002 – Expand on your best idea
(Photo by Lucas Benjamin on Unsplash) Now you have a great list of idea, you need to pick the one you think could grow into a story. Usually it's the one you can't stop thinking about. Don't try and analyse if people will like it, if you want to write that type of...
001: What’s your idea?
(Picture by jonas from unsplash.com) In this new series I'm going to explain (like you're 5 yrs old) how to write a story. It's going to be the simplest way to start a work of long form fiction (no poems or short stories here) and know that it'll work in the hands...
Create Perfect Print Covers for Amazon and IngramSpark with Affinity Photo
How I create perfect Print covers for IngramSpark and Amazon KDP with Serif Affinity Photo. (I need to write this out before I forget it!) First: Get the artwork created, at whatever (approx) size, and with layers! Without layers, you'll just be stretching around the...
The problem with Nanowrimo and why it took a decade to undo its effect.
(Photo by John Jennings on Unsplash) It’s the month of Nano soon, and I am often tempted to go for it again, but never have. Why? I tend to start planning my story in October, just in case I go for it, but something has always nagged me as to its real value (for me)...
A list popular of Genres and why they matter despite what you believe
(This photo by @aznbokchoy was chosen because I love abstract art and bright colours. Lucas's ink experiments are beautiful and mesmerising. The colour also complements the colour of this blog.) I have a love/hate relationship with genres because I want to be...
Talking about ISBNs for self published authors.
I now have ISBNs. Loads of them. This is a big deal for me as it's a step closer to producing a better book. I haven't bought any up to now for the following reasons: I want my books professionally edited. I want legit covers designed. I need ISBNs for them....
Writing in a pandemic
Well, my (writing) world went to shit. I can't write in cafés anymore. I could. They're open, but I don't want to. Plus, I'm not ready to edit yet. I'm still drafting my next story. My dictation schedule took a hammering because after I stopped watching non-stop news...
Amazon’s 30, 60, & 90 day cliff, and the power of 1 sale
Look at the Amazon Rank Graphic. Is your book lurking at the bottom of the Amazon Charts? Or are you worrying about Amazon's 30, 60, & 90 day 'cliff' drop? Fear not. My chart graphic shows what happens when a book is left without promotion until it hits the floor...
How to write a character first powerful plot
We've all heard that plot driven stories may be fun to write, but readers stick around for the characters. But how exactly do we squeeze all that boring character heavy stuff into our action packed storyline?? If you're like me, character may be your weakness. You...
The Difference Between An Idea, A Concept, And A Premise
An idea is to travel to Florida. A concept is to travel by car and stop at all the national parks along the way. A premise is to take your estranged father with you and mend fences while on the road. This is taken directly from the pages of Larry Brooks', Story...
The Christmas Book Buying Public for Self Published Authors
This Post is just a reminder for Christmas next year at how powerful the Nov/Dec month is. For me, sales didn't really register for the first few days of Dec, but that's probably a delay in Amazon's reporting. This tells me that I need to get everything done and...
Amazon Ads in Germany, Italy, France, & Spain
One small leap for man. One giant leap for mankind! I jumped in with both eyes closed and completed my first German AMS Ad! If it wasn't for Google Translate*, I wouldn't have gotten through the signup process. Luckily, it connected through my UK login and accepted my...
Watch Fiction Being Written Below!
(Yes, being an author is as exciting as it appears in the movies!)
1. Write with…
Scrivener is the best writing tool on the planet.
2. Edit with…
Reedsy has assembled the best editors to perfect your story.
3. Format with…
Vellum turns your manuscript into a beautiful Print or eBook file ready to distribute.
4. Cover design with…
Go On Write creates excellent book covers for Print or eBook at great prices.
5. Distribute with…
Amazon KDP allows you to easily reach the biggest book buying market.
6. Market with…
Wordify allows you to build a free WordPress.org website to sell your books. Take your time to design and get it right and only pay when you’re ready to launch.
Need help with that?
I build websites and publish books for others and myself. This is my creative outlet as an Author.