Tag: Blogging

Tuesday Tea party

I have some announcements and I just generally felt like rambling a bit. First… Let’s get the announcement portion done.

This week my writing advice on Friday will be about poetry. Depending upon the response I may do more about poetry. We will see.

I have been accepted to write poetry for Creative Risings Ezine. I will be posting the links and information as I have it. However, I do think that this issue is going to be amazing. Not only is the topics interesting, but the creators are an amazing bunch.

Under the mists is in the editing process. The stories are all really good. I am personally excited to be working on this project.

I have submitted some poems to a couple of lit mags. I await to hear if that will bear fruit. If it does, I’ll be posting links and probably a bunch of excited whoops. Lol

Ink Splashes has been flowing. I just started it a couple of days ago and I already have 17 poems out of the 70.

The first week in June, from the 3rd until the 7th, I will not be posting any posts. I am going on a road trip to see my brother, my son, my grandson, my dad, and my aunt and her family. It’s not that the trip is all that far. It will be around 550 miles round trip. I just plan to focus on my family for the trip.

Whew. That was a lot of announcements. I feel like I am forgetting something. Y’all already know that Dream Drips was released. I have been doing reasonably well at posting on my Patreon. There have been a couple of art delays where I had to post it the next day. I have caught up both times. I have been collecting art prompts, so I can keep doing a daily sketch for patreon… And because it helps me improve.

I try to set goals for myself and the stuff like writing and art. My writing goal is 500 words or a poem a day. I used to include a blog post as a “or” in that but I have gotten my blog posts on a schedule… Somewhat. With 500 words it gives me leeway. My children’s books are often less than 5000 words in total. Honestly the current W. I. P. Is middle grade and will be longer than the others. However, if I am working on Serena’s stuff… Well 500 words is better than none. Slow progress is better than none. Well, even though I love to draw… I have been avoiding setting a goal.

Then I was scrambling for content for patreon. I have been doing mostly writing here. So I needed something that I was not really doing here. I wanted to feel like my patrons were getting some unique content. So when I read about the mermay drawing challenge, I figured it was worth a shot. And I also about the same time decided to do a digital art piece here for Wordlessly Wednesday. So, I think it is time to add an art goal. Besides the digital piece for here on Wednesday, I am going to attempt a drawing of some sort daily. It is how I will improve.

Wow, I said rambling but this post ended up way longer than I intended. So tell me, is there something that you want to see me draw?

Attack of the plot bunnies!

As with most authors… I have more ideas than I will ever be able to write. Sometimes having such a potent imagination is a bit of a curse. So, what is there to do when your mind is overrun with the bunnies?

First, I recommend that you keep your writing projects to no more than two active at a time. I realize that most people recommend that you keep only one active. I think that it is easy to burnout if you push forward with a project that is not flowing. By having a second project, you have a small ability to swap off as the need arises.

Second, keep a note of the ideas as they come. Yes, write them down! You will forget them. Trust me. I have been dumb enough to believe that I didn’t need to do this. Much to my regret.

Visit the ideas list periodically to find the next project. It really is that simple. I also tend to do that with poetry prompts. What will not work one day may work to inspire another day. Inspiration sparks different depending upon the day.

So, where do you hide your ideas? Mine are all on digital notes. 😊

Release day links

Today I will be doing another post, but as Dream Drips is completely Live I wanted to share Patricia’s Links.
Come see me on Patreon (http://www.patreon.com/pattimouse)

my author page on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Patricia-Harris/e/B012U5ZRD2

This is what’s out for all editions.
Will post for each as i finish them. All Books will have three links. Amazon with two links and then one for everywhere else.

