Jan13

The good, the bad, the writing

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The good, the bad, the writing

I know. I know. Writing’s not as much fun as Jiu-Jitsu, but this is important, not to mention half my blog’s name.

My mom is friends with a librarian in charge of ordering new books, so she sent her a copy of mine for consideration. I believe the woman has been a librarian for decades. Therefore, her feedback, which was great to “uh-oh”, is valuable.

Here’s what she said, the great part:

Wish I Was Here is fantastic! I loved the story and pacing and characters! Love Ilsa’s style! An absolutely thrilling, suspenseful, engaging novel!

I read it in two nights. Loved every vowel, every syllable. My only complaint is it kept me up past my bedtime!

We cannot let this title go unnoticed. Two thumbs up, five stars, and fireworks! I’ve not been this excited about a teen book for quite some time!

Not bad, right? Now the uh-oh part:

Although, apologies for stating things bluntly, but the cover art could use some help because we know readers do judge a book by the cover. As exciting as the story is, you wouldn’t know it by the static cover. I want to see some sort of crime scene, some shadows, some hints of passion, some evidence of terror or mystery or confusion. Something dynamic. 

Wish I Was Here by Ilsa Rey
Apparently there are worse things with this cover than the cop’s non-regulation hair.

You know I went several rounds with the cover designer to get those faces right, so naturally I was distressed to read this from a seasoned pro. Live and learn, I guess. I’ll do better for the next one. So far I’m thinking the girl keeping watch nervously while the blonde breaks into a car, plus the symbol of a certain government agency somewhere. Thoughts?

But I fear having shot myself in the foot for the kickoff of my trilogy. If people turn their nose up at the first one… And on Netgalley, 21 people thumbs downed my cover.

Sigh.

Fortunately, I have wonderful blog buddies who aren’t afraid to put my cover on their blogs.

I want to give a shout-out to:

Yvette, who created a mini interview with me and had encouraged her readers to preorder.

Brian, who mused about how advantageous it would be to turn invisible when an awkward situation or mischief warranted it, and

Beth, who gave me the best start to my book’s birthday by posting about it and being the first to leave an Amazon review!

I’m very grateful to all three of these bloggers. And I haven’t forgotten that Jacqui featured my book first, and Vicki and Wynne hosted me on their podcast!

So much kindness in this community of writers we’ve built via WordPress!

Vicki pointed out recently that I had other good news to share…

Remember how I was busting my hump to turn in the sequel, Wish You Were Here, also, coincidentally, the title of my all-time favorite song, the Pink Floyd version? The publisher had recommended I turn it in while the first book was in presale.

I accomplished that in September and was told I’d get a response in 2-3 months. That time frame passed with no word. I inquired and was told they’d have to see how well book 1 did before accepting book 2. Fair, I guess.

Then this month, getting antsy, I asked by what metric they would decide the first book had done well enough. I was hoping for some numbers, including my number of sales, but instead I got:

This dude is nothing if not perfunctory. I appreciate how quickly he responds to emails, though.

Many of the Amazon reviews say they can’t wait for book 2. I’m hoping that contract comes soon! Books are published in the order contracts are turned in. I’d hate for a 2027 release date, but that’s likely what I’m looking at. Maybe I’ll be pleasantly surprised. I guess we’ll see!

Many thanks to those of you who have purchased my book. I very much appreciate you!

You still get it $2 cheaper at Black Rose Writing and an additional 20% off until January 26 with code SEASON20 at checkout.

At least I received good feedback for this book trailer someone made for me:

What did you guys think of it?

And, okay, fine. Here’s a bit of Jiu-Jitsu for you. 😉

An old picture of Pirate hilariously photobombing a selfie with Little Sister

I must shamefully admit I was a little surprised/disappointed by Pirate’s nonchalant response to my return. He had been the most enthusiastic of my triumph over adversity the last time. So, before the start of class 3, I plunked near him on the bench and said, “Is this getting old? Me leaving, coming back, leaving, coming back? Like, make up your mind, already, Ilsa.”

“No, I just figured you were taking a break because your foot hurt.”

“Actually, I broke my foot.”

“Well that would hurt.”

“It did, but after recovering, it took a while to get back here.”

“I don’t know you well, but you don’t seem like a quitter.”

“I’m not a quitter. Thank you.”

Then I saw Humble One and started the conversation similarly.

“I thought you were doing stuff with your book,” he said. (We follow each other on Instagram.)

I explained.

“Oh!” he said.

Later, on the mat with HRH, I very maturely complained that people didn’t know I had broken my foot. “Didn’t anyone ask where I had disappeared to?” I whined.

Did no one CARE?! (Like I said, supes mature. (That’s not a typo. I’m trying to sound like a youngster.))

She seemed to remember the women had asked. Natch. Women be good in the caring department. “And I think Thoughtful One (still living up to his name!) and Lawyer.”

