Number 1 of 5 Rarely Discussed Self-Publishing Mistakes: What NOT To Do
1. Don't Self-Publish Your First Draft: Amazon reviewers will blast your book for the many errors they're bound to find. They'll write things like, "I couldn't get past the first chapter because of all the errors," and, "This is obviously self-published." Fine-tune your manuscript by going through at least one round of revisions and self-editing and then hire a professional editor to bring a different perspective to the project. To paraphrase Ernest Hemingway: "The first draft of anything is crap. Don't publish crap."
The statement above is correct in many ways. I personally rewrite my manuscript twice before sending off to an editor. You won't believe the changes you make, the mistakes you find, and how much better your story becomes as you revise it. Yes, it takes time, but it's worth it in the end. Readers know there will be typos, but so long as they're kept to a minimum and your book has been professionally edited, you will likely receive more positive reviews.
My third book, Big Jim, has a release date for November 2015. Will keep you posted on its progress.
Keep on reading!
David
www.Lucerobooks.com
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
It’s been quite a year for all of us. As for me, I’ve
shuffled from a few stores before landing on my feet in one of the best places
I can be. That’s pretty satisfying to know I’ve a career which can support my
family.
I took a family vacation to the
I certainly hope all of you are well this holiday season. Some good news to share is how independent bookstore sales have increased in 2014. To all of you who have supported these stores, you have our many thanks. Remember, reading takes you to places you dream of visiting, but have yet to do so.
May you be blessed to spend this time with family and have an equally successful New Year!
All the best to you!
David
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Everyone Needs To Hike The Grand Canyon!
Our
by David Lucero
July 2014 marked my third visit to
the Grand Canyon National Park
It started with my
wife, Martha, and brother in-law Albert, who did a large part of the planning
and prep work. My wife’s family in Mexico
wanted to visit the Grand Canyon , their first
time, and Albert wanted to hike to the bottom of the canyon with his son,
Jesse, who had never been there.
Ten years earlier
we hiked to the bottom with a different group. Let’s see…There was Albert, his
daughter (and my niece Daniza), Martha (my wife), our son Carlo, his
then-girlfriend Winter, and me!
When we arrived we
immediately went to the Back Country Information Office to see about hiking
permits to the bottom. Whenever you hike the trails you must have a hiking
permit. These take months, sometimes years in advance for reservations. Well,
much to our initial disappointment, the office was not issuing hiking permits
due to the water lines down the Bright
Angel Trail
Midway in our
vacation we received notice the water lines were fixed and were issued hiking
permits to the bottom. We had much to learn. Firstly, we didn’t have the right
gear. Nor did we make reservations for meals at the Phantom Ranch Restaurant at
the bottom of the canyon. We had to rent backpacks and sleeping pads because we
thought we would need the equipment. Turns out we were way wrong!
My brother in-law
used hiking poles, which I thought looked silly. My father bought us wooden
hiking staffs, which I thought was more appropriate. Another mistake! That
journey taught us a lot.
The reason this year’s hiking adventure was more special was due to how well prepared we were. All of us utilized hiking poles. We had the right trail hikers, clothing, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, back packs, fleece blankets, and sleeping pads. We even had small pillows. And we made reservations for a camping spot in the Bright Angel Campground at the bottom, along with reserving meals for dinner and breakfast
Before I jump
ahead of myself to the good stuff let me tell you what we had to do in order to
make this one of the more memorable trips I’ve enjoyed.
The Planning
Martha and I began
prepping our equipment six weeks in advance. Albert and her made the
reservations about three months in advance for the Mather Campground sites
located on the South Rim of the Grand
Canyon National Park
Our group was 28
persons. Albert, Jesse, Justin, Carlo and me would leave Saturday morning at
4:30 AM, while Martha and the family would leave San Diego
on Monday to Sedona, and meet us at the Grand Canyon
on Tuesday the following week.
Martha and I have
a small trailer and most of the equipment. Tents, kitchenette sink, tables,
screen tent for the picnic table. We lacked nothing. We opened all the tents
and cleaned them up. Made sure we had enough tarps for the tent floor prints.
