When do you need #IWSG? Anytime. But during a book launch it’s essential, so how lucky am I to have writers in my corner this very day when my next middle grade book, Sign of the Green Dragon is officially published.
Many of you have read and reviewed the story on Goodreads already, so I hope you’ll post your reviews on Amazon as well. No one else knows better than you how important those reviews are for writers. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Question of the Month
This month’s question is interesting, and I look forward to reading the answers when I visit your blogs.
My very first piece of writing as an aspiring writer of fiction was called Bad Ass Attitude. While it’s published, it didn’t get to keep the title I wanted, and it came out as Sliding on the Edge. Here’s a bit about it:
I write in two very different categories because I need variety or I go stale. What do you write? Are you insecure when you first put a book out into the world? Besides #IWSG what do you do to manage it?
You do well in different categories. I'm almost done with your book and of course will post reviews.
Thanks, Medeia. You are one heavy-duty reader and writer.
Congrats again! I'm just getting caught up with IWSG now–yikes. I'm definitely nervous when I launch a book. And whenever I see a new review has been posted.
Good luck, Lee…not that you need it!
I always need luck. This is not an easy job, but you know that!
Sorry i am so late to post here but congrats on your new book. Too bad you couldn't keep your title but your first book sounds quite good
You're not late! You're just in time because I stopped in to see what was happening and here you are. Thanks.
Sliding on the Edge is a great story. I like your original title. 🙂
I'm wondering what to do with it next. I'll let you know what I decide, but glad you liked the title.
as if the life of a horse aint' doomed enough 🙂
You must lighten up, DEZ. Some horses have a lovely life.
Just wrote my first novel in four years, and my answer is still all the time. every step. but I am also unpublished and without agent
Wow. Congrats. Having had a family member who cuts, it can be a very scary thing.
Congratulations on this new release!
Wow that's amazing that Sliding was your first! And that's a great title but I admit I love your first title too.
Congrats on another great release!
Congrats on Sign of the Green Dragon! Sorry you didn't get to keep your original title Bad Ass Attitude, but I liked reading the backstory.
Julie
Hey Lee, I've been outta blogsville for a few days. Your pre-ordered book downloaded, so when I get a chance (don't hold your breath)I'll read/review. Super congrats!
Congratulations on the new release!
I like the title 'Sliding on the Edge.' 🙂
I'm loving reading how many people's first finished novels were actually published, even if it was by a different title.
That sounds like a very interesting book. Just the sort of thing I was reading when I was a preteen.
Do the teenager and her grandmother overcome their suffering and transcend the past? I'm not giving anything away. Readers must find out for themselves! Sliding On the Edge is a FABULOUS story!
Congrats on launching Sign Of The Green Dragon!
Sounds like ANOTHER good story!
Hi Michelle. You are one busy blogger these days. Hope Alex pays well. 🙂
Interesting to know Sliding on the Edge originally had a different title! I like both titles. 🙂
~Jess
So I guess the title change wasn't all bad. Thanks, Jess.
Hi Lee – that's great Green Dragon is published … and fascinating to read your back story re Sliding on the Edge: it does sound a book to teach us a few things … cheers Hilary
Hi Hilary. I have to hop across that pond and see what great history you've posted for us.
Excellent book, Sliding was. As was the Dragon. I'll get my review posted. Thanks for the reminder!
I sort of like Bad Ass Attitude, but I can see where Sliding is a better fit.
The editor said she was afraid parents might object. She might be right. Who knows?
Whoo hoo for your new book! BTW – I absolutely love the original title Bad Ass Attitude of "Sliding…". Happy Book Birthday. xo
Me too. Oh well, I tried, but as a new writer, I didn't know how to fight for anything.
Your first book was wonderful. I enjoyed it. Your latest one is great too. You do a very nice job of writing in different categories.
Thanks, Beverly. You've been with me for a long time in this writing business!
When I write, it tends to be in the contemporary genre, but I can see how a mix of genres would keep things fresh!
-Lauren
My brain needs all the help I can give it! 🙂
Your new book looks awesome, Lee. I'll go pick up a copy.
Thanks, Gwen. I appreciate that.
Happy Book Release Day, Lee!!! Mind has just appeared on my Kindle! YAY!! Have a super week.
I'm so happy you're going to read it, Nicola. Hope you enjoy.
Happy Book Release Lee!!!!! I bought it and can't wait to read it!!!
You're the best, Cathrina. Thanks so much.
That's an intense first story. Congratulations that it's published. Also, congrats on your latest release. I love the cover art for it.
Hi Toinette. It was an intense topic to tackle, but I was really fascinated by it. Thanks for stopping in to say hi. I love the cover, too.
Congrats to you! I am so happy for you. Keep up the momentum!
I'm hoping to stay awake, but maybe there's a bit more momentum left in this old bag! Thanks, Teresa.
Congrats on your release day. Great book!!
Hi Pamela! Thanks so much.
I loved Bad Ass Attitude and am sorry it didn't keep its original (much more descriptive) title. And, on the strength of it bought Sign of the Green Dragon last night.
Well, I may take that title back with a re-issue. Thanks for buying Green Dragon! Now I'm biting my nails. People are reading the book I wrote. That always strikes terror in my heart.
I like to write in two different genres and I actually belong to two different writing groups, one for romance and one for all writing genres. People to rely on in both.
That's great to have two different groups like that. Congrats.
Hi, C. Lee!
It's a shame they changed the title of your first story. I like Bad Ass Attitude, but Sliding On the Edge is cool, too.
My first published piece was an interview I conducted with the host of the media market's #1 rated morning radio program, published in a magazine. I am definitely a flasher and have not attempted to write a full book.
Thank you for visiting SDMM, dear friend C. Lee. I appreciate your support!
