My Publishing Journey by Jessica Therrien
The release of my first novel went well. Better than well, actually. OPPRESSION (Children of the Gods #1) became a Barnes & Noble best-seller soon after its release. Online, the cover of my book sat right next to the Hunger Games. *Faints*
Things slowed down after a while. I had a baby. Then I had another baby… (Turns out I’m a professional baby-haver).
But somehow that zombie-writer in me took over and spit out two more books.
My publisher at the time began to struggle and was doing little for me in the way of marketing, etc. I had a few choices. 1) Stay with my small press. 2) Hit the market and hope to sell my series to another publisher (but what publisher would pick up a series on the third book?) 3) Do what all of my author friends were doing…leave my publisher to self-pub.
Honestly, I didn’t like any of the options. BUT I had an idea. *ligtbulb*
What if my author friends and I started our own imprint? Not our own publishing house, but rather self-published under the same name? Two of my writing partners already had a decent editing business, which could easily be expanded to include publishing. So we did it.
Acorn Publishing is the best of both worlds. The authors get to keep all of their rights, make all the decisions, and keep 100% of their profits while still maintaining that extra level of legitimacy: A publisher’s logo, being part of a collection of works that have been vetted by a team of professionals, and the support of a great group of people.
Sweet right?!
Find Jessica at her blog.
Find the Children of the Gods series on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, and add Redemption on Goodreads
The Future of Virtual Reality
Video gamers are familiar with the V.R. experience. And you can purchase V.R. goggles for certain games and videos. But it’s limited in its use and expensive.
This shows the potential of where V.R. can go though. It’s more a gee-whiz factor, but it shows the potential beyond goggles and video games. A complete, immersive movie-going experience? A Star Trek holodeck? There are so many possibilities!
To view the Muse video (and many other short videos) download the app VRSE to your tablet or phone.
The Force Awakens and X-Men News
Blastr has a great interview with actor Anthony Daniels who plays C3PO in the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
CinemaBlend announced the official run time of the film – 135 minutes. (So, I’d recommend avoiding the super-size drink.)
And, we also will get our first look at X-Men: Apocalypse soon – the trailer will air before The Force Awakens.
Movie Review
Staring Kevin Durand and Lukas Haas, something lurks in the woods outside a tiny mountain town. This small budget horror film was surprisingly good and had a lot going for it.
Some of the scenes are shot with a blue filter, which really sets the tone. The tension is a slow mount and you never see the creature until the end. (Which is good, as that was one of the few low points – it’s not awful, but it’s not good.)
One really big plus is the development of the characters. There is a real human element to the people and a secondary story that deals with healing after the loss of a child. The actors all did a fine job in their roles.
Most of what happens is handled realistically. A date is never given, but a setting of late 1990’s to early 2000’s would work. (Otherwise, the takeover of social media after that blows the plausibility part.)
And the only other issue was the overall tone of the movie is a bit down. Don’t expect humor to lighten the load.
However, the quality was excellent and I would recommend it.
Annoying New Blogger Verification!
If you visit more than twenty-five Blogger blogs in a day, then you’ve encountered this:
Blogger and Google offer no help or reason. Anyone know a way around this?
Because apparently, I really suck at picking out the road signs…
Ninja News
Thanks to everyone who helped me to escape the Vortex last week!
New Releases:
Book 2 in the Obsidian Series
A Young Adult Dystopian Epic Fantasy Book
Find it at Amazon Kindle, Amazon paperback, and Barnes and Noble
This is kids’ book number fifty-two for Pat!
Find it on Amazon
Think Jessica’s journey is one you would take? Getting excited for The Force Awakens? Seen Dark Was the Night? Annoyed by the new Blogger verification? Picking up some new books? And where do you see virtual reality going…?
I got an iPad Pro last week! Review coming soon...
I got an iPad Pro last week! Review coming soon...
Hi Alex - Jessica's journey sounds interesting and great to read about Acorn publishing .. which makes sense. I can't get excited re the Force Awakens .. though no doubt many will! Have fun with the Anthology selection ... looking forward to reading more on this - January 2016 here we come.
ReplyDeleteI obviously don't hit 25 blogs a day - somewhat surprises me .. but I do visit quite a few self-published ones, and ones via WP ... I'm sure there's a resolution somewhere ... wish they'd get rid of the grey band and its wunderbar notification ... hitting 'got it' so often is a pain.
