Top 5 surprising things I learned my first month as an indie author!

08 Sunday Mar 2015

Posted by Maiden Ink in authortip, writing

Tags

#angelacaldwell, #books, #debutauthor, #dyslexicwriter, #indiebooks, #indiepublishing, #thelastorder

An author friend mentioned that last week’s Top Ten List was a bit depressing, I think it was the gif of Dr. Who in the rain, so for all of you who wanted a more cheery list this post is for you.

5) Bloggers are awesome! Most book bloggers are approachable and they are looking for more books. I recommend checking out what a blogger likes to see if your book is a fit before contacting them. They just might be willing to read and review your book.

4) People will stalk you in a good way. They want to find out about you as an author and person. What’s your favorite film…

3) Local bookstores and business are willing to work with local authors if they have done their part. The Last Order is currently in 2 local area stores with more in the works. Finding my book on the shelf at Barnes and Noble last night was exciting.

Barnes and Noble! #The Last Order pic.twitter.com/fybjtnzv3O

— Maiden Ink (@AngelaMCaldwell) March 8, 2015

2) Audiobooks! The Last Order should be available as an audiobook by the end of May. As a dyslexic author it is super exciting for me to be able to expand my audience in this way.

1) The number one surprising thing is… I still don’t have a maid or a cook. Author moms totally get this. ROTFL

Book Launch Giveaway winners announced!

20 Friday Feb 2015

Posted by Maiden Ink in #TheLastOrder, Giveaway, Uncategorized, writing

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

#angelacaldwell, #debutauthor, #fantasy, #giveaway, #indebooksbeseen, #youngadult

Winners! Finally!

Thank you guys for all your support.

Credit: spring.org.uk

Amazon ebook – Amazon Print – Barnes and Noble – Kobo – ibooks

smashwords

YA Bound Book Tours: Blog Tour Sign Up: The Last Order by Angela Marie …

18 Thursday Dec 2014

Posted by Maiden Ink in #TheLastOrder, Blog tour, writing

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#angelacaldwell, #author, #bloggers, #blogtour, #bookbloggers, #indebooksbeseen, #thelastorder

YA Bound Book Tours: Blog Tour Sign Up: The Last Order by Angela Marie …

An Unforeseen Author

11 Thursday Dec 2014

Posted by Maiden Ink in writing

≈ 10 Comments

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#angelacaldwell, #author, #authors, #books, #debutauthor, #deubt, #dontgiveup, #dyslexic, #dyslexicwriter, #fangirl, #indebooksbeseen, #indiepub, #nevergiveup, #writers, #writetip, #writing, #writingproces

I didn’t grow up reading like many authors. I grew up on films. I loved movies and not just current films. I watched films from the black and white era, mysteries, musicals, and more. I made my parents rent the film The Labyrinth every time we went to the video store. (Some of you have never rented from one of those. They’ve become extinct.) Instead of reading stories, I was watching them. I learned about plot and character from film.

Even though I didn’t read much, I liked the idea of books. The first book I read, other than children’s books, was a Nancy Drew mystery. I sat in my room on a Saturday and read the whole book. After that, I didn’t read for a long while. But eventually C.S. Lewis and Frank Pertetti caught my attention with their stories. My lack of reading had to do with my endurance. I would lose my place on the page and daydream if I got bored.

To this day, I have difficulty finishing books if they don’t draw me in.

So how does a non-reader become an author?

There is no doubt I loved stories. I even earned a BA in video production, and became photographer as well. I’ve lived behind the camera for years.
But about 7 years ago, I stared reading young adult novels and I never quit. Over those years, I didn’t keep count of how many books I read. However, I read so much that it inspired me. And over two years ago, I started writing once again.(See my blog post: Why I stopped writing.)

Now, the girl who couldn’t focus long enough to read one book will release her first book The Last Order on Feb 3rd, 2015.

My biggest hope is not that people will love my book, although a few fangirls would be nice. Instead, I hope someone like me, who lost their passion for something they enjoyed, will find their way back and create something that surprises them.

