Revising Books

Without a doubt I am new to the world of publishing my stories.  In my efforts to get myself out there, I chose to self publish.  I was just very determined to do this.
I like that I'm "in charge" of what I make available for others to read.  It seems to give me more freedom in what I'm writing.  Of course, I'm interested in what an established publisher would say about my works.  Regardless, I'm excited about taking the initiative to do this myself.

Downfalls: My original efforts are examples of mistakes I made.
1.  I admit I was shy about actually letting others see how my imagination works.  As much as I tell stories, it has always been done with family and friends.  Certainly I was in a comfort zone and definitely not too worried about the impression I'd make or the potential consequence of being judged.  Therefore, I chose to change aspects of my stories to make them - hopefully - less revealing.  I DO tend to include "dark" aspects in story telling and that was the element I guarded.  To protect that thinking style, I chopped the content AFTER I had written it.  It created a sloppy plot and numerous errors.
2.  I had no editor or proof reader.  I completely took on this endeavor alone.  The result is that grammar and spelling and even formatting errors went unchecked.
Resolution: Two titles are being revised.  I have on board readers who will give constructive criticism before the world has access to them.  These two stories are extremely important.  They set the stage for the book I'm currently working on.  In this third installment of a series, I am not withholding.  I'm telling it with much more confidence and certainly more in line with the actual story I dreamed up.  It will not be served justice until the first two are improved.

Thus, I discourage readers from And Arizona...Jason and And Arizona... Sons and Daughters.  Please give me the opportunity to create them as they should be created.

A safe book to consider is Jordan Knight.  It has been a surprise to me all around.  For starters, it sells.  Secondly I receive kudos for it.

Lastly, I will tell you I've adopted a different penname.  I will continue to use this name to publish titles, but I've rationalized that a penname will give me liberties I don't have under this name.
Thank you all who are considering and enjoying my efforts to date!