Monday, October 15, 2012

Goal, Motivation and Conflict

Today, you can catch me over at Romantic Friday Writers guest posting on some of the most important tips for indie writers. Please visit and leave a comment!

The first tip I mention is to write a great story, and one of the best tools available to help you achieve this is Debra Dixon's outstanding book, Goal, Motivation and Conflict.

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to attend her GMC workshop! I was absolutely blown away, it was so amazing!

If you're not familiar with this book or would like to own it, order it here for 19.95 from Gryphon Books For Writers.

If you're indie published, what's the most important thing you've learned about independent publishing? If you're a reader, what annoys you most about indie published book?

Thanks for visiting and have a great week!

11 comments:

Old Kitty said...

What niggles me about some of the few indie published books I've come across is the lack of quality control. I remember trying to read an indie published book (print) and getting annoyed by the very long blank pages between each (single spaced!!) paragraphs! LOL!

Take care
x

Maria McKenzie said...

I understand! It's so important for the authors to proof their work before setting it free! I was convinced my first book was fine, I'd read it and re-read it so many times. Then all my family members sent me lists of my mistakes!

Jennette Marie Powell said...

With traditional publishing, it seemed such a crapshoot that your book would land on the right editor's desk at the right time. With indie publishing, it's still a crapshoot, to be found by the readers who'll love your book. What works for another author or another book might not work for me, and what worked six months ago probably won't be as effective today.

Maria McKenzie said...

Jennette, you are so right! It's all a crapshoot. What works for one author won't work for another and the marketing promo arena is changing constantly!

Scarlett and James said...

Proofing the book is absolutely essential. And in doing so, that means not rushing into it once you think you're finished, but give it enough time to triple and quadruple check.

Maria McKenzie said...

So true! When my eagle-eyed mother-in-law sent back my book with nearly 100 goofs (after my mom and husband had already pointed out mistakes), she became my proofreader!

Beth said...

I attended a GMC workshop a couple of weeks ago. I like Debra's book for a craft book, it's an easy read. Hopping over to see your tips.

Maria McKenzie said...

Hi, Beth! Thanks for stopping by; I appreciate your comments! Hope you like the tips:).

Intangible Hearts said...

I love the cover of Escape. It's beautiful. I'm not sure what annoys me because I guess it's still kind of new to me.

Maria McKenzie said...

Thanks, Eve! It always takes me time to get used to something new;).

William Kendall said...

Having edited a few indies now, I can definitely say that there can never be too many times to proofread or recheck something. It can be a godsend when you realize you've averted a potential disaster in the formatting of a book.