=============================
A Pocketful of Poetry
———————————-

<Mobi>

<Paperback>

<Everywhere Else>
https://www.books2read.com/u/mVB1np

================================
Creative Juices
———————————-

<Mobi>
https://tinyurl.com/ydgqoept

<Paperback>
https://tinyurl.com/y9s5xrom

<Everywhere Else>
https://www.books2read.com/u/3J8AKK

================================
word play
———————————-

<Mobi>

<Paperback> http://www.amazon.com/Word-Play-Patricia-Lynn-Harris/dp/1519794983/ref=la_B012U5ZRD2_1_6_twi_pap_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451694114&sr=1-6

<Everywhere Else>
https://www.books2read.com/u/bMQ0YB

================================
Sacks of Wit
———————————-

<Mobi>

<Paperback>

<Everywhere Else>
https://www.books2read.com/u/bWzaKM

================================
Pip the Pup
——————-

<Everywhere Else> https://www.books2read.com/u/bWzaKM

<Mobi>

<Paperback>

===============================
Bedtime Tales I:
The Teddy Bear Picnic
———————————

<Mobi>

<Paperback>

===============================
Bedtime Tales II: The Princess Lost
———————————-

<Mobi>

<Paperback>

===============================
Life Drops
———————————

<Mobi>

<Paperback >

<Everywhere Else>
https://www.books2read.com/u/4DlaNP

===============================

Wayward Dreams
———————-–———-

<Mobi>

<Paperback>

<Everywhere Else>
https://www.books2read.com/u/m2vjer

================================
Prompted Prose
————————–

<Mobi>
https://tinyurl.com/mqua3so

<Paperback>

<Everywhere Else>
https://www.books2read.com/u/boZzGv

================================
Dream Webs
———————

<Mobi>

<Paperback>

<Everywhere Else>
https://www.books2read.com/u/38rNMZ

===============================
Literary Drops
———————-

<Mobi>

<Paperback>

<Everywhere Else>
https://www.books2read.com/u/md0eWy

================================
Word Petals
——————–

<Mobi>

<Paperback >

<Everywhere Else>
https://www.books2read.com/u/bMQ0YB

================================
Soul’s Door
——————

<Mobi>

<Paperback>

<Everything Else>
https://www.books2read.com/u/47ZpYE

===============================
Music for the soul
——————————

<Mobi>

<Paperback>
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1980990573/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_KgKwBbF0F9934

<Everywhere Else>
https://www.books2read.com/u/bQ9o9w

================================
Poetry Kisses
———————–

<Mobi>

<Paperback>
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1717918581/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ObKwBbE57D724

<Everywhere Else>
https://www.books2read.com/u/47Zpx8

================================
Temporal Verse
—————————

<Everwhere Else>
https://www.books2read.com/u/4jDOR2

<Mobi>

<Paperback>
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1386556556/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Fs2UBb8RTBX47

================================
Soul Drops
——————–

<Mobi>

<Paperback>
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1731159471/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Q7k6Bb1FX5SJS

<Everywhere Else>
https://www.books2read.com/u/m0g5QY
================================
Spilled Verse
———————

<mobi> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MXLYKQP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_d7GqCbCJRMQ2X

<paperback> https://www.amazon.com/dp/1794353003/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_krXqCb4AFYYK4

<Everywhere Else>
https://books2read.com/u/3LGr6X
================================
Dream Drips
——————–

<Mobi> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RVCCP82/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_knK3Cb4YPT96N

<paperback>
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1098837096/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_RnK3Cb82E1QEC

<Everywhere Else>
https://books2read.com/u/4Nan7N
================================

Thursday truths

First thing, I have published Dream Drips. I will be posting a new release link post as soon as it is completely live. (Takes up to 72 hours.)

My poetry has been accepted for the summer edition of Creatives Rising Ezine. I am always honored to be chosen to contribute.

I have been doing a weekly digital abstract piece for my wordless Wednesday blog. So far it seems to be well received. I think that I shall continue with that.

I came to the realization last night. As a publishing company, we have done 23 books. 21 for me, (3 children’s books, and 18 poetry), and Serena has 2(a novel, and a novella). Serenity Studios has only been a thing since 2010. That seems so amazing to me.

Also, a minor note. I noticed that I had neglected to upload the ebook version of Soul Drops to Amazon. There was a good reason for this. I use draft2digital for most of my eBook publishing. However I had decided that I didn’t like how Amazon was set up through them. So I had done soul drops paperback on kdp… And the ebook through d2d. The problem is… Because I did not like the set up… I ended up not complying with the required information on d2d for amazon. Forgetting that I had done soul drops that way. I realized that today. So I fixed it. It will be live in 72 hours.

