Monday, March 3, 2014

Recons, Recaps and Word Count Experiments

Recons, Recaps and Word Count Experiments

Last week, there was a writing conference online called Indie Recon. It was the second annual Indie Recon, but the first time I'd heard of it. First, let me say that there is a lot of controversy about independent publishing versus traditional publishing. I love being able to indie publish my books. In my opinion, self-publishing is an amazing opportunity. I don't judge people who traditionally publish because that's amazing, too, for different reasons. I just love the whole world of self-publishing and all the helpful people who have somewhat banded together to assist other authors.

I wanted to attend all the events. Every. Single. One.

Of course, that wasn't possible.

Luckily, most chats were text-based, so they're still available on the site for people to read. Those authors who did video or informational posts left their messages for people to read at their leisure. If you'd like to read or watch any of the posts, here's the link to the schedule, which lists all the available "talks". 

It's fantastic that authors are helping other authors with news of their experiences. Not every post was information I didn't know already, but that doesn't mean it wasn't new to someone else. (I do a lot of research!)

I've added links to the two articles I found most informative or inspiring here in this recap.


She has a book that talks about the process she used to bring her writing from 2,000 words per day to 10,000. It's also detailed in her blog post.  The reason I found this both inspiring and informative is pretty obvious, I think. I would like to write 10k words a day!


I love the idea of serials. I've been thinking about them for some time, but I've been iffy about the process, pricing, and how they would be received by readers. RaShelle talks about that in her video. 

I'm combining the inspiration from these two posts to apply to my own work. For now, I'll work on increasing my word count. Currently, I write about 2,000 words of fiction per day. (Oh, how I wish I could write fiction exclusively. In total, I write about 3-5k per day in dry, work writing, too.) On Wednesday, I'll talk about whether my word count improved. You could join me in the quest for more words! 

What do you think about serials? If there are compelling characters, would you continue to invest money every month in a serial story, or would you rather read a complete book? I compare it to episodes on television. Basically, are you a binge Netflix type watcher, or do you tune in to your favorites week after week?



13 comments:

  1. I could easily see you writing serials. I like the drawn out relationship that is established in serials. Sometimes I find that I am sad after I'm done with a story I've enjoyed reading, because, well, it is done. Which was your favorite talk?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm the same way at the end of a novel. I wish it could go on forever, and I'm upset when I have to wait another year for a new one. A year!

      Hm. If I had to pick a favorite talk, I've have to say the RaShelle video, but I'm still working my way through the ones I missed. That opinion may change!

      Delete
  2. When I am done here I want to go check out those links. I dream of taking a writing workshop one day and this type of information is a mini version of that. I would definitely like a series, it gives space to develop and grow with the characters. I say if you are interested in something like that go for it! And if a reader discovered you when you are publishing #3 in a series they would be so happy that they have three books to read and not have to wait! I hate waiting! But I always return to my favorite authors when they release the next in a series.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You have a good point. I always hate waiting for a new book in a series. In fact, one of my favorite authors is releasing the newest in a series around my birthday. I'm too excited about it.

      Delete
  3. Wow, so many words!!! That's crazy! And I'm definitely a serial reader, I think. I love a good series, and I think one that goes on on a month-by-month basis would be awesome!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would be so excited if my favorites serials were out on a monthly basis. You might never see me blogging anymore!

      Delete
  4. I love reading a good series! Single books often leave me wondering what happened next in the characters' lives. And while I know that a series can't go on forever either, it does at least usually offer a little bit more of the story!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It would be amazing if it could go on forever! I'd happily live forever inside some of the books I've read.

      Delete
  5. I have mixed feelings about serials. I have read two of them. One I liked and one was just meh. I think I would've felt the same way about it if it were just one book. I've been asked if I would ever write a serial and have just dismissed it as an option, but I think I'll have to research it more. I do like the idea of having something new to read each month. I'll have to watch the video to get a better grasp of how it's done, but my first thought is do you write it all at once or a serial at a time?

    I love Rachel's book and it has helped me increase my word count. It's weird, when I'm just writing for blogging or nonfiction type works I can write 2k in one short sitting and probably 10k in a day. But fiction, it's probably 3k in one full day. It doesn't help that I check my word count every paragraph. Idiot! I do find that I have to do a lot of pre-planning so that it flows better. As I am now finding more time to write I am able to get back into writing and will be rereading her book and getting down to business.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've found little tricks to make myself more productive, but I've never made it past 6 or 7k words in a full day of writing. It's a great word count, but that's on a *good* day!

      Good luck on your return to writing!

      Delete
  6. I love reading book series, I haven't ever read any serials though. I am finishing a series right now that is really good, I will be sad when it is over.
    10,000 words in one day sounds crazy!! I guess that is because I don't write for a living. :-) Good luck on getting to your goal!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a little crazy. I'm curious if it's doable without a mental or finger breakdown! We'll see. I'm experimenting tomorrow.

      Delete
  7. I, too, love to hear what writers have to say about their process! I'm glad that those resources are helping your word count and daily writing.

    ReplyDelete