Messy Office Desk with Ideas and Vision

“I Have A [Writing] Dream”

Fiction is my passion. Stories that matter and that have something to say were my earliest independent love, they have been the focus of my creativity for a quarter century now, and I have made them my career.

Now, a few months from fifty, I want to tell you about the vision I have for the future of writing and great storytelling, and ask you where and how you might choose to join it.

My vision compresses down to three words:

Create, Teach, Produce.

One: Create

I want to bring meaningful stories to discriminating readers, viewers, and listeners.

This means I’ll continue to write my own fiction. Working on novels 34 and 35—with 32 published novels behind me—I’m pretty well established in that part of my vision.

Two: Teach

Beyond writing my own work, I want to help more good stories make it into the world. To me, this means offering powerful tools to writers to help them write stories that are the best work they have in them—not just filler for bookshelves, but stories that come from their heart and passion, and that, when written, move, inspire, and enrich the lives of the readers who discover them.

To this end, I’ve created all the free writing resources on the Forward Motion pages of my site, all the short writing courses in my online shop, and my first two comprehensive writers’ training courses, my how to write your novel and build your career course, How To Think Sideways, and my novel revision course, How To Revise Your Novel.

Those are a start. I have a stack of notebooks full of other ideas, and am simply working to make the time to create what’s in those notebooks. (Create A World Clinic is next.)

Three: Produce

Even beyond that, though, I want to create a publishing enterprise where editors come up with their genres and themes and are directly rewarded for their success, where writers create stories that matter to them and are directly rewarded for connecting with the readers who long for the stories they’re telling, and where people whose creative passion is storytelling can make a good living doing what they love.

Rebel Tales is the start of this part of what I want to create. Rebel Tales is still in a holding pattern while Margaret finishes and tests the backend that will allow me to pay each writer and each editor monthly their percentage of their work’s monthly gross income.

Because I think direct, perpetual monthly royalties on works created are the best way to encourage great work, and because building a way for people to be able to make their passion into their career matters deeply to me, it’s critical that I be able to pay my writers and editors in this fashion from the start.

Four: Help Out

While not immediately connected to the production of great storytelling and the creation of an expanding body of fiction worth reading, making sure that my readers, writers, and editors don’t starve is a big deal for me.

I’ve done some work to this end. I created affiliate programs to pay 50% of individual sales to anyone whose recommendation of my courses (or my writers’ courses) leads to the sale.

I created the 33 Worst Mistakes Writers Make publishing program for people who had deep knowledge in a subject to create writers’ guides on subjects writers frequently get wrong and sell them through my shop.

I want to create a site that will allow these folks and other specialists to teach regular courses and offer information in their areas of expertise to writers who need a one-stop shop for research.

Sitting in a holding pattern, I have Money To Write (how to create monthly “royalty” income that will allow you to write full-time). I have an enormous amount of material for this program, but no time to get it into the software or do the necessary promotion.

I have discovered to my chagrin that I cannot do everything.

And the reality is that I’ll be fifty in October, and no matter how much time I have left, it’s running out at a hell of a pace.

I need help.

I have never longed to change the world. In fact, I’m utterly and ferociously against anyone whose stated goal is to save the world.

My objective is and always has been to work with those people who dare to dream that they could create, who dare to act to pursue their dream, and who want to make their own lives better—for them I create the tools and the training and the community that will allow them to do this.

To fulfill my own dream, to build my chosen vision into reality,
I need people for whom bringing great, unique stories to readers tired of “canned fiction product” matters. And if you aren’t a writer, a reader, or an editor of any stripe, I still need artwork, web design, data entry, product finishing, contract and rights assistance, and other things I guarantee you I haven’t even thought of yet.

If my objective strikes a chord with you, if my vision resonates with you, and if you can see yourself as a part of this, then look at what I want to do, and tell me where you fit in—what you can do, why you want to do it, where your passion lies. What is YOUR dream, and how could working with me help you achieve it?

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Comments

259 responses to ““I Have A [Writing] Dream””

  1. R.H. Avatar
    R.H.

    My dream is to create despite my disabilities. I’m not able to work at this time, so I have a great deal of ‘dead’ time. I write, but no where near a professional level yet; that’s not what I think would help you.

    I’m also an artist, and I draw well from reference and with clear descriptions of what someone wants. (I do my own work as well, but that doesn’t tend to fit what other people need!) I generally work in black and white pencil, but I’ll occasionally work on the computer with works I have inked. Using a wacom for computer art is difficult, but my pencils can go anywhere with me! I generally need to be forewarned of art needs so I can let you know far enough in advance if I’m too sick to complete what you need. If you would like some artwork done or samples, let me know. 🙂

  2. Lisa C. Avatar

    It seems as though you have a lot of helping hands, but if you need another one… I have a degree and experience in graphic design and I love to write and read. Keeping it short, you have a lot of comments to read through. Wish you the best.

