With any creative endeavor, there’s a sweet spot to be found.
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I have been writing fiction for almost 40 years now.
Because I bought into multiple false narratives – you can’t make money in the arts, the concept of the starving artist, only a select few make it – I didn’t pursue this vocation for a long time.
Funny thing is, the arts have always been in my blood. In High School, it was choir and theatre. I even took voice lessons for a year-and-a-half and got good roles in the school plays and musicals. In college, it was theatre again – specifically directing and sound design – and radio. My bachelor’s degree is in theatre – a generic, non-specific BA in Drama.
Still, because of my subconscious belief in those false narratives, I didn’t truly make a go of any of my artistic pursuits. I half-assed attempting to find a gig as a DJ in radio, paid lip service to working in theatre – all while holding onto a shifting comfort zone of friendships I was scared to leave behind.
Writing had remained an undercurrent during that time. Then, during a day with no actual work to do, sitting in my office, I began to write a scene that would evolve into The Source Chronicles.
Still, I felt unable and unwilling to pursue the dream. But I can never not write, and it was only a matter of time before nonfiction and writing to share my philosophy on mindfulness, conscious reality creation, and positivity became a regular practice.
Finally, when the opportunity presented itself, I stopped pretending I could do or be something else. Now I am in pursuit of the goal – and writing.
However, I realize it’s less about a specific goal and more about finding the sweet spot.
What is the sweet spot?
To me, the sweet spot is that place where the pursuit of my art sustains me.
What does that mean? It means that, in my life at least, writing makes me feel whole and complete, brings me a sense of joy and contentment, and pays the bills, too.
How does that differ from the goal? Until recently, I couldn’t define that. But now I can.
My ultimate goal is to be an influencer. It’s about my writing having an impact on the world at large and taking me to other places beyond. For example – my sci-fi and fantasy work inspiring creativity in others, awakening imaginations – and reaching a broader audience. And yes, I would LOVE to see my new series – Forgotten Fodder – on TV or the movie screen.
When it comes to my nonfiction, I would love to talk about conscious reality creation, mindfulness, positivity, and my Pathwalking philosophy to inspire and encourage others. I would love to emulate Jen Sincero, Tony Robbins, Deepak Chopra, or the like – not just writing, but speaking about and helping others realize the power of these notions. It would be awesome to have discussions on stage with a large audience, via Zoom, or in a TEDtalk to a wide audience.
Sure, these are the goals – but they differ from the sweet spot in that they are conceivable but a challenge to achieve.
The sweet spot, however – contentment and pleasure from writing while earning enough to pay the bills (and build reserves) – is easier to conceive AND achieve.
Finding my way from here to there
Presently, I am on 2 paths to this end. Every nonfiction article I write – including these – post to Medium, where they can earn me money AND a following. In the past year, I’ve published 4 books, bringing me to a total of 12 – and there are 5 more coming out before the end of 2021.
This is the starting point since there are no guarantees. I’ve been posting articles to Medium regularly for 2 years. Despite what I believe to be excellent articles, I am not earning top dollar. But I also know that frequency both improves the potential for this as well as my overall skill.
When it comes to publishing books on Amazon, my first fantasy novel was released on 10/29/14. Since then, I have published 7 other works of fiction, including more fantasy, Steampunk, and sci-fi.
In 2020, my production increased, and I published 3 books. This year I am doubling that output and publishing 6 books. Additionally, I am exploring redoing the covers for my fantasy novels – since the ones I created are, frankly, amateurish (which isn’t insulting the creator, since it’s me and they ARE amateurish).
The back catalogs of books on Amazon and blogs on Medium can serve to earn me passive income. And that, ultimately, is the sweet spot.
I know what it is. I believe that I know what it will look like. But I am not entirely certain how to get from here to there.
However, the sweet spot is far more attainable and comprehensible than my ultimate goal. Additionally, it’s a necessary stepping stone to get there.
I know one aspect of my path extremely well – the writing and editing. But sales, advertising, marketing, promotions? That’s where the challenges to reaching the sweet spot lie.
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The quest for the sweet spot
For the past three months, I have been working with an agency to help set-up advertising. Unfortunately, three months is insufficient time to get much data, let alone a return on investment (ROI). But I think they may still be able to serve me – so I am keeping that line open but changing the approach to it.
One thing I know is that I haven’t a sufficient number of reviews for any of my books. So, I need to get more. Lots more. When I posted the link to my newest work to a group I’m on via Facebook, a helpful person offered me places to go to get more reviews. I am exploring these to see if they are worth the time and cost (because there’s a price to be paid – but nothing worth having ever comes for free).
It’s super-fortunate that I don’t need to invent or reinvent the wheel. Others have gone before me down the self-publishing rabbit hole and found the sweet spot I seek. Others have gone even further and found the goals I desire to attain. Making use of this, I can do similar processes for a like end result.
The final challenge, for me, is mindfulness. I need to keep a positive mindset and focus, while I dismiss doubt, inclinations of self-sabotage, and other nagging negatives that could derail me.
Pursuing an art – any art – tends to go against expected societal norms. But the norms have never been for me. Recognizing that, I instead will follow my heart with an open mind and seek to reach the sweet spot. From there, the ultimate goals are all the more possible.
With any creative endeavor, there’s a sweet spot to be found.
Do you know where the sweet spot is for your artistic endeavors?
Thank you for being part of my ongoing journey, for joining me, and for inspiring me and my craft.
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