I feel like I live a double life! And both author and publisher are very, very busy at the moment.
Still making progress on my own book. All five stories are in various stages of writing & editing. Once I have them ready, I will need to find some critique partners for this genre, which is new to me. I love reading paranormal romance, but this is my first time writing it.
If you’d like to get a feel for the stories, I have created boards for each one on Pinterest -
Four in Darkness
I confess I’m a Pinterest junkie! If you’re on Pinterest, please follow me or one of my boards here.
Two other books are slated for release, one this December and the other next March, plus I have a couple in the hopper than I might sign. One is a science fiction story that I’m really excited about.
This is what really gets me going! Seeing Dancing Lemur Press grow and all the new authors. So many great stories that need to find an audience.
(And if you’re wondering what we accept, please see our submission guidelines for Dancing Lemur Press and our imprint, Freedom Fox Press.)
I guess if I have an insecurity it’s that I’ve always worried I would be a better publisher than author...
Any paranormal romance writers out there looking for a critique partner?
70 comments:
Whether your are better at publishing or writing what matters is doing your best at both. Plus it's awesome you do both girl! Pat yourself on the back. The covers for Matowak and Blood Walker both look beautifully creepy. But Lexa's (L.X) takes the cake with that creepy 'tree hand'.
You're branching out into a unique genre with paranormal romance with so many endless possibilities. I think you'll be amazing at it. Congrats of the upcoming releases from Dancing Lemur Press. It's wonderful to see new authors being published.
Awesome both your writing and publishing are going so well. Like many authors who have two jobs, it's a hard juggling act we must work at constantly.
Good luck Diana in your work albeit writing or publishing,
You have the gift for both.
Yvonne.
Congrats to Joylene and Lexa! Yippee!! And congratulations to you, Diane for doing such a great job for authors. I wish you lots of fun (and time) in completing your own work. Have a lovely week.
I don't envy your busy-ness. Still, I admire your ambition. Way to get out there and do something extraordinary. I can't imagine managing a publishing company. Okay, that's not true. I can. It would kill me. Stay strong and best of luck balancing everything.
Great match up: two terrific books and outstanding publisher. Being a successful writer yourself provides a unique insight into creative process. Your publisher side knows when to take over and how prepare the book for public viewing. I can appreciate the balancing act going on behind the scenes. And like the rest of us, you only have 24 hours in a day. Remember to breath and restore your batteries so you can continue to light the way.
I think you're a great publisher and an equally great author, but maybe your calling is with helping other authors. :)
As I limp along with getting a previously published short story collection back on Amazon, I can better appreciate what it takes to be a publisher. Thanks for all your hard work on Parallels, and good luck with your upcoming books in both publishing and writing.
I am in need of a critique partner as well, but I will admit that paranormal romance is not the same as my current projects: short story suspense/sci-fi and a historical drama. If you'd prefer someone who is well read in paranormal romance, I would understand. I have read the Twilight Series and The Host. Okay, twice. Or maybe three times for The Host. ;)
I admire that you are able to juggle all the things you do and remain sane! I'm excited for Joylene and Lexa! I know you'll do right by them.
Sheena-kay, thank you.
Natalie, constantly is the key word.
Crystal - LOL! I've learned that chaos is my balance.
Tamara, I'm not much into history, but I'd read the other story.
Juggling two closely related yet completely different jobs is admirable. Both will be awesome!
Yay for you, Joylene and Lexa (L.X.). Very cool covers too!
I still haven't totally grasped Pinterest. But then I hardly understand many things anymore. If I understood more things, I'd know more things.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
Those are really cool covers.
I'm so happy to see Dancing Lemur press thriving! Just because you're a great publisher doesn't mean you're not also a great author. Hope you find the perfect crit partner.
Like Nicki wrote: I am glad Dancing Lemur Press is going well. All you can do it all you can do. Make time for you to recharge your batteries along the way! Me? I am in the midst of trying to get an adult coloring book made based on my fantasies. Wow. How much I do not know!! :-)
I am so excited, I have to keep reminding myself to breathe! You are a super heroe, Diane. I can't imagine how you so all that you do and still write too. You're an inspiration to a lot of writers.
