From Joey's Instagram

It's tag time! I was tagged by the lovely @ekinsellaauthor for this tag and I'm tagging @dalcecilruno @queenemilicious and @alexadonne to do it too! 🤗🤗 . You can watch here: http://www.youtube.com/JoeyPaulOnline or the link in my bio! . . #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #bookish #writinglife #joeypaul #readers #readersofinstagram #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram #authortuber #writingvlog #vlogger #writingtips #authortube #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #smallyoutuber
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The Writing Community Tag [CC]

THE WRITING COMMUNITY TAG

TAGGED BY ERIN KINSELLA HER VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djPbq7bGqRM&t=29s

Questions:
1. What drove you to find a writing community?
2. How did you first get involved in the writing community?
3. What has been your favourite online platform for the writing community?
4. What are some best practices for connecting and interacting with other writers online?
5. Are there any other platforms or ways to connect that you want to try next?
6. Have you made any writing friends in person?
7. How has the community helped you in your writing journey so far?
8. On what other platforms can people connect with you?
9. Shout out some positive forces in the writing community that you think we should connect with!
10. Promote the writing community by tagging your friends and letting them do the tag next

ALEXA'S CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfwTRhTSM2NyJImC8HeUd1Q
ERIN'S CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO9oK9D2DpNqcdHfQrh9y9w
MC FRANK'S CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr1I6B1Q6KBYZeu7SDSwSqw
DAL CECIL RUNO'S CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFR5phjFlbMiTpoRiNBMJ2Q
EMILY BOURNE'S CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaa0pB9ohy9_in_Dvqn0l4w

#Authortube

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From Joey's Instagram

It's the end of the month almost. So now I get to write the blog posts for the coming weeks. Tomorrow is vlog scripts and then the writing start a anew! 👩‍💻👩‍💻✒✒ . Do you have an end of month routine? . . #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #bookish #writinglife #joeypaul #readers #readersofinstagram #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram #writing #booknerd #bookworm #reading #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors #writingtips
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From Joey's Instagram

#TEASERTUESDAY Cat thinks it's as easy as ignoring what she doesn't like. Jayden has a different view. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈📚📚 . Buy here: www.books2read.com/INAR or the link in my bio! . . #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #bookish #writinglife #joeypaul #readers #readersofinstagram #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram #writing #booknerd #bookworm #reading #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors #LGBTQ
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From Joey's Instagram

It's Monday and I'm about to write my last chapter of the month. I've been having a rough few months but there finally feels like a light at the end of the tunnel! 🤗🤗✒✒ . How was your weekend? . . #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #bookish #writinglife #joeypaul #readers #readersofinstagram #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram #writing #booknerd #bookworm #reading #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors #writingtips #mentalhealth
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Spoonie Writer: Missing Out

SPOONIE WRITER: MISSING OUT

One of the biggest things I learned a as spoonie writer came this past November. I was all pumped to do NaNoWriMo and I had everything planned, ready to go and was super excited about it because I would be finished my last two projects and starting two new ones while grabbing my 50K words. Of course, it didn't go as planned. I was already sick and struggling with fatigue in October and then my port died. For those who aren't aware, I have a port which is a kind of central line that allows IV access for infusions and other meds. I also got the letter that I would be having two IV iron infusions and because of that would spend three Fridays at the hospital. I ended up needing a mid-line which took care of another day I could've worked and it became very clear that I was not going to have the time and be well enough to do NaNo. So I made the choice to do fewer chapters and take care of my health.

And I'm not going to lie. It sucked. I had all my friends talking word counts and how close to goal they were. And then there was me, cheering them on, but otherwise not really managing much. It didn't help that the mid-line got infected and that led to me feeling even more crap, but it did get me thinking about how as spoonie writers, we're not just juggling projects and writing time, but also our health and the spoons we have (theory explained here) for the day.

And a big part of what I learned was that we are always going to be at risk of missing out. When I was picked for Darker 2017, I was newly on the oxygen all the time, newly in a chair full-time and I was scared that I wouldn't be able to go, or worse, that the journey would tire me out so much that I couldn't make it to the signing itself. I mean I planned as much as I could. B drove, we stayed an extra night so that I could have the Sunday to rest and try and get ready for the journey home. And bar having to leave an hour or so before the end. I did it. I made it through. I went on to do two more signings before I did Darker 2018 and while I had to leave a little early, I made it to the ball both times. It felt like an amazing achievement.

