Writing Journey
Viewing comments for Chapter 8 "Not sure what to do!"Help with writing, mine and yours.
40 total reviews
Comment from Wendy G
I would share your concerns, as I seem to have a similar personality to you. Such things would be outside my comfort zone. The other thing is that he hasn't sold as many copies of your books as you have - is he trying to make sure that you think he is being proactive so that you will retain his services? In general, if I don't have peace about something, I say no. I sense that he is tempting you to be someone you are not, and the result wold be acclaim and fame, in the eyes of the world. I guess you have to decide whether you want to be bound to commitments re future novels, and bound to some sort of contractural obligations, and thereby sell more, potentially, or do you want to write for pleasure, and market your work in ways pleasing to you, even at the cost of financial reward?
I have added some editing suggestions below, and I hope you will find them helpful.
Wendy
Edits:
1. Many of you are better authors' (no apostrophe, it's just a plural)
2. Kevin called(,) wanting to share some ideas he has. That's mainly what I want to share with you, but I'll address the author's (authors') fair first. (plural and possessive)
3. but (I) still did okay ...
4. First, a local book club with about fifteen members have (has) decided
(the subject is book club, singular)
5. because he's wanting me to do YouTube shorts, (replace this comma with a semi-colon) his marketing team would do the graphics
6. The next suggestion Kevin has. He wants me to do podcasts about each novel. (combine these into one sentence) Kevin's next suggestion is to do podcasts ...
7. The next problem, these suggestions could, maybe, take my writing to an entirely new level. ( The next problem is that these suggestions could maybe .....)
8. I also have the fear, what if I can't come up with any more ideas of books? (I also have the fear that I might not be able to come up with any more ideas for books.)
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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I would share your concerns, as I seem to have a similar personality to you. Such things would be outside my comfort zone. The other thing is that he hasn't sold as many copies of your books as you have - is he trying to make sure that you think he is being proactive so that you will retain his services? In general, if I don't have peace about something, I say no. I sense that he is tempting you to be someone you are not, and the result wold be acclaim and fame, in the eyes of the world. I guess you have to decide whether you want to be bound to commitments re future novels, and bound to some sort of contractural obligations, and thereby sell more, potentially, or do you want to write for pleasure, and market your work in ways pleasing to you, even at the cost of financial reward?
I have added some editing suggestions below, and I hope you will find them helpful.
Wendy
Edits:
1. Many of you are better authors' (no apostrophe, it's just a plural)
2. Kevin called(,) wanting to share some ideas he has. That's mainly what I want to share with you, but I'll address the author's (authors') fair first. (plural and possessive)
3. but (I) still did okay ...
4. First, a local book club with about fifteen members have (has) decided
(the subject is book club, singular)
5. because he's wanting me to do YouTube shorts, (replace this comma with a semi-colon) his marketing team would do the graphics
6. The next suggestion Kevin has. He wants me to do podcasts about each novel. (combine these into one sentence) Kevin's next suggestion is to do podcasts ...
7. The next problem, these suggestions could, maybe, take my writing to an entirely new level. ( The next problem is that these suggestions could maybe .....)
8. I also have the fear, what if I can't come up with any more ideas of books? (I also have the fear that I might not be able to come up with any more ideas for books.)
Comment Written 29-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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I appreciate the help. I only read through this a couple of times, and didn't edit as much as I do my novels, as you could tell. Thank you for your encouragement. So far, I'm leaning towards the shorts.
Comment from Pamusart
Hi, Barbara
I think this will be wonderful for you. Congratulations
Here why not say
he wants me
", for the help I'm asking from you. Kevin contacted me because he's wanting me to do YouTube "
I enjoyed reading your book chapter
Good job. Thank you for sharing.
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
|
Hi, Barbara
I think this will be wonderful for you. Congratulations
Here why not say
he wants me
", for the help I'm asking from you. Kevin contacted me because he's wanting me to do YouTube "
I enjoyed reading your book chapter
Good job. Thank you for sharing.
Comment Written 29-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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Thank you for your encouragement. So far, I'm leaning towards the shorts.
Comment from nomi338
There can be no argument or question as to your talent as a writer. When it comes to podcasts, or other formats that take you completely out of your comfort zone, fear of failure can doom you before you even start. I am in no way qualified to influence your decision. I trust you talent and intelligence. I think this as much about personality and ability to communicate as anything. I can only wish you God's blessing in whatever you decide to do.
