The Ultimate Buffet of Thoughts

dejablack69
5 days ago
4 min read

Finished! I'm finished, and the book is in the hands of the beta readers! I've got a title, but I'm not quite sure of it. I have to figure out a solid name for the book. Oh, and I've started watching this list of BL shows my sister-in-law shared with me. They're so sweet. I love them. I would love a few dark ones, too. Know any?

I'm also looking into joining Kindle Unlimited. It seems to be a great way to reach more readers.

Lots of things on my mind right now, like my son graduating from high school. I thought I was ready. I'm not. And what do I write next? Suggestions?

BL - Boys Love

This is the first BL series on my sister-in-law's list. It's a sweet one. I love the chemistry of the two main characters! I haven't finished it yet, so no spoilers! I'm using a VPN to watch it, by the way.

By Any Other Name

Thinking of book title names is not easy. They need to be original and simple to search. They need to be eye-catching, something that makes the reader think. Match that up with a lovely cover, and you're golden. I have what I will call my temporary fix for my current WIP until I decide whether it works. It's Ready or Not. I'll give you more once I have it settled.

Need to create a title? I have an article just for you.

Need a Beta Reader, Anyone?

I have two Beta Readers I use regularly, one female and one male. Sometimes I'll use an extra one, but the ones I trust are the same. As a woman writing m/m books, I like to have a male perspective. I'm a married woman with kids. While I'm an ally, I don't truly know the gay male experience. I want to be accurate and conscientious about what I write. I have another woman because m/m books are read by a largely female audience as well as male. I have a male beta reader because I like the interactions to read genuinely. You have to have a reason, a purpose for your beta readers, a role they're fulfilling. You also have to respect their opinions.

Do you remember your high school English class? When you wrote a paper, the teacher would ask if you had someone else read your work before you turned it in. I used to say two plus me. Get two people you trust to read your writing and then turn it in. It's the same thing with a beta reader. You want two people you trust with purpose. I often get questions from them about what to look for while they're reading. For me, it's cohesiveness, and does anything take them out of the reading? They don't need to correct spelling or edit. I have an editor. I need them to notice inaccuracies, details that don't fit. Was there a hair color change, a name change, or something that didn't seem right? How's the relationship development, that kind of thing. Accountability partners, that's what they are.

I needed a little help with this book because I've included a trans character. She's a side character who may have a love interest in the next book. Thinking ahead here. With a little help from a friend, I found a trans beta reader. I'm hoping this works out. The beta reader is excited. I am, too.

Need to know a little more about beta readers? Check out this article below.

Kindle Unlimited

If you've followed me for the last 8 or so years, I started out as a Dreamspinner writer. Later, I joined Extasy Books. Sadly, Extasy Books is going the way of most small publishers. Closing. One by one, they all are. It looks like many writers, especially those in my genre, are having success with Kindle Unlimited. I've decided to join them.

I'm researching what I need to do. First, I have to copyright my own books. Next, I have to format them. What's after that? I'm learning, too. Check it out below.

Now, I've been asking online, and there are good points and bad points. Some people like it while others hate it, but I need to do something and am willing to give Kindle Unlimited a try. Check out this article on the pros and cons.

The article is pretty thorough.

Family Time

Y'all, my son is graduating from high school this year. I thought I was ready, but I'm not. We have about three more months until he decides what he wants to do. He's considering college. We went through a moment where he wasn't. He's on the track team and is hopeful he might get a scholarship. Then he'll pursue business. He was planning to go into day trading, but things are looking questionable right now. Whatever he decides, I worry. The expression that your child is your heart outside your body is real. I feel it daily. Please keep us in mind. This is hard.