We even had to borrow some tents from our good friends Debbie and Tim. Good
thing because we needed them!
We stacked chairs,
tables, inflatable mattresses, cots, hammocks, camp stoves, plates, food, you
name it, and we had it. We lacked nothing in the way of camping comfort. Martha
even had to repair a tear in our screen tent made by a black bear during our
visit to Yosemite
National Park
Albert helped me
grease the ball-bearings to my trailer, I had the 4Runner checked and tuned up,
put the Yakima
rack on it. We even did training hikes in the nearby Mission
Trails Park
in San Diego
and other areas. During this time we still had no reservations for meals at the
Phantom Ranch Restaurant. We planned on making up for this by taking hydrated
food packs bought at REI. Expensive, but good. I had a small hiking stove
should the need arise.
We left San Diego at 4:30 AM, most
of the gear packed and ready to go. Five of us stuffed in the 4Runner. We took
the 805N Freeway to the 163N Freeway, to the 15 N Freeway and drove through to
Temecula, and took the 79 Freeway to Palm
Desert
By 7:00 AM we were
on the 10 East heading to Prescott ,
AZ.
It was smooth
driving for much of the way. I was surprised how inexpensive gas was. Only
$3.59 a gallon! We reached Prescott ,
AZ
In Prescott we enjoyed a
hearty lunch at the Prescott Brewery. You’ve gotta stop here. They make a mean
Jalapeno Burger with Potato Wings. The beer is good, too! Unfortunately, we
needed to make a stop at the grocery store for some quick food. You see, Martha
was taking most of the food with her group so it wouldn’t spoil. This meant we
needed to eat on the basics. Beer, peanut butter sandwiches, and hydrated food
packs. They never tasted better!
We didn’t leave Prescott until 3:30 PM, a
bit longer than we wanted. We arrived at the park entrance around 5:30 PM, via
the Williams City Grand Canyon
exit, but still have 60 miles to travel to the park entrance. Check in was
simple, and by 6:30 PM we had our tents and hammocks up.
Mather Campground
by far has the best outdoor facilities I’ve enjoyed. After serving in the Army
I want to be sure to take a shower every night and use a decent bathroom. Go
ahead and laugh! But I want my comfort even in the outdoors.
We enjoyed beers,
peanut butter sandwiches this first night. Our campsite was simple and we
didn’t need to break out all of the gear because the main party wouldn’t arrive
until Tuesday. I slept under the stars in my hammock for the first time. Got a
bit cold so I used my hammock, otherwise it was very comfortable. Be sure and
use hammock straps versus nylon ropes to protect the trees!
The next day we
had to move camp to our permanent site, but it was close and we were able to
carry our tents to the new site without having to tear them down and put them
up again. We enjoyed a breakfast at the nearby general market in the Yavasupai
Café. No sense roughing it yet. We needed the carbs and a good meal for our
upcoming hike.
Spent the day
relaxing in camp and saving on energy. The plan was to get up at 3:30 AM and be
at the Back Country Office at 4:00 AM so we could get the shuttle at 4:05 AM to
take us to the South Kaibab Trail. You can leave you vehicle parked in the Back
Country Office Lot D overnight so long as your campsite tag is on the window.
This lot is not too far from the Bright Angel Lodge. You can’t park and leave
your car in the South Kaibab Trail, so you really have no choice here.
The Hike
By 4:45 AM we were
marching down the South Kaibab Trail. It’s dark this time of morning, so be
sure and invest in reliable head lamps. These have a strap which goes around
your head with a light to your front. This allows you to keep your hands free
and use your hiking poles while shining the path in front of you.
If you want to
enjoy the scenery, be sure and stop walking before looking at the vast canyon
views. One misstep can send you tumbling to the bottom. The first thing you
realize is how the canyon changes the further you descend. The views are
magnificent beyond description (an ironic thing for a writer to state, but so
true).
You can see the
sunrise over the canyon and it’s something to behold. When you go down a third
of the way you come to a rest stop with a better-than-average outhouse and more
views of the canyon. Remember, when taking the South Kaibab Trail you must be
completely self-sufficient. There are no water lines here. Take a minimum 3
liter water bag and two liter bottle. Fill the bottle with electrolytes to give
you the extra energy needed and be sure and eat energy bars filled with
carbohydrates. Beef jerky is also good along with orange slices. Take plastic
bags for trash because there are no places to leave it and you aren’t permitted
to bury trash either.