  3. Narq Avatar
    Narq

    Hi!

    I’m not sure whether I’d acutally be of help, but if you need me, I’ll always be willing to muck out.

    I DO love to read so I believe I could be of help if you need a reader. I’ve also been editing a couple of people’s stories, one of which is a published author, and I have also been offered a writing mentorship.

    My passion is writing – whether it be me writing myself, reading other people’s work, or helping them become better writers.

    The dream you’re proposing to achieve is not impossible, and it looks like you’ve got good resources too. I hope that I can join and help you with what I have to offer, and also learn what I have not.

  4. Gina D. Avatar
    Gina D.

    Hi Holly,
    I’m gonna start of with I’m 13 and am not a published writer or editor, and don’t even have a job yet. I don’t even know if you’ll read this but, I really want to write. I write everyday. I follow your advice, create some of mine own and somehow made writing more fun than hanging out with my friends sometimes. I’ve tried a lot of things, like sports, music, art and I’m good at most of them too. Also, I know I’m only 13 and have not experienced all the things in life, but I have a deep passion for writing. I really don’t know how I could help you, but if you need writing, I can do that. I think your dream is inspiring and I’m all for it.

    I want to write purely because it’s the most fun thing to do. You don’t know how many times I’ve gone through the “You’ll probably never make money with that” speech, and as long as I love it, I won’t listen to them.

    I want to show people like me, the future of the world, how interesting literature can be, along with adults who’ve never just sat down and read.

    I believe by helping you, I could grow in my skill of writing, and maybe, some day, do that as a career.

    I guess you’d want more experienced writers or older ones, but I can write and edit. If I can be of any help, I will do whatever, to the best of my ability.

    Thank you,
    Gina

  5. Emerald Avatar
    Emerald

    Who dares, wins.

    Looks like you’ve got plenty of helping hands standing by. It’s really down to you, now, to lead the way. I do hope this isn’t all talk. Dreams are what folk have when they lie down. As soon as hard cash is involved, this’ll become a business, whether you like it or not. And the business world ain’t got no room for dreamers.

  6. Lindsey Hodder Avatar
    Lindsey Hodder

    It has always been my dream to write to create, and to work in publishing whilst I do so. Though I am only currently completing my Bachelors Degree in Writing and English Literature, I consider myself a novice editor as I edit for a few personal projects through FictionPress, and I am a part of the Wolf Song Productions First Reader Program. I believe that I have what it takes to make a beginning in the world of editing.

    I see myself as a writer, reader and editor, and working with you would help me gain valuable experience in this field, and provide you with a worker who is disciplined, skilled and extremely eager to learn.

    Lindsey

  7. Clare K. R. Miller Avatar

    Holly,
    I might be going through the Think Sideways class much more slowly than intended, but I’m working on it! It’s always been my dream to be a writer, and you’ve helped so much already. I don’t know how much help I can be with your project, but I’d love to be involved.

    Oh, and if you need any knitters (I type, having set down the needles so they rest on the front of my desk), I’m up for that too! 😀

  8. Corie Conwell Avatar
    Corie Conwell

    Another thought – One thing I can offer that may be useful looking at all the talents available, is project management. I’m super organized, and good at keeping all the details on something on track. If you need help along those lines, please let me know.

  9. Ke-Yana Drake Avatar

    I have almost no financial resources to offer. But I’m fairly good at writing (though, unless you have the time to troll through my dA account and read you probably have no idea of my writing skill), and I have a crapload of time on my hands because I can not work. Actually about the only thing I can do these days IS write.

    I’d like to be involved in this, if you still have places left and my voice isn’t buried in the hundreds of other voices of people who want to join in. I’ve also given a link to this post to a friend who is a gifted comic artist who might want to join in too.

  10. WandersNowhere Avatar
    WandersNowhere

    I have a writing dream. I have a story that has gnawed at me for most of my adult life, that I have written in the form of three screenplays and now a novel, my first of a planned nine. Holly, thanks to you, my progress has been solid and I’m now taking HTRYN to polish up that first book. I may well take HTTS before I write the second.

    I’d like to return some of that. So if you need short stories for Rebel Tales, or anything else, tap me on the shoulder and I’ll get to work. Aside from the writing I have skills in graphic design, some 3d modeling and texturing (Zbrush is my friend) and general visual arts. If any of that’s useful to you, pop me an email and I’ll see what I can do.

