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The Writer's Mailbag: Installment Seventy-Three
Bring It On
We have a full one this week. We had so many questions I had to push three of them to next week. That’s great news for those of us who love this series.
Let’s get it going with a marketing question from Kailey. Since I have a marketing degree, I didn’t even have to look up this answer. However, I’ll be interested in hearing what Heidi thinks about it. Hint-hint, Heidi.
Business Names
From Kailey: “I've been wondering, as far as names go, as a freelancer, do you title your company or are you just "Bill Holland?" Does your freelance service even need a catchy title? Thanks!”
Hi Kailey! Good question. I have always believed that a company name should reflect the business it does. There are some who would argue with that but hey, they can write their own HP article if they want. Right now I’ve let my website lapse but when I had it, it simply said “William D. Holland Professional Writing Services.”
A lot goes into the proper naming of a company. Catchy titles are clever, for sure, but do they do the job they are meant to do? With something like freelance writing, I think direct is better than catchy or, if you like, follow the K.I.S.S. Principle, which I am convinced was devised just for me.
About Vampires
From Blond: “I would also like to hear your views on vampire and werewolf stories. I personally have some issues with these and yet they are popular. For me these are akin to beastiality and necrophilia. I blame Buffy.”
Blond, they are popular for sure. Anne Rice made a living writing those books, right? The public has had a fascination with them for decades….Dracula?.....but that’s not what you asked, is it? I understand what you are saying about beastiality and necrophilia. I think we have seen more of that in the last decade than we did in the previous decades combined, and maybe that says something about society in general. There was a television series recently cancelled in the States with a serial killer as the main character….do we really lack for entertainment so badly that we need to do a television series about serial killers? Now that I find tasteless and disgusting.
Autograph Seekers
From Ann: “Question: If you became a famous writer (which you surely will), what would be your reaction to autograph hunters, interviewers, etc? I've heard of celebrities who've brushed aside fans because they couldn't be bothered or were in a bad mood. I know that's rude but then there's the privacy angle to consider. What do you think, bill?”
Ann, I don’t have the faith in my future celebrity status that you have, but thank you. Honestly, I would love to have the opportunity to find out how I would react. J Knowing me, and knowing I’m not a rude person, I would probably be one of those celebrities who spent hours signing books and talking to people. I really do like people and I enjoy interacting with them. I can’t imagine that changing because of fame….plus…and there are quite a few celebrities who would disagree with me on this…I think if someone spends money for my product, the least I can do is stop and talk to them.
Now let’s hope we have a chance to find out.
EXPOSURE
From Linda: “I am interested most in what you had to say about improving ones writing skills by focusing on different aspects of writing--character development, scenes, genre. What part does exposure to the outside world play? I think one part of becoming a better writer is to travel, learn, and certainly to be well read. I'm not talking about reading the encyclopedia on Louisiana so that you can write about Cajun cooking. I mean exploring other styles of writing, reading stories told a century (or more) ago, gaining an understanding of other cultures and ways of thinking. A penny for your thoughts.”
Linda, my first thought is that these questions are really becoming quite good. This is a great question.
I think our experiences are a huge benefit to us as writers. Travelling, reading, studying, experiencing, all of those things give us a richer bank of knowledge to work with when writing.
Do they make us better writers? I think that’s a tricky question. When I talked about improving by focusing on certain aspects, my main goal was to point out that we have to learn how to actually write first before worrying about anything else. The people who think that a bad writer will get better simply by writing daily are mistaken, I believe. Practicing bad writing only makes bad writing worse. One needs to learn how to write properly and then continue to practice proper writing and improve on that. Once one learns how to write properly then the experiences you speak about will help immensely.
Who’s Buying Books?
From Brad: “If Romance does runaway at the register, then does that mean that women are buying most of the fiction books?
That is a serious question, I know you would see it that way, but some people might not.”
Brad, the question was interesting enough for me to do some research on it. Actually, Bowker did a study in 2009 and that study told us that the average age of a book-buyer is 42 years and that women purchase 64% of all books sold, and they are over 60% in every genre except fantasy where men purchase at the same percentage.