I think being a publisher will help you as an author and vice versa, although finding a balance between the two is much, much harder.
Those covers are awesome!
You are a juggler taking on two big careers at a time--author and publisher. How exciting. I don't understand why you would worry you'd be a better publisher than a writer. Is it because writing is your real true heart? I challenged myself to write a paranormal story in my last book. So much fun, but I'm certainly not ready to critique a paranormal yet. Best wishes with all your writing and publishing projects!!
Wow, you are busy! :) I never thought about doing story boards on Pinterest - cool idea.
Egads, you do sound busy! I've been thinking about looking at Freedom Fox Press, but I haven't gotten anything finished in a while in order to submit. Maybe someday...
Sounds like your busy in a good way. So happy things are rolling along so well.
You definitely sound busy!
Good luck to all the authors with upcoming releases, but I'm especially pulling for L.X. Cain. That cover gives me the willies, and I know he's a fantastic writer. I read Soul Cutter and loved it!
I bet you are as good at writing as you are at publishing. :)
Sounds like you're really getting a lot done. Way to go on your stories and it must be very rewarding to help others get theirs out in the world too.
You are making progress.
Lots of great stuff going on. Congrats to the authors and publisher;)
Sounds like you're great at both! I don't have anything in the hopper currently, but I'd be happy to read/crit for you.
I love paranormal romance. Voracious Reader of... Maggie Shayne's Wings In The Night series, Nalini Sigh Psy-Changelings series, J. R. Ward Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Sherrilyn Kenyon Dark Hunter series, Gene Showalter Lords of the Underworld, Lynsay Sands the Argeneau Vampire series, everything Christine Feehan Dark series, Alexis Morgan Paladins of Darkness, Kresley Cole Immortals After Dark, Lara Adrian The Midnight Breed, Shannon K. Butcher, Kerrelyn Sparks, Jacquelyn Frank, and there is more on my reading list and then we move to Urban Fantasy and it keeps growing, lol.
Those really the only credentials I have right now for paranormal romance but I do know the genre. I'll help you out if you would like me too and if not, I understand that too. Much success with your paranormal romance. I am sure I will be one wanting to read it.
I plan to write a paranormal romance one day but right now its paranormal fantasy with touches of romance.
I have beta read a lot but that is not the same as critiquing, well at least, not as in depth as critiquing and everyone's definitions are different.
Congrats on having your foot in both worlds. I think that is awesome. I hope you find all that you are looking for.
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
Diane, loved the reminder to frequent your Pinterest. I added both the covers of your Circle I and II to my "books by friends" board. (-: I loved that I didn't have to search for them--each board is clearly marked as your books. I have a "You pin my books, I pin yours policy," but sometimes it takes me forever to find what I need or the auhthor has forgotten to pin their book covers! Can you believe? This is a reminder to all.
Of course, I'm no Pinterest expert. Somehow I got two accounts when I signed up for the business account and I've never been able to fix it! Sighhh!
Hugs,
Carolyn
I don't know how you do it, but I bet you're as great an author as you are a publisher. Looking forward to reading the new books and yours as well. In fact, I remember a couple of your early novels.
You've got a lot on your plate! I'm sending tonics and vitamins. Good luck!
In this day and age all artists, creators and entrepreneurs have to wear many hats. You will be well ahead of the curve! Congrats on all the exiting stuff coming down the pipe.
I'm so excited for your books and for Dancing Lemur Press! Way to go with all that you're doing. And, I'll check out those pinterest boards. :)
Hmmmm...let's see: Worrying about being a great author and even better publisher? That's a choice I'd like to fret about! Congrats and keep up the great work!
Well you are certainly keeping busy! Good luck to you on all fronts!
I'm glad things are going well with Dancing Lemur Press, and love those covers! Both ladies are awesome! Continued good luck with your writing AND with your publishing.
I liked what Karen Walker said about the one side of you not being "better" than the other. They're just different. And both do a lot to help the other. I always learn when I read other writers' work, and that helps me in my own. Have a great week & thanks for plugging Joylene's and my books!
Hi Diane - your post has generated lots of interesting thoughts here - and I love the idea of storyboards ... presumably could be used for projects - where there are different streams ... and it's great you've got blogging friends on your lists and company for publication ...