But that's just it, we're waiting for our health to take us hostage. We know that when we say yes to something, there's always the risk that things will change on a dime and we'll be stuck having to pull out. But I wanted to write this piece to let people know that while it happens, while it sucks, and while it will always suck and probably never get any easier, it is okay to need to take that time to recover, and do what you need to do.

A lot of the time I feel like the writing world is set up in a way that's not all that accessible to those of us with spoons. There's a lot of things like NaNo that make it harder for someone with limited energy to get things done. And that feeling of missing out never gets easier. You feel like you're even more isolated when writing itself is very isolating on its own. There are accommodations made of course, when you find that group of writers who get you, and they are out there, it just takes time. It took me almost 15 years to find mine! But when you find that group, you'll realise that they will be with you through thick and thin. When you're missing out, they'll make sure that you're not alone in that feeling. They'll be the ones to cheer you on and help you with whatever you need.

One thing I have realised since finding that writing group is, I didn't realise just how isolated I was. In the past year I have joined The Book Robin Hoods (author sign up here) and I was suddenly opened up to all these authors who got me, who were writing stories like mine, who wanted to read my books, who got to know me and were happy to do so. I found people who I could make a circle with and then beyond that, I found one of my CPs, who I adore! It helped me take those first brave steps into Twitter and from there I found even more people. I now have a feed not of people tweeting about their books, but of people helping each other and wanting to connect.

Beyond that it has opened up Instagram and Tumblr to me. Both social media that I loved using but never really got the hang on what to do with. It also gave me contacts with people on Authortube, and from there, more friends. And while not all of them are spoonies, they do all cheer me on, they do all help with that feeling of isolation and also that knowledge that even if I do miss out on something, I have people who get it and will help me through. And that's something that is so much more than most people realise.

In all honesty, I am becoming more and more housebound. I generally don't go out unless it's something like a hospital or doctor appointment, and then beyond that the odd hair did'ing. Writing this in my office now, I don't think I've been out of the house this year bar the Mepo doses. And that feels terrifying when I consider just how small my world has become. But yet I open up my computer and there I am connected to not only other writers, but people I few as my friends. I know that I should try and get out more, and I do, every day think of some way to do that, because I am somewhat missing out on the world, but for now, it's my life. It doesn't mean it will always be like that.

My advice to you, as a spoonie, is to accept that sometimes you will miss out, to look for your writing community however you can and to remember that you don't have to be alone on this path. Good luck, and keep writing!

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

My month of writing is up on the channel complete with kitty cameos! Like Miss Penne who insists on sitting on my neck right now! 😺😺😻😻 . Watch here: http://www.youtube.com/JoeyPaulOnline or the link in my bio! . . #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #bookish #writinglife #joeypaul #readers #readersofinstagram #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram #authortuber #writingvlog #vlogger #writingtips #authortube #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #writing #booknerd #bookworm #reading
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#AmWriting - #009 [CC]

A writer writes... #Authortube

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From Joey's Instagram

It's another #Visible day and I'm calling on some strength from Harry! Headache and tired but I gotta get this chapter written! 😫😫✒✒ . How do you keep going? . . #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #bookish #writinglife #joeypaul #readers #readersofinstagram #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram #writing #booknerd #bookworm #reading #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors
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From Joey's Instagram

And back to work today even if my rash is back. Maybe I'm allergic to writing?? 🤣🤣 . What does your weekend have in store for you? . . #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #bookish #writinglife #joeypaul #readers #readersofinstagram #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram #writing #booknerd #bookworm #reading #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors
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Guest Blogger - S. McPherson: Why I Write

Why I Write

S. McPherson

To live in a land of magic has always been a dream of mine. The idea of being immersed in a world where anything goes and where all of my wildest imaginings are possible, makes my heart race and my skin tingle. I become the very essence of excitement. When I was younger, people said I was mad.
‘Head in the clouds that one.’ They’d say. But I’d just smile and shake my head. They don’t believe in magic.

For a land where anything goes is not far from here. My journey with it began the first time I opened a book – a place where I could grow, explore and embark on magical adventures. Where people could fly and animals could talk; where witches stirred cauldrons and superheroes wore tights.