How’s that for a detailed answer?
How to Become a Writer
Ebook Profits
From Sally: “My mother always told me it was rude to ask questions about money, but the question I would like to ask relates to whether you or others have found it profitable to write e-books? If it is not a question you would like to answer, could you please put a poll question on your next Hub which might shed some light on this question. Thus is one which everyone wants to know the answer to.”
Sally, I don’t think that’s a rude question at all, and I grew up with parents who believed the same thing. But you aren’t asking about my earnings; you are simply asking if it is profitable to write an ebook. So here’s my answer: maybe!
A good ebook has a nice cover. Can you make an ebook cover? If so, then great. If not then you have to pay someone to do it for you. How about editing? If you are going to pay someone to edit for you then pencil in that expense.
Once you have all of your expenses added up (let’s say all that cost you $300) then we have a base line to work with. If you sell your ebook for $2.99, then your earnings for each book will be somewhere in the $2.40 range. That means you’ll have to sell 125 ebooks to break even.
Good luck! Maybe you will. Maybe you won’t.
And that’s my answer.
Obviously, if you have no expense for cover or editing, then the first ebook you sell will be a pure profit of $2.40.. J
Another video by yours truly
My Apologies
I have questions from Eric, Lawrence and Emese that will have to wait until next week. This installment is getting too long. My apologies to those three friends. I promise to get to your questions next Monday.
And thanks for all the great questions. I hope you learned something. I know I did.
Have a great week of writing! Remember that what you write is part of your legacy, available to readers one-hundred years from now. How’s that for pressure? LOL
2015 William D. Holland (aka billybuc)
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Comments
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Heidi, thank you! I think I could handle a few more people asking for my autograph. Now is the time to do it before I become famous. LOL
Hi again!
Re: Autograph Hounds. I certainly oblige those that want my autograph, although it does feel awkward at times. And, yes, it can happen at all levels of popularity. I recently donated some of my books for holiday raffle prizes at a networking event. I didn't sign them since I figured some winners would pass them along to others. Then on Facebook, the prize winners called me out for not signing 'em. Go figure.
With newer authors, some people like to have a copy of a book that was signed by an author before they became famous. Increases the collectible value. Who wouldn't want a first edition copy of To Kill a Mockingbird signed by Harper Lee?
Re: Exposure. Love that practicing bad writing makes bad writing worse. "Practice doesn't make perfect. Only right practice makes perfect."
On to the next Mailbag...
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Thank you Deb. The questions are keeping me on my toes for sure.
Those were all excellent questions, and certainly quality answers, too.
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Flourish, it looks like a no-brainer to me. :) Happy Thanksgiving!
So it's pretty clear what genre we should be writing in for the female audience.
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Or a trusted friend, Aesta. Either one will work wonders. :)
I'm glad I read this. I try now to write more often but I may just be practicing bad writing. Ugh...that is not good. Time to get an editor.
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I don't have the answer to that one, Sha, but it is curious, my friend.
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Ann, we spent today with the critters...winterizing their homes so they have smooth sailing this winter. :)
I agree with you Bill. The questions are getting better each week. I found your research findings on who buy books interesting, but not surprising. However, I wonder why women are more apt to pick up a book than men?
Yes, thanks bill. Sunday is a day I always enjoy - I refuse to do any shopping, just messing about at home or seeing the children!
Ann :)
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Ann, thank you for your kind words and I apologize for taking so long to respond. Busy weekend. We were hit with a sudden cold spell and our animals needed our attention. Now that I work part-time outside the home, the weekends demand of me that I take care of neglected chores.
Anyway, I hope you are enjoying your Sunday. I appreciate you.
bill
I'm so sorry to have taken so long to write this comment; I could've sworn I'd already done so as I've read this once already.
Anyway, great mailbag as usual; there are so many of us who wait for the next Monday to come around, just to read your answers! Thanks for answering my query. There are a few here who agree with me that your fame is growing by the day and it WILL happen. You are more than a 'good' writer and that will surely be recognised by the main guys.
