Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

Sometimes readers wonder where ideas come from, but one idea doesn't make a novel. Most of the time, you need two or three story ideas to weave them into a narrative.

I started Reprobate: A Katla Novel with the idea of an assassin--who kills for profit and/or her own protection--confronted at her crime scene by a blind person. Since the blind person wouldn't be able to provide anyone with a description, she has nothing to fear from him, so she spares his life.

What then?

What if she sees him again a few days later and becomes curious about the person whose life she spared? What will she do to satisfy that curiosity? She's used to stalking her targets, she can stalk him to see what kind of person he is.

But we need more to build a plot. What if she becomes more and more interested in the blind person and starts to become distracted, something that can be fatal in her professional life?

So her next target is someone whose death has to be blamed on a Colombian death squad. However, the persons who hire the assassin are not all that confident that she will keep her silence, so they intend to silence her.

So you need a few ideas feeding off each other to build a story.

T.J. wrote: "C. wrote: "Inspiration? That's something I never have to worry about. I have a vivid, dynamic imagination with no off-switch. My genre, paranormal thriller is about a half notch away from horror, s..."

Sounds very human to me

Sometimes I think everything I experience becomes a part of my books in some way, shape, or form. I go on vacation and I think of where my character would go, or I see someone and I think of a story for them. My characters usually take me where they want.

I agree with C. and Stan, but my imagination comes from being gifted with the right experiences. So if you need ideas travel or go hiking in the woods.

In our ordinary conversations with family and friends, stories are told. Standing in line at the supermarket presents scenes. My 96 year old mom yesterday related to me the story of a friend whose 6 sisters and herself had been removed from her family because of neglect. All were adopted by different families in different cities. At the age of 40, she hired a lawyer and found them all. What a great story! I took notes and will use it in some form. Stories are all around us if we listen. Now, the hard part is to be disciplined and sit down and write and then edit and revise!

I get much of my inspiration from dreams; so many of the ones I have are colorful and dramatic and have such vivid plot lines! So many people think I'm making them up, and I tell them I WISH I could just make up those dreams because it would help me to write a lot more! To be honest, I don't know what I'd do if I weren't able to dream that way anymore.

Apart from that, though, I steal a good deal of material straight from real life. When I base people almost entirely on someone I've actually spoken to, I can hear the character's dialogue as I'm going.

Other times, a friend who doesn't write will say something to me like, "Wouldn't it make a cool story if--" and then I immediately go home, write it down, and surprise them with it.

I think perhaps my niche genre should be creative non-fiction!

I agree. The idea for the first book I published came from a dream.

Lenita, what is your first book about?

It is about two sister princesses, Camari and Mila, who meet Prince Denir and discover he has a special gauntlet that only works if one has faith in a higher power. Denir turns Camari invisible with it, but he is called off to war, leaving Camari with the predicament of being invisible. She must learn how to turn herself visible again and defeat two wicked characters.
This book is free for a limited time on Story Cartel. It is entitled Guardian of the Gauntlet.

I'll pick one up! How cool what the subconscious can come up with.

The actual part that was from my dream is where Princess Mila is captured by the wicked (but totally inept) Mecandel, the magician.

You are cordially invited to participate in the Ask the Author segment included in my Goodreads profile.

Any questions pertaining to the writing, publishing, distribution or marketing process are welcome and appreciated.

Jim Vuksic - Author
http://jimvuksic.tateauthor.com/

My inspiration to write used to come from a naive worldview that people would praise my writing and I'd become famous like some of the writing world's more renowned authors.

Of course, that outlook was quickly squashed. There's nothing like wallowing in obscurity to help reign in one's fantasies. Now, my motivation to write comes simply from my want to entertain anyone who happens to read something I've written.

There's nothing quite like the sensation of a reader reaching out to talk about something you've created. Dare I say, it's the one thing that makes me churn out each and every story I write.

Writing a novel was just one of several goals included in a bucket list that my late wife insisted that I create upon retiring in 2001.

I had often pondered what it would take to create and sustain a realistic social structure in which everyone, without exception, would have access to the exact same quantity and quality of food, clothing, housing, medical care, formal education and social advancement opportunities - a utopia.

The end-result was my one and only novel; published August 9, 2011.

i dont get much in the sleep department (chronic insomnia) so my trippy dreams become the basis of new stories. i hammer out 20 pages put it aside and work on it later. sometimes inspiration strikes in weird places - before i fall asleep, in the can, in the shower, on the bus, about to pass out from boozing too hard, or doing the dishes.
i write books because i have stories to tell. its not making me any money though.