My fascination only grew when I discovered the joy of creating my own stories and worlds to lose myself in. Where I could birth the characters that I loved and loved to hate. Where I could say how things would go.

Having spent eight years as a kindergarten teacher, I am very used to making up stories and inventing excitingly ridiculous scenarios for my class to take part in. I set the stage, choose the costumes and form a plot. And when I’m not engaged in a world of imagination and fantasy focussed on the children, I am entranced in worlds of my own, dreaming up tales and writing them down. This all helped me to enhance and develop my ability to create impossible things and I’ve loved every minute of it.

I now have seven indie-published books out in the world and that thought always makes me squeal. Two children’s books, and five novels that are a part of a romance fantasy series which, of course, revolves around mystic lands, magical powers and warring empires.

I write to taste the things that real life can never quite display because our imaginations are endless and, with them, we can do anything. So, call me mad, I don’t mind. It just means that I believe in magic, and books are magic on Earth.

You can follow S. McPherson on Facebook, Twitter, her website, Instagram and Youtube.

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

It's Thursday and today I'm talking about cover art and my five tips and tricks to get the best ones for you and your book baby! 🤯🤯📚📚 . Watch here: http://www.youtube.com/JoeyPaulOnline or the link in my bio! . . #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #bookish #writinglife #joeypaul #readers #readersofinstagram #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram #authortube #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #writing #booknerd #bookworm #reading #authortuber #smallyoutuber
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Tips & Tricks: Cover Art [CC]

My top five tips & tricks when it comes to cover art! #Authortube

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From Joey's Instagram

Another shot of my desk I love that I can stack things here even if they don't get seen to straight away. I'm still off work until Friday but enjoying the peace and reading time! 📚📚🤗🤗 . How do you cope with unexpected time off? . . #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #bookish #writinglife #joeypaul #readers #readersofinstagram #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram #booknerd #bookworm #amreading #reading #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #writing
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From Joey's Instagram

#TEASERTUESDAY Tara has come go rely on Kaolin as both a friend and someone she can share the secrets of her life with. Only Kaolin isn't there...😱😱 Buy here: www.books2read.com/DTFW or the link in my bio! . Who was your first friend? . . #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #bookish #writinglife #joeypaul #readers #readersofinstagram #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram #booknerd #bookworm #amreading #reading #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #writing #bookboost
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From Joey's Instagram

I broke my streak of posting every day but that's down to having an allergy rash pop up and no idea why. One hospital visit later and I'm finally feeling human enough to post! 😷😷 . What have you been up to this weekend? . . #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #bookish #writinglife #joeypaul #readers #readersofinstagram #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram #spoonie #chronicillness #brittleasthma #spoonielife #wheelchairuser #oxygenuser #chronicpain #fibromyalgia #booknerd #bookworm #amreading
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The Trials of a Crime Writer: Balancing Realism & Fiction

THE TRIALS OF A CRIME WRITER: BALANCING REALISM & FICTION

I've talked about this before in one of my tropes pieces (linked here) but I feel like it's something that needs to be covered more as a crime writer than just the plain ole indie author series I have. I think when it comes to writing crime, there's a lot of times when the barrier to realism is crossed and your ability to suspend disbelief vanishes. It's not necessarily bad writing, but sometimes things are just too "out there" to be considered plausible and real even in fiction.

With some genres, that's okay because we're talking about fantasy and worlds other than our own. In sci-fi there's a bigger limit again because it's either futuristic or enough is explained by tech that you can turn a blind eye to the things that don't ring true for you. But when it comes to crime, there's this feeling that things needs to make sense otherwise, it just doesn't feel believable and/or real enough to pass.

Now some of that is a case of the series 'jumping the shark', a phrase coined to basically mean that we're into the disbelief entirely and unable to go further without it verging on the ridiculous. I can name several YA series that this happened to, but I won't because I'm not that kind of blog, and these were also ones from my childhood and it seems silly to rake them over the coals. But what am I planning to talk about here? The balance between the two.

Because that's the important part of writing fiction, about finding that balance. And I feel that it especially applies to crime fiction and here's why. So many people who read crime, are doing so to escape, but also to follow the mystery. They're looking for a detective going out and about and seeing this or that happen, and they're coming along for the ride. They want to see the clues shown and see if they can beat the detective to the punch and find out who was the killer/other bad guy. It's about being along for the chase, and if the end result is something that makes the reader feel cheated, then it's doing something wrong.

