 I know there are a lot of heated discussions over whether giving away your book for free is a good idea or not. I get it. I do. A lot of time, effort, emotion, and MONEY goes into the production of a book and by giving it away for free, then how is any of that possibly recouped? Why give away something that took years to create? And isn't it true that most things that are given away for free end up being utter crap?
Good questions. On one hand, it can totally look like a dumb move for any author. Every author would love to make a living from their writing. Yes, we love to write ya-da, ya-da, ya-da, but if a writer could bring home the bacon by doing something they love to do, then all the better. I doubt any author would say, "No, don't give me that nice wad of cash. I don't want your millions. I do this simply for the joy alone. That is payment enough." (If you know some author who would say this, then look them in the eye and yell, "LIAR!" You may get punched in the face, but there is always the satisfaction of knowing you are right). Unfortunately, few authors truly live off their writings alone. Even well-established authors. Yes, there are the exceptions, but those are few and far between (We hate those guys. Just kidding Kudos to them). So, if an author isn't making any money with their writing, then why in the world would they then give away what they've written. Doesn't that defeat the point? No, because it's hard to make a name for yourself in a world where there are LITERALLY a kabillion authors trying to do the same thing (yes, "literally" is used in jest and the word "kabillion" isn't a real word, but you catch my drift). Writing and getting your name out there is FREAKIN' hard! It is. For me, I knew I had a a pretty good book on my hands (not to toot my own horn or anything... okay, who am I kidding. I'm tooting it). It had won several awards and the reviews that came rolling in were all favorable. But I could hardly sell it. A few here and a few there, but that was about it. The rest of the books in the series fell into oblivion, and I turned my face to the heavens and shook my fists, "Why? Why me, evil book god in the sky?"
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I don't plot. I never have. But as I stare at the next chapter in my work in progress, Chapter 18 and it's blank page, I wonder if somehow I should change my ways. Nah! Never! *Blows raspberries in your general direction* Yeah, I have these bizarre moments where I stare and wonder what should happen next. I mean, I know what's supposed to happen in a couple of chapters from this point (I keep mental notes, I'm not a total weirdo. Who am I kidding, yes I am), but for right here, right now, there are so many opportunities open to me. So many possibilities. My characters could do anything at this point. Go swimming? Maybe. Go shopping? Sure. Eat a burrito? Heck, why not. No, my characters need to do something that adds to the story and furthers their development... but what? I don't know! I read an article today by Writer's Digest on How To Write a Book: 3 Practical Tips, and tip three got to me. I'm living tip three. I just finished writing Chapter 17 in my current work in progress ANYONE? and I stare at Chapter 18 wondering what the heck to do. If I walk away, it might take me days to come back with an idea. I don't want to waste that time. So I need to commit and put something down on paper. Hmm... what to do, where to go? "Why not just plot," you say. Because I've been in this predicament before and have worked myself through it. The hard times are part of the process too. As much as I'd like to skip them, I can't. My creative brain just doesn't work that way. But before I walk away from my laptop, I will at least get that first paragraph written. That is my goal. I'm wearing my writing poncho, so it will be done. |
My Face...Enjoy!
Ahh, the fruits of my labors...
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