to see if your book is any good.

Join a writer’s group and have your fellow authors critique your book.

They might see where something needs to be polished, or edited, or clarified. Or ask friends or family to read your book and let you know what they thought about the writing. Be open to hearing their opinions and see if changing things improves your book.

Record yourself reading your book out loud and then listen to it played back to you.

Can you hear things you want to change? Are there places in the book that sound better or worse when you hear them out loud?

Whatever you hear from other people about your book should not stop you from writing more books though. Everyone has an opinion and just because someone doesn’t like your book, doesn’t mean your book won’t become a favorite of someone else.

Got questions about self-publishing your book? Please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/.

How to Control Your Writing Schedule During the Holidays

2011-11-07T05:30:00.000-08:00

Everyone’s busy during the holidays – There’s always something distracting us, taking up time, and interrupting our routines. Here are a few quick ideas to maintain control over your writing schedule during the holidays:

First of all, where possible, work ahead.

If you can add on time spent writing in the weeks before things get busy, you won’t feel like you’re running behind. Write for an extra hour on the weekends, or if you normally give yourself a day off each week, use that day to write even if it’s only briefly spent working.

Secondly, limit your holiday activities.

Only go to one party per week, or whatever you think is necessary. You have a great excuse – you’re working! If you need to prepare a holiday meal, divide the meal between the guests – someone brings a salad, someone else brings a dessert, and so on. Or do what I do and find a restaurant that caters – you can get a great catered meal for a reasonable price from Boston Market for example!

Finally, be gentle on yourself – you also deserve a present and some time off might be perfect.

If you’re not able to maintain the level of writing you’d like, it’s all right. The holidays don’t last forever and if you’re a week or two behind schedule, you’ll be able to catch up in January.

What about you? Do you work at the same pace during the holidays? How do you control your schedule when there are so many outside demands put on it?

Please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/ and let me know!

I meet people all the time who tell me they have a great idea for a book, but don’t know where to get started. Here are a few ideas I have for where to get help writing your book:

A great place to start is to join a writing group. These are people just like you who want to write and share their ideas. You can look for groups at your local library or community center, but if you don’t find one, start one yourself! Just post a notice asking other writers if they’re free to meet on a regular basis, usually once a month.

You could also do online searches for how to get started. Search “how to write a book” and you’ll find plenty of sites that give tips on how to get started.

Something you might do is talk to friends. Even if your friends aren’t writers, they might have a good idea for you to get started. You might use them as a sounding board about your book idea, or they might read through what you’ve written and give you thoughtful feedback.

Don’t forget that it helps to read well-written books. You can get a feeling for what works and what doesn’t. You might also try writing a paragraph or two of your book in the style of different writers. Not only is imitation the sincerest form of flattery, it’s also good practice!

Good luck with your writing, and let me know what worked for you to get help with your book!

Where to Get Help Writing Your Book

2011-10-31T05:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

I meet people all the time who tell me they have a great idea for a book, but don’t know where to get started. Here are a few ideas I have for where to get help writing your book:

A great place to start is to join a writing group. These are people just like you who want to write and share their ideas. You can look for groups at your local library or community center, but if you don’t find one, start one yourself! Just post a notice asking other writers if they’re free to meet on a regular basis, usually once a month.

You could also do online searches for how to get started. Search “how to write a book” and you’ll find plenty of sites that give tips on how to get started.

Something you might do is talk to friends. Even if your friends aren’t writers, they might have a good idea for you to get started. You might use them as a sounding board about your book idea, or they might read through what you’ve written and give you thoughtful feedback.

Don’t forget that it helps to read well-written books. You can get a feeling for what works and what doesn’t. You might also try writing a paragraph or two of your book in the style of different writers. Not only is imitation the sincerest form of flattery, it’s also good practice!

Good luck with your writing, and let me know what worked for you to get help with your book here or at http://www.jexbo.com/!

Interview with Self-Published Author Karen Magill

2011-10-24T05:03:00.000-07:00

Today we’re going to hear from author Karen Magill. Here’s what she has to share with us:

Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.

I have two self published novels. One is "The Bond, A Paranormal Love Story." A woman, Laura Neill, in Vancouver is struck while crossing the street. At the same time in Toronto a car also strikes Julian Rule.

