SquarePeg Books

November 5 question – When you began writing, what did you imagine your life as a writer would be like? Were you right, or has this experience presented you with some surprises along the way?

If we go back in time to elementary or even high school, I dreamt I would be the next Richard Castle.

Funny how reality doesn’t work like Hollywood.

Obviously, riches and fame have not magically appeared at the first public unveiling of my innate genius, but hey–I still have kids in school, so it’s probably good that I’m still stealthy in the market.

I have definitely encountered a number of surprises along the way–Back in the 1990’s and early 2000’s self publishing was called “vanity publishing” and it was really your only option if you couldn’t sell your idea to a big publishing house. In 2012, that began to change, but it still took me a number of years to learn about the changing market and the why’s and how’s and so on, before I stopped looking down my nose at the idea.

I thought I would be able to wear all the different hats easily, because I’m a smart, independent woman, and I am capable OF ALL THE THINGS.

I am capable, I just didn’t realize how MUCH work would be involved just to get ONE book out into the world. I certainly hadn’t figured on having to have a series 90% finished and published before I started to dump money into marketing.

But we learn, and grow, and still look at Richard Castle’s lifestyle with envy.

Check out the Insecure Writer’s Support Group to see what other writers are thinking about!