If I were twelve, this question would be easy. I'd love to sail on a pirate ship in the 19th Century, smell the sweet, free scent of the sea, and search for treasure. The reality? Cramped quarters, no showers, hit or miss food, and no computer for writing.
At eighty-one, I'm not interested in fantasy. Okay, maybe book fantasy. But real life? I would love to travel to Peru or Paris just once more with my beloved fellow traveller who's been by my side for nearly fifty years. Is that possible? I'm not sure we could survive the plane trip! Let alone climbing up five flights to our temporary apartment! We content ourselves with postcards, photos from long ago, and travel the world vicariously at local international restaurants, celebrating each day.
And about the writing: Steady progress. IF I'm able to keep writing 4K a month, Honeymoon in Egypt will be finished by the end of the year. This is the second book in the art crime series, following The Seventh Tapestry
Just one writing tip: When I'm drafting, I normally jump around whenever a scene occurs to me. Maybe other writers do this. Sometimes, I end up writing duplicate scenes. So, I now like to use a simple list at the top of each chapter. This helps me remember the who, what, when, and why as the story develops. What's your favorite writing tip?
So marketing experts, my question is: Should I follow experts who suggest my price should stay at $4.99, OR drop the first book in a series to 99c -- or permafree???? What do you think?
Here's a little about the Insecure Writer's Support Group! The first Wednesday of each month is officially IWSG Day. Some 90 writers talk about their progress on their blogs, offer tips, or answer the question of the month. Everyone tries to visit about 10-20 other writers to show our support. And, each month, several writers volunteer to be co-hosts. This month, the generous co-hosts are: Jennifer Lane, L Diane Wolfe, Jenni Enzor, and Natalie Aguirre!
Why not consider participating? For spring is truly on its way. May you celebrate each day and find many words for your stories.
Spring at Japanese Garden, Manito
I'm glad you're making progress on your manuscript. I'm sorry, but I don't know the answer to your question.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by, Natalie. I'm always in awe of how much you accomplish!
DeleteI hear you about plane trips. It was so easy when I was younger, but it gets progressively harder as years pile up behind me. And then there are my food allergies. So much more comfortable to just stay home in my favorite armchair and read about other travelers.
ReplyDeleteFeel exactly the same way . . . though, no food allergies. I can pretty much eat anything and sleep anywhere. Once Allen used his shoes as a pillow, and we slept on the train as we travelled south from Cairo to Luxor. Today, we're not quite as adventurous!
DeleteSailing on a pirate ship does sound more fun than the reality. I too would like to do some traveling. I like the lovely picture you shared.
ReplyDeleteI think you should price your book the way you want. I don't think 4.99 is too high but 3.99 is more competitive. I would only consider making it free or 99 cents on a temporary basis- as a sale. Permafree books, for me, are only beneficial to authors when they are the intro to a long, established series with at least four books. At the end of the day, you do what you feel is best.
Thank you, Toi, for your advice re pricing . . . I will change this pricing tonight! Amazon also allows a 99c special for up to 5 days which I will use -- maybe for that next holiday.
DeleteAlthough I still love to travel, there are a lot more challenges now than when I was younger. You radiate gratitude and content, which is really lovely. I liked your writing tip. I also sometimes write out of order. I've been working from a spreadsheet with a list of scenes and a calendar of which dates the scenes happen on to help me stay on track.
ReplyDeleteHello, Jenni. Do you have a corkboard above your computer? That helps me too. And glad to know others write out of order . . . but those outlines and spread sheets really do help!
DeleteI'm interested in seeing an example of your simple list at the top of each chapter. Sounds very helpful.
ReplyDeleteBecause many folks live vicariously through the lives of others, I would like to continue writing about our life, here in Mexico.
For example, I'd like a sleep apnea test and equipment.
So far, I found where I can get the test, however, they don't provide the equipment.
The search continues. Some things are so easy in the US, our home country.
Hello, Lynn. Where are you in Mexico? We have spent several months at a time in San Miguel and San Cristobal. I miss being able to travel there and hope you will write about your experiences there. Here's an example of that simple list at the beginning of each chapter. Not sure this will translate in this format, but I hope that helps you!
Delete• S&N move to Marriott Mena House (4th floor suite) near Giza. They begin online research into Cochrane before calling Brad (S art auctions; N Cochrane in Cairo). A telegram interrupts them: ALWAYS TRAVEL WITH GUARDS. S&N share notes. Sandra finds Cochrane is a supplier in Paris and London; Neil discovers that Cochrane is associated with a local gallery. They continue research, confirming that Cochrane is a major supplier to the Egyptian Museum.
• Leila calls Neil to alert S&N about two deaths at GEM/Giza. They only have one name so far, Miss Samir. Director Nassir wants to meet with S&N. Sandra reads the STOP POKING telegram to Leila and tells Leila that their London office is investigating as well. S&N want to meet w/directors and reassure Leila they are staying in Cairo and hope to bring Cochrane in. Leila tells them she will be in touch. She sends an e-mail with 2 names: Yas Omar and Youssef Mansour (security guard and inventory clerk).
• Neil calls Mahmoud while Sandra checks invoices from Cochrane’s gallery for other names. One buyer’s name sticks out: Robert Preston.
I keep telling my husband I want to hit Norway soon as I don't want to be in my 70's trying to run around that country.
ReplyDeleteIf you have A LOT of books in the series, dropping the first one to .99 or free works, but if it's just a couple, don't discount your efforts so early.
Thank you very much for your feedback on pricing. Yes, I hope you do travel to Norway. We never made it to Scandinavia, but I have Swedish roots and love yulakaka! Bon voyage!
DeleteI've heard great things about Peru, but you're right that traveling is exhausting and stressful in my 50s--I can only imagine how it would feel in my 80s. I hope I make it to my bucket list country, Spain, before travel feels too daunting. Best wishes for cranking out 4K words a month! That's a more productive schedule than I've been able to maintain lately.
ReplyDeleteHello, Jennifer. I hope you do go to Peru. We loved our stay there to explore the rich culture and appreciated the many friendly people we met along the way, though I did get altitude sickness, which cut short our trip. Re cranking out those words, I just try for 300 words a day and don't worry if I don't make that goal. Luckily, we still have the next day -- and the next -- to write! Perseverance furthers!
DeleteFour thousand words is great!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Alex, for stopping by and for continuing to lead IWSG. This online writing community nurtures all of us in such unintended ways. May your own writing go well.
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