When we neared the
Tonto Trail we came across a lone hiker, a Navajo who called himself the Crazy
Navajo. We asked why they called him that and he said, “The rangers say I must
be crazy because I never leave this place.” Turns out he hiked the canyon 70
times, including 28 times rim-to-rim. He was 70 years old, but if he’d said he
was 50 I would’ve believed him.
After a second
bathroom break at the Tonto Trail we started the 4.5 mile trek heading east
toward Bright Angel Trail
The orange slices
came in handy along with the Tanko Beef Jerky. We even saw the condors flying
overhead. When we reached the Bright
Angel Trail
We lucked out
because of the rains. The creeks were full and crystal clear. Along the way we
were able to remove our shirts and wash ourselves in the ice cold water. The
weather never got above 90 degrees, but it was still warm. We came across deer drinking
in the creek, and a lot of squirrels while hiking down the switchbacks.
Your knees will
begin to ache at this point, but that’s normal. This is where you appreciate
having hiking poles. They saved me from losing my footing on more than one
occasion, and relieved the pressure on my knees.
I recommend having
hiking gloves, a handkerchief, a broad-brimmed hat, long sleeve shirt (it’s
okay to roll up the sleeves), and the best pair of trail hikers you can buy. I
bought the North Face Trail Hikers and they were fine. You’re not forging a new
trail, so no need to have ankle-high boots. And make sure your socks are thick
and comfortable. Take an extra pair, too!
We reached the
river about 1:00 PM. From here you have a mile hike to the Bright Angle
Campground. It’s slow-moving in loose sand, but you have no choice. The
campsites are first-come, first-serve. No place to put up hammocks, so be sure
and have a 3” thick full body inflatable sleeping pad. Have an inflatable
pillow, too. You have to keep your hiking and camp permit attached to your back
pack for the rangers (they do check).
You can strip down
to your shorts and cool off in the creek once you choose your campsite. It
feels good! Dinner at the Phantom Ranch Restaurant is at 5:30 PM and you MUST
have reservations! Make the reservations months in advance for dinner and
breakfast. You’ll need the energy and the food is great! We had beef stew, corn
bread, salad, beer, water, and cake, all you can eat, but don’t eat too much.
You don’t want to risk getting sick. Keep it to a serving and a half.
You also have to
have reservations for breakfast. All of the food is brought down on mules each
day, so make these reservations at the same time you reserve a hiking and
campsite permit. Be diligent! They don’t respond quickly to emails and calls.
It is what it is.
I suggest getting
as much rest as you can. I slept in camp from two to four PM. Stripped down to
my shorts and soaked in the creek before joining everyone for dinner. Take a
spare set of shorts and shirt, and be sure and bring sandals for the creek. I
forgot mine and regretted not having them.
There are no
showers here, but there are bathrooms. If you want a shower you have to rent
the dorms or cabins. We roughed it by staying in the campground. More fun this
way.
Wake up at 4:30
AM, breakfast at 5:00 AM. The breakfast was scrambled eggs, bacon, pancakes and
coffee. Don’t eat too much. One serving will do. By 6:15 AM we were on the
trail back up.
It’s much warmer
at the bottom of the canyon. Be sure and drink regularly whether you are
thirsty or not. You can refill your bladders at the Bright Angel Campground, so
be sure to do so because you won’t be able to refill until you reach Indian Garden
You will see many
different type of rock formations, many which date back to prehistoric times,
untouched and unchanged for millions of years. At some point you may not
appreciate this because you’ll begin to feel exhausted and want to get the hike
over with. This is okay, it’s natural. Stay focused, watch your footing, drink
water, and talk with one another. This will help you remember why you’re here.
And be sure and take photographs! This is the hike of a lifetime and you’ll
want more than memories to look back on. Nothing like a photo to share on
websites, right?
