Stormy's Voice

Pen To Paper Literary Symposium

2006-10-12T07:25:00.000-07:00

This year I was a presenter at the Pen To Paper Literary Symposium, and I must say I enjoyed it very much! Val and her crew are doing a great job. It was even better than last year's event. This year we even had entertainment; Poets, singers and a comedian. Gospel singer Tonya Baker was amazing! I presented two workshops: How To Get Your Books into Bookstores, and the other on Finding a Good Literary Agent. Val was gracious enough to book my room up on the Club level where we had our own lounge! The room was very nice and spacious. I had plenty of room to work. I also met Dan Poynter! You know he is the Self-Publishing guru... the KING in my opinion LOL! Our rooms were on the same floor. When I ran into him coming out of the lounge I was surprised. Dan is one of the nicest, most encouraging and inspiring people you can ever meet. Thanks to him, I am now getting paid to do more workshops! Now, I don't have to bothered with renting space and all that. Being the super woman that I am (that's what my husband calls me)I'm sure I can fit as many as I can in somehow.
So, be on the lookout for my next up and coming workshops. Once my Literary Source site is updated (Pam where you at? LOL!)I'll post my future dates. Until then... keep on reading and writing!

The Best Book Events

2006-08-03T17:39:00.000-07:00

I have to start getting my material ready for my next workshop. It's going to be in Dayton Ohio(in October)on finding a literary agent. Actually, I'm doing two. The other one is getting your book into bookstores, the same one I did in Dallas last month. I must say the Black Writers Reunion and Conference in Dallas was very well put together! Tia did a great job. Now, I would participate in that one again. Some other good ones are The National Book Club Conference held in Atlanta, our former Summit at Sea Cruise (this one is the most fun and first on my list), the Miami BookFair, and the Pen to Paper Literary Symposium which is the one I'm doing in October. I encourage anyone who needs direction on publishing, marketing and promoting to attend as many of these book events as possible. They really help!

Lots of Changes!

2006-08-03T17:00:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can't beliiiiieve January was the last time I wrote in this blog! And well... I changed my mind about med school and all that. After doing more extensive research (Optometry was what I was strongly considering), like actually visiting some doctors and seeing what the field is really like, I decided that's not for me. For one thing I just can't seem to get writing out of my system!

When I said that I wanted a career change, a part of me was well... frustrated by my 9 to 5 job. They had just announced lay-offs two months earlier, and although they were planning to ax us soon, it seems like they were doing everything they could to get us to just quit. That way they wouldn't have to pay us any severance. Not that they had to anyway, because technically it's a gift. I felt like, dang here I put my little magazine and writing organization on hold and went back to this? I stopped writing full-time for this? No way! Somethings gotta change so I don't fall into this rat race again only to be let down by corporate America... again. This was my first layoff. It wasn't that I was heart broken (well a little), or worried about how I was gonna make it. I just felt like I took two steps back.

Anyway, I did make a change. I started my own business (again). Another writing business. Only this time I'm not trying to run 2 or 3 different businesses and handle a million different things all at the same time. See, while they were busy getting our severance package ready, I was busy test marketing my business. It's a Resume Writing and Consulting business by the way. I started it back in December of 2005, one month after they announced the layoffs. I was doing it part-time, and once I realized that if I put my all into it I could do it full-time, I made plans for that... to go full-time in June. And that's what I did. I have a beautiful office, steady clientale, and I feel like I'm making a difference by helping people. I can still write my books, and do workshops and seminars. I love this! Making a living doing my own thing couldn't be better. I haven't looked back since, and I don't plan to.

I'm Finished!

2006-01-19T08:41:00.000-08:00

I've finally finished writing my second novel! At least the first draft. Now, I don't know how much will be changed or added once my agent makes her notes. I wanted to hire an editor, but I just can't afford it. I've got my website renewal due now, among other things. I'm a pretty good editor, but I always like to have a second pair of eyes from the pros. We have an editor at the agency though, so hopefully my agent will like the manuscript and just have her (the editor) make suggestions. Oh, by the way I changed the working title to: Two Birds One Stone. Characters tend to take a life of their own, and as I was writing I felt that the new title fits the story better. Okay, so now I wait... and wait... then edit, then wait some more. In the meantime I'm going back to school. I'm excited about that too. I'll be a pre-med student. Yep in my 30s and a pre-med student. It's scary, but it's what I wanna do in addition to writing. Something to fall back on ya know? I have decided that I'm going to go as far as I can in life no matter how old I am.

