USB Drive Signing and SAND Unboxing Extravaganza!

TL;DR

Live chat about USB delays, book unboxing, and writing insights.

Transcript

Hello. I think I'm on I think I'm on the air. I've never done one of these this way. Um I'm usually hooking up with other people. So, where is the chat window? Let's see. Chat window. All right. If you're watching this, um hopefully you see the same icons I do. There's a uh in the top left corner, there's a blue, uh thing. That should be the chat w... Read More

Key Insights

• The live session involved unboxing of sand copies and discussions about USB drive delays due to shipment issues and theft.
• The USB drives are custom-made for promotional purposes, with a retro 256MB capacity, primarily for storing ebooks.
• The speaker shared personal anecdotes about their mother’s involvement in the manuscript process, highlighting the sentimental value of the printed drafts.
• Each USB drive order will include a signed manuscript page with notes from the author's mother, adding a personal touch.
• The speaker discussed the challenges faced in writing and publishing, including the impact of travel and theft on project timelines.
• There was an emphasis on the importance of community and collaboration among authors and artists, showcasing how mutual support enhances creativity.
• The session included a Q&A segment addressing writing techniques, character development, and the challenges of balancing multiple projects.
• The author expressed concerns about simultaneous releases of 'Sand' and 'Peace in Amber,' aiming to challenge traditional publishing norms about staggered releases.

Questions & Answers

Q: What caused the delay in the USB drive shipments?

The delay in USB drive shipments was caused by a series of unfortunate events, including the theft of packages from the author's front porch and a misrouting error that sent the shipment to the wrong facility. This has led to a one-day delay in the arrival of the drives, which were originally intended for a live signing event.

Q: What is included with each USB drive order?

Each USB drive order includes a signed manuscript page from the author's rough draft of 'Sand.' These pages are printed with notes from the author's mother, who plays a significant role in the editing process. This addition is meant to compensate for the delay and add a personal touch to the orders.

Q: What are the unique features of the sand copies?

The sand copies feature unique cover designs by Jason Gurley, and include special elements such as a printed letter formatted to resemble a handwritten note within the book. Additionally, the omnibus edition will contain illustrations by Ben Adams, enhancing the visual appeal of the series.

Q: How does the author approach writing dialogue?

The author emphasizes the importance of pacing and natural flow in dialogue, often using 'he said' and 'she said' to maintain rhythm. They avoid lengthy descriptive passages, preferring to convey character and scene through dialogue and action, which they believe keeps readers engaged and prevents fatigue.

Q: What challenges did the author face while writing 'Sand'?

Writing 'Sand' during National Novel Writing Month posed significant challenges, as the author was on a book tour for most of November. Despite the demanding schedule, they managed to complete the rough draft by writing during flights and in between promotional activities, demonstrating the effectiveness of NaNoWriMo as a motivator.

Q: What is the author's perspective on simultaneous book releases?

The author hopes to challenge traditional publishing norms by releasing 'Sand' and 'Peace in Amber' simultaneously. They believe that readers can handle multiple releases from the same author at once, contrary to publishers' fears that such releases might cannibalize each other's sales.

Q: How does the author involve their community in their creative process?

The author actively collaborates with talented individuals in the community, such as artists and editors, who often reach out with suggestions and contributions. They value this support network, which enhances the quality of their work and fosters a sense of shared creativity and mutual inspiration.

Q: What is the author's stance on character descriptions?

The author tends to avoid detailed character descriptions, preferring to let readers imagine characters as they wish. They find lengthy descriptions disruptive to the narrative flow and believe that focusing on action and dialogue is a more natural way to convey character and scene.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• In the live session, the author discussed the delay in USB drive shipments due to theft and misrouting, affecting the planned signing event. They shared plans to include signed manuscript pages with each order as compensation.

• The unboxing of sand copies was a highlight, with the author showcasing special features like unique cover designs and maps. They also explained the creative process and the collaboration involved in producing these editions.

• A significant portion of the session was dedicated to answering audience questions, covering topics such as writing habits, character development, and the challenges of balancing multiple projects, providing valuable insights into the author's creative process.