Before getting into my post, I want to ask your advice. A friend recently suggested that I might be able to make something more of this. I want to know how you guys feel about my writing longer pieces and selling them in e-reader formats. I don’t want to offend anyone and I’m not sure there’s even any interest. If you could give me your thoughts, I would appreciate it.
On to the post –
Over the holidays I was sitting at a table with my great-aunts. They’re in their 80s and 90s, sometimes we seem to come from different worlds. We went around the table telling the lastest and greatest in our lives.
Of course I wasn’t paying attention to who got married, pregnant, or had a baby. I was busy whispering to my cousin about a guy I dated a couple of years back who was blind. I had just finished saying, he could read me like a book of brail. When she snort laughed, bringing all eyes our way.
One of our Aunties said in her soft southern drawl, “What are you girls laughing about?”
I never know when to keep my mouth shut, so I blurted out, “All my men.”
My Aunt responded, “Honey, you know you can lie to your Aunt Rose?”
As the conversation continued, it came around to me. No marriages, no births, and no pregnancies.
So I said, “I bought a house.”
Stunned they all looked at me for a moment.
Aunt Rose finally said, “A single woman ownin’ property, well I never.”
Aunt Peggy gasped. “There’s nothing wrong with it I suppose.”
“I could’ve owned property before I was married.” Aunt Bessy to the rescue. “I had a job answering phones for Dr. Turner. David told me I should buy a couple acres in Duncanville. But what would I have done with it? There was nothing but trees on it.”
“My, my. I’ve never thought of such a thing. What’re you going to do with it?” Aunt Peggy asked, fanning herself like she was overcome with the idea.
“I think I’m living in it,” was my answer.
Later they were talking about cooking lobsters and of course I said, “I like my food to scream, like my men.”
They’re the ones from another world, right? Not me.
U9PGB94764ZK
Deidra Alexander's Blog 
As the product of a Southern upbringing myself, I can understand this mindset (on the part of the aunties, that is). However, I was lucky enough to come from families that were more progressive, and that had matriarchs as well as patriarchs. My grandmothers worked outside the home, as did one of my great-grandmothers; all of them owned property and ran their own finances. Sure, they were all married to strong men, but that didn’t mean they were subservient. I think that’s a big part of what made me a strong and self-supporting woman. It’s hard to think sometimes that others didn’t have that benefit, but even though your aunties weren’t “enlightened,” you still seem to have come out just fine! Congrats on the house, by the way!!
LikeLike
Thanks. I think we allow our pasts to influence us, but then whatever the circumstance we can chose to be who we really want. At least I hope that’s true otherwise how did they create a me?
LikeLike
What a quaint idea, living in the house you bought! :0)
I loved the story and think you would be very successful selling longer e-stories or books.
Yotaki Beautywalk
LikeLike
Exactly, I was thinking “I don’t know, live in it maybe.” But I had already pushed enough buttons with my all my men talk.
LikeLike
Now that you mention it, I wonder if one couldn’t do something akin to dime store novels or a series and sell them in installments. Epub’s go anywhere from free up to $9.99. I suppose you could sell them like little magazines. It’s brainstorming but with 10,000 readers at a buck an epub you would have a nice chunk of change…You would need to look into what the cost of an ISSN is going for these days.
LikeLike
I’m going to have to give it a go I guess.
LikeLike
Another option (or in conjunction with your sale items) is to syndicate this blog on Kindle. Your readers pay .99 to get all your posts on their Kindles like a newspaper. I looked and didn’t see this blog on there… if it is, please pardon me.
LikeLike
YOU ROCK! Yes, I yelled or screamed or scream/yelled. I didn’t know about that. Thanks.
LikeLike
Your aunts are priceless! How funny! Gosh I would love to sit in on a couple of those dinners!
LikeLike
They’re funny and the last one 87 just quit her dancing troop, so they have a little suprise in them.
LikeLike
At least if you do it, down the road you won’t say… “Whatif.” Good luck, give it a shot, you have an easy style to your writing that’s inviting to the reader.
LikeLike
Very true, live without regrets. I like your advice.
LikeLike
Great story, I know the feeling. Absolutely, go for it with the ePub idea. Thanks for the idea I may do something like that with my biz.
LikeLike
I appreciate the support. I’m starting to put something together now.
