The Indie Book Revolution

13680869_10153763721957844_3892039609218516277_n — Reach for the sky

I recently wrote a reply to an Indie author bemoaning on Facebook they weren’t making sales on line. I think my reply is worth sharing.

There are 1.5 million Indie books published in the US alone, every year. I wondered how many of these authors buy Indie books?

I buy 2 a month as that fills my reading time. Mostly I find them lively and interesting, the occasional one, not so. No different from a traditionally published highly advertised book, they are not always great even if the grammar is pretty much guaranteed. To be a successful Indie author you have to be better than the best, even then you might not make it. It’s like agents who have turned down amazing works of literature many times over but they have gone on to be best selling novels, the reading public are doing the same thing, turning away from amazing possibilities. Don’t miss out on discovering a book that might be brilliant; buy loads of Indie books. How many agents turned down Beatrix Potter and J. K .Rowling etc. As an Indie author your experience may be like theirs and you have to keep marketing – and waiting, and hoping readers will cotton on to your amazing book.

In the meantime why not buy a few Indie books and enjoy the whole reading writing scene?

As a Creative Writing tutor I have read across genre, often reading genres I would not have freely chosen. Sometimes they have surprised me at how much I have enjoyed reading them, sometimes I have found them awkward and uninteresting. I am never sorry to have read them. The bad ones teach me how not to write a book and I think about the author who has embarked on a learning curve and , on day, they might become a great writer. Everyone starts somewhere.

From a writer’s perspective reaching the top rung of success can be an unrealistic goal. If you play tennis are you going to be a Wimbledon champion? Would you give up singing if you weren’t the winner of X Factor? You can enjoy playing tennis and singing at any level – you can enjoy writing at any level.

Make friends and meet people on line and through organisations; enjoy working on language skills, going to literary festivals etc. There is so much more to do when you are interested in writing than become famous. Even listening to related programmes on radio or analysing something you are watching on T.V. I would recommend a writer’s life to anyone.

Why do people ask, ‘Do you write? What have you published?’ Would we ask, ‘Do you play tennis? What tournaments have you won? If a writer is successful they will tell you without being asked!

It’s all about money for some potential authors. If that’s you and you’re starting out, make sure you have a good day job.

I have made a living out of writing. I started out earlier than most and this was a big advantage. From selling articles and poems to major magazines my writing career developed. I went into education and taught other people to write, I wrote Creative Writing examinations and marked them. This gave people a qualification that was recognised in a subject they enjoyed and I loved teaching. Splitting the subject into communications and media studies at level 3 meant that adult students could use it for university entrance.

The aspect of my career I enjoyed the most was Creative Writing for rehab of mental health patients, for prisoners, and as a stepping stone for homeless people back into education.

Over the past few years I have been teaching Creative Writing in Sri Lanka (for free), a work/vacation. I’m lucky that writing has added so much to life, and I believe in can for others. Don’t be a lone writer, get out there and join in things.

What I really have written this blog for, is to say to indie authors – buy indie books. If we all did this we could start an indie revolution.

As I sit looking at my cup of coffee I realise that for half the price of that coffee I can download an Indie book. For the whole cup – thats 2 books (I’m sure you worked that out). So what if I don’t enjoy them all? I will certainly enjoy most. Of all my reading this year one indie book stood out and I will always remember it. I bought it because I met the author at one of these social writing events and bought the paperback. Indie books can be better than the best.

My husband has met people at these indie events when he has tagged along with me. Occasionally he smiles at the daft book, but it made him smile and other times he has raved on about how good a book is. Because it’s indie he has been able to read their blog, join their twitter etc. and he has spoken to the author and might meet them again.

I write reviews when I’ve read a book, but if it is not my usual genre I say so, that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth a good review . If it really is bad then I don’t say anything. I’m sure a poor writer is capable of giving back what they get. When I do write a poor review it is for a highly publicised book and the story genuinely isn’t good. I hate reading a traditional published book with the might of the media behind it and it could – no should be better. You can forgive indie books but not professional writers. Readers have often agreed with my review and said so. If I love it I do always say so, or if it’s good but not my type of book it may be worth 5*.

Christmas is coming and I’ve order my presents – I want paperback Indie books and they will cost under £10 They will give me several hours of pleasure when Christmas is over. ‘Which indie book,’ I’m asked. My reply, ‘Surprise me. You know me.’

I belong to BGS. If you are looking for an indie book join this site or something similar.

See what other people are reading. Goodreads has indie books with reviews.

Be bold and make an Indie book a regular addition to a book club reading list. My Romantic Comedy is only 99p 5* reviews around the world. http://tinyurl.com/jd6bn9a

Millwall Football Club and Alan

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Before writing Marriage, a Journey and a Dog I knew little of Millwall Football Club. When I realised they played Manchester United in the FA cup in 2004, they were the perfect choice for Alan the football fan.

Alan’s obsession with football left him with girlfriend problems he didn’t understand. First his wife left him and then Natalie (heroine) didn’t fancy him – at all. Both big disappointments to him.

When he met Gerry (Natalie’s husband) they found common ground in having a sport obsession.

With the two characters obsessed with sport, men reading the book have laughed as they relate to an all consuming love of sport. Women sympathise with Natalie for what she has to put up with and feels helpless to change.

I’m sure he isn’t typical of Millwall fans as his hygiene habits and communication skills are not good.

I follow Millwall on twitter and amuse myself checking on their results. It feels personal if they win or lose.

Millwall at Wembley 2004

Henri Marcel. French artist 1938 – 1996

I have been asked about Henri Marcel, the French artist I quote in Marriage, a Journey and a Dog..

Henri Marcel is remembered for his quotations as well as his art. He was a part of the cubism movement that changed the face of art.

Pablo Picasso was credited with cubism’s creation, but there are other examples of this style of art. As with all artists and creative people there is a reliance on what you have learnt and your environment, mixed with your own creativity. It was Picasso that brought cubism to the forefront in art.

This is a link to cubism art pictures – Cubism Art

I came across these in Le Louvre. I’m not sure how old they are but they are described as ancient. 33-P1000921 34-P1000922

George Keyt 1901 – 1993, is a famous Sri Lankan artist and as far as it is known he had no contact with Picasso and his associates.

George Keyt is worth knowing about – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Keyt

Henri Marcel was a part of the cubism movement, creating his own distinguished style – hidden in many ways, but a great discovery if you find him.

Quotes about Henri Marcel in Marriage, a Journey and a Dog.

This is where it all began.

This is when I realised what my life could be

Henri Marcel. French Artist 1938-1996

_______

Once outside on the pavement, I notice a small house, squeezed between the shops, on the wall there is a brass plaque to Henri Marcel. I have a book about him from a charity shop. He painted pictures then ripped them up, repositioned them and painted the new picture, similar to Picasso and cubism. The colours he used were bold and the reconstructed paintings vibrant. Some of his paintings are of people; others of buildings. So he lived here for twenty years until he died in 1996.

‘I am always doing what I thought I couldn’t do because I learn something’ is the quote under his name.

“Yes, Henri!” I say out loud. I mustn’t let Gerry see me talking to myself, and clasping my hands with agreement!

____________

Alan might offend me when I’m vulnerable, so as much as he might be useful I decide to try this one on my own and hope I’ve benefitted something from my one and only past experience of cycling.

‘I am always doing what I thought I couldn’t do because I learn something’ I reflect on Henri Marcel’s words. ‘Remember Natalie, you made it through France and Spain’. I pinch myself at the thought.

As his paintings are held in private galleries they are not available on google. Maybe, one day there will be an exhibition.

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“To tell the truth is often distracting, Make what you will of me.” Henri Marcel.

In Praise of The Indie Experience

I became an Indie author to publish and sell my book. I have done both, but there is so much more.

Making friends and meeting people is top of the list. Online through twitter, @brendah Sedgwick, through this blog, and through goodreads and facebook. Then there are the talks and people you meet anywhere anywhen.”Yes, I’ve written a book – how about you? Do you enjoy reading or writing?”

The originality and variety of indie books exceeds that of celebrity books and well known authors. It takes a few extra minutes to find something you are interested in.

There many nonfiction indie books with information that is easily accessed by everybody. These books can be for small niche markets and important. Only available because of indie publishing.

Some indie books lack good grammar and need more spelling checks. Indie authors don’t have an army working for them. It’s the story that counts for me; the pictures painted with words in them. It’s like a song well written but lacking life or a song full of life but with faults.

