Category: Staff Articles

Writing advice and insights from the staff of Indies Unlimited.

Why Do You Write?

I have had interviews and read interviews that pose this question. Having borne witness to a number of answers that go something like I cannot envision life without writing, writing is in my soul, writing is who I am, etc., I decided not to include that question in my interviews.

I have some bad news for you. The world does not care a whit who you are. You are one voice among billions. Go ahead and declare yourself to the world. You will find the world indifferent.

Neither do I find such an answer very illuminating.  It tells me nothing of interest. Perhaps the fault lies in the question itself. Continue reading “Why Do You Write?”

Special Guest: Dannye Williamsen

Dannye Williamsen

I became a self-published author for the first time in 2004 with my husband. We produced a 5 CD audiobook titled “It’s Your Move! Transform Your Dreams From Wishful Thinking To Reality.” It was a Bronze Award winner in ForeWord Magazine’s 2004 Book of the Year Awards. Shortly after that, we moved to the Atlanta, GA, area. Since then, I have published a book of metaphysical essays with journal pages included titled, “Metaphysical Minute – Philosophy on the Run.” One of the most popular essays is my metaphysical interpretation of the movie, The Matrix.

When the P.O.D. publishers like CreateSpace came onto the scene, I chose to follow that route rather than having to deal with inventories. I published two business books there based on the philosophy of the Creative Process—“The 12-Step Business Plan For The Solopreneur” and “The Creative Model For The Solopreneur” When I published my two novels, I employed both CreateSpace and Kindle Direct Publishing. Continue reading “Special Guest: Dannye Williamsen”

Moving the Velvet Rope – by Stephen Hise

There are and have long been exclusive clubs. Some exert their exclusivity through means of social status or wealth. That’s why Cousin Eddie won’t be seen golfing at Snobmore Country Club. Others use the velvet rope and a bouncer who makes the individual decision as to whether someone is cool enough to get in. Often, the decisions of the bouncer seem enigmatic, capricious, and objectionable to those on the wrong side of the velvet rope.

That model of exclusivity is the one used (or perhaps imposed) by the traditional publishing industry. Their idea being to preserve the integrity of the written word by selectively choosing those who would produce the written word. What a great idea. I wonder how that worked out. Continue reading “Moving the Velvet Rope – by Stephen Hise”

Book Signing Basics Part Two

Sample Book Signing Poster
Sample Book Signing Poster

An author in one of the writers’ groups in which I participate posted that she had a book signing at a store and no one showed up. She was very disappointed, and I can understand that. Who wouldn’t be? But she, and you, need to realize that this kind of thing happens all the time – it’s completely common for writers who have yet to become a household name.

At my first book signing, I expected to have a line – albeit small – because there had been so much press leading up to it – people had to be curious, right? Wrong. A few people did show up, and I did sell a few books – but there was NEVER a line. I directed a lot of people to the Harry Potter books and the food court, as I mentioned in my previous post. (Book Signing Basics Part One) Continue reading “Book Signing Basics Part Two”