Final Tally for April 2018 #JoWriMoGo

I managed 20 chapters, 78 pages and 44,735 words in April 2018!!

Roll on May!

The Trials Of An Indie Author: Is It Right For You?

IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?

Something I've been asked a lot is why I chose the self-published/indie route. I did a video about this on my YouTube channel at the beginning of the month, but along with that question, I get another: is it right for me? My simple answer is: No idea, I'm not you! But I thought I would touch on a few ways you can maybe help decide if going indie is right for you.

#1 - HOW MUCH CONTROL DO YOU WANT?
One thing that is very clear from the indie route is that you have more control. I decide release dates, who I go with as an editor, my cover designer, the formats, the price (some what) and the list goes on. If you're someone who's happy to hand that over to someone else, who doesn't what that level of responsibility on their shoulders, then the indie route might not be for you.

#2 - DO YOU HAVE MARKETING EXPERIENCE?
This can apply to both routes if I'm honest. There's a lot of marketing that will fall in your lap even if you choose to go the traditional route. Part of being indie is being your own PR company and making sure the word is spread about releases, cover reveals and all of that. You want to have some idea of how to do a marketing plan and have the knowledge on implementing it. You need to have the know-how when it comes to researching companies that you may use to help you on that task. It's daunting and terrifying. You have to do a lot of the legwork yourself and if you're someone who'd rather rely on having other people on your team, the traditional route might be better for you. Though unless you're a big name, some of that is still going to be down to you.

#3 - DO YOU HAVE THE BUDGET FOR IT?
I'm not saying that you have to sink millions into a book launch, but you do need to have some funds to pay for editors and the like. All of that is going to come out of your pocket, whereas the traditional route will generally take care of those costs. It is possible to do a book launch and not spend an enormous amount, but you're going to need to put money into it, to be able to get started and moving. That's just a fact of life, businesses take money and this is, by all accounts, a business.

#4 - DO YOU HAVE THE TIME?
I know that a lot of writers work in a regular job, and it's a commonplace thing since most people don't make enough money writing to call it a full-time job. Being indie or traditional isn't going to make you rich overnight and a lot of writers and authors will continue to work outside of their writing. However, writing takes time, as does promotion and releases. Yes, it is possible to do alongside a 9 to 5 job and many many indie authors do manage it, but what you need to be asking yourself is if you can manage it. There's so much work that goes into it behind the scenes that it's not for everyone. Yes, you can hire a PA and other people to help you, and I honestly take my hat off to anyone who can do this job and work another job as well. I'm very lucky in that it's my only job and even then I struggle from time to time.

#5 - WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM WRITING?
This might seem like a strange one because everyone who writes and publishes does so because they want to, right? Well yes, mostly. I write because if I didn't, I don't think I'd still be here. I publish because I want to share my work. I do it for the love of the written word and my characters and their stories. And I guarantee you that 99% of indie authors feel the same. But everyone has a different idea of what publishing means. This question is simply to ask yourself, what do you want to achieve? If you're after just getting your work out there, then the indie route is a good one to take. If you're looking to hit the best sellers list and sit back and let the royalties roll in, then I'd say that neither route is going to work for you. Not because indie author's don't win awards, but because we all work hard to get where we are. That means promotion and all of that.

The long and short of it is, no one can tell you which route is best for you, for your book, for your brand and all of that. I chose to go indie for a number of reasons and bar something drastic changing in my life, I will stay indie. That said, just because it's not the right route for everyone, doesn't mean you can't give it a go. Traditional publishing is just as good, and I don't ever think there is a better or worse situation between the two. Each path will appeal to different people and that's okay. You gotta do what works for you.

What are your thoughts on the indie route? Did it work for you? Are you traditional and have something to add? Let me know in the comments!

Follow Joey here on her blog, or on Facebook or Tumblr to be kept up to date with the latest news regarding Joey and her books. 

From Joey's Instagram

#Throwback photos from 2011, 2015 and 2018. My how I've changed! Back to work! #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #photochallenge

From Joey's Instagram

When you're sick but you still have chapters to write. Thanks to my awesome keyboard and tablet I'm getting it done. Just a few pages left to go! ✒✒✒🤢🤢🤢 #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #chronicillness #spoonie #chronicipain #brittleasthma #spoonielife #wheelchairuser #oxygenuser

Interview with Amanda Witow & Review of Legends' Legacy

I am delighted to be joined on the blog today by the amazing Amanda Witow for both an interview and my review of her book - Legend's Legacy. Here's a little about Amanda.