Cheers Hilary
Love the sound of Acorn Publishing. What a great idea!
ReplyDeleteAnd that new blogger verification has been annoying me for a while, too. Whoever thought implementing that was a good idea clearly has a cruel sense of humor...
I haven't had the road sign verification one yet, but it might cause me some problems since I haven't driven a car in years. I actually can't remember how many years, but I'm leaning towards seven years. I find the verification so annoying. I know they are trying to detect spam and such, but it's an annoying way to do it.
ReplyDeleteI admire these authors who find ways to git 'er dun. Way to go Jessica and friends for creating Acom! I still have not encountered that new blogger verification. But, now that I put it in writing, I'm going to see it all day today. Let the road signs appear.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Alex,
ReplyDeleteI have not seen the new verification as of yet but, I have not been on the computer much lately. Congrats to Jessica and her co-partners for coming up with a new way to publish. I wish them much success. Picking up road signs can be difficult and sometimes we just need to follow the ship of dreams and navigate through the stars.
Have a wonderful week!
There are so many cool options these days for writers! Glad Jessica found something that works so well for her. And I love her covers.
ReplyDeleteDark Was the Night sounds interesting (except, yeah, probably too intense for me!) Sometimes *not* seeing the creatures at all is the best path to take.
Love hearing Jessica's journey. Every authors journey interests me. I've hit that new blogger verification, and yes, it is annoying. Have a great week, Alex.
ReplyDeleteSounds like Jessica found the right blend. Intriguing. Happy Monday, Alex!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Jessica on her new publishing venture.
ReplyDeleteI think I've read 25 blogs in a day, but have not seen that verification you have. It does look annoying. Let us know if you figure out how to avoid it.
I haven't seen that notification either. I'm on a MacBook, so that may be why.
ReplyDeleteDark was the Night sounds like a good flick. Was it on Netflix? I love when a horror movie has an actual plot. I'm into the stories nowadays along with a some good jump scares. The times of enjoying a hack and slash movie a long gone as I get older.
Congrats to Emilyann and yes, even the evil cat - nah, congrats Pat!
Congrats, Jessica! Glad you found a solution that works for you.
ReplyDeleteI already have tickets to The Force Awakens for 12/17.
That's a cool idea Jessica.
ReplyDeleteI, apparently, cannot identify pies. I didn't realize there was a 25 blog wall. That stinks!
Jessica did well for herself. There is then no worry of not getting published. Eventually the venture should thrive given the captured market of bloggers here. Have not seen the verification just yet. The later the better!
ReplyDeleteHank
I'm singing this to the melody of a song written by Jo Dee Messina: "Bye, bye. Bye, bye, Blogger. Bye, bye!"
ReplyDeleteMy new blog is launching this week on Squarespace, so that'll be one less verification you'll have to annoyingly trudge through to try and leave a comment!!
That picture type of Verification frustrates me - and I seem to have got it a lot,and not just recently. Was I one of the guinea pigs? But I haven't got any road signs yet - and I'm so glad. I haven't driven for a few years... and although some signs are international, not all are... I'm in the UK.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great way to publish indeed. I see virtual reality taking over and making people even dumber and lazier, pessimistic, I know lol HATE that stupid picture, I apparently don't know what waffles are. Thanks for the shout too.
ReplyDeleteHilary, I've not encountered that.
ReplyDeleteHeather, they need to be tied to a chair and forced to pick images all day long...
Deb, good luck with those road signs.
Elizabeth, it was the best path for this movie.
Natalie, I will!
Elsie, yes, it's on NetFlix. Check it out.
Holly, funny! And it's somewhere around 20-25 blogs.
Randi lee, thank you!
Hi, Alex! Thanks for reviewing Dark Was the Night. It seems like one I'd enjoy even if it isn't laced with humor, an element I look for and appreciate in scary films. In recent months I have been watching loads of horror movies on NetFlix. I highly recommend Dead End (2003) starring Ray Wise (Laura Palmer's dad/demon BOB on Twin Peaks) and Teeth (2007) starring Jess Weixler (Robyn Burdine on The Good Wife). It's an absolute hoot!
ReplyDeletePlease email me and let me know for sure if you are joining me for a S.O.R. simulcast one week from today. Thanks, Alex!
I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to start my own publishing imprint. That's amazing!
