Author: M.A. Parker Author

Being an artist is fun and frustrating. There are two forms of art that I do, writing and drawing/painting. I love both. However, I’ve got a problem which I’m sure many artists have, as well. When I’m working on one form, all the other tends to be dropped or pushed to the side. I’m trying to find a better balance with it, but most days, I fail. Miserably.

One thing about me is that I constantly think ‘I can do that’ and ‘It can’t be that hard’. Anyone else? And then you start said new project, and realize it’s more complicated than you imagined? But you are stubborn, so you don’t give up. Now you have put in a lot of time and a generous financial contribution. You can’t stop now! Also, there is something about learning something new that is so invigorating. One thing I’ll say in my defense, I understand my limitations…such as, I can’t draw people well. So, I know where to focus my artist skills in making a cover.

I’ve started a course on learning digital art. It’s fantastic! I’m learning so much and it’s helping with the new cover. I really wish I had the funds to hire the artists I dream of, and maybe one day I will. In the mean time, I can create a better cover than I have now.

But, the downside is that work on Book 2 and the re-edit of Book 1 has slowed down (but I’ve finished chapter 3!). The re-edit is hard anyway, because editing is tedious and stressful to make sure you don’t add more errors as you correct the current errors. By the time I get to working on Book 2, I feel drained and the creativity needed for the story doesn’t come.

Anyone else feel that being pulled in so many directions makes it hard to keep the creativity alive? I think I need to find a better schedule or take a long break…I’m not sure which one at the moment.

Anyhow, the new cover should be ready within the next 6-8 weeks. I have to get to the training where it shows me how to do text better. Which was the main reason I started doing the course! I wanted my book cover text to look less flat. Every font in Canva didn’t work like I wanted it to. So, I moved on to Adobe…and once I pick up the skills to use those programs…the sky is the limit because most programs follow that format.

Anyhow, back to work….

This week has been full of various projects. Sometimes I have to open 2 or 3 separate projects so that I can jump to one when I’m stuck or tired of the one I’m working on.

One of my goals this year was to finish my first ever book I started to write. My historical mystery/romance book. It is about 75% complete. So close to completion. I haven’t decided if I should publish on this pen name or a new one, but that’s future author problems.

When I clicked open my manuscript, it didn’t have the word count on the chapters anymore. Somehow it rest to default. I panicked a little trying to remember how to get it back. To my relief, I wrote everything down on a post-it pad. Though, where it ended up after that….anyone’s guess. After a fitful seven minutes, I found it. It was safely stuck to the side of my upper desk thing.

I know I have posted about how to do it before, I thought I would share it again. Word count is so important when writing. Having chapter word counts at a glance is wonderful! So below is my instructions, feel free to write them down too (or screenshot the sticky note – maybe I should do that too!)

I still find Scrivener the best resource when starting manuscripts. I’m editing in Word and I find it tedious with all the things wrong with Word. It’s probably why I pulled up a different project because I was annoyed with the program.

Final thoughts today – save your work. Never leave it up and walk away without clicking save (or making sure it auto saved).

May everything go your way today! ♥

I’m so happy now that my manuscript is back from being proofread and line edited. (if you need an editor please check out my previous post about editing services through proofreadereditor)

Now comes the grueling task of going through it one more time. I’m excited, but also not looking forward to it. I’ve had the revisions back since the 12th and I’m only on page seven. You’d think it would be easy this time around, but it’s a struggle.

My goal is to relaunch Book 1 – the Ghost of Skull Island by the end of the year. It’ll take a bit of work, but that’s where I’m at with the timeline.

As for the cover, I’m working with a few different styles. I’m learning how to do my own work in Illustrator. I’m halfway through a course, and learning so much. I think you’ll like the new cover. A cover reveal is in order, don’t you think? So, there is much to do in the next three months. I’m confident I can do it, and hope there are no major obstacles on the horizon.

I’ve been working hard at getting a new cover made. The goal was to have it done before I got my book back from my editor, but that didn’t happen. I’m working on several different styles in hopes of finding the right one.

I’ve had to learn several digital platforms like procreate for drawing and Adobe Illustrator for designs. It was more challenging than I anticipated, but, honestly, I’ve loved the creative process combined with learning something new.

My plan is to have the cover and edit done before Christmas, but you know how life can be. Stay tuned for updates (I’ll try to post more regularly. I’ve been so focused on writing/cover design that everything else has been on hold). But, I’m getting better and handling all the aspects of being a self-published editor.

And, if you’re an indie author, on a budget, and need a great editor please check out proofreadereditor. She’s amazing.

