Friday, September 26, 2014

Five Year Goals in Review

Last Friday of the Month
 
It's that time of month again, when I review my five year goals, which for me is to develop a publishing company that sets the standard for excellence here in the States, if not the world. Dream big or go home, right? So, here's how it's going: Very well. With each book I write and each manuscript I review I get a better hold on what's good and what isn't. And in that process I'm starting to ask some questions, like why are things done the way they are? Is there a reason for it, or is it just the way it's always been? Because we do stuff like that all the time; cling onto things that make no sense at all.
The reason?
One word: habit.
When I was in a research class in nursing school, one of the things the professors taught us is to always look at the original research, and if it isn't there, do your own. For example, at that time, heat wasn't being used as a pain control measure for cancer patients. It was general knowledge that heat spread cancer, so it was avoided. Come to find out, the original research that produced that line of thinking was one experiment done at the turn of the century (the last one), where a small percentage of monkeys had an increase in the spread of their cancer after heat was applied to their skin. That one experiment changed the entire practice of physical therapy for almost a century, and in doing so, eliminated a very effective means of pain control for cancer patients. My point? Question everything. And if it doesn't makes sense, get some new research. 

Monday, September 22, 2014

Underrated Treasures Blogfest


Today I'm participating in Alex Cavanaugh's Underrated Treasures Blogfest. Thanks for hosting this Alex; it's about time some of these bands/movies/books get their due.
My choice is Warren Barfield. This man is brilliant. I listen to this song almost every day--kind of gets me going, which is a very good thing.


What are your favorite Underrated Treasures? I don't know about you, but I'm going to have some fun today visiting the rest of the blogs participating in this so they can be my favorites, too. I've always had a soft spot for the underdog.
Come back on Friday for The Five Year Project monthly review.
Until then,

-Mel

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Indie Life

Second Wednesday Each Month

This is kind of a continuation from an earlier post when I wrote about writing what you love, and for the most part all of you agreed. So, if that's what we're doing, I have one question: Why aren't we seeing more unique books out there? Because we aren't, except for in Indie.

After four years in this, I think I've come up with the reason.
 
I've been to two major conferences, and a couple of minor--and they all said the same thing, both editors and agents alike: write the story you were meant to write, but they don't mean it. Now hear me out, I'm sure they want good stories to publish, but the bottom line is; they're salesmen. They go where the money is. Don't believe me? Try submitting that book that came straight from your heart. Chances are you'll be told male POV isn't selling right now, or the market is flooded with (insert whatever here). The list goes on and on. Bottom line: They don't care about the story that's in your heart; they only care about what sells. I know it sounds like I'm bitter, but I'm not. Actually, I see it as an opportunity. Because while they're busy publishing the same old same old, we as Indies will be providing the market with what's fresh, different, alive. And in the end, that will make all the difference.

-Mel

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

IWSG

First Wednesday of the Month

Today is the four year anniversary of this whole writing thing for me, and ironically, the third anniversary for ISWG. Coincidence? Maybe not. My writing life has been full of insecurities, especially in the beginning. At that time I was told a million and one reasons why I shouldn't write my particular story--it had already been written, it wasn't mainstream enough, etc, etc, etc. I think that's what they tell everybody. It's evident every time I try to find a new book to read. Everything is the same. Except in Indie--except with all of you. We don't have "gatekeepers" telling us what to write. We write what we love, and it shows. So what have I learned over the past four years concerning my insecurities as a writer?
That I don't care. I'm going to write the story I was meant to write.
Speaking of that...
Erron is officially released today. Enjoy.


For years, Erron has been running from the ones who have slaughtered his family. With his abilities it's been easy. Until Willow. It turns out caring about someone has it's costs. He's no longer uncatchable.

It's available now on Amazon and Kindle. Get your copy here