Amanda Witow is a nerd, a book lover, a wife, and a ninja. She lives with her husband and two cats in windy/sunny/snowy/sweltering Saskatchewan. Despite temperamental weather, she loves it there. She's had a love affair with myths and fairy tales since she was a young girl, and graduated in 2012 with a BA in psychology and classical studies. The first book in her series, Legend's Legacy, was published in 2016. She is a frequent participant in NaNoWriMo and Camp NaNo.

And onto the interview!

How long have you been writing?
The earliest I distinctly remember writing a story was when I was 12, but I know I was writing before that because I also remember abandoning a different story to start on that project. So, at the very least I've been writing for almost 18 years.
I didn't feel like a "real" writer until 2012 though--which was when I actually finished a story for the first time.

Do you write in the genre you love to read?
I love a lot of different genres, and I write in most of them. It gets a little tricky to give a straight yes-or-no because I like to write genre-mash-ups. There aren't a lot of historical fantasy novels I've heard about that I've thought "I have to read this!" (though there are a few), yet that's my primary genre at the moment

Do you have any favourite authors to read?
I adore Patricia Briggs, Terry Pratchett, and Louis McMaster Bujold. There are other authors I really enjoy (Neil Gaiman, Melanie McFarlane, Angie Fox, and Angela Roquet, to name a few), but those three are my all time favs!

Are you an organised writer or not?
I don't feel like it sometimes, because I'm a "pantser" when it comes to my first drafts, but...the stack of notebooks filled with research notes, maps, world building, plot points, and other 'behind the scene' story into...well, they make a compelling argument that I fall into the "organized" side of being a writer.

What's your idea of a perfect writing day?
A perfect writing day, for me, is more about location than time. Obviously, I would need to have at least a couple hours free to focus on the writing. Without a comfortable chair, a snuggly blanket, natural (but indirect) light, and no distractions would be essential if I were to call it a "perfect" day.

Do you like editing or is it something you loathe?
I'm not particularly bothered by it one way, or another. I enjoy the process of streamlining my story, but dislike how time consuming it is. The thing that really makes me want to pull my hair out is formatting >.<

What's your favourite social media? And why?
I'm a Tumblr girl :)
I enjoy the fast-paced feel, while still having the longer discourse available and possible. I would like to get into Instagraming more, but I don't think I have a very good eye when it comes to finding or arranging photos.

How would you describe your writing process?
Hectic lol
I like to use NaNoWriMo and Camp NaNo to hammer out a first draft, and then set myself (impossible) deadlines for research, revision, editing, etc.
As for what order I do things in... I generally start with a basic idea for a plot, and a more defined cast of characters. I don't worry about the research as much until after the first draft is done, but I can easily get derailed down the rabbit hole that is world building. After a second draft is finished, I look for critique partners and/or beta readers while I double check my research and start working on cover design and formatting. I make any final edits needed, format the whole thing, and then print it off and read it backwards to find typos. I make any changes needed and, if I have the funds, send it for a professional edit. Then it's just the final (minor) changes before it's done and ready for publication.

How often do you write? Do you have a schedule?
I try to write every day, but realistically I'm happy if I can manage two decent writing sessions a week. Generally, I can get through a couple thousand words in a single session, so I try not to stress too much about "missing" a bit of writing time. (Which is very important for my mental health as I am frequently busy with work and volunteer responsibilities)

"If you follow those who are lost, you will never find your way..."

Atalanta and Damien are the last descendants of the mythic figures of Medusa and Perseus. Their divine blood is not the only thing they have in common though---they are mortal enemies locked in a centuries long feud. One that would have ended if not for the interference of a priestess with a vague prophecy of world-destroying events that only they can prevent.

They must set aside their hatred long enough to travel from the shores of Sicily to the island of Crete to find answers.

The tumultuous changes of the end of the 15th century darken the edges of their journey as they learn to navigate the strange juxtaposition between old oaths and new.

Amazon

My review: 5 stars
I loved this book. The start is all action and you can't help but get pulled in. The story of a long family feud that must end with the last of one line being killed by the last of the other. It flows beautifully and I was pulled into the story from the first page. I loved how it all played out, with the added threats and the feeling that the priestess and Gods from past were not going to let things go the way of the humans. It was enthralling and interesting and I loved it!