My Second Novel

2005-11-26T09:26:00.000-08:00

My agent finally said those magic words I've been waiting to hear. "Let's go on and push the second book!" Or something like that. Now, I do hope that one day we eventually find a home (publisher) to re-release "Behind The Screen" since afterall it's my first baby. No one (at the agency) can seem to understand why it's taking so long. After nearly selling out of my print runs of 3000 copies, the bookstores and libraries still want copies! It's okay, I'm ready to move on now. So, I kept pumping this book up. :) I feel like I've grown a lot in my writing. Plus, I'm so into my second one (Severed Vows is the working title by the way) that's all I wanna concentrate on right now. The Internet is still my topic, but this one is more of a relationship/suspense novel, somewhat of a thriller. I'm having to do so much research! Medical, criminal, diets... yes diets! Whew! Now I have to hit a couple of my buddies up who are in law enforcement so that I know what I'm talking about. LOL! The more I write, the more research I have to do. Those of you who have read "Behind The Screen" will see that I'm very versatile when you read my second novel. It's a killer!

I Can't Believe She Asked Me This!

2005-10-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, for those of you who know me or if you've been reading my blog regularly, you know that I've gone back to working a 9-5 job in addition to writing. Well, some people, those who know nothing about the industry at all or even what a writer does (other than write)think that once you write a book that's it! You've got it made in the shade. So, why work? Especially if your book is in most of the major chain bookstores. Take today for instance. I called to make a dentist appointment; just a routine check up for my kids. When I was writing and traveling full-time promoting my book we had private insurance. Our Dentist wasn't in the network for this company, and they wouldn't cover a dime, so we had to go elsewhere. Those of you who have PPOs, or HMOs know what I'm talking about. Anyway, now that I'm with our former company I'm back with using Cigna insurance. Now, we're able to go back to our old Dentist because they will cover some of it. So, the receptionist and I go over my new policy and everything. She remembers me well and asks "So, you're working a regular JOB now?!" Shocked with emphasis on the word job. I said "yes", then she says "So, you're not writing anymore?" Again I said "yes." Then she says "So what happened to your book?" I could tell by her tone that she thought my book didn't do well, writing wasn't for me, and now I absolutely had to go back to working a regular job like everyone else. Since she sounded so shocked like I'm on the verge of being homeless or something, I politely told her that I'm still promoting my book some, but most copies are sold out. I just finished a literary cruise, etc...I explained to her that I went back because I needed extra money (which was the case in the beginning). I then went on to tell her how my old supervisor called me up to help out temporarily, but it turned into a permanent position. I left out the now I'm addicted to the money, this cushiny job looks good on paper now, and now that I know what I know about the industry I'm planning on working at least until I get my second book deal. Because after all that wasn't any of her business.

It just amazes me though the way people think. I remember running into former co-workers when I took time off from work to promote my book, and they would say silly things like 'So, what do you do all day?' And 'So, do you just write and that's all?' Oh, and here's my favorite 'Your book is in the bookstores now! Wow! You must be really banking huh?' Or, You must be rich, wish I could write a book and leave here, etc... People have no idea. The only reason I left my job after 9 years before was to start my publishing company and get my book out there. I couldn't see how to do that and work for someone else too. Now, mind you this does still take a lot of my time away from my craft, but I'm making it work. For those of you who don't know let me tell you, there are plenty of authors out there who still worked even when they were famous and on bestsellers lists. Some waited until their 3rd book came out before they quit, or their third book deal. I heard of one author who has deals with two different publishing houses, and he still works a full-time job. Rhoshonda Tate Billingsly (sp?) is an Essence bestselling author, with 3 novels out, working on others, and she's an anchor for Fox news! You do what you have to until you feel comfortable enough to let the 9-5 go. And that's all there is to it.

New Laptop!