I do get some revenue from the paperback editions of my book. It's not enough to live off of, but it does supplement my poor income as a substitute teacher.

I do write for the fun of it, however, not to become rich.

Lenita wrote: "I do get some revenue from the paperback editions of my book. It's not enough to live off of, but it does supplement my poor income as a substitute teacher.

I do write for the fun of it, however, ..."

For me the bar keeps rising. When I uploaded my first book in 2008 I was hoping that 100 people would read it. Now that it's down to less than 700 a month, I'm moping. Boo hoo!

Moping? You're doing better than I am. What's your secret, or do you care to share it?

Lenita wrote: "Moping? You're doing better than I am. What's your secret, or do you care to share it?"

It's free for one thing. To be honest, I haven't a clue, except that I got it out early (2009) when there were very few ebooks available. Every now and then I get a spike. A few days ago, 130 downloads in one day. I assume some blogger must have blogged about it.

At the high point, it was downloaded about 5 to 6 thousand times a month. I'm sure it's sitting unread in a lot of ereaders.

Surviving the Fog

I've offered my book for free and that did help get more reviews. Now I'm just considering dropping the price from $4.99 to $2.99 (on my ebook) as it's quite a short book.

J.R., I like your philosophy. It sounds like a good way to stay sane and balanced. Since launching my Kindle book at the end of May, I've developed this twitchy habit of checking my numbers every night when I come home from work (real job), and celebrating every time I sell a single unit ($0.99). It's pitiful. ;-)

Khristina wrote: "and celebrating every time I sell a single unit ($0.99). It's pitiful. ;-)"

Don't be discouraged. I figured once I clicked 'publish' all I had to do was sit back and watch the money roll in. When it didn't happen I went through all the blogs and took all the advice and soon found myself tweeting and on FB trying to get some attention. Nothing seemed to work. I published first in June of 2011 and celebrated with a 1099 from Amazon for about $85 for the tax year.
It takes time and judicial use of the promotions on KDP Select along with some paid advertising on book sites. Every year my royalties increased by good multiples. I no longer have a 'real' job.

Congratulations Ken! That's good encouragement for the rest of us.

Just about to step over the marketing threshold again. i hate the whole process

Jim wrote: "You are cordially invited to participate in the Ask the Author segment included in my Goodreads profile.

Any questions pertaining to the writing, publishing, distribution or marketing process are ..."
Cordially invited?
That is a very, writer thing to say.
Not like that`s a bad thing, I mean, us authors are unique in that way, that way our letters to friends starting sounding as beautiful and fancy and the Declaration of Independence, or that way you never realized how Southern you sound until someone else reads your work and think your character sounds like a hillbilly and you are like, um, that`s not the vibe I was going for, that`s all natural.
It`s the writer and us, and it`s a funny and awesome thing to notice.

I have an extremely dorky question to ask.
What is it like the day you get your manuscript accepted for the first time?
I`m writing my first book and have spent a disturbing amount of time daydreaming about that the day that happens.
So, what was it like?

Another question *cue groans from annoyed author think I talk to much(I do)*
When you get a rejection letter, do they tell you why they rejected your manuscript, because I`d like to know why my work was sent back, I think it would hurt less then simple, flat out rejection?

Mary wrote: "Another question *cue groans from annoyed author think I talk to much(I do)*
When you get a rejection letter, do they tell you why they rejected your manuscript, because I`d like to know why my wor..."

I've received quite a few rejections for short stories I shopped around. The type of rejection you receive depends on the editor. A couple of them have sent me a reason. Usually, saying they didn't have an available slot for the current publication issue or they didn't feel it was the right fit for their magazine.

Most, however, are form letters saying that the were going to pass and wished me luck placing my story elsewhere. I don't know if this is true with editors who accept larger manuscripts, because I've never submitted manuscripts for novels (I self-publish). I've heard that some agents/editors won't even respond if they are going to pass, but I think those are few (at least, I hope so!)

Mary wrote: "I have an extremely dorky question to ask.
What is it like the day you get your manuscript accepted for the first time?
I`m writing my first book and have spent a disturbing amount of time daydream..."

The feeling is complete elation. Someone likes something you've created! Your daydreams are probably not too far off base. I've experienced this with short stories that have been accepted, but never novels since I've begun self-publishing.

It soon wears off as you continue through the process and wait to see your work in print. The print publishing industry is very slow.