ReplyDeleteWaiting for The Force Awakens is getting harder all the time. My husband and I plan to take our kids to see that one. They love Star Wars!
What a journey, Jessica! And what a clever idea with Acorn Publishing. Blogger verifications annoy me, but I've never seen that particular one. Now I want cake! :) Have a good week, Alex.
ReplyDeleteI'm right behind my friend, Shady! I think Jessica and her friends were smart starting their own publishing. I remember the months my mom would wait for replies from publishers. I am very excited about the new Star Wars. I just finished reading, "Midnight Jesus," by Jamie Blaine. Fantastic book.
ReplyDeleteI love when you don't see the monster/creature etc until the end!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm pretty sure I have my blog set to "no verification"....
Are you kidding? And you don't even get a piece of cake? That's messed up, Alex. For all the circulating you do in blogland, if they're going to make you go through a long-arduous process involving studying cake photos, for example, the least they could do is send you some.
ReplyDeleteHave a good week, dear friend.
No, never come across that Verification process. What a pain. I hope I never do encounter it. I love the idea of Acorn Publishing and I hope it works for the writers as well as it should.
ReplyDeleteNot sure about the Star Wars movies. Not going to be the same with different actors.
Necessity is the mother of invention. Go Jessica (and others)! Love the idea.
ReplyDeleteI want to see Dark Was the Night. I talked about this the other day. Social Media and technology in general has changed how storylines go. I think it's harder to write the story because suspense is lost if you can be warned in a million different ways of danger.
Ha! Yes, I've come across that verification during blog reading days, and it turns out I suck at picking out which is a tree. Those pictures are so damn small, who can tell half the time?
ReplyDeleteAlso, I like Kevin Durand. I'll have to check out Dark Was the Night. Sounds like my kind of flick.
That is an incredibly exciting story about how Jessica published her work. It's great to hear success stories instead of the endless rejections.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Jessica. Starting your own publishing house is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteIt always takes me about three times on the verification to choose the right pictures. They could at least make the pictures look like what they're supposed to.
Have a good week.
I do not like the new verification! Inevitably, I miss one and have to do it again.
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty cool about Acorn Publishing. I checked out the site. It's not for what I write, but it's a great option for other writers here.
Nice to see Jessica here and learn a little more about her journey. Will check out Acorn shortly. Will be interested to hear your review on the Pro. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteFreedom Fox Press has similar set up to Acorn Publishing.
ReplyDeleteI can't stand that new verification system. With the Realms Faire last week, I hit it often.
I like the idea of Acorn Publishing working with authors to share the burden of publishing. Very cool. Sadly, I never comment on 25 blogs a day anymore, but I'll see if I can turn mine off. Dark was the Night sounds interesting. Have fun with your new iPad Pro :)
ReplyDeleteLuck with it all!
ReplyDeleteYep, that picture verification thing is the most annoying yet.
ReplyDeleteThe exploration of new verification technology never seems to end. The computer companies like to mess with our minds. I haven't seen this new verification method yet.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
Wrote By Rote
Roland, the road signs are the worst.
ReplyDeletePat, you're welcome! Funny, we all have an image we just can't recognize.
I'll have to look for those, Shady. And I did reply - did it go missing?
Robyn, yeah! That is messed up.
Jo, but at least some of the originals are in it.
Brandon and Bryan, tell me about it! And you'll enjoy the film.
Beverly, I get the one with road signs wrong every single time...
Karen, I am surprised!
Thanks for the interview, Jessica. I've actually considered doing something like this in the near future. It would be hard work, but also there's potential for a lot of fun and being able to help a lot of other writers. Slowly I'm getting excited about The Force Awakens. I'm such a pathetic purist where Star Wars is concerned. The mighty scars of the Three Abominations have never fully healed. I'll be there, because it's Star Wars. I certainly hope I'm proved wrong. Haven't seen that blogger verification party year. Geez... Have a wonderful week!
ReplyDelete~Jen
Starting one's own publishing company, especially with a group of pros who are friends, makes a lot of sense these days. The only reason I haven't gone that route is laziness....I love leaving all the cover art work and editing to the publisher.
ReplyDeleteOh no, not a new verification. I've not encountered it yet but I know I will eventually.
ReplyDeleteI've set my blog so there is no word verification required. I don't get spam and some of the gamers refuse to comment on blogs that require it. Everyone has so many people to visit, it makes commenting take hours.
