‘I like stripping’ and ‘naked cartwheels!’ Just what is going on? Has my blog taken on a new, raunchy category….?!
My stripping comment was due to us ‘stripping’ the inside of the boat, but it wasn’t to make room to do naked cartwheels!
Use your imagination! (Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net)
The ‘undressed-aerobics’ is a comment from someone who has purchased both our books. And I quote.
‘My partner started reading as soon as your books arrived (two minutes ago), and twenty pages in she is laughing. Thanks Jackie, I will now be ignored for the rest of the day as my partner dives into this tale of the heart and adventure, and the only thing I will hear from her is “what are you making for lunch” and “ha ha ha I so get that”. I could do naked cartwheels through the house NOW and she would not notice me, she’s only thirty pages in and I can’t wait for my go!’
Writers live for these kind of comments. It pays for the endless twenty-hour days, the worry, the stress while putting yourself ‘out-there’ to be judged.
So hug an author, leave or review or drop them a line… it’ll mean more than you’ll ever know.
I’ve had a lot of writing/publishing help and advice over the years (thanks Rachel Amphlett). Recently I’ve been asked to provide a copy of some notes that I scribbled. They are a brief detail of my process, as an Indie Author.
Coupled with reading a disheartening quote this week, ‘The book market is awash now anyone can publish, and most of those are misses…’ (Well, it went something like that). I am compelled to write this blog about what I love doing.
It maybe so, that many books are misses, and some authors may not put the time, effort, money, love and soul into their book – but I can’t imagine why you’d write something and not give it your all. Many authors lose a little of themselves in each book. Writing and publishing a book is not for wimps!
I am often up at all hours, thinking, writing, marketing…
I also read another quote, which went along the lines of, ‘When you view an artist’s work, you are not just viewing a picture you are viewing their life, their dreams, their soul.’ It is the same for author’s, in fact, anyone creative.
I have so many ideas, voices, characters, and stories in my head, it is a relief to get them out! So, for me, the ‘writing’ part is relatively easy… compared with what follows.
Months and months of editing
Months and months of reading
Months and months of researching
Asking friends to be my Beta readers to help with the next level
Re-writing their comments where necessary
Employing a good editor and taking their comments on board
Re-writing where necessary
Reading again
Checking again
Reading again
Checking again
Don’t let any of these short bullet points fool you – it is hard work, it is a slog, it’s a marathon.
Add to this:
Marketing
Marketing
Marketing
And then some more
And then:
Working with a printing & distributing company to reach that marvellous, unbelievable day when you hold your very own book. (Then, you read it, check it, make amendments and ensure it is perfect!)
Then, the real marketing starts!….
I make time to write anywhere/anytime!
Launching
At last, you are ready to launch and my goodness you’d better be brave; the time has come to put YOU on show. While terrifically exciting, it is extremely terrifying too.
But to get back to my point; Authors work hard, they help each other, they support, they learn they share. What you pay for a book is significantly minuscule compared to the blood, sweat, tears and time that has been poured into those pages (literally!).
Your choice as a reader is incredible. But if a book doesn’t ‘fit’ you, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t loved by someone else – even if it is ‘just’ the author…
It’s funny when a harmless comment someone makes keeps you awake all night – but more importantly it makes you think.
Let me briefly explain, I’ve embarked on a Cover Wars competition, where my book cover is alongside four other covers and people (hopefully) vote.
I received a message last night saying, “I don’t usually like this sort of voting,” she also said, “I voted as I believe in your work, your journey and your story, usually I feel compelled to vote for a friend rather than on the strength of their work.”
And she is so very right. And, this really made me think.
I am often up at all hours, thinking, writing, marketing…
Today when I posted a reminder to vote (as requested by the FB page admin), I explained WHY I was doing this. I receive help with marketing if my cover wins. Let me tell you, marketing on your own, when you really have no-clue, is tough, very tough.
But, immediately, I received thank-you messages and lovely emails saying that, now, it all makes more sense.
The problem I have is that, I KNOW in my mind what is happening and I merrily assume everyone else does! (Just ask my husband!)
So, to explain. I’m not egotistical by nature, but the truth is, for a day or two I did become a little narcissistic! However, with this comment and a bit of thought (at 2 am!) – I realised I am quite happy if you don’t want to vote or if you click on the link and prefer another cover – fair dos and all that. The other Authors have worked just as hard!
But what I am, is an author that is alone. I write, I edit, I publish and I market. I have lovely support from friends and family (and a paid editor) but what I don’t have is a team of publishers and marketers…. it is all little ole’ me.
In beautiful locations the work doesn’t stop!
