Artist, Writer & Wild West Woman
Saturday 2 November 2024
JO. B. CREATIVE!: DON'T DO IT UNLESS YOU REALLY, REALLY MEAN IT. (SE...
JO. B. CREATIVE!: DON'T DO IT UNLESS YOU REALLY, REALLY MEAN IT. (SE...: DON'T DO IT UNLESS YOU REALLY, REALLY MEAN IT. (SELF PUBLISHING, THAT IS). ...
JO. B. CREATIVE!: DON'T DO IT UNLESS YOU REALLY, REALLY MEAN IT. (SE...
JO. B. CREATIVE!: DON'T DO IT UNLESS YOU REALLY, REALLY MEAN IT. (SE...: DON'T DO IT UNLESS YOU REALLY, REALLY MEAN IT. (SELF PUBLISHING, THAT IS). ...
Wednesday 30 October 2024
DON'T DO IT UNLESS YOU REALLY, REALLY MEAN IT. (SELF PUBLISHING, THAT IS).
DON'T DO IT UNLESS YOU REALLY,
REALLY MEAN IT.
(SELF PUBLISHING, THAT IS).
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IT'S AN UPHILL BATTLE! |
'How do I go about self-publishing? I haven't a clue.'
A fellow writer asks. Neither do any of us, dear Fellow Writer. As they say - I wouldn't have started from there.
'Don't.' (self-publish), says another writer. He's struggling to sell his non-fiction book. He doesn't regret the experience but he advises not to self-publish because it's so damn hard and books don't sell (they do, but it all depends). The market is glutted, he says, and there aren't enough readers.
The market is glutted but there are enough readers. They're born and reach adulthood all the time. The market is glutted because anyone can place their book, rubbish or otherwise, onto Amazon, and a discerning - or not - public will decide whether or not it's rubbish in which case it won't sell. If it's not rubbish, or indeed it's brilliant, it will sell, and there are thousands of those - readers just have to find them. Amazon as a book retailer wouldn't exist if books didn't sell. It depends on a whole host of factors.
When I start talking about the self-published first two novels of my trilogy Alias Jeannie Delaney, people invariably say:
'Well done.'
I respond: 'Thank you!'
Then they ask that question: 'How do you go about it?'
Writing, do you mean? Keep writing! Join a wring group for feedback. Oh - self-publishing, you mean, because they're writing a novel or a series, or anecdotal stories, a children's book or a non-fiction book on a subject close to their hearts. It depends on what they've written and how it's going to be marketed.
Self publishing is undoubtedly one of the hardest things anyone can do. I had a couple of 'How exciting/s!' when I shared that I was about to launch Book 1. Bless 'em for saying that and I did thank them, but no - it ain't exciting! Far from it.
However - I won't say don't self publish. It ain't the easiest of journeys, but it all depends on what you're trying to sell, your pricing, who you're targeting, your marketing strategy, a bit of reader psychology and knowing how to place your book in front of the right reader. Then there's writing a blurb for the book, formatting the manuscript, finding the right professional editor and a cover designer.
I've always been an artist (I worked in advertising studios) and writer, and both my crafts have improved tremendously over the years. So I collaborated with my cover designer and I'm pleased I did that.
I'm marketing a trilogy - a western with a twist. It's pretty singular and thankfully my readers have loved it. I create marketing material on Canva, a free graphics package, and I enjoy doing that. I also created what turned out to be a powerful cover reveal for Book 2 (here it is).
Alias Jeannie Delaney -
Book 2 - The Outlaw's Return.
(Turn up the volume!)
I write blog posts about my witing, the story, the trials and tribulations of self publishing, and life in general and share them on the major social media platforms. I've done well doing that, and keep doing it.
There's undoubtedly a major difference between trying to sell factual material and fiction. Factual writing, such as local history, your memoirs, or something close to your heart, can be very dry unless you have a natural gift for storytelling. Writing up your knowledge or anecdotes in such a way that you suck your readers into your world can be incredibly hard. Also, depending upon the content, one may need to break up the text with quality illustrations or photographs. Novels, on the whole, don't contain images, although some do. Images are limited to the book cover and promotional material.
Next - the really hard part.
Get your hypothetical
armour on. In order to market your work, you have to think with a business mindset - hubby helps me business wise - he was a businessman - but we're both very creative and often come up with fresh, creative ideas for marketing.
It's hard graft and it's done my head in.
