Month: December 2011

Blocking Writer’s Block by JD Mader

Author JD Mader

I want to talk for a second about how to deal with writer’s block – don’t. Writer’s block is a myth. It is a psych-out. I have been writing for half my life and I have taught enough writing workshops to honestly believe that writer’s block does not exist…unless you let it exist.

Let me qualify that a bit. There are times when I am blocked on a certain piece, certainly. But that doesn’t mean I can’t write. Writer’s block is fear, pure and simple. And it is easy to let that fear dominate you. But it is easy to avoid, too.

I write every day. Usually around 500 words. A lot more lately. There is never a day when I ‘can’t write’, because I don’t try to force it. If I am working on a novel and I feel jammed up, I write a story. If I can’t think of a story, I look around me…I start describing something. Usually, that leads to something. Sometimes it leads to 500 words of description. So what? Continue reading “Blocking Writer’s Block by JD Mader”

How Did This Happen??

I’m not sure when it started.  There was what seemed to be a simple, innocent message on Facebook:  a “hi, I don’t know you, but I just read your blog and you seem very professional.  Would you like to write a guest post for my blog?”  I was flattered.  I didn’t know this Stephen Hise person, but obviously he had good taste.  He wanted to know about my experience as an Indie Author.  I certainly had a lot of that.  And my journey was probably one of the oddest I can recall.  I’m not in the habit of writing guest posts.  I’m lazy.  Lazy as hell in fact.  I’m a driven lunatic with one goal in mind:  write books.  I turned out 4 in 2011, and I’m shooting for 5 in 2012.  2013 is going to be a bye.  In any case, I obliged.  You can read my guest post here.

Then, the next email came.  “Want to do an interview?” he asked.  I may be a single-sighted lunatic, but I’m not stupid.  Any time I get an opportunity for free exposure, I take it.  Interviews are usually easy, and sometimes I learn things about myself.  And, to top it off, Steve’s interviews are then posted in feature article format.  As we’d say back in Boston “that’s the ballz.”  So I agreed.  (You can read that story here.) Continue reading “How Did This Happen??”

Renowned Author K.S. “Kat” Brooks Joins Indies Unlimited!

Author K.S. Brooks

In my first post on this blog, I said I would be adding co-bloggers when I had saved up enough money for more duct tape and chloroform. Santa works in mysterious ways.

I am very pleased to announce that my good friend and very accomplished author K.S. Brooks will be joining me here on Indies Unlimited as a co-blogger.

Kat is a seasoned veteran author who can speak to traditional, indie small house and self publishing scenarios, as well as marketing and other facets of being an independent author. She is smart, funny, witty, wise and accomplished. All that and a bag of chips.

I am very happy to have the gravitas Kat will bring to offset my uh—let’s just say “different” style. Shut up.

Indies Unlimited will now be better positioned to bring you news and views from around the world of publishing.  Look for some changes to the site as we add more features and content.

I wanted you to be the first to hear the great news. I will go down and break the news to Kat when the chloroform wears off.

Welcome to Indies Unlimited, Kat!

The Indies Unlimited Holiday Bleg

I launched Indies Unlimited in October, and have done my best to bring high-quality infotainment to millions of people (as far as you know) from all corners of the globe. Everybody knows you just can’t get this kind of weapons-grade blogging on any street corner, and I’m sure you guys and gals are all wondering what to do to repay old Uncle Steve during this season of giving. That’s the kind of fantasy world I live in. Continue reading “The Indies Unlimited Holiday Bleg”