Rebelious rules by Kristina Gallo

Today I am featuring fantasy author Josephine Wrightson. Living in North Devon, in a beautiful rural cottage with her family. Hubby and two girls, there is much inspiration all around her. The rolling green hills and forests, but she is doubly lucky to have beautiful beaches and the tumultuous coastline near too. So many tales to tell, and plenty of inspiration all around her. Josephine has been writing for more years than she cares to admit to. Having started in her early 20’s, and before then reading so much. Anything and everything. However, as with many of us, life got in the way and encouragement was lacking, so her ambition got shelved, or more to the point packed into a case. After a strange couple of years, with the help and encouragement of a great husband and children, who Josephine admits to being her very own ‘hero ‘ decided to pick it up again, with a renewed vigor and determination. As life is very often too short. So being an indie publisher became her goal. And this ...

Today I am introducing an awesome indie author Eve Koguce. Her novel “Neglected Merge” - book one in the Neglected Merge trilogy - is a fantasy futuristic romance set in a utopian-style world.  She has  a confession to make. She doesn’t read fantasy. The main reason for that is that books in this genre tend to be rather grim, but since life has shown her all its faces, not only light and carefree, she seeks additional emotional stirring neither in literature nor in movies/TV series. The Neglected Merge trilogy explores the challenges of universal happiness rather than those hardships we envisage to befall us after some kind of apocalyptic event. Limitations are always suffocating, even if they’re intended to limit your choices to make you miserable. She has been in love with books for as long as she remembers. The typewriter her first attempts at writing had been made at still sits proudly on its shelf in the basement, and when she goes down there, she always has an urge to sa...

The basic rule of a relationship is the participation of both sides. When it comes to conversation, pay attention to who is sending messages first. If you are one who always asks your partner how is he and what can you do for him, and he is passive, then it is a one-sided relationship. The same rule is for friendship. Look at this situation. You are always remembering a friend's birthday. You are here to listen to her problems. If she needs a favor, she will run to you. What about you? How many dead plants are you watering? So, he is not answering, ignoring you, and then it comes to your feedback. "What is wrong? Are you angry? Why don't you talk to me?" Forcing your answer, you might get the next reaction: "Are you crazy? What do you want from me?" Or you might get a block. It took a long time that me to realize how not all people are the same. When I am leaving, I will explain my reasons. Some people prefer ghosting. They leave in silence and close their d...

The biggest challenge for every indie author is to find his readers. When you promote yourself on social media, you will ask for readers and reviews. The important fact you will discover: every reader could be also a writer. Many people who read write their own books. That is the main reason why your reviews got late, why you did not get them, or why such readers expect you to read their book in return. The number of indie authors is huge. Everyone wishes to gain the success of Anne Todd, that published a story on Wattpad and become a bestseller, and late a movie trilogy.  Mostly, you will promote yourself to talk to people who are your potential readers. Here are the traps: Readers on Twitter. Many spammers will tell you: "I need a book recommendation", just to increase their number of followers. Promoters who expect you to pay. Give me your book, and I will promote you for a suitable price. Authors who also write books. So, where are our basic readers? The basic facts: Peop...

Recently one author on Twitter says how he would be pleased to get 3 stars rating for his books. It is a rare statement and shows maturity because it is not easy to be objective about your books. Three obstacles to your success in writing are: Ego. You are persuaded that your books are good. Inability to receive critics. It is hard to digest critics, but it is a way to progress. Passivity. If you just sit and wait for someone to buy your books, you will not have success. There is a saying that an author must have thick nerves and a good stomach. I remember when a woman says to my book "sounds like a horrible book with a horrible title." I had no idea why she said this because she did not read it, she saw it in the group and I don't know who she was. That was my first test and I lost nerves and insulted her because I felt hurt. A professional writer must stay calm, even with trolls. We must know that some people are frustrated and they will do everything to spoil someone...

If you are an author, you have dreams about your books. Watching movies about famous authors in childhood results in fantasies. What would you do if you become famous? Let's see your potential bucket list. The book was adapted into a movie. Your book is a bestseller. Your fans are young girls (if you are a man) who adore you. You don't need to work, you are living from money earned from your books. You don't even need to write more, because offers for your work, public reading and interviews are everywhere. Now, let's wake up. An average indie author has a daily, regular job. He can only dream about a book adapted to a movie. The money author earns he will invest in the promotion. He must pay for interviews if he wants to have a public appearance on television or in a newspaper. You don't have fans, you have some readers or authors who also want their books to be read. You are surrounded by trolls who leave negative ratings on your books because the world is full of...

Let's sell the book. This is the dream of every indie author. Until now, you learned already about difficulties, and how to sell the book. One of the important things is collaboration between authors and readers. Also, authors should respect other authors. When I started writing, for four years, I had some experiences with other authors. I asked for opinions and got lessons. Sure, I did not like it. When the author asks for a review, he expects the review. You can always politely refuse and said you don't have time to read, or you don't want to leave a review because you don't like the book. Some authors are crossing the limits, by giving lectures. For example: "Oh, do you have an editor? I would read a book, but I would recommend you some editors, or I will edit this for a suitable fee." "Do you think you are ready to publish it? I have a book, let's take a look, and read it, so you can learn something from me. " When someone lectures you, he br...