AMY A. BARTOL
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REBEL BORN
The ROSE IS AWAKENED 

Where To Start?

7/27/2011

4 Comments

 
Where To Start? I am a writer—I write urban fantasy/ romantic suspense.  I may, in the future, write in other genres, but for now, that’s what I write.  BUT, writing a blog is very different from writing fiction.  I find it excruciating because I have to talk about myself and my interests and my opinions.  Gross.  WHAT IF my opinion changes.  I’m a girl—these things happen.  For example, I used to have a crush on Charlie Sheen when he was in that movie Lucas way back when—that changed.  (Not that I have anything against Charlie. I’m just not a “goddess”…I wonder if he would mind me calling him Charlie or if he would prefer that I refer to him as Mr. Sheen…he is famous and I am, well, me).  And then there is the whole “the internet is written in ink” thing,  (Yes, I saw The Social Network) so that makes me think: this is so completely suspect because I can’t take anything back once I enter it into the annals of society (or “anals” if it stinks).  I have to be cautious of what I say and what I reveal.  But, that’s boring.  Who wants to read something like that?  So, here I am…blogging.  I have to be real, right?  Because if I tell you that I shanked another inmate because she tried to steal my peas it may make me sound more exciting but you’ll never really know who I am, will you?  Okay, so maybe I’ll just tell you about what’s been happening lately.

A few days ago I submitted corrections to the proof for my debut novel entitled Inescapable: The Premonition Series.  I wrote the manuscript in the summer of 2008 while I was watching my, and every other neighbors’, kids swim in our pool (which, if you have ever had the pleasure of watching a pool full of kids, you’ll know it is one of the most boring jobs on the planet—perfect for letting your mind wander and your characters roam free).  I have written three more books in this series to follow it.  But I’m finding that publishing is very different from writing.  Publishing is excruciating because you have to edit (like a million times), decide font sizes, write an enticing snippet for the description/cover (which is probably the most difficult part of writing a book), help design and approve the mock-ups, and format the interior to discover if you have used any hard tabs in your work.  (Because hard tabs are the devil’s handmaidens of publishing—throw a hard tab in your work and watch the chaos ensue.)  If one has hard tabs, then she is considered a complete moron.  (Of which I am guilty.)  

It probably wouldn’t be as difficult if I was not self-publishing, which I am.  My decision to self-publish was based on a couple of things:  word count and compromise.  If I wanted to attract an agent, I would have needed to pare my word count down to around 100,000 words.  I did that:  I took my book from 135,000 words down to around 105,000 words, but I found that the compromise took the life out of the story.  So, I decided not to compromise and to publish it myself at around 135,000 words—and by “do it myself,” I mean with the help of my mother, Gloria, who enjoys her role of Editor-In-Chief and executive critic.  (I understand that the risk for an agent/publisher would be very high, especially since no one knows who I am, so I do see the point.)  So, I should be at the end of the editing process.  (You can’t see it, but I’m rolling my eyes). I will get a physical proof back in about 5 business days and then I hope to approve it and have a finished novel.  And then…I’m really a writer…officially…I write…I have written...I will write more and be writerly  (I made up a new word).  Now, if I can just figure out how to blog…
4 Comments
Kristy (Shutterbug) Ashley
7/27/2011 09:52:59

Amy, I am so proud and so jealous of you! You are living my dream: to be a writer! I can't wait to read your books despite it may mean reliving that awful place called Hillsdale. I will be spreading the word about my newly famous college roomate! Love you and congratulations!

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marie buswinka wertheimer
7/27/2011 15:13:41

you know the funny thing? I have kept all the letters you wrote me when i left hillsdale for south carolina because they still make me laugh. I always knew this day would come - I love reading what you write so much I already read your whole blog twice and I am getting ready to see if i can order your book on my kindle. I can't tell you how fitting yet completely amazing I think this is - I think of you often and I can't wait to get to know you again in a different way through your series. With love and admiration, buzz (aka buzz-a-relli, buzz-light-year, boo, booshemi, booshemi's pizza, mom,marie etc.)

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Kelly Brown Buckley
8/4/2011 11:43:11

Pasta,

You are a rock star. I love you and cannot wait to accompany you on your book tour and when you hit the talk show circuit. Buns can do your hair and I will keep you happy and serve as a bodyguard! :)

Shutt-the-Door,
Hillsdale wasn't all bad. I LOVED it because I got to know great peeps like you!

Buzz,
I miss you!

Kelly

Reply
Keri Bell
1/31/2013 07:41:09

Hi! Let me just start by giving you a little background: On January 21, 2013 a coworker of mine told me about a series called The Premonition Series. She told me that she had just started reading it and that it was amazing and that I HAD to read it. Since I love reading and I love having books recommended to me, I bought the ebook on my kindle. Last night (9 days later) I finished the 4th book in the series. I probably would have completed them all sooner if it weren't for that darn thing called sleep, and what was the other thing..oh yea, eating. I also have two jobs and go to school full time but eh. Anyways, I LOVED the books so much! I am so glad that you have a blog and I am so blessed that you decided to publish these novels. They were fantastic and I'm sorry this has turned out to be such a long spiel to just say "thanks" but there it is. I cannot wait to read the 5th book and now I don't know what to do with myself since reading has been my only activity for the past 9 days.

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  • Home
  • Amy’s Blog
  • Contact/Media Kit
  • Kricket Blog
  • Book Signings & Events
  • About The Author
  • Books
  • Music I Love
  • #FANTASYONFRIDAY
  • The Kricket Series
  • The Divided
  • Foreign Translations
  • GDPR OPT OUT
  • Iniquity Updates
  • Incendiary Updates
  • Indebted: Updates