So how do you balance between the two? It's not an easy feat. It's something that will take time, experience, and also research. I've already talked before about my feeling of there being too many serial killers in series. I've read a series that I ended up stopping because every new case was a new serial killer. I decided that one was okay, two was stretching it, but beyond that, with every new book in the series focused on a serial killer in the same geographical location? That's just beyond realism. It's into the absurd!

So what are some things you can look out for when writing that will let you know if you're crossing that line? Glad you asked, because I have a few tips to share with you!

#1 - CAN YOU SEE IT IN THE NEWS?
If it's something that you see frequently, like assault, or police searches for missing people, then it's probably something that can be turned into an idea. And you can take it and make it your own. You can add bits and pieces that aren't often on the news and come out with a really good story. And you can have it work for you. That's not to say that if it's rarely mentioned you should never use it as a plot point, of course there are crimes out there that are infrequent, but just don't build a whole series around it constantly happening, because that's gonna make people sit back and go: WTF?

#2 - DOES IT ADD AN AIR OF SUSPENSE?
The key to any good crime novel is the suspense that's built up in the mystery. If it's something like stealing someone's identity and using it as a way to get away with crimes, then it can be turned to add suspense. Not every suspenseful book has bodies dropping at an alarming rate. There are other ways to keep the reader glued to the page and allow for the story to play out. Utilise those and you'll find yourself with a good story on your hands.

#3 - DOES IT SKIRT THE EDGE OF REALISM?
As you all know, I recently released a sci-fi/crime novel. I had the idea for the crime aspects, but for it to work, I had to set it into the near future so that I could allow for tech advances and newer ways of fighting crime. If you've got an idea that would be unbelievable now, but wouldn't in the past or future, so long as you write it well, and skirt that edge but never cross over, it should be fine to write. Just remember to do your research and allow for feedback before you get to the publication route.

And finally, #4 - CHECK YOUR FACTS
This feels like something that shouldn't need to be said, but at the same time, it still happens. There are always going to be some facts that might impede your story, and for some of those, you can alter the time, place or even the rules of the world, but a lot of the time, you're going to need to rework your idea to make sure that it follows the facts. Otherwise you'll end up looking like an idiot who didn't do their research and no one wants that. So, be sure to not skip this step!

And those are my tips, if you have any others, or comments about your own history with realism in fiction, be sure to let me know in the comments! Good luck!

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

Review of Burden Of Truth by Kristin Ward

 I thought I understood the truth.

I thought I knew the whole story.

But no one really did.

In a country defined by scarcity and control, Enora Byrnes leaves the watchful eyes and secret agendas of the powerful and enters a society living on the fringes. Life beneath the surface brings her face to face with a world struggling to survive. Armed with knowledge and honed into a weapon for the resistance, she fights alongside those whom society deems rebels and uses her skills to steal a secret kept hidden from humanity. Enora becomes what she has hunted: a traitor.

As Enora embarks on a fateful quest, will she find the one thing that could give her world hope or a truth that is far worse than she ever imagined?

Amazon

My Review: 5 stars
I picked this up having loved the first book. A world where water is the currency and the chances of survival outside the Company are slim. Faced with joining the rebels, with fighting for what they both believe is right, Enora starts to see a different side to both the fight and the world she lives in.; It's a heartbreaking tale that gives drops of hope before they are almost pulled away. An amazing story with a cautionary ending. I very much enjoyed it and can not recommend it enough!

You can follow Kristin on her website, Twitter and Instagram.

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

Talking about my life over the past month and seeing what I've managed! 👩‍💻👩‍💻✒✒ . Watch here: http://www.youtube.com/JoeyPaulOnline or the link in my bio! 🎥🎥 . . #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #bookish #writinglife #joeypaul #readers #readersofinstagram #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram #authortube #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors #writingtips #authortube #readers #readersofinstagram
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Life Of Joey - February 2019 [CC]

All about my life in the past month and what I've been up to! #Authortube

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From Joey's Instagram

New phone case arrived! It's a lovely postcard design by @officialstuartmanning for #DoctorWho and seemed fitting with my use of oxygen! 🤗🤗😷😷 . What's your phone case like? . . #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #bookish #writinglife #joeypaul #readers #readersofinstagram #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram #writing #booknerd #bookworm #reading #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors #writingtips #chronicillness #brittleasthma #chronicpain #wheelchairuser #oxygenuser
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From Joey's Instagram