When both have an out of body experience, their ethereal forms bond as one before separating - each taking a part of the other's soul with them as they return to their bodies. They are truly soul mates. When he senses that she is in danger - a feeling that is confirmed by a psychic friend - Julian goes to Vancouver to come to her aid. With the help of a detective, Julian is able to prove that Laura's fiance is a con artist and a murderer. When Julian confronts the man, he and Laura are placed in imminent danger.

The other is "Let Us Play, A Paranormal Love Story." In an uncertain time in the future, rock and roll music has been banned. Kaya More uses second sight to lead a group of rebels to bring it back. Their quest leads them from the streets of New York City to the peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the beaches of California. The pursuit heats up as combatants switch sides and the world joins forces as the rebels find adventure, music and love.

"The Bond" is going to be published in Turkish soon. I sold the rights to a small publisher in Turkey.

Why did you decide to self-publish?

I wanted to see what I could do on my own without a big house or agent telling me what to do.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?

Promotion and getting the books selling. It is an uphill battle constantly but it is fun learning all the new ways to get more attention and to find your own interviews and such. It is a great learning experience.

What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?

I have really enjoyed learning about so much to do with the writing industry. I don’t think I would be learning all avenues if it weren’t for self publishing. Right now, I am waiting for a book on being one’s own literary agent and I can learn even more about the business. I don’t know if I would have learned as much if I had an agent and they handled everything.

What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?

Learn everything you can and research anyone you are dealing with. There are a lot of good people involved with writing but there are a lot of scam artists too. Also learn as much as you can about promotion and marketing. You’ll need it.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I want to thank you for interviewing me and everyone for reading. Check out my blog on Vancouver and its history at http://karen-magill.blogspot.com/ and my website http://www.karenmagill.com/.

Thanks so much for telling us about yourself and your books, and good luck with book sales!

Self-published Author Interview-Kelly Murphy

2011-10-17T06:20:00.000-07:00

Today we’re talking to author Kelly Murphy. Here’s what she has to say:

Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.

Hi, my name is Kelly Murphy. I was born and raised in Hamilton, Ohio till age 12. My book starts of memories I had from when my dad shot my mother in the mouth while laying beside her when I was three. My grandmother tried to raise me the best she could but was an alcoholic, and I went through about 32 foster homes from age 3 to 15. I went through a rape from 7 guys and also had a subarachnoid hemorrhaging on both sides of my brain. I was on total life support and totally brain dead. It talks about how through it all I have had Faith in the Lord and he was all I had.

I have a child with Aspergers/Autism and have two live births, my son and my daughter. My second book talks of the boy I took in that no one wanted. I had forgiven my father for what he had done and tried to get to know him, big mistakes, but I have answers I have always wanted and needed. I don’t have a good education so had a big fear, but when God brought me back for my children, He told me to write my memories while I still had them.

I am so blessed to be here today. Even though I have problem with reading, I was given the gift to write. My first book is called “ A World With No End From Beginning And Continuing” and is available at any online bookstore (and can be ordered at any bookstore). You can also go directly at www.Xlibris.com and get it paperback or e-book.

Why did you decide to self-publish?

Well, I had a company that read and wanted to publish it but I didn’t have the $4,000 they wanted to do it all for me. I didn’t do well in school and needed an editor. I decided that my spelling didn’t matter but what did was the story behind it.

I feel these books are my calling in life and what I was meant to do is help others, so I decided that I would self publish so I could go ahead and help someone. And money-wise, I needed to take steps because I did not have $4,000 all at once. Trying to raise three children and get things done is a big task.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?

Knowing that I needed an editor because of my spelling and grammar. I, at times, had low self-esteem when reliving my life to write the story - because I had a very hard life to overcome.

What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?

The convenience of doing the money part in steps, because I have always needed help financially, and I can get my story out to help others at the same time.

What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?

Don’t let anything stand in your way no matter how different you may be. Write things down all the time and don’t ever give up on your dreams, ever!

Is there anything you would like to add?

I would like to say that I'm sorry for all the mistakes in the first book. My editor didn’t do a good job, but the next book will have a better editor. Thanks for taking the time to let me share some of my life with you but you have to read it to know it all.

Thanks for sharing your information and inspiring story with us Kelly. Good luck with book sales!

