Tuesday, June 3, 2014

C is for Confusion

I know I can’t be alone in this, but it surely feels that way. For everyone who beat me to the publishing world, even if by only a day – I feel that you are experts in how everything out here works, and I am a bumbling incompetent.

I see people putting up how their books are doing on certain lists – I have no idea if I’ve even made a list or where I’d begin looking. I feel like I’m missing things that everyone else knows about. Sometime people are kind enough to mention one of my books somewhere and the only way I know about it is if a friend tells me. And then I worry that I’ve missed someone somewhere and that I haven’t properly thanked those people. I try to read as widely as possible, but there are a lot of great writers out here and just those hopelessly inadequate twenty-four hours in a day! We really need to do some about that, come on, who’s up for at least twenty-six, twenty-seven hours in a day?

Everyone out here has been more than kind. Each person I’ve asked for help or information has been extremely helpful, but often I feel too far behind to ask. I picture you all as computer expert, while I’m saying, “Keyboard? Now that’s the thing with the letters on it, right?”

I’m not giving up, however, it may take me longer, and I may ask some dumb questions along the way, but please know I am sincerely trying to learn.

*Some of you might have thought I was going to talk about Cassie when I did my C. I wouldn't want to disappoint so I do invite you to read the three Cassie books out so far, I really think you'll like them.

Cassie's Space

Cassie's Tale 

Cassie on the Move




26 comments:

  1. Hey PK...we are all confused about something...no one can be an expert on every single thing. You may be new at the publishing game but you are learning and you have an excellent 'product' in Cassie. I'm sure some of the other authors could tell you how to look for how your books are doing on different lists. I'm sure you already know how to look on Amazon which is the only one I know anything about. Hang in there...you're learning. ;)

    Hugs and Blessings...
    Cat

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    1. You're right Cat, I just know that there should be someway to get the information about the no. of books sold. I'm curious. Amazon is the only place I know to look and I know it's not exactly accurate. But I am learning slowly, but surely.

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  2. If ever I can help, please ask. You're so not alone, I think each of us feels like 'oh crap, I missed something BIG. AGAIN!!!' I know I do.

    I want to hug you so consider yourself hugged.

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    1. Thanks Natasha, it feels better just knowing that others feel this way too at times. I really do appreciate the hug.

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  3. LOL, I totally feel the same way!
    just bought my first Cassie book!
    Can't wait to read it!
    And yes, I vote for 27 hours :)

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    1. Twenty-seven would be just right! I really hope you like it. I like all the stories, and as the books go on I feel my writing gets better too.

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  4. PK,
    I don't think that you are confused, I think you are doing very well.
    Love and warm hugs,
    Paul.

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    1. Paul, somedays I feel like my head is spinning. Thankfully each night when I cuddle with Nick it settles right down.

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  5. There is a lot of information out there and it seems like it's important to know about all of it, but I'm not so sure that's the case. Just keep doing what works for you and the rest will fall into place.

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    1. That's an excellent point. I think I need to try to learn about one things at a time instead of concentrating on all I don't know.

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  6. PK,

    I wished I could l help but I have no idea but blogland is a very special place we help each other where we can so I am sure if you ask some of the more experienced writers they would be more than willing to help and put you in the right direction. So ask:)

    Love,
    Ronnie and hugs,
    xx

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    1. I do have some good people to ask, but as much as I love my computer it would be so much easier if we could all just sit down together face to face.

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  7. Lord PK, if it helps I feel just as confused! But you are one hundred percent right in saying everyone is kind and generous in their help and advice. Which social media to use, how to blog effectively and all that stuff leaves my head in a whirl :D Maybe if we just keep writing, the other stuff will fall into place :D

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    1. Thanks Tara, it does help. Just writing and hoping works for me, but then I realize I have been to FB to see what's going on and I've missed stuff again. I need those 27 hour days.

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  8. Don't feel alone PK, I feel the same way. Everyone is very helpful and kind, but sometimes when I get directions on how to do something, I'm like huh? It's like they are speaking a different language. Then after I finally get it, yeah, I forget how I did it. Just keep plugging away. This a-z thing is really good for me. I'm finally remembering how things link for more than a day.

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    1. That's it Stevie! Even when I feel I've master something if I don't use it again for a few months it's gone. I'm getting too old to learn and remember all these things.

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  9. You know, everybody says "just be yourself and everything will be OK". And so you separate your "important self" and your "not so important self". Your important self is you and those who love you. Your important self is be a creative writer, put your heart and soul in your writing. Readers always see if the writer took an extra mile in their book or not. And all the other things, learn it when it comes you way. Of forget and learn again. And ask again. They are a friendly bunch these people participating in this challenge.

    I don't give hugs (your man would object) but a small kiss on the nose?

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    1. Han, some good points here. Writing is a true love to me now. Never wrote a word until I was 49. I'm still learning the technical side - but Cassie is right there with the stories.

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  10. You know that I'm in the same boat right along with you. We'll just keep sharing when we come across something.
    You're right thought everybody is so helpful, but we are not all on the same level technical wise.

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    1. You got it. I'd probably know more now it I would listen at school, but my boss pushes technology so much I can't help but resist.

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  11. Well, let's just say, I have one of the Cassie books on my TBR list this month! :D

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  12. I agree, but sometimes I think, I don't even want to know. :)

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  13. Good luck PK:) I'm computer illiterate. You can ask Celeste. I can't figure out how to schedule a blog post... I mean really? I have to ask my hubby sometimes how to do something on facebook. You're doing great and "Cassie Space" is on my Nook ready and waiting on me:)

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    1. Rhonda - I may can help you a little, if you ask the questions slowly and in little words. I've been blogging for eight years, it's the publishing/ promoting world that has be confused.

      I hope you like Cassie - please let me know.

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