Jessica, thank you for sharing your story and best of luck with Acorn Publishing. It sounds like a brilliant idea. The only person I would say is a "professional baby maker" is that Duggar woman who's had like twenty kids.
ReplyDeleteAcorn Publishing sounds like a fun teamwork way to go. Good for Jessica and her writer gang. The blogger verification is very annoying - indeed I"m not good at the "what matches" game. Duh. And I'm behind a week - but wanted to say that the Bond "Spectre" was okayish. I think with the news today, I found myself hypersensitive to the bombs and violence. It took the fun out of the old Bond craziness. Sigh. Glad you are out of the vortex.......now have a great week
ReplyDeleteJessica's story is great and encouraging and I've had the pleasure to host her on my own blog with her third book release. She's the real deal and great to work with.
ReplyDeleteThe Force Awakens is picking up steam. Should be great!
That blogger verification is the devils arse water!
ReplyDeleteJessica's story is so important. Thanks for sharing it. I'm excited about all those newbies, who will come away after reading Jessica's story with the power to go forward. Take a chance. Never give up .
ReplyDeleteI'd love to start my own small publishing house, either virtual or physical. New York's Capital Region might like something like that.
ReplyDeleteOne annoying thing I've encountered on some blogs lately is the inability to highlight part of a comment to edit it. Instead the entire comment gets highlighted and I'm scrolled to the top of the page. There's no choice but to manually backspace to change whatever it was I wanted to.
I wouldn't go the way Jessica did. I really prefer to spend the majority of my time on my own writing and starting and running a publishing house would be very time consuming.
ReplyDeleteJust picked up one of Pat's new books. Verification sucks.
Jessica's publishing group sounds great. It's a way to get published with support of friends. I think it's brilliant. My boys can't wait for the next Star Wars. I expect I'll see it with them. Thanks for all your work on the Anthology. Can't wait to see/read the winners.
ReplyDeleteI faced the annoying new blogger verification a few times. I don't know how to avoid it.
ReplyDeleteI tried to find the Muse music video on youtube but failed. V.R. offers a lot of options.
Jessica, congrats on Acorn. What a great idea.
ReplyDeleteHi, Alex:)
Best of luck to Jessica and her friends' Acorn Publishing (Great Name by the way). I haven't run across that new verification yet. Awkward things always have a genesis. I wonder where this irritation got its reason for being? Best of luck to all those who submitted their stories to the Anthology. :-)
ReplyDeleteAn iPad...your wife will never see you without that in your hands! Seriously, the iPad is very useful.
ReplyDeleteI am glad Jessica found a way around all the crappola all authors face. I was wondering whatever happened to Lucas Haas actually. There are so many child stars that seem to drift away. Glad he is still making movies. That verification sounds just nuts. I have not come across it...yet. I hope I don't have that stupid thing on mine.
ReplyDeleteThat was an awesome journey Jessica. Congrats.
ReplyDeleteAnd congrats to all the writers that submitted to the Anthology. Can't wait to see the list.
Congrats to your friend Jessica.
ReplyDeleteYou made me laugh about the road signs. I get excited when it's food pictures.
Jessica's journey is the kind of success I dream about. *sighs*
ReplyDeleteI will definitely keep out Acorn Publishing.
Yes, that verification is annoying! It all of a sudden started last week and I hate it!
Virtual Reality - I remember many, many years ago when "virtual reality" was just coming out. Our state fair had these machines where you could put on the goggles and play against other people, shooting them and scoring points. It was crap of course, and the characters looked slightly better than Pac-Man. Still waiting for a decent VR game. I think it's still a long time away before we hit Star Trek Holodecks.
ReplyDeleteForce Awakes - Can't wait for this. This is one film I'm going to see.
Verification - I hope you never see this on my site. I'm supposed to have all verifications turned off. I hate these things and the pictures are horrible. I seem to be bad at picking all the cakes. Yours just did this to me and asked me to pick all the beds. Now I'm tired.
I haven't seen that verification yet either. Maybe I need to do more blogging. It's hard to get excited about the new Star Wars movie. I'm thinking of getting the three originals for my kids for Christmas. Maybe that will do the trick.
ReplyDeleteI haven't come across this yet, but can see it would be annoying. I hope someone will let me know if something comes up on my blog. Jessica's story is interesting to hear about.