How I designed the book cover for The Last Order

04 Thursday Dec 2014

Posted by Maiden Ink in #TheLastOrder

≈ 4 Comments

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#amazonpreorder, #angelacaldwell, #angelamcaldwell, #author, #book, #bookcover, #books, #debutauthor, #dyslexia, #dyslexicwriter, #fantasy, #goodreads, #indebooksbeseen, #indieauthor, #indiebooks, #indiepub, #indiepublishing, #nevergiveup, #photography, #thelastorder

By Angela M. Caldwell

When I first started thinking about a book cover I knew I wanted it simple, elegant, and it had to have the symbol of The Last Order Silas designs for Lana in the book.

As a photographer, I knew I could shoot my own cover if I needed to, but in my heart I really wanted to leave Lana to the imagination of readers.

So I went to my dad and asked him to draw the symbol. After a week or so he finally came up with two options.

We went to lunch and you would have thought he was meeting a stranger not his daughter. He was so nervous, it was cute. I love my dad.

Both photos are original drawings and they are protected by copyright laws. ©rocketcircuspress

I decided on the crown above the triquetra. The triquetra knot is a Celtic symbol that can represent a few different things, but I chose it because of its connection to women and unity.

I loved the drawings and from there I moved forward and scoured the internet for stock photos. I searched for hours to find the right pictures.

I wanted the cover to have a leather look and feel, so I chose this background from www.dollarphotoclub.com.

Next, I found a wall with Ivy and removed the wall and kept the ivy, which was very tedious work. I used the ivy in several places by rotating it and flipping it. This also came from www.dollarphotoclub.com.

Before

After

After that, I needed a way to emphasize the Last Order symbol, so I found this grey splotch and placed it on the front and back, and used a blending layer.

Lastly, I placed the symbol where I wanted it and also used a blending layer. Then I added an inner glow, and bevel & emboss effects. You can still see the guides I used for the layout in this photo.

Next the title, and author name were added. I used 2 different fonts that gave it a Celtic feel. Then, to make the words pop off the page effects were added. Below is exactly what I had.

I knew it was missing something so I found the flowers and added them for the finishing touch. I was honestly surprised I pulled it off, but I was able to use my photography background to create a beautiful cover that I hope you love.

FINAL FRONT COVER

Add this beautiful book to #goodreads

Amazon e-book pre-order

The Last Order

by Angela M Caldwell

Release date: February 3rd, 2015

Parody of Shake it off, for writers only

11 Tuesday Nov 2014

Posted by Maiden Ink in writing

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#angelacaldwell, #author, #books, #dontgiveup, #dyslexia, #dyslexic, #dyslexicwriter, #grammar, #indieauthor, #indiebooks, #indiepub, #indiepublishing, #nevergiveup, #pardoy, #rejection, #shakeitoff, #writers, #writing, #writingproces

This was too fun not to share. Google an instrumental version of Shake it off and have fun with these new lyrics.

I don’t have the pipes to pull off the singing or I would have made it into a video. This was just for fun. No Haters…

But, we all already know what they do! So, shake it off.

WRITE IT ALL

I make a ton of mistakes. Got there in the wrong place.
That’s what people say…mmm mmm
That’s what people say…mmm mmm

I study grammar books, but they don’t help looks.
At least that’s what people say…mmm… mmm
That’s what people say….mmm…mmm

But I keep writing, can stop won’t stop writing. It’s like I got these stories, in my mind, saying you just got to write.

Cause the Editor’s gonna edit, edit, edit, edit, edit
And the agent’s gonna rep, rep, rep, rep, rep, baby

I’m just gonna write, write, write, write ,write. Write it all. Write it all.

The blogger’s gonna blog blog blog blog blog

The Publisher’s gonna pub pub pub pub pub

I’m just gonna write write write write write. Write it all. Write it all.

I never my miss hook. My betas love my book.
And that’s enough for me. mmmm-mmmmm
Yes, that’s enough for me. mmmm-mmmmm

I’m writing everyday. (writing everyday) My MC won’t go away (MC won’t go away)

That’s how my story goes, mmmm-mmm

That’s how my story goes mmmm-mmmm

But I keep writing, can stop won’t stop writing. It’s like I got these stories, in my mind, saying you just got to write. Cause the Editor’s gonna edit, edit, edit, edit, edit
And the agent’s gonna rep, rep, rep, rep,repI’m just gonna write write write write write. Write it all. Write it all.

The blogger’s gonna blog, blog, blog, blog, blog

The Publishers’ gonna pub, pub, pub ,pub ,pub

I’m just gonna write, write, write, write, write. Write it all. Write it all.

Write it all. Write it allWait. Wait. Wait.