My trilogy has taken over forty years, spasmodically, in the making. From conception in my teens and early twenties during the sixties and seventies, when I noticed a gap in traditional TV and cinematic westerns for decent roles for women (much less fastest guns) which I felt needed to be filled. Over the years I wrote the story that I wanted to read, and that led to publication last year. So you really, really have to want to do it if you're going to reap any rewards.
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NOVELIST AT WORK |
My final word is about the mental health - depression and anxiety - of creatives and authors in particular. I've suffered most of my life, particularly since having a family. I was always a moody kid, but having my own really hit me psychologically and biologically. Then writing, editing and marketing a trilogy - an offbeat one with a twist at that - really did my head in, and I'm struggling with that, with the help of my soulmate hubby and my lovely councillor. I've described in previous posts how I want my readers to see Jeannie, my protagonist, as I do, both in the telling of the story and visually, so I also post my original illustrations to show them. Maybe they do see her as I do. Who knows? I also hear music and see images that remind me of her. That's painful, not inspiring. Oh, how I wish I could be inspired instead!
But never mind, I'm working through all this, and my mindset is gradually but oh so slowly beginning to accept things the way they are. A bit of meditating mindfulness, distractions, exercise, you name it, etcetera...
PS. Don't read your reviews, good or bad!
THE AUTHOR & HER HUBBY
Facebook Jo Ballantyne
A devastating cowgirl comes of age on the wild frontier
Her gun is snake strike fast & her sexuality is as fluid as a miner's whiskey. Jeannie Morgan, the fastest gun west of the Mississippi, is a devastating and charismatic pants-wearing cowgirl who is also a magnificent lover to both men and women. As she navigates the unforgiving frontier, she must confront her own identity and desires, all while facing down deadly confrontations and personal tragedies. Will she find happiness or will her her tomboy beauty, her powerful persona and her lethal gun finally be the death of her? Read the series and find out.
Available in E-book & paperback on Amazon.
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MY ORIGINAL DRAWINGS OF JEANNIE |
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TWO CHAPTER SAMPLES BOOK 1 |
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BOOK 2 |
Tuesday 22 October 2024
JO. B. CREATIVE!: RIP-ROARING REVIEWS!
JO. B. CREATIVE!: RIP-ROARING REVIEWS!: 'Brilliant reviews - and for the record, I’m reading ‘The Outlaw’s Return’ at the m...
Monday 21 October 2024
RIP-ROARING REVIEWS!
'Brilliant reviews - and for the record, I’m reading ‘The Outlaw’s Return’ at the moment and am thoroughly enjoying it although it isn’t my normal genre. I’m on holiday in Sardinia and it’s a great holiday read. Looking forward to Book 3!'
'I just grabbed my copy of "Alias Jeannie Delaney - Book 1 - Go West, Girl!" on Amazon. The premise of a charismatic and skilled cowgirl on a journey of self-discovery is absolutely captivating. Kudos on the rave reviews and the unique twist Kit Mackenzie has brought to the western genre.'
'Yee-hah! I'm enjoying this soooo much! Not just because of the story but also because of the quality of the writing, and the loving detail put into it. Clearly a lot of research - Kit Mackenzie writes as though she's actually been there. I so enjoyed reading the novel in detail, and relishing the nuances of the fab writing. Rereading it and absorbing the world and the atmosphere she's created. It's a terrific story with strong characters (to put it mildly!) and a powerful arc.'
BOOK 2 - THE OUTLAW'S RETURN
C S. Ashley-Cooper
5.0 out of 5 stars
A different -- and memorable! -- Western adventure
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 February 2024
This story took me right into the world of the wild west -- but far from your usual male-centred shoot'em-ups, this is the story of a young woman of extraordinary courage and skill, and powerful sexuality. What a combination! Highly recommended.
C S. Ashley-Cooper
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fast, furious fun with historical insights
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 August 2024
I enjoyed 'Go West, Girl' so much that I couldn't imagine that this, the next book in the series, could possibly top it. But ... it did! 'The Outlaw's Return' is a whizzbang adventure, yet full of authentic detail, giving me a window into a world long gone, yet still relevant to our own lives. Lovely job, Kit Mackenzie!
'A unique and fascinating Western theme. Kit Mackenzie has an enviable writing skill!'
'A unique western read. well written and entertaining! Five stars.'
'This is a different take on a western and I really enjoyed it. Jeannie is an independent woman focused on living her life on her terms before it was socially acceptable to do so. It is well written and entertaining!'
'A great western story!' *****
'Not like any Western book I've ever read... Jeannie is best described as a difficult child. I love her grown-up character. She lives life on her own terms, not always liked but well-respected. I'm looking forward to more stories of her life.'
