Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Come join us.
So on the whole I am feeling good. When I started this whole thing I always said before I get too far into my 30s I want to have a book out there. Well yesterday was the 31st year of mine on this big ball of dirt and as of August 20th I will have two books out there. So if nothing else I guess one could say I am on track.
Does that mean there are no insecurities to talk about? No, of course not. I am after all a writer, insecure is in the job description. This latest book, Ashes, has tested me. For one thing I wrote it in about three months. After some personal issues in my life, getting incredibly sick and a moment where I had to delete three whole chapters—I honestly didn't think it would be done in time for my deadline.
Still I did it. Time to celebrate, right? Not quite. Elemental came out April 20th of this year after much prodding from my wife. I didn't really have expectations for it. I knew I enjoyed the story and knew it was one I had a hard time pitching for some reason. It came out and while the splash it made wasn't huge, it surprised me at the ripples it sent out. Those that have read it have enjoyed it and have let me know just how much. Nothing could have made me happier. To know you as an author can reach someone is, I believe, the ultimate goal.
Now, though, I have a future to plan for. I have to show readers I am here to stay. I have to show them I can put out content and not fall away from the pressure. Also to let them know that you can put something out that will bring them the same joy and emotions as your previous work.
This is my current insecurity. Making sure that I can keep the readers I now have and cause them to be excited enough to tell others. Quality along with quantity, the goal of a self published author. For now my work with the writing is paused. It is in trusted hands, when I get it back then I will do intensive and quick revisions and edits and then to the world it goes. The finish line is in sight and I am ready for my last sprint.
In other news. Friday will bring the cover reveal for Ashes. I am so excited to share this with you guys. Also I will be giving the full details of my giveaway. I am very excited for both.
Anyway, until then I hope everyone is well and thanks for being patient with me in my frequent absence. As always, have fun and keep writing.
You have achieved your goal of getting a book out there by your mid thirties so that is awesome. I understand what you are saying about the pressure of continuing though, you've done it twice there should be no reason why you can't do it again and again... Good luck and look forward to seeing your cover reveal for Ashes.
ReplyDeletethank you, yes my goal was achieved time to set some new ones.
DeleteMoving forward like a chess board... think out the move and strike!
ReplyDeleteFunny, because I have a nerdy secret. I used to be on the chess team in elementary school. So I get what you mean quite well.
DeleteCongratulations for not only meeting your target, but exceeding it :)
ReplyDeleteSuzanne @ Suzannes-Tribe
thank you.
DeleteWelcome to book two fears. We so want to please the fans of the first one and worry that we'll fail. But think of it this way - between feedback and reviews, we know what they enjoyed. We can duplicate that in the next book.
ReplyDeleteThey are no fun, lol. This is true and that information is invaluable.
DeleteLooking forward to seeing the cover to Ashes! And don't worry about your absences. :)
ReplyDeletethank will be up today.
DeleteMy parents bought me a laptop so I could write (I was competing for computer time with homeschooled children). Anyhow, talk about pressure! At the time I wrote my first novel (like a manic fiend, I might add), I didn't know if I had another story in me. I did.
ReplyDeleteI've also worried, because the amount writing time I have is not predictable, that I won't be able to keep up with deadlines if I went with traditional publishing. I'm an organized, responsible person, but life gets in the way and there's nothing I can do. I've decided to go the self-publishing route, but even with that, there will be deadlines and promises made.
Hope you find your stride with it all. Our best is all any of us can do.
Great post. :)
August co-host and IWSG #110
That is cool, I love writing with my laptop the freedom is great. Yeah I still will query stories, but this series was just write for self pub. Deadlines are fun...but still it is nice to have a goal and meet it.
DeleteI am now 61, still with aspirations to publish. Don't give up. Susan
ReplyDeleteThank you and same to you.
DeleteYou have gone farther, at a younger age than many of us (ie, me). If you have readers who took the time to tell you how much they enjoyed your book, they'll be ready to buy the next one.
ReplyDeleteI do hope so. Thanks for coming by.
DeleteMiddle Child gives good advice about promoting books and keeping readers interested in you. She is, after all, my Middle Child. I kind of wish I could join the support group, but I won't join any organization that would have the likes of me as a member.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
I agree she is amazing. She actually is helping me get my book to some reviewers and she has been a great help and inspiration. Hey if it was good enough for Groucho that is good enough for me.
DeleteYou have a great attitude. I feel sure you will meet whatever new goals you want to make because you really set your mind to it. I'm hoping to have a book "out there" by age 30, but the clock is a-ticking!
ReplyDeleteI have seen your determination as well I am quite confident you will meet that clock or exceed it.
DeleteGreat post Brandon! Glad to hear you are doing better. And I give you so much credit for going what you set out to do! Writing Ashes in three months is an amazing accomplishment, you should be very proud of yourself! Can't wait to see the cover reveal.
ReplyDeletethank you I am proud, but never again lol...at least not for a while I think everyone that lives with me is ready to kill me.
Delete