You can follow Amanda on her website, Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook.


Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here.

From Joey's Instagram

And the vlog is live! This week I'm doing a writing routines tag from @queenemilicious and @writehollydavis! Check it out at: http://www.youtube.com/JoeyPaulOnline ✒✒✒ #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #authortuber #writingvlog #vlogger #writingtips #authortube #lovemyjob #ilovewriting

Writing Routines Tag [CC]

EMILY'S CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaa0pB9ohy9_in_Dvqn0l4w
HOLLY'S CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5ghQE8qqXNh6rswrG5zZfQ

PRE-ORDER DYING THOUGHTS - SIXTH CHANGE: http://www.books2read.com/DTSC
ARC FOR DTSC: https://goo.gl/forms/TnV86uJePs05rCjy2
COVER REVEAL FOR WAM: https://goo.gl/forms/KIZAtp1bK4QdR6W23
THE BOOK ROBIN HOODS: https://therobinhoods.wixsite.com/thebookrobinhoods
TICKETS FOR #BLISS2018: http://bit.ly/2yGorwr
TICKETS FOR #DARKERSIDEOFFICTION2018: http://bit.ly/2IVeJXK
BUY MY BOOKS ON AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1VhLHog
BLOG: http://www.joeypaulonline.com/
TUMBLR: http://authorjoeypaul.tumblr.com
FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/JoeyPaulOnline
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/MsJoeyBug
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/authorjoeypaul
GOODREADS: http://bit.ly/1UcS61E

WRITING ROUTINES TAG

1. Do you stick to an outline when drafting?

2. How long do you take to develop characters before drafting? Or do you use the drafting process to get to know your characters?

3. What gets you in the zone to write?

4. What time of day do you write? Do you stick to specific days to write?

5. Do you always write in the same place/room?

6. Do you listen to music during a writing session?

7. How long are your typical writing sessions?

8. Do you read back your work or edit your work before writing the next chapter?

9. What's your average goal for a writing session (word count, pages written, etc)?

From Joey's Instagram

#TEASERTUESDAY Tara thought she'd kept things hidden from Mike. The last thing she wants is for him to think she can't cope. Find out more May 16th! Pre-order here: www.books2read.com/DTSC #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #yalit #readersofinstagram #amreading #books #igreaders #igauthors #dyingthoughts #bookaddict #bookworm #bookboost

Young Writers: Any Adivce?

YOUNG WRITERS: ANY ADVICE?

As you all know, I've been writing since I was nineteen, at least as a profession. I won't bore you with the details since I've told this story a number of times, but I did send my first manuscript off to an agent before I was twenty. I knew barely nothing about the publishing industry, and there weren't viable options where I could do it myself like KDP and such. I remember a lot of things I did wrong back then, but I also remember a lot of things I did right. I also remember what it was like to want to be a published author and find people at every turn telling me it wasn't something I could do. Their advice didn't come from a bad place, they just didn't want to see me set myself up for failure, and in a way they were right. But in many many others, they weren't.

I was first published when I was twenty-two. Blackout was released in August 2005 and I felt like I'd reached the highest point in my life thus far. Things didn't go well from there, well they did in some ways, but in others they just made me aware of how very unprepared I was to be published and to do all the work that came with that. I'm not going to go into details about that, but I did want to do a piece on being a young writer. I feel like now there's less gate keeping (and that's a good and bad thing) when it comes to publishing, and the industry is more open to change and diversity that it was only a few years ago.

I'm not a big fish, but I do have a fanbase and I do have a lot of experience and background in what I do. I've written over twenty books, with the twelfth due for release on May 16th (you can pre-order here). I may not have won awards or made a best selling status, but I am good at what I do. I get a lot of people sending me emails and such asking what they should be doing to get published since they've been writing since they were young and/or are still young. They want to know how to find an editor and how to go through the beta process, how to find critique partners and how to work out the cost to them in regards to editing, covers and all of that. Because while being indie is my choice, it's not for everyone and on top of that, it does cost. I don't mean to publish the book itself. Any place wanting you to pay them to publish your book is usually a scam and you should back away and never go back. But there are other costs. Editing costs. Covers cost. Proof-reading and formatting costs. And on and on it goes. Even once you're released, marketing costs. I have a piece planned as to whether the indie route is right for you, but for now let's focus on the young writers out there.

