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#IWSG August 2016: first #writing sample and #blog update

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Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click the image to learn more or sign up.

Monthly Question: What was your very first piece of writing as an aspiring writer? Where is it now? Collecting dust or has it been published?

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Well, looks like I was a bit late this month. I did actually write this article ahead of time, but then I forgot to schedule it. Found it in my drafts this morning. Oops.

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I never expected to be an aspiring writer, let alone, an actual published author. Believe it or not, my first piece as an aspiring writer, is my first publication, Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel. I will admit that this had developed and evolved over the years, but it’s the same story I wrote back in 2009.

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Here’s where I talk about myself a bit, or at least my blog and writing attempts. I’ve been trying to cut back on my blogging to free up more time for writing, but I just can’t seem to cut back enough. While I’m also working on my time management skills, I’ve decided to pursue my quest to interview authors. I mentioned this a few posts back and thought I’d give a brief update.

I posted one interview last month and I think that will be my monthly goal. I’ve recorded a video interview that should be going up soon. This is where I’ll add the link if it goes up during this post. I’ve spoken with a few other authors and think this will go quite smoothly.

As for my writing, not much is happening. Not wanting to feel overwhelmed by my lack of progress with my four current WIPs (Eternal Curse 3, Sayings 2, and a new fantasy, plus I’m still illustrating my educational children’s books) I decided to give my current (seven) published works an overhaul. I’m not rewriting anything, but I’ve been tuning them up and reformatting them for both print and digital. This is time-consuming, but as an indie, the payout is worth it. If I can increase the quality of my work, I will.

ECGAfront5-jpgI’m also thinking of updating my design on the Eternal Curse books. People keep telling me that they think my book is too dark for them and are surprised when they read it. Got me thinking that others might be passing my book up for that very reason. Here’s what I’m thinking of changing to; what do you think of it?

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Are you good at print or digital formatting?
Ever updated your indie work, simply because you can?

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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Tamara Narayan,
Drecker,
Ellen,
Lauren,
Stephen Tremp, and
Julie Flanders!

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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #73).

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

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By Toi Thomas

Author and illustrator of children's books, as well as clean adult fiction and nonfiction. Toi is a geek-girl blogger, vlogger, reviewer, and advocate for a healthy reading lifestyle. She finds comfort in faith, family, and creative expression. Toi believes in the dream of world harmony and hopes all your dreams come true.

13 replies on “#IWSG August 2016: first #writing sample and #blog update”

Hi,
Right now, I am thinking you have accomplished a lot. Your first manuscript as an aspiring was published. Spot on.
Toi, the new change in cover is excellent. It sends out a totally different message than your cover that you have now. To be honest, I have to admit that I haven’t read your book because I don’t read horror. Looking at your original cover, I thought oh yea, nightmares.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia

Thanks bunches for the feedback. I’m glad you like the change. I think it may be just what my Eternal Curse Series needs. It really isn’t a scary story, but there are dark elements that ultimately lead to hope.

Thanks for the feedback. Since this is just a mock-up, I have time to work on it. I’ll see about making sure the words “Book 1” can be seen clearly at the bottom.

When you wrestle those time management skills into submission, call me! I’m in sore need of some pointers. Congrats on all that you’ve accomplished. You can pat yourself on the back for all of that.

Thank you. I appreciate that. By the way, have you had a chance to look over my interview info?

As much as we’d like to focus on the writing most, it’s a good idea to update what we’ve published every so often, especially when it comes to covers, book descriptions, and formatting. I have updated my work as I learn new tricks to formatting ebooks/print books.

I agree. I think that’s one reason why I like being indie so much. I don’t have to jump through hoops when I want to update my work.

Wow, that’s a huge to-do list. I can relate to feeling overwhelmed. It appears to be a constant state for me these days, which I don’t like at all.

Personally, I think the revised cover seems darker. I like the original. Just my opinion–I’m no designer, but if you want it to seem less dark, maybe brighter, cheerier colors would help?

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