A Book Review.....
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| Books....Books....Books....and, Even More Books, Please!!!!! |
.....as seen through my eyes!
By: Jacqueline E. Hughes
Occasionally, within your busy, daily life, you unexpectedly run across something that turns your head, makes you think and helps solidify that what you and many others do is nothing short of......well, impressive!!!
Today, I am taking you on a journey into my perspective of a nonfiction novel.....beautifully crafted from personal experience, meticulously thought out and, I believe, will soon become an invaluable inspiration for ALL writers.
Eric Vance Walton is a novelist, author and poet with a writing career spanning nearly two decades. He has published several books in different genres and has won several awards for his work including the "James Thurber Treat Prize."
"One Word at a Time: Finding Your Way as an Indie Author," is this author's initial venture into the nonfiction genre. Mr. Walton has compiled within this journey the blood, sweat and tears, the ups and downs, and the social media 'do's and don'ts' that are associated with his long, successful, Independent writing career.
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BOOK REVIEW: "One Word at a Time:
Finding Your Way as an Indie Author"
By: Eric Vance Walton
"One Word at a Time: Finding Your Way as an Indie Author" by Eric Vance Walton, is a brilliant example of one seasoned Indie Author combining his expanded knowledge and expertise of more than twenty years in order to assist others along the often long and arduous road to becoming a published author.
We, the readers, as the title implies, expect to be led down the best path-of-knowledge afforded us by Mr. Walton's own experiences, including 'How To' writing tips, things we should do, as well as things to avoid, along with examples of each. We are not disappointed!
In addition, the reader is enlightened by an intimate tone and approach as Mr. Walton sites expressions of his own family members that have encouraged and honed his present day attitudes of self-discipline and frugality, as well as sharing his methods of emotional control through meditation, yoga and exercise. He makes it abundantly clear that we should never allow our writing to consume our entire lives and that we should always make time for family and friends along the journey. This attitude, stressed by Mr. Walton, is the foundation for a unique balance between a successful writing career and a stable personal life.
While defining the term 'Indie Author' as a writer who publishes outside of the mainstream publishing industry, at the very beginning, Mr. Walton sets the tone of his book. We know this information is not going to be typical, rather, he fills us in on his more than twenty-year ride of being an Indie Author himself, utilizing modern technology, including social media, and having it work for all of us. His qualifications withstand the test of time as he allows his techniques to be flexible yet challenging throughout his own lengthy career.
I found Mr. Walton's poignant use of quotes by various authors direct validation for all of his own ideas and helped to strengthen the messages he wished to convey to the reader. Also, I found it charming that he seemed unabashed by opening-up his soul to us and exposing his vulnerability, allowing us to see his human side. "My readers are my boss...." Yet, Mr. Walton was just as capable of exerting his strengths by reinforcing the necessity of a proper publisher fit, encouraging our creative energy by visiting local art fairs and theater productions while pointing-out and understanding the difference between being a 'starving artist' and an artist that takes firm control of his own destiny....one day at a time.
My only real criticism would be that although Mr. Walton creates many positive prompts, he is repetitive at times when it comes to offering useful examples. In terms of writer's block or just pushing yourself away from your writing desk for a needed respite, the act of walking your dog is often used. I understand the use of positive reinforcement in this case, however, the reader comprehends the significance of this gesture early on. I was hoping for a touch of 'quirkiness' thrown in by Mr. Walton at times to lighten-up the mood and infuse a modicum of unpredictability into the mix.
Our world changes so quickly and on a daily basis and modern technology is a forerunner of many of these changes. As an avid reader and a writer myself, I seek out every advantage I can in making sense out of the complicated and competitive world of being an Indie Author. Eric Vance Walton has capitalized on the theme that knowledge of the inner workings of this industry is not only bliss, but a dire necessity when it comes to success! Placing this knowledge within a comfortable writing format as in "One Word at a Time: Finding Your Way as an Indie Author," readers will instantly know they have a good friend on their side in Mr. Walton and an invaluable reference guide to independent publishing that should be placed nearby them at all times.
NOTE: The publishing release date for "One Word at a Time:..." To be announced soon by Authors Publish Press. Visit Mr. Walton's Author Website Link below to learn more.
Author Website Link:
http://ericvancewalton.wordpress.com/
Copyright © 2014 By Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved
