My finger hit the period, setting a finality to things that I’d assumed were only possible to others. I had done it. I finished a full-length book… a novel. Where had this come from? This… beast of 68 thousand words? I wasn’t a writer. Or, at least I had convinced myself, not an ‘official’ one, yet… even though I had 3 published short stories on Amazon already.
I have always loved the written word, an avid reader delving into college-level books in 5th grade. While drawn to the scifi/fantasy genres, I read EVERYTHING… mysteries, biographies, heavy science, romance, westerns… all of it.
In the summer of 2014, I got an itch to write a short story. It had been rolling around in my head after reading an amazing short story by Hugh Howey called, The Plagiarist. Needing a semblance of control, I signed up for Camp NaNo, a smaller version of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), and wrote my short story out. A quick edit and a cover, and it was up on Amazon at the lofty price of $0.99.
Two more short stories later, and I’m feeling comfortable about the full-length novel I wrote in November. But, I’m still a novice at this stuff. I’ve headed into the jungle, never letting the sight of the beach leave my view behind me. Now, it’s time to forage ahead, to search out the treasure just waiting for me to pick up and claim for my own.
I’ve decided to invite you, fellow traveler. Join me, as I lead us into the dark, humid world of word processors, publishing formats, book covers and even such beasts as audio books and print-on-demand. Let me set off the traps and knock down the barricades that have been placed in our way, and lead us, together, toward that lofty goal of being able to say, I’m self-published.
So, grab your bug spray. Fill up that canteen. Because we’re about to set off on this adventure. Let’s hope the wildlife is in a good mood today.
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