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Re: How Do We Write?

Posted: 23 Aug 2017, 08:52
by Julie2owlsdene
Stephen says thanks, to all, for the congrats. :)

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Re: How Do We Write?

Posted: 23 Aug 2017, 11:41
by Moonraker
Julie2owlsdene wrote: Some of our forumities on here know that my hubby is an author of two railway books. Well another publisher contacted him a few months back and offered him a contract to write for them, which he accepted, for the book to be completed in January. Well today they offered him a further contract for two more after January, May and October, and said they'd like him to continue for them with further books.
Splendid news, Julie. I am so pleased that Stephen contacted the publisher as I tipped him off in the first place! As a railway enthusiast, I can fully recommend his first two books that have been published so far. I have them both. I see Amazon have one of his for sale at £69.50!

I only hope that I manage to see his later book containing some of my own photographs of the former LSWR West of England Main Line before I fade away!

Re: How Do We Write?

Posted: 23 Aug 2017, 17:45
by Julie2owlsdene
I'm sure you'll see them, long before you fade away, Nigel! :lol:

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Re: How Do We Write?

Posted: 07 Nov 2017, 15:07
by Julie2owlsdene
Rob Houghton wrote:
As I have all of my books bound with illustrated covers in an 'A5' format (as Tony will testify as he has a hardback copy of 'Disappearing Tramp') - and many of the other novels I've written - 'The Last Summer' 'Dark Hall', 'Will and Liz' 'Sarah' and 'Jessica's Magic Yo-yo' amongst others are all in book form with my own illustrations and layout and covers, I feel no need to 'see my books in print' unless someone pays me to print them.

I have always felt that self-publishing is nothing short of 'prostituting' ones work, and I would never do it.
After reading your views here, Robert, I see you have now changed your mind on self publishing, glad to see you have, as many are doing it these days. What made you suddenly decide to change your view point?

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Re: How Do We Write?

Posted: 07 Nov 2017, 15:18
by sixret
Rob, you had a strong view on buying books online once upon a time. You disfavoured it. I remember it very well that you needed to touch and feel the book before you decided to buy the books. Now, you have become one of the successful online seller and buyer! :wink: :D

Re: How Do We Write?

Posted: 07 Nov 2017, 16:01
by Rob Houghton
I do sometimes change my mind if it pleases me to do so, lol - especially where buying books online is concerned, as I have bought many on eBay over the last couple of years which I would otherwise not have bought! :-)

But I haven't really changed my mind regards self-publishing - I would certainly never pay for my books to be published - so I chose a free option, as I don't pay a penny to publish them on Amazon. Its not as ideal as a publisher paying for my work, but at least I don't have to pay a publisher to get them in print - so I get the enjoyment of seeing them for sale without paying. Agreed, its only on Amazon and not in bookshops, but its a good compromise. :D So far I've made £5.98 profit, lol!!! :lol:

Re: How Do We Write?

Posted: 07 Nov 2017, 16:05
by Julie2owlsdene
Well at least that is half way to your Journal Subscription. :lol:

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Re: How Do We Write?

Posted: 07 Nov 2017, 16:08
by Rob Houghton
Julie2owlsdene wrote:Well at least that is half way to your Journal Subscription. :lol:
:lol:

Re: How Do We Write?

Posted: 07 Nov 2017, 17:58
by Wolfgang
Why do I have to think of these lines?
" ‘Well, it’s strong characters who ought to be able to change their minds
at times,’ said Hilary. ‘I call it weak to stick to something when you know
it’s silly. "

Re: How Do We Write?

Posted: 07 Nov 2017, 18:03
by Rob Houghton
very true! 'This Lady's not for turning' ended up being the beginning of the end for Margaret Thatcher. ;-)

Re: How Do We Write?

Posted: 07 Nov 2017, 18:31
by pete9012S
I'm not a writer, although I would still like to write an article on Miss Dimity for a future Journal.

I imagine it must be incredibly frustrating as Rob describes, to have your work rejected on numerous occasions.
Also, I can well imagine how enjoyable it must be for Julie to see her work published and appreciated.

I think I am right in saying that even Enid Blyton herself had her work rejected many times by lots of publishers before it was accepted?

Barbara Stoney. Enid Blyton

Enid was as determined as ever to achieve success as a writer and during her first year with the Thompsons had been aiming mostly for the adult periodical market but, apart from a small poem for a Presbyterian church magazine – The Messenger – everything had been rejected.
I read and enjoyed Julie's book and I'm currently reading - and enjoying Rob's.
Yes,I know Rob before you say it,I'm a creep! :D

Re: How Do We Write?

Posted: 07 Nov 2017, 19:19
by Rob Houghton
pete9012S wrote:I read and enjoyed Julie's book and I'm currently reading - and enjoying Rob's.
Yes,I know Rob before you say it,I'm a creep! :D
:lol: :twisted: the cheque's in the post, Pete! ;-)

I believe JK Rowling was rejected around 26 times...or something like that. It's extremely rare to be chosen by a publisher these days, as most publishers don't take a chance on new writers. Most writing books and magazines suggest getting an agent first - but that is almost as difficult! :roll:

Re: How Do We Write?

Posted: 07 Nov 2017, 20:06
by sixret
There have been established authors who started publishing their work as ebooks initially and have become successful eventually. Don’t ever give up! There are many avenues to success. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Don’t feel ashame to try other less glamourous options! :D

Re: How Do We Write?

Posted: 14 Nov 2017, 19:31
by Machupicchu14
I don't know what is happening to me, but everytime I find writing stories harder, and writing poetry has become just way easier. :| :lol: :lol:

Re: How Do We Write?

Posted: 14 Nov 2017, 20:22
by Rob Houghton
I believe it's your age, Maria Esther. I can remember the same thing happening to me when I was in my teens.

As a child writing stories was easy because I 'just wrote' whereas, once we start being 'more aware' of the world and other writers, I think we become more self-conscious about our writing, honing our words into something we think is more impressive/better written.

As a teenager, poetry often becomes more important as we feel things more strongly, and poetry is a good way to express these feelings. At least, that was my experience.

As I've become older, poetry tends to happen best at sad moments, such as a lost love, or a new love or a death or some natural disaster or tragedy, whilst writing stories has tended to become easier again as I become less self-conscious about my writing. :-)