A whole room of people can write a professional blurb. An indie blurb will be written by one or two inexperienced people.

Give me an indie book and suprise me.

The covers have beautiful art work. Through indie books, covers have become the opportunity for more artists to show their amazing talents Remember the record sleeves that were works of art and have a monetry value in themselves? Can this happen to book covers?. Limited editions?

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Will there be shops that sell only indie books that become a hub of activity with downloading facilities and book clubs only for self published authors,. Could they be more fun than the conventional reading groups?

There is a new dawn for Indie books yet to be seen. How many great books never made it past the agent’s desk? We know about Beatrice Potter and Lord of the Flies , by William Golding, etc that only just made it. How many great stories went in the bin we will never know. Indie books may not be perfect, but there are more good ones ones that will make it through to popularity by the indie route, and will be around for future generations.

Another reason for not getting across the agent’s desk is age. It takes a lot of money and time to promote someone and they want lots of books and a long future. Older people can write amazing books that are a good read for all ages and in all genres..

Recently I have read writers who have a mainstream published series to their name, and the authors are coming up to middle age. Unfortunately, I have found them lacking in story content after the first one or two. Some indie book stories I have found to have originality and to be buzzing with life.Books that will stay in my memory.

For the value of indie books and writers to be appreciated readers must be willing to experiment, and accept that some books don’t make the mark anymore than mainstream books do.

You can meet your author on twitter,on websites, through blogging and on Facebook pages. There’s an author’s page for books on Goodreads and about the author on Amazon. So much background to be discovered before and after you read the book. You can even ask an author questions.

It’s no longer about a book or an indie book, but it comes with information that makes the reading experience more interesting.

Book clubs could, perhaps should, have an indie night now and again, when they read different genres in indie publishing and find out what the overall response is.

If you can’t read a book where you think a comma is wrong, then stick to the mainstream published books or try to write one that is perfect in every way.

Reading Club Notes

Reading Clubs have sent me good feedback for my book. There are discussion suggestions in the back of the book. Some serious; some fun.

One reading group decided to wear something turquoise because Natalie describes her life as turquoise.

BOOK CLUB NOTES

Life changes at forty for Natalie. She expects to remain in her comfort zone in a sleepy market town. She has a job as a bingo caller, a daughter preparing for college and an elderly father making his own life. She has been married to Gerry for eighteen years but he loves sport more than her.

Gerry has a cycling accident in France. Natalie and her little dog Spike go to collect him. Poor map-reading skills take her on a journey through France and Spain. She finds a new self, but has to return home.

Emotions run high as Natalie tries to make a difficult marriage work. At her fortieth, birthday party, comes a painful revelation. Now she is released into a new exciting life of love and marriage. Her new lifestyle attracts media acclaim and celebrity status.

Natalie’s journey brings her laughter, tears, and surprises.

DISCUSSIONS

Was Gerry a likeable character?

If Gerry and Natalie had talked more, could it have stopped the demise of their marriage

Why was Gerry unfaithful?

Should Natalie have tried to keep her marriage going?

If Natalie had not gone on her journey what would her life have been like?

What reasons caused a lack of self-confidence for Natalie in the early part of the book?

To what extent did being unable to have more children make Natalie less valued in her own eyes?

How much did the divorce affect Katy?

Natalie describes this period of her life as turquoise; if you described a phase of your life by a colour what would it be?

Is travelling alone a good or a bad thing, and does it matter what age you are when you go?

Marriage, A Journey and A Dog

Today I received my first feedback from a reading group. It was a great feeling to know that people had read my book and continued with the reading club notes at the back. I was surprised, as it is still only an ebook. A day preparing the cover for the paperback is scheduled for April and the paperback will be available May 2015.

Many debut ebooks still have the odd mistakes. It is inevitable when you are your own editor, but there are good stories around that would benefit from the odd tweak but worth reading.

When I berated myself for a spelling mistake in 90.000 words I realised that the other 89,999 could be right. The best news is that readers are enjoying the story and I can’t ask more than that.

I also heard that 2 more groups are waiting for the paperback. Hardly the thousands of a successful…

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Copyright laws help make me more creative

I read all about copyright until my head was spinning. The need to get it right scared me. A fear of the big American legal system bearing down on me was enough to decide that I was going to create my own quotes and songs.

