Self-publishing with Amazon KDP

I've been researching the best ways to self-publish my book, if that's the route I decide to take, and I happened upon Kindle Direct Publishing. From what I've read or heard there are a lot of requirements and conditions they wish you to meet. I think there's something about having your book on the free download list for a certain amount of time and then depending on how far that goes is when you can change it to a paid download. I don't mind doing that but I'm not sure how it works exactly. And I'm so confused about royalties and what price to set it at and how to control it. I'm honestly very new at the whole publishing thing. I've been writing for years and have always tried to aim towards publishing but I just have so many questions. I'm hoping that I can find someone out there who's been through it (whether it be using KDP or some other type of self-publishing) who can help me through the steps. Researching on the internet can only give me so much advice. There's nothing like hearing someone else's experiences and listening to their personal advice step for step on how to go about things. That is what I'm looking for.

Does anyone have any advice about using Kindle Direct Publishing or another useful system? I would love to listen!

M.

fan girl obsessions and the legitimancy of Lily Collins

I am a young writer so it's natural that I'd imagine what my book would look like turned into a movie. Yes I'm that naive. But who doesn't do that, right? Believe me, I love my book in itself and love the idea of people reading my stories and being able to vividly imagine everything that happens on their own. But how cool would it look on the big screen?!

I've been thinking about people that would fit my characters and I've recently decided that Lily Collins is someone that could portray my main character quite positively. She's a very strong young woman and has the capabilities to be both humorous and strong willed. She's a talented dramatic actress and from what I've seen of her recent productions, resembles my main character a lot. Eye color and particular details can always be altered for movie purposes but Lily as a person is perfect.

I've struggled for a long time trying to imagine what my leading woman would even look like, but now I can see Lily Collins is a good choice. Now as for my two leading men, I've ALWAYS wanted Jamie Bell and Tom Felton. They are absolute perfect for the characters and it seems only natural for them to play those parts.


Okay enough with the dreaming. I have a dose of reality for you all. I recently was able to purchase tickets to see Ed Sheeran in April! He's opening for Snow Patrol and I could not be more excited!!! I was randomly watching a video on Youtube and saw the link showing he would be in Nashville and I absolutely lost it! This will be the first time he's been to Tennessee and I never thought he'd come to the United States so soon! My fiancé and I made a sign to hold up during the show and we'll be completely decked with T-shirts and jewelry to show our love!
Just thought I'd share that bit of exciting information with you since it's a BIG deal in my life right now! yay!

keep calm and write on...

M

fresh to death and bound by the shackles of love

First and foremost, it's almost Happy Hunger Games!
I, like most of the world, will be attending the midnight showing of the premiere of The Hunger Games in theaters one week from today! Yay! I finished the first book last month and by far it is one of the best series I've read. I am most willing to put it in the top five right after Harry Potter being #1... yeah it's that good. A close 3rd would still have to be The Wolves of Mercy Falls series (Shiver, Linger, and Forever by Maggie Stiefvater). As for the other two slots it would be a tie between The Twilight Saga and Lucas by Kevin Brooks (Lucas being a single novel).

Since we're on the topic of my current favorite things, I thought it would be nice for you all to know that I have a new obsession with Lana Del Ray. I'm not sure if it's more powerful than the one my fiancé has for her, but I'd say it's pretty darn close. I've been listening to her album non-stop and my favorite singles include Born to Die, Blue Jeans, Video Games, and Dark Paradise. Along side Lana Del Ray I recently purchased the Young the Giant album and it's also to die for. I invested in Julia Stone's new solo debut album as well and even though Angus is currently not a part of it, it's still just as amazing. And I cannot stress how much I am in love with Ed Sheeran's album "+". That my friends will never, NEVER get old. Now last but not least when it comes to songs I have to admit that "How" by Maroon 5 from their album Hands All Over has been played on repeat on my iPod for several weeks now.

So, basically reading and listening to music has been all my life is consumed with at the moment.

Now on to writing...

Yes, I have been writing - no worries about that. Even though the first book is technically finished the additives are taking some time. I decided recently after reading back through my draft copy that some changes needed to be made for the sake of storytelling. It hasn't taken away from any of the original version though, it's only made it better which excites me to the upmost extreme! I made the point that this final version is the one that I'm most enthused about and I truly feel is going to be the one to make it! Once I am 100% happy with the final draft of book 1 (which I have no doubt I will be once it's finished) I will finally be able to put all my efforts into pushing out the 2nd and 3rd volumes. I have a feelings those will take no time to conjure since the brick work of the story will have already been laid in the first installment.

Again I have to thank anyone who has shown support over the past few years and hung in there with me through this long and grueling process. I have no doubt that it'll all be worth it in the end!

M.