2005-10-08T06:09:00.000-07:00

I'm excited about my most recent purchase. A new WinBook Notebook! Lord knows I needed one. My old laptop--an IBM Think Pad is so old it doesn't even keep the right time anymore! LOL! And talk about heavy! I only took the thing with me when I knew for a fact I'd have time to write. I held off on dropping over a thousand dollars on a new one for as long as I could. Now, I'm back to carrying my laptop with me just about everywhere I go as I should! It was hard with the old one because it didn't have a card for internet connection. And when I'm writing I'm constantly doing research mainly on the internet. With all of it's other problems (like not staying charged up for more than 30 minutes!) I refused to buy a card. My new Winbook is lightening fast on the internet! It's light too, only 4 pounds. Now, I think I just might get my current novel finished soon.

My Literary Symposium Weekend

2005-10-04T08:53:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can't believe it's been so long since I've written in my blog!

I signed up late for the Literary Symposium in Dayton, but glad I made it on the Speakers Panel. I didn't sell any books. I sent 15 and didn't sell a one. It was a small event, with not many buyers. And the ones that did buy bought from the authors who conducted seminars. A lot of times that's how it is at these events. If the readers haven't already heard of you, and you're not a presenter, then that equals no sales. That doesn't always happen though. Like in Columbus last year, I wasn't a presenter, but still sold out. Although I was on the speakers panel for the symposium that was the last event and no signings were going on after that. BUT... it's all about exposure when you're just getting out there. I kept that in mind and felt a little better. A lot of people who had already bought the books they wanted before meeting me did at least sign my email list, and seemed eager to check my story out later. I will say all in all I had a great time! I especially loved attorney Avalon Gaston! She gave a lot of legal tips and reminded us what to look out for. The Literary Symposium is a great start for aspiring authors, and even new authors because it's an intimate setting, with experts giving you the real deal about the industry.

Now to the really good part! I left 5 books with the symposium coordinator to sell. They have a website and asked if I'd like to leave some books with them. I took my other 10 with me and on Sunday I went with my sister to church. This is the church I grew up in too. Anyway, my sister had a copy that she was giving to a friend of her's. The pastor asked if he could show the copy to the congregation. He asked me to stand up, and gave me the mic to tell about my book and where it's available to purchase. I felt a little funny doing this in church because I always thought that's not the place to solicit. But everyone wanted a copy!!! I was sooo excited. Only.... we didn't bring those 10 copies with us, because as I said we didn't think church was the place to sell. It was okay though because it was after service. My sister had a list of people for me to autograph copies to. She's going to take them with her next Sunday. Some people asked her to bring their copy to bible study this Wednesday. Now, I'm going to run out. I wish I would have had those other 5 copies! I may have to end up shipping some more copies to my sister. God is really good. See how things work out?

My Antagonist

2005-07-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

I have to remember this: Never read a James Patterson novel while working on your own villain. LOL! Now I have to make some changes to mine. He's a thief and a murderer--a black one at that. So, when I read back over his part, I realized he wasn't like most black criminals, therefore he wouldn't be believable. Plus, because mine is an Internet relationship/suspense novel, I have to be very careful. I don't wanna scare people off the Internet. I just want them to be aware of some of the dangers, and just how certain things can really happen. I read somewhere that suspense novels are the easiest kind to write, but this novel is rather a challenge for me. I'm still having fun at the same time. :)

Well... time to go kill somebody off! :)

Finding Time For God

2005-07-03T18:36:00.000-07:00

When I'm touring, I usually attend somebody's church because I believe it's important to worship God and learn as much as you can about the bible. It's important to know how the different scriptures relate to our lives. Unfortunately, we haven't been going much here in town. Because when I'm not touring, I'm working at my 9-5. When I'm not working, I'm sleeping(I still find time for praying though). My daughter works too, and she works on Sundays. Since I've gone back to work, it's been difficult trying to sqeeze my bible studies, and worshiping time in. What used to be a priority, has now taken a back seat. But today we finally found a way for our whole family to get to church more often. This morning we went to the 8:00 AM service. This will work! I feel so good! Although everyone looked like Dang! We have to get up NOW? They showered and dressed quickly, and we made it out the door on time. After service, they too were happy. Well, just like I had to find time to squeeze my writing in again, I think I can find time to squeeze going to church and bible study (or at least one of them) in again. God is good! Too good to let him slip out of our lives.

Spurs Did It Again!