#TEASERTUESDAY Harriet is trying to keep the past out of the future but isn't doing it that well! 🙃🙃🤐🤐 . Buy here: www.books2read.com/DUKN or the link in my bio! 📚 . Where would you visit in the past? . #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #bookish #writinglife #joeypaul #readers #readersofinstagram #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram #booknerd #bookworm #amreading #readersofinstagram #yalit #writing #reading #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors
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From Joey's Instagram

It's a #CrampingChronicles5 day! I've gotta get a chapter written while also being kind to myself. Hard to do today. 👩‍💻👩‍💻✒✒ . What do you do to help yourself on bad days? . . #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #bookish #writinglife #joeypaul #readers #readersofinstagram #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram #writing #booknerd #bookworm #reading #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors
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The Trials Of An Indie Author: Planning A Release

THE TRIALS OF AN INDIE AUTHOR: PLANNING A RELEASE

It's getting to that time of the year again where I am gearing up to release my next book. 2019 is going to be different than any of the others because I'm not just sticking with my usual two, but adding a third in there as well. It's been started, the process of editing and the rest have been going on since about July time of 2018. I won't bore you with the details of release, though I might update my series on the after process and all that goes into it. It's been a while since I talked about it.

But back to today's topic. How do I, and any other indie author, plan for a release? It feels like a never ending cycle between drafting, rewrites, edits, betas and the rest as you go from finishing one book to the next and getting another bunch ready for release. It can be extremely overwhelming, but that said, it's something that needs to be done. You can't just, like I did in the early days of my career, release a book and call it done. You have to get the word out and you have to actually do a lot of work to get that done. Readers don't come out from the woodwork and randomly start reading your book if they don't know it's there.

So how do you plan a release? What goes into it? Who do you talk to? What steps can you take to help get the word out? And how do you find readers in the first place? Don't worry! I'm gonna go through each of those in turn.

#1- What goes into it?
I'm someone who does a lot of planning. So I make sure that I know what's ahead of me. The deadlines, the steps I need to take and all of that. I also make sure that I know what's expected of me. A lot of the time, you're going to be working with other people. You'll have an editor and cover designer at a minimum, but you'll also have beta readers, a street team, ARC readers and cover reveals and all of that. You need to be sure of what you need to be doing and when to do it by. For me that means breaking it down month-by-month. Marketing has never really been my strong point, so I've used tools like Storiad that gives you a very good marketing tool for your release that you can follow.

But again, a lot of this is going to be down to you to do. You'll know what you need to do and when it has to be done by. Like I said above, I start the publishing process about a year before the book will hit the shelves. And so you need to make sure that you have that time, those steps to meet and all of that. Publishing a book is a whole lot more than just hitting the button on whatever site you use. You want to be spreading the word, building the hype when it comes to the cover, teasers, the pre-order period, the blogs who do ARCs and all of that. It's all a big build up the the special day when your book is out there in the world. And then, if you're like me, you're juggling these different stages with more than one book. So know what you're doing and make sure you have a way to at least keep track of what's been done and what needs doing.

#2- Who do you talk to?
This is going to be talked a little bit more in the fourth question, but rather than repeating myself, I'll just say that a lot of the time you're gonna be talking to bloggers and readers of your genre. The target audience are the ones you want to reach. But before that you'll be wanting to reach out to people who promote your kind of book. Whether that's a YA blogger or a romance blogger, or a fantasy/sci-fi/dystopian etc blogger, that's who you're going to be reaching out to.

Why? Because they're the people who will have the audience you want to reach. They're the people whose readers as going to be your readers. You want to be reaching out to them to help with any number of things from the cover reveal to ARCs to release day blitz to blog tours and the like. These are your people and you're gonna want them to know you have a new book coming out and what it's about.

#3 - What steps can you take to help get the word out?
I've mentioned on the blog before about certain things I do to help spread the word when it comes to a release. These are things like cover reveals, reaching out to bloggers who do things like Bookstagram or Twitter reviews. Taking steps to have Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) so that people can read the book before release and have reviews on Goodreads and Amazon come release day. You can use these moments, these steps, to get the word out to even more people. It's one of the reasons why it's important to have a good cover so that when it's revealed, people more than want to buy your books, and will pre-order it.

