I was debating on posting a chapter from my current work in progress, but instead, I decided to talk about writing. My story began 25 years before my first book was published. A lot of life and learning the craft happened in between, but that doesn't mean it would take another aspiring author that much time.
I recently attended a craft show in North Carolina where an aspiring author came up to me and explained how frustrated she was in getting her book published. I know that feeling well. I did it the old fashioned way, and that's part of the reason it took so long to get published. Then I heard from another aspiring author with a similar problem and a rejection story. I mentioned that now was a good time to self-publish. She didn't respond, but perhaps I planted a seed?
Self-publishing is not for everyone, but if you feel you have a story that needs to get out, or you've tried the traditional way, then maybe it's right for you. I've been thinking about this a lot, especially after giving a talk on self-publishing at the IRC Convention one year (Indie Romance Convention). I'm working on a plan to have a convention here in the Smoky Mountain area, like Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. I belonged to a group of writers (Smoky Mountain Romance Writers, a chapter of RWA (Romance Writers of America). Our group held a convention several years in a row. It brought a lot of aspiring authors together with published authors to share and network. Sometimes there were editors seeking new authors there, which was an opportunity to get in with the big publishers. When RWA changed the rules for the chapters, ours was forced to disband. I miss those chapter meetings and the conventions. I was always inspired by both to go home and write, write, write!
Well, I'm in the planning stage of holding one of these conventions. I want to help aspiring authors work on their craft, learn what it takes to self-publish, network with published authors, meet editors, and have a chance to purchase books from the authors they meet. I want to help published authors learn more about marketing their books, meeting readers, and network with industry insiders. If this sounds like something you are interested in, then sign up for my newsletter. I will update the newsletter as I receive the information. I'm looking towards 2026, where we will be celebrating our 250th birthday as a country. What better way to celebrate than to be published in 2026? Keep writing and may the force be with you.
What sage advice! I write for fun and for me. The thought of someone else reading my works makes me anxious as heck. I think authors, especially self-publishing authors, are so very brave!
I wish you the very best with your upcoming endeavers!
I write for fun plus it helps relieve stress and is therapeutic for me.
Right now I am writing a box set and I have fun writing so I think a writing convention or writing workshop is a great idea.
I think a writer's convention is a great idea. Something like that can be very helpful to individuals who are thinking of becoming authors or are already struggling to complete their first book.