I’ve released a new look for my author platform. In the redo of my cover, it occurred to me that the image I used was also generated through Firefly, thus making the art usable by anyone.

I loved the original look I generated in Firefly, so I worked to create a new logo that combined the original inspiration, but adding in a more authentic feel. It took me a few days, and a lot of patience, to learn how to use digital programs to create it. The end product I love. I hope you do, as well.

I have exciting news!

I found an editor for Book One! I’m so excited to work with Ramona from Proofreading and Editing Services (click here for her website or Instagram here). I’ve followed her social media for a while. Her posts and interactions were engaging and professional.

After using an editor from Reedsy, (very nice editor), but definitely expense for an indie author with no works out yet. Though, at the time, I didn’t know what options were available to me. While the experience was ok, it took way more than I had budgeted for editing. So, by the time release day arrived, I couldn’t get the proofreading or editing done.

I’m excited for Ramona’s talent and services to tackle my story. I love the set prices and tier system of services. This way, I find the services I need and pay for that or combine them, like I did this time. All the correspondence has been fast and professional. I received a sample edit and secure a spot within 24 hours. Incredible service and communication. It really impressed me. I’m so excited to see her work!

It’ll be a few weeks before I’ll have another update on what happens, but I have a good feeling about the outcome. And, fingers crossed, an editor for book 2!

About me:

For anyone wondering where I have been, I have an update. Being new and inexperienced to publishing, marketing, and social media as an indie author, I met with and experienced the all typical burn out.

I worked hard for all of 2023 to get my book ready to publish by my December publish date. I spent long hours going through each chapter and refining it. I tried to learn how to get my author name out and known. I learned how to make content with various apps and ideas. It was stressful and at the same time rewarding because I did it. I published my book!

Then, in the last weeks of 2023 and the first few months of 2024, came the fall from the high of my book release. The doubt inevitably set in, along with the sadness that I knew nothing about how to market my book, or myself for that matter. The more I read, the more disheartened I became, until I needed to stop. I haven’t been idle, I’ve been working on book two and other projects. I needed to take that step away and recharge. The several month break was more than I was anticipating, but I’m feeling ready to pickup again that part of being an indie author. The social and engaging aspect is something I’m not good at in the first place. Introverted and social awkward, I prefer to watch others on social media, not the one being on the screen. However, because I love my story and wish for others to enjoy it, I’ll jump into the waters of being uncomfortable and do it, sink or swim.

About Bischoff Black:

I’ve learned a few things in the seven months since I published my book. There are a few things I’m working on changing with Book One: the Ghost of Skull Island. Firstly, at the time, I didn’t realize the impact of using AI to make my book cover. While the cover was made – start to finish – by me, I did use AI art from Firefly to get the cover done in the time I had. It wasn’t until after I published it that I learned why using AI art is disrespectful to artists. I’m working on redoing my cover either through my own drawings, or with the help of a cover artist.

Secondly, while I worked really hard to make sure there were as few errors as possible, there are technical issues, such as repeating phrases, lots of telling instead of showing, and other editing issues that need resolving. I’m looking to send my book to another editor (which I didn’t have time or money for last year) to read through and help me fine tune the story. This will hopefully coincide with the release of book two. It’ll be a lot of work, but I’m determined to make it the best.

Thank you to anyone that is here because of my story. I’m extremely thankful for your patience. I’m so grateful for the trust and support. I hope to bring you more of Bischoff Black and his adventures soon.

I am a notebook and pens kind of person. However, in today’s tech world, I find it hard to find all the notes on my stories that I need. My other fatal flaw is the need to keep things organized, which is hard to do without redoing each notebook. For the Bischoff Black series, I have gone through three different rounds of transferring everything over to a new notebook. I got better with each transfer, but I still found I missed something or needed information moved around again.

Last month, I decided to move all my notes into Scrivener, so I can have all notes a simple click away, and on the same screen. I opened a new document on Scrivener and started the painful process to organize it the way I wanted. When I put the last folder in place, I wondered if there was a better template for this process. I came across Milanote and fell in love with the set up. But after 10 minutes I realized I had used over half the notes and not finished with one book. Another downside for me was it was cloud-based and required a subscription in order to have the access I needed for my work. If I could add another bill to our budget, I would use it.

I thought there had to be someone who had structured their scrivener in a better fashion than I had. A few google searches later I came across Belinda Crawford’s website where she listed a link to free templates you can add to scrivener for world building. I was elated. A few quick clicks later, and I had it added to scrivener and opened a new file.

IT. WAS. PERFECT.

It had so much more than I could create by myself. Take a look at some of my favorite sections of this particular template:

Here are all the folders when you open the template.