Just think while you’ve been crying in your corner over there about your rejections, query letters, and agents who won’t read your story.

You could have been writing, the next best seller.

My twitter friend got a new agent.
She’s like “OMG!” but I’m just gonna write.

And the author over there with the new indie book says

Come on over girl and we can Write, Write, Write

Editor’s gonna edit, edit , edit edits, edit
And the agent’s gonna rep, rep, rep, rep, rep

I’m just gonna write write write write write. Write it all. Write it all.

The blogger’s gonna blog, blog, blog, blog, blog

The Publisher’s gonna pub, pub, pub, pub, pub

I’m just gonna write, write, write, write, write. Write it all. Write it all.

Write it all. Write it all.

What ifs

15 Wednesday Oct 2014

Posted by Maiden Ink in writing

≈ 15 Comments

Tags

#angelacaldwell, #author, #authors, #dontgiveup, #dyslexia, #dyslexic, #dyslexicwriter, #grammar, #indiebooks, #indiepub, #indiepublishing, #nevergiveup, #rejection, #whatif, #whatifs, #writers, #writetip, #writing

What if I never get published? What if I never get an agent? What if no one buys my book? What if someone hates my book and slanders me? What if all my twitter followers unfollow me, because they think the cover sucks? What if….?

Negativity is damaging to your creative juice, your muse, your mojo, whatever you choose to call it. And what ifs apply to more than writing. What ifs can really mess up your thinking.

Every successful writer I’ve chatted with has something in common. They never gave up. They pushed past the negative what ifs, and keep moving forward. One writer in particular now comes to mind. She wrote for 20 years before she landed an agent and a book deal. She kept writing, because she loved it.

So what if, these things never happen. If you love writing, it won’t really matter. You will write because it’s your air, and without it there is no breath. So today change your what ifs.

What if they love my book, even though I’m an indie author? What if readers create fan art. What if readers demand more? What if that agent loves my next novel? What if my twitter followers stick by me during the ups and downs? What if my story can help somebody else keep writing?
What if…?

THE YELLOW HOODS: Along Came a Wolf (Book 1) and The Hero’s Journey

24 Wednesday Sep 2014

Posted by Maiden Ink in writing

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

#AdamDreece, #alongcameawolf, #angelacaldwell, #archetypes, #authors, #books, #BreadcrumbTrail, #dontgiveup, #dreaming, #dyslexia, #dyslexic, #dyslexicwriter, #freechapters, #happygilmore, #JosephCampbell, #monomyth, #Steampunk, #theherosjourney, #theyellowhoods, #writers, #writetip, #writing, #writingproces, #youngadult

On my resource page, you’ll find, The Hero’s Journey, or monomyth, which was devised by Joseph Campbell. The Hero’s Journey suggests the idea that all great stories have the same characters. When I started reading THE YELLOW HOODS: Along Came a Wolf (Book 1): An Emergent Steampunk Series by fellow twitter writer, Adam Dreece, I realized within the first few chapters his characters fit within the Hero’s Journey archetypes.

THE HERO: Tee
THE SHADOW: Andre LeLoup
THE HERALD: You’re going to have to read the book to find out.
THE MENTOR:Nikolas Klaus
THRESHOLD GUARDIANS: LeLoup’s henchman
SHAPESHIFTER: There is one
TRICKSTERS:The Cochon Brothers
ALLIES:Tee’s friends

Click photo to buy on Amazon

I really enjoyed Adam’s book because he has a knack for storytelling, and he followed Joseph Campbell’s archetypes by instinct.

Photo credit

What book or movie do you love? Does it follow the Hero’s Journey? If you’re a writer does your current work in progress follow this model?
My favorite example of the Hero’s Journey is Happy Gilmore.
Here are some links that use this example.