These are steps that you can take in the run up to release. That way there's people already aware that you have a new book coming out before it comes close to release day. It's a lot easier to build a buzz slowly, than to do it super fast. Though of course that depends on your platform, for me, who's very much a small fish, it takes time for people to get worked up because I don't have a huge reach.

#4 - How do you find readers in the first place?
Going back to point two, this is where I'll give you my secrets for finding the elusive reader in your target audience. As I mentioned there, there's places like Storiad that not only help you with marketing, but had a massive database that you can use to narrow down the searches for a certain type of blogger. That way you can use their messaging system to make those contacts and go from there. I recommend personalising the messages which may seem like a lot of work, but it's so worth it.

And the second place I recommend is The Book Robin Hoods, which is a massive resource that allows you to connect with readers and authors alike. They have a huge list of bloggers and bookstagrammers that will possibly, help you with your release. It may seem like a lot of work, but you're releasing a book and you want it to go right, so do the work and you'll thank yourself later.

So there we have it, how to plan a release and get the word out about your upcoming book. If you have any tips, feel free to leave them in the comments, but otherwise, good luck with your release!

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

Up early again. So I took the day off writing and did a bonus video which I just have to caption. I'm planning to spend the day on admin stuff and getting the cover reveal ready for #DyingThoughts7 coming soon! 😴😴🤯🤯 . What do you do when you can't sleep? . . #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #bookish #writinglife #joeypaul #readers #readersofinstagram #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram #writing #booknerd #bookworm #reading #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors #insomnia #chronicillness
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From Joey's Instagram

The bits you don't see of my life. The weekly dosset box gets filled on a Saturday so that's what I'm doing before writing. 😷😷🤗🤗 . What's your plan for Saturday? . . #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #bookish #writinglife #joeypaul #readers #readersofinstagram #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram #booknerd #bookworm #writing #reading #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors #spoonielife #spoonie #chronicillness #brittleasthma #wheelchairuser
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From Joey's Instagram

And it's #Mepo day! I've got some #authortube to catch up on and ready to get today done! Hopefully without feeling crap! 😷😷🤗🤗 . Happy Friday! What are you getting done today? . . #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #bookish #writinglife #joeypaul #readers #readersofinstagram #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram #booknerd #bookworm #amreading #reading #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #writing
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Review of Fate Surrendered by L. Danvers

Gregory's life is on the line. And Daphne will have to do the unthinkable to save him...

Exchanging her white gown for a black one, Princess Daphne returns to the castle for a funeral, leaving Gregory behind. But the body count quickly rises, and there's no question as to who's behind it.

Sir Hartley presents her with a sinister choice: marry him or have Gregory's head delivered to her on a platter. With Gregory's fate in her hands, Daphne surrenders to the life her father had planned for her, swearing herself to Sir Hartley. It's not long, though, before his reign of terror begins.

No longer able to stand witness to these horrors, Daphne devises a plan to overthrow her tyrannical husband. But he'll do anything to try to keep his place on the throne. Even if that means killing her.

Amazon

My Review: 5 stars
I loved the first book and wanted to pick up the next in the series. I adore Daphne, and her will to do what's right both for herself, but also for her people. This book was just as fast-paced as the first, just as engaging, with the angst and threat to Gregory's life coming for a position Daphne is forced into. I loved this book and plan to pick up the third in the series as well. It's a fast read, but definitely an enjoyable one! Highly recommended!

You can follow L. Danvers on Facebook, Instagram and Pintrest.

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

It's Thursday and today I'm talking about what to do with all those ideas and how to know if you're on the right track! 🤔🤔 . Watch here: http://www.youtube.com/JoeyPaulOnline or the link in my bio! . What do you do with your ideas? . . #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #bookish #writinglife #joeypaul #readers #readersofinstagram #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram #authortube #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors #writingtips #authortuber #writingvlog #vlogger #smallyoutuber #booknerd #bookworm #writing #reading
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Ideas Everywhere: The Start [CC]

Writing always starts with an idea, but what do you do when they're everywhere? #Authortube