ReplyDeleteLOL on Jessica's story. :) Warms my heart. Congrats on the new book. Will definitely check it out.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the same boat getting ready to release a sequel in a month's time!
Acorn publishing sounds like a real power house with all those authors behind it. I love creatures, great and small!
ReplyDeleteAcorn Publishing, love it! I'm with you on the blogger verification too... Hugs!
ReplyDeleteAcorn publishing sounds great. Congratulations to all those involved.
ReplyDeleteBlogger verification is doing my head in. I suck (big time) at picking up their teeny weeny pictures. And dont get me started when it is in another language. The post translates, but the comment box doesn't.
Jen, I'm with you on the last three films.
ReplyDeleteAnne, tell me about it!
Joanne, I ended up skipping the Bond film.
Carrie-Anne, I haven't encountered that yet.
Edi, it's only through that app you can watch it.
Susan, we now own six of them!
Birgit, he's still making them.
Chrys, and it's still going!
Jeffrey, sorry! I've turned it off, but it keeps coming back.
Elephant, bummer!
I don't think anyone actually cares about the X-Men trailer, not in comparison to Star Wars.
ReplyDeleteThat's a pretty good idea to create a publishing company with other authors. I hope it works well for you all. Congrats, Jessica!
ReplyDeleteOh, so that's why the image verification comes up every so often. I'm terrible at picking out the pictures.
I haven't seen the new verification, but I'm sure it will pop up on IWSG day. That's when I have the most blogs I read in one day.
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of "Jessica's Journey".
ReplyDeleteI haven not seen the verification but I think it would annoy me .
Great post as always Alex.
Yvonne.
I've encountered that new verification thing several times. Not fun. Unfortunately, I've no idea how to "fix" it.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know there was another X-Men movie preparing to launch. Exciting news!!!
I can't believe there's another new verification (or maybe I can). I haven't come across it, but I don't think I visit 25 in one day, though I'm not surprised that you do :). Is it like the CAPTCHA thing where you can just ignore it?
ReplyDeleteDark Was The Night sounds good. I might have to put it on my to-watch list.
That blogger verification looks impossible. Can't wait for The Force Awakens!
ReplyDeleteI hate all kinds of blog verifications, but that style is the worst!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Jessica - and good luck on the press - sounds like a good idea!
THANK YOU ALEX!! And thanks to everyone who stopped by to check out my interview :) Michael Offutt, you made me laugh! What an awesome group of followers you have, Alex!
ReplyDeleteI feel like I visit more than 25 blogs a day, but I guess I don't? I haven't seen that one yet. It's rare these days that a website doesn't annoy me. So many things popping up..."You can skip this add in 30 seconds." Really? Because I'm pretty sure I don't want to do whatever I clicked over here to do badly enough to watch a 30-second commercial!
ReplyDeleteI do think it's great that we live in a world now where people can start their own presses. So many opportunities for writers...and readers!
Facebook uses that kind of CAPTCHA. I should know 'cause my book blog was labeled as "suspicious" so whenever I post a link from it, I have to use it.
ReplyDeleteFather Nature's Corner
I like Jessicas story. It's good to be able to find a group of people who can work together for the benefit of everyone involved.
ReplyDeleteI am excited about The Force Awakens, but I already know I won't see it until after the new year.
I haven't encountered the Blogger verification; guess I don't read enough blogs.
I was already excited for The Force Awakens, but now, to know I'll get to see the X-Men trailer? Wahoo! I will admit most of my excitement for The Force Awakens is the experience of going with a group of super geeky, but super close friends. I am very CURIOUS about how the movie will go, but I'm not setting up any expectations.
ReplyDeleteJessica's awesome. Acorn Publishing - love it! It was one of my nicknames in middle school. Acorn, not the publishing. :) I hate those picture CAPTCHAS! I seem to get them all the time when I visit Blogspot buddies.
ReplyDeleteI trust your judgement, so I'm putting Dark Was The Night on my TBW. Hugs!
Jessica, you brilliant baby-haver, book writing, publishing genius! Best of luck to you- with the new book and the babies.
ReplyDeleteI hate that new verification. Blurg. I hadn't really heard of Dark Was the Night. Sounds like one I'd enjoy. Acorn sounds like a good idea all around!
ReplyDeleteHi Alex, that "new" verification is exactly what I ranted about a few months ago when I clicked the "I'm not a robot" box. Your advice to simply ignore the box seemed to work, but it sounds like the annoying verification won't be silenced.