I love the location template. It added questions I never thought to answer about my world.

The character work sheets are amazing. I love how it is structured. There are so many questions to answer that it helps get to the depth of your character.

The best part was is they have included the Leviathan method of world-building. If you get stuck on something, you can simple click on the file and read what to do next.

If you would like to add this free template to your scrivener click here! I hope you find it as helpful as I have.

Happy writing!

There’s something magical about the way inspiration strikes, and for me, that magic often happens with a simple scroll through Pinterest. As a writer, Pinterest is my digital treasure trove, a world where images and ideas collide, sparking a creative fire that fuels my storytelling adventures.

Picture this: I’m cozied up with a cup of tea, laptop open, and Pinterest on the screen. The vast expanse of boards and pins beckons like a literary wonderland. From enchanting landscapes to character mood boards, Pinterest has become the unique advantage in my writing process. One particular board, aptly named “Book Inspiration – Worlds,” has become my go-to source for visual enchantment. The vivid imagery, from lush landscapes to unique artist descriptions of new worlds, transports me to amazing places waiting to be explored with words.

What makes Pinterest truly special is its ability to curate inspiration tailored to my writing style. The platform has, over time with thousands of pins, pinpointed the understanding of my literary preferences. As I scroll, I stumble upon quotes that resonate, character sketches that align with my imagination, and writing tips that feel like sage advice from a fellow wordsmith. It’s not just about the images; it’s about the stories they whisper and the ideas they plant in my mind.

In the Pinterest rabbit hole, I discovered the beauty of the many souls that are in the writing community. I find many who are greatly inspired and express their visions in extraordinary ways. It’s a space where I can see and empathize with the struggles of fellow writers, and sometimes indulge in hilarious memes that only we, the keepers of imaginary realms, truly understand.

For me, Pinterest isn’t just a social media platform; it’s my muse, my cheerleader, and my creative haven. The images and ideas it offers are not just pixels on a screen; they are keys that unlock the door to my imagination. So, the next time you find yourself in need of a creative boost, take a scroll on Pinterest—you might just stumble upon the inspiration that propels your writing to new heights. Happy pinning and even happier writing!

As I shared in a previous post, the idea of Bischoff came from seeing his name in a dream. I wanted Bischoff to come from a world that was different from ours, though the same. I love the idea of magic, so that had to come into play. However, I didn’t want this to be all about magic, but about pirates. I have several other books that are waiting to be written that have all the magic. The story of Bischoff and his friends I wanted to be about the adventure.

The world Bischoff lives is called the Nataturi Realm. Everything is based off of skeleton parts or aspects of sailing and water. It made for a lot of fun days thinking of ways to turn them into story ideas. I can’t count the hours I stared off into space thinking of ideas on how to make the world exciting and fun to explore.

Another fun twist I wanted, was to take the image of pirates: dirty, evil, thieves, cut throats, and harbingers of doom, and turn it on its head. What if they weren’t the bad guys, but in truth they were just like every other civilization? How would that be? And thus, many of the twists and turns in the story were born.

So, we began Bischoff’s tale with a twist of fate, as he is torn away from his beloved home of Oarsman Village. The quest unfolds, one that takes Bischoff from the humble shores of of his home to a realm where islands represent fragments of a skeleton. Each island, with its own mysteries and challenges, is a puzzle piece in this grand adventure.

What makes Bischoff’s journey unique is not just the fantastical setting, but the evolution of his character. A loner by nature, he discovers the value of companionship as he forges unexpected friendships with a diverse crew of misfit pirates. Together (through the book series), they navigate the treacherous waters, face mythical creatures, and uncover the secrets hidden within the islands.

In this narrative, the familiar structure of a hero’s journey intertwines with the freshness of a new world full of exciting new places to explore. Bischoff’s growth, both as an individual and a natural leader, serves as the beating heart of the story. The quest is not just a physical one, but a journey of self-discovery as he learns to trust, to lead, and to embrace the strengths of his newfound companions.

The essence of Bischoff’s odyssey lies in its ability to be simultaneously thrilling and distinct. While sailing the high seas with pirates might evoke echoes of familiar tales, the intricacies of the Nataturi Realm, the unique challenges, and the relationships that bloom against this backdrop carve a niche of their own. It’s a story that invites readers to explore uncharted territories, where every island tells a bone-chilling story and every wave whispers of adventure.

So, join Bischoff as he first unravels the mysteries of Skull Island, then sets sail on a perilous quest on the Thelassic Sea where the journey promises to be nothing short of extraordinary. The quest awaits, and with it, a tale that dances on the line between the familiar and the fantastical.