Writing, like any creative pursuit, can be something you work hard at to improve. Just as you would practice your scales when leaning an instrument, you practice writing while being a writer. I look back on some of my earlier pieces and thank god they will never see the light of day. A lot of young people I come across on Tumblr or Facebook have immense talent, but there's also this pressure they put on themselves to be published by a certain time. I get it, I do, when I started writing, I wanted to be published before I left secondary school at sixteen. I wrote my first book at thirteen and happily sent it off to publishers without knowing the process. They were kind about it, but I think back and cringe at the very idea. My point is: what's the rush?

You don't have to achieve all of this at a young age for you to be a talented author. There's no reason why you can't wait, keep writing definitely, but also grow as you do it. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying don't do it, but I am saying that had KDP been around, I might've published that first book at thirteen and been crushed by the many many issues with it at a later date. As it turned out, I tore that book apart time and time again before I was actually happy with it. I rewrote, took out chapters that made no sense and had no bearing on the story and made it better. I later got it edited, by a professional, and then it was published. It was a good few years since I finally finished it, but I got there, I grew as a writer. I focused on the stuff I needed to in my life: exams, essays, college and all that fun stuff. I got life experience that helped me make that story the best it could be.

There is a lot of pressure on young people - there was a similar pressure on me at that age too - to exceed expectations. It might even be that your family and friends don't believe that you can actually get your work out there. That's not the best situation to be in. My parents were only really interested in my writing once I started getting published. They were supportive to a point in that they'd ask how things were going. I remember when I decided to increase my goal from ten books to twenty. My mum shook her head and said: Is that a little unrealistic? Yet in December, I finished my twentieth book. I get the want to prove people wrong, and I get the want to exceed, but you don't need to rush to get there, or beat yourself up over it. It will take as long as it takes, and that's okay. You wanna do it right, and if that means taking your time, you're not doing anything wrong and you will get there.

Have you got any advice for young writers? Leave them in the comments!

Follow Joey here on her blog, or on Facebook or Tumblr to be kept up to date with the latest news regarding Joey and her books. 

From Joey's Instagram

This time last week I was up in Telford for #Shenanigans18 and my second signing ever! I had an amazing time but now it's back to work and the countdown to #BLISS2018 in July! #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #booksigning

Interview with Anne Bashore & M.E Wilson

I am delighted to be welcoming Anne and Liz to the blog for an interview. Here's a little bit about them:

Anne and Liz are two Ace authors living vastly different day-to-day lives on opposite ends of the US. Brought together by a love of writing and a few handful of fandoms, they've been writing together for two years, and recently published their first novel, with their second due out in September.

And onto the interview!

How long have you been writing?
A: Since eighth grade, if not before. That was the first time I had a true focus and intention in writing. I was given a short story assignment and whoops, it ended up… not so short. Collaboratively, we’ve been writing together for almost two years.

L: My first attempt at writing was something like 4th grade, I think, maybe 5th. It was a terrible, terrible fanfiction of an almost worse kids cartoon that I watched on the weekends. Or it was griffons. I can’t remember which came first.

Do you write in the genre you love to read?
A: Honestly, historical fiction is my jam. In saying that, though, I have to admit there are very few genres I don’t really enjoy reading (and usually even then I can be easily sold by a good premise/etc) so anything we write will be my favorite thing.

L: My favorite books are usually fantasy, so we haven’t crossed into that territory quite yet. At least, not in terms of our serious projects.

Do you have any favourite authors to read?
A: Sharon Kay Penman, Amy Tan. Margaret George, Francine Rivers, Angela Hunt. Also Tamora Pierce and McCaffrey’s Pern books are some of my most loved.

L: Brandon Sanderson, Kelly Sue DeConnick, and Kieron Gillen come to mind for modern reads. Edgar Allan Poe for the classics.

Are you an organised writer or not?

A: I want to be much more than I am. Courtesy of Liz, I’m way better than I used to be. Even so, I don’t like a script, so a lot of our “organization” is based on free-flowing scenes and whatnot.

L: Ohh boy, prior to working on serious projects with Anne, I was not. She’s definitely the driving force for our outlines, but I got The Paris Invasion’s outline up on Trello, so maybe I’m growing as an author. Probably not.

What's your idea of a perfect writing day?
A: I write in my pajamas curled up on my bed so any day is perfect. If I don’t have to leave my house at all that’s even better.