I do this ‘stuff’ to help let people know that there is a book out there they may want to read. I am never going to be rich doing this – but maybe I can give someone a little enjoyment and perhaps cover my costs one day.
It’s hard to have positive thoughts when you’re painting the hull of an 18.5 metre boat; time is running out to complete your tax return and the internet connection is as useful as a chocolate anchor.
However, while painting Rouge Corsair, it gave me time to reflect. Just lately I’ve been thinking about friends. You know, those really close friends that you can ‘be yourself’ with. These particular friends (below) are being an incredible support to me right now, as I take the plunge with publishing my next book.
So for my positive, I wanted to give a shout out for my small, close, group of mates who support me in my many, and varied escapades.
Rachel Amphlett – best-selling author. I met Rachel while travelling, we gelled slowly, but deeply. My questions and pleas for help, on writing (and some technical) questions are always answered with great detail, grace, and patience! She has a full-time job and continually publishes excellent books too. If you like fast-paced thrillers, she’s your gal!
Rachel
Carole Eardman Grant – I got to know Carole through a sailing Facebook Group and we’ve actually met. We ‘clicked’ and now we administer a group on FB together – so we chat regularly. Carole has a great sense of humour and like my other friends, she keeps my feet firmly on the ground. She helps straighten me out if I go on a whinge-binge!
Carole
Anne Norris – retired traveller and woman extraordinaire. Anne came to our rescue when we did our horse-trekking, and so very quickly (and wonderfully) became part of our lives. Anne has had an incredible life travelling and surviving, she should write a book. She keeps me grounded, she doesn’t suffer fools and just knows where I am coming from. She always knows the right thing to say to me.
Anne (‘I look demented in this pic – but what the heck!’)
Julia Smallbone – spends her time helping people to create home-based businesses for themselves in the health and wellbeing marketplace. I met Julia through work – a long time ago. She always intrigues and surprises me when she reveals more of herself and how smart she is. Julia is always ready to read my emails and laugh at me when I vent, bringing me back down to earth. She’s just there for me. She makes me laugh and seeing an email from Julia in my in-box always induces a smile.
Julia
These woman are incredibly smart (and often make me wonder why they like me), and strong. They are successful, funny and self-deprecating, but most importantly (for me) not one of these woman JUDGE ME. It doesn’t matter what I’ve done with my life, what I am doing now and what I may do in the future – they’ll smile, support, laugh, cry and pick me up when necessary – and just be there.
They aren’t swear words. But Noel has his, and I have mine.
They are our verbal duelling swords. Each is sharp and effective at putting a shiver of fear up each others’ spine.
It’s a new tactic for Noel. Whenever I say, “I have an idea.” He stuffs his fingers right in to his ears and sings as loudly as he can, until I get the hump and say, rather sulkily, “Right, I’m not telling you now.” Which is, of course, his desired effect.
Don’t let the innocent face fool you!
So, in addition to this tactic, whenever I mention my B word, he slinks off and starts researching his B word.
Have you guessed them yet? Mine is Books and his is Boats!
Image courtesy of Supertrooper at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
When I was talking about more book ideas yesterday, Noel went very quiet and I caught him looking up sailboats for sale!!
Writing 3 positive comments each day for 5 days has created a lot of interesting remarks. One of my favourites is from a fellow barge owner and friend Carole Eardman Grant. ‘I read a book by a lady who made it her project to keep a journal of daily positive thoughts and gratitude for a whole year. It changed her life!’
I had to find out who this was. The lady’s name is Elizabeth (I’ve yet to find her surname), but you can find her blog here.
She says that the experiment was only supposed to last for six weeks. ‘At the end of that time period, my readers voted for me to continue the blog for one year.’
Click here to read an inspiring interview with Elizabeth.
I was amazed to read some of the outcomes of Elizabeth’s experiment:
Mindset felt lighter and my actions more positive
Thinking positively was now a way of life for me
Discovering that the creation of negative thoughts are not meant to hurt us but to protect us
I have found that I am less weighed down by things that used to plague me: responsibilities, stressful situations, trying to please others
I find I laugh easier and have a much stronger sense of myself and my wants
It is pretty powerful stuff! Here are my 3 positives for today:
1. I’m receiving lots of lovely, positive support (via the internet) while dealing with flood waters and a rather large (and worrisome) tree caught under our boat.
2. The tree that has attached itself to our boat is causing passer-bys to stop and say ‘hi’. I’m enjoying talking to many people from different walks of life – the tree is an ice-breaker.
3. I am part of a fantastic new group on Facebook called Women on Barges (WOB). I am having a lot of fun ‘meeting’ new people with a kindred spirit from all over the world and sharing advice, stories and offering support.
