Any fiction writers around?

Idoru · January 2012

It's not OK and generally backfires, I would say. These days most people are sophisticated enough in their web use to notice when a book (or anything else for that matter) is given falsely positive reviews by PRs/friends/etc and it's likely to put them off. Back to the writing group, I can't make this Sunday. I'm at a craft fair till half six (the Music Palace in Crouch End from midday if anyone wants to come along) and then will have to clear up and get everything home. I am really interested though, and really need something to kickstart my writing at the moment, so please do let us know the outcome and the date of a next meeting. I'm guessing monthly?

Stella · January 2012

Andy it's NOT okay. At all. Many self-published authors join a 'mutual appreciation society' I even know one 'publisher' who encourages his authors to review each other's books. Dreadful, I say. It's fraud to me. I've asked two friends, I think, who read the book. Both writers, too. One absolutely loved my short stories and kept telling me that via e-mail, the other one didn't have time at that time and I never asked again. I asked a few people to tag my book (was right in the beginning) and she also posted a 5-star review asking to return the favour. I declined and she deleted the one she wrote for my book. I'd rather have honest 2-star reviews than dishonest 5-star reviews. So far I got lucky, but I'm waiting for the slap in the face. It will come sooner or later. There are people who pay reviewers to write good reviews and I personally think the system is flawed. My suggestions would be to get rid of the reviews and stars and make the samples bigger, like 50% of the book. I normally give my book to some independent reviewers who run review blogs. Works well for me.

norn iron · January 2012

I'm fine with that. See you this Sunday at 6 at the SLounge.

Stella · January 2012

Wonderful. Thank you. By the way: for all who have a kindle or e-reader and are interested: my newest book is out and free on Smashwords today: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/126823 ;

Stella · January 2012

Okay, writerly people. Here's the prompt: On a winter's night 500 words around one winter's night. POV and genre is up to you. Can be sad, funny, exciting, romantic, thrilling or horrifying, you decide. If you are brave enough post it on here, otherwise I'm looking forward to the flash fiction on Sunday. Have fun, everyone.

Stella · January 2012

Remember to write. I've started yesterday, but it's taking a bit longer than expected. Never mind, I'll have something till Sunday. Somehow.

Stella · January 2012

Okay, I have my first draft ready, who else has written something for Sunday?

boxrunner · January 2012

In my head, it's nearly done.....

Stella · January 2012

That's a start :-)

Stella · January 2012

Another reminder: Tomorrow between 6pm and 8pm in the back room of the Sugar Lounge. I'll bring a book with an iguana in a sock on it, which looks like this: <img src="http://wordsbystelladeleuze.blogspot.com/p/and-you-think-its-funny_05.html"><img src="http://wordsbystelladeleuze.blogspot.com/p/and-you-think-its-funny_05.html">http://wordsbystelladeleuze.blogspot.com/p/and-you-think-its-funny_05.html Sorry can't do the picture thingy.. And if you have written up to 500 words to the prompt: On a winter's night, please bring it along.

norn iron · January 2012

I'll have something . Looking forward to the session!

Stella · January 2012

Very good. ;-)

Stella · January 2012

I'm going down now. To the meeting, that is, not personally.

Stella · January 2012

First get together successful. I think I've gathered London's most talented writers. Very proud indeed. Next meeting on the 26th of Feb. watch out for the announcement.

vetski · January 2012

@Stella, bless! Really enjoyed it, the time flew by. I think I have the last line of the the next title - I just have to figure out what happens before...

Stella · January 2012

Excellent. I complained to my friend that my piece was the worst. Oh well. And yes, time really flew by. Looking forward to the next meeting.

Idoru · February 2012

Darnit! 26 Feb is the date of the next craft fair. Could you possibly do it 7-9pm? I could make it then.

vetski · February 2012

@Idoru, is the craft fair always the last Sunday of the month? 7-9pm is a bit late, at least for me as I need to cook dinner! But perhaps we could change which Sunday we meet...

miss annie · February 2012

It is always the last Sunday for the Sunday Tradin8 Craft Fair.

Stella · February 2012

I don't mind changing the Sunday. Up to you guys, I'll tag along with whatever you decide. :-) Should we do the 19th, then? And Idoru, could you send me your e-mail via message, please?

boxrunner · February 2012

19th is fine with me.....

Stella · February 2012

Thank you, boxrunner. I'm fine with the 19th, too. Idoru? It's up to you. If you can make time on the 19th we'll try to change it. If not, we'll stick to the 26th. Anyone having difficulties doing it on the 19th?

Idoru · February 2012

19th is absolutely fine with me! Thanks for changing it.

vetski · February 2012

19th fine with me too.

harpistic · February 2012

I'll probably have to pass on 19th, I'm afraid - like last Sunday, it'll be my first free evening of the week so I'll be too worn out to join in. Hopefully the next one!

vetski · February 2012

I did offer my house as a venue, but that won't be possible on 19th as we have people staying - where else might we meet?

Stella · February 2012

We can meet at my place. It's not massive, but it's quiet, without disturbing shouting groups or music. ;-) I live in Tollington Park, so it's easy to reach.

Stella · February 2012

I've contacted the other two members and will e-mail all of you as soon as they get back to me. Harpistic, shame, but everyone needs a day off ;-) It's early days yet and I guess this group will be fine with people joining in later. ;-)

val · February 2012

Good luck to writers/potential writers at getting your group sorted out! I like to write alone and can't even say what my genre is, except for social realism. My 5 modest novels have all been rejected by publishers ("not commercial" was most common comment), so have just published The Unwitting Butterfly on Amazon Kindle...

Stella · February 2012

Hello, Val The next meeting is on the 19th, so if you'd like to come along... drop me a message. Re publishing: I start to think it's much better to self-publish than go the long and exhausting way of traditionally publishing. It's a long way to have your books on the shelves and it's by no means a guarantee that you'll make it. All you'll have is a 'credit' but when your book doesn't sell, then the credit won't help you either. Plus with self-publishing you are 100% in control of your rights, your cover, your work in general. I know a few people who got signed with the big six, some with a big advance, and some with none, their books vary in sales. I also know a few self-pubished authors who sold over 10k, some even more. It's about the genre and the quality of writing. If you deliver you can make it.

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Any fiction writers around?

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