How to Use the Cooler, Fall Season to be a More Productive Writer

2011-10-10T07:23:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about this time of year is having my windows open to let in the fresh air. It’s so energizing to breathe in the delicious smells of fall that I feel like I can accomplish anything, and you can, too.

Take advantage of the weather this season.

If you are able to, try writing outside. If you normally write on a computer, take a notebook with you and try sitting on the porch just jotting down plot ideas, character descriptions, or favorite words you’d like to incorporate into your book.

If you use a laptop, take it outside and work as usual, just breathing in the fresh air.

Break up your writing with a walk around the block. It might be a treat for you once you write a certain number of words, or you might go once per hour. It will give you a chance to think and you’ll feel invigorated and ready to get back to work.

Does the weather in different seasons change the way you work? Please let me know here or at http://www.jexbo.com/.

What You Need to Do in October as a Self-Published Author

2011-10-03T05:19:00.000-07:00

October is actually a great month to take stock of where you are with your writing. The September back-to-school feeling has worn off, and we aren’t yet in the November/December holiday rush, and it isn’t yet the resolution time of January.

What have you done thus far with your writing?
Are you on track to reach any goals you set back in January?
Do you need to do some extra work to catch up to where you’d planned to be?
Is there a habit you need to change that will improve how you work?
Do you need to modify your schedule to get ready for November?

Try working at a different time, such as earlier in the morning or later in the evening, to be sure you’ll be able to work enough to finish the year strong.

Are there any people you need to contact about your book?

Do you need to find a publisher, or meet with a writing group to finalize something you’ve been working on? October is a great month to do this before you and everyone else enter the final months of the year.

Have a wonderful October, and let me know if you have any tips for other self-published authors – I love to hear from you here or at http://www.jexbo.com/!

An Interview with Mike Brennan of MITechNews.com

2011-09-26T07:16:00.000-07:00

Today we’re talking to self-published author Mike Brennan, who has been covering cyber security news for more than a decade at his news portal site, MITechNews.Com. This is what he had to say:

Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.

"Cyber Styletto" is the first in a series of novellas that takes an insider’s look at the security threats on the Internet today. The story – developed by a technology journalist, a cyber security expert and an award-winning novelist - focuses on super hacker Yvonne Tran, part of a secret government agency called CyberCom, who is brought in to investigate a malicious network attack that kills eight innocent people in California. She and her team follow the trail to Hong Kong and Afghanistan, where they must pinpoint the cause before the next attack, which could kill thousands more people in the United States.

The book is available now at www.cyberstyletto.com, www.lulu.com, www.smashwords.com, Barnes & Noble.com and iTunes. Soon it we will be available at Amazon.com, Schuler Books in West Michigan and on jexbo.com.

Why did you decide to self-publish?

We are breaking new ground in fiction, creating a new genre about cyber crime, and we didn’t think a traditional publisher would see the big picture until we sold a few thousand books on our own. We also wanted to get the book out quickly, since many of the facts in it are ripped from today’s headlines. We wanted to make more money and get paid faster than if we went the traditional publishing route, too.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?

Marketing the book, getting the word out to the target audience worldwide. We’re still figuring out that part of the book publishing business. But we plan to have Cyber Styletto translated into German, French, Japanese, Chinese and Spanish. I’m sure there are a lot of folks who would be interested in reading "Cyber Styletto" that are non-English readers.

What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?

Total control over distribution and sales. We also earn a much higher profit than if we went the traditional publishing route.

What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?

Make sure you connect with veterans of the book self-publishing industry who can help you learn the ins and outs. We had Gian DeTorre, our novelist, who handled this part for the team.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Follow your dream. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. You can. You can achieve anything you believe.

Your book sounds very exciting Mike! Thanks for sharing your information, and good luck with book sales!

Self-Published Book Author - Interview with Saheem Wright

2011-09-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

Today we’re talking to author Saheem Wright. Here’s what he has to say:

Tell us about yourself, and your self-published book and where it is available.

I’m from Chicago, born and raised. What made me start writing was the reality I was living in. My mother was doing drugs and my father was in jail most of my life. We lived in one of the worst parts of Chicago so writing helped me escape that.

Why did you decide to self-publish?

