I always tell my kids "You gotta do the work." Most things don't just happen for most people. Whether you're in sports, a hobby, or your career, it takes a lot of work. The same holds true in writing.
When you figure in the cost of being an author, website costs, advertising, the cost of coffee now a days, it can add up. This year, thanks to the frantic month that I'm calling Booktober, I'll make a profit as a writer. For a lot of us small fish, reinvesting the money we make back into the business is a must. With eight book events this month, and the many I've done this year, I will enjoy being in the black for the first time. That may surprise a lot of people, but it's the truth.
To grow from being an unknown writer to where I am now (a barely known author) it has taken a lot of work and a lot of money, but I consider it an investment. People tell me now, sometimes, that they've seem by books online, that they recognize me from interviews, and that they've heard about my work. That's a huge step. Getting the word out is vital and becoming known is the lifeblood of a successful writer. Of course, all that is on time of writing good books that people like and getting them out there at a pace of two a year.
For me is\t is truly a labor of love, Naturally, the favorite part is writing books. I'd probably fail miserably if I tried to explain the feeling, but doing what you were meant to do is an amazing feeling. Unfortunately, that is just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. Don't get me wrong, I love doing book signings and meeting people. That part is great. I've met some remarkable folks this year and I appreciate each and every one of them.
As I sit here on a Sunday afternoon, I glance over at my calendar. I have three more stops to make on this Booktober train, one event planned in early November, and one in early December. Then I'll take some time off for the holidays to enjoy my friends and family. After that it all starts again in early spring, and I get to do it all over again.
My goal is not to become hugely famous, but to be big enough to write full time. Hopefully all this work will boost me up the ladder a few steps closer to that goal. If it doesn't, it won't be because I didn't do the work.
As always, thank you, my readers, for coming with me on this trip. Onward and upward!
-John
