I’ve never been good about keeping a journal. It all boils down to consistency. There are days when I skip making an entry. Life can crowd out the time I need to write down my thoughts about a day’s events. I’ve also been reluctant to pose as an expert on the writing process. If I knew anything of value about writing, my work would already be in print. I went out on a skinny limb of a tall in 2022 when I shared my 365 days of thankfulness. The exercise forced me to put myself out there with my soft belly exposed. Thank you for joining me on my journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a journal in 2023 to document my progress. I will call Entry 47: Reasons to Self-Publish.
Note: I consider editing an important part of the writing process. Editing is where all the artistry happens.
My morning writing before I started Entry 47: Reasons to Self-Publish
I started this journal project in 2023 with the idea that I would write about exploring all the options I had in the obstacles I’m experiencing as I move toward publication. It’s my theory that every writer has that one big flaw that serves as a barrier in their journey. I know one writer that never seems to finish a book they have been working on for years. The closer they get to the ending, the harder they drag their feet. Another one seems never to organize enough to publish the collection of short stories they have worked on for years.
My self-imposed barrier comes in the form of the process of actual publication. I do the writing work, but I always get cold feet when it comes to sharing—the lack of sharing forced me to attend a writer’s group and take up blogging. I am making progress, but I have so many stories that need to find a home. Today I will explore why I think I need to self-publish. If you haven’t guessed, I’m trying to talk myself into taking the plunge.
- Spend the next 20 years querying doesn’t appeal to me. This reason is a big advantage because I am an old lady.
- Having complete creative control is great
- Worrying about word count is frustrating, especially if I only offered my books to be read online.
- Most of the money from the sales would go directly to me.
- The success or failure of the project would fall on my shoulders.
Those are the pluses of self-publishing. I have a few issues that stop me from jumping in with both feet,
- It takes money that I don’t have to hire an editor and cover designer.
- Where do I get started learning about all this stuff?
- I also don’t know anything about advertising and marketing.I worry about someone hijacking my work.
So I guess the place where I need to get started is to do more research. I know more than I did a year ago, but there is so much left to learn.
The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 47: Reasons to Self-Publish
I am not far into Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, but I have a good picture of some of the main characters formed in my mind. I believe Oblonsky is a selfish but likable man wo gets almost everything he wants. He has money problems, and his wife has all the cash. This situation presents a problem for him since she is in the process of leaving him because he had an affair with a former governess.
I believe Levin is the more likable character. He doesn’t have the pleasant personality of Oblonsky, but he seems morally stronger. Anna hasn’t appeared in the story yet, but she will soon arrive.
What I’m listening to right now and Entry 47: Reasons to Self-Publish
This morning, I decided to put on Gillian Welsh’s Time (The Revelation). I am not sure where how this CD came to be in my collection. It isn’t one I would have bought. I thought I would give it a listen. I like some songs, but this CD will never become one of my favorites.
The thing I am most thankful for at this moment.
Today I am thankful for homemade vegetable soup on a cold, windy day. It is comforting to have a warm soup to fill your belly on a cold day.
This old lady says
Winter is far from over in Indiana. It is easy to forget it is still around after you experience a few spring-like days. It’s always a good idea to keep your bathing suit in storage when the groundhog sees his shadow. I know that I did.
Who is Molly Shea?
Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh. To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.
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