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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There can be no argument or question as to your talent as a writer. When it comes to podcasts, or other formats that take you completely out of your comfort zone, fear of failure can doom you before you even start. I am in no way qualified to influence your decision. I trust you talent and intelligence. I think this as much about personality and ability to communicate as anything. I can only wish you God's blessing in whatever you decide to do.
Comment Written 28-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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Thank you for your encouragement. So far, I'm leaning towards the shorts. I'm taking clues from God.
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That more than anything else usually leads to success.
Comment from SimianSavant
I realize this is just your thoughts but I'm still gonna edit it for grammar, but without docking a point for editing as I normally would for this number of edits. I'm just gonna comment on the grammar.
Many of you are better authors' <= eliminate the apostrophe
but still did okay. <= what or who did ok?
a local book club with about fifteen members have decided <= the word HAVE operates on the noun CLUB, not MEMBERS. So the verb should be HAS, not HAVE. (The word MEMBERS is within the prepositional phase which functions as a description of CLUB)
The next suggestion Kevin has. <= fragment
The final problem and a huge one.<= fragment. Fix these by adding colons to the end to attach them to the next sentence
one on one <= one-on-one
I'm not sure at 70 years old THAT I want another job.
I also have the fear, what if I can't come up with any more ideas of books? <= make the comma a colon, or just leave out the entire part before the comma.
Hope this helps! Regards,
🦍
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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I realize this is just your thoughts but I'm still gonna edit it for grammar, but without docking a point for editing as I normally would for this number of edits. I'm just gonna comment on the grammar.
Many of you are better authors' <= eliminate the apostrophe
but still did okay. <= what or who did ok?
a local book club with about fifteen members have decided <= the word HAVE operates on the noun CLUB, not MEMBERS. So the verb should be HAS, not HAVE. (The word MEMBERS is within the prepositional phase which functions as a description of CLUB)
The next suggestion Kevin has. <= fragment
The final problem and a huge one.<= fragment. Fix these by adding colons to the end to attach them to the next sentence
one on one <= one-on-one
I'm not sure at 70 years old THAT I want another job.
I also have the fear, what if I can't come up with any more ideas of books? <= make the comma a colon, or just leave out the entire part before the comma.
Hope this helps! Regards,
🦍
Comment Written 28-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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I appreciate the help. I only read through this a couple of times, and didn't edit as much as I do my novels, as you could tell. Thank you for your encouragement. So far, I'm leaning towards the shorts.
Comment from Sally Law
I'm happy for you, Barbara. Here's the thing and there's no other way around it. You need to be you, not Kevin's version of you. There's a huge difference. When you and I are comfortable in our own skin, people know it. I typically do one book signing a year for Foundation Fighting Blindness. I speak to hundreds of people, blind and sighted, and give away a load of my books. I do tons of selfies. Afterwards, I have to sleep for days to recover. Even with my outgoing personality I have to draw the line of what I can and cannot do. You drive your life as directed by the Lord; not Kevin. I can tell you're not comfortable, so give him a call or speak to him in person.
From one who knows. My best to you, dear.
Sal Xoxo
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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I'm happy for you, Barbara. Here's the thing and there's no other way around it. You need to be you, not Kevin's version of you. There's a huge difference. When you and I are comfortable in our own skin, people know it. I typically do one book signing a year for Foundation Fighting Blindness. I speak to hundreds of people, blind and sighted, and give away a load of my books. I do tons of selfies. Afterwards, I have to sleep for days to recover. Even with my outgoing personality I have to draw the line of what I can and cannot do. You drive your life as directed by the Lord; not Kevin. I can tell you're not comfortable, so give him a call or speak to him in person.
From one who knows. My best to you, dear.
Sal Xoxo
Comment Written 28-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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Thank you for your encouragement. So far, I'm leaning towards the shorts. I'm taking clues from God.
Comment from Douglas Goff
Go for it. New experiences are what kid is all about.
You control the flow. If it becomes overbearing, jump ship.
You muse dries up when she dries up. That is not on you.
You said yourself that you are 70. This may be your one shot so take it.
Shy? Use it. Say I'm shy so I speak thru my books. People understand that.
Congrats!
Douglas
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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Go for it. New experiences are what kid is all about.