L: Quiet and cool enough for me to have the window open, sunny enough that I don’t need all my lights on. I have a candle and coffee and my cat isn’t trying to steal anything.

Do you like editing or is it something you loathe?
A: Once upon a time my dream job would have been copy editing for a publishing company, so yes, I love editing. I’m a huge, perfectionistic nerd.

L: I like editing because I like the idea that I have room to make things better, but I hate it because sometimes I forget how to read, and also how could I use the same word three times in a single sentence?

What's your favourite social media? And why?
A: Liz stole my answer because seriously rip vine.

L: It’s dead now, but definitely Vine. Why? Because of the limitations, the comedy has to be really weighty to have an effect. You can’t waste any time. After vine, for social media that’s still around--probably Instagram because I can watch an endless playlist of puppy videos. 8D

Do you do character profiles? If so, why/why not?

A: Not in the strict sense, no. I like collecting headcanons and little details, though. Usually this just amounts to a sloppy Google doc stuffed full of a character’s secrets.

L: I should probably, just for the sake of getting things written down. I had to make Julien’s birthday a national holiday so I wouldn’t forget when it was. I do have a “cheat sheet” for him, but that’s as close as I get, really.

How would you describe your writing process?
A: A lot of smashing the keyboard and then wailing to Liz because why did I sign up for this do I ever know what I’m doing (No).

L: Playing hot potato and staring at the Google doc while Anne writes her sections. In a more serious explanation, we typically have a basic outline, determine whose POV would be most impactful for the scene, and then write the scenes in order, each waiting with bated breath for the other to finish.

Do you prefer ebooks or paperbacks? Why?
A: I do like holding a book in my hand, but about two years back my hubs and I sold everything we had because we were planning on moving overseas. I really had a newfound appreciation for ebooks then; I could take an entire library with me in the palm of my hand, so to speak. Now, I like either.

L: I like the concept of ebooks, but I’ve never actually invested in that many. If I’m reading something for research purposes, then I prefer paperback because I can get crazy with the coloring and write all over it and make those sorts of notations.

How often do you write? Do you have a schedule?
A: I basically write whenever I have the time and energy to do it. I start to feel creatively stagnant and listless if I’m not writing. As a general rule for ourselves, we block off certain time periods to work “seriously” on things, versus time we just write for fun.

L: We typically write every day, or very close to it. It’s not always serious work for the novels. Sometimes it’s “What if Daphne was a mermaid” or something else ridiculous that lets us still write and be creative without the weight of a full novel or trilogy on our shoulders. Sometimes I write other bits of flash fiction too, if I’m waiting for something or we’re working on the novel but not necessarily writing the pages themselves.

You can follow them both on their website, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here.

From Joey's Instagram

And the vlog is live! This week I'm answering questions from you guys! Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/JoeyPaulOnline 📚📚📚 #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #authortuber #writingvlog #vlogger #writingtips #authortube #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors

Questions From Readers - April 2018 [CC]

PRE-ORDER DYING THOUGHTS - SIXTH CHANGE: http://www.books2read.com/DTSC
ARC FOR DTSC: https://goo.gl/forms/TnV86uJePs05rCjy2
THE BOOK ROBIN HOODS: https://therobinhoods.wixsite.com/thebookrobinhoods
TICKETS FOR #BLISS2018: http://bit.ly/2yGorwr
TICKETS FOR #DARKERSIDEOFFICTION2018: http://bit.ly/2IVeJXK
BUY MY BOOKS ON AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1VhLHog
BLOG: http://www.joeypaulonline.com/
TUMBLR: http://authorjoeypaul.tumblr.com
FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/JoeyPaulOnline
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/MsJoeyBug
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/authorjoeypaul
GOODREADS: http://bit.ly/1UcS61E

From Joey's Instagram

#TEASERTUESDAY The case is getting more serious with every second that passes. Can Tara find them? Pre-order here: www.book2read.com/DTSC #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #yalit #readersofinstagram #amreading #books #igreaders #igauthors #igwriters #DyingThoughts6 #dyingthoughts

From Joey's Instagram

And ready for #Shenanigans18!! All set up and let's go! #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #booksigning

From Joey's Instagram

All ready for #Shenanigans18. Checked in and chilling in my room. Forgot my banner but looking forward to tomorrow! Having a lazy night and then signing! #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #booksigning