Wordless Wednesday

Whut r words

So I usually do writing tips on Friday. World and character development, and other useful writing based posts… Today I have nothing. Layout, and a lot of sleep deprivation, has me melty brained.

It seems to me every writer, especially the indie publishing writer, has that moment… The moment when you look at the paper and just ask “Whut R Words”…it’s not that you have nothing you can write, or no ideas for new stories. It is that in that moment you need a break. A chance to step back and breathe. This is where having other interests help.

To be honest I am in awe of authors who put out a book every month. Don’t they ever feel burnout? Feel like their brains are melting?

Help me out here, tell me how you clear your mind and refocus on the task at hand? What activities do you do when you can’t concentrate?

First poem for Ink Splashes

I should be asleep… But when the muse hits…. See y’all when I am conscious again.

Thankful Thursday

So, yesterday I had a fair few comments telling me that I had done well with this blog. I am grateful for all comments and interaction. Sometimes it feels like I am screaming into the void, unheard. So, it is nice to be told that I have been heard.

Today I feel that I have so much to be grateful for. I have the ability to do the stuff that I want, and still live my life. I struggle. I don’t have everything I could want. Still, I don’t have a bad life.

So I decided that today I will be thankful. Tell me what you are thankful for?

And because I was asked for a donate button… this is my paypal and you can sponsor me on Patreon.

Indie Friday

So… There is so much to being an indie author/publisher that you really don’t end up finding out until you have made mistakes in doing it. To start with as the author you are responsible for every part of the process. That means the writing, the editing, the layout, the cover design, the title, picking the places the book will be available, setting everything for sale, and marketing. Now some of this you can and probably should hire someone else to do.

Personally I always hire an editor. While I am capable of editing, I find that it is better to get a second set of eyes on my work. It makes the chance of unnoticed errors less. I have two that I personally use. One is Kelly at Xterraweb and I also use Deedra Nichole Editing. Both are excellent. Both will not try to change your voice. In your story your voice is what makes your story unique.

After the editor finishes you have to give your story to beta readers. This is a group of people who you trust to read, and give you feedback. This feedback can be anything from suggestions for grammar mistakes that got missed in the editing process (if any) to title ideas or plot holes.

Many people hire someone else to do their covers. I do all of my own covers, and I am always willing to discuss doing covers for other authors. My price would be reasonable.

Now, as for places to publish your book… Everyone has heard about Amazon. That is the basic place for indie publishing. They have a program for Windows and Mac called Kindle Create. This helps with layout. Amazon is the best place for doing paperbacks. The other place I use to distribute my Ebooks is Draft2Digital. They also have audiobook distribution. (Which I am working on.)

Marketing is an area that I am still working with. It is something that I personally not great at.

I am always willing to help new authors, or even discuss the process with those who are already in the know. This is something that I am truly interested in. So, feel free to ask any questions or to just strike up a conversation!

Thursday Thoughts

There is quite a lot coming up for me. I am close to layout for Dream Drips. I will be working on writing the last few poems needed for it.

I am on the editing of the anthology I have previously mentioned titled Under the Mists. We have some really great stories from some wonderful writers.

I have been accepted for the summer edition of Creatives Rising E-zine. I will have more to say about this as the time comes closer to the release.

My Patreon is seeing daily updates this month as I am doing #Mermay.

Serena is still working on her sequel to Rust, Gore, and the Junkyard Zombie. She has been working hard to get the story put together.

I have been working on recording the princess lost in an audiobook. This was put on hold for the last month as I have been adapting to a sleep schedule change. This has left me lethargic and derpy. Thank goodness I was able to schedule my blog ahead.

I also have life, gardening and other bits of creation that will happen. I think that I may do a post about my garden this year once I get it done. We got a tiller this year so I am looking forward to a full veggie garden this year.

I am also planning a trip in June to see people I love. It may mean that I will not be posting the first week of June. I will have to see.

I will be doing the monthly link post on Saturday. I will be doing a post about the indie publishing process tomorrow. Then I am taking Sunday as a break. I have been posting every day for a month. I have no idea what to do for another day. Lol

So what are you doing? Do you like gardens? Which of my upcoming projects are you the most excited for? And a true curiosity… Anything else you think that I need to address?