What made me decide to publish was as the years went on, I kept writing about things I’d seen, things I’ve been through and things my friends have been through. Like, I wrote something about my friend that lost her baby very tragically. Her baby was only two years old and ran in the street and got hit by a car. I thought people should know that. My book is available at amazon.com, barns&noble.com and iuniverse.com.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?

My biggest challenge was getting it prepared, putting it all together, because this is years and years of my thoughts.

What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?

The best part about publishing my book is getting my story out and letting people know what I went through as a child. The hand I was dealt I had to play, and you can rise above all.

What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?

My advice for new writers is to take your time, know what you want to say and tell your story.

Thanks for sharing your information with us Saheem, and good luck with book sales!

Do you have questions about self-publishing your book, please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/.

"Notes from An Alien" Author Interview

2011-09-12T06:41:00.000-07:00

Today we’re talking to Alexander M Zoltai, author of “Notes from An Alien.” Here’s what he has to say:

Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.

Start with a 500-year InterWorld War.
Continue through ecological disaster and the decimation of populations.
Follow the institution of a Worlds’ government, bringing a glimmer of hope.
Discover the challenges and failures of unifying three very different Worlds.
Explore what it takes to give birth to a lasting peace.

This is what reading Notes from An Alien promises.

And: This Story Could Help Earth…

You can read it online, get a free digital copy, plus buy it at Amazon or Barnes & Noble and for the iPad by going here: http://notesfromanalien.yolasite.com/contact-us.php

Why did you decide to self-publish?

First, because Notes from An Alien is a radical “niche” novel.

Second, because I don't “trust” the mainstream publishing process.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?

Taking on the never-ending job of self-promotion.

Why? Because, even on the Internet, I'm quite the Introvert :-)

What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?

The best part of self-publishing is that the book is out there, available, and I'm controlling the promotion.

What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?

Make absolutely sure you get as many eyeballs on the manuscript as possible.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I have a forum for discussing the issues raised in the story here: http://notesfromanalien.yolasite.com/forum.php#/

Plus, I spend at least 20 hours a week in the virtual world, Second Life, attending to various levels of self-promotion...

Thanks for the information about your book Alexander, and good luck with book sales!

For help with your self-publishing efforts, please write to me here or at www.jexbo.com. Thanks!

An Interview with Jim Miller of "Mined Your Own Business"

2011-09-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

Today at jexbo we’re talking to Jim Miller, author of “Mined Your Own Business.” Let’s see what he has to say:

Why did you decide to self-publish?

I decided to self-publish for a number of reasons. In no particular order, but of equal importance are; royalties, more overall control of my novels, the ease of publishing today and a kind of ego related, "I did it all".
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?

The biggest challenge for me was the initial hurdle of getting a book published. I have been writing for many years, but my novels all seemed to get stuck on disks or manuscripts in drawers, all waiting for the best time for me to move. I would often tell people that the marketing side of writing was where I didn't apply myself. I was doing tons of writing, but not much of 'getting it out there'.

A friend who worked for a small press asked if I had anything ready for print that he could have a look at. I gave him the story 'Mined Your Own Business' and after a couple of weeks he emailed me and said that the publisher wanted to offer me a contract to put it out as an ebook. At that time I was busy working on entering the self-publishing world, but I said okay.

A few weeks later, in May, 2011, he notified me that 'Mined Your Own Business' was up on Amazon. After the thrill of seeing it up there and both my wife and I purchasing a copy I settled down and realized that I was now a published mystery writer. That realization gave my level of confidence a boot upwards and when a few reviews showed up and people actually liked it, I was ready to accept the fact that I could be a writer for real. Notwithstanding that I had had a ton of articles published in newspapers and other little clips, friends telling me who good my work was. All of that didn't seem to matter to some inner me. But, now? Now I've got the confidence to go out and self-publish with enthusiasm.

What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?

I think that some of the above fits this category. But the sense of accomplishment was huge. A kind of validation of myself.

What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?

