If you are what is kindly termed a "local writer" then you will relate to this post. If you don't, you are probably on your way to becoming a well known author, if not a best selling one
This post has been written with the following ingredients:
1/8 cup embellishment
1/8 cup egotism
1/4 cup truth
1 tablespoon sarcasm
1 tablespoon tongue-in-cheek
1 cup of gratitude for Mary Anne Benedetto for her giving spirit
Local writers, for the most part, are hard working, goal oriented, wear -out the-shoe-leather entrepreneurs. We're always looking for the new gimmick that will trigger a reader's brain to buy our work ...the product which came from our God-given abilities along with the sweat of our brows. At times I think some people have the idea that one day you wake up and say I'm going to take a few weeks and write that novel I've had running in my head for years. After a day or two of preparation--going to Office Depot and buying a package of computer paper, a red pen( for editing), a yellow one for highlighting, a package of licorice all-sorts( just to boost my morale) and a box of paper clips (I have no idea why)--and I'm ready to begin. I sit down and pull my chair up to the PC and I'm ready. But the words aren't there. What had been in my past dreams about the novel? Who were the characters? Were they likable? Believable? Did I have a general idea where the story was headed? I sat and gave some thought to these musings. got up, opened the bag of all-sorts and went for a walk. On my return the all-sorts were gone and I had thought of some new ideas. Number one was that before I started writing, I needed a topic I was passionate about, one that I couldn't stop writing about. Number two was that it had to be a topic which would grab a reader's interest. Simple? No, as time would tell five books later.
Once, a local book store owner told me that if I would put more sex and romance in my novels they would sell like hotcakes! I thought about that for about two seconds and responded, "that is not my style and if I had to do that to sell books then I guess I would never sell many books." Oh, I could probably write at least 29 Shades of Gray but since 50 has been written, I'm afraid my sales would not improve and I would become a recluse because of my permanent red face.
Getting serious, I will keep on doing what has become the norm; scheduling book signings, talks, charity events (they are the best), websites, and social networks. But one new outlet has become available recently. .....the new bookwriters' group, Beach Authors Network, organized by Mary Anne Benedetto. She has brought together an eclectic group of local writers who give support and encouragement to each other. Thank you Mary Anne for the time and expertise you donate to this group.
Writers do need other writers.
Your comments are welcomed.