2005-06-24T15:15:00.000-07:00

I am soooo happy that my Spurs won their 3rd championship! This season was so exciting. A full 7 game series! Wow! Now, Parker wasn't his usual self last night. I mean Ginobili showed up. He was doing what Parker usually does (but a little better). Tim Duncan may have missed his first 7 shots, but he made up for it! The Spurs have only lost 3 home games all season, so I don't know what the Pistons were thinking about. I mean thinking that they were gonna go and whip them in their own house.... twice. Please! Bowen, Muhammed, Barry (although he made me mad once not shooting) all of the Spurs are team players. Not one of them tries to still the spotlight just for themselves. That's why I've been a Spurs fan for years! Horry now has his 6th ring! Wow! Seems like he gets a ring with every team he plays with. He's what I call the "Go To" man. Because he will get the job done!

Craig (my hubby) keeps making fun of me adding to my Spurs scrapbook. Yes, I have a scrapbook! LOL! And everytime they win a championship I run to the store, buy a newspaper and print out the headlines. :) Photos and all. Hey, gotta do what I gotta do. He's just hatin' anyway because his Miami Heat didn't win. He's not a true Miami Heat fan anyway, just a Shaq fan. Anyway, as the young people say here in the South... "Let Your Haters Be Your Motivators! LOL!

My Second BEA Experience

2005-06-08T05:18:00.000-07:00

We've just got back from BEA (Book Expo America). This year was bigger than last year's event! Lots of celebrities like Fantasia, Spike Lee, Blair Underwood, Iman, and others were there. I'm sure it was better because it was in New York, where most of the publishing houses are. Especially the big ones. Someone from Simon & Schuster picked up a copy of my book and read it during the week of BEA! So far she really likes it! That's a great feeling. I also got to meet my agent (in person) and the entire staff at the agency in New York. Such a cool office! Big and artsy. We now have interest in Behind The Screen! From a couple of editors at the big houses! So, we'll see what happens. I'm patient, yet anxious at the same time. It's a good thing I did go back to my 9-5 for now because at least I don't feel pressured to get a book deal to pay the bills. It was difficult readjusting at first--trying to balance work and my writing career. Then, I realized hey, it's going to take some time to get a book deal, then another year or so before my book is released, so all I need to do right now is concentrate on my next book and improving my craft. I've been reading Chicken Soup For The Writer's Soul for inspiration. Something to keep me going. I'm also reading Grown Folks Business by Victoria Christopher Murray for pleasure. I love her! She's a great writer and a fellow supporter. I'll never forget the day that she snatched up a hardcover of Behind The Screen the first time I met her in L.A.

Getting back to my 9-5... God is good! They offered me a permanent position as a Senior Network Technician and I accepted. The money is good, I don't work hard, and we need the medical benefits, so I said yes. My new plan now is keep working my day job, and save up as much money as I can. Even when I get my book deal, I'm going to keep working until I get my second deal. Seriously! I don't care if it's six figures. Call me crazy, but I wanna make sure I do well my first time as a mainstream author and make sure I get another contract. I'm hoping that by the time my next book comes out and I have to go on tour, I'll be able to just use my vacation time and schedule my out of town signings for the weekends. Since I've already got my career underway, I don't think I'll have to flat out quit again, but again... we'll see what happens.

Inspirations

2005-05-14T05:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I've finished all of my Mother's Day signings for Behind The Screen last week. And I must say, they turned out much better than I expected! I sold out again. This time at Borders! I have to admit, when my signings started back up around the end of April, I wasn't looking forward to them. Except to get rid of inventory so that I can concentrate more on my next novel. Although I should've been glad that after one year, my books are still on bookshelves (of major chain stores) I was a little nervous because I had only done a couple of signings at major bookstores this year in Houston. I didn't do any signings at the major chains last year, because by the time I tried setting them up, most places were either already booked up months in advance, or didn't do signings for new and unknown authors. I found out later that there were tons of other major chain stores I could have set signings up with, but hey I didn't know. So, I had a better plan this year and I'm getting into all the stores I want now. Anyway, I started off in Houston, and I only did very well at one (B. Dalton). The other one was at another Borders and I barely sold what was in their inventory. Which was only a couple of copies (they told me to bring extras since they hadn't ordered). Embarrasing! I was starting to think that people (readers) who visit these kinds of stores are snooty and just aren't interested in newbies like myself. NOT TRUE! I realize now that I just had a bad day that's all. Plus, it does depend on how much you promote and the booksellers too. Some of them can be quite helpful. Others will let you fend for yourself. One thing that Borders does is, they set up chairs for an audience. I was worried that I wouldn't have an audience. But I did! Lots of people sat down and wanted to hear me speak! :) Here, people wanted to hear all about my book, my writing, and everything saying that I inspire them, but them just being there inspired me. And a couple of the booksellers even sat down in the audience. One even bought my book! And you know they can read all of the copies they want for free! :) God I'll never forget that day for as long as I live.

