Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Upon further reflection . . .

I've had several good friends tell me lately what an idiot I am.

The publishing world is not what it once was. I hold no illusions about being a world-famous author, but that shouldn't be my goal. It shouldn't have ever been my goal. Don't we write to tell stories? Who of us gets to make it rich in this racket?

Some people like what I write. I'm not a world beater. I'm not for everyone. But I do think I tell nice stories. Some of them funny, some of them bizarre, some of them from the heart. I don't write to a genre, although some of my stories are written in a particular genre.

So I've decided to push forward . . . as my own publisher. There's really nothing to lose, if I've already thrown in the towel. If no one reads me, or critics say my work is crap, I'm no worse off than I am now.

This fall, look for my first collection of short stories on Smashwords and Kindle. Shortly after that, I will publish my first YA novel, and then my first adult novel. If I'm inspired to continue, I plan on putting my second adult novel and second in the YA series out maybe by this time next year.

Thanks for your support and encouragement.

9 comments:

  1. I'm thrilled, Jeff. Truly. Looking forward to seeing it.

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  2. You're the reason I'm doing this. Asshole.

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  3. Well, not just me. I provide a poke, but I read others suggesting you do the same. However, if you sell out your ass, I will take complete credit.

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  4. Yes, there were others, but none of them are assholes.

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  5. I love you too. Jackass.

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  6. Mere words can not capture or convey how proud I am of you at this moment. Not since the birth of my son have I felt such awe inspiring emotions. It's like witnessing a butterfly emerging from a cocoon. Or a shirtless fat guy eating cake

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  7. Jeff, you have just changed the course of your life by changing your attitude. I did it a couple of years ago, and it has been so liberating I can't believe it. You go from a position of no control over your writing career to as much control as anyone can have, and it's utterly empowering. Welcome aboard! (Hope you can find a good cover designer.)

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  8. I'm excited for you and can't wait to see your work in print. :)

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  9. Glad you decided to "go for it," Jeff. I will be very interested in reading that mystery you entered a few years back in Amazon. The opening has haunted me for four years.,

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