LikeLike
I love the kindle idea, definitely got to be worth a shot.
thank you for taking the time to read my blog
LikeLike
Thanks, I enjoyed your blog. Keep it up.
LikeLike
I say go for it. You´ve got nothing to lose by writing/publishing longer enovels.
LikeLike
Thanks, I’m definitely working on something.
LikeLike
keep it free. not because u could not sell, u could of course. but because gratuitousness (free giving/taking for the pleasure of sharing) is the winged mercury god that banks/insurances/world leaders are trying to kill in this new millennium, causing us infinite troubles. writing, or in beckett’ terms, “words are all we have”. please do not put them on sale 😉
as to the piece, well if i’m granted the whole universe to roam in free, people like your aunts can keep this green and blue stone
LikeLike
I’ve decided to keep the blog free and open to the public. I’m going to offer it on kindle if someone wants the convenience of downloading it. Thanks for your advice.
LikeLike
Oh man I wish I was part of this conversation. I would love to interact with your aunts and hear about how things were in their time. Funny stuff.
LikeLike
They rode in horse and buggies before cars were so common. Imagine that.
LikeLike
Why not try the e-reader option? A blog isn’t so good for longer writings. My kindle is waiting….
The very proper aunts do seem to be from another time. 🙂
LikeLike
I think that’s what I’m going to do. I don’t like reading much over 600 or 1000 words on blogs. It becomes the wall of text.
LikeLike
The ereader option is never wrong 🙂 You will reach out to new readers and hopefully affect someone’s life with your writing! The problem is that many indie author sell their novels and short stories for $0.99 or give them away for free which can be hard to compete with. Thus it is quite hard to earn money from epublishing in the beginning for if you manage to get a big reader base you can be very successful! 🙂
LikeLike
I think I would stick with the .99 cent or free range. Thanks.
LikeLike
Loved your lil tale. 🙂 I love. 99 cent ebooks…. look for em all the time. I’m sure they would sell. I don’t normally pay higher that 2$ though.
LikeLike
.99 cents it is. I value your opinion.
LikeLike
I also agree with thepitatehorizon, though.
LikeLike
I think I would keep the blog free, but maybe look at other things for a little money. It comes down to either that or a second job and I would rather be writing if possible.
LikeLike
Loving your posts, I hope I can craft little stories half as entertaining one day. Keep it up, Dawg!
LikeLike
I thank you and my dawg thanks you.
LikeLike
I say go for it. Syndicate the blog on Kindle. Sell the bigger pieces as ebooks/ezines. And when you get to making the bigger pieces, you may find a novel in you as well!
Good luck, and I will be looking for them!
Red.
LikeLike
Thanks for the encouragement.
LikeLike
Go for it, I for one am interested in reading your E-mail formatted stores,
cannot get enough, when I was reading today’s post I all most spit my coffee
all over my computer when reading about screaming Lobsters and Men,
what a hoot .
LikeLike
What? I don’t understand. Don’t your men scream like lobsters dropped in boiling water?
LikeLike
My motto is you never know until you try so why not go for it. I think ISSN’s go for anywhere between $100 to $200 if I’m not mistaken. Love the post and believe you do have a novel in you. Write on!
LikeLike
Thanks for the support. I’m certainly going to try it.
LikeLike
readers have also encouraged me to formalize my muses – am formtting them to an e- book: go for it: Yea! been encouraging my single daughter to purchase property for equity reasons – a smart move on your part.
LikeLike
Thanks, I started formatting my twitter archives. I have more material there. Tell your daughter to go for it. Nothing like owning your own home.
LikeLike
Hey! Thanks for liking my blog 🙂 You have a great blog urself! Hope you come to say hi sometime again!
LikeLike
Thank you. I loved Finland and plan to visit again. Your blog most certainly, Finland maybe.
LikeLike
i love that your family reminds me so much of my own. you shoudl check out bookbaby.com 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks for the tip. I think most families have repeated patterns.
LikeLike
I have an old sony e-reader and so far i really like what i’ve read so far! I’d buy it! I am hopefully getting a new Kindle for my birthday I like the idea someone above posted about syndicating your blog with amazon! that is so cool! i never thought that was even possible!
And NO you’re not from another world! My grandmother is the same way!
=) can’t wait to read more!