Good luck to Lexa and to Joylene ... and of course to you - cheers Hilary
Good for you for writing in a new genre, Diane. I've only tried one romantic short story but still don't have a good ending for it. :D
Exciting times for you--both as a writer and a publisher. Best wishes on both fronts.
Wow!
You've got so much going on! I love the pics on your boards, especially the beach and boat ones. :)
Best of luck with everything you're doing!
Heather
It's fun trying other genres isn't it? I hop around like a frog:)
Hi Diane,
Oh yeah, a double life! Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar can relate to that. What with her own writing and me, her fictional creation.
Encouraging to know you're making progress on your own book. Good stuff!
I thought "Pinterest" was either something to do with acupuncture or a fascination with Voodoo dolls. Ignore me.
It's really nice to you make note of two of my favourite authors, Joylene and Lexa.
I hope you are equally as successful as a publisher and an author.
All the best,
Gary
Diane, I'll be happy to critique a book for you. Being busy is a good problem to have. Best wishes for a smashing success for LLP and it's writers
It's so hard to balance two jobs like that, which are different but yet have lots in common.
I think, from the sounds of it, you're doing a fantastic job!
Congrats on all your success.
I have full confidence you'll find that balance and get into the groove of things. We are our own worse critics, I'm sure you're awesome at both jobs :)
I can't imagine being both a publisher and author. It does sound busy. Yay for Joylene and Lexa's books.
Sounds like you're making a lot of waves both writing and publishing. Congrats on that! Checking out your Pinterest Boards.
So many exciting chapters in your life right now:) And all growing.
Have a great weekend.
Sounds like you're doing great in both your incarnations. Keep going. Cheers!
wow sounds great paranormal romance ,wondering about the possibilities it will have ,best of luck for your coming writings dear
So many different hats you wear Diane :)
I read Blood Walker as a beta; it was quite interesting. I love the cover.
Good luck with everything; hope you don't run low on energy.
Congratulations on the upcoming release! Sounds like you have it all planned out!
I hear you. I sometimes think I might be a better editor than a writer. Oh well. As long as the stories keep knocking on my shoulder, I'll keep writing. Congrats on picking up so many great authors.
Diane, I think you're doing a GREAT job!
I'm sure you'll find the correct balance between the author and publisher roles - seems like you're already well on your way...
It all sounds so exciting - never a dull moment.
Isn't that what life's all about?
Keep going!
Writer In Transit
Happy Monday, Diane.
Busy Lady! I love Pinterest, but I don't spend much time there any more. My own site is sorely lacking in almost everything except my book covers. Maybe one day I'll get back there.
Sounds like you've many exciting things happening these days. Wishing you much success! :)
Hope you're having a pleasant, productive Tuesday.
Wow you are busy!!!
Hi, I'm Stina. I'm a Pinterest Junkie too. Some days I think I'm a crazy cat woman based on how many cute kitty photos I have on one board. lol
I just took a look at your boards for Vampire.....excellent.
Wow, it does sound like you're living a double life! You are BUSY!! :)
I would love to connect with you on Pinterest! I'll look for you on there. :)
You are doing well, L Diane! So exciting! I tried to sign up for the Goodreads copy of LX's book, but not available for Oz!
I'm into Pinterest too so will check you out.
I'm glad to see more authors writing paranormal, although I'm not such a fan of the modern settings, but they are taking the paranormal world by storm. I like my classics ATM.
Denise :-)
All the best on your venture! Sounds fabulous!
Love the Carousel pictures for The Ghost. Curious where you are going with it.
I'm in awe. You have so much going on. Awesome all around!
You'll be great at it! I've no doubts. Love your inspirations for the books. Makes me very curious.
Good morning. I love the pinned cottages under the Lycan.
A double life? That's been me in an nutshell these last 3 months. I'm seeing Dancing Lemur pop up more and more lately. Glad your new series is panning out! :)
I went back and read some previous posts - i could spend all day here learning! thanks!
I did have one question - I was wondering how Pinterest helps with promotion? I have some pages there, but I definitely neglect them...
Thanks!
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