ReplyDeleteI am now about to hit "publish" with some trepidation. If you never see this comment, you'll know why :)
I think it's so cool how you support other authors, Alex. I loved Jessica's story and think the direction she went is awesome. I'm glad it worked out for her.
ReplyDeleteI saw that verification a lot during the A to Z Challenge and thought it was fun, in a strange way. At least it wasn't typing in those stupid letters and numbers with lines through them that make them hard to read. I hate those ones.
Will the short list for the anthology be announced?
Have a great week!
Very cool, Acorn Publishing sounds awesome! And Alex, thank you again so much for mentioning The Haunted Realm today. I appreciate it so very much and hope you'll reach out if I can ever do the same. =-)
ReplyDeleteP.S. I'm off to check out this Anthony Daniels interview.. I love Star Wars!
Love the idea of Jessica' Acorn Publishing. It's good to have options. Haven't come across that new verification thing. Nice to see CassaStar reviewed in the Booktags blog hop today!
ReplyDeleteI have not seen the new verification. I thought it was turned off on my blog. But they're going to keep finding a way around that, I suppose.
ReplyDeleteDid you see that Entertainment Weekly just did an in-depth behind-the-scenes for Star Wars. I'm about halfway through the article right now.
I had heard of authors pooling together to form their own imprint. A great idea. Perhaps another part of the future of publishing.
The idea of Acorn and the collaborative energy is super. How great to live in a time where publishing has so many possibilities. Thanks for the beverage heads up for The Force Awakens. I made that fatal flaw during Episode One, but as it turns out, I didn't mind a bathroom break (or should I say Jar Jar break?)
ReplyDeleteLike you, I'm bummed we can't just use the single-click "I'm not a robot" verification. These image-based ones are just going to cause more problems for people with poor eyesight.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the verification pictures, I don't know what a burger is, lol. Acorn Publishing sounds like they would be great to work with. As for virtual reality, I think that the Microsoft Hololens and Oculus Rift look promising, but I think they are still in development.
ReplyDeleteJessica and her friends were so smart to start their own publishing firm--I'm very impressed and want to look into Acorn and her novels.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to The Force Awakens, but this weekend I saw Bridge of Spies and really enjoyed it. Such a pleasure to see a perfectly crafted, very intelligent grown up movie!
Acorn Press does sound like a perfect solution. I'm glad they did it and are happy w/the solution. :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen that type of verification on blogs, but I see it all of the time when I'm using Facebook for blog shares.
That annoying blogger verification has been driving me mad. I thought it was something I was doing. At least I know now it's something good - reading and commenting. Maybe the solution is to get everyone to go to wordpress. You are safe on my blog.
ReplyDeletePatricia, I'm dreading that...
ReplyDeleteRobin, yes it is!
Jessica, you're welcome!
GB, that sucks.
Julie, we will all get our geek out that day.
Eva, think you'll like it.
Ian, glad your comment showed up.
JH, not sure if we'll announce the short list or just the winners.
Denise, it was an awesome surprise!
Liz, yes I did!
Leslie, that was good timing.
Helena, I still want to see that one.
Rhonda, right now I am digging you Wordpress bloggers.
I love the idea of Acorn Publishing. What a great way for authors to support each other.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to your new iPad! I had to laugh at the super-size drink comment for Star Wars - I stick with small ;) Interesting about Acorn! There's a couple of these popping up and they sound so intriguing.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on escaping the Vortex!
ReplyDeleteI've hit that annoying picture verification before, just by visiting a single blog. I can't identify food groups at all. Very frustrating.
Clicking the link for Acorn. That was a very cool idea!
ReplyDeleteMy cousin has virtu-goggles. It was the craziest thing to put on! I love it! I want to play a video game through one!
I'm of the rare people who actually like the "spot the pictures with eggs". It's fun to me.
Jessica's company sounds cool - I love reading inspiring stories like hers. Virtual Reality is something I'm trying to incorporate into my latest story idea! I love thinking about all the possible effects of it.
ReplyDeleteInteresting idea from Jessica and her colleagues. I wish them every success.
ReplyDeleteAlex, I have to ask (but a bit off-topic), what's your take on Memento being remade?
Acorn Press sounds like a great solution. In time to come, maybe more authors will see it as a viable option - team up and go the imprint route.