Interview with Annie Woods & Review of First Came Forever

I am delighted to welcome Annie Woods to the blog for both an interview and my review of her book - First Came Forever. Here's a little about Annie:

I’m Annie Woods, a Swedish author, who has spent a lot of time in the USA and UK. Currently I am partly living in the US, dividing my time between Stockholm and New York. Reading has always been a big part of my life. I’m especially addicted to YA and teen love stories. The books I read as a teenager have stuck with me through life and I still love YA books more than any other kind of literature. My own YA novel First Came Forever, which is the first book in the Angelheart Saga trilogy, was published last year in August. I have just sent the second book to my publisher and am eagerly awaiting a release date.

And onto the interview!

How long have you been writing?
In a way the answer could be “always”, or at least as long as I have been able to write… When I learned to read a whole new world opened up to me. I can still remember the feeling of being blown away. So, reading has always been a big part of my life and I’ve always been (and am still) a true book worm, and soon (I think already in first or second grade) I started to write my own stories. But I never thought I could be a writer, so I went on to study other things and pursued another career, and never really did a serious attempt to write. But still, stories of my own kept popping up in my mind. First Came Forever is based on one such story that I’ve been carrying with me for a long time. The image of Erica and how she moved to US for love came to me on a vacation in California over four years ago. Driving along Highway 1 the plot and the other characters crystalized; how she meets Sasha and falls heads over heels in love with him, but how difficult even such a strong love can be when reality hits with their different worlds and the mixed feelings for Tyler that intrudes Erica’s mind. This time, I felt that this story was so strong that I could not just let it go but had to try and write it down. So, I did. The feeling when I held the first copy of the book in my hand was so overwhelming. I wish so much that I could go back in time and tell the younger me to believe in myself and pursue my dream to write, not to wait this long to do it.

Do you write in the genre you love to read?
Yes, absolutely! I’ve always read a lot of different genres, but I’m especially addicted to YA and teen love stories. The books I read as a teenager have stuck with me through life and I still love YA books more than any other kind of literature.

Do you have any favourite authors to read?
I have so many, it’s almost impossible to choose one! I love YA authors like Rainbow Rowell, Marie Lu, Cassandra Clare, E. Lockhart, contemporary authors like Maggie O’Farrell, Curtis Sittenfield, Nobel prize winners like Toni Morrisson, Nadine Gordimer, Doris Lessing… And an all time favorite is Joyce Carol Oates. But if I have to choose one author and one book or series, it would have to be J.K. Rowling and the Harry Potter series. To me, those books are pure book perfection! The way J.K. Rowling has created a whole universe on her own and all the characters that you love and carry with you in your heart forever. With Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling has also helped so many troubled and lonely children, giving them hope and bringing them joy, it’s utterly amazing. There’s even a research study proving that the Harry Potter books help children to be more accepting of LGBT persons, so the books are literally making the world a better place.

Are you an organised writer or not?
I am a very organized person in everything I do. Love making lists and need to have things tidy around me… So, I guess I’m the same way when I’m writing. I start out with setting the overall plot and the most important events. Then I kind of start writing a chapter at a time. Sometimes I have to go back and add an extra chapter in between, but it’s not often.

What's your favourite social media? And why?
Definitely Instagram! I love the bookstagram community and all beautiful and inspiring photos of books. There are so many incredibly talented bookstagrammers out there! And it’s such a supportive atmosphere, everyone is kind to each other and just shares the love for books.

Do you prefer ebooks or paperbacks? Why?
Definitely paperbacks! I love the physical feeling of the book in my hand, paperbacks are much more “real” to me in a way. I also love to have a book shelf so that I can look at all the books I’ve read and remember them and the characters from time to time just by looking at the cover. And also, you can take so much better photos of paperbacks for bookstagram.

Do you have a favourite writing food? Drink?
Favorite writing drink is definitely coffee! I’m such a huge coffee addict. I’m not myself in the morning until I’ve had at least one large cup of coffee… Besides coffee, I also love to drink water with some fresh ginger or lemon in. I don’t need to eat while writing to the same extent as I need my coffee, but in the afternoon when you need to refuel, I have a favorite snacks – chocolate almonds from Superfruit. You can kind of tell yourself that they are healthy because they’re vegan and free from any additives… Lol!

A beautiful romantic teen novel about overcoming barriers to be with the one you love, by Annie Woods.

