Nine years ago this month I published my first four books. And the subsequent adventure has been very interesting to say the least.
That I’m still writing and publishing is a testimony to perseverance and perhaps just doggone stubbornness.
In the past 9 years I’ve witnessed many authors come and go. And some of them were super writers. Which makes me sad to think of all that talent going unused. But that is the way it goes, unfortunately.
I haven’t gotten rich. In fact, I’ve yet to rich $5000 in royalties from my books. Nevertheless, I’ve had a lot of fun. I’ve written stories that have provided entertainment for the folks who read them.
And when the dark days come, and they do, the days when you wonder is it worth it, I read a few of the reviews I’ve gathered over the years and tell myself — yes, it’s worth it. Telling the stories that collect in my head is worth the work to make them available to others to also enjoy.
We writers have a tendency to work alone and for indie authors, at least most of us, I don’t think that’s a good thing.
After 9 years, I think working with an active group of likeminded writers is the key to success. You probably won’t get rich, but you will have the support to keep on going and the advantage of working together to promote each other — and that is a definite key to success.
Lone Star Blog Tour
I am very fortunate to be one of the charter members of the Underground Authors.
The group was started by the late Caleb Pirtle III. His initial vision was to get together a group of writers who were actively writing and publishing to cross promote each other’s work.
Now, we not only promote each other’s books, but we also write a multi-author crime series: the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles.
Going on right now is a blog tour of the series hosted by Lone Star Literary Life. Here’s the link for you to check out the tour: https://www.lonestarliterary.com/content/magnolia-bluff-crime-chronicles-underground-authors
Going Forward
Next year, my intention is to launch a Kickstarter campaign, write the next Justinia Wright mystery, start a new series, and write some short stories.
Whether I do the above, or decide to do something else — I do know I’ll be writing.
Because as Harlan Ellison said, “Writers write.” It’s as simple as that. And I’m a writer.
Comments are always welcome! And until next time, happy reading!
CW Hawes is a playwright; award-winning poet; and a fictioneer, with a bestselling novel. He’s also an armchair philosopher, political theorist, social commentator, and traveler. He loves a good cup of tea and agrees that everything’s better with pizza.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider buying me a cup of tea. Thanks! PayPal.me/CWHawes
Justinia Wright Private Investigator Mysteries on Amazon!
Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles on Amazon!
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Love the post, CW. And congratulations on 9 years! I feel some of the same pain you feel and my books are certainly not padding my bank account either. That being said, like you, the support felt by being associated with a group of like minded writers certainly helps me continue to move forward in my writing journey. Stay focused on your 2024 writing goals – we could all use another Justinia Wright mystery… I know I could 🙂
Thanks, Joe!
Yes, that support helps one to keep going even in the face of lack of “success”. Having spent quite a few years in the poetry world where there is no money to be had helps me focus on other definitions of success than just the almighty dollar.
Glad to hear you’re up for another romp with Tina and Harry. They’ve been bugging me for some stage time. 🙂