I continue writing – but is anyone reading, and does it matter? *Tap* *Tap* Is this thing on?
Little of what I write is a one-off.
With a couple of exceptions, I tend to write series. In the case of Void Incursion, I don’t believe anyone would be all that interested in reading a 1,100+ page, 350,000+ word sci-fi behemoth. Hence why, though it has been written as a single novel, I have been breaking it down into a series of 5 books.
There are some problems with writing series. If the first book doesn’t catch and gets a limited readership, will anyone read the next? Or the next after that? On the other hand, if you are not moving at a steady pace of writing and releasing, will you leave an incomplete story? I’ve been working on Harbinger – book 3 of The Source Chronicles – for years. Finder was published in late 2015. Putting Harbinger out next year makes it a nearly 7-year spread.
Of course, well-known authors have done this. How long have we awaited The Winds of Winter from George RR Martin? I don’t know about you, but I don’t expect to see it published. And Robert Jordan died before finishing his Wheel of Time series. Fortunately, his widow got Brandon Sanderson to complete it.
But I digress. I am writing, editing, and publishing a lot. Yet when I look at sales or views/reads on my websites or on Medium, I wonder if the mic is even on.
Is this thing on, or am I shouting into the din, unheard? Should I continue, or is it time to step away and choose something anew?
The choice, of course, is wholly on me.
This thing is definitely on
All I have to do is pay a visit to my Amazon author page, and see that there are books that I have written available.
Ergo, the mic is on. If it wasn’t, there would be no books to be read. I am putting myself out there.
This leads to the biggest issue when you go from hobbyist to professional – are you earning your keep? As much as the tools for publication on Amazon are free, there are elements of this that cost money. Editing and cover art are expenses to be considered.
Sure, you can publish with your own damned cover and have no professional edit – but then, frankly, you’re still a hobbyist. Granted, you might be skilled enough to create your own cover – I, for one, don’t have that graphic arts ability. But you still need another set of eyes to edit your work.
Friends and family reading and editing for free are not the same as hiring a pro. Professional editors know and find things others won’t.
So, yes, this thing is on. What do I do to get more noticed and increase recognition and sales?
What is the value I am offering?
This is an imperative question to ask. I have a passion for writing. Fiction or nonfiction, when I get going, I lose track of time, get caught up in excitement for what I am developing, and it feels amazing.
I’m not just banging out schlock or bullshit for the sake of a paycheck. If I was pandering to my audience, I’d be researching the hot, popular, best-selling topics and genres and writing in those. But I believe in the value of the work I do, so I am not banging out any old thing for the sake of my paycheck.
I believe that the work I do gives something back to you. For example, these articles about the writing process and interrelated matters are valuable. They both help me focus and can offer you ideas for your work.
The self-encouragement, mindfulness, and associated blogs I post four days a week are sharing ideas. They are intended both for the work I’m doing to make the best of my life – and help you do the same.
My sci-fi, fantasy, and other works of fiction are imaginative. The creativity of the characters, worlds, and situations I write stories about hopefully open your imagination. They are intended to entertain. I most desire for you to get as much joy in reading them as I have in writing them.
The value I am offering is my creativity, fictional or nonfictional. Yeah, of course, I want to earn money from this work – but I do so from a place of giving value to get value in return.
Everyone started from zero
The biggest names in writing all started from nowhere. Each of them went through trials and tribulations before they published. Then, it took time before they gained enough recognition to be the names you might recognize in their given genre.
I’ve joked for years that I’d be happy with a sixteenth of the success of Neil Gaiman, Paulo Coelho, Jen Sincero, or George RR Martin.
Of course, I would love to have one of my stories turned into a TV show or movie. I could see Forgotten Fodder as a series and The Source Chronicles as movies.
Sure, I have big aspirations. But I also am not allowing them to dominate what I do. Thus, I keep on writing, keep on publishing, and put in the time and effort to make my living this way.
To be fair, there are days this is infuriating. Is this thing on? Anyone bothering to read my stuff? How come the money I put into advertising doesn’t seem to be doing jack shit? Am I an idiot for pursuing this vocation?
When I pause and meditate, I see that despite these moments of doubt I am more content with my life and life choices than I’ve been in eons. Of course, a little more financial security and greater sales of my work would be amazing. But everyone started from zero. I need to accept that and recognize that I’m only at 2 on an amp that goes to 11.
Yes, I am extremely fortunate to be in the position to pursue this that I am. I acknowledge my privilege here. If I give in to my doubts and give up, I know I will regret that choice. Everyone learns to walk from zero at their own pace.
Is this thing on? Yes
The worst thing I could do is stand here in silence, before the mic, saying nothing. That won’t gain me what I desire, build my audience, or keep pushing me to be who and what I desire to be.
The work is ongoing. There will be days where I will be utterly frustrated by my still-too-small audience. I will question if I’m wasting my time and energy on this.
Yet I also know that I can choose anew if needs be. But I continue writing and pursuing this with passion, drive, and energy. Is anyone reading, and does it matter? Of course it does – but not in the way you might think.
Taking the less-than-optimum readership personally will destroy me. My worth and value are not less just because I’m still a lesser-known author among thousands. I believe in what I produce – and know that I need to keep at it, stay with it, and take the opportunities that present themselves to increase my success.
This thing is on. And just because my current tune isn’t attracting attention, it’s not my only act. I imagine the characters, situations, and the like that I do to share them. That, in turn, will entertain, empower, inspire, and so on.
I appreciate you taking the time to read this. If you like what I share – books and/or blogs – please let others know and share them further. Thank you!
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