Joy Mutter's Blog: Joy Mutter's blog - Posts Tagged "fiction"
Where is everybody?
With considerable difficulty, the first part of the task is complete. I am finally a published author, ten years after starting to write my first book. There are now five, almost six of my e-books available to purchase on Amazon by anyone with the urge to buy them. The past year has seen me emailing chunks of each work off to be scrutinised by an ever-increasing number of literary agents. I emailed my last offering to eighty-five agents, but it has so far turned out to be a fruitless occupation, although not all have yet replied. I impatiently decided to shun them all just as they had ever so politely shunned me. After a sudden rush of blood to the head, I opted to self-publish. Some literary agents had made encouraging noises, particularly over my penultimate book, ‘Potholes and Magic Carpets.’ However, as they have hundreds of book samples thrust at them weekly, they said that they did not have space on their lists for little, old me.
After speaking to three authors who have had books published through established publishing houses, I realised that I did not want to work for any publishers in any case, with their deadlines and intrusive input. I have always been a fairly strict self-disciplinarian and do not need anyone to crack the whip to force me to write. Having decided to change tack, I launched myself onto an unsuspecting world, rejecting the constraints and shackles of a traditional publishing house.
The plan was for me to trot along to my friend Diane’s house and pay her husband to upload my books onto Amazon. That particular day, Diane was busy making jam and suggested meeting up the following week. As there was far too much fire in my belly to wait until the following week, I gritted my teeth, girded my loins and decided to tackle the task myself.
I researched the Kindle direct publishing process, watched several YouTube video tutorials on the subject and dived headfirst into the absorbing world of self-publishing. After a few extremely helpful telephone calls and some online correspondence between Diane and myself whenever I hit a brick wall, my first book disappeared up the chute. With the click of a button, it was suddenly made available to the world through Amazon, much to my delirious, giddy delight. I could not have managed it without Diane’s initial assistance and encouragement, for which I am eternally grateful.
Silence then followed with zero response for the first few hours. What had I expected? Did I honestly think that clamorous applause would ring out across the world because a woman in Oldham had published her first book? Irrationally, maybe I was, such was my over-excitement over what I had just achieved. I had no way of knowing what to expect, because I had never even used Amazon to buy other author’s books, having always been an iTunes customer. I was so hyped up on adrenaline and over-work after succeeding in my ambition after a decade of trying, it was hard for me to come to terms with the fact that the world fundamentally did not give a damn about my book, not deep down, not like I did. Why should they?
To blot out the deafening silence, I immediately ploughed my way through publishing the remaining four, already written books. Over the next couple of weeks, I learned more about the entire process. I was engrossed to the point of obsession, twiddling with my laptop for over twelve hours each day, revising each book countless times until I was satisfied with content, layout and covers. Having earned a living for over twenty years as a graphic designer who has laid out artwork for other author’s books, it is a joy to lay out my own literary works.
I eagerly looked at my sales figures at least six times a day during the next few days and was ecstatic when the first book of my Mug trilogy was purchased by a mystery buyer in America. Oddly, my first three buyers were from America, despite me being a British author. I am doing much of what new, self-publishing authors should do; I bought a domain name, set up my first author’s website and created my page on Author Central. I promote my books on Twitter, Vine, Spreaker, LinkedIn, Facebook and anywhere else that I can think of. I am mindful that too much self-promotion could be irritating and counter-productive. However, such was my initial over-excitement that I am embarrassed to admit that I even informed my neighbour, three taxi drivers and two Tesco deliverymen about my book publishing enterprises. I could sense their polite indifference.
My mother eventually managed to access my Amazon Author page and telephoned me from Jersey to rave about how much she loved my non-fiction, ‘Living with Postcards’ book sample. Gaining any sort of praise from my mother has always been quite an achievement and her words touched me deeply.
