It's funny how life works. There have been so many changes in my life lately - new job, financial adjustments, more free time - that I almost feel as if I'm in a different world. I've spent a LOT less time playing poker or writing, even though I've actually got MORE time to do those things... wtf?
I got an email from an old friend this morning, James France, James and I go way back - we met in 1994, just before the Springboks won their first World Cup Rugby tournament. In his email, James goes on to mention that he had been following my blog. Say what? I was completely surprised, as I genuinely assumed I was just writing this for myself, lol. Anyway, the subject under discussion was advice on writing. It felt great sharing my experience with James, who is 13000 words into his first novel. It was also a gentle reminder that I needed to pull up my socks and get back into the game with some determination!
In my response to James, the most important aspect was that you KEEP WRITING. It doesn't matter if your books don't sell. It doesn't matter if you don't get reviews. It doesn't matter if you don't get offered a publishing contract. The mere act of writing itself should be reward enough. If any of the above are going to happen, you only improve your chances by having more words out there. They say you can't catch a fish without a line in the water, well you can't be a successful writer without words in the digital universe. And let's be clear, there are many definitions of the term "successful writer", and most of them have nothing to do with money.
Thank you, James, for the kick in the pants. Let's hope it bears fruits... like both you and I finishing our current writing projects!
Aces! Wayne.
Wednesday 23 September 2015
Wednesday 10 June 2015
Paperbacks, Series and Competitions
Well, things have certainly been shaking in my little world lately. :) Firstly, I've released all of my novels in paperback versions, available as follows:
The Days Beyond - click on the Title
December Dead - click on the Title
The Trembling - click on the Title
Also, I've updated all my covers to make them more ME, you can see them below. I've also entered "The Days Beyond" in a writing contest, and you can be a superstar and head on over to Inkitt to vote. Simply CLICK HERE, then click the "heart" and then register with them for free. It would be MUCH appreciated! :)
And, finally, I've also submitted "The Days Beyond" as a weekly subscription series to Channilo, you can check it, and many other great titles, out here: SERIES
Aside from all of the above, I've also changed jobs, raised a new puppy and started an additional blog tracking my poker/betting results (for those interested).
Thanks for being such loyal fans! Mwah!
The Days Beyond - click on the Title
December Dead - click on the Title
The Trembling - click on the Title
Also, I've updated all my covers to make them more ME, you can see them below. I've also entered "The Days Beyond" in a writing contest, and you can be a superstar and head on over to Inkitt to vote. Simply CLICK HERE, then click the "heart" and then register with them for free. It would be MUCH appreciated! :)
And, finally, I've also submitted "The Days Beyond" as a weekly subscription series to Channilo, you can check it, and many other great titles, out here: SERIES
Aside from all of the above, I've also changed jobs, raised a new puppy and started an additional blog tracking my poker/betting results (for those interested).
Thanks for being such loyal fans! Mwah!
Saturday 8 November 2014
The Block
I finally met it. The Block. That evil, unseen villain that suddenly appears right when you are in the most intense piece of your writing, just when things are hotting up and the plot is about to be revealed at last...
I'll admit, meeting it for the first time in my life was truly an experience! I've always been a man of many written words, able to eloquently communicate with the keys - thousands upon thousands of words just flowing like water downhill. My first two novels were written in one year, and there was no slowing down when I started the third in January of this year. I sped through the first 50000 words with ease, the story developing as I wrote. And then...
I'll admit, meeting it for the first time in my life was truly an experience! I've always been a man of many written words, able to eloquently communicate with the keys - thousands upon thousands of words just flowing like water downhill. My first two novels were written in one year, and there was no slowing down when I started the third in January of this year. I sped through the first 50000 words with ease, the story developing as I wrote. And then...
Thursday 5 June 2014
Apocalypse Panel - Question 3
It's that time again! The panel has suggested another question for its members to answer, and this time around it is:
What is the most important element in an apocalyptic story?
This is a tough one, as the obvious answer that might instantly pop to mind is the "human" element, or character. But is this completely true? Sure, we need to connect emotionally with the characters, we need to feel their pain, their fear, their suffering, and we need to watch them grow, develop and, most importantly, succeed and triumph! However, there is
What is the most important element in an apocalyptic story?
This is a tough one, as the obvious answer that might instantly pop to mind is the "human" element, or character. But is this completely true? Sure, we need to connect emotionally with the characters, we need to feel their pain, their fear, their suffering, and we need to watch them grow, develop and, most importantly, succeed and triumph! However, there is
Thursday 29 May 2014
Less Is More
So lately I've been struggling with something, and I'm sure it's happened to all of us at one point or another - I just don't seem to have enough TIME anymore! I'm a creative soul, so I'm always busy with all sorts of projects. I'm currently working full time (12 hours a day), raising a family, writing novels, writing music, recording music in my small home studio, playing online poker and live poker in a League twice a month, I have this blog, five websites, Twitter and Facebook.
The last couple of months I've found myself being stretched in all directions. I want to keep writing on my third novel, but at the same time
The last couple of months I've found myself being stretched in all directions. I want to keep writing on my third novel, but at the same time
Monday 26 May 2014
Internet Access
I'm not one who usually punts companies or services, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to discuss Internet Service. I live a few kilometers out of town, and I find that accessing the internet is not always easy! I have tried several service providers for my internet access, all the popular ones in South Africa, however it wasn't until I came across a great company that offers SUPER pricing, FAST internet and EXCELLENT service. If you have never heard of Afrihost, now is the time to check them out! I have a banner link at the bottom of this page, or alternatively just visit Afrihost for ADSL options, or for HOSTING options. No catch here, I promise! And if you visit them via either of these links or the banner below, you are GUARANTEED 50% off your first month's cheap bill. :) Trust me, you won't be sorry! I wouldn't put my good name to anything I didn't believe in 100%.
Wednesday 2 April 2014
The Ultimate Reward
So I was thinking, which I tend to do from time to time, and I decided to add to my previous post about why I give away free books, instead of trying to sell them. As I mentioned, right now it's all about building that growing fan base, about spreading the word and making friends... but in reality I am getting paid for my free books. Not by Smashwords or Amazon. Not by the readers who download the book. I'm getting paid in reviews!
That's right, reviews are, in my honest opinion, the writer's greatest reward! They surpass any form of cash payment or deposit. They mean more than paper and coins. They are priceless, unique and a true test of your worth as a writer, in any form! I write this post as I have just received my second review on "December Dead", you can read it HERE. I get really excited when readers review my books. It means they had a reason to say something about it. It means it had some sort of impact. It means something... right?
So my final word on this is that if you are a reader enjoying Indie books, free or not, please do the author the extreme honor of posting an honest review! You will make a poor penman happy, and it may just inspire him to write some more!
Love to all!
Wayne.
That's right, reviews are, in my honest opinion, the writer's greatest reward! They surpass any form of cash payment or deposit. They mean more than paper and coins. They are priceless, unique and a true test of your worth as a writer, in any form! I write this post as I have just received my second review on "December Dead", you can read it HERE. I get really excited when readers review my books. It means they had a reason to say something about it. It means it had some sort of impact. It means something... right?
So my final word on this is that if you are a reader enjoying Indie books, free or not, please do the author the extreme honor of posting an honest review! You will make a poor penman happy, and it may just inspire him to write some more!
Love to all!
Wayne.
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