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Mr_Miscellany
Senior Scribe
545 Posts |
 Posted - 04 Feb 2011 : 00:24:23
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n/a
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Edited by - Mr_Miscellany on 01 Apr 2011 23:06:10
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Christopher_Rowe
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
879 Posts |
Posted - 04 Feb 2011 : 00:35:34
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I'm trying my best to work on my next book and a few short stories I've promised people, but to be honest the closer we get to March 1st the more jittery I get. Not Martin-Sheen-in-a-Saigon-motel jittery, but, well, let's just say distracted.
Keep in mind this is my first novel, though, so other folks are probably calmer and more collected.
Cheers,
Christopher
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 04 Feb 2011 : 00:48:49
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For the past several years, I've worked pretty continuously on one thing or another. I don't have extended periods where I'm just hanging around wondering how the new book will be received when it finally hits the stores. I'm much more likely to be stressing over whether my work in progress is developing properly or coming out as a steaming pile of hackwork.
I do get edgy right before royalty statements are due, though, particularly if I had a new book come out in the quarter the statement covers. That's when I find out if anybody bought it. |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 04 Feb 2011 : 01:34:28
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When I read this, I immediately thought:
"I am a leaf on the wind. Watch how I--hurkk!!!"
Which kind of sums up the whole writing/publishing cycle, in a sense. You go through all this effort and convince yourself it's going well, and it can all evaporate randomly and for the sake of a tense atmosphere--not even plotting. (Curse you, Joss Whedon!) 
To answer the OP, it's a mountain of suck waiting for something to come out. As you publish more and more, you get used to the waiting. Also, as RLB mentioned, when you're working continuously on lots of things, you usually don't have time to sit and think about it.
What's most important is that you mark the occasion with some form of celebration, just to keep your spirits up.
I've also got to a point where I generally don't read reviews of my work unless someone specifically points me to it. I appreciate positive reviews and think very little of the vast majority of negative reviews*--it takes a very little person to go out of his/her way to go online and lambast somebody. If you don't like the book, why waste the time?
(*Note: The exceptions would be well thought-out, reasoned, and careful reviews, i.e., this particular theme didn't work for me, I thought this character was unrealistic, I didn't understand why this character did this, or the plot failed at this particular point, etc. The majority of negative reviews are "I hated this book" or "I threw it in the trash" to which I say, "well, there's money wasted that you could have got from a used bookstore.")
Going the next step, I like feedback, but I like *personal* feedback. If you've read one of my books, whether you liked it or not, I want to hear from you about the why--so I can make the next book that much better. I like hearing from people personally, because it makes them accountable for what they're saying, and so they're more inclined to say only those things they've thought about and hold a strong opinion about.
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
Edited by - Erik Scott de Bie on 04 Feb 2011 01:38:46 |
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Alisttair
Great Reader
Canada
3054 Posts |
Posted - 04 Feb 2011 : 12:18:20
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
"I threw it in the trash" to which I say, "well, there's money wasted that you could have got from a used bookstore.")
 I think Dennis said something about throwing some FR books in the trash that he didn't like at some point...or an intent to I think...something along those lines I believe.  |
Karsite Arcanar (Most Holy Servant of Karsus)
Anauria - Survivor State of Netheril as penned by me:
http://www.dmsguild.com/m/product/172023 |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 04 Feb 2011 : 13:33:52
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quote:
Originally posted by Alisttair
quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
"I threw it in the trash" to which I say, "well, there's money wasted that you could have got from a used bookstore.")
I think Dennis said something about throwing some FR books in the trash that he didn't like at some point...or an intent to I think...something along those lines I believe.
Indeed. I know it's a waste of money. But wasting money sounds better than wasting time and torturing myself with utter boredom. It's like eating in a new restaurant. I order, take a bite or two of the food, and order something else when I find it bland.
A friend once suggested that I still keep those books I didn't and wouldn't finish, in case someone visits my library and finds it interesting. However, it irritates my very eyes to see those books in my library. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Alisttair
Great Reader
Canada
3054 Posts |
Posted - 04 Feb 2011 : 13:38:12
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by Alisttair
quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
"I threw it in the trash" to which I say, "well, there's money wasted that you could have got from a used bookstore.")
I think Dennis said something about throwing some FR books in the trash that he didn't like at some point...or an intent to I think...something along those lines I believe.
Indeed. I know it's a waste of money. But wasting money sounds better than wasting time and torturing myself with utter boredom. It's like eating in a new restaurant. I order, take a bite or two of the food, and order something else when I find it bland.
A friend once suggested that I still keep those books I didn't and wouldn't finish, in case someone visits my library and finds it interesting. However, it irritates my very eyes to see those books in my library.
