tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409704460897113022024-02-07T14:50:06.702-05:00MusingsA blog on writing and samples of my workRich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.comBlogger326125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440970446089711302.post-7039719205908037912022-12-18T17:13:00.003-05:002022-12-18T17:13:37.803-05:00WelcomeWelcome to my web site. Here you will find information about my books and samples of my work as well as blog posts from different places. All comments are welcome.Rich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440970446089711302.post-37120635291057752432013-12-22T09:15:00.000-05:002013-12-22T09:15:38.581-05:00Side EffectI've been writing a lot of poetry recently. In fact I've got so many poems now I'm estimating that my first book of poetry will be out next year. All I need is fifty poems and I've got thirty-one poems now and another dozen or so that I'm working on to add to my collection. That means when all is said and done I'm within seven poems and I'll definitely write that many poems in the new year if Rich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440970446089711302.post-64422555462209256632013-12-15T10:30:00.000-05:002013-12-15T10:30:13.661-05:00Is a PuzzlementAt the start of the month, I released a new story, Gray's World, on Smashwords. It's a science fiction story, one which I had submitted to some magazines and which they rejected. That was a few years ago when I was still struggling to figure why my novel wouldn't sell either.
Recently I realized how to fix the story. So I did and released it. I saw one tweet about it and since then people have Rich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440970446089711302.post-10447471666723390602013-12-08T09:05:00.001-05:002013-12-08T09:05:30.443-05:00Random OrderI've been writing all sorts of things as the mood hits. For example, I began writing a few poems. My poetry collection now has over 30 poems in it and I manage to capture a few more. When I have 50 poems I'll give thought to releasing it.
Revision on Book 2 continues but in a fit of activity I managed to plot out Books 5 and 6. It was necessary to do both books at once to match sure the Rich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440970446089711302.post-48008810854914456012013-12-01T09:16:00.001-05:002013-12-01T09:16:59.545-05:00More Writer TrapsAs anyone knows who has been writing for any length of time, it is easy for someone to waste time on other activities that should or could be spent on writing. This is the writer trap.
They come is all shapes and sizes and I've written about a few. Generally, they come in the form of distractions such as surfacing the Internet, playing computer games, keeping up on social media, and so on. But Rich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440970446089711302.post-71226399465990402182013-11-24T10:36:00.004-05:002013-11-24T10:36:53.344-05:00SeriouslyOne of my early blog posts asked the question are you serious about writing. By that I meant are meant are you willing to do what it takes to write and publish your work. My view at the time was that writing is for sharing -- something I still believe -- and that in order to share a story or poem or written piece, you must publish it.
However, I'm not sure how many other writers share that viewRich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440970446089711302.post-16677762982097896502013-11-10T09:54:00.000-05:002013-11-10T09:54:37.224-05:00Wrote a book? Try selling it.The big discovery this week is that traditional publishers aren't my only roadblock; traditional booksellers are too. I made this discovery while trying to arrange a book signing for my novel. In the process I learned a few things:
* It is nearly impossible to garner interest in a new unknown fiction writer; you can advertise but people will ignore it and not attend the signing. Apparently theyRich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440970446089711302.post-19854915277189487922013-11-03T08:45:00.003-05:002013-11-03T08:45:54.686-05:00Sold Out ... TemporarilyThe new this week is that my novel, after being in Amazon for about a week and a half is temporarily sold out. I'm sure those sales are family and/or friends. And I expected this sort of spike initially. The question is can I maintain it.
And quite honestly, I don't know. But I've begun focusing on book signings, which means identifying book store in the area and asking if they host such events Rich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440970446089711302.post-89167560393443649102013-10-27T08:14:00.001-04:002013-10-27T08:14:49.729-04:00Life ResumesWith my first novel published, life resumes its normal flow with the added piece that I'm now thinking about how to promote the book. Aside from that, I continue to revise Book 2 and I've begun to plan out Book 5.
