Monday, July 9, 2007

Taking the fun out of it

Man, publishing a book or a series of books is not all fun and games. For every person out there willing to congratulate you, there's another who's quick to tell you that your books are no good, or your agent's no good, or your publisher's no good ... or some combination of all three. Then if you respond, they (figuratively) raise their arms, roll their eyes, and accuse you of having a thin skin. They do all this under the guise of wanting to help you and others like you, but I'm not so convinced that's their true intent

Regardless of their intent, it takes a lot of the fun out of it for me. I guess that does mean that I have a thin skin.

Sorry, this is just a bad day. I know that most people have problems far worse than this. But even a blog can be a little depressing now and then, huh?

2 comments:

ORION said...

Take heart. You have gotten further than many writers.
It can be tough and unexpected when some writers are not supportive but there are so many who are.
Hold on to the positive and shed the negative.
Good Luck!

Jim Melvin said...

What excellent advice! Thanks so much. And I love the music of the ocean as well.

Synopsis

The Death Wizard Chronicles is a sexy, action-packed six-book epic fantasy series: Book One (Forged by Death), Book Two (Chained by Fear), Book Three (Eve of War), Book Four (World on Fire), Book Five (Sun God), Book Six (Death-Know).

The DW Chronicles is not for children and teenagers -- or the faint of heart. But if you like graphic fantasy that is bursting with excitement yet still has a lot going on between the lines, I think you'll love my series.

In a groundbreaking paradox, the Death Wizard, a champion of good, derives his power from a source traditionally seen as negative -- death. His nemesis, an evil sorcerer, derives his power from the sun, the benevolent source of all life. Their struggle to control the fate of the planet Triken will take your breath away.

In an original twist never before seen in this genre, the Death Wizard is able to enter the realm of death during a "temporary suicide." Through intense concentration, he stops his heartbeat and feeds on death energy, which provides him with an array of magical powers.

The series also is a love triangle involving two desperate characters attempting to come together despite the machinations of an all-powerful psychopath with incestuous cravings.

Graphic and action-packed, spanning a millennium of turmoil, The DW Chronicles carries readers on a journey they will never forget.

Do you fear death? The Death Wizard does not. Find out why.

-- Please go to www.jim-melvin.com for more details.

About Me

My photo
Clemson, SC, United States
I was born in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., but grew up in St. Petersburg, Fla. I graduated from the University of South Florida (Tampa) in 1979 with a B.A. in Journalism. I now live in South Carolina near the Blue Ridge Mountains, a pleasant setting for writing, to say the least. I was an award-winning journalist at the St. Petersburg Times for twenty-five years and I currently work at the Charlotte Observer. I am married with five daughters.

The author

The author
Jim Melvin, a veteran journalist, debuts as novelist.