  11. m Avatar
    m

    Hi,
    As I am always looking to improve my writing ability and have hopes of putting down on paper my tales of living my childhood in an orphanage.
    My feelings and my stories have always amused and intrigued my family and friends and anyone who needs a story line. I am an artist and a computer nerd, I paint in oil, watercolor, pastels, colored pencil, charcoal renderings, pen and ink drawings. Play the piano have been a singer in a professional group and have taken 4 semesters in Creative Writing. If help is what you are looking for knock on this lady’s door anytime. Thank yo

  12. Jean Avatar

    I’d love to help you, Holly. It’s a wonderful dream. In fact I already teach romance writing by correspondence in New Zeaand (raw beginners). I have also been an affiliate of yours for more than a year but have only just got around to doing something about it.
    Just let me know what you need.
    Jean

  13. Seleane Gray Avatar
    Seleane Gray

    I just read this and my ears, and heart, perked up. I’ve been writing for eight years – though that doesn’t seem to be a lot compared to most – but I love writing. It is a large part of my life. A gift from God. However, recently I’ve been wanting to do the very thing you wrote about in this blog post. I want to produce my own stories and hope that one day, someone, reads my work(s) and finds that they are inspired to follow their dreams. Just like I’m trying to do today. I want to Pay It Forward, as many so aptly put it, to other writers, new and experienced. And for this I’ve created the term (which I should really get copyrighted to me, but that’s later) Soul Artist: Someone who wears their soul on the outside like a second skin, instead of the inside. A Soul Artist follows their dream and know that they can, and eventually will, make it happen. And Holly, I believe you are one. Someone that I’ve admired for a long time now. Someone that has really inspired me to follow my dreams of being a writer in one fashion or the other, to inspire others to live their dreams because they can make it happen, and to help out when someone needs a hand or shoulder to hold onto.

    Like I said, I write, read, edit/critique, and help where I can. Even though I don’t know where I’m walking most of the time. I hope to be able to start down the road of becoming an artist in the since of drawing/painting. If you need help, I will do everything in my power to help you achieve your dream because, although they may be spelled differently, our dreams are the same.

    Seleane Gray

  14. Silke Avatar

    Well. 🙂
    That’s a tall order you got there.
    I’ve done pretty much all of what you’re looking for, ran a pretty successful company for a few years, until health got in the way and I had to admit… I couldn’t do it with just “Me, myself and I”.
    So you’re one step ahead of the crowd already, just by realizing you will need to enlist help.
    If I learned anything, it was to trust my gut. I started the company with a partner and a vision — I didn’t like the canned stuff on offer. I knew there were lots of good stories out there which never got to see the light of day. I went after them, until they came to me. And they did. Lots and lots of them.
    Funny, all the stories we were told “No one wants”, were the stories people wanted. We were told “it’ll never sell” and it sold (and won awards, too)
    We were possibly the first ever epub who offered paranormal, fantasy and futuristic romance, along with erotic romance. Nowadays it’s unthinkable to not publish paranormals, they are everywhere. Back then, they were not.
    I’ve edited, I’ve created promos, I’ve marketed until I was blue in the face (though that generally had something to do with hyperventilating when I got called on to do some speech lol).
    I’ve created covers, web graphics, websites… you name it.
    I believe I still have that expertise, I don’t use it much apart from creating the odd wordpress theme, or some graphics for myself, or critiquing friends manuscripts (many of whom are published) while I write, submit, and hope to sell my own stories some day.
    It’ll happen, when I find the right agent/publisher at the right time. 🙂
    Generally, I like a challenge. If I can’t do it, it’s not a “I can’t do it”, but a “I can’t do it yet… gimme two weeks and we’ll talk again.”
    I have a sense of humor. You have to have a sense of humor in this business, or you’ll tear your hair out eventually and get frustrated. I’ve dealt with plenty of egos where taking a deep breath and having a belly laugh took the edge off and allowed communication to resume.
    So if there’s anything in all this diatribe that appeals to you, drop me a line. 🙂

  15. Lee Avatar
    Lee

    Data Entry is an immediate response.

    Beyond that… that’ll take some thought.

  16. Darlene Avatar
    Darlene

    Hi Holly,
    I am passionate about fulfilling my dream and helping others to achieve theirs as well. I, like many of you, know what it’s like to have a dream that life seems to impose upon. My creative reading and writing has taken a back seat to school and professional reading and writing for several years.

    I’ve been writing since I was 7 years old. Poetry has been my creative outlet for years, but fiction always my dream. I want to write books. I don’t just want to write a book. I want to write and write and write some more. I want to be published and for readers to love the stories and characters I bring to life for them.

    I’m going to succeed at my writing and make a full-time income following my dreams and doing what I love. I would love to help you in achieving your dreams. This would be an excellent learning and growth opportunity for me as well.

    I have a knack for proofing and catching grammatical errors where others seem to leave them behind. Spell check only goes so far ya know 🙂 I would love to be of assistance with proofing, editing, reading and of course contributing.