ReplyDeletei-Pad Pro? Is that the latest model/version?
Remember, what started off as science fiction decades ago, has since become science fact... so who knows where virtual reality is going to...?
Can't wait to see StarWars.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading about writing journeys, of all authors.
ReplyDeleteDark was the night - definitely.
Last came across that verification during the A-Z, that's probably the only time I read 25+ blogs :)
Thanks for the info on Acorn Publishing. I already contacted them. And yes, I"ve encountered "Pick the pic" verification and was annoyed to say the least. If our devices are so "smart" they should know I'm not a robot.
ReplyDeleteAcorn Publishing-- love that name! I guess I've been lax in my blogging lately as I haven't run across the new verification game.
ReplyDeleteHi Alex and Jessica, I love the name Acorn Publishing, I will check out the link. I am reading that many authors are starting their own imprint. Sometimes, I am tempted to do that.
ReplyDeleteAs for the pic verification, I encountered it a couple of times, but not anymore, wonder I must have done something to get rid of it, but I don't remember what exactly I did.
I've seen that verify on a few blogs, I hope you'll tell me if it's on mine!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Jessica - good luck with Acorn Publishing!
I love Muse-must check that out-thank you! Congrats to Acorn Publishing! Jessica rocks~
ReplyDeleteLoved to hear about Jessica and thumbs up to Acorn Publishing. Sounds like they're definitely doing something right!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alex!
That verification sounds annoying. I haven't run into it myself.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Jessica's journey turned out well for her. It sounds like an excellent choice to go with.
I was sitting next to Jessica when she was at that writers' conference, so its wonderful to see how far she's come :) Best wishes with Acorn Publishing!!
ReplyDeletePS: I just came over from Crystals Writerly Wednesday...I have nooo idea what day it is... (gulp:) Looks over shoulder!
PPS: Haha! That verification thing will drive me nuts!!
I'm not sure I'd make it all the way through Dark. Horror stories creep me out. I'm too young for them. ha.
ReplyDeleteLoved Jessica's thoughts. That seems to be the way things are trending lately. Who needs a big press anyway?
ReplyDeleteso interesting reading about Jessica's path! very innovative and take-charge, which sometimes you have to be in this biz.
ReplyDeleteDark was the Night sound my kind of darkness :) Can't wait for the new Star Wars and XMen movies either
ReplyDeleteLove the sound of Acorn Publishing too. X
Very interesting journey for the Acorn authors.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting route for the Acorn authors.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an annoying verification. I've not run across it yet, but I'm currently buried with finishing up a book.
congratulations to Jessicaaa...and frankly I always admire those who manage to publish their books..in series :)
ReplyDeleteStarting your own imprint sounds like a great idea. Joint marketing is probably more fun as well!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen that verification yet. They like to make us jump through hoops.
Not sure how much this might or might not help, but apparently I suck at picking out road signs, too :D Loved Jessica's post! Funny, I'm just preparing a post on indie publishing for the close of my book tour, so reading this felt like synergy. Small presses have their disadvantages—such as, say, going out of business, which throws a wrench into the best-laid plans—but I still feel they're the best option out there. Good for Jessica on finding a way to turn a bad turn into a positive result, not only for herself but for others, including the authors Acorn Publishing will help. Kudos!
ReplyDeleteGuilie @ Quiet Laughter
Deborah, that's cool.
ReplyDeleteAnnalisa - it's a abomination! No need to remake. We all know the twist - what's the point?
Michelle, yes! It's much bigger and acts like a laptop.
Yolanda, haven't seen it yet.
Mark, Mark, Mark...
Crystal, not me!
Guilie, I still like my small press.
Thank you for stopping by, and your prayers for my cousin and myself. You're a good man. Sorry I didn't read this Post, but I'll be back tomorrow to do just that. It's been a long day and I"m oh so tired. Thank you again. HUGS
ReplyDeleteI'd like a new iPad.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many publishing options today so that our books can reach an audience.
I keep getting verifications about bread, pizza, soup, etc. I think Blogger is trying to make us hungry.
Acorn sounds like a great idea. I suppose this week you'll be flooded with submissions. :-)
ReplyDeleteHoly comments, Batman! Thanks everyone for stopping by!! I appreciate your support :) Especially you, Alex!
ReplyDeleteHow are you liking your iPad Pro?