‘I shan’t be buying any of your books until they’re in print,’ she added. I smiled and sighed. So like my mother. She eventually bought all five books and I am now awaiting the backlash, as most of my books have a fair sprinkling of sex in them and three are mainly autobiographical.
It has been three weeks since all of my five books were published on Amazon. There have been nineteen book sales worldwide during that time, nine books of which were bought by either me, my mother or my sister, who is reading her way through ‘the Mug Trilogy.’ They have both given me welcome, constructive criticism which I have acted upon. Perhaps there might be an increase in sales when the price is discounted to $1.99 for a week in late August, a normal part of the traditional, Amazon book-selling strategy. I am still finding my feet as far as the pricing of my books goes. I am considering permanently lowering the prices because they are only e-books, despite my decade of hard work to produce them. It takes much longer than three weeks to build even minor publishing success, especially as an unknown non-celebrity.
I am content now that my life-long ambition of becoming a published author has been achieved. Am I disheartened by the understandably slow response? I was initially mildly deflated, but that sinking feeling has diminished and will never deter me from completing books six, seven and however many books I am lucky enough to produce in my lifetime. Book sales are a secondary incidental to me because I am aware that the competition from other writers is intense and growing daily. Fortunately, my main pleasure comes from the writing process itself. I was never in it for the money, which is just as well.
After speaking to three authors who have had books published through established publishing houses, I realised that I did not want to work for any publishers in any case, with their deadlines and intrusive input. I have always been a fairly strict self-disciplinarian and do not need anyone to crack the whip to force me to write. Having decided to change tack, I launched myself onto an unsuspecting world, rejecting the constraints and shackles of a traditional publishing house.
The plan was for me to trot along to my friend Diane’s house and pay her husband to upload my books onto Amazon. That particular day, Diane was busy making jam and suggested meeting up the following week. As there was far too much fire in my belly to wait until the following week, I gritted my teeth, girded my loins and decided to tackle the task myself.
I researched the Kindle direct publishing process, watched several YouTube video tutorials on the subject and dived headfirst into the absorbing world of self-publishing. After a few extremely helpful telephone calls and some online correspondence between Diane and myself whenever I hit a brick wall, my first book disappeared up the chute. With the click of a button, it was suddenly made available to the world through Amazon, much to my delirious, giddy delight. I could not have managed it without Diane’s initial assistance and encouragement, for which I am eternally grateful.
Silence then followed with zero response for the first few hours. What had I expected? Did I honestly think that clamorous applause would ring out across the world because a woman in Oldham had published her first book? Irrationally, maybe I was, such was my over-excitement over what I had just achieved. I had no way of knowing what to expect, because I had never even used Amazon to buy other author’s books, having always been an iTunes customer. I was so hyped up on adrenaline and over-work after succeeding in my ambition after a decade of trying, it was hard for me to come to terms with the fact that the world fundamentally did not give a damn about my book, not deep down, not like I did. Why should they?
To blot out the deafening silence, I immediately ploughed my way through publishing the remaining four, already written books. Over the next couple of weeks, I learned more about the entire process. I was engrossed to the point of obsession, twiddling with my laptop for over twelve hours each day, revising each book countless times until I was satisfied with content, layout and covers. Having earned a living for over twenty years as a graphic designer who has laid out artwork for other author’s books, it is a joy to lay out my own literary works.
I eagerly looked at my sales figures at least six times a day during the next few days and was ecstatic when the first book of my Mug trilogy was purchased by a mystery buyer in America. Oddly, my first three buyers were from America, despite me being a British author. I am doing much of what new, self-publishing authors should do; I bought a domain name, set up my first author’s website and created my page on Author Central. I promote my books on Twitter, Vine, Spreaker, LinkedIn, Facebook and anywhere else that I can think of. I am mindful that too much self-promotion could be irritating and counter-productive. However, such was my initial over-excitement that I am embarrassed to admit that I even informed my neighbour, three taxi drivers and two Tesco deliverymen about my book publishing enterprises. I could sense their polite indifference.
