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Hand in Hand

8/31/2017

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If you want to write well, you really do need to read.
No, I don't mean books on writing. I mean all kinds of books. Both fiction and non-fiction, genres you love and genres you don't care for, popular or well known authors and obscure authors. The more you read, the more inspiration you will find and the better the quality of your writing will get. By all means read books which are considered classics. But read newly published work too.
Read books on writing if you really want.
My experience with books on writing, especially by well established prolific authors, is they forget that every single writer has a unique writing style and what works for one is NOT guaranteed to work for another. I can't help cringing when I see people recommend Stephen King's On Writing. (Yes, I've read it.) I think every aspiring writer is far better off to just read anything and everything which catches their interest and give consideration to books others recommend to them.
Now, you can write even if you don't read anyone else's work at all. And maybe the writing will be okay. But why take the risk? Why settle for adequate or okay writing when you could do something relatively easy (not to mention relaxing) and your writing could be so much better?
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Lexa's First Book

8/17/2017

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The first (semi) independently published book is a learning experience. Every author I know of who has published either independently or through a small publishing company has said the same thing. They learned a lot. Lexa is no exception.
The first book published under the name A. A. Cheshire was originally titled The Watchtowers and published in September 2011, nearly six years ago. She chose to publish through Mantler Publishing (now Lit 'n' Laughter) rather than completely independently. And a few copies did sell. There may even be used copies floating around out there still. However, the first edition isn't available to buy new and hasn't been in years.
In September 2012, the second edition was released, still as A. A. Cheshire, still through Mantler Publishing. But with a new title, Hunting the Dephlendar, and as part of the Colony World 1.5.3E set. Also with a different cover layout. This edition was discontinued, but as with the first, there may be used copies around.
The third (current) edition came about after Lexa left Mantler Publishing in the fall of 2014 and moved to Howling Wolf Books.
The story was re-edited with new, never seen before material added in and released as the first book in the Cemen Colony series in April 2015. Of course with a completely new cover and under the name Alexandra A. Cheshire.
It is available in both print and ebook.

"Centuries ago, an ancient evil was concealed in five watchtowers on the world of Cemen, using the stones known as dephlendar for protection. Now forgotten by time, they continue their guardianship, awaiting those chosen to destroy the great evil and usher in a new era in history.
Amy and Stacie have grown up far from home and family, training to fulfill their roles in the fate of their world... If they can survive this first task with mind and body intact."


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Beta Readers

8/3/2017

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At some point in the editing stages of any writing project it is extremely helpful to have another person read the work and give feedback, preferably in the form of constructive criticism. While the final draft and any changes made are ultimately the decision of the author, having other eyes on the piece often reveals where work actually needs to be done. Authors overlook all kinds of faults, major and minor, in what they write because they can see the vision in their head. The problem is in translating this vision so readers can catch a glimpse of it too. When plot holes get left unfilled or description is severely lacking, it's a frustration to the reader.
This is where beta readers come in. Beta readers give the feedback and suggestions which can take a mediocre second (or third or fourth) draft (I would never give anyone a first draft to read) and help the author turn it into an amazing published book.
In order to do so, beta readers need to be able to give constructive criticism because neither saying "Oh, it's good. I loved it" or tearing the whole thing to shreds is helpful to the author. A good beta reader will note both good and bad points of the story/setting/characters, be able to point out anything they found confusing, and generally pass along suggestions for improvement.
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