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From Joey's Instagram

Some reason the caption got eaten! But I got some sleep last night! Yay! 🤗🤗😴😴
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What are your plans for Wednesday?
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#authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #bookish #writinglife #joeypaul #readers #readersofinstagram #bookworm #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram #booknerd #bookworm #writing #reading #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors #chronicpain #flare #fibromyalgia #ME #wheelchairuser #oxygenuser #chronicillness
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From Joey's Instagram

#TEASERTUESDAY Tara's gift has it's downsides and seeing people die is one of them. 😱☠☠😱 . Buy here: www.books2read.com/DTTW or the link in my bio! . What paranormal gift would you like? . . #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #bookish #writinglife #joeypaul #readers #readersofinstagram #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram #bookworm #bookboost #yaauthor #booknerd #writing #reading #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors #dyingthoughts
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From Joey's Instagram

Early start again today but I had some things to get done on the admin side of indie author life. So I'm doing blog headers and other little bits and pieces! 👩‍💻👩‍💻💁‍♀️💁‍♀️ . What's the ideal time to work on creative pursuits for you. Morning or night? 🌝🌚 . . #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #bookish #writinglife #joeypaul #readers #readersofinstagram #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram #readers #readersofinstagram #booknerd #bookworm #writing #reading #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors #writingtips
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Planning A Series - The Creative Process

PLANNING A SERIES

I did a series of pieces on series and standalones, which can be found here. But I wanted to touch on this again on a piece on its own. Simply because when I've written series before, they've not had an overreaching plot, but instead have been, mostly, able to read as standalones. However in the time since then, I've written a trilogy, and started two new series and so therefore have a little bit more experience with the whole planning of a series process. I will warn you that when it comes to planning - even as a series - I am not big about thinking ahead. I'm a minimal planner and I'm not someone who feels they are always able to plot beforehand, however I have picked up a few tips along the way that I wanted to share.

#1 - START SMALL AND WORK YOUR WAY UP
This is another way of saying that don't get too far ahead of yourself. While you might have an idea for a trilogy of duology, you may find that as you build up that plot and story that it's morphing into a longer series and that's okay. So long as it works for the genre and each story itself is somewhat resolving, then you're doing fine. What I mean by somewhat resolving is there should be a point to the break. It shouldn't be one huge story broken up into smaller chunks, there should be a reason for the end of each book to fall where it does.

#2 - MAKE SURE THE STORY WORKS
Touching a little again on that last point, you need to make sure that each book has a plot of it's own, even if it's a minor one that's mostly overshadowed by the main series arc. This is because the majority of readers want to feel like they've accomplished something when finishing a book is that they've been told a story, not just fed snippets of an upcoming release that will then tell them the rest of the story. This is imperative with a series that has a long reaching arc because otherwise you're gonna have a lot of people feeling like there was little point to the books that came before the main story started.

#3 - MAKE SURE YOU'RE STARTING AT THE RIGHT POINT
Carrying on from that last point again. Sometimes the story starts later than we realise and there's no need for readers to know all that happened in that first "book", it's nothing that can't be explained as exposition or through smaller chunks of text. Sometimes we start writing or planning a story and writing a lot of filler that's actually unneeded. Sometimes you can cut out whole books by just bringing the start to a point where it makes more sense. So be sure that when you're planning, even if it's something that strikes you later on, that you're starting as close to the inciting incident as possible.

#4 - USE THE BEST CHARACTERS TO TELL THE STORY RIGHT
Making sure you have the right character either in first person or from their eyes if you chose a variation of third person. You want it to be the right person to tell the story, and while it may be tempting to have it told from various different points of view, too many can be hard to track and it can sometimes make it more confusing for the reader and harder for them to relate to the characters. It's a balancing act to find the right point of view and also tell the story in the best way you can.

AND FINALLY #5 - SOMETIMES THROWING THINGS AT A WALL WORKS
By this I mean that sometimes you can do that thought-dump where you throw things at the wall and see what sticks. This can be the same for any planning, but especially something that works with a series. I've found some of my best ideas by talking things through with a friend and just letting my ideas lead me. It doesn't always work, and you don't always end up perfect on the first try, but it's something that's worth giving a go. You never know, you might find your answer and then some!

So those are my five tips for planning a series. As I said, the Dying Thoughts series wasn't one that had an over reaching arc, but the Lights Out trilogy, the Invisible series and Cramping Chronicles, all do, and it's something that you learn as you do. So go forth and plan your series, have fun and remember to keep writing!

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