The book opens with a quote. This is where it all began, This is when I realised what my life could be.

Henri Marcel. French artist 1938 – 1996

Henri turns up a few more times before the book is finished. The editor was the first to say she had looked him up on google and couldn’t find him and now the new readers want me to explain who he is. He isn’t real.

When the busker sings, the next editor put big red lines on my manuscript, drawing my attention to copyright.

Love unites the whole human race,Celebrate a world of love,’Love makes the world a happy place,

And on it goes. It’s safe from copyright because I made it up.

‘Mary mine, Life of love. Warmth of cloves, and sweet tamarind.’

Safe again, the copyright is mine.

I have used titles and attributed the song, but only sparingly, and struggled over phrases used in text incase a word or two might sound like something I’ve heard or read. You can’t not use words that have been written down before or the book would have no words.

Fiat Cinquecento

This famous little car, produced in Italy, has become a cult car, especially talked about in France.

//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_Cinquecento

I fell in love with this little car when I was choosing a car for my character Natalie to drive through France and Spain.

There’s a couple of amusing YouTube clips from top gear The second clip starts with the mini but ends with the Cinquecento. It shows a young Jeremy Clarkson.

I think the following of this little car comes from the fact that it was fun and a challenge. Must watch these clips.

.Cinquecento You tube Top Gear Cinquecento 1994

This car has a character of its own in my book, and that was fun to create.

Venus de Milo

Look up Venus de Milo It’s fun if you haven’t seen this sculpture before and if you have it is worth a another visit. In fact Paris should be on everyone’s travel list always. I love Le Louvre, staring at this sculpture again and writing her into my book. If you would like to travel the journey of Natalie this is a great place to be.

Natalie stared at this goddess of love and wanted her to touch her life. She did, but not in the way she expected.

Marriage a Journey and a Dog is in the printing stage now and I will update this blog as soon as it is available. A new ebook will soon be on all ebook platforms.

Strange how you write a book and wonder if it will sell. Now the orders are happening, I just want to know that readers enjoy it.

Looking up the artistic places mentioned, traveling through France and Spain and oddly enough, wearing turquoise to reading clubs are adding to the fun of the reading experience.

Learning and Returning

19-P1000956 — The inspirational art of Picasso at the recently restored Hotel Sale.

The blog needs tidying and I’ve registered for a year long course on WordPress . Things can only get better. I haven’t started as an expert, but I hope I end up there.

I’d like to say hello again to my followers and I have been reading lots of your blogs.

An important thing I have done is to return to Paris and checked out the steps of my Heroine, Natalie. Phew, I got it right. Natalie was interested in Picasso and I visited his refurbished gallery. Go if you can, it’s interesting. I went to Le Louvre and walked in Natalie’s footsteps. I stopped and stared at the Mona Lisa and followed through to the Venus de Milo. I stared at the Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame Cathedral, and visited my favorite place in Paris, Montmatre. All the things that Natalie did alone, but did with my husband and know why Paris was a great place for my heroine to visit and begin to find herself.

When Marriage A Journey and A Dog, reaches bookshops and the Internet I will let people know. If you can’t go to the places Natalie and her Dog went, you can read about them in the book.

Thank you for your patience and staying with me. And thank you for writing interesting blogs.

Bull Fighting

I like to research before writing anything in a book, even if it is a small part of the story. When Natalie, in Marriage A Journey and A Dog, visits Barcelona, she stays at the home of Linda and José. The father of José was a bullfighter and was killed, so there was reading to be done.

I can understand the excitement of the crowds, and the headiness of the arena, but not the cruelty to the animal. I knew a man who was involved in the finances of bull fighting and he gave a lecture. He spoke about how the bull didn’t feel anything after the first spear accurately entered the neck. Nothing will convince me it isn’t cruel and unnecessary.

I came across this Torero Alvaro Muner’s story on Facebook. He was a matador and this was the moment he was filled with remorse at the suffering of the bull. It changed him into an anti bullfighting campaigner. I found his story on the site of this man.

Dzigar-Kongtrul-Rinchopche

Researching, even the smallest details can lead onto a trail of interesting discovery. I often have to remind myself that the job in hand is writing.

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BOOK CLUB NOTES

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