I just finished reading Kimberla Lawson Roby's Too Much of a Good Thing. That girl can write her a$$ off! I think she outdid herself with this one. I can't wait for my copy of The Best Kept Secret to come in. Kim is another inspiration to me because she also started out self-publishing. At the end of her book, she tells why she made the decision to become a writer. Wow! she too had been working in the corporate world for years before the career change. Just as I. I've read at least 5 author's bios who left the corporate world after so many years, and went on to become very successful in the book industry. Such inspirations! I've been reading a lot of books lately. I love James Patterson too. Had to put him on hold though because all that killing was starting to get too gruesome. Kim's book was a nice change. Well, I guess I better get back to writing now. I think I'll get quite a bit done this weekend. I'm feeling a little more motivated now.

Sold Out!

2005-05-03T03:54:00.000-07:00

Well, I had a very good weekend! I sold out at my book signing at Walden Books! My supervisor came too. He bought my book when it first came out last year, but he's always supporting me. He's so sweet. He showed up with a photo copy of me asking me to autograph it! LOL! Made a good appearance to one lady who was checking my book out. Then he went overboard so she figured he was a friend of mine. Tooooo cute! LOL! I loved it! Gotta love friends like that. Wait, there was one book left that I saved for one of the mall workers. But still... not bad at all! This is a really big deal to sell out at a mega chain store. I love it when I sell out at the Essence reporting African American bookstores too. I've sold out at a couple of them, but they weren't Essence reporting stores. I almost made the Essence bestseller list one month after Behind The Screen was released. That was when I made the Cush City (in Houston) bestseller list. Anyway, I'm really trying to help clear out inventory at the bookstores since I'm working on my next novel. After this weekend (May 6th and 7th) I won't be promoting Behind The Screen as much. My agent is really close to getting me a deal. Once that happens, I'll have to pull whatever copies are left on the bookstore shelves. Shouldn't be too difficult to do. Just a phone call to my wholesalers, distributors, and the bookstores. Only thing is, it may take me awhile to get to all of the independent stores. Oh well, I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

Craig and I went to see XXX State of The Union. The action was off the chain! Very good! Ice Cube was OK in acting--seemed a little uncomfortable with some of the lines though. I think Xhibit (sp?) did a better job acting. He seemed more natural. I'm glad they gave Ice Cube a big break like this though. This should take his career even higher. My favorite line was when Samuel Jackson said "I told you you should've killed that bit$#!" Too good! He should win an Oscar for that one. You'd have to see the movie to know why. William Dafoe was great! I call him the Green Goblin (or whatever) from Spider Man. Every time I see him I think of Spider Man. Some of the action was a little over the top, but action packed from the word go!

First Person or Third Person

2005-04-26T10:26:00.000-07:00

Well, that chapter a day thing hasn't been working for me. :( I have been writing though. It's just that I'm doing research, and I've been trying to decide whether or not I want to introduce a particular character in first or third person (I'm mixing it up this time), whether or not I want her to play a major role, or just have a significant part in the story. Plus, I've been trying not to have too many characters. I don't want my readers to get confused. This is for Severed Hearts. I've got my outline, and plot together, but I keep changing my mind about the character's lives. I don't know if it's because I need to take a break from reading the same chapters over and over or what, but there's just something missing. I feel that if I'm going to write in first and third person, I need to be very crafty in order to pull this off. So far I've decided on third person. Ok, now... I have to decide do I want to write this character in third person present tense, or third person past tense. I've gone over all of these different ways in my head, but now I think I'll take some advice that Eric Jerome Dickey gave me and just write it all out and compare. I'm going to write the first scene in first person and third person, then present and past tense and see which one reads better. Yep! That's what I'll do. :)

I Just Love A Good Book!