I love reading others' questions, even though some are similar to those already tackled; there's always a personal slant that makes them different.
So much of a writer's approach is personal and one style or way of doing things doesn't suit everyone; you manage to put that across so well whilst giving your individual answers and it's obvious that everyone is grateful for your response. I hope the series continues on and on and on and.....
We have beautiful blue skies, sunshine and a biting, gusty, cold wind. Winter has definitely arrived. I'm glad because I like to experience the obvious seasons rather than a mishmash which never ends.
Hope you have a great weekend, bill!
Ann
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I totally agree, Frank! I get so much out of the questions and comments, and it's nice to hear you do as well. Thanks my friend.
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Mary, I count on that last promise, so thank you. I admit to liking vampires. :)
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Reynold, your two cents is always a bargain and you are absolutely correct about novels. I think those of us who write them do it out of love, knowing full well to make money doing it is like catching lightning in a bottle.
another great installment Billybuc.. and I have to admit some of the replies were just as interesting too.. this is the beauty of these mailbags if you ask me.. write on!
My 2 cents---I've been a successful business person all my life and I must say that writing novels is the least lucrative endeavor of all time. It appears to be the wild card of a writing career. If I wanted to make money writing I'd work for the local newspaper, write tv scripts, I did look into scripts and at that time, a 1/2 hour tv show paid $50,000 and a hour show paid $150,000.
As always, great to read. I'm sure you'd never be one of those rude celebrities. As to vampires and werewolves I would venture a guess that vampires are more popular, however, the rules keep changing and so do the vampires so I guess it's hard to say.
You keep writing and we'll keep reading!!
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Thank you once again, DDE!
An interesting, and a well-focused hub,
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I'm glad you do, Dora. It wouldn't be the same without you.
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Thanks Kailey! It's always nice to see you.
Thanks again, Bill. This is a great writer's hangout and I love coming here.
Thank you, Bill! Your answers are as inspiring as they are informative! I'm looking forward to next week!
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drbj, it might come to an end with my demise, but I suspect you are right, that it has a long run ahead of it. Thanks for always being here.
Based on the wide variety of thoughtful questions you receive, Bill, from your admiring followers, and the realistic answers you provide, I predict this series could run forever . . . or longer.
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LMAO....Sis, you are a riot! Sis Boom Rah!!!!!
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Thank you very much, Bill. You are always here and I appreciate.
I'm speaking of Seniors in college! What on earth were you thinking? I split the seams on my cheer leading outfit, my jump is a bit more like a bunny hop and my pom poms are tattered, nothing that can't be fixed.
A few prunes, my orthopedic shoes, a mega phone and I'm a wild woman on the field! GO TEAM! (Team of paramedics) See you at the game, champ!
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You do make me laugh, Sis! I think you just ran the gamut of emotions there. Not bad for five minutes of introspection. :)
Seniors matter? Who the hell is a senior? You can't be talking about us.
good.....maybe not so much.....up, down, back & forth. Happy, sad, tired, frisky, quiet, mouthy, always ME, whether anyone likes it or NOT! Too friggan old to bend anymore! Meet me where I am or keep on movin!
God who said aging isn't any fun? We're granted the privilege to be a grumpy pain in the ass. What are they gonna do to us? They wouldn't dare lock up an old Fart! We'll start a friggan MOVEMENT "SENIORS MATTER!!"
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Sis, there's a reason why I didn't teach primary grades. I wanted to duct tape them. :) All is well here. Preparing to rejoin the work force three days a week and hoping I remember how to interact with people face to face. :) How is it with you?
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Thanks for the correction, Eldon. This old teacher caught it. :)
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Thank you Faith!
73 installments??!! WTH! Only a loyal, dedicated TEACHER with the stamina of a Saint could put out so many lessons, so well and with a smile besides!
This WHY you're the teacher and I'm NOT!.....Maybe I could have taught preschool.....you can round up the little rug rats and duct tape them together!!......How's it going bro?
