It was a decent weekend, except I didn’t get the start on Savaged Devotion that I’d hoped for (and really need!!). I’m pretty sure it’s combination of three things:
- My doctor put me on a nerve pain med that’s making me a little spacey (it’s not a narcotic, this is just my reaction). I’m going to skip the morning dose today (Monday), and just take it at night. Hopefully I’ll focus better.
- The sinus infection that keeps on giving. Both Wizard and I are having issues–we’re not super sick, just plugged ears and pressure that we’re told is normal with this particular cold virus/sinus infection/endless misery. It’s weird because we thought we were all better, then BAM, round three shows up.
- And I know these opening scenes for Savaged Devotion are going to be emotionally tough so I’m in avoidance mode
Although I’ve been sorting out timeline issues, so I’ve been working, but just don’t have tangible pages to show for it.
My marketing plan for Savaged Dreams and the whole trilogy is taking up more time. Anna’s (my assistant) is doing her part too, but unfortunately, some things I have to do. I wish I could clone myself (the smarter, more production side of me, not the lazy butt, wine-drinking, excuse-making side ) The reality is in the current climate of self-publishing that is completely saturated with new books, and readers are weary of getting burned by bad experiences, it takes a LOT more effort to sell. I’m really striving to reach reviewers and other sources readers trust to help them find my books. All that said, when I get some time, I want to do a detailed blog on my thoughts and experiences on marketing.
The highlight of our weekend was a steak and shrimp dinner Wizard and I attempted. We haven’t cooked shrimp much, and tried to BBQ them on skewers basted in an olive oil mixture. The shrimp came out a little tough. But add in a good bottle of wine (yeah, I know, I’m on meds…sometimes we live dangerously, plus I timed it carefully) along with some Dove chocolate candy, and turned out to be a fun night. It doesn’t take much to keep us entertained, LOL!
And a personal highlight for me, I saw a reviewer read an advance copy of Savaged Dreams and rated it 5 Stars on Goodreads with the comment “Loved!” Her review won’t post until the blog tour–but OMG it make me so happy. I think she’s the only reviewer I sent the book to that early, and that was just because we talked on Twitter about something else. Most of the review copies haven’t even gone out yet but they will be soon.
So that was my weekend, how was yours?
May 1st, 2017 at 6:41 am · Link
Argh. I’m sorry stuff is getting in the way of writing. I hate that. But this all will pass soon, I hope. :hugs: I’m looking forward to your marketing post. It’s a bitch trying to get books in front of people without breaking the bank. Yay for yummy food and awesome reviews, though!
We spent most of the weekend watching the rain and watching the lake level monitors. We went from way too low to way too high in a short span of time. Now there’s flooding all over the area (not us, we’re way up the hill) and I feel really bad for everyone affected. Other than that, I read a lot.
May 1st, 2017 at 11:10 am · Link
B.E., I agree a 100% it’s very hard to get books in front of reader-buyers. Unfortunately, even “free” social media is having a very limited reach. Self publishing has grown out of the gold rush phase, and into the harder and much more competitive to maintain phase. It’s tough out there, and i don’t have any magic answers. Just building strategies and most cost $$.
I see all the flooding in your area! I really hope it levels off and people are safe. Glad you’re in an area that’s not being directly threatened.
Hope you have a dry and stress-free Monday!
May 1st, 2017 at 12:23 pm · Link
My weekend sucked. Don’t ask. I’m starting from ground zero on the revisions I’d just spent two weeks doing, that are due today. Yippee. Plus, weather. We’re fine though it’s a good thing our weapons are locked up. My computer would be used for target practice otherwise.
Shrimp on the “barbie” don’t take much heat/time. There’s an art to it but it can be learned. LOL
Okay. Going to cry some more and dive back into edits.
May 1st, 2017 at 12:47 pm · Link
Oh Silver, I’m sorry for the sucky weekend and about the revisions. I’ve done that and it’s definitely not a time to be around unsecured weapons or sharp objects.
I’m pretty sure we can do better with the shrimp, but we enjoy trying things together. Plus wine and chocolate
Hugs and hang in there.
May 1st, 2017 at 2:59 pm · Link
That is strange. My post came up as Silver. Must be something with the weather.
The trick to shrimp is to stop cooking it when you think it’s still raw, on the grill only a couple minutes. It will finish up on it’s own and not be chewy. I think it’s funny that that was the weekend highlight, must have been the wine ;).
Sorry about all the trouble with marketing. It must be time consuming and a difficult task. Like you stated, there is SO much out there and to get your stuff to the forefront is a challenge.
You need to kick that sinus infection to the curb. It’s been around for WAY too long.
What is the nerve medication? Mine gave me lodine but told me I could only take it for a few days. Those few days were still with pain but better than normal. It also made me loopy.
We spent the weekend and are still trying to find the source of the water coming from a duct in the basement. I’m so worried that we’re going to have to destroy the house to find it :(.
Well, I hope you’re feeling better and that you have a nice afternoon :)!
May 1st, 2017 at 8:34 pm · Link
Viki, something is wrong with my blog. I’m giving it a day to sort itself out, then I’ll contact my web-person. It’s really weird. I’ll go in and delete the comment from you that shows Silver’s name when I’m done replying.
Thanks for the tip on the shrimp!
Marketing is part of the job. I like some of it
And i’m the one letting myself be sidetracked too.
The problem with this sinus stuff is I can’t tell what’s a reaction to meds or other things. I’m on a steroid pack and the nerve pain med is neurontin. It turns out neurontin is not causing my issues–ear ringing, pressure etc. Probably the steroids and sinus pressure which I’m trying to break up. Wizard’s pushing me to return to doctor because occasionally my fingers on the nerve pain side get cold, but i want to do the PT evaluation first tomorrow then I’ll decide.
Do you think you need to see another doctor and have it re-evaluated? I know that’s easier said than done, I’m just worried about you. I wish you could find some relief!
On no, you have a leak? Didn’t you have that before? You must be so frustrated!
I really hope your week improves!