LikeLike
Thank you that’s such a compliment. Good luck on the Kindle.
LikeLike
Hello Deidra! Yes. I think you have the kind of imagination that is needed to write some good stuff. Your personality shines through on all your writings and I always have a smile on my face reading your posts. I think something longer would allow you to really get your teeth into it! Just be you and you’ll do fine.
LikeLike
You know you have a special place in my heart as one of my first followers. Thanks.
LikeLike
Hi, Deidra. I’m glad you liked my Christmas decor project post. I followed the notification over here, and I enjoyed your conversation with the aunties. I also am Southern, but even though my aunts all married young, they were of the “do for yourself” mindset. Thank goodness – otherwise, being single at my age would be a scandal. 😉
Thanks again for stopping by Circular Praise. You might want to check out my other blogs, Tracings and poemflow, when you have a moment. I’m contemplating the whole self-pub/e-reader thing too, and I’m glad to know I’m not the only one out there. 🙂
LikeLike
I loved your decorating project. Yeah, I think a lot of people think about it. It feels a little pretentious to publish my words like they’re art or something.
LikeLike
I think you should give it a shot and see what happens. If it doesn’t work, you can try something else. Good luck!
LikeLike
I think you’re right. Thanks.
LikeLike
Your life stories are so similar to my own it’s starting to scare me… 🙂 Now, seriously, you can give it a try, writing ebooks I mean. I wrote a novelette and uploaded it at Amazon and Smashwords. I guess one needs to do the advertising and marketing as well, which is hard, especially when you’re competing against all these authors who put up their novels for free, so everyone expects the same, but how can you work for free nowadays? It takes great effort to write up something of quality. I worked for an entire year on that novelette, and did not publish it until I was 100% sure I had written something good. Then again, it’s only $4.99. So, who knows, maybe I am selling myself cheaply too….
welcome to the club?
LikeLike
Thanks. Perhaps we were twins separated at birth?
LikeLike
I love your stories, I would enjoy reading them in my spare time. If you want to get your stories out there I am going to have to agree that the e-reader seems like a good idea.
LikeLike
Thanks I’m going to go for it.
LikeLike
Definitely get your stuff out there, nothing to lose by trying, right? I say go for it, love your stories. Funny how the different generations think… ever the gap between us… and our thinking… lol 🙂
LikeLike
I have a gap between me and my own generation. Never learned to shut my mouth. Thanks for the encouragement.
LikeLike
I enjoyed reading this story about your aunties. Congrats on your new house…
LikeLike
Thanks, nothing like home ownership.
LikeLike
You should definitely give it a try! It’s always fun to read your pieces, it’s worth a try!
LikeLike
With all the kind encouragement I’ve gotten, I’m definitely going for it. Thanks.
LikeLike
Owning land was once a prerequisite for being known as a “gentleman.” So way to go, gentlewoman!
LikeLike
Thanks, I always say I’m more man than most of my brothers, 🙂
LikeLike
Take the leap….:)
LikeLike
I’m leaping.
LikeLike
Another vote for “go for it.”
LikeLike
Thanks for the encouragement. I’m starting to feel a little less ridiculous.
LikeLike
Loved the tale, and I love your irreverence. I have a soft spot for witty irreverent folks making life a bit uncomfortable for stodgy old folks. Keep up the good work! 🙂
LikeLike
I think the old folks have come to expect outrageous from me.
LikeLike
This seriously made me LOL. Fantastic conclusion. And I say go for it. Whatever avenue…go for it.
LikeLike
Glad to hear I could make you laugh. I love that. Ah, the power!
LikeLike
1. “A single woman ownin’ property? Well, I never,” made me laugh harder than I have in the past few months.
2. Thanks for all the blog love!
3. Sell it, sister! As long as you keep writing wonderful little blog posts so we all can still read your stuff, there’s nothing wrong with putting your voice on the market. Is there an interest? Perhaps not, or to put it in a better frame of thought, perhaps not YET; you may end up filling an interest people didn’t even know they had. And hell, if you go the e-published route, I might just buy an e-reader specifically to read your stuff.
Keep up the great work!
LikeLike
I’m in love. Glad I could make you laugh. It’s my specialty. Thanks for the encouragement and I’m loving your blog. Sorry I can’t get to as many blogs as I would like. There’s a lot of great stuff out there.