First Came Forever is the first book in a new trilogy following heroine Erica Lindell as an unexpected meeting changes her life forever. This swoon-worthy read for teens has several twists, including a love triangle and an assassination plot, where Erica is pushed to question her own aims and choices and make the hardest decisions of her life. What price is too high to pay, even for love?

Backpacking with her high school friends, Erica’s life takes a thrilling new turn. Meeting the fascinating Sasha Ailes, she can’t help but fall completely and irrevocably in love with him. When he feels the same way about her, Erica finds herself drawn into a fairy tale love story that will set her life on a new direction. But Sasha has kept his true identity a secret. Finding out who he really is, Erica must overcome the betrayal and make the hardest choice of her life. Can she give up her own dreams to live in his world, or leave and lose him forever?

First Came Forever is an enchanting, heart-wrenching story about friendship and first love and the devastating consequences a mistake can lead to. A deeply romantic read, full of characters who will stay with you for a long time.

Amazon

My review: 5 stars
WOW! I picked up this book and thought it sounded amazing, something I could really enjoy and it was so much more than that! It was well-paced and just all out amazing! I found myself losing time as I sat down to read just one more chapter. Erica was so well written and the love story makes you feel like you're actually reading a grown up relationship. There was always love, and consent which is a huge issue. The only bit I didn't like was the end because it left me wanting more and I don't know if the next book is out, but when it comes, sign me up! Sold on this story completely. Highly recommended!

You can follow Annie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here.

From Joey's Instagram

And it's Thursday! Time to see what I've done over the past month! Find it here: http://www.youtube.com/JoeyPaulOnline And two days until #Shenanigans2018!! #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #authortuber #writingvlog #vlogger #writingtips #authortube #lovemyjob #ilovewriting

Life Of Joey - April 2018 [CC]

PRE-ORDER DYING THOUGHTS - SIXTH CHANGE: http://www.books2read.com/DTSC
ARC FOR DTSC: https://goo.gl/forms/TnV86uJePs05rCjy2
THE BOOK ROBIN HOODS: https://therobinhoods.wixsite.com/thebookrobinhoods
TICKETS FOR #SHENANIGANS2018: http://bit.ly/2yc8CN9
TICKETS FOR #BLISS2018: http://bit.ly/2yGorwr
BUY MY BOOKS ON AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1VhLHog
BLOG: http://www.joeypaulonline.com/
TUMBLR: http://authorjoeypaul.tumblr.com
FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/JoeyPaulOnline
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/MsJoeyBug
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/authorjoeypaul
GOODREADS: http://bit.ly/1UcS61E

#TheBookRobinHoods

You'll have seen my posts on Instagram about this site - The Book Robin Hoods - but I haven't really done a piece about them and why they are a good site for both authors and readers. So this post is all about the site.

Are you an author? Well, the Book Robin Hoods is a perfect place for you to connect with readers. It started as the brainchild of MC Frank, and has grown with her hard work. The site is simple. You have the Storytellers - the authors - and the Book Thieves -the readers. The site brings the two together and allows one to request help from the other. So, for me, as a featured author, I can email all the bloggers and ask for help with cover reveals, ARC, reviews and even general promotion for giveaways and the like. It's an amazing resource and it's growing everyday! If you're an author and want to be featured on the site, the form for that is here.

Are you a reader or blogger? Become a Book Thief and open the door to more authors, books and other readers from all over the world. You can support indie authors and traditional authors by looking over their featured works and just with a simple email ask for a copy. If you're interested, the form for that is here.

Now for some rules that should be mentioned. At this time, #TBRH is not accepting erotica, non-fiction or graphic horror authors. And reviewers need to have some established posts before they can be added to the site.

I've been a featured author for a good few months and I have nothing but good things to say about this site. On top of that, they have an amazing forum that allows readers and authors to connect. I've met CPs through there, found people to do cover reveals and read ARCs. It's a brilliant site, but it does need to grow, and that's the reason for this post. So if you're interested, click the links and sign up. You won't be disappointed!