So if you eat at a restaurant like you read books, you mean that instead of saying you don't like it and try to get a refund or a different meal, you pay for 2 meals and eat one, am I correct? |
Karsite Arcanar (Most Holy Servant of Karsus)
Anauria - Survivor State of Netheril as penned by me:
http://www.dmsguild.com/m/product/172023 |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 04 Feb 2011 : 14:10:15
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Yes. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 04 Feb 2011 : 16:40:48
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Cute Mom: "Tsk tsk, I'll bet book-starved children in California would love that book." 
quote:
Originally posted by Alisttair
So if you eat at a restaurant like you read books, you mean that instead of saying you don't like it and try to get a refund or a different meal, you pay for 2 meals and eat one, am I correct?
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Yes.
Restaurant: 2, Dennis: 1.
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 04 Feb 2011 : 16:58:19
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
Cute Mom: "Tsk tsk, I'll bet book-starved children in California would love that book."
Cheers
My mother tried the starving kids in china arguement with me back when I was 4...she then left the kitchen to take a phone call...upon returning she found a sealed box on her plate with this written on the top:
To: The Starving Children in China, Love Ashley
and yes....it was my uneaten Spaghetti-O's along with what she had not finished as well |
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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Edited by - The Red Walker on 04 Feb 2011 16:59:23 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36798 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2011 : 04:25:46
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by Alisttair
quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
"I threw it in the trash" to which I say, "well, there's money wasted that you could have got from a used bookstore.")
I think Dennis said something about throwing some FR books in the trash that he didn't like at some point...or an intent to I think...something along those lines I believe.
Indeed. I know it's a waste of money. But wasting money sounds better than wasting time and torturing myself with utter boredom. It's like eating in a new restaurant. I order, take a bite or two of the food, and order something else when I find it bland.
A friend once suggested that I still keep those books I didn't and wouldn't finish, in case someone visits my library and finds it interesting. However, it irritates my very eyes to see those books in my library.
So pass the books along. Replacing my collection, I wound up with a lot of duplicates. I took them to the local Goodwill.
Doing something like that gets them out of your sight, and it gives someone else a chance to read something they might enjoy. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2011 : 05:08:25
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I might do that next time. However, whenever I'm held by the compulsion to throw a book, I can't resist. It’s like I don’t get satisfied till I actually see it in the trash.
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Every beginning has an end. |
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2011 : 22:15:02
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| It could be worse. You could be one of those swashbuckling individuals who shoots out the TV screen when he doesn't like what's on. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2011 : 22:22:00
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Then I must be glad that I don't watch TV at all. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 06 Feb 2011 : 05:24:35
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quote:
Originally posted by Richard Lee Byers
It could be worse. You could be one of those swashbuckling individuals who shoots out the TV screen when he doesn't like what's on.
Yeah, seriously. That takes a kick out of my bank account every week or so. I gotta stop watching Jersey Shore.
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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Arcanus
Senior Scribe
485 Posts |
Posted - 06 Feb 2011 : 23:18:53
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| Reading 'Unclean' at the moment Richard. Cracking read, I can't put it down. |
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2011 : 00:09:46
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| Glad you're enjoying it. |
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Kentinal
Great Reader
4687 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2011 : 01:18:04
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| While not paid, it is always a concern if what I submit will see print. There is I think always the concern about submission and when released. The did I waste my time and effort type thing. For those under contract clearly not only wanting to see printed is the compensation for efforts - as some FR Authors have clearly indicated. |
"Small beings can have small wisdom," the dragon said. "And small wise beings are better than small fools. Listen: Wisdom is caring for afterwards."
"Caring for afterwards ...? Ker repeated this without understanding.
"After action, afterwards," the dragon said. "Choose the afterwards first, then the action. Fools choose action first."
"Judgement" copyright 2003 by Elizabeth Moon |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2011 : 01:28:38
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| You mean the authors don't work for free? |
[/Ayrik] |
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Kentinal
Great Reader
4687 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2011 : 02:13:03
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quote:
Originally posted by Arik
You mean the authors don't work for free?
Well some do work for free, however it does not pay well. *Wink* |
"Small beings can have small wisdom," the dragon said. "And small wise beings are better than small fools. Listen: Wisdom is caring for afterwards."
"Caring for afterwards ...? Ker repeated this without understanding.
"After action, afterwards," the dragon said. "Choose the afterwards first, then the action. Fools choose action first."
"Judgement" copyright 2003 by Elizabeth Moon |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2011 : 06:46:57
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
quote:
Originally posted by Richard Lee Byers
It could be worse. You could be one of those swashbuckling individuals who shoots out the TV screen when he doesn't like what's on.
Yeah, seriously. That takes a kick out of my bank account every week or so. I gotta stop watching Jersey Shore.
Cheers
You really should. A friend of mine just did. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Topic |
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Apocalypse Now for All Realms Authors or Serenity?