Mary wrote: "I have an extremely dorky question to ask.
What is it like the day you get your manuscript accepted for the first time?
I`m writing my first book and have spent a disturbing amount of time daydream..."

Mary,

It took me 14 months to produce what I felt confident was a completed, polished manuscript. After receivng four rejection letters, I was elated to receive a publishing contract. After having my attorney review it, I signed and returned it to the publisher. It gave my ego quite a boost.

However, the ego boost was gradually deflated as I discovered that the completed, polished manuscript, of which I had been so proud, was not yet complete nor sufficiently polished. Another eleven months, working with and learning from a copy editor, conceptual editor, and abridgement advisor, went by before the publisher was satisfied that the original manuscript had been transformed into a commercially viable book.

Was it worth it? Definitely! I guarantee that you will be taking a walk on cloud nine when a publisher's acquisition representative notifies you that your manuscript has been accepted. It has been three years since my book was released; but I still experience a great feeling of accomplishment every time the quarterly sales report and royalty check arrive in the mail.

I wish you success. Enjoy!

It would astonish you how little difference it does make. =Publication= is entirely separate from =writing=. Traditional publication has vast, geologically slow lag times, so the book (even when accepted) will not actually be available for donkey's years. The money (unless you are very unusual indeed) will not be enough to make any significant difference in your life. The need to write will not go away.

Mary wrote: "Another question *cue groans from annoyed author think I talk to much(I do)*
When you get a rejection letter, do they tell you why they rejected your manuscript, because I`d like to know why my wor..."

Mary,

I'm no expert; however, based upon personal experience, the rejection response to a query letter is a form letter, merely stating that the publisher is not interested or not accepting manuscripts from unknown authors at the time.

If a query letter results in a request for a copy of the manuscript, the author will either receive a rejection letter, stating the precise reason why the author's work is being rejected or a phone call from the publisher's acquisition representative offering the author a contract for review.

I don't know how editors do it now, since I've chosen to be self published, but years ago the form of your rejection varied according to editors. In the early going, when your writing needs a LOT of work, you get a form letter. Sometimes you get one anyway, if the editor is very busy. But I remember the first form rejection I got that actually had a written comment on it: "Not bad, try us again with something else." The elation of those few simple words really outweighed the feeling from the first acceptance I got. But, really, there's no feeling like the one you get when you first see your story in print--with YOUR name on it. Cue the fireworks.

I agree with you, Ken, especially as I'm also self published.

Mary wrote: "When you get a rejection letter, do they tell you why they rejected your manuscript, because I`d like to know why my work was sent back..."

I can't speak for direct submissions to publishers, but if an agent rejects your work, you're lucky to get any response at all. "No response means no" is unfortunately very common now.

Well, I never got beyond rejections from agents before I went to being an author-publisher, but I knew I was making progress when I started getting letters with personalized notes instead of form letters.

But I can tell you nothing compares with the first time a reader came to me to gush about how much they loved it--except the time a kid whose class I'd visited saw me in the grocery and told her mother (very loudly) "that's the lady who writes the Ninja Librarian!"

Rebecca wrote: "Well, I never got beyond rejections from agents before I went to being an author-publisher, but I knew I was making progress when I started getting letters with personalized notes instead of form l..."

Have to agree with Rebecca, nothing better than feedback that someone's really enjoyed your book. :)

Rebecca wrote: "Well, I never got beyond rejections from agents before I went to being an author-publisher, but I knew I was making progress when I started getting letters with personalized notes instead of form l..."

Agents are no longer what they used to be. My publishers say, in a 'politically correct' way, that 'agents are now looking after established authors'. The implication being that they are not really on the lookout for authors. I went straight to publishers, and I must confess a sinful anecdote that may confirm it... A book I wrote already had a publisher many years ago, in 2008, but the publishers went bust with the recession. I left it in a drawer for many years, then decided to give it another go... I was quite lucky and received quite a few offers from publishers, and pretty fast. I then wrote to two of the biggest agents in the UK, one didn't bother to reply, the other said 'the novel was unpublishable'... I think it shows that either they had no idea of the industry they were talking about, or found an excuse to really mean, 'We don't look for new talent...'

"Steven wrote: "ok I have some questions for any author or authors that want to answer it.
When starting a story, do you ever just start writing something not knowing where it's going to go?

The short answer is, yes. I have written a few novellas and worked out the plot as I went along.
But this is not the only way I work. Quite often, I have the entire plot worked out before I start. But even here, it sometimes changes. It's a process of exploration.

