A month ago today I began my journey as an author and published Blood of Two. I suppose a writer diving off into this adventure without their eyes wide open would be disappointed at this point, but the results are what I expected.
One month in, I am not a rich man, nor am I a famous author. Neither of which was something that I expected. Am I content? No. Am I discouraged? No. As far as sales are concerned, the book has met my expectations at this point.
This is part of writing a book that is the most challenging for myself; marketing. I have never been adept at selling anything, including myself. I think numerous failed job interviews serve as testimony to that statement. So, this is another lesson that I need to learn. Hey, I taught myself computer programming and have become quite proficient at it, I can teach myself to market my book. I hope.
The most difficult part of marketing is convincing myself that time spent in that arena is part of my writing. I spent two hours last night working on the marketing aspect, all the while pining that I should be working on the follow-up to Blood. In essence, I was, as well as continuing my work on Blood of Two.
The one thing that I didn't expect when I published Blood of Two was the feedback. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't have published the book if I didn't think it was worthy. However, often what I think is good is not what other's think is good. The feedback has blown me away.
I have read reader reviews of Blood that were critical of certain aspects as well as complimentary of the book. And for the most part, I agreed. I was also elated that people that I didn't know enjoyed the story. My friends and family, of course, have been extremely encouraging, which is priceless. But when a complete stranger praises my work, it seems to add credence to what I have been told by those close to me. These comments give me drive to continue. Hell, even the criticisms give me drive to carry on.
I am doing something that I enjoy and people appreciate what I am doing. My gut tells me that the sales will eventually pick up, with a little help. So, I am happy with the process so far.
One month in and I'm not concerned with the sales, my concern lies with completing book two. In eleven months I hope to do a search for C. Hollis Gunter on Amazon and see two titles. And I hope that it is received as well as Blood of Two.
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