'Just finished reading Alias Jeanne Delaney. I found it a really fascinating and an interesting read. Quite extraordinary. Loved your ability to set the scene, making it feel as if the reader was there themself experiencing the scene and the surroundings. I know that you said it might not be my kind of book but I have to tell you that it is! quite unlike anything I have read before.'
Jeannie's adventures continue...
'Jeannie is back with her band of followers. The author wastes no time in kicking this story in gear. Gun fights, fist fights, bar fights, a dalliance with a saloon girl... On to chapter three... There was a time in the middle-ish that the story seemed to drag a bit. Stay with it - it picks back up and the last third of the book just flies by. I've enjoyed seeing her find her way, trying to do the right thing, and hope to see more.'
THE AUTHOR & HER HUBBY
Sunday 13 October 2024
JO. B. CREATIVE!: ALIAS JEANNIE DELANEY - THE TRILOGY
JO. B. CREATIVE!: ALIAS JEANNIE DELANEY - THE TRILOGY: ALIAS JEANNIE DELANEY - THE TRILOGY A devastating cowgirl comes of age on the wild frontier Her gun is snake strike fast & her sexualit...
ALIAS JEANNIE DELANEY - THE TRILOGY
ALIAS JEANNIE DELANEY -
I shared my cover reveal in the summer, and because it was so popular, I decided to share it again along with hubby's fun railroad promotional video and other details about my epic western trilogy. As I speak I'm editing Book 3, which is proving to be a challenge but certainly doable! That will be released before next summer. If you've bought my first two books, I trust that you're enjoying them, and would be extremely grateful if you could leave a positive review on Amazon. Thank you so much!
BOOK 1 - GO WEST, GIRL!
COVER REVEAL FOR BOOK 2 -
THE OUTLAW'S RETURN
(Turn up the volume!)
Jeannie Morgan, the fastest gun west of the Mississippi, is a devastating and charismatic pants-wearing cowgirl who is also a magnificent lover to both men and women. As she navigates the unforgiving frontier, she must confront her own identity and desires, all while facing down deadly confrontations and personal tragedies. Will she find happiness or will her her tomboy beauty, her powerful persona and her lethal gun finally be the death of her?
Available as e-novel & paperback & on Kindle Unlimited.
REVIEWS
'This is a top tier telling of an unconventional child to woman experience in the 1800's west. I'm loving everything about this story'
'This is a crack shot story, a unique blend of adventure, humor, and powerful storytelling that blazes across the wild frontier into the heart of the country at that time. It will leave you hungry for more!'
'A unique and fascinating Western theme. Kit Mackenzie has an enviable writing skill!'
I just grabbed my copy of "Alias Jeannie Delaney - Book 1 - Go West, Girl!" on Amazon. The premise of a charismatic and skilled cowgirl on a journey of self-discovery is absolutely captivating. Kudos on the rave reviews and the unique twist you've brought to the western genre.'
Book 1
Yee-hah! I'm enjoying this soooo much! Not just because of the story but also because of the quality of the writing, and the loving detail put into it. Clearly a lot of research - Kit Mackenzie writes as though she's actually been there. I so enjoyed reading the novel in detail, and relishing the nuances of the fab writing. Rereading it and absorbing the world and the atmosphere she's created. It's a terrific story with strong characters (to put it mildly!) and a powerful arc.
Yee-hah! I'm enjoying this soooo much! Not just because of the story but also because of the quality of the writing, and the loving detail put into it. Clearly a lot of research - Kit Mackenzie writes as though she's actually been there. I so enjoyed reading the novel in detail, and relishing the nuances of the fab writing. Rereading it and absorbing the world and the atmosphere she's created. It's a terrific story with strong characters (to put it mildly!) and a powerful arc.
Book 2
And here it is -- what a story! When I started reading I couldn't think how on earth you'd be able to make something interesting from the situation Jeannie was in, but OMG...
And here it is -- what a story! When I started reading I couldn't think how on earth you'd be able to make something interesting from the situation Jeannie was in, but OMG...
BOOKBUB REVIEW
Great western story! *****
'Not like any Western book I've ever read... Jeannie is best described as a difficult child. I love her grown-up character. She lives life on her own terms, not always liked but well-respected. I'm looking forward to more stories of her life.'
'Not like any Western book I've ever read... Jeannie is best described as a difficult child. I love her grown-up character. She lives life on her own terms, not always liked but well-respected. I'm looking forward to more stories of her life.'
THE AUTHOR & HER HUBBY
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