I love your blog. It's so interesting to glimpse what was happening only a few decades ago.
You have been so busy writing! Nice to see you have another book out! Congratulations! Yes, the blog community can be very helpful in promoting new releases.
I hope by December I can lie on the bed and stare at the ceiling.
Congratulations on your new release. I've seen it pop-up all over the blogging world. Good for you! Wishing you many sales with your latest book. Your first story sounds like a good book. Yay, for holding onto such a good story and getting it published.
Thanks, Murees. The holding on is the tough part and all writers know that.
Support it the best, and your story sounds amazing! I want to read!
Support is the best. And #IWSG has been one of the best systems in place that I've found.
Hi,
I can understand the publisher changing the title back then, but the title you had was terrific, A Bad Ass Attitude. That would have caught the eye of so many who probably needed to read it at that particular time.
All the best for your launch. My review went out this morning all over my social network and it was immediately approved by Amazon Germany. Like within five minutes. Normally, they state you will hear from them in twenty-four hours, but I heard from them in five mintes.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat
Wow! Five minutes? That's darned fast.
Thanks again, Pat.
Congrats, congrats, and you are welcome. I tried to post a review on your Smashwords and Kobo links but it say the book is no longer available there. Is that right?
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
Yes. I took the down from everything except KD. I'll be writing a bit about that in one of my Email Connect messages. Thanks, Juneta.
I stress. I don't want to, but I do. And my body usually takes the blunt. Right now I have a terrible lower back ache. BUT doesn't mean I'm not thrilled for you, Lee. You worked hard. You deserve success.
It's a toss up as to whether my back will go out first or my brain. 🙂 So sorry you're having that kind of pain, too. Rotten. Thank you for your comment. Appreciate it.
Although I have yet to experience sending a book out into the world, I'm sure I'll be very stressed when it does happen.
I'm pretty sure I'll only write in the fantasy genre, since I need the ability to make up my own rules in order for my story to work.
You have to write what works for you. Good luck, Ken.
I just started Signs of the Green Dragon during lunch today. So far, so good. I like how the main character is introduced–showing not telling is excellent here.
This other book sounds intriguing as well, especially the cutting part. It's hard to imagine how someone develops that habit.
That's the reason I wrote Sliding. I couldn't understand how anyone would inflict pain on themselves. I had to find out and when I did, I started writing the book.
That sounds like a great book – especially for the first go! And congrats on the latest one. I'm looking forward to reading it.
Thanks. I hope you enjoy the story.
Wow! That was your first! Way to swing for the fence – that's a super impressive first book.
And I made some odd choices when I wrote it. I'm not sure they were good, but at the time I thought they were.
Wow, Lee. That book sounds awesome. 😉
Anna from elements of emaginette
Hi Anna! Thanks for stopping by.
I have 2 types of books–psychological suspense and my down-home, rural stories and, yes, I'm always a nervous wreck when I launch them.
I'm interested in reading some psychological suspense. I'll have to see what you have out there.
I love that you write in the two different genres. I have a couple side genres that have only appeared in short stories to this point, but eventually I'll have to publish my adult dark humor…under a pen name.
Wow! Your dark adult humor will rock! Let us know (secretly of course) when you publish that.
Congrats on your new book release!! I just downloaded it and I'm looking forward to reading it. Congrats on publishing your first book, too! I'm always insecure when I put a story out into the world. It's a scary thing.
I had an easier time showing off my kids. Thanks, Lori!
Congratulations on your new release!!! I am going to be buying it soon. 😀
Sliding on the Edge is on my list to read before the end of the year. I quite like the title Bad Ass Attitude, though. 😉
I'm thinking about changing it up with a new cover and that title now that I own the rights. Thanks for the encouragement.
I'm terrified deep down to my bones to put my stuff out there – but I'm getting closer 🙂
Got my review up for you! Such a fabulous story!
I'm looking forward to your big day, Jemi! Thanks for your support on this launch.
Hi, Lee,
CONGRATS…. great that your first was published. ALL the best on your new release!
I'd had non-fiction out, but never fiction. I really was in foreign territory with it.
Wow, Sliding on the Edge was your fist piece of writing? I'm impressed, Lee.
Congratulations on Sign of the Dragon finally being released to the world. May it soar and roar and attract attention!
Oops… left out GREEN!
It's the excitement of it all! Plus you have your own launch underway.
Congrats on the release of your book.
We were foster parents to a girl who cut herself. It was a new experience for us.
That is a hard one, Diane. I can only imagine what you were dealing with. I hope she's okay now.
Awesome your first was published. Like the original title too. Congrats indeed, at your feed.
The cats would love my title, I know.
Congratulations on your new book, Lee. Great that your first story was published even through the title got changed. It sounds like an interesting plot.
I still like my original title, so maybe a re-release with a new cover etc. might be in order one of these days.
Good luck with your book Lee,I loved reading about your first write. Such an important write I think as it paved the way to the successful writer you are today.
Yvonne.
Hi Yvonne. Thanks you.
That is a good title for your first book. Congrats on getting it published. It sounds like an intriguing read. Also, congrats on Book Launch Day! I'll get my reviews up on Goodreads and Amazon. I truly enjoyed reading your Dragon book and wish it much success!
Mary at Play off the Page
Thank you, Mary. I really appreciated your reading and reviewing this one for me. You do great play reviews, so I Iook forward to reading the one for SOTGD!
It's great you got your first story published. It's a good story too!
And, of course, a huge congrats on your release day!!
Thanks, Lynda. Today came faster than I ever thought it would.
Congratulations on release day!
Hey, someone else whose first story was published. Very cool, Lee.
It's a strange business, this publishing! Thanks for being around for this launch, Alex.