2005-04-16T06:58:00.000-07:00

Oh how I loooove to read! Good books that is. One with a good plot. One that has a message. I just finished reading Pearl Cleage's I wish I Had A Red Dress. Now, I love Ms. Cleage, very sweet person, but I read Some Things I Never Thought I'd Do, and just couldn't get into it. So, that being the first book that I'd ever read by Ms. Cleage, I didn't think I would be buying another one too soon. When I went to her release party, I was hoping to buy What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day, because that's what everyone was raving about at the time. When I told people that I was going to her book release party (Sign-n-Dine event) my cousin desperately tried to go with me, but couldn't get off from work in time. He went on and on about what a fantastic writer she is. The bookseller there didn't have that title, so I went with the most current one, excited, then let down because when I read it I couldn't see what all the hoopla was. My cousin later said that wasn't her best one. Anyway, when I was exhibiting at the South Carolina's Book Festival I decided to give her another chance and bought I Wish I Had A Red Dress. I am so glad I did! That book turned my perception around! Red Dress is actually a sequel to What Looks Like Crazy, so now I know I have to get this one! The story is about a woman who runs a non-profit organization for young unwed mothers. She's trying to save the world (starting with teen pregnancy), yet doesn't take any time out for herself. Since her husband died five years ago, she's forgotten all about taking care of her own needs. It started off kind of slow for me, but it was a great story! Once I got into it, I could barely put it down.
I give it four and a 1/2 stars.

I read all kinds of books from all kinds of genres. Contemporary fiction/relationships(which is what I write), mystery, drama and suspense (which I also write), self-help books like finance, medical thrillers, legal thrillers, I read A LOT! :) Authors from J. California Cooper (my favorite)John Grisham, Robin Cook, Mary Higgins-Clark, Mary Monroe, and the list goes on and on. One thing that some authors don't realize is if you're going to write, you must read. That is, if you're going to be any good at your craft. I think that's one reason writing comes so naturally to me. Because I read and I read some of everything. It's good to know what's out there and who's doing what, so that you don't over do it, or write something that's outdated. This has helped me to figure out what style I want to write in. Right now I'm working on creating each novel differently. I want my readers to know a Stormy Steele novel when they read it, but I don't want it to be the same ole same ole kind of story. I joke about my next novel not having much profanity and cursing yet (emphasizing yet), but actually it may not have much at all. Oh it'll have some sex because it's about married couples--they're supposed to have sex. LOL! But it won't be as vivid as my first book. That's because it's a different kind of story. Different characters call for different attitudes and behavior. But, all of my books will be drama filled! :)

Movie Review!

2005-04-15T17:05:00.000-07:00

I just came back from seeing The Amityville Horror! Oh my god was it scary! OK, so I wanted scary and now I got it. I wasn't prepared for that one. It was quite different than the first one from back in the 70s. A little rushed, but good. The special effects really spooked it up a bit. Some things that happened in the first one (which the original Lutz family told) didn't happen in this one. Craig keeps laughing at me saying I'm still scared. I'm cool. But, I am going to say a special prayer tonight. Just so I don't dream about it. :)

How Much Does It Cost?

2005-04-15T13:59:00.000-07:00

Ahhh! One of the most frequently asked questions about Self-Publishing is "How Much Does It Cost?" And the answer is... it depends on what your trying to do. It can range from as little as $6,000 to as much as $30,000. Do you just want to see your book in print, or do you want the whole world to see it. If you want everyone to see it, then that costs a lot! Seriously. One thing I always do is give aspiring authors the real deal about publishing, and having a career as an author. Self-Publishing is a business. To become a self-published author, many people think it's just a matter of writing the book, getting someone to edit it, (some people don't even think about that) finding a cover designer, someone to bind it, and BAM! You've got a book ready to show and sale to the world. Not so. First of all, after you finish writing,you have to create a marketing plan. Once you spend all of this money having the book made, who's gonna buy it? And how are they gonna buy it? On Amazon? In the bookstores? Or, are you going to sell direct? Once you create a plan then there's the following:

Where to get the money

Setting up the company

Getting your ISBN #

Finding a distributor or wholesaler

Contacting the bookstores

Promoting

This list doesn't cover everything. There's a lot of work to do! My point is, Self-Publishing is not to be taken lightly. In fact having a career as an author is something that everyone who's considering it needs to think about seriously. Will you have the time to devote to it? It's a full time job. Are you willing to sacrifice a comfortable 9-5 job in exchange for making very little money? The big bucks don't roll in over night. Just something to think about.