LikeLike
lol… I would be happy to join in on these family moments. Very funny. I say yes, by all means, work on epub. After all, that is an ultimate goal. U are more than talented enough to sell. Keeping something free, though, is important. The world is changing fast, and while I dont understand it, I would do the same thing. One copy will always sell..:), that I know for a fact
LikeLike
Thanks so much. You rock.
LikeLike
Sounds like you enjoy making those worlds collide ;). I had a question too since you’re talking about selling and what not. Have you signed up for Google AdSense so you can post ads on your blogs. I know, its anathema to an artist, but it does generate revenue, its free for you (I think) and you do have some control over who advertises what on your page.
As for your question, yeah, I vote yay!
LikeLike
Thanks I’ll check into it. I’m more concerned with the aesthetics. I love a pretty blog. Kind of stupid I know.
LikeLike
About selling your posts in book format… Chris Brogan interviewed Hugh McGuire about Press Books. You can use it to make books our of your WordPress stuff. Might work for you. http://www.chrisbrogan.com/pressbooks/
It sounds pretty cool.
LikeLike
Thanks I’m clueless so I need any suggestions out there.
LikeLike
I’m still laughing. As a southern girl I can completely relate to your Thanksgiving. Thanks for finding my blog, so that I could discover yours.
http://savannahbeginnings.wordpress.com/
LikeLike
I think we can all relate to family.
LikeLike
Yes… the holidays mean you don’t need fiction to find the surreal!
LikeLike
Holidays may be where our personalities are truly formed.
LikeLike
To answer your question, yes. The planet where you could still (just) talk to veterans of the war of northern aggression, where polio threw a long fatal shadow every summer, where a calculator was a person and where social media was listening in on the party line. But the world has moved on, to quote Stephen King.. 🙂
LikeLike
And antibiotics hadn’t been invented. Ah how I like the world I live in.
LikeLike
I believe you have the content to do just that. You’re fabulous and I love your blog.
Have you ever heard of David Sedaris (your posts crack me up just like his essays) or longshortstories.com/wayne/? You can definitely do something like that.
http://ivannae.wordpress.com/
LikeLike
Thank you and for referring me to David Sedaris. Love your blog by the way.
LikeLike
Wonderful story. Thank you for sharing and for stopping by my little blog.
With regard to selling your work, I would ask how this endeavor would fit into your life plan? Would it enhance or detract?
May the peace of the holiday come for a long visit with you.
LikeLike
Great advice.
LikeLike
You know I just love coming here and hearing your perspective on just about anything. Go for it 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks. However, follow any advice you may find here at your own risk.
LikeLike
By all means, try to sell your work! You’re a writer, so get published and get paid for doing what you enjoy. Nothing ventured; nothing gained, so give it a shot.
Oh, and whatever world you’re from, I loved your line about about liking your food to scream like your men. I definitely didn’t see that one coming, which made it all the more amusing! 😉
LikeLike
Lobster, men, screaming, you didn’t make that connection?
LikeLike
Oh, I definitely made that connection – but only after you did, and that was what I didn’t see coming, and I’m sure your Aunts didn’t either, which made it all the funnier. It was a non sequitur nonpareil! 🙂
LikeLike
Your aunts sound a little like my mother. Sometimes what comes out of her mouth regarding the roles of women stops me cold. Like you, I give a weak, but obvious response. And then move on or I’ll get a lecture of, “In my day . . .”
Thanks for the great chuckle.
LikeLike
You might want to publish them. Weird stuff makes good humor.
LikeLike
No matter what anyone sez–you can make some extra cash selling your stories. It may not be much at first, but it could put a few dollars into the kid’s piggy bank, or for those rainy-days when a ice cream and a movie are the only thing that will do the trick…
Perhaps if you are willing, you could drop me an email at frankeschein@hotmail.com; and lets talk about doing a joint-venture and really blow some fantasy out of the waters. Just an idea that came to me today…
LikeLike
Thanks. I’ll drop you a line.
LikeLike
It is an excellent idea… you could self publish the contents of your blog and people like us could spread the word around. A friend of mine just did that. Check this: http://mostlybrightideas.wordpress.com/category/self-publishing/
LikeLike
I checked out the blog, very interesting. I’m definitely going to put something together. Thanks.