    Thank you Holly for this wonderful opportunity for many to join together and fulfill their dreams while helping others.

  17. Lisa Davies Avatar
    Lisa Davies

    Hi Holly,
    well where to start when so many people have already made such valid reasons as to why they should be the one to help you on this adventure. No I have not been published, though my stories and poetry are online as part of a writing community. No I haven’t finished any college or university course on writing heck I didn’t even finish school, but what I can bring you is heart and passion for something that means the world to me. I would be happy helping where there is any need for it. I love reading almost as much as writing and what I lack in experience I make up for in determination and hard work. I hope you find those who are able to help and good luck with all you envision.

  18. Joanna Avatar

    Hi Holly,
    I want to do all of that too! I am way behind you on the writing scene, but will get there! However, I do teach already and would love to help you promote your work. I am an IT consultant and help authors with the techy things in life – like blogging, social networking, video marketing etc.
    I have a blog with a decent audience, twitter following and also a podcast – I would love to have you on as an interview to help promote your work.
    Please just let me know how I can help – I have found your materials very useful.
    Thanks, Joanna

  19. Ronald Robert Moore Avatar
    Ronald Robert Moore

    Hi Holly, I’m on lesson one in your How To Write A Novel course, but I’ve been writing short stories for five years through Critique Circle.I’m depressed to say I have been published a few times and my highest payment was $5.00.That is about 1/16 penny per hour.I was shocked and appalled at how worthless these so-called publishers thought my work was.Is your publication going to pay less than a penny per word.Even for a bad story that is an insult.I started giving my story’s to non-pay sites with riqurous standards.

  20. Shontrell Avatar
    Shontrell

    I love all things book-related.
    I do enjoy creating fictional stories, but I also love working with other writers to get their works ready to share with the public. I have done some editing for several authors preparing for submission, as well as for a poet who was re-releasing three books of poetry.
    I believe I can be an asset as a writer and/or on the editorial side as you move toward bringing your vision to fruition.

  21. Gracie O'Neil Avatar

    Hi Holly,

    The concept of Create, Teach, Produce, and Help Out resonates with me. It’s pretty much what I’m trying to do myself.

    My day job is writing technical documentation for the electronics industry. The rest of the time I spend:
    * writing my own fiction
    * writing material for blogs, courses, and seminars on writing craft
    * writing content for my online course for writers who want to create their own promotional websites.
    * thinking about what I’m going to do next.

    I very much appreciate what you have contributed to my growth as a writer. I also know I would have given almost anything to be able to learn the stuff I now know without having had to wait more than a decade to learn it all the hard way.

    My own aim is to write the best damn fiction I’m capable of, and to help as many other writers as possible to do the same.

    Not sure if any of this helps you or not, but if you think there are possibilities then feel free to drop me an email.

    Regards
    Gracie

    http://www.gracieoneil.com

  22. Kim Iverson Avatar

    Hey Holly,
    I think what you’re doing is exactly what you want to be doing. Helping people and doing great work. I have been signed up for your emails and find them incredibly helpful and inspirational, as well as reading through all your old work on this site.

    I want do much of the same as you, most can say that I’m sure, but I want reach people with my writing. I am a short story writer as well as a fiction writer and I simply love it. I do poetry as well and have been writing a long time now. I have so many stories and ideas in my head that I want complete and life seems to want make that take longer, but I am committed to achieving my dream of simply publishing books that people want to read. I could care less if I even make money at it, I just want write and do what I love! Writing books that help people escape from daily life and enter a world of limitless possibilities. I’d love to help you in any way I can, even though I don’t have much time on my hands as of late, I can always help promote your work through my network of friends. I have many that are in local broadcasting radio, marketing and much more. Even if it’s simply promoting Rebel Tales through FaceBook or my blog, I’d love to help you, and in that way, be helping myself too!

    Have yourself a wonderful day 🙂

  23. Raylene Juniper Avatar
    Raylene Juniper

    Hiya

    I’ve done your revising course through Savvy Authors. I am currently trying to learn as much as i can so i can better my writing and hopefully be published one day soon. I love to write and i love to read.

    I really want to be published one day and I know that my writing is lacking in some areas so i am trying to learn and make it better. I’m finding hard being able to do all this around my family but i’m trying my best.

    If i can help i would love to.

    Raylene

  24. Joe Avatar
    Joe

    I believe your idea is sound. I’m an MFA student completing my final class. Although that doesn’t mean anything, I am starting a local group and blog spot for daily writing exercises, ebooks and other monetizing projects related to writing.

    I purchased your ebooks and found them very informative, the “real world” stuff you can’t find in MFA programs.

    I believe I can contribute something and develop courses. Let me know where I could be most effective.

    Joe

  25. Maryse C.L. Avatar

    Hi Holly!

