It’s the second Wednesday of the month
already and time to post in honour of the indie life, hosted by the
Indelibles. Here goes.
Sometimes the pressure of being an
indie writer can be overwhelming, but let me hasten to say the stress I feel is
mostly self-induced. That comes with the thought of having to do everything.
With each book published, there’s the
need to promote and ensure strong and sustained visibility. While that is going
on, it’s easy to neglect the things that are supposed to be happening behind
the scenes, like finishing that next book and staying on top of work, home and
family matters.
Nevertheless, the sense of achievement
with the publication of each novel is wonderful and low sales or not, that’s
enough to keep the writer in us going.
I recently released the first in a
series of YA novels, Christine’s
Odyssey. What have you been working on lately?
See list of other persons in the indie movement here.
See list of other persons in the indie movement here.
You guys have to juggle a lot!
ReplyDeleteWriting is tough work and, especially, being an indie writer. It sounds like you're on top of things, though, so keep on going and best of luck :)
ReplyDeleteIt's all worth it though. Thanks for sharing your thoughts as an indie writer J.L.
ReplyDeleteTrue that, Alex.
ReplyDeleteMark, I try to stay focused and get things.
So true, Sheena. I've made more money with my self-published books that the royalty collected on all the books I have with publishers.
Even 1 sale puts you above the pack. Stress is part of the job, but don't let it overwhelm you.
ReplyDeleteLauren
There's great satisfaction in doing things yourself, isn't there? It's stressful but worth it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lauren.
ReplyDeleteNick, that's for sure and I've learned soooo much in the process.
I'm getting ready to publish three shorts while I'm working on my second book.
ReplyDeleteHugs and chocolate,
Shelly
I have no WIP right now. Just chillin'.
ReplyDeleteIt can be stressful to keep all of those balls in the air. When I'm feeling stressed, I try to get back to the root of why I'm here -- to write stories. And I can't imagine an entrepreneurial venture that would be more fun than what I'm already doing!
ReplyDeleteIf only the writing life was just about writing. . . Not so for those who publish. But it sounds like you have a great perspective and are staying organized and focused. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteYou should be mighty proud of yourself!
ReplyDeleteYou go, Shelly!
ReplyDeleteRichard, you're a smart man. Chillin is good.
True, J.R., writing is supposed to be the fun part. I need to learn to take a step back when I start feeling stressed.
Cynthia, thanks. I'd like to think I'm organized, but I'm trying.
Wendy, thanks. I don't cut myself enough slack to even think about what I've achieved so far and what else I want to do.
I'm thinking hard about publishing my flash pieces...
ReplyDeleteI'm not scared of the "having-to-do-everything" part... I'm scared of the "not-knowing-how-to-do-things" part (I think you know this...)
I ask myself - where do I start?
But I'll figure it out... one way or another...
Writer In Transit
I so know what you mean. It is hard work, and I really do lose sight of the writing in favour of promotion/publishing, etc. That is down to me lacking focus. I need to check myself all the time. But hey, it is worth it. I'm loving those photo cubes! :)
ReplyDeleteShah X
shahwharton.com
Michele,
ReplyDeleteIt feels like starting a voyage on the sea with a blow up raft, doesn't it?
For me, I started by reading a tremendous amount of how-to articles and then reaching out to people to do stuff for me. Some things, you'll have to pay for, some you can barter, but at the end of the day, it's a wonderful learning experience. Any way I can help you know you only have to say the word. Have a great weekend.
So true, Shah. I'm off doing everything else but writing and editing and have to take a reality check every so often. And yeah, don't you just love those cubes? :)
ReplyDeleteHey Joy, I have a little something at my site for you to pick up, it might lift your spirits!
ReplyDeleteWriting itself is tough job, Joy and then keeping on top of all other stuff is too much. Writer's tend to live in their story worlds and find it hard to come out for promotional stuff.
ReplyDeleteBut you are doing great!
All the best!
Thanks, Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteI've been out of things for the weekend. Coming over!
True that, Nas. Hard to stay on top of everything and do a good balancing act.
I think you indie authors are amazing!
ReplyDeleteI need to be a tad more disciplined if I'm going to go down that road. Revisions take me a lot of time!
Do you ever feel pressure to release books soon after the other, to keep the fan base interested?