What I've learned about writing and publishing

WOMs at Lit Crawl 2012

It has been so exciting to work with my fellow Write On Mamas to publish our first book. What a fantastic bunch of intelligent, talented and funny women. I had no idea when we started our group two years ago that it would be so much fun, so supportive and that we would actually publish a book. And a good book at that, even if we do say so ourselves.

I have learned so much over the last two years. How to start something from nothing, apart from a common passion and purpose. 

How the same people tend to do all the work. How rewarding it is to give, but it can be tiring too. How to say No sometimes or to ask for help. 

How one person’s vision can drive an entire group forward (not mentioning any names, Janine). 

That working with a professional editor is a very good thing. How even though I wrote a shitty first draft, as Anne Lamott would say, it is amazing how it can be improved with constructive criticism, support and encouragement. 

WOMs at Lit Crawl 2013

How much useful information can be gleaned when you self-publish. That self-publishing is not a dirty word anymore. You don’t necessarily need agents and publishers, but that it helps to have a pool of 25 authors to call on. 

That I can actually be quite techie when I have to be, providing I have my exceptionally clever husband at my elbow at all times. 

That signing books is quite fun, even though no-one can read my writing apparently. Hurrumph. 

How working with a team of powerful women is inspiring, motivating and rewarding. That it is possible to work with women without being bitchy.  Laughing always make everything better.

I am totally, over-the-top excited that we have 5 (maybe 6) amazing bookstores lined up to host us on a mini book tour of the Bay area, with more coming on board every week. 

For more information about the book, Mamas Write, our writing group, Write On Mamas, or the dates and locations of the book tour, please visit our website (ahem … run by yours truly) at Writeonmamas.com or on Facebook.

If you wish to buy a copy, please find us on Amazon here.

I thank you.

F is for Flippin' 'eck, I'm a published author!

Can you believe it? I am finally a published author! Yay! My writing group, the Write On Mamas, has published our first anthology: Mamas Write. Here is the official description:

Twenty-nine poignant, gritty, and funny essays by 24 moms (and one dad) on how parenting shaped them as writers, how they make time to write, memorable parenting moments and more. 

Founded out of a desire to connect, the Write On Mamas is a rapidly growing group of more than 50 writing moms (and one dad) who meet online and in person to read, write, revise, and share. Members are published authors, journalists, bloggers, and poets, as well as those beginning their writing journey. Based primarily in Northern California, Write On Mamas also hail from Oregon, Minnesota, Maryland, and Calgary. 

I have written two essays for this book. The Reluctant Author about why I started writing in the first place (freaky and a bit weird) and Writer's Block Retreat, about how I went on this wonderful 3 day writing retreat and got completely blocked creatively.

If you would like to buy a copy, and I know you do, (it's fabulous even if I do say so myself) it will be available on Amazon in the next few days or you can buy copies at our Create Space store here:

https://www.createspace.com/4651885

Guest Post: Free Zebra on Amazon

Today I am handing over my blog to an excellent author friend of mine, who I met over on Scribd.com. He is giving away his fabulous book, The Sun Zebra, FREE for the next 2 days. I loved it! Here is my Amazon review:

"Initially, I was unsure whether this collection of short stories would be my type of book and started with the attitude of reading it as fast as possible. Well, I did read it quickly but only because I couldn't stop reading. It is a beautiful and inspirational book, exceptionally well-written. Rolando takes us by the hand and gently leads us into a magical world seen through the innocent eyes of his daughter, Nell. Unsullied by the cynical view of others with supposedly more experience and wisdom, Nell is not only a delight, but shows she has an innate knowledge and purity which allow magic to happen. This book is touchingly poignant. I could feel my heart opening as I read it. It reminded me of simple, yet powerful truths. Rolando skillfully describes the joy, innocence and simplicity of being a child, while charmingly showing us what a truly marvelous father and husband he is at the same time. I cannot wait to read this again and would highly recommend this to anyone, child and adult alike."

Over to you Rolando or, as he is sometimes known, Phantomimic!

 

What is a dad to do if his daughter claims she has encountered a zebra in the middle of rural Pennsylvania? That is what the dad in my book had to figure out. Fortunately he went to “look for the zebra,” and that made all the difference because what he found was an animal that turned out to be part flesh and part metaphor.

There is more. In my book an insect boldly goes where no insect has gone before, Poe’s poem “The Raven” gets a new twist, a Christmas tree reveals its secrets, and a forgotten superhero makes a triumphant return. These stories may sound like stories for little kids, but my book is not a children’s book. My book is what I call a “children’s book for grownups.”

But what is a “children’s book for grownups” and more importantly: why write one? I wrote it because I feel that the point of view of children is undervalued in our society. This is probably because children require adult supervision to survive and thrive in our world. They may be "cute" and "funny" and a "joy to the heart," but children are seldom taken seriously. And why should they be? In their tender years what can a child possibly teach us about the complexity of the adult world with all its danger and opportunities? As it turns out, I think they can teach us a lot.

Many of us have by and large forgotten what it was to be a child even though much of what we are as adults is a result of the child we used to be. Children can help us get in touch with that inner child hidden in the deep recesses of our minds. We just have to listen to them, take their hands, and go explore the world together.

In my book the world of adults with its skepticism and its hard realities collides with the carefree magical world of children, and sparks of wisdom fly everywhere. My hope is that these sparks will help those who read my stories to learn the things children can teach us and remember what it was to be a child.

Now for the best thing: My book will be free on Amazon from July 18 to 19. You can download your copy during those two days at no cost. I hope you can read my book and let me know what you think of it. I also want to thank Claire for the chance to write about it on her blog.

My book’s Amazon link is: http://www.amazon.com/The-Sun-Zebra-ebook/dp/B006AC5FCU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1342572267&sr=1-1&keywords=the+sun+zebra

Thank you very much for reading my post.I am Rolando Garcia, the peculiar eclectic writer.

Visit my website: http://phantomimic.weebly.com/
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/phantomimic
Or like my Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rolando-Garcia-Phantomimic/203347659698101

So, what more can you ask? An inspirationally lovely book, written by an accomplished writer, FREE! Go get it now and tell your friends.