    I currently work as a junior editor for a French school book publisher here in Montreal. I studied New media in college, and I’m pretty resourceful when it come to visual presentation, web design and photography.

    I see myself as a creator, a DIYer to the core, and a strong believer in the idea that we are the architects of our life. That’s why I like to take on projects; be it a blog, a jewelry line made of preloved fabrics or a cookbook for my younger sister, it bring meaning to my life and a sense of purpose my work just can’t fill. Recently though, I’ve been meaning to find projects that would better fit my dream of becoming a writer (beside writing my novel, that is). Your project is in alignment with my goal and everything I stand for.

    I would love to contribute and be a part of this vision you had… Drop me a line (or more) if you’d like to have me on the team 😉 I look forward to see how your dream unfold!

  26. Tanja Avatar

    Hey Holly,
    I can definitely appreciate the effort it takes to make your dreams a reality — I’m still working hard on mine! So I wish you much success with your vision. Your newsletter emails have been much appreciated and I have enjoyed most of what you’ve published. I would say I’m a reader, an aspiring writer (scifi and fantasy, children’s books) and a professional illustrator. Although I’m not at the level where I can say I’m 100% self-supporting again with this current creative job direction, I’m determined to get there. Maybe I can contribute a little bit of artwork now and again. 🙂

  27. Anita Morris Avatar

    I once dreamed of being a writer. It’s a dream that receding because I’ve discoved that I love to create art more. I am a varacious reader and love my sci-fi and fantasy. These days I’m exploring art with an emphasis on design. I’d love to create artwork for your projects. These all sound like really good things for the writers and editiors involved.

  28. Diana Avatar
    Diana

    Holly, you ROCK! You have such great ideas. I would love to join you in your new adventure. I have been writing for well over 25 years, but mostly for myself, and have recently pressed myself into making more time for it – HTTS – more time for me, in that respect.

    I think the best way I can help in your endeavor is through editing and reading. I have a BA in English, I tutor students struggling in writing, I had my own desktop publishing business, I still copywrite on the side, I think reading is a true gift that you give yourself, I have experience in a LOT of areas (single mom, three jobs at a time thing) and I, like you, really just like to help people where writing is concerned.

    Let me know if I can help in any way…even if you just need a little moral support. You’re doing a great thing!

    -Diana

  29. Elizabeth Runyan Avatar
    Elizabeth Runyan

    Holly,

    I would love to be a part of your new venture. I am still a new writer who is tryig to write my first novel, but I do have a strong idea for what is correct grammar-wise and would love to be able to prove that to you and be an editor if needed.

    If that option doesn’t work, I could also be a data entry person. I love to sit and type on my computer. I have had experience as a proof operator for a bank and am a fairly fast typer (approx 55-60 wpm.)

    If you need more information, please feel free to contact me.

  30. Nycole Crow Avatar
    Nycole Crow

    Hi Holly,
    I have been a subscriber to your emails for some time now. I always enjoy reading them as they usually force me to think and look inside myself in ways I hadn’t thought of before. I am sort of new to this whole writing world. I have written one young adult novel but haven’t found and agent or publishing company for it yet. I also have a second novel near completion and a third that I am working on. Unfortunately, I spend more time in the real world working (usually office work, data entry, social work, that sort of think) or working with my children (I have four – 14, 13, 10, and 5 years old) so I don’t get as much time to focus on writing as I would like.
    I love your insight and your programs and although I don’t have money to spend on purchasing a bunch of seminars I would love to work with or help you with anything that I can.

    Sincerely,
    Nycole Crow

  31. Kate Avatar
    Kate

    I tell my mother all the time: If you don’t stand down, no one else will know how to stand up.

    We have similar goals, in terms of getting words in the hands of readers, so I’ll be happy to help in any way I can.

    One: I can proofread, I can also help fact-check if that’s necessary. I’m a Librarian in my day job.

    Whatever you think you might need, I’ll be happy to try to fill in.

    After all, chasing dreams is a wonderful exercise, but catching them helps too.

  32. L. L. McKinney Avatar

    To be honest, Holly, I’m knew to the world of writing, editing and publishing that didn’t consist of school research papers, fan fiction, and writing on my own for myself and my friends. I’ve never been published, I don’t have an editor, I barely have a completed manuscript and it was only a year ago that I decided to stop saying I could do this, be a writer, and actually do it.

    I feel I’ve already come so far, yet the distance I have to go to realize my dream is greater still and in reading this, what you are wanting and taking steps to do, is more than an inspiration. I read this and I think haven, haven for people like me who have the drive, the desire, the will and the want and absolutely no idea what to do with it. I think it’s absolutely beautiful. I want to be a part of it, I want to help, or cheer someone else on if they’re chosen or something. To simply watch if at all possible.