You're forgiven : )
Peace and blessings
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Faith, I finally found the question I had overlooked. I'm so sorry....it has been included in the next Mailbag...I promise. :0
blessings and thanks
Noticed a mistake I made, not that it is very important Bill, but "mood" should be "moon", though mood works as well.
Thanks for the kind comment in-response man, your insights are appreciated.
-E.G.A.
I guess my question about ghostwriting didn't make the cut as promised either, but I didn't even get an honorable mention?
Vampires are still popular for some reason, and my husband seems to love movies and I don't understand it. However, one movie I thought I would hate, but turned out great is, believe it or not, "Abraham Lincoln, the Vampire Slayer" or something along those lines LOL.
So glad the mailbag is overflowing!
Blessings
Great Mailbag Bill. I learn something new every week, thanks to you. Looking forward to number 74 and beyond. Have a great week.
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Linda, #74 is already written...now on to #75. :) Thank you for your support.
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Thank you Pop! I can say without hesitation I'm more famous than I was four years ago. :)
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Eldon, this may rank in the top five of comments...excellent thoughts, reflections and analysis. My latest two novels explore these themes, so who am I to talk about too much mayhem? :) I am fascinated by the concept that good and evil reside in each of us, and who is to say what each of us is capable of given the right circumstances?
Anyway, thank you so much for your thoughts. Excellent!
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Lawrence, I was able to squeeze your question into next week's Mailbag, so thank you!
Bill, you have promised us a #74 (yippy!!). And thank you for addressing my little question. Already waiting for next Monday.
In my opinion, you are already famous. I would have loved to have an autographed cop of your bool.
Howdy Bill, always read these installments when they arrive in my email box. Enjoyable correspondences between yourself and your constant readers. Leave me with something to walk, or hobble, away with, and ponder.
On the 'newfound' fascination with serial killers/supernatural and its intersection with sexuality, I think it deserves attention. You covered the creme quite well, and the cake, but I'll add another layer if you will allow it.
I redirect your attention to apocalyptic themes, or themes of madness. These are stock sources for stories, insofar as we can point to Shakespeare (soon) or Mary Shelly, as presenting madness, and/or, descents into the supernatural level of spirituality.
Frankenstein's monster wasn't merely a monster, but the outgrowth of scientific principles of madness, brought to the material world. The sustainment of life after death, or living death, is something so ingrained within our thinking on what it means to be mad. To be living, but living in a world beyond the materiel of observable life.
The interest in Zombie fiction is even more evident of the crossover between murder, madness, and apocalypse. (Oh boy, zombies!) Essentially, I'm trying to chart a narrative line between the way we, as a culture of consciousness (sexual consciousness as Foucault might say), express our ideas on life through the darker, deathly, side of humanity, as being ever-present and insidious. Sex, being so equated with life, will necessarily seep into discussion of madness (and murder -watch Forensic Files for starters).
As Shakespeare taught us through Lady Macbeth, we cannot hope to wash our physical hands clean of such cruelty, until psychologically we are beyond the supposed intersections of madness and murder. Was her husband not tied by bounds of thought to her act of murder, through the 'desire' to see it completed? We cannot hope to clean our consciousness so long as we eat the brains of barbarism, even if we believe ourselves to be materially removed from malice and murder.
These themes of murder/madness/sexuality, become mutually inclusive in our current eras of literature (16th century onwards by my reckoning, since even Werewolves, i.e. lycanthropy or mood madness- the mystical elements of feminine witchcraft worked upon man- were around during the 16th century)
No longer is man merely at a 'descent' into madness, but in an upheaval, mentally, of dormant darkness that lurks forevermore in our collective shadows, or subconscious, which is so scientifically tied into sexually we cannot speak of one without the other anymore (or can we?) Sexually induced states of madness/murder are our literary eras equivalent of earlier themes on The Mad, I think. The Vampire's kiss being a perfect example of the bridge between living death and deathly desirous love.
