Joy Smith's Blog

When I first began writing, I was a mother struggling with an empty nest. To fill the time I turned to cooking up a storm and unloading my thoughts onto the computer. The nest I thought was empty is full. I have a flock of grandkids, a loving husband, and the gift of success. While I continue to develop recipes and sail the seas with Captain My Way, I am happiest fussing over a manuscript.

What's new?
. My "wedding" book will be going to press shortly!
. I have submitted my manuscript for my romantic suspense novel, GREEN FIRE, to several publishers and am crossing my fingers a viable contract will be offered.
. I am currently revising manuscripts for my paranormal romance, SPIRIT LOVER, and my romantic suspense, SEA LUST.

My thoughts on e-books
I never thought I would ever want to read a digital book until I received a Kindle for Christmas a year ago. Although I had downloaded several books, my hand always reached for that glossy-covered paperback. Finally, when I was cruising and out REAL books, I defaulted to an e-book. I found I loved that I could enlarge the font so I could read without my glasses, and although I had to turn pages more often, doing required much less effort.

The Kindle and its fine competitors have challenged the paper-only publishing industry by virtue of accessibility, portability, and ease of use. As a writer, digital publishing is appealing because my book can be available to customers within months, rather than years. Many e-publishers will put out their book in digital format, then send it to press for hold-in-your-hand copies. The biggest problem I have found when searching for prospective "digital first" publishers is many will not accept a manuscript unless it has erotic content. I can't read explicit sex, let along write it!