Why write a book?

Some of my random thoughts after 17 years.

Writing books can be quite an adventure. But is it for you? Here’s the thing; if you crave adventure, then it’s something that you’ll really enjoy. Just the process of ideas, keeping notes, and talking to others about them should be fun. If any of that seems like a chore to you, maybe there’s another artistic outlet out there for you. Can writing be scary or intimidating? Sure, but that’s also what keeps the blood pumping. In my assessment, it’s wonderful.

What to expect: According to my quick Google search, 500k to 1 million mainstream published books are released every year. Over 2 million independent books are also published on top of that. That seems daunting because there are only so many readers and they can only read so many books, ugh! That’s why it’s best to stay grounded and know what to expect ahead of time. I always remind myself of why I’m writing in the first place. Really, there is no wrong answer, and it’s okay if you are doing it to get the book “out of your system”.

If you decide you want to chase super stardom, make sure you follow the process of writing your book, getting a literary agent, and patiently sending your manuscript out. Prepare yourself mentally for rejection, but don’t give up; it happens to the best of us.

If you decide to publish independently, be prepared to have a sales game plan. Just having a book on Amazon is not enough; you have to market it on your own. It is difficult and can be costly, but if you stick with it you can build a following. Being an independent myself, I can say that after all this time, I’ve met industry-published authors who don’t make as much profit as I do. I’m not saying that to brag, I’m just saying that to show that it is possible.

My trick is to never sit still. I’m always looking for open doors, whether it is art shows, library talks, renaissance fairs, comic cons, craft shows, I’ve even set up a booth at a gun show once (and did surprisingly well!).

I always ask new authors why they are writing and what they expect when they are finally holding their new book in their hands. Most are only focused on getting it done, then assume an online book seller will take care of the rest. This innocent belief is why most authors never release a second book. That’s why I ask what they expect from their book. If they only did it just to do it, that’s fine, and life is good. If you’re doing it to build a following and hopefully a career, then you have to think beyond just the writing portion.

Most of us independents who have been around know that you should always be in the process of writing new books. You’d be amazed at what a following you can build. And the best part is talking to your readers, hearing how they approach your world, and enjoying adventuring in it! Personally, that is my favored motivation. The money helps too! LOL.

Seventeen years ago, I sat with my Tales of Wordishure book in a Barnes & Noble in Saginaw, Michigan, with a hopeful smile and sold 4 copies in 4 hours. I had no idea what to expect, but I’m glad I stuck with it, even though I felt crushed at the time. Since then I have sold thousands of books over the years and met thousands of new friends and fans. To make a long story short, don’t give up if writing is your dream; your limitations are only set by you.