Cassie Exline, US Author on the challenges of being an International Author

Being from the U.S., the difference in language, or I mean the spelling of certain words is a hoot. For example: adding that extra “u” or “s” instead of a “z”, which is the British way, can be confusing after reviewing their story. Not too long ago it was pointed out to me, by an editor, that I’d spelled a word in my story the British way and I had no idea I’d done it.

If that’s not enough, the different meaning of words can make for a lively discussion and a lot of laughs. Having an editor from another country is interesting. More than once, I’ve read a comment and had no idea what it meant. It’s been a great learning experience and makes me more understanding of others.  Also makes me work harder to make my writing clearer for everyone to read.

For me my biggest obstacle or problem is-Time Zones. Makes for a dicey problem when getting to the different publishing house loop chats on time. It’s been difficult working with editors or timing chats because of a different zone, whether here in the states or authors in a different country.

Right now, I’m training with an editor and she’s not around when I’m online. So it’s email and play the waiting game. Takes longer to get the work done, especially when I have questions and can’t move on until she helps me.

Of course being friends with Marc, I’ve learned UK time. I know he’s around until 12 noon my time (Eastern) and then he’s gone. So if I need to ask him anything, my deadline is noon. Fortunately, most loops seem geared to eastern time, but we do hit the glitch with some of the house members who get the zones confused. Chats set for daytime hours prove difficult. Since I have a full time job, that doesn’t often work for me and I miss opportunities to support as well as promote to get new readers.

With Savannah being in Canada, our time matches. So it’s easy to keep in contact with her. The only problem might be that I’m an early bird and she’s a night owl. Nothing we can’t overcome.

Time zones are a must to understand in order to keep in contact with other authors so we can to hit the promotion trail-on time.  No one wants to show up to the party late or too early. It’s been quite a learning experience doing the loops.

~

Cassie Exline

Tree of Buried Secrets, recently named Book of the Week, is a contemporary romance and available at Lyrical Press.

http://www.onceuponabookstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_25&products_id=56

Coming Together: With Pride is an anthology, featuring my story, Fire & Ice, and available at Phaze in ebook or print format.

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