We reached Indian Garden
The hike is
strenuous and you appreciate the hiking poles every switchback you cross. You
will see plenty of hikers coming down from the top on their way to Indian Garden
When you see mules
and their riders coming up or down the trail give them the right of way. You’ll
be wishing to take one up the remainder of the trail, but there are no taxis
here, so tough it out and finish the hike.
We reached the top
of the Bright Angel Trail Grand
Canyon in a way it was meant to be. We got back to our vehicle,
stopped at the general market for a twelve pack of beers and cracked them open
back at camp. Beer never tasted so good!
Justin surprised
us by pulling out a bottle of tequila saying, “Because we did this hike, this
bottle is for us and us alone!” I think he started a tradition for us.
Some things to
remember are listed below for you.
·
Make reservations to hike to the bottom months
in advance.
·
Make reservations for meals (breakfast and
dinner) at the bottom at Phantom Ranch.
·
Take hiking poles, a 3 inch air mattress, broad
brimmed hat, sun tan lotion, hiking gloves and good trail hikers. Keep your
pack light and comfortable. Sunglasses too!
·
I also suggest going on hikes in advance of your
trip for preparing yourselves for the grueling hike you will endure. It’ll be
tough, but something you will cherish for the rest of your life.
See you on the trail!
David Lucero, author
www.LuceroBooks.com
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Writing Takes Time, And Is Time Well Spent
Writing
takes time. If you haven’t figured this out, that’s okay, you will soon enough.
How to make the most of your time depends on your experiences in writing. For
me, I have learned to balance my personal life with my desire to write, and
although writing is extremely personal for me it’s important I learned not to
become so absorbed in my desire to write that I forget about the important
things which matter, like family, friends, and work.
I usually make time for writing on my days off from work. I’m an early riser (6:00 AM) and enjoy the quiet in our office or dining room to whip out three to five pages. This takes anywhere from two to three hours (Yes, that long for so little), but that’s how it works when you write a book. Doesn’t happen overnight, but I do this consistently I can have anywhere from 260 to 300 pages in a year (a book!). This time-frame is practical when you consider the amount of research required for your book subject.
My
latest work was completed on Thanksgiving morning (before the family arrived) and
I shelved it for three months before returning to it for a first-time edit.
This helped me look at my book with a fresh set of eyes. I also allowed someone
to read my book and review it for feedback, a helpful thing. I knew I had hit home
when the reader told me he found himself searching google.com to look up some
of the things I wrote about for more information. This means he paid attention
and was intrigued.
I’ve
been asked time and again how I find time to write. Well, like anything in life
one must make the time. It’s no different than making time to go to the grocery
store, exercising, going out on a date-night, and doing what needs to be done
around the house. Pick a day where you can realistically spend two to three
hours writing and in no time you’ll have yourself a book.
So
to my fellow writers I say, I look forward to hearing about and reading your
next book!
David Lucero, author
Sunday, June 22, 2014
All Must Do What We Enjoy
Don’t hate me because I like writing most of the time.
Sometimes I actually get lucky and come up with something good. Sure, I enjoy a ballgame here and then, a barbecue, going out for dinner. But when you see me holed up at the library, a bookstore, or at my dining room table or office punching away at the keyboard of my laptop it isn't necessary to think I'm wasting my time or being a bore. Writing is what I love. It is my passion. It's when I get to be my true self and helps define who I am, what I have become. We all do something for ourselves. Some cook, some go for a walk, some go for a hike alone. I write. And if you take a moment and read what I write, I'm sure you'll agree I come up with something good from time to time.
David Lucero, author
Sunday, May 18, 2014
What is a Plot?
The basic definition of a plot is a casual sequence of events that make up a story. This does not mean the events need to be in order. In fact, many stories prove successful back-tracking as I have done in my book(s). The most important part of the plot is what drives the story, and how the events connect throughout the chapters, eventually coming to a conclusion which leaves readers satisfied. I've been asked by readers how I come up with stories and make them into a book. The answer is, I make sure my events throughout the story connect with the main plot of the book so that readers understand the resolution at its end. For me this is the most important part of writing, making sure characters and scenes throughout the story connect, sometimes in a large way, sometimes in a small way, but they must connect in order for readers to make sense of the story. This can be easily achieved if the book is 400-plus pages long, however, many readers prefer books 300 pages or less. This is where connecting scenes in a story can be challenging. 300 pages is not long and the writer must be concise, convincing, and the story entertaining. Not an easy task when you consider over a million books are published each year, leaving readers a multitude of topics to choose from. But then, if it weren't challenging, where would the fun in writing be?
