What if no one reads it?

If new authors have a fear, it is not that no one likes their book - it is that no one reads it.  Most authors can deal with someone not liking their book. I mean, how many of us cannot name a book we just did not like?  Personally, I have tried reading the Lord of the Rings series several times, but just like Tolkien’s The Hobbit, I never get much past the first two chapters.  My family finds this quite strange.

Recently, I journeyed to my local library for a book reading and signing for Greg’s First Adventure in Time. The event, which included a book giveaway, was in the local paper on several occasions, on the library’s event’s web page, and posted on the library door. I arrived in plenty of time, hoping to talk with the children as they arrived.  The weather was good; it was a prime after school time, but NO ONE CAME.

Yes, I was disappointed.  Yet, this is the life of a new author, especially us indie authors, us self-published authors.  We have to market our own books, often following the advice of those who have gone before us.  We are the creative director of our books from concept to completion and beyond.  We took control of our own written voice and now must work to see that others hear our words.  We don’t have contracts with big publishing companies that can make our books visible to our potential readers.  We must do that ourselves.

So next time you read a self published book or see a request from an indie author or just read a book you like. Tell someone. Write a review. Send the author an email (most have their own website).

So how do you think that indie authors of preteen novels can reach their audience?

Why Write?

When I was about 17 years old, I sent a sample of my writing to one of those ads that appeared in magazines about learning to be an author. To my mother’s dismay, a company representative showed up at our door wanting to sign me up. As you can imagine, the price turned out to be outrageous. I don’t remember Mama being upset with me— just curious as to why. Little did she know that I wrote constantly.

In college I received an invitation to the Jesse Stuart Writing Workshop after being nominated by a professor. I could not afford to attend this summer workshop as I needed to work to help pay the next term’s expenses. I never mentioned it to my family. I deeply regret not being able to attend as Jesse passed away not long thereafter. My treasured signed copy of his book Kentucky is My Land is proudly displayed in my home.

I had/have careers. I have been a wife, a mother, a school teacher, an archaeologist, a historic preservation consultant, a researcher, and an interpreter. All this time, I wrote.  I still write. I write history. I write fiction. I write interpretation for parks and museums. I enjoy writing and can afford the luxury of writing. I hope to continue writing for many years to come. I want to instill in children my love for history. I want to make them love reading. I want to share with adults and children what I learn by doing research.

I write.