Too busy with my writing, the one year mark since I indie-published my first novel, DEAD BEEF, came and went, and I failed to commemorate it. It’s been a crazy year (plus a month and a half now). I released two short story collections, and launched two series of novels and novellas. I would mention how many books that involves, but it would sound like bragging (OK, over 10!). Craziness, I know.
Along the way I’ve learned much I could note here. I would need a series of posts to catalog all the mistakes alone. Instead I’ll focus on three positive things I’ve learned this year.
Careful how you measure achievement
Publishing over ten books sounds like a wonderful happening, but another measure, how much that translates into riches and overnight success tells a different story. Numbers don’t tell the tale. They don’t satisfy, no matter how large they loom, and they don’t signify failure, no matter how subterranean. Instead, I’ve found satisfaction in the telling of stories that do more than entertain and which ultimately reflect me and the characters I meet along the way.
Make your work count and amount to something
Speaking of numbers and success, I want to slow down, too. I need to reflect more, explore farther, and examine deeper. To the extent my stories from this point on represent this, I will count that as success.
Lately, in both my writing and reading of other people’s work, I’ve struggled with the ABOUT question. Yes, my story is about what’s happening, and it’s about what my characters are feeling and dealing with, but is there more? Stories that lack that central core driver principle, concept or idea leave me feeling empty. Whether I write them or read them, I need more to keep me interested.
Personal connections matter
I set out to write stories that connect with my readers. I also had no idea what that fully entailed, and in a way, I am still unpacking it. Still, I am thankful for the many readers who have picked up my stories and given this strange story-teller a try. I am thankful for the many who have left me feedback, either here on this blog, or in book reviews. To those who endure my musings and at times strange shares on social media, thank you! And I am especially thankful for those who have joined my Readers Club to follow me as I stumble along this author-publisher path.
What’s ahead in the next year (well, 10.5 months, now)? Check out the rest of my site to see what’s coming, or join my Readers Club to stay apprised of future happenings.
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