    What I have to offer is myself, my small corner of the world of literature. I want to put it all in there, give what I can. I am a writer, and I’m want to be able to do what I love for work, and if I can help someone else manage that for themselves in any way shape or form then I feel it’ll bring me closer to achieving the same for me.

    I included my website, which holds samples of my main work at the moment, and if it seems like there is anything that can be used, feel free to contact me. I’m addicted to e-mail.

  33. Karen Avatar
    Karen

    Your Rebel Tales sounds interesting. I’d like to hear more. My passion is writing fiction and, through my writing group, I’ve now done a fair amount of critiqueing and editing. I’m still very much a novice and am trying to fit daily writing into my chaotic life – so I guess I’m like any number of other writers .

    I’m not a “literary” writer, never will be. I like fiction to carry me away from the drudgery of daily life and take me to places that are fun, exciting, and guarantee a happy ending – so that’s what I write. I dream that one day my stories will offer ‘escapist’ opportunities to other like-minded people… I just have to find a way to reach out to them. Determination is my middle name!

  34. Kimi Alexandre Avatar

    Hey Holly! Remember me? 🙂

    I was going to write you email but this is where you asked for us to tell you what we could do so I figured I best follow your request. 🙂

    First, let me say one thing and then I’ll tell you how I can help (want to help) It relates anyway. I want to thank you for being you and for showing me where my true talent seems to lie as well as taking a chance on me as my first voice over client.

    While I love to write ( and will finish Guardians in the future – and maybe even write a book on How to Turn your Book into Audio) I’ve discovered I have a real skill and talent for voice over and audio production. You allowing me to do your e-book on Scenes gave me a real jump into the professional world of voice over. If you look at my new voiceover site (http://www.gifted-reader.com) you’ll see all the credits/jobs I’ve gotten since I did that book for you. I’ve now turned it into a professional and paid living. So thank you.

    Now let me tell you how I can help in your ventures. First, I would love to voice any of the work you get if you choose to turn Rebel Tales into an audio production. I can do audio editing and production but I’d rather refer you to someone I know who can do that better.

    I think we’d talked before about an editor spot and I would love to help with that. I can write. I have two stories coming out in audio format before the end of the summer, and one before the end of the year.

    I can do data entry (I type 75 words a minute). I can refer you to people who do web-design and graphic work. Several of the team of people I work with have those skills.

    I look forward to hearing from you and finding out how I can fit in the big puzzle that is “Holly Lisle’s Map of the World”. 🙂

  35. Sapphire Avatar

    Hey, Holly, I’ve been waiting for you to ask.

    Getting Rebel Tales off the ground as the start of your publishing enterprise is what interests me. How about taking me on as an editor? I desperately need to be up to my neck in fiction.

    Here’s some of what I’ve done in the past:

    –Started and ran a literary quarterly in the early ’90’s, and kept it going with a partner for four years. It’s now one of the oldest continuously published lit journals in the country.

    –Worked as reader and editor for a fiction-only agent. Learned to read a contract and turn around submissions within 48 hours. Also taught private clients how to improve their novels (didn’t like that) and provided novel-length edits for Brenda Novak’s Juvenile Diabetes Auction.

    –Had one short story each in Asimov’s, EQMM and Interzone, and a few in other places. Been bashing my head against the wall for eons since, trying to reformat myself as a novelist. Thanks to HTTS and HTYRN, I may do it.

    –Play production in Baltimore. MA in publications. Medical journal editor. That job’s great in many ways, but ever since we stopped printing case reports, the journal hasn’t been about HUMAN BEINGS.

    When I took HTTS, I wrote a story draft for RT. Since then, I’ve been torn between extending it into a novel and finalizing it as an RT story. Guess I’ll do the latter now.

    Want to see a CV? :))

    Cheers,

    sapphire

  36. Elizabeth Jewell Avatar
    Elizabeth Jewell

    Hi, Holly,

    I’m a freelance editor/copy editor/proofreader/writer/researcher/lexicographer. I’ve been in publishing for 30 years, mostly in nonfiction and reference, but I enjoy working on fiction much more than nonfiction and would like to move my career in that direction. I’ve published a nonfiction book and I am working on a mystery novel, but I write slowly and painfully. I’ve edited two novels.

    My grasp of grammar, punctuation, and word choice is well above average. I think I could be useful as an editor and can also help (based on my experience as a managing editor) with questions of scheduling and production. Please do let me know if I can help.

    Cheers,
    Elizabeth

  37. Steffi Avatar

    Holly, always and again I am amazed at the ideas you come up with. I would like to share in your adventure/enterprise.
    I have written all my life (mostly job- and project related non-fiction) and now beyond 60 (sic!) I want to fulfill my dream of writing fiction, mostly fantasy.
    If I can be of help, brilliant! IN any case, let me hear more of your plans. I am German (in case you’d decide to publish some your materials, say your courses in German, I would be interested in translating and promoting, but this is just one idea).

