I've been doing a lot of research lately about stuff. You know, marketing, networking, social media and all that. Man, it's a LOT. Crazy out there. There are so many resources available for a price and so many for free. I like the free ones. Who doesn't? Who doesn't like anything for free? I like free donuts.
Fresh. With chocolate icing and maybe rainbow sprinkles. mmm doooonuts.
There used to be a pharmaceutical rep who would bring Krispy Kreme donuts into the medical office where I worked ... oh ... how I loved seeing that man. lol They were still warm! THEY WERE STILL WARM! WARM DONUTS! Krispy Kreme donuts, no less! You know the ones ... those silken glazed rings of majesty that even Sauron would envy.
I love donuts. Can you tell?
Anyway, I've spent a lot of time researching distribution tactics and information about the books. I'm getting ready to release a lot of them. Screw it, I say. I worked on all of them and everything that I've finished, I'm going to release. Just put it out there. This is an on demand world! People want things NOW. If they want to read the entire Double Club series at one time, why not? If they want all of the Blackridge Saga at their fingertips, why the hell not? I have only been published for just over a week, and I can tell you, it's a lot of work.
I mean that in a good way. It's a focusing exercise. It has helped me to understand just how much stuff is out there. I put a lot of quality work into my novels. I want the best for my readers. I don't want them to be disappointed or unhappy and I haven't gotten any feedback like that yet. People really love my writing and it's very nice to hear.
I'm very thankful for it. I can tell when people are being sincere and when they are sugar coating. Mmmm sugar coating ... like on a donut ... lol
Seriously, though. I worked all this time on The Double Club and Blackridge. I'm going to put it all out there and then get back to writing the books that I haven't finished yet. I have QUITE a few that are already started. I like to write. I love it, actually. I know I am just one independent author in a sea of many. That's okay. I write quality fiction. I always have. People want that. They hate crap. Crap insults them. At least, that's what they say. I believe them. I'm just like them. I don't like crap either. Who does?
I don't waste my money on crap, that's for sure.
RESOURCES! That's the title of the post. The reason I intended to title it as such was because there is so much information available out there for self-published works. Way too much, if you ask me, but it enables people to pick and choose. That's always a good thing.
It's kinda like the clearance rack at Kohl's. SOOO many nice things for great prices! I love shopping. So does Kevin. Shopping smart is the most fun. Getting a lot of quality stuff for a good price is the best. I apply the same manner of thinking to my writing and associated information. My pet peeves will be in another post coming up recently, but for now, I refuse to let the amount of available resources overwhelm me. I shall not be overwhelmed! :)
It's actually easy to manage if you approach it from a calm perspective. Take a deep breath and review the information that is most beneficial to you. Hell, that applies to anything. Just take it bit by bit and away with the rest. It's all good. It's only going to make you stronger anyway. Anything that doesn't? Well, just get rid of it. Kinda like toxic people. Get rid of them!
There's no need to have any of that in your life. Make the best of it! Have fun! Be a good person! Don't let the amount of resources overwhelm you because you know what? It's all good. Really. Stay positive. A laugh and a smile has always been my best defense. I have never lost my sense of humor. Everyone who knows me knows that I love to laugh and to make them laugh.
You people who are in my life, and you know who you are, I have always loved you for all the fun we have, even in the most simple of conversations. Even as my mind swims with all of the resources and information out there in what I need to do, talking to my friends about their day is, by far, one of the best resources that I can call upon.
Because that is real life. That is the best of what there is ...
... and I value that above all things. So should you.