If you want to write a book, I suggest outlining your book in 25 words or less. Call it a blurb. This will tell the reader what it's about. Then create character names. Write descriptions of them in your notes, and how they will connect with the main character(s). You should know how the beginning of your book will start, and what you want up to the middle, but be prepared for major changes as you write your story. Nothing ever goes as planned, and you will find yourself making changes as the pages flow. I like to have an ending in mind and written in notes, too, but this almost always changes, especially as you develop your characters and plot in words. Depending on the plot, you may not be able to keep your book under 300 pages, but that's okay too. Certain stories need to be longer due to the plot. This was the case with my second book, 'Who's Minding the Store?' My first book, 'The Sandman' was a modest 309 pages, but this was due in large part to it being an action-thriller. Those type of stories are relatively easy to keep short and entertaining. This is due in part to readers' ability to easily piece together the plot as they read chapter to chapter. In my second book I had characters the reader needed to know more about. This meant diving into characteristics commonly shared by you and me, and this resulted in a much longer book. It's also testament when it comes to writing a book, always expect the unexpected. Nothing ever goes as planned, and you'll find yourself adding characters and scenes and coming up with new endings you never dreamed of creating. But this only makes writing all the more fun. But don't forget the importance of keeping your story confined to a certain number of pages. The last thing you want is a book the size of an encyclopedia. Readers will only move on to the book on the next shelf if you're not careful.
Keep on reading!
David Lucero, author
If you want to write a book, I suggest outlining your book in 25 words or less. Call it a blurb. This will tell the reader what it's about. Then create character names. Write descriptions of them in your notes, and how they will connect with the main character(s). You should know how the beginning of your book will start, and what you want up to the middle, but be prepared for major changes as you write your story. Nothing ever goes as planned, and you will find yourself making changes as the pages flow. I like to have an ending in mind and written in notes, too, but this almost always changes, especially as you develop your characters and plot in words. Depending on the plot, you may not be able to keep your book under 300 pages, but that's okay too. Certain stories need to be longer due to the plot. This was the case with my second book, 'Who's Minding the Store?' My first book, 'The Sandman' was a modest 309 pages, but this was due in large part to it being an action-thriller. Those type of stories are relatively easy to keep short and entertaining. This is due in part to readers' ability to easily piece together the plot as they read chapter to chapter. In my second book I had characters the reader needed to know more about. This meant diving into characteristics commonly shared by you and me, and this resulted in a much longer book. It's also testament when it comes to writing a book, always expect the unexpected. Nothing ever goes as planned, and you'll find yourself adding characters and scenes and coming up with new endings you never dreamed of creating. But this only makes writing all the more fun. But don't forget the importance of keeping your story confined to a certain number of pages. The last thing you want is a book the size of an encyclopedia. Readers will only move on to the book on the next shelf if you're not careful.
Keep on reading!
David Lucero, author
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Monday, March 31, 2014
The Professional Writer
I have been asked if I wish my books were a best-seller, or made
into a movie. It's a silly question because every writer has grandiose
fantasies of readers flocking to bookstores for a copy of their books, and then
for a movie producer to say, "I
want to make your book into a movie!" It may sound childish, but
then we all have a little child's play aching for release. To have such
fantasies are not necessarily the sign of an amateur writer.
I have learned through the course of years of writing that success
comes through hard work and dedication to your writing. And there are many
levels of success. To finish a manuscript. That is a success. To have it
published. That is a success. To have readers purchase a copy of your book.
That is a success. For readers to write reviews of your story. That is a
success.
The professional writer does not always achieve best-seller
status, and their books may never be made into a movie. The professional writer
is satisfied with the work they created and the success which follows in
whatever shape or form.
David Lucero, a proud and professional writer.
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