On day 1 I nominated some friends to take part in writing positive thoughts, but I think I’ll just leave it open. Please contribute if you wish, I’d love to know your positive thoughts (here and on your timeline!)
I’ve been nominated by my lovely friend, co-writer and co-adventurer Linda Frylink Anderson to post 3 positives each day for 5 days and nominate 2 friends to do the same (each day).
I recently posted a blog aboutmy rules on using Facebook and I notice that 99% of people use this medium for positive news and information.
Positivity is the key. I have a friend who lives in Australia who doesn’t like making New Year Resolution lists. ‘Why set your-self up for a fall,’ she says. ‘I like to make a list of all my achievements that I’ve accomplished during the last year.’
I think this is a great idea. Thinking, focusing and remembering the positives in our day to day lives has other healthy consequences too.
Image courtesy of imagerymajestic/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Julie A Gorges, fellow blogger, author and freelance writer has just written a post on The Connection Between Health and Happiness, she says, ‘ . . . . and you’re probably aware that since negative emotions harm the body, a positive, optimistic, and happy outlook on life will help your physical health.’
That’s exactly why I like this kind of nomination. I am guilty of having a good pointless whinge. I can let negativity pick me up and carry me away. So, to have to sit and write positive comments for 5 days will do me the world of good.
Let me know if you’d like to be nominated. And, in the meantime, here are my three positives for today:-
1. The pouring rain is giving me an opportunity to sit with my visiting family (mum, dad & nephew) and just talk, and have many giggles playing cards.
2. The small leak in the wheelhouse window makes me appreciated that the rest of the boat is dry and warm. How lucky am I to have a great boat and home.
3. My mum thoughtfully helps with the washing up at every meal. Catering for five everyday (when I am used to just two), is a fair bit of work in the small galley. Mum is Chief Washer-Up, which is so very much appreciated.
I’ve been tagged by writing buddy Rachel Amphlett to reveal the first lines of the first 3 chapters of my WIP (Of Foreign Build), and then tag 3 more writers to do the same.
Here goes:-
Chapter 1 The grey, cool room held so much sadness that the old mismatched furniture had absorbed the heavy look of grief.
Chapter 2 The first major decision Noel and I made as a couple was, how were we going to live?
Chapter 3 Losing control and almost smashing up a fifty-five thousand dollar, ten tonne boat is quite exhausting.
Thanks to fellow author and blogging buddy Rachel Amphlett who invited me to join this blog tour. I have to answer four questions posed by her, and tag three more writers to answer the same questions on their blog or FB page.
What are you working on?
Of Foreign Build which is about sailing around the world on a 33 foot boat for nine years. It is not just about the journey on a boat. It is also about the journey of life and how I changed from a corporate girl into a sea gypsy woman, and how I did battle with the testosterone fuelled nautical world to become both a professional captain and a qualified maritime teacher. Of Foreign Build is a deeply personal account. Currently I am at the editing stage, while working on designs for the front cover.
How does your work feel different to others in its genre?
I write about stuff I am passionate about. It flows that way, it is completely honest and, I think, more natural. OfForeign Build peels back layers of a women’s character that you rarely see. I had to think carefully about whether I wanted to publish this manuscript which contains so many raw emotions.
Why do you write what you do?
I enjoy writing about life transformations. It is as simple as that. When I am asked to write articles about subjects I am less zealous about, I have to work harder. The subjects that I know about and love just flow out through my fingertips. I have no control, I just HAVE to write.
How does your writing process work?
I’m afraid it’s just as and when. My life has no order in it at all. Currently I am travelling on a boat – that’s the way I like it. However, as far as writing goes I would love to be more organised and have a plan. I plan to have a plan – one day!
When I am at the editing stage, I do become a lot more organised. I have to. My manuscripts go through several editing stages, husband, beta readers and then a professional editor.
Thanks for visiting, now the baton goes to . . . .
If you are interested in boating, The Frugal Mariner has something for you. Whether you are a new boater, an experienced boater, a weekend boater or a full-time cruiser, there is information here you can use. Saltwater Suzi and Captain Larry, the authors of the Frugal Mariner, have lived aboard for 15 years and cruised many thousands of miles.
Sailing around the world was a dream Linda and Bill had for 30 years. They achieved their dream. Sailing in my Sarong written by Linda describes building their yacht Valiam and their epic voyage, with 400 images. $39.95
‘As a writer I do my best. I write for magazines, radio and fun. I have a healthy ego, and a fertile imagination which combines with a robust work ethic to make me a well rounded individual. As the proud possessor of an enlarged funny bone I’m bound to say it has a marked influence on my writing style and my life in general.’ Purchase Hetti’s books here.
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Jackie Parry - author 