    Thanks for all your work and encouragement and let me know more about Rebel Tales and all related to it.
    Best wishes
    Steffi

  38. Alexandra Capell Hughes Avatar

    First let me say I’m working through How to Revise Your Novel and have found it incredibly helpful for a very difficult project. Thank you for making it available, and for all the hard work you obviously put into the course.

    As for your foray into publishing, I’d love to help however I can. Rebel Tales sounds like an amazing project, and I’d love to edit for you. I’m a newbie on paper, but I have the skills and would be happy to prove that to you in whatever manner you like.

    Barring that, I read constantly in a variety of genres and styles and would love to join the reader team. My professional background is also in marketing.

    Thanks again for all your hard work, and good luck!

  39. Marie Andreas Avatar

    Hi Holly,

    I am very interested in this as well. My goal/dream is to be a successfully published novelist. I have sold one short story and am spending this year honing my craft on three very different novels (yeah- I’m a bit of a loon ;)).

    I’m not sure what you need, but count me very interested.

  40. Tracy Riva Avatar

    Dear Holly,

    I review books with the Midwest Book Review and on Goodreads. These are both volunteer positions, if I can help you by reviewing material, either for your personal information or for posting to either or both of these sites I would be happy to help. I do honest reviews. Reading good material helps broaden me as a writer. I also really enjoy it. I have an eye for spotting errors like spelling, missing or duplicated words, etc. I’m NOT good with things like dangling participles or split infinitives.

    I can help with data entry. I’m also willing to help convert manuscripts to PDF documents for distribution. I don’t know how to put them in any other electronic form. If the software is as user friendly as Adobe is I can easily learn.

    Obviously, I can’t do all these things at the same time, but if one or two of them can be helpful I’d love to pitch in. I could even review material for you as I enter it into electronic format, if that would be something you could use. I can also keep my opinions to myself and just enter the data or create the documents. You’re the boss.

    I want to work on my own writing too, so I can only offer you a 6 – 8 hour workday, so I have equal time daily to write. I have pretty much the same dream you have, so I’d be honored to help out.

    Sincerely,

    Tracy M. Riva

  41. James Palmer Avatar
    James Palmer

    Hi Holly,

    I would love to help out. I have a passion for helping fiction and non-fiction authors market themselves more effectively. To that end, I am currently writing an e-book on how authors can market themselves using social media (I would love to have you as an affiliate once it’s finished, if you’re interested).

    Areas where I can help: Blogging, content creation, turning your notes into finished e-books, writing info product sales pages and landing pages.

    I have worked as a freelance copywriter and journalist, and write e-books for copywriter Bob Bly.

    My goal is to become a full-time science fiction writer, with a good passive income that allows me to quit my day job and get out of debt so I can pursue this passion. I have a couple of stories being published in two small press pulp anthologies, and I sold a pulp short story to a new magazine coming out in July. It’s small potatoes, but I wrote them because I wanted to enjoy writing again, and I had a blast writing them.

    Let me know if I can be of assistance.

    Best,

    James

  42. Corie Conwell Avatar
    Corie Conwell

    I want to write. My challenge is carving the time out. I know if a thousand single moms can pull it off, running a freelance business can’t be any worse 🙂 I’ve taken your how to think sideways course, and it was amazing. I’ve started the revision course, and haven’t been able to keep up. I’m hoping to get my rear end back in gear, and I’d love to be able to submit to Rebel Tales.

    I’d love to help you – I can give feedback, and editing, and possibly of more use, I can do web design, and some programming (that’s what pays the bills). I can do data entry if you need it. Just ping me if you need me – you’ve certainly given me enough inspiration I’d be happy to help out!

  43. Harley Ferris Avatar

    Hi, Holly,

    I’ve enjoyed your contributions to the writing community and value your directness (in all senses of the word). I have been writing as a creative outlet for some time, taking it more seriously in waves. I’ve been fortunate to gain publication of short stories, poetry and non-fiction essays in various journals. A college dropout in 1997, I went back to school as a 30-something and just finished a BA in English on May 1, and I will begin a master’s program in English (compostion & rhetoric focus) in August. My goal is to teach composition and study pedagogy, because I am frustrated with the way writing is beaten out of people in our education system. Most kids love to write; most adults don’t. I also find it interesting that the #1 grad program in America is the MFA in Creative Writing, yet adult readership of novels continues to decline. Seems we all want to write, but no one is reading.

    My own personal writing dream is to write unpretentious fiction and to not feel ashamed of it. I wrestled with my academic ego long enough–I no longer care to write the great American novel. I want to write something that a person like me would enjoy reading, and I’m finally doing just that. I’ve enjoyed some success with smaller pieces; now it’s time to learn how to complete a longer one.

