On to a new challenge
Thank you all for the lovely words, the kind offers and prayers. It’s helped a great deal, but it looks like the forces at work have other plans for this family and we are having to say goodbye to our home. We get to see what it’s like to sleep together in two bedrooms on the floor, until we can change our circumstances. Thirteen of us.
…that also includes an aged Grandfather.
This is going to be interesting.
Some of you have asked how the book sales are going and I appreciate that question. Even received an email an hour ago from David Farland asking how the sales were going. Here’s what I told him:
Book sales are slow to none right now. People are leery of first time authors and self-published ones especially, but we continue to contact book bloggers and send out eBooks for reviews and the input/reviews we’re getting back are pretty good. Only sold a few hundred at most so far, about 100 of those being by my own hand (physical copies I bought, then resold). I’m new to this, but getting a forced education.
A bit discouraging sometimes, but I get over it and keep pushing every day. My time is coming. Just have to keep going.
The difference between me and most newbies (I’m assuming this here) is the circumstances. When we attended a writers class, Kathi and I heard a lot of ‘wouldn’t it be nice if‘…or ‘if I ever get‘…whereas I’m looking at this as ‘I will and must make this happen to feed my children’. We had a good measure of success with the comics–so I know this works. It’s not a belief or a hope…I know this stuff works. It’s a matter of time.
My challenge keeps coming back to doing this on a prayer. We saved pennies (literally) to get the 2 proof copies of Prelude. Then I sold a proof to a fan to pay for the first set of 25 books (he bought it for $135). I sold the books signed for $10 each, then bought 50 on the next round. It’s been tough and slow…but it works.
It’s also keeping us humble, but we’re learning. And hey–it DID help me buy some diapers once! LOL
So where is this all going to lead? I’m not really sure, but I’m excited to get there. I’ve spent 42 years preparing for this.
If you haven’t read Prelude to a Hero, Demoni Vankil or seen our new website, please do. Tell a friend. I think you’ll enjoy the story.
…and wish us luck!!
Read MoreJaime talks with David Farland (aka David Wolverton)
In moving forward into the writing realm, I have to say I have been unsure at moments. I’ve always been a cartoonist. I always created comic books, or even games. I never actually entertained in print alone.
But I was wrong. Hundreds of articles for professionals across the country and around the world should at least start to qualify me as being a writer…shouldn’t it?
Now, a dear friend of mine, Roger Anthony told me he wanted to introduce me to one of his dear friends–David Wolverton…also known as David Farland: a brilliant writer, teacher and holder of a Guinness Record for the largest book signing, back in 1999.
Well I spent some time on the phone with him this morning, and he very graciously talked with me about the writing industry, what I might do for my own project and encouraged me. If you have not had the opportunity to meet genuine, kind and supportive people out there in your own fields–they do exist. David is one of them, and I appreciated his time. When I got off the phone, I (of course) signed up for his daily tips for writers (which I do recommend to you, BTW) at www.runelords.com.
The first tip I read? Courage.
Fear cripples you.
So, to help overcome your worries about criticism, memorize this little saying: “Any idiot or ass can criticize my work–and many of them will.” That’s because it is far easier to throw stones than to build a castle.
These tidbits of information and guidance helped me make the best decision yet of my career: to step it up. To set the promotion aside, set the gadgets aside, the worry aside—and just do what I love to do: entertain and educate.
The trials I have faced (and continue to experience) are nothing short of blessings from Heaven, and have taught me the value of simple kindness. So, for those of you who write to entertain, I strongly suggest you go to David’s site and take advantage of his wisdom, experience and willingness to share these priceless chips of gold with you. It will, flat out, improve your writing within days.
-Jaime
Read MoreMy Latest Book