The Hero’s Journey-Happy Glimore Prezi

The Hero’s Journey-You tube video featuring Happy Gilmore

Young Adult written for everyone

Book 1 – Along Came a Wolf at Amazon, Amazon.ca, Kobo, Smashwords, The Yellow Hoods Store

Book 2 – Breadcrumb Trail at Amazon, Amazon.ca, Kobo, Smashwords, The Yellow Hoods Store

3 Chapter free samples available

Blog: AdamDreece.com

Twitter: @AdamDreece

Leaps

22 Monday Sep 2014

Posted by Maiden Ink in writing

≈ 22 Comments

Tags

#angelacaldwell, #bookcover, #bookpublishing, #bookreleasedate, #books, #contest, #debutauthor, #deubt, #dontgiveup, #dreaming, #dyslexic, #dyslexicwriter, #indie, #indieauthor, #indiebook, #indiebooks, #indiepub, #indiepublishing, #nevergiveup, #publishing, #selfpublishing, #vote, #voting, #write, #writing

I’m going to become my own publisher. #indebooksbeseen After months of querying very few people, and waiting on decisions from full requests, I’ve decided to publish my debut YA fantasy novel on my terms. Well kind of, here comes the crazy, insane, ridiculous part.

I’m offering you, my followers and fans, some control over things. You’ll make use of your powers for good and vote on the release date, cover, and more. You now think I’m officially crazy. Welcome to the club.

I struggle making final decisions. I can’t choose favorites. But, you guys are very good at those things. And with your help, my book will be judged by the cover you choose! The fun will start next week with your very first choice-the release date.

I will choose 3 dates and give you reasons why I chose each date, and you will pick my release date by voting. Please follow this blog, my Twitter (I follow back awesomeness) , Goodreads or Facebook account to make sure you don’t miss out on voting.

And yes, I am officially hyperventilating. And want to thank you all, my writer friends, and avid readers who have already signed up to read a book that isn’t available. You guys remind me to be fearless everyday.

Do you have the writing blues?

13 Saturday Sep 2014

Posted by Maiden Ink in writing

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

#angelacaldwell, #angelacaldwellphotography #LorenNeal, #art, #author, #authors, #ballandchain, #books, #dontgiveup, #dreaming, #dyslexia, #dyslexic, #dyslexicwriter, #editing, #figment, #grammar, #gustaveflaubert, #melindahaynes, #nevergiveup, #photoessay, #photography, #rejection, #thewritingblues, #writers, #writetip, #writing, #writingproces

What are the writing blues? I’m not sure. I just made it up. I wanted to address the blah I feel from time to time about my writing. You know when the passion and excitement seem to have disappeared and you don’t want to even open the story you’ve been working on? I’ve found out part of the problem. I’m not writing for me.

Maybe you’ve been querying and gotten a few rejections and it’s made you second guess yourself. Or maybe you’ve worked on a novel for over 2 years and you’ve become burnt out. Why is that? Art needs to be seen. Take my photography for example, I get the most joy when someone views a photo and it touches them. It makes all the hard work worth it.

©AngelaCaldwell from my photo essay Ball and Chain.

But, with writing, it may be years before more than a few people read your manuscript. Writers want to be read. They write to share the stories, feelings, ideas, adventures, mysteries, and fears.
What does this have to do with the writing blues?

If no one’s reading your writing, that defeats your purpose, right? You wish to be read. And if you’re like me, you try to make people feel something or take them on an adventure. And if you’re constantly getting rejections to have agents or editors read your writing it’s like slowly taking all the air out of your balloon. Or for me it drains the passion from my soul.
How do you overcome the writing blues?

Write for you. Write what you love, a story that you can’t put down. Do not seek to follow trends or what’s popular. For me, that means I need to quit trying to please an imaginary person that may or may not read my work. However, what I need to do is make my story the best story possible. Sharing with trusted critique partners and beta readers to challenge me.

As for getting your work out there, develop a plan for your novel. Self-publishing is one option that many authors are considering. However, if you don’t want to self-publish you can join sites like Figment and share your work. Various writers on there will swap stories and give feedback. There are some really serious grammar people on there too, who are willing to contribute too. Figment is where I tested the first chapter of my novel. The feedback I received gave me the push needed to finish writing my the novel. Do not forget to be professional, no matter where you are talking and posting work.

Have you ever had the writing blues? What do you think caused them and what changes can you make to protect your writing from joy thieves?

Angela M Caldwell

~ Author

Tag Archives: #angelacaldwell

Top 5 surprising things I learned my first month as an indie author!

Book Launch Giveaway winners announced!

YA Bound Book Tours: Blog Tour Sign Up: The Last Order by Angela Marie …

An Unforeseen Author

How I designed the book cover for The Last Order

Parody of Shake it off, for writers only

What ifs

THE YELLOW HOODS: Along Came a Wolf (Book 1) and The Hero’s Journey

Leaps

Do you have the writing blues?

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