Work on poems and short stories continues as well. And I continue to plod along taking care of my house, my dogs, the car, and spending time with my wife.
Just regular things that Rich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440970446089711302.post-33581948502302980812013-10-20T09:08:00.002-04:002013-10-20T09:08:24.840-04:00Interview: Me, my world, and other thingsI posted on Twitter yesterday reminding everyone that only three days remain until my novel releases. This prompted at series of question from Giselle Marks, a writer who follows me, about my book, myself, and other things. I thought it made a good impromptu interview, so here it is. Enjoy.
https://twitter.com/feitelberg/status/391581505715052544
Keep writing everyone.Rich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440970446089711302.post-9354109076737204562013-10-13T09:07:00.000-04:002013-10-13T09:07:18.137-04:00When Ideas Won't ComeI've been struggling with a short story recently, one that I thought was ready to go. But based on a few test reads, I decided to revise it instead. But every revise comes up flat. So I decided to take a step back.
I re-read the story and cut away everything I didn't like before moving forward again. Then I resumed my revision, more slowly this time. Inching my way forward, writing a paragraph Rich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440970446089711302.post-33718797733032172132013-10-06T08:35:00.003-04:002013-10-06T08:35:59.407-04:00Aure, the Topaz, Book 1 of the Aglaril CycleI like to think that I'm not so arrogant or full of myself that I can't admit when I wrong. And at those times, I'd like to think that I can just admit it and move on. So here goes.
I never really expected to receive a physical proof of my novel because the publisher seems so inept. But over the last month they've been proving me wrong repeatedly and this past week they put the icing on Rich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440970446089711302.post-55123771599756809782013-09-29T08:35:00.001-04:002013-09-29T08:35:20.144-04:00Arbiters of TasteLong ago, in an era without social media, the editors and publishers of books and magazine determined what we read for fiction and non-fiction. In one sense they controlled what we thought too or thought about, because we naturally think about things we read. It wasn't a monopoly of course. We were able to think about other things but they had a large influence.
The general reading public was Rich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440970446089711302.post-25472990902347217082013-09-22T08:44:00.001-04:002013-09-22T08:44:28.090-04:00Book TrailerThe big news this week is that the trailer for my novel, Aure the Topaz, is out and posted on my web site, feitelberg.net. Feel free to watch it.
You'll also find it on YouTube and Vimeo.
The end product is different from the script and storyboards I submitted, but different in a good way. The folks creating the trailer clearly know what they are doing and personally, I'd like to shake their Rich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440970446089711302.post-75574709232393264732013-09-15T11:23:00.000-04:002013-09-15T11:23:25.541-04:00I May have Been Too HastyA few weeks ago, I was surprised by a flurry of tweets to me and about me which seem to have prompted this blog to receive more notice. I assume my web site saw an increased in traffic -- I have checked the logs on that but it stands to reason since I habitually send people there.
Here's what happened:
As some of readers of this blog may know, I have in the Boston area. So does John Feitelberg.Rich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440970446089711302.post-13841095751621762782013-08-12T08:36:00.005-04:002013-09-13T10:56:33.753-04:00Self-Publishing WinsI know I've discussed which is better: traditional publishing or self-publishing. At the time I gave the pros and cons of both. That discussion left out a few points which tip the scale toward self-publishing.
For example, I neglected to point out that most of us will probably end up using a small press if we go the traditional publishing route. This process takes much longer than it would if Rich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440970446089711302.post-2058481310275256482013-07-22T07:57:00.001-04:002013-07-22T07:57:24.637-04:00Everything is Part of a Larger StoryI got my first review of my short story, Baby Muran. I was mostly a positive review. The reviewer said it was well-written and a good adventure, which I agree with. That was the plan for the story all along.
