Daily Archives: January 24, 2014

Jan 24 2014

Snow on Palm Trees

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It rarely snows here in Louisiana. Two days ago, it was fairly warm and my daughter said that she wished it would snow. She had watched Frozen a couple of weeks ago, so she was hoping to make a snowman. I tried to explain that it might be years before she gets to see snow. Wrong. Just two days! What do fathers know? (Not much, apparently.)

Seeing snow on palm trees and magnolias is a strange sight. I also finally got to see what the weather app on my phone looks like when it snows. Rain is pretty cool: It shows droplets; initially, one rolls down the screen. Snow has a great start on the app: At first, you see some pretty snowflakes on the screen, but, unfortunately, the screen then clears up except for a narrow strip of snow at the bottom.

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Jan 24 2014

Authors: You’re not Alone

Alone

Alone

It’s easy to feel alone:

  • You sit down and write your book all by yourself.
  • If you self-publish, you do it yourself.
  • Marketing is up to you.

Indie ≠ Alone

It’s really indie publishing, not self-publishing.

  • Indie = independent. Independent means you’re the boss, you make the decisions, you have freedom, etc. Independence doesn’t mean you have to do it yourself. Choose not to be alone, if you wish.

Where Is Everyone?

Get connected:

  • Meet fellow authors. Interact with them. Read about their experiences. Discuss your publishing experience.
  • Ask for help. Others have worn your shoes. Advice is easy to give. Search for ideas. Post a question.
  • There are many free, helpful, positive, interactive author communities on the internet. You just have to look.
  • Need professional help? There are many editing, formatting, and illustration services available by many editors, designers, small publishers, and businesses. You can find affordable and reliable service if you search thoroughly. The more you interact in the author world, the more likely you are to know someone you can trust to recommend a service.

Struggling?

You’re not the only one:

  • Writer’s block is a common affliction. Search online for some creative ideas for getting past it.
  • Many other authors have been frustrated with the exact same formatting challenges. Post a question on a publishing forum.
  • Did sales take a nosedive, or never even start? You’re not the first and won’t be the last. Get advice on your cover, blurb, front matter, and first chapter.
  • Get slammed with a bad review? Ouch! Unfortunately, most authors can relate. Experienced authors can help you deal with it, and avoid making matters worse.
  • Need a shoulder to cry or lean on? Reach out. There are authors everywhere; many are happy to lend a shoulder.
  • No clue how to market? Everyone has been there before. The internet is loaded with marketing suggestions.
  • Struggling with your blurb? Check out some top-selling blurbs. Seek feedback on your draft.
  • Want feedback on your writing? Join a writer’s forum. Put on a thick skin before you leave the house.
  • Cyberbullying got you down? Check out this post. You can find some great ideas and a valuable resource there.
  • Almost get run over by an elephant on your way to a book signing? That’s probably happened to someone else, too. Share your story.

Choice

You can choose not to be alone. It really is that simple. 🙂

There are millions of writers. You’re not alone.

Once you have some experience, be a positive influence to others; show your support, share your wisdom, and offer your encouragement.

Misfits

Feel like a misfit? Many authors do. Get together and form a band of misfit writers.

You might discover that you’re not a misfit after all—that you fit right in. 🙂

Read one of the many novels where the misfit protagonist saves the world.

Publishing Resources

I started this blog to provide free help with writing, publishing, and marketing. You can find many free articles on publishing and marketing by clicking one of the following links:

Chris McMullen, Author of A Detailed Guide to Self-Publishing with Amazon and Other Online Booksellers

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