Just Catching Up

2005-04-13T03:56:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's Wednesday already! Once the weekend is over it takes me until Tuesday or Wednesday of the next week to catch up. LOL! All I did over the weekend was relax. I wasn't feeling too well (cramps). On Sunday I took two Aleve tablets, waited a few hours and finally got out of the house around 3:00. I spent the last day with my son before school started back this week. He's been begging me to see the movie The Ring. He claimed this movie was so good, and he didn't mind seeing it a second time. Please! I don't know what all the hoopla is about this movie, but I was falling asleep on this one just like I did on the first one (Ring 1). I mean, come on now you call that scary? These kids today don't know what scary is. The Exorcist, now that was scary! I have yet to see a movie as scary as that one. And they're releasing a re-make of Amityville Horror. Lawd I hope they didn't mess that movie up. It was another good one back in the day. My kids say something is wrong with me because I don't find The Ring 1 or 2 good. Whatever. My son also says maybe it was because when he went the theatre was packed and the audience made it live. He said people were jumping, girls were screaming and everything. When we went, there were only about 8 people in the theatre, and 2 of them walked out. Ok, so what does that tell you? I'm not the only one who found the movie borrrring!! :)

I'm Doing Better

2005-04-09T04:34:00.000-07:00

I'm going to start writing a chapter a day now. I explained my problem of procrastination creeping up on me again to my husband (that's another reason it took me two years to finish my first novel). He asked me how many pages do I write for each chapter. I told him anywhere from 6 to 10 with the smaller chapters being in the beginning. It usually doesn't take me long to write a chapter. So, he said that should be easy, just write one a day and you'll have it finished in a month. I agree! One of my author friends told me that's what she does too. Now I know the secret to pushing those books out so fast! :)

So, I'm working on the antagonist for Severed Hearts. I don't know why, but it's so much fun creating bad guys! My husband (Craig) says I'm so analytical I should be writing mystery novels. LOL! Actually, Severed Hearts is kind of a mystery. Not the usual who done it kind of thing, my readers will know exactly who done it, but the other characters in the story won't. I have a protagonist too, so that makes it kind of a mystery. I don't have any profanity in this one (yet), not much sex (yet) and it's narrated in the 1st and 3rd person. Very different. I got some tips from a very famous author on how to do this. I hope my editor likes it.

We're getting ready for BEA (Book Expo America) this year in June. I'll be exhibiting for our writers organization, The Literary Source Inc. Had I known that I would have an agent and headed mainstream so soon, I honestly don't think I would have spent $3,000 to exhibit this year. At the time, I was really into publishing my literary magazine and the organization. Then, when I realized that running a magazine is a full time job and even running the organization is a full time job, that's when I had to put the magazine on hold. In order to keep it up, you have to constantly stay out there promoting and getting sponsors and advertisers. When I started back to working a 9-5 job, it was just too much for me. They were going up $100 in rent for our office, and the membership dues were only covering the rent. Supplies for printing was expensive. Our last printing was last month. My passion is writing. Having a non-profit organization is something I want to do too, but it's not my first priority. Especially now that I see how much work and how hard it is. We've taken everything online now. In order to keep the organization going, I'll keep posting advice to aspiring authors on our website, along with book club features, event news, authors' books, etc... and during the times I'm not touring to promote my own books we'll attend events showcasing our members' books, and host book signings. I'll also continue seminars and consulting. I'm just hoping that once I go mainstream, I'll have time to do all of this since I'll have deadlines to meet. But again, my writing takes precedence over this. I've cut some things down so that I don't overload myself. We'll see how it goes.

