Category: Staff Articles

Writing advice and insights from the staff of Indies Unlimited.

That’s Awesome

Kat's CougarI’m a purist in every sense of the word. I like things just so…or in my eyes, how they were meant to be: correct. Being that way could be construed as a bit silly or stubborn at times, but it is what it is and I am what I am.

That said, it drives me up a wall when words are misused, misspoken, or misspelled. Language is very important to me, and it’s already been adulterated enough by internet speak and colloquialisms, etc.

So when I came to realize that I was contributing to the dumbing down of our language, I was mortified. Yes, it’s true. I was and am one of the billions of people who, frankly, misuse the word “awesome.” Continue reading “That’s Awesome”

Oh Editor, is it getting drafty in here?

Author Valerie Douglas
Author Valerie Douglas

When should a writer hire an editor, someone asked – after the first draft or the final draft? My first, facetious answer – When it’s done?

First draft? Um, no…

After I finished cleaning up the wine that shot through my nose when I started laughing – not a pretty sight and it scared the cats – I’m afraid I might have responded a little harshly to what was a fair question from a new writer. But after all a little logic could be applied, as a ‘first’ draft implies that there will be others, or you’d just call it the final draft. I’d also like to add that you should know your craft, spelling, the basics of grammar, etc.

But the question of drafts and when to bring in an editor is a fair one.

One other thing before I answer that, if your vision of an editor is of someone who has tons of time to nurture your talent and polish your manuscript until it is a thing of beauty and a joy to behold… reality check. Only if you’re independently wealthy. Editing a novel is not the same as reading one, it takes a lot more time. Continue reading “Oh Editor, is it getting drafty in here?”

JD “Iron Man” Mader vs. JA “King Kong” Konrath

Konrath says to sell ’em cheap. Mader says we deserve better. There is only one way to settle this:

Steel cage death-match!

Our man Mader has thrown down the gauntlet—will Konrath answer? Do you want to see that debate? You can help make it happen. To do your part and earn a ringside seat, help us make sure Mr. Konrath knows he’s invited to the rumble. Tweet and re-tweet the living daylights out of this:

Sounds like @jd_mader vs. @jakonrath to me! Cage fight! http://wp.me/p1WnN1-1cV

Just copy and paste, then tweet![subscribe2]

Can I buy some milk with this smiley emoticon?

I’m feeling a little bit bitter today.  It’s not a feeling I enjoy, so I’m gonna write it out.  Here’s my issue.  We’re getting hosed.  I have literally smeared the internet with words – and 90% of them do nothing for me monetarily.  I have one novel on Amazon: Joe Café. I have gotten 25 reviews and the book is rated at 4.5 stars.  Cool.  I got a review a while back that started “Well written & compelling.”  Good, right?  Then it said the ending was abrupt and that it was “worth it” as a .99 cent book, but the reviewer saw that the price had been raised to $4.99 and it was not worth that much.

Bad reviews come, and I have enough good reviews that the fact that some random guy thinks my book ends abruptly (a conscious choice) doesn’t bum me out much.  What gets to me is the economics.  I am not a greedy person.  But here is what pisses me off.  If you thought the book was “Well written & compelling,” then it was worth $4.99.  Do you know how much a sandwich costs?

Continue reading “Can I buy some milk with this smiley emoticon?”