My mother eventually managed to access my Amazon Author page and telephoned me from Jersey to rave about how much she loved my non-fiction, ‘Living with Postcards’ book sample. Gaining any sort of praise from my mother has always been quite an achievement and her words touched me deeply.
‘I shan’t be buying any of your books until they’re in print,’ she added. I smiled and sighed. So like my mother. She eventually bought all five books and I am now awaiting the backlash, as most of my books have a fair sprinkling of sex in them and three are mainly autobiographical.
It has been three weeks since all of my five books were published on Amazon. There have been nineteen book sales worldwide during that time, nine books of which were bought by either me, my mother or my sister, who is reading her way through ‘the Mug Trilogy.’ They have both given me welcome, constructive criticism which I have acted upon. Perhaps there might be an increase in sales when the price is discounted to $1.99 for a week in late August, a normal part of the traditional, Amazon book-selling strategy. I am still finding my feet as far as the pricing of my books goes. I am considering permanently lowering the prices because they are only e-books, despite my decade of hard work to produce them. It takes much longer than three weeks to build even minor publishing success, especially as an unknown non-celebrity.
I am content now that my life-long ambition of becoming a published author has been achieved. Am I disheartened by the understandably slow response? I was initially mildly deflated, but that sinking feeling has diminished and will never deter me from completing books six, seven and however many books I am lucky enough to produce in my lifetime. Book sales are a secondary incidental to me because I am aware that the competition from other writers is intense and growing daily. Fortunately, my main pleasure comes from the writing process itself. I was never in it for the money, which is just as well.
Her demonic Angel and other short stories
My seventh book, 'Her demonic Angel' went live as a Kindle book on Amazon today. It will also be available in paperback in a few days once I receive the printed proof copy on Wednesday. It is a collection of all of my short stories written thus far. The stories have been written in a variety of genres so hopefully there should be something for everyone. Some tales are stranger than others, but all could be said to be different shades of dark. Despite its somewhat suggestive title, Her demonic Angel is not erotic fiction. I would love to know what you think of it.
I can now concentrate on finishing my eighth book, a contemporary thriller called 'Hostile' which I also hope to publish in 2016.
I can now concentrate on finishing my eighth book, a contemporary thriller called 'Hostile' which I also hope to publish in 2016.
Her demonic Angel and other short stories
It has been another busy and exciting week because I have just published 'Her demonic Angel' on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions. It is a collection of all of my short stories written thus far and is a mixture of genres. Despite the title, the book is not erotica but could be said to be on the dark side. Some tales are as strange as you might expect them to be, coming from me.
I am also working hard on completing book eight. At present the title will be 'Hostile' although I might change it slightly. It is another contemporary thriller with a fantasy twist but it is very different to 'Random Bullets'. The first draft of 'Hostile' is almost completed and I already have a cover designed. As I have a very good idea what book nine will consist of, 2016 is fairly well mapped out for me.
February also included my interview on BBC Radio 4's 'Analysis' programme on the subject of Inheritance. Much to my surprise, David Cameron and Toby Young, amongst others, were also on the programme, which is available for download on the 'Analysis' website. The producers wanted me to talk about what it feels like to have been disinherited because my father disinherited me in 2002. Disinheritance crops up in my autobiographical 'Mug Trilogy' and also in my fictional 'Random Bullets.'
I am also working hard on completing book eight. At present the title will be 'Hostile' although I might change it slightly. It is another contemporary thriller with a fantasy twist but it is very different to 'Random Bullets'. The first draft of 'Hostile' is almost completed and I already have a cover designed. As I have a very good idea what book nine will consist of, 2016 is fairly well mapped out for me.