I can't say enough about just going for it. Without that little bit of a shove from my friend I might still be storing up manuscripts and writing for myself. I have to admit that I do re-write a lot, and put long hours into making it the best I can. My inner voice will tell me, "Nope, that scene, Jim, it sucks." And try as I might to shut him, up, we both know it's not the best I can do. So I go back and re-do it. It might be days before I finally accept the fact that if I left it, I was only fooling myself. So, in summary, write it as many times as is necessary - you shut up that little voice, and then you ignore the next little voice that says, "You ain't good enough." and you do it.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Yes, Jerry Cleaver, a writing teacher has a book out, 'Immediate Fiction' and in that are two rules a writer needs to live by:

I can do it!

Whatever writing problem you have there will be a writing solution.

A bit about the ebook selling. The evening of the book launch on Amazon I got an email from my editor who said, "We've been up for four hours and already sold two copies of 'Mined Your Own Business'."

I had to reply, "Yes, I know, Bev bought one and I bought the other."

My temporary blog site is rabbihawkins.blog.spot.com

'Mined Your Own Business' is on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XMZXX0

Thanks for sharing your information with us Jim, and good luck with book sales!

If you’d like to share your self-publishing story with jexbo readers, please write to me here. Thanks!

Writers, Why You Should Take a Notebook with You at All Times

2011-08-29T05:10:00.000-07:00

I always carry a notebook and pen with me because I find interesting things that I want to remember all the time. Actually, I also always carry a small pack of colored pencils, because I like to scribble down sketches of some of the places I visit in case I want to write about them later.

There are several things I always make note of such as interesting quotations, funny things people say, and ideas for future stories or articles. I also keep a list of words I like and want to remember, or that I need to look up in a dictionary when I get a chance.

Some writers prefer writing in longhand, and even if you’re not one of them, it’s very convenient to have a notebook handy for the times you’re stuck somewhere and have an idea you want to write about. You can always type it once you’re back in front of your computer, but without a notebook handy, you might forget something you want to include in your book.

Do you keep a notebook handy? What other tips do you have for other writers? Please let me know here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. I’d love to hear from you!

How to Get Your Book Finished by the End of the Year

2011-08-22T06:13:00.000-07:00

We’re in the homestretch of the year, and you might be finishing your book with no problem. If you’re stuck though, here are some things you might try that will motivate yourself to finish your book by the end of the year.

If you started off well but have slowed to a crawl, take a moment to think about what worked for you at the beginning.

Do you like starting a fresh document?

Then, try making each chapter a separate document.

Did you work at a specific time and now find yourself working sporadically?

Try working with the schedule you used at the beginning.

Are you stuck?

Have a friend (or a writing group) look through what you’ve finished so far and give some feedback. You might just need a fresh perspective to get back on track.

Do you have an outline for the rest of your book?

Try working on different parts and fill in the outline as you go. You don’t have to stick with working from the beginning to the end. Write the end, jump around and write parts of each chapter, don’t worry about working in a certain order.

Figure out what you have left to do to finish your book and write a schedule.

Do you need to write a certain number of words per day?
Do you need to do one day of editing per week along with writing?
Can you set up a specific time each day to work for the final stretch?

These are just a few tips to help you. Good luck writing your book and finishing it by the end of the year! You can do it!

And if you have questions about self-publishing your book, please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. Thanks!

How to Get Ready for the School Season and Have Time to Write

2011-08-15T11:53:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for the school season can be a speed bump in summer fun. You know it’s coming, but it feels like it’s coming too fast. Here are a few tips to get things ready and still have time to write.

First of all, once you have your list of items needed for school, find out if another parent will be kind enough to buy double of everything so you don’t have to go shopping at all, with you paying your half once the shopping is done. If this doesn’t work, how about splitting the job with another parent – you go to one store, they go to another. This helps both of you.

Second, try getting everything ready all at once – school supplies, clothes, books – and setting it up in a closet somewhere that won’t be in the way. I find that if I spend one day working hard at getting it all put together, it leaves me more time to write than if I spend a couple hours here and there spread out over a few weeks.

Third, check what you already have before you buy something new. Have you emptied the backpack your child brought home in June? It might be full of things on the list of school supplies. Can your child re-use notebooks and folders? Are there enough pencils/pens/crayons left from last year that you don’t need to shop for new?

If you’re able to split the shopping with someone, work hard for a day rather than spread the work out, and reuse and recycle old school supplies, you should be able to get ready for the new school year and still have time to write.

For more tips on writing, self-publishing and running a business, please contact me at http://www.jexbo.com/.