MelSkinner

I haven't been on here in awhile. My life has been busy. I currently care for my mother, who has dementia. I also write.

I will publish a book of poetry in August.

After significant changes, I am finally going to publish NON. This I do not have a firm date on yet. But, one way or another, it is going to be published.

I will update when I know more.

Mel

So, currently 'Nightmares of Nevaeh' is in the Eval/Editorial Stage(s). I am busy, and that is an understatement. All I can really say at the moment to describe the experience is to call it...interesting. I know that's vague, but it isn't like anything I have had to deal with before so I don't really know another way to explain.

You see, when I was a new writer--many years ago--I looked on the writing process and didn't really understand how complicated publication was...not really. Not that I hadn't done my research, because I had. I simply didn't know there were so many things left out of print that I had to learn along the way. Of course, I was a teenager when I began writing and I was more of an optimist--publication didn't become a priority until recent years. Now I am nearing thirty and I have surely made a leap into pessimism. Being a writer for any great length of time toughens you to the world--gives you thickening skin, as most would say. And I certainly improved my patience a great deal. Lord knows I have seen enough delays due to my health.

Having said all of that, the Eval/Editorial stage(s) is a complicated learning experience as well as my usual work and art. Though nothing gets easier in writing. The second novel you write is twenty times more challenging than the first, but you get through it. That same principle applies to just about everything in this business, for a variety of reasons. At least, that has been my experience and the experience of all the authors to whom I have asked the same question.

Here is the point and my advice to new or relatively new writers:

Writing as a career never gets easier. Be prepared for that, and aware it doesn't mean writing is without its rewards.

Mel

I recently setup an Author blog. Yesterday I put the first chapter of the book on there (if anyone is curious). There is also a poll regarding the cover illustration. Let me be clear, I am still very happy with it, but I need to see what everyone is thinking, their reactions.

Jocarra and I have discussed another commission, briefly, for this book. I am leaning towards an alternative illustration at the moment. But like I said, I need some outside opinions before I make any major decisions regarding this. I think family and friends, while helpful, may not be completely honest with me.

If you do participate in the poll, keep in mind the marketing aspects of the artwork. If the publisher decides to go with their artist(s) and my hands are tied, the art will be used on my websites and when I am marketing the book. That means, the cover should appeal to the reader, the target market (YA), and be unique to your mind as well as eye-catching.

Thank you,

Mel

melskinner.blogspot.com/



Nightmares of Nevaeh
Science Fiction/YA

Jocarra has finished the cover illustration for the first book in 'The Nevaeh Series', titled: Nightmares of Nevaeh. She has been great to do business with and I'm very happy with the artwork.

jocarra.deviantart.com/art/Com…


This is the cover I wanted. I don't know if it will be the final cover, depending on the publisher, but I am pushing for it. There are six books in the series, so five more covers I hope to have Jocarra create for me down the road.

If anyone is wondering when the book will be out, I do not know the release date. When I do I will be sure to let you know. Currently, I am waiting to hear back from several people. In the meantime, the book has been entered in the ABNA contest. Never planned to enter any book in a contest, until after Sherrilyn Kenyon (the author) made a really good argument on why I should enter.  

Anyhow, at the earliest, I would think the first book will be out by the end of this year. If it takes too much longer than that, with this plan, I have several other guaranteed alternatives and it will be out next year. Either way, I'll post here, on my webpage (when it's finished), and the book's myspace, to let everyone know.

Mel

I went ahead and posted a spoof script I did for a local group (there is more info in the comments below the script). Anyhow, I figured I should put something up here. And that piece was just sitting around. I thought it might amuse someone, especially if you've read the Twilight Saga. The formatting is off because of copy and paste...I hate that. But, there you go, something from Mel on the internet that's not a summary or a blurb.

Not much else to say. Jocarra jocarra.deviantart.com/ is doing a great job with the cover illustration so far. I'm very pleased.   And I am working on materials that accompany the book I'm pushing toward publication. When I have time, I work on the second book in the series. That's my life. Pretty dull, really.

Anyhow, you're welcome to take a look at the spoof script.

Later,

Mel