Mapmaking is 90% art and 10% science. There are certain things that are required, certain conventions to be followed, it’s true. But for the most part, the effectiveness of a map, like any graphic in your book, comes from its design. While I cannot provide any definitive guide as to what your map ought toContinue reading “Mapmaking, Part I”
Category Archives: writing process
Plans for July
June was a very busy month, and very productive as well. While not all goals were met, nevertheless, things picked up from previous months. I oversaw the re-launch of my old titles under my new publisher, completed a novella revamp many months overdue, and completed a review of my main series, which I hope toContinue reading “Plans for July”
Plans for June
May was a very difficult month both personally and professionally. The first half of the month was largely consumed with the passing of my sister and the aftermath. I have also lost several other more distant relatives in this same month. I have been able to make some progress professionally in spite of these andContinue reading “Plans for June”
Marketing Matters: Distribution
There are many keys to successful marketing of a self-published book. Besides having a quality product to begin with, you have to push and promote relentlessly to make your product into a success, just like in any other business. You have to advertise in the right places at the right time to reach the rightContinue reading “Marketing Matters: Distribution”
Plans for May
April was another busy month, with progress slow but steady. I have made some editing progress, but mostly I have been busy trying to revamp my publishing company. And I am pleased to say, that Ash Tree Media is now up and running! There is still quite a bit of work to do, but IContinue reading “Plans for May”
Plans for April
March has been a long, exhausting month. Progress has been made, and it has been hard won. Nevertheless, I have managed to make a number of revisions and edits to books both old and new, as well as to get another short article written. I have also made some very big plans for April.
Plans for March
February has been a very interesting month indeed, and fairly productive as well. I finally began recording my first audiobook, worked a bit on a rough draft, reviewed a couple of manuscripts, and made a few tweaks here and there to older works. Finally, and perhaps most exciting of all, I will officially be vendingContinue reading “Plans for March”
Illustrating Your Book
Last month, I elaborated on cover design, and how to go about finding someone who can help you out when it comes to making cover art for your book. But what about interior design? What happens when you write a book, but feel it could use a little extra something on the inside to grabContinue reading “Illustrating Your Book”
Redacted: When Editors Go Too Far
I recently had an article published in a magazine. Wonderful news, of course. It is always nice to know that others deem your work worthy of publication. However, on seeing the article in question, I was rather disappointed to find that some of my main arguments (this was an opinion piece) appeared to have vanished!Continue reading “Redacted: When Editors Go Too Far”
Plans for February
January started out rough, but by the end things cleared up a bit, and I was able to accomplish most of my goals. Minor progress was made on a rough draft, a couple loose ends from 2021 were tied up, and some major changes to another project were laid out. This February, I will beContinue reading “Plans for February”