You control the flow. If it becomes overbearing, jump ship.
You muse dries up when she dries up. That is not on you.
You said yourself that you are 70. This may be your one shot so take it.
Shy? Use it. Say I'm shy so I speak thru my books. People understand that.
Congrats!
Douglas
Comment Written 28-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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Thank you for your encouragement. So far, I'm leaning towards the shorts. I'm taking clues from God.
Comment from Pam (respa)
From what you have said, it doesn't sound like some of it fits your personality. I just finished reading a good book about the editing world. It's by Karin Gillespie. She digs into it and shows how it impacts some of the characters, so much so that one day she just quit, and she was on top rung in this agency.
Maybe you want to do some of it, but the thing to consider is does Kevin want this for you or for him? He sounds like he has come up with all of these venues you could do. You have said many times you are shy and you don't like talking about yourself. I am the same way. No one can decide for you, but a good discussion with your family could help you. But the way I see it, it doesn't seem like going public is what it's cracked up to be. However, if you really want it, then go for it. Hope that is some help.
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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From what you have said, it doesn't sound like some of it fits your personality. I just finished reading a good book about the editing world. It's by Karin Gillespie. She digs into it and shows how it impacts some of the characters, so much so that one day she just quit, and she was on top rung in this agency.
Maybe you want to do some of it, but the thing to consider is does Kevin want this for you or for him? He sounds like he has come up with all of these venues you could do. You have said many times you are shy and you don't like talking about yourself. I am the same way. No one can decide for you, but a good discussion with your family could help you. But the way I see it, it doesn't seem like going public is what it's cracked up to be. However, if you really want it, then go for it. Hope that is some help.
Comment Written 28-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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Thank you for your encouragement. So far, I'm leaning towards the shorts. I'm taking clues from God.
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You are welcome. That wouldn't be too bad to do if you didn't have to do too many.
Comment from zanya
Wow- interesting and very exciting it must be- why not pick and choose the particular events/sessions that you want to do( isn't that how those who reach the top of the tree, so to speak, organise their lives and schedules) I wish you the very best with this new venture and do let us Fanstorians know how you work it all out. And I plan on buying one of your books.;And 70 is not old anymore- aren't we always being reminded to stay busy !!
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
 |
Wow- interesting and very exciting it must be- why not pick and choose the particular events/sessions that you want to do( isn't that how those who reach the top of the tree, so to speak, organise their lives and schedules) I wish you the very best with this new venture and do let us Fanstorians know how you work it all out. And I plan on buying one of your books.;And 70 is not old anymore- aren't we always being reminded to stay busy !!
Comment Written 28-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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Thank you for your encouragement. So far, I'm leaning towards the shorts. I'm taking clues from God.
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
I tend to think the very fact you're asking for others' opinions here is that you're uneasy about all this exposure and your instinct is that the book signings are probably enough. Personally, I wouldn't push myself into all this if I hadn't had previous experience. There's a real possibility that something that started out as fun turns into one big area of stress and tension. Congratulations for all you've achieved so far. Take care Debbie
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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I tend to think the very fact you're asking for others' opinions here is that you're uneasy about all this exposure and your instinct is that the book signings are probably enough. Personally, I wouldn't push myself into all this if I hadn't had previous experience. There's a real possibility that something that started out as fun turns into one big area of stress and tension. Congratulations for all you've achieved so far. Take care Debbie
Comment Written 28-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
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Thank you for your encouragement. So far, I'm leaning towards the shorts. I'm taking clues from God.
Comment from patcelaw
My reply to you would be to do only what you're very comfortable doing and not stress yourself out. At 70 years of age does it really matter all that much? Weigh that and see if it really matters to you that you hang onto your Muse. If you do all of the things that he's asking you to do, you may well lose the ability to write and I think you're writing is probably the most important thing to you. Patricia.
reply by the author on 28-Aug-2024
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My reply to you would be to do only what you're very comfortable doing and not stress yourself out. At 70 years of age does it really matter all that much? Weigh that and see if it really matters to you that you hang onto your Muse. If you do all of the things that he's asking you to do, you may well lose the ability to write and I think you're writing is probably the most important thing to you. Patricia.
Comment Written 28-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 28-Aug-2024
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I really enjoy writing and it's my way of relaxing. I don't want loose that. I'm waiting on God's guidance. So far, just doing the shorts is all that I'm interested in.