    Regarding your efforts, I resonate with your approach. I’ve spent some time in the music industry, and I feel like the book industry is slowly following suit. Just as musicians may now deal directly with their audience through new marketing and fulfillment attitudes, I believe more writers are learning how to reach readers in new ways, and the industry appears to be taking notice. People like you, people with real industry experience and success who also care very much about “paying it forward,” are, in my opinion, the superstars who will help usher in this change through new, innovative models. I really dig this.

    In my professional life, I have been a web designer for past 10+ years. Since 2006, I’ve been the Webmaster for Jacksonville University in Florida (how I nabbed the chance to return to school), and my strengths are in front end design, user interface and graphic layouts. You can see my work at http://www.ju.edu. I built every one of those 3500+ pages, designed from scratch. I only boast this feat in the hopes of letting you know that I’m serious and professional, and I’d love to be a part of your team. A smaller site I’m also proud of for my design is http://journal.ju.edu, an online research journal I developed with the faculty and in which I am also published, to be completely self-indulgent. I don’t know what sort of opportunities you have, but you now have my email address. Please let me know if you’d like to speak further about your plans and how I might fit into them. I would be happy to provide more samples of my work. Also, being a “wordie,” I would be more than happy to read/edit/submit and all that good stuff that goes along with it. I love grammar and I’m an avid reader. I’ll be working in a writing center my first year at grad school and teaching composition my second. I’d enjoy finding time to work with you on this big, exciting, scary dream. 🙂

  44. Wayne Nash Avatar
    Wayne Nash

    I am a voracious reader, a pretender to authorship and a didactic editor. While my experience and education reflect an operational skill set, my aspirations are to release my suppressed creativity and turn from the shadows dancing on the cave walls to the flesh and bone players outside in the light (sorry, just had to use a Platonic metaphor). Holly, I’d love to join your foray into fashioning a publishing empire.

  45. Shianan Avatar
    Shianan

    Holly,

    I would love to help you with this venture. As far back as I can remember I’ve been in love with great stories and have wanted to be a part of that. I’ve been writing since the fourth grade and over the years have helped many friends with editing and grammar. I have a passion for words and making good works better makes me feel good.

    If you’ll have me, I’d love to be on your editing team. If not, I would still love to submit works to Rebel Tales.

    I wish you nothing but the best with all of your endeavors.
    Shianan

  46. Andi Terrell Avatar
    Andi Terrell

    Hi Holly,
    I’ve been subscribed to your email letters for a while now and you have inspired me quite a bit. I read your help email and wanted to let you know that I will help you in any way possible. I’ve been writing since I was 10. I’ve never had anything published but I’ve finished one book. Unfortunately it was lost when I moved. I love writing. I love creating. So if I can help, just let me know.

  47. Lex Mosgrove Avatar

    Hi!

    Wow, this sounds a lot like myself! I’m working on a science fantasy comic book right now, so if you need an artist and/or worldbuilder, I’m in. I do some web design, too, although only XHTML/CSS and some JavaScript.

    – Lex

  48. Cora Avatar
    Cora

    My goal has always been to write stories I want to read. I’m not sure exactly what you have in mind as far as this potential project, but I’m interested in hearing more.

  49. Dawn Kopp Avatar
    Dawn Kopp

    Hi Holly,

    You have a pretty good idea already of my writing abilities I think. I’m a novice with a limited amount of time to spend on my dream but I work hard and I know I have the drive to publish what I write someday. My dream is to touch lives with the stories I write. I don’t want to change people or save the world but I’d like to make people think of things that might not have occurred to them in the past. I also want to write because it makes me think and teaches me more about myself. If my writing can ever in any way help you I hope that you will let me know.

    In addition I love to read. I have a good command of the English language and I believe I could be of help if you need a reader. I have no experience as an editor, beyond the experience I am getting now editing my own story, but I’ve always thought I would like to work with other authors in that way.

    I love working with web graphics as well. I’m not an artist by any means but I have a two year degree in applied science with a focus on web development. I hate programming though I have some experience but if you ever need someone to create graphics, take real world pictures, clean up existing graphics, etc. I am available for that. Just let me know.

    I believe in your dream. Right now my dream is to touch lives with my fiction but I believe that anything I can do to help with your dream right now will help me develop new skills to use as I try to fulfill mine. I would love to help.

  50. Jerry Wayne Humphrey Avatar
    Jerry Wayne Humphrey

    It sounds like a wonderful idea and if anyone can pull it together I know you can. I love to write and have written poetry and short stories. i have not sold much except to family and friends. I am sure I could help with ideas and information on areas that I have experienced.

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