February also included my interview on BBC Radio 4's 'Analysis' programme on the subject of Inheritance. Much to my surprise, David Cameron and Toby Young, amongst others, were also on the programme, which is available for download on the 'Analysis' website. The producers wanted me to talk about what it feels like to have been disinherited because my father disinherited me in 2002. Disinheritance crops up in my autobiographical 'Mug Trilogy' and also in my fictional 'Random Bullets.'
My latest book, The Hostile was published yesterday on Amazon
My eighth book, a contemporary thriller called The Hostile, was published on Amazon yesterday in both paperback and Kindle editions. I am a couple of weeks away from publishing the audiobook edition, narrated by me, on Audible, Amazon and iTunes. It is my second audiobook, Her demonic Angel was my first. I intend turning more of my books into audio versions and will probably make Random Bullets into an audiobook next, as well as writing book nine. I am toying with writing a sequel to The Hostile.The Hostile
The Kindle edition of Random Bullets is FREE on Amazon 4th and 5th May
The Kindle edition of RANDOM BULLETS is FREE on Amazon May 4th and on Thursday May 5th.Random Bullets
After shooting and killing his nephew, a gunman runs wild in a London park. What drives Edward to commit such heinous acts? Who will survive yet another of his moments of madness? Set in 2015, Random Bullets is a thriller with a fantasy twist.
Random Bullets is still my personal favourite out of all of my eight books. If you know my history, you can guess why. For those who do not like e-books, Random Bullets is also available on Amazon to buy as a paperback edition. Once I have finished the audiobook version of The Hostile, I intend to produce an audiobook of Random Bullets, also narrated by me. Her demonic Angel is already available on Audible and Amazon,
I hope that you take advantage of the free kindle edition of Random Bullets. I would really love to know what you think of it.
After shooting and killing his nephew, a gunman runs wild in a London park. What drives Edward to commit such heinous acts? Who will survive yet another of his moments of madness? Set in 2015, Random Bullets is a thriller with a fantasy twist.
Random Bullets is still my personal favourite out of all of my eight books. If you know my history, you can guess why. For those who do not like e-books, Random Bullets is also available on Amazon to buy as a paperback edition. Once I have finished the audiobook version of The Hostile, I intend to produce an audiobook of Random Bullets, also narrated by me. Her demonic Angel is already available on Audible and Amazon,
I hope that you take advantage of the free kindle edition of Random Bullets. I would really love to know what you think of it.
My 'Random Bullets' kindle is free today!
The Kindle edition of my 2015 thriller, Random Bullets, is FREE on Amazon today, 18th June.
After shooting and killing his nephew, a gunman runs wild in a London park. What drives Edward to commit such heinous acts? Who will survive yet another of his moments of madness? The action takes place in Jersey, Cornwall, Manchester, London and other places not of this world. Set in 2015, Random Bullets is a thriller with a fantasy twist.
Random Bullets is still my favourite book out of all eight books that I have published. One of its main themes has impacted hugely on my life and will continue to do so until I am no more, and probably beyond.
If you are in U.K. the link is http://amzn.to/1SaKrg8
If you are in U.S.A the link is http://amzn.to/28MuetK
After shooting and killing his nephew, a gunman runs wild in a London park. What drives Edward to commit such heinous acts? Who will survive yet another of his moments of madness? The action takes place in Jersey, Cornwall, Manchester, London and other places not of this world. Set in 2015, Random Bullets is a thriller with a fantasy twist.
Random Bullets is still my favourite book out of all eight books that I have published. One of its main themes has impacted hugely on my life and will continue to do so until I am no more, and probably beyond.
If you are in U.K. the link is http://amzn.to/1SaKrg8
If you are in U.S.A the link is http://amzn.to/28MuetK
Her demonic Angel Kindle edition is FREE on 23rd and 24th June
The Kindle edition of 'Her demonic Angel' is FREE on Amazon on 23rd and 24th June.
