After the Writing: Producing a Novel for Publication

I write for Today’s Author — this was yesterday’s piece, focusing on how I prepared my newest novel for release!

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Today's Author

I’ve been shamefully quiet on Today’s Author lately, although there has been a pretty good reason for it: I released my third novel on May 16, an urban fantasy thriller titled Inquisitor. May 16 also happened to be my birthday. I’ll just say I was really busy. There’s a lot that goes into the production and finalization of a novel, and I’m going to give you the ins and outs of it. When you release your first book, I hope you have smooth sailing!

We all have different opinions on lists. Put aside yours for a moment. If you’re a fan of lists, rejoice. If not… you’ll need one. There is a lot that goes into producing a novel, and unless you’re a super genius who never forgets a single detail, you’ll want a list. More importantly, you’ll want to stick to the list. It really will help you release the…

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Author Interview: R.J. Blain

An interview featuring me and my writing!

Belinda Y. Hughes Books

When Allison is asked to play Cinderella-turned-Fiancee at a Halloween ball, the last thing she expected was to be accused of murder on the same night. She has to find the killer and quick, or she’ll be put to death for the crimes she didn’t commit. To make matters worse, the victims are all werewolves.

On the short list of potential victims, Allison has to act fast, or the killer will have one more body to add to his little black book of corpses.

There’s only one problem: One of the deaths has struck too close to home, and Allison’s desire for self-preservation may very well transform into a quest for vengeance… – Inquisitor by R.J. Blain

Image credit R.J. Blain

Today I’m interviewing R.J. Blain, author of the upcoming witch and wolf novel, Inquisitor.

When she’s not pounding out thousands of words in writing marathons at all hours, she…

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A Writer’s Guide to Submission Guidelines

A Writer’s Guide to Submission Guidelines.

Normally I post my art, but today I’m linking to my main writing blog for a piece about how to cope with submission guidelines for agents and publishing houses. A bit off track from paintings, but at the same time, writing is an art, and the number of people who don’t understand or are afraid of submission guidelines is rather staggering.

Pansies in Watercolor

I felt like capturing a little bit of spring with my paints tonight. This is the results. Pansies!

 

The Crazy Painting – the Fragicorn

Frog. Dragon. Unicorn.

That’s right, folks. The Fragicorn. He likes bright, colorful places to live that include lots of swirlies.

Enjoy. I want to work on the Fragicorn and the lily pads a little more. Once it is done, I’ll see if I can scan him properly. (This is a photograph.)

Watercolor Painting on 11×15 140 lbs watercolor paper. Original will be for sale.

Paint Strokes, Watercolors, and a tap of rebel Acrylic

I’ve always enjoyed drawing, painting, and crafty things. I think it is in my blood. My grandmother liked that sort of thing too. Recently, I’ve gotten back into it, since it is a good way to express myself without the years of effort it takes for me to produce a book. (A book I haven’t yet managed to sell, either.)

I’ve been trying to improve my technique; I have no formal training, and I’m not sure I want formal training. I like the process of experimentation. If I manage to sell prints or originals, they are going to pay for more art supplies or fund my trip to World Fantasy Con in November. (This is a dream-come-true event for me.)

I find that I am enjoying the process of creating art. Some of the pieces I haven’t been proud of or pleased with, but that is something that happens to every artist, I think.

I’ll never be a professional. That love, drive, and motivation belongs to my novel writing. But, I will be able to look back and be proud of the efforts for all that I am an amateur.

There is nothing wrong with not being among the best.

Here are the results:

Many of these paintings are for sale or available as prints. You can see the rest of my art at Fine Art America, Deviant Art, or Etsy.

You can also find out a lot about me by checking out my Google+.