But the reviewer also did that she felt it was part of a larger story. And with this I take issue. Here's why:
In order for the main character to seem real and not flat, he makes reference Rich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440970446089711302.post-25254619239793300202013-06-29T11:01:00.002-04:002013-06-29T11:01:32.343-04:00Breaking Up is Hard to DoFor those of you following this blog in Facebook using the NetworkedBlogs app, you may want to subscribe directly to the blog at aglaril.blogspot.com. I say this because I'm probably going to change how I use social media.
My plan is to use the blog for longer discussions. Shorter posts will go out at tweets or postings on my Fan Page. So if you want to keep track of what's going on with me, Rich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440970446089711302.post-43796529115305670082013-06-24T08:12:00.002-04:002013-06-24T08:12:39.215-04:00Focusing on my Book PublisherWith the release date fast approaching and the publisher falling further and further behind, I'm going to focus less on my blog and social media and more on tracking their progress. You'll still see posts from me but I think they will be shorter and more focused. Such things seems to work better for my audience based on the reaction I've been getting.
So for now, I'm done with the blog.
Rich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440970446089711302.post-76201774604648781822013-06-17T08:16:00.001-04:002013-06-17T08:16:44.143-04:00Book EconomicsMy trip to Chelmsford has given me a new appreciation of the economics involved with writing and its selling and marketing. Let's look at what the self-publishing writer is up against.
Before a book is even available for purchase, the writer has pay:
Hundreds of dollars for editing
Maybe $60 for book cover images and creating the cover himself or paid for a cover
For an ISBN; depending Rich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440970446089711302.post-65444954525742260562013-06-14T07:47:00.001-04:002013-06-14T07:47:31.145-04:00WaterloggedIt's raining...
Again.
This is the third rainstorm in a week and so far we've had a about seven inches of rain, which is enough to wipe out the deficit we had and flood my basement.
The sump pump is running regularly but when I have this much water, it is really can't handle the load.
On the bright side, each storm gives me more information on how to potential prevent future flooding. I've Rich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440970446089711302.post-27409511789764531902013-06-10T09:19:00.000-04:002013-06-10T09:19:12.177-04:00Switching GearsTime to get back to basics around here. I'm sure some of readers of this blog are tired of hearing me promote my novel, Aure, the Topaz or remind them one more time that I'll be at the Chelmsford Library this Saturday for Local Authors Day, to speak about said novel.
Instead I want to talk about Book 4. I finally managed to push through my own lethargy and get back to work on the #$@#$ thing. Rich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440970446089711302.post-25017001427289538352013-06-07T08:30:00.001-04:002013-06-07T08:35:41.776-04:00Calling all ReadersI need your help but I'm not sure how to ask this nor am I comfortable asking. But that doesn't change the fact that I need to ask. So I'm going to say this once and move on.
Please order a copy of Aure the Topaz from shopaziza.wazala.com. If you've already ordered a copy, I thank you.
Okay I'm done. I won't ask again I promise.
I suppose I should have a mailing list you can subscribe toRich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440970446089711302.post-47093985024975607392013-06-03T08:47:00.000-04:002013-06-03T08:47:20.415-04:00The Journey BeginsAure the Topaz is now available for pre-sale at http://shopaziza.wazala.com. As a result, the long journey now begins. The book will begin to have a life of its own and who knows where it will go?
I feel a little like Bilbo Baggins about to leave his home for the first time. The main difference is I don't have a kindly wizard to watch out for me.
Not that I'm worried. I know, like all things, Rich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440970446089711302.post-72798903132334135642013-05-27T08:23:00.001-04:002013-05-27T08:23:18.325-04:00The Count Down BeginsAure, the Topaz, Book 1 of the Aglaril Cycle can be pre-ordered starting May 31. That's this Friday. The publisher hasn't shared any specific details, but I'm assuming you'll be able to order it from their web site.
I'm planning to ask about this, however, along with several other things because the physical proofs are MIA and I've got no information on the book trailer either.
I'm mostly done Rich Feitelberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657801091725743274noreply@blogger.com0