#THE BOOK ROBIN HOODS

From Joey's Instagram

#TEASERTUESDAY Tara is getting used to being different than before. She's learning to move past what happened and then this new case throws her headfirst into work. Will it help her or is the old Tara a distant memory? 😯😯 Pre-order here: www.books2read.com/DTSC #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #DyingThoughts6 #yalit #readersofinstagram #amreading #books #igreaders #igauthors #igwriters

Release Day Run Up - The After Process

RELEASE DAY RUN UP

Oh it is busy, busy in my house! I've trying to get everything sorted and ready for the coming week as I hurry towards the release of Dying Thoughts - Sixth Change (which you can pre-order here for 99p!) I'm also working hard on getting the edits done, the cover reveal planned and all that jazz for Walk A Mile, which is coming soon too! I thought I would take a moment to both breathe and give you some tips for the run up to release day. This isn't my first rodeo and yet it still stresses me out every time. As I've said before, it gets easier, but the anxiety never goes away completely.

So, what can you do to help keep yourself both on target and still remain calm enough to enjoy the release day buzz? As you know I am a big big big believer in to-do lists, in organisation and in having a week at a glance in regards to my work load. And yet still, I find that the release day rush still can't always be accounted for. So here are five tips for keeping your cool during that busy period.

#1. HAVE BREAKS PLANNED
I know I just said that time is limited, but this is a big big thing. You can't keep going at full steam for the eight or so weeks between your cover reveal and your release. You need to have some time off. Even if that time off consists of a book before bed, a bubble bath or a thirty minute chat with a good friend. You need you time, and no matter who you are, that's just not negotiable. Otherwise you're going to be ending up burnt out and drained by the end of it all. While not everyone plans two releases close together, you will be, probably, working on other projects alongside the release. That's going to eat into your time, and that's another reason to have breaks planned. It doesn't have to be days off, but it does have to be some time when you're able to breathe.

#2. MAKE A TO-DO LIST.
I know this doesn't work for everyone, and I get that not all people will plan things the way I do, but these are what works for me. I have my monthly goals, but I also have a breakdown of everything that needs to be done (and by when) so that I can check them off once they're completed. This allows me to plan my time better and make sure that as well as being on schedule with my release, I'm also able to get writing done, bits and pieces of admin work, and still remain in control of my emotions. I do this with sticky notes, and my monthly list on my private blog, but I also have it all down in a notebook because I do love drawing a line through everything once I'm finished with it. It also allows me to see ahead of myself as to whether there are things that aren't going to get done in time. And if so, rearrange things accordingly.

#3. SCHEDULE POSTS
I know that it may seem like a simple thing, but I'll be honest with you, it took me a while to realise just how useful scheduled posts were. It meant that I no longer needed to cross-post or be on each social media at the exact same time. While I do use some cross-post websites (like ifttt.com) being able to write a post, schedule it and just let it go live on its own, made me life so much easier! I've played around with the best ones that work for me and have found things like Tweetdeck which allow you to schedule as much and as often as you like at no charge, and other such sites that give you the chance to post in groups, have been SO helpful. When you're releasing a book, you have so much admin work to do that sometimes it's better to schedule and deal with the interaction as it happens.

#4. MAKE USE OF CONNECTIONS
I know we're talked about this before, but author friends are great during the run up to release. I have people who are happy to be my cheering squad, have people ready to help promote if needed. I have groups that will help me spread the word and all of that stuff. Having those connections is vital to writing life because you never know when you'll need them, and you'll never know when you're needed. During a release it's always better to be able to ask people to help spread the word rather than paying for Facebook ads or the like, which are usually hit and miss as to whether they hit the target or not.

#5. MAKE USE OF SUPPORT OFFLINE
This is a big one. While my author friends are great and while I have made friends with bloggers and all of that in the past few years, disconnecting and still getting that support from my friends is amazing. It's a great way to boost your energy when you feel like you're flagging. It's a great way to talk through any issues with scheduling and it makes life just so much easier. I know I've very lucky to have a supportive family, in regards to writing and I know that a lot of people don't have that, so if you don't have it offline, it's okay to find these people online as well. I know there are some great circles on Tumblr in the #writeblr tag and have found a bunch of people on Instagram there as well with the #amwriting tag. We're all working towards the same goals, just at different times. Make use of your friends and be ready to ask for help, there's no shame in that!

So there you have it, my five tips for getting through the run up to release day. I've now got to go and send out a bunch of emails about ARCs so I'm gonna leave this here and ask that if you have any tips, feel free to share them in the comments!


Follow Joey here on her blog, or on Facebook or Tumblr to be kept up to date with the latest news regarding Joey and her books.