Whelp ... it's done. Got my first two books up for sale at Amazon this week. [x] Check!
It's a really good feeling, but at the same time ... intimidating. I've been writing ever since I graduated high school, but now that I've got the books on sale, (and as you can see from the website here, plenty more to get out there) I've gotta figure out how to sell 'em. Both the Double Club and Blackridge are done. Well, the 8-book Double Club Series is done (for now.) Still got 2 left in Blackridge and it will be a great feeling to go back to it ... but I'm faced with having to market my work. The only reason I'm blogging about it is because others might be dealing with the same thing. I'm going to be doing it as economically as I can, that's for sure. I've got a mortgage to pay. So does everyone else (or rent.) Gotta eat, too. The lights have to stay on. I need the internet ... gas for the car, tequila ... :)
These days, ANYONE can publish a book ... and as a result ... there are over 30 million books out there, I think? yeah, last time I checked it was that many. I have already decided that I'm not going to copy anyone's style. I need to find my own way. Everybody does, really. It's a scary feeling to some, but just remember that once you take that on your own, you'll get stronger. You'll feel better. Even if it fails at first, and it just MIGHT ... don't worry. We'll get there.
As for me? Jeepers, I just created my social media accounts this week. 0 followers is a pretty sad thing to look at, but gradually ... day by day, I'll just keep posting stuff that I like or that I believe in. I made an author Twitter account. Hell, I even made one at TUMBLR ... remember TUMBLR? I made a Facebook page too, even though I really don't like that platform. lol My best friend out in Arkansas was like .... "FINALLY!"
Anyone who wants to publish on their own these days needs to be aware of what's really going on out there. I've done my homework on this. That is one thing I am very good at. I'm a planner and a thinker. I look long-term and I know I have to think like a businessman now.
However, despite all that ... I'm more concerned about getting back to writing. I'm working to finish my Ancient Greek novel currently. I'd like to do that, but at this point, I need time management. I'm still working a full time job, so when I get home, exercise for a bit and clean up, grab a bite to eat, I have to maximize my evening. For now, I'm going to start researching avenues to market the books. Blackridge is my "straight" fiction ... lol meaning there are no gay characters, while the Double Club is all gay fiction with a few straight characters. I think I may have to market them differently. I'm not sure yet. That's why I wanted to have two distinct series out there. Not every one reads Gay Fiction. Not everyone likes Corporate Suspense Fiction. <insert dramatic music>
I'll make sure to update here as I go along in my journey. I don't mind to talk about it. I know a lot of people are looking for support these days in whatever it is they are doing, so it's nice to have this little website where I can "display my wares" and talk to people, too.