But most writers aren't aiming for that kind of status. No one knows the magic spell that will turn a good but unknown book into an epic best-seller with a movie in the works. Most of us just want to be published and liked. We rejoice if we make it to the top of some obscure Amazon best-selling list by putting our book on sale. That's more attainable.
So here is my Insecure Writers Support Group post for this month. Some writers might think, "She's published. What's she got to be insecure about??" But it never ends. We all have insecure days, weeks, months... My insecurity lately is worrying about being dumped for fear I'm not selling enough. I feel like I'm the only one buying and selling my books. And it sounds as if some of the other authors with my publisher are swimming in sales while I'm floundering in a stagnant puddle. I don't want to compare myself, but that's how life is. Success is measured by comparing to others in the field.Though success can also be measured by our own personal goals, that won't help me in the tough economic world. Money still talks, a lot. We have to be productive. I've been around long enough to know that. But I'm not giving up. I just have to work harder. I'm trying new things, as I've said in previous posts. I just hope I can stay afloat and avoid hitting rock bottom. Thanks for listening!
And here is an amazing way Mary Pax is helping authors get a little more exposure, with her annual Realms Faire - it's like a Virtual Renaissance Festival! There's jousting, tournaments, sword play, craftiness, wizardry, and more! There might still be time to sign up at yon website.
Happy September - yay Fall!
BTW - It's my week over at the Really Real Housewives - we're partying it up this week and have our first guest post on Friday, a real treat!
HERE IT IS!!
SK Anthony's STATIC!!
STATIC
The Luminaries, Book Two
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: September 2015
Cover Design: Regina Wamba of Mae I Design
As a genetically altered Luminary, he helps the government bring down some of the most dangerous criminals. Not very challenging if you have his special abilities. But when a group of rebel Luminaries attacks his Organization the fight for survival begins.
One shattering event after another tests the depth of his relationships, his sanity, and his powers. Emotionally torn, Kevin must choose carefully where his loyalty lies. In the middle of all the unexpected chaos he gets the biggest shock of his life when he’s faced by a betrayal he never saw coming. Angry, injured, and ready to even the score, Kevin goes Static . . .
Add it to your Goodreads *here*
S. K. Anthony is a writer, a reader and a make-stuff-up-er who lives in New York with her husband and toddler twins. She is a wine connoisseur, which just really means she knows she loves it, and a caffeine addict. When she isn’t busy with her family she finds herself being transported into the world of imagination. Well, either that or running away from spiders…she is convinced they are out to get her!
Stalk S.K. Anthony here:
You can find Book One here:
I highly recommend KINETIC! It was an exciting, thrilling, page-turning romp! The characters were young and impetuous. I enjoyed every minute of it! Looking forward to STATIC!
28 comments:
Hi Tara - we all establish our own pace in life .. and things happen as they happen - the main thing is to give the world something to take note of .. however small or puddly - at least the puddle will be noticed and more raining books will fill it up for ever ... cheers and have a great successful autumn - all will be well - Hilary
Sometimes it feels like others are swimming in the ocean while we have only a birdbath. I still try to hold on the personal success of knowing I have four books out there, which is way more than I ever planned.
Hi,
I wish you all the best with marketing your book. However, don't forget that sometimes the grass always looks greener by the others. Sure they are selling lots of books but are they selling as many as you think they are selling? So, what I'm trying to say is keep your eyes above water by looking at how you can market your book (as you are doing now) and don't give up. You can do it!
Shalom,
Patricia
I have no doubt you'll make it, Tara! Your enthusiasm and your willingness to learn and to try new things will take you far and take you where you need to go, where you need to be. :)
The Realm Faire is such a wonderful idea. It really gets the word out for most. I like to focus on competing with my personal goals rather than with others; or at least I try really hard. ;) It is difficult to keep sights on our value as people when we see others being more successful at a similar goal to what we're trying to achieve. It's hard, but focusing on other's success takes our attention off what we need to do for ourselves, our lives, our families, and our journeys. That's just another reason why I'm thankful to have met so many wonderful writer friends who can keep me in check when I'm feeling like this. You are doing amazingly well, Tara. :)
I'm told it gets better as you build a backlist.