LikeLike
Thanks for the like on my blog, (cadmefoghlaimethainniu)!
Definitely go for selling your stories! You never know where it will lead.
LikeLike
Thanks I’ve decided to give it a try in 2012.
LikeLike
Hello Deidra!
I saw someone made mention of my short story website and blog and just had to weigh in.
Go to my website http://www.LongShortStories.com and see how a professional American short story writer has built a successful author platform. Then go to Smashwords.com, the most famous ebook launching platform in the world (it’s all FREE) and plug in my new 5-Star-reviewed short story collection “Stories from the Edges.” It’s on sale until Christmas Day for only $0.99.
Merry Christmas!
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by. I plan to pop over and take a look, thanks.
LikeLike
Thanks for the like Deidra! Glad you enjoyed the post and happy writing!
Katie
katieschnack.wordpress.com
LikeLike
Thanks.
LikeLike
As soon as you ask: “should I sell this?” the answer is likely no.
Your best bet is to develop a following (check) and then do some research on how authors make money.
If you have enough of a following, you’ll likely be able to get yourself your own domain and find opportunities to sell advertising.
LikeLike
Thanks for the advice. I’ll look into that.
LikeLike
You’ll never know unless you try it, so give it a shot..and see where it takes you, all the very best! What do you really have to lose? 🙂
LikeLike
I’ll think I’m going to start with a few free things and see what the reactions are. Thanks for the encouragement.
LikeLike
Deidra..thank you for visiting my blog “Echoes Across Time” http://www.dlmchale.com
I have spent the past half hour enjoying immensely your work. You wanted to know if you should try for-profit e-reader postings? You are definately casting pearls before swine, and your writing style and your voice, deserve better compensation. I’d pay to play. I hope you do. Keep up the good work (you have a Sedaris like wit…perhaps better) Thanks! DL McHale
LikeLike
Thank you. I love your poetry so I guess it mutual admiration.
LikeLike
Thanks for liking my recent post(s). This is an interesting discussion to follow. I heard about this months and months ago, but was never sure how much it would be worth it if someone can read my blog for free.
If you go ahead with this, stay at the 99-cents. I look at it like a phone app: I almost never pay more than 99-cents for one. Sure, Angry Birds would be worth $4.99, but I bet fewer people would. Quantity vs. price.
LikeLike
I think you’re right. I’m apprehensive about trying to sell short stories without knowing if they are any good, so I’m thinking of putting a few out for free to see what people think. I don’t want someone to feel like they paid even .99 cents for something that wasn’t worth it.
LikeLike
yeah. i agree. do it. you write wow.
i’d like to sell images i create too.
may be i will give it a go in this same way. 99 cents. hmmmm.
like you… i want the buyer to feel good about what they’ve done.
what i’ve read of yours… yeah. wow. …which isnt to say people will buy words or images. we can try tho. yes?
aloha.
LikeLike
Thanks I would be interested in seeing your images.
LikeLike
oh. just the images i create – and mostly post on my blog. unless they have another purpose.
your writing takes a reader down an unexpected path. i think that’s a good thing. it keeps the reader riveted to find out where you are taking them. i like that. how to go about marketing it… yeah, heck if i know. that’s why for me i think we have to try. if it works out, cool. if not we try again.
i understand the idea of free as a trial, but i’m not sure that will tell you much. your blog is free and it’s clear you have a lot of readers. money, even pennies will change things.
i’m sure you know this. and probably a lot more about publishing than i do. it’s a constantly changing platform right now tho…
in thinking about it… i like the idea of combining words IN image – haibun, haiga, etegami… story/words as visual component/element within an image. that helps make it unique and a single unit. one doesnt exist without the other.
http://19planets.wordpress.com/2011/06/04/stories-upon-the-wall-experimental-writing-life-shadows/
LikeLike
[…] a sample of Deidra Alexander’s Blog. I found it amusing, interesting and a touch disturbing. Yes, everything interesting should be […]
LikeLike
I love being a touch disturbing. Thanks.
LikeLike
I found the lobster statement the funniest.
LikeLike
Most people don’t know what to so with me when I say things like that, but my Aunts and Uncles are use to my unusual sense of humor.