But maybe I too am on the Ship of Fools Mr. Holland!
-E.G.A.
Bill
Really good stuff here, I'm especially interested in the ebook stuff so that was really good.
One thought I had and it kind of has to do with goal setting, if you've got the goal of improving your writing how would you keep track of whether the quality was improving? I'll leave the question there as I'm sure it's a pretty broad question and any feedback will be good.
Lawrence
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Some day, PS, and not a moment before. :) Thanks for being here. I'm glad you find this useful. Take care, be happy, and blessings are heading your way.
bill
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:)....stay safe, my friend.
Thanks for continuing to answer, bill
I learn something every time I come here...my Muse keeps nudging me to get the book going...some day ....
hoping all is good in your little corner of the planet....Angels are once again on the way to you my friend bringing armloads of blessings to you and Bev ps
Yes, yes ...that last line was quite clever. So true! My brother Bill.
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Thank you Bill. As always you are appreciated.
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Manatita, sixteen months to go and I'm rooting for you that time will fly by. I still wonder if I'm meant to retire....supposedly I am now but it doesn't seem like it. :)
Peace be with you!
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Me too, Ruby! I doubt I'll ever own a Kindle device, whatever they are called.
You, however, are called loyal. :)
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I'm glad, Bill. Thank you!
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MizB, I'll be laughing the rest of the day over your comment. "Imaginative plots instead of preordained crap"....a classic line!
Thank you so much.
It's good to see the mail truck keeps rollin'. Enjoyed the videos as well, and as always, a lot of good information. Thank you, my friend!
Legacy, all right. I've already given it some thought ... in the moment, of course. (Chuckle)
Another very interesting Hub and 'a getting closer to the target' beauty.
Did you know I did business at College? I came second with many distinctions. One day I simply said to myself. "Manatita, why are you reading the Financial Times?" and went back to Nursing.
Anyway, lots of emphasis was put on branding, on image. This means a lot in the world of business. I would say though, that what is important is what works. So if your approach is working for you, then that's cool.
I keep dreaming of retirement and going down the road of writing. 16 months to go, and counting, one ...two ...six ...Much Love, Bro.
I read every word and liked your answers. I don't like to read E books on line. I want to hold a book when I read. Thanks again.
Loved the ebook sales answer. Appreciate factual answers!! Have a great week! ;-)
Hi Bill, just one comment on the titling of your company question. Years ago we had an opening in our agency, and a woman who claimed to own her own freelance business applied. The name of her company was “It’s only Words”. Apparently her freelancing wasn’t doing too well or she wouldn’t have needed a job. Anyway, my boss said that if she wasn’t any more serious than that, he wouldn’t even consider hiring her as an editor.
I agree with you on vampires, werewolves, and serial killers. Let’s add zombies to the list.
I think Linda is right on target because traveling gives you an insight into other worlds that you can’t get from just reading books. Don’t get me wrong, I love to read, but there’s nothing better than the real deal. For instance, I’m a Southerner, but after two trips to Seattle and smelling the fish in the market by the bay, I can write with more realism about the men who throw fish. LOL
I’ve read several fantasy “romances” lately. I inserted the quotation marks because I don’t usually read romances, but we have some talented women writers lately who are writing good fantasy and throwing in a little romance, I suppose, to attract the female audience. I wonder if their books would be more profitable if they just put them in the fantasy genre. I also wonder if writing some imaginative plots instead of preordained crap isn't bringing up the readership.
This was really a good mailbag, friend, and I don’t think it was too long.
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I understood, Sally, but thanks for the clarification. Have a superb week, my friend.
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No it isn't, Sally. This is not a get-rich-quick adventure by any means. :) And yet we do it gladly.
bill
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Brad, I've never been big on vampire movies. Don't really know why....horror I love, but my wife won't watch them with me. :)
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Happy Monday Melissa! I actually know very little about the horror/fantasy genre, so I'm not worthy of commenting. :) I have no doubt you are correct and I thank you.
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All great points, Brian. Thanks for mentioning that and I agree totally.