I can vouch for that now that I've got a book 2.
*scurries away to go write more books*
IWSG #119 until Alex culls the list again
It really is an up and down business. Once you have more books published, you'll find some sell great and some barely at all. It's human to compare to others.
Susan Says
I'll add to the chorus saying it's supposed to get better for sales and reputation once there are a large catalogue of books. Slow and steady wins the race, even if we'd prefer to burst out of the gate and win the gold quickly.
Once we start that author journey, we have to keep priming the pump at every end.
But you never know what might make a huge hit. The most everyone of us can do is our best, and enjoy the process.
I feel your pain. And I try not to compare myself either, but you're right- it's hard not to. But we won't ever give up! Tenacity will pay off, right?
Yeah, why did we choose this path again?
My books are very lonely.
Sad but true.
Maybe the holidays will help with our sales.
Heather
I've heard it said it takes ten years to make it as an author. I've also heard that the more you put out, the greater your sales. And finally, many, many authors didn't see success until they hit that one book that really took off on its own. We just have to keep trying, right?
The insecurities never end, do they? Things should start looking up soon, people love to read in the fall.
I just recently read that most authors working hard at it do not see any real traction till after their 5th book. It is all in the back list. I think I heard on a writing podcast, probably one of Joanna Penn's, which is who I have been listening to the most lately, don't remember which one though, unless it was the one with James Scott Bell, not sure. Anyway, hang in there girl. You're doing great. Keep'em coming.
Juneta Writer's Gambit
I can totally relate to how you feel. It's one of the reasons I've had trouble focusing on writing lately. But I'm jumping back on the horse and I'm glad you aren't giving up!! You have way too much talent for that.
Excited for SK!
Success comes in many forms. I wish you all the best Tara.
No comparing ourselves to others is imperative in every aspect of our lives! Best of luck to you!
I get that floundering feeling a lot. Everyone else seems to be selling and I'm sitting alone with my books and puppy dog eyes wishing someone would notice. I tend to be thankful that I'm in a position where my book sales are vital to pay the bill. One day that'd be nice, but I like to focus on that instead of comparing myself to other writers who are doing better.
You're not the only writer at our publisher who seems only to get sales from buying and selling her own books, lol. Honestly, I'm so broke, I don't even have money for that anymore :-( But even though I said I'm over it and I'm quitting, I found myself writing another novel this summer . . . words are like crack! Wish we could all get together and have a cup of coffee and a good chat, but this will have to do for now :-) <3
I can't wait until I have a book out there so I can join in in the Realms Faire fun myself.
I'd be plenty happy if all I was just published and liked. That would be enough for me.
It never occurred to me that my insecurities would end if I ever publish. Of course, it would be nice if they ended eventually.
We all want that popularity and sales, but you can only do what you can do. Looks like you have it under control!
Good luck with all your goals, keep on keepin on!
Gosh! You're definitely hard-working! All the things you do for these books are definitely being noticed. They won't/can't/better not even think about dropping you . . . or else! lol Your personal goals and ideas keep you going, and guess what? It's inspiring to others :) [so don't stop!]
Thank you for adding Static today!!!!! :D
I know what you mean and I'm never more unhappy than when I worry about my book sales. Ugh! Besides, no matter how well a book sells, there's always going to be someone else doing better.
I'm learning that the insecure feelings never go away, not even once we are published authors. It helps to know that we have other authors to share with. Best of luck with your marketing. It will out work out great.
It is comforting that you still feel insecure. I thought the insecurity does go away once you're published. I think you are pretty awesome. I'm sorry sales are a bit slow right now, but I'm sure they will pick up. If you ever need help spreading the word, or someone extra to help with one of your releases, I'm always happy to help. You are a very determined woman, so don't give up. Wishing you much success and sales:)
Oh, I can relate so well to this post. I'm always comparing myself to other webcomic creators and feeling absolutely inferior as a result. Best of luck staying afloat when it comes to your writing!
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