Awww. (Wouldn’t it have been funny if she had used their blog names?)

But also, they are my homeboys from Ilsa’s Jiu-Jitsu Journey, Part 1. Wowsa. I just realized this makes Ilsa’s Jiu-Jitsu Journey, Part 3. Geez Louise. Third time’s the charm? I sure hope there doesn’t need to be a fourth.

Last Q: George Howell’s Boston-area chain The Coffee Connection invented and trademarked the frappuccino.

New Q: One point each for the 12 highest-grossing movies of 1985.

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62 responses »

  2. Great news on book 2! Can I stop buying copies of book 1 now? did you get enough sales?

    Will there be a book 3? Asking for a friend.

    and you don’t really want me to list all 12 movies do you? I know then had movies back then, I even saw a few, “Back to the Future”, There was a Rambo, a Rocky movie,Cocoon, Spies Like Us, I think 85 also had Goonies, Witness (great film).

    That year might also have had, “Out of Africa” and “The Color Purple.”

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  6. congrats on book 2! ‘what’s with the lackadaisical response from the marital arts men? are they just trying to keep a cool persona? ) thanks to the women for keeping it real. and I have no idea about movies from ’85, all I know is movies from the 80s in general! I’m terrible with dates! et, better off dead, spinal tap, ferris beuller’s day off, ….?

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  7. I agree that the cover is important when you pick up a physical book at a bookshop, because it’s what catches your eye. But many (most?) people will buy an e-book, right? And I am not sure if the cover is that important. It’s just a tiny preview picture after all. I don’t think I have ever paid attention to the cover when buying e-books. The only thing that counts for me is reviews.

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  10. The 80’s was a gold mine of good movies. Unfortunately, I’m not enough of a movie person to be able to name individual movies from individual years. It would be like asking a Buddhist what happens in each chapter of the book of Daniel (from the Bible) 😀

    Good luck with your continuing adventures with the book. Sounds like it could really be a roller coaster of a time.

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    • I know you’re not a movie guy, Booky, so I felt a little bad grabbing that trivia question. My eyes first landed on one that AGAIN involved Boston, so I said, “Nope! Not that one.” So, it could have been worse. Hopefully I’ll come across one more up your alley soon.

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  11. It’s great to get constructive feedback and getting a librarian perspective is valuable. I would not fret and use it instead as a lesson learned for the next one!

    I’m still waiting for my pre order to arrive and look forward to enjoying it when it does! 😊

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    • Yes, a learning experience for sure. If only it had been the third cover that was a dud. By then, people wouldn’t care as much. But so be it.

      That’s super weird that you haven’t gotten your book yet. My friend in SPAIN did, for goodness sake! I’ll see if I can look into that for you.

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  12. Congrats on Book 2 being accepted (or whatever one calls it in the biz). I’m glad the librarian gave it such a great review. Does this mean she’ll order it for her library system?

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    • Apparently, what’s happening next is the head of the teen section needs to review it next. So, fingers crossed that that person enjoys it as much as my mom’s friend did. This is for the Akron system. I don’t know if your library is connected. My hometown next door to you is, so maybe you’ll see it in your library some day!

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      • No, we’re Cuyahoga County, but you never know!!! Hey, it wouldn’t hurt if your Mom contacted the local Gazette to do a piece on a ‘local author’ as I’ve seen that happen here, where someone who grew up here became ‘famous’ for something or other!

        Liked by 1 person

    • Now that I think about it, this librarian is someone I knew when I was young. I wonder if part of her excitement is, “Wow! Who knew Ilsa had it in her? I’m so pleasantly surprised!” 😛

      And thank you again for responding to my panicked plea re: the Netgalley cover voting. You’re such a good friend. 🙂

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  17. Look at you! You’re a rockstar. Love the librarian’s review. Send her a donut. And tell them you’ll come in for a author question an answer. Then you can SELL the books in your trunk for $20 because they are signed. Go, go, go! Now, back to reading.

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  18. I’d say that if your publisher liked your cover, don’t worry about what a few random readers think. (On the other hand, what amazingly high praise from her – take that for all it’s worth! )Can’t please all the people all the time, or whatever it is people say. Cool video thingy – makes me think it’s been optioned for a movie (did I use that right? “optioned”?)

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    • Wow, good to know, Janis. Before I’ve only gotten, “More Jiu-Jitsu, please!” [paraphrasing] So I’m happy to learn at least one person doesn’t mind when I lean more toward the writing side of writing and martial arts. And, yes, that librarian is an excellent contact to have. Speaking of, if you’re in the SD library system, perhaps you can second my vote for our county to pick up my book?

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  21. Compliments and feedback can be so double-edged … I think your cover is very cool. I think she looks so much like you! I hope Wish I Was Here makes it to all libraries and bookstores!

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  22. Pingback: Big news! New cover! | Writing and Martial Arts

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