ReplyDeleteLoved learning more about your journey, Jessica! Balsy move, by the way lol But glad you're doing something that makes you happy your way.
ReplyDeleteAlex, I'm getting very excited for The Force Awakens, and I'm definitely avoiding a super-sized drink lol
Hey dude,
ReplyDeleteApologies for my lack of interaction. Which means at like almost four in the morning, I'm actually gracing you with one of my comments.
Interesting to read about Jessica's journey. I know have the word, "NOOB" stuck in my head!
Thanks for all the links and info. I comment on way more than 25 posts and I've never encountered that weird verification. How flipping annoying though.
Cheers,
Gary
Jennifer's story sure is surprising. I'm glad she's happy in her group now. I need to do something like that as I cannot self-pub on Amazon (they refuse to do bank transfers to "Africa"), so I've been thinking about paying a company to pub me, but it would probably cost more than I'll make with the book...
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Emilyann & Pat on their new releases!
I hate that new captcha thing. I had the same trouble with the "street signs." One is clearly a sign to a park, not a street sign, yet if I don't pick it, I get bounced to a new one. *sigh*
Thanks for all the movie news! Have a great weekend! :)
Jessica! What a great story and idea you guys had. Best of luck! I hope I get to work with you guys someday. :)
ReplyDeleteALEX!!
I'm sorry I'm so late. The week got away from me.
You mentioned the time frame of that movie ... I saw a list of movies the other day that would have ended in five minutes if cell phones had existed. I always wanted to make a list of movies that would have ended quickly if the main character was armed. :)
I can't wait to read some of the anthology stories! There is so much talent in the IWSG!
Have a great weekend!
Heather
"Dark Was the Night."
ReplyDeleteNight has an annoying tendency to be like that.
I think Jessica's idea of getting together with her author friends was a great idea. Virtual Reality sounds really neat, though a little scary, too. Am I excited about The Force Awakens? Yes!!!!!! Am I annoyed by the blogger verification? Yes, with another dozen exclamation points. Congrats to those with new releases! Have a great weekend, Alex!
ReplyDeleteInspiring story...from writer to founder of an imprint. So cool! :)
ReplyDeleteMarie, no worries! Family first.
ReplyDeleteJessica, you're very welcome!
Sandra, it's great! Review coming next week.
Gary, always good to hear from you!
Lexa, I get that as well! I can never get the street signs right one the first try.
Heather! No worries. And the anthology stories were so amazing.
Al, darn it!
What an awesome venture.. will have to check it out:)
ReplyDeleteJessica's journey is inspiring. I'm still working on traditional publishing, but maybe...
ReplyDeleteThose verification things are irritating, but I know nothing about how to make them stop.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
"So, I'd recommend avoiding the super-size drink."
ReplyDeleteWe wouldn't have to avoid it if they brought Intermission break back to the movies! lol But then I often don't buy at the snack bar anyway because the food is too damn expensive. But I could use a stretch in about the middle of the film. lol
Acorn Publishing sounds like an awesome idea. Combine the best of indie and traditional publishing.
ReplyDeleteI actually like those picture-based CAPTCHA. I'd rather struggle to figure out which pictures have street signs than struggle to figure out if that squiggle is a "W" or a "Q." Don't have a way to skip them, though.
We partied down Friday night. Dinner, Grocery shopping, etc. Stayed out till 9:30. grin.
ReplyDeleteWhat about you two?
Alex, Wifey is looking forward to an iPad Pro. Therein lies the conflict in our family as I'm an Android person.
ReplyDeleteJessica's journey sounds interesting and I'm glad it's worked out for her and the rest of Acorn Publishing, but I still wouldn't want to self-publish. >_< Still sounds like too much stress to me.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, despite my attempts otherwise, I'm getting excited about The Force Awakens. Everything I've seen for it makes it look really good. Here's hoping it is.
Ooh, that's great to hear about Acorn Publishing. I love the idea of a group of writers starting an imprint.
ReplyDeleteAnd congratulations, Alex on six years of blogging! Blogs should have code that recognises dedicated bloggers like you so that you never have to see any verification nonsense, ever!
That sure is the most annoying verification ever. It sometimes keeps me from commenting. Sometimes. What I do know is that desk jockies should think of something useful. You may remember my post - you know, the one you read earlier today... These people should be thrown in a moat. Well, that's how I feel about them.
ReplyDelete