Sunday, July 29, 2012

From self-publishing to the family of a publishing company.

When I started my first book I had no idea of the publishing process. I just wanted to put down all those overwhelming thoughts and images that filled my head, the voices of the characters demanding to come out. So I wrote. I only followed my insticts. Writing rules came much later, when I joined writers' groups and did my little research.
Inevitably, I wanted to share my stories with others. So what did I do? What every new author does: send query letters. The response was encouraging; some found my writing interesting, others advised me to keep trying. It seemed that for about a dozen of publishers my book was not what they were looking for at that time. I'm sure you've heard this before.
Then my research came to self-publishing. And I made the big step with Lulu.com. Overall a very satisfying experience. But to try to make a self-published book in English marketable when you live away from your audience, in a non-English speaking country, is unbelievably hard.
My research showed that most publishing companies are not interested in self-published material so I stopped sending query letters and e-mails. Who wants more rejections?
Two years later, I came across a call for submissions from a new publishing company and I thought "What do I have to lose?"
Today I have a signed contract for that first book. It's going to be a revised,
polished, freshened up story and I hope it will finally reach its audience. I have two sequels in my PC ready to join it, whether it will be by self-publishing or not I can tell for sure. But I can tell you this: if you're looking for that publisher who will believe in your book please don't lose heart with the rejections.  Trust your insticts. I know I did. Find me here
http://pulsepub.net/Our_Authors.html
I really want to know your thoughts on this so feel free to contact me or comment here.

In the meantime, keep that inspiration going! :)

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Giveaway! Celebrate with me today and win a free copy of "Gate Deadlock"

Today I celebrate nineteen years of happily married life!
 I would like to share my romantic feelings with you book lovers so I have decided to give a free copy to a random follower of my blog.
It's simple to enter: if you are already a follower, just like my post.
Otherwise, follow my blog and then like my post or, even better, post your comment.
The winner will be notified by e-mail.

Thans for celebrating with me!
Rania

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

18% off on "Gate Deadlock" on Lulu store!

Another great offer for your summer readings!
Look for this coupon on http://www.lulu.com/ and use the code to buy my paranormal, time-travel romance Gate Deadlock 18% off. Offer valid until July 13.
Enjoy!

Monday, May 28, 2012

An excellent link for writers!

I'm sure alot of you already know about The Bookshelf Muse on http://thebookshelfmuse.blogspot.com/ but I have just discovered it. Take a look at the great posts but don't miss the emotions thesaurus. Emotions, places, symbols and the language tools to put everything in words. How would you describe places you've never been to, like a frozen tundra for example? Would it be something like this?
http://thebookshelfmuse.blogspot.com/2009/02/setting-thesaurus-entry-frozen-tundra.html
Now how about that inspiration? :)

Thank you guys for the excellent work!

"...now you're just somebody that I used to know..." Gotye


 

Isn’t that the most liberating verse you've ever heard?


The more I think of it the more convinced I am.
But what does it take to be finally able to utter these words and feel their meaning, I mean really feel them deep into your heart?
To be able to utter them not out of anger or vengeance, not because you want to hurt someone, but with the cool conviction that you are ready to move on.
To leave people and situations behind you.
With no remorse.
 No regret.
To be able to experience the relieving sensation of losing that long-suffered burden that kept you awake at night?
Doesn’t it challenge you to unravel the story that lies underneath? Or do you have your own story to think that makes you smile while you read these lines with Gotye’s music playing in the background?

 

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Giveaway! Free Gate Deadlock weekend on Amazon!

Download the story of Emma and Christopher FOR FREE this week-end on Amazon! Follow the link and enjoy 'Gate Deadlock".Gate Deadlock

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Free Gate Deadlock week-end on Amazon !

If you own a kindle, you can read the story of Emma and Christopher for free this week-end on Amazon. Stay tuned!

Monday, January 23, 2012

Versatile blogger award

Huge thanks to RoGoodman at http://ro-alwaysinspired.blogspot.com/ for awarding Urania's distractions with the Versatile blogger Award!
Since it's the first award  for my blog I can't but feel honoured and encouraged to keep on posting despite my constant and engrossing, errr, distractions!
Thank you Roberta1 You made my day and I assure you I really, really needed this.
According to Roberta the following rules go along with the award:

1. In a post on your blog, nominate 15 fellow bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award.(15 isn’t mandatory, but it’s a nice gesture. Try and pick at least 5 )

2. In the same post, add the Versatile Blogger Award.

3. In the same post, thank the blogger who nominated you in a post with a link back to their blog.

4. In the same post, share 7 completely random pieces of information about yourself.

5. In the same post, include this set of rules.

6. Inform each nominated blogger of their nomination by posting a comment on each of their blogs.

So here are seven pieces of information about me:

1. I'm a typical Gemini.
2. I love overcast, rainy weather.
3. I hate marking my students.
4.I love Young Adult books. I exchange books with my students,
5. Besides reading and writing, I love gardening too.
6. I have left my dogs, Jack and Lulu, back home and feel terrible for that.
7. London is my favourite destination.

Here are my award recipients:

http://writersally.blogspot.com/


http://www.katiesalidas.com/

http://writtled.blogspot.com/

http://thedaydreamer3.blogspot.com/

http://thewriteathomemom.blogspot.com/

http://leaguewriters.blogspot.com/

http://wordywandering.blogspot.com/

http://buffyswritezone.blogspot.com/

http://crazy-for-books.com/

http://maryinhb.blogspot.com/

Congratulations to all of you because you're all doing a great job!