Authors don't just write....especially Indie Authors. We write, format, edit, design our own covers, promote to different sites on social media, organize signing events, attend signing events...and if we are fortunate to have the finances to join RWA (Romance Writers of America) or another national foundation and a state chapter...we can attend classes to make us better at our craft.
What about those of us who don't have those opportunities? What about those of us who are damn good writers, but because our covers aren't appealing (you know...the half naked six-pack models), we are turned down?
We all have successful friends in the industry. We all have friends who have won countless awards and are best-selling authors on New York Times and USA Today...some are more than willing to help shepherd and share how they became successful...some don't have the time nor the desire to help another author for fear it will cut into their sales.
How do I do it with little to no money? How do I become a household name...an author people admire and want to read? I feel that maybe I am my own worst enemy where this is concerned...but I'm really bugged by it.
My book covers are top notch...even without the half naked 6-pack model. My storylines are good and I have strong characters. I have written in several different genres...all with their own unique stories. I have almost 1000 books out there, but sometimes only 1 review.
I love what I do. I love creating characters and stories that I feel are realistic, believable. I second guess myself way too much, but numbers don't lie. When Amazon directly deposits my royalties for the month and it doesn't total $5.00 I begin to wonder if this is the road I'm meant to go down.
I will continue writing, because I love to tell stories. I hope you will continue reading. As always, your comments and suggestions are most welcome.