LikeLike
You would have fit quite well with my family. My parents enjoyed the off color and sarcastic remark. My excuse is that it is purely genetic so I have no control over it. Of course, I say it with a smile!
LikeLike
I’m with you. A family of half crazy artists developed my quirky style.
LikeLike
My friend, Ellison James has published using SmashWords and currently has 99 cent stories on Kindle, etc. I’ve been thinking about it, but don’t usually write paranormal stories like you do.
LikeLike
Surely they have all genres.
LikeLike
LMAO. Growing up near Duncanville, and having family like that, I can totally relate. Not in a good way, since I am the black sheep, but man are you entertaining.
LikeLike
Thanks and I grew up in Cedar Hill until high school. Small world.
LikeLike
I think your stories are lovely! I imagine you would be successful in selling your stories in e-reader format; I would read them. Don’t worry about offending people with your writing, people make a great living making people angry. You are on your way to stardom!
LikeLike
I hadn’t thought of that. Thanks.
LikeLike
Haha that’s rediculous. No way
LikeLike
Yes, apparently it came as quite a shocker. They weren’t against it. They had just never thought about it.
LikeLike
Somehow missed this post when it came out – it’s very interesting. Love your tag line at the top of the blog – to true!
LikeLike
Thank you. I love the tag line. I probably shouldn’t say that since I wrote it, but I still love it.
LikeLike
Haha, I’m absolutely addicted to your blog. This is awesome.
LikeLike
I LOVE being an addiction.
LikeLike
Deidra, I too am a woman who enjoys the special luxury found in spilling words all over myself! Recently you have taken time to “like” a few of my posts.
http://belladaze.wordpress.com – which eventually led me to all your wonderful effort here.
In appreciation, I want to share that ISSN’s can be purchased in bulk blocks for not much more than what others try to get for a single ISSN. Keep it up!
LikeLike
Thanks for the tip. I appreciate it.
LikeLike
“he could read me like a book of brail.” – I would have laughed and brought stares, too 🙂
Oh and this: “I think I’m living in it” – perfect. Ha! I think I’d love to sit in on your family’s conversations 🙂 {hope that doesn’t sound too creepy…}
LikeLike
It’s probably just creepy enough to fit right in.
LikeLike
I guess women of that generation are quite similar all over the world. Lucky for you that you can speak your mind and not feel a quiver of shame or even threatened, as many women do else where. Great job!
LikeLike
I am lucky. They don’t mean anything, I tend to shock them into a new reality.
LikeLike
Oh, goodness, this was a delight. I’m still laughing–even after scrolling down the hundreds of comments!
LikeLike
Really, I didn’t think this was one of my better posts.
LikeLike
“…like a book of brail.” ….Hmm…are you married? Did I mention my astigmatism? 😀
LikeLike
No, I was unaware of any vision impediments, LOL!
LikeLike
😉 . . . You just sound a lot like the kind of person I would get along quite well with. You know, the naughty kind! lol
LikeLike
I love your stories, best of luck with taking it further. Your aunts rock and you kick ass( am I allowed to say that?) it’s just that I pictured their faces after your response lol.
LikeLike
Thanks yeah I think you can say ass online. My relatives have spent decades cultivating the expressionless look. They’re very talented.
LikeLike
It’s so weird to think some women actually think like that. Old or not they have been around long enough to see that happen before. The man thing was great. Sounds like something I would say at a family dinner during the loudest of talking then it suddenly goes silent so that everyone hears it.
LikeLike
Thank you. My timing on inappropriate is impeccable.
LikeLike
A few months ago, I read something on the internet – A teen writer made millions by self-publishing her novels through Amazon. I think she sold her book at the lowest price (if I remember correctly), but by volume she still made millions. Don’t say that you sell ‘yourself’ cheaply. I hope you can make millions too. =)
LikeLike
Thanks, I love hearing great success stories. Hears to 2012!
LikeLike
http://davidgaughran.wordpress.com/
I started following this guy’s blog, Deidra. He has self-publishing techniques and posts. 🙂 And, apparently, yeah, I can be somewhat lucrative.
LikeLike
Thanks I’m looking him up.
LikeLike
your blog is so amazing and is and thanks for taking the time to check out mine! Thank you
LikeLike
Thanks gorgeous white dog by the way. Mine is never that clean
LikeLike