I apologise I meant I was late in getting to your hub today. I did not mean that you were late in replying to my question.
Hi Billy,
Better late than never! Thank you for answering my question. Actually I rather like the answer too. It certainly gives one an idea of what one has to aim for. This book writing lark is certainly not for the fickle or weak.
Have a good week Billy.
Sally
Bill
It says that you don't watch B movies, or watched TV comedies in the 70s. So, apparently nothing , it probably hasn't changed as that wasn't in your entertainment playhouse, but having said that, she is now in your playhouse, but maybe you don't include Vampires in your fun zone?
:-)
Happy Monday Bill! Glad the questions came pouring in...In regards to vampire books, I happen to be a huge fan of the horror and urban fantasy/paranormal genres. And I'm not alone. There are always going to be a variety of different "types" of vampire stories and fans will seek out their favorites. I've read Stephen King, Anne Rice, Charlaine Harris and even Stephanie Meyers. Now, you might not consider all of them to be great writers---but to each their own!
:)
Have a great week!
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Thank you Larry!
You and Linda mentioned two aspects of improving as a writer -- a) learning and practicing the tools and skills of the craft and b) gaining life experience through travel, reading, involvement, etc. A third aspect is growing up, maturing, character and spiritual development, self-improvement, becoming a better person. A more mature person produces more mature writing. That is accomplished by striving to model oneself after admirable persons and to shape oneself in accordance with chosen ideals. You have touched on this aspect in some of your essays, such as those about the virtues of your parents and other relations.
Always insightful.
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Thank you Brad! I'll have to look up that romance question. I'm kind of curious now that you asked it. I can say without hesitation that I've never read a romance novel.
Never heard of Barbeau....what does that say about me? :)
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Thank you very much, Buildreps. I'm just trying to keep it real for my writer friends.
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Thanks Colin! Writers are like movie producers and any other entertainment guru...they follow the hot theme and genre and ride it for all it's worth. I agree, it's time for the vampires to die. :)
Bill
That was a perfect coverage of the question.
I wonder how many of your male reader actually read romance novels? This would be answered in the comments field, but it is just a bonus question, too cumbersome to fit into the already overflowing billybuc mailbag. :)
Vampires
About five years ago, my wife and I went to a book signing for Andrienne Barbeau's book Love Bites. My daughter inlaw is an avid book reader, and she loves the Vampire genre. This was Barbeau's second Vampire book. Vampyres of Hollywood was her first book.
I only mention it based on the comments here. I think it is a somewhat different Vampire story, but what does a non reader like me know about it.
I liked your last video very much, and I think you're giving great advice to people who want to become a writer. You're doin' an awesome job, Bill. Have a great day!
Re Blond's question about vampires etc - I think literature has been done to death with fangs, bats and all things vampiric, (the same goes for zombies etc). I like to read books by people who've come up with something a bit different, rather than just jumping on the Dracula Band Wagon. Unless you're Bram Stoker or Anne Rice, I reckon it's time to move on. However, I do like stories about serial killers - so long as they're intelligently told and of the Thomas Harris variety. It's fine to have lots of murders etc but we still need a good story - blood and mayhem just doesn't cut it.
Cheers Bill - keep on truckin.
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Thank you so much, Janine. I consider myself to be a pretty lucky guy.
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John, that's how it is with Eric...Mr. Competitive!!!!! :) Thanks my friend.
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LOL....if this has a shelf life of ten years, Eric, then I'll declare myself a winner. Thanks my friend and good luck with that editing.
I love that you had so many questions that you had to push them off to next week. Just shows how much we all value your opinion and love this series. Thanks as always Bill and Happy Monday!! :)
I'll make this quick so my comment appears first. Great Q and A....seems the series is going through another burst in popularity Bill. p.s. took too long, Eric beat me :)
Very great installment. Happy to be reading this right out of the chute. Got some editing work today and you got me in the mood. Thanks now I can face it with purpose. Oh and by the way, remember how Mission Impossible starts out -- my work will self destruct in ten years.
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