Julie wrote: "Okay, okay! I admit it! I'm utterly lacking in confidence. I'm terrified my book isn't good enough, that it won't stand up to critical eyes.

But what else can I do? I can't give up on myself, can I?"

Make sure that your work has been professionally edited. Once it has been through the rigors of editing, go for it. Full steam ahead! Then, let the chips fall where they may. Writing is something that takes time to develop. Remember, you've got this!

No matter who you are, and what you write it's never good enough at the first. That's why you get criticism in the first place. To sharpen it up. It's part of the process, don't be afraid of it.

As regards to Mary's question: My comment is, why do we still worry about agents? To me, they are getting obsolete. You can do it on your own now. Which is what you'll be doing anyway if you ever do hook an agent. The only difference is they get 15% of your hard work, and the publishing houses get 70%. (the last statistic) And to me, they don't know the audience as well as they think they do.

with Amazon Kindle and Creatspace, you can get your stories out there on your own terms, write what you want to write, digital and printed. Just look up the Youtube successes that Kindle authors have posted.

Did I try agents? Yes. I could have built a house from all the rejection letters I received. Am I glad they rejected me? yes. And I really mean that. It was a blessing in disguise. Agents, in a word, said I wasn't good enough. But the readers read my books and said we love it! And like Rebecca commented, there's nothing like a reader getting in touch with you to say how much they love your work. And that's all that matters.

I remember when it was my dream to become a Harlequin Romance author. OMG! I could have died happy. But they in essence said my stories weren't good enough. And yet, my readers said "We love them. Write more". Enough said.

Thanks everyone!

Steven - In a word - no. Because I believe story arc is so critical, I know the entire story before I sit down to write. I write from Chapter 1 to the end. Backfilling on detail, characters, scenes, timeline, etc. (along with editing) comes later. Then off to a number of editors in the run-up to publication.

To answer the question about where inspiration comes from, because I'm a historical novelist I often search archives. It's often so interesting to see what has been left out as well as what is hinted at in personal letters or diaries - sometimes there's a story in what seems to be missing there!

I also spend a lot of time looking through vintage objects such as jewellery and clothes - the wardrobe of my 1950s characters, for example, was inspired by a wonderful exhibition of fashion at the V&A.

Sara wrote: "I also spend a lot of time looking through vintage objects such as jewellery and clothes - the wardrobe of my 1950s characters, for example, was inspired by a wonderful exhibition of fashion at the V&A."

I really like this idea!

The question:
Steven wrote: "ok I have some questions for any author or authors that want to answer it.
When starting a story, do you ever just start writing something not knowing where it's going to go?

The answer:
I used to. Then when it became apparent that was being reflected in the stories, a beta reader friend of mine pointed it out. What a jolt that was! (This is where honest criticism pays off)
Now I look at each main character's motivation, HOW do they get what they want? What stands in their way? WHERE do I want them to end up, as an author? Where do I want them to end up, as a reader?

This has made a world of difference to my work.

I do, Steven - I have a rough outline, or what I call a "fluid outline" before I start writing, otherwise there is a chance I will lose the thread as I go. This works for me, but plenty of writers don't use outlines, and make decisions as they go. It's all about what works for you!

On the third book in my trilogy I wrote an outline. It mainly consisted of a summary of each chapter. I also create a map for each book, as I'm a fantasy author. I know how the book is going to end and what's going to happen along the way, now I just need to write the chapters in full, dialogue, description and all.

Hi, I'm Doug Oudin, author of 'Between Two Harbors, Reflections of a Catalina Island Harbormaster (a memoir), and 'Five Weeks to Jamaica', a novel.
Obviously, a memoir knows where it is going because it is based on real life.
In writing my novel, I knew where I was going with the story line and the characters, but I did a lot of adjusting along the way. Some twists and turns happened as the story progressed, along with both character changes and story modifications, but in most respects, it developed as I originally plotted the course.

There is a spectrum of writers. Some are plan it all types -- outlining the entire thing down to the paragraph level before beginning to write, drawing maps, creating languages and the history of Middle Earth for the previous three ages.
At the other end are the seat-of-the-pants writers -- I am one. When I begin, I begin. I write the first sentence, and then the second, and a hundred thousand words later it's a book. There are no maps, diagrams, flow charts of motivations, research: nothing. The great Diana Wynn Jones was another -- her American editor says that she learned not to ask Jones how the book was going, because that instantly halted progress. Examining the process is not helpful for writers of this kidney; better to just spread your wings and fly.