'Her demonic Angel' is a collection of all of my short stories written thus far. The stories have been written in a variety of genres so hopefully there should be something for everyone. Some tales are stranger than others, but all could be said to be different shades of dark. Despite its somewhat suggestive title, 'Her demonic Angel' is not erotic fiction. Also available in paperback and audiobook editions.
The link to 'Her demonic Angel' free Kindle on Amazon.com is http://amzn.to/28RGdRa
The link to 'Her demonic Angel' free Kindle on Amazon.co.uk is http://amzn.to/28RUcqE
Her demonic Angel
'Her demonic Angel' is a collection of all of my short stories written thus far. The stories have been written in a variety of genres so hopefully there should be something for everyone. Some tales are stranger than others, but all could be said to be different shades of dark. Despite its somewhat suggestive title, 'Her demonic Angel' is not erotic fiction. Also available in paperback and audiobook editions.
The link to 'Her demonic Angel' free Kindle on Amazon.com is http://amzn.to/28RGdRa
The link to 'Her demonic Angel' free Kindle on Amazon.co.uk is http://amzn.to/28RUcqE
Her demonic Angel
All of my Kindles now £0.99
The Kindle editions of all of my fiction books are now £0.99 on Amazon until 31st July. My one non-fiction book, Living with Postcards, is £1.54 until then. http://amzn.to/1WuzgXp Don't say I don't give you anything.
If you are clueless which ones to pick, I suggest Random Bullets, The Hostile ... oh, and Potholes and Magic Carpets ... and of course there's Her demonic Angel if you like short stories ... oh, just buy the lot, ha ha! At this price, it won't bankrupt you.
Joy Mutter
If you are clueless which ones to pick, I suggest Random Bullets, The Hostile ... oh, and Potholes and Magic Carpets ... and of course there's Her demonic Angel if you like short stories ... oh, just buy the lot, ha ha! At this price, it won't bankrupt you.
Joy Mutter
Her demonic Angel and other short stories
The Kindle edition of Her demonic Angel and other short stories is FREE on Amazon today, 31st July.
Published in 2016, Her demonic Angel is a baker’s dozen of my short stories. Written in a variety of genres, there should be something for everyone. Some tales are stranger than others, but all are different shades of dark. Despite its slightly suggestive title, Her demonic Angel is not erotica.
Her demonic Angel is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions and is also on Audible, Amazon and iTunes as an audiobook. Another of my eight books, The Hostile, is also available as an audiobook on the same sites as Her demonic Angel audiobook.
http://amzn.to/2amxfaJ.
Her demonic Angel
Published in 2016, Her demonic Angel is a baker’s dozen of my short stories. Written in a variety of genres, there should be something for everyone. Some tales are stranger than others, but all are different shades of dark. Despite its slightly suggestive title, Her demonic Angel is not erotica.
Her demonic Angel is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions and is also on Audible, Amazon and iTunes as an audiobook. Another of my eight books, The Hostile, is also available as an audiobook on the same sites as Her demonic Angel audiobook.
http://amzn.to/2amxfaJ.
Her demonic Angel
My own Olympic medalists
Sticking with the Olympics theme, Random Bullets is my current Gold medal holder in the fiction event. The Silver medal goes to The Hostile, closely followed by Bronze medalist Potholes and Magic Carpets. In the non-fiction event, my Living with Postcards book is undisputed Gold medalist because it is my only non-fiction book.
Find them all here for £0.99 for the Kindle editions and low prices for all of my 8 paperbacks. If you're feeling adventurous, try one of my 2 audiobooks, The Hostile and Her demonic Angel. http://amzn.to/2b96qaj. Happy reading!
Joy Mutter
Find them all here for £0.99 for the Kindle editions and low prices for all of my 8 paperbacks. If you're feeling adventurous, try one of my 2 audiobooks, The Hostile and Her demonic Angel. http://amzn.to/2b96qaj. Happy reading!
Joy Mutter
Joy Mutter's blog
My author blog is at http://www.joymutter.com.
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