My Next Novels

2005-04-06T05:11:00.000-07:00

A lot of people ask me if I'm working on another novel. The answer is I'm working on four!! But, I've found that it's difficult enough trying to do one, let alone four at the same time! I was really losing it for a minute there. Getting the characters all confused and stuff. The problem is, I have so many thoughts running around inside my mind. And, when I'm working on one story something may happen in my life, or with my crazy kids (or that husband of mine) that prompts me to work on one of the others. So, after speaking with two of my fellow author friends, I've decided to just concentrate on one at a time.

Note: the previous synopsis' has been deleted due to changes. I'll repost at a later date.

Getting It Together

2005-04-06T03:42:00.000-07:00

Well, last week I sent out two press kits loaded with stuff to my agent in LA and my editor in New York. But, my editor hasn't received it yet. I hope it's not lost in the mail. She's received everything else I sent on the same day. Some of the black and white copies of my articles didn't print clearly enough, so my agent suggested I send the originals. I had extra copies of all of my magazine articles and book features except one. Black Issues Book Review! I only had one copy, but it's gotta go :( I'll just have to order a back issue. If you can get into BIBR that's really something! My book was #1 under Noteworthy Titles back in September. :) Hopefully when it's re-released (which is what my agent is pushing for) I'll actually get an interview.

I am so sleepy this morning. Since my supervisor asked me to come back to work in December, it's been really hard trying to concentrate on my writing career. I really needed the money since my savings was running low, so it was a blessing. I thought it would be a good way to get more promotional money, and money to start my non-profit writers organization, but you know what they say, the more money you make the more bills you have. Funny how that works. Now I've fallen back into that living from paycheck to paycheck mode. NOT GOOD! I'm trying to catch up on some things. This job is only temporary, so hopefully I'll have a book deal by the time it ends. I should definitely have some money saved up. We have more weeks in this month, so I'll at least have an extra paycheck to save. Come to think of it, some of these bookstores owe me some money. I think I'll go around and collect this week. :)

I asked my supervisor to change my hours so that I can get off earlier now. I just started this early shift coming in at 6:00 in the morning (have to wake up between 4:30 and 5:00) so it'll take some time to get used to. Yesterday I felt great! Not so tired after work like I usually am. But, I spent so much time getting more stuff together to send to my editor, 'till I didn't feel like writing later. I used to always write in the evenings with no problem, so I don't know why I can't get it together now. Well, I have been watching more TV lately. That's something I rarely do. I'm going to force myself to write today. I'm not gonna watch Oprah or all of American Idol. I've got to get my butt in gear.

From The Starting Point Until Now

2005-04-05T09:27:00.000-07:00

I actually used to write in a journal. One that I keep at home. I'd grab my pen and go to town at least twice a week. Then, life got so hectic. I was already raising two kids, and a husband, working in corporate america as a Network Operations Specialist (new term for technician or engineer) then got this bright idea (from my husband) that I should do what it is I really want to do in life. So, I started writing my first book, researched the industry, started my publishing company, and quit my day job in corporate america. After 9 years! And so far, I have no regrets. Anyway, I forgot all about my journal. It's much quicker and easier to type. So, I'm glad to have this web log. When I started my journey, coming up with a title was difficult, but coming up with a pen name was even harder! Stormy is a nickname for Wendy. It was given to me years ago when a group of guys from the Pentagon thought my name was Windy (notice the I) and started associating my name with the weather. I started to use Wendy Steele, but I thought it didn't sound catchy enough. There's Wendy Robinson, and Wendy Williams. I wanted something that would stand out. We took a family vote and decided "Stormy Steele" would be the name to capture reader's attention more. And it did.

Fast Forward...

I studied the book industry for two years. Hard to believe you can find so much free information online. I chose "Behind The Screen" as my first novel, because of my online dating experiences. Some of it is based on real life situations, and some of it is made up. I'm still in awe as to how well my first novel has taken off! I remember thinking the hardest part would be getting it into the bookstores, but that was the easiest part! Unlike most self-published authors, my book is still selling in Barnes & Noble, Borders, and other major bookstores one year later! All of my touring with book signings, conventions, workshops, and panels has paid off. I now have an agent so that I can go mainstream! That's another thing... I thought the hardest part in going mainstream or trying to find a traditional publisher would be trying to find an agent. That too was the easiest part! So, I'm counting my blessings everyday and praying for a book deal soon.