Becoming a self-published author has been one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. My debut novel, The Last Independence Day: Secession, has been a rollercoaster of challenges and invaluable lessons. Every step, from writing to editing, marketing, and dealing with reviews, has shaped me; each experience has had its unique highs and lows.
The Fun of Writing
Writing my debut novel was an intense and rewarding experience. Sitting at my desk was like entering a new world, with ideas rushing like a flowing river. Creating characters with their ambitions and conflicts was fascinating. Each chapter felt like embarking on a fresh adventure, fully immersing myself in the universe I was building.
For example, my main character in the debut novel, Jon Freeman, was inspired by my own experiences - it isn't uncommon for an author's first work to incorporate autobiographical elements. But I found inspiration everywhere; whether on a walk in the park or during a simple conversation, even the afternoon light filtering through my window sparked new ideas. The joy of crafting unique plot twists and profound relationships kept me motivated, reinforcing the pleasures of the writing process.
Nevertheless, The Last Independence Day: Secession manifested anger toward the dysfunctional political system in the United States. I resolved to disregard some popular opinions to take a stand and make a statement. What statement? It is a statement against extremism, supported by a determination to combat and remove from our society those forces aiming to transform this nation into a right-wing extremist nightmare.
Regardless of people's varying opinions about it, the work was enormously satisfying and, as it turns out, vindicating. My only regret was that I didn't embrace my rage at the right more heavily. I aim to fix that when I write the sequel so you can follow Jon Freeman's journey to the next level.
The Editing Challenge
Thus, that covers the writing side. However, when it was time to edit, everything shifted. What had been an enjoyable task turned into a detailed and occasionally exasperating process. I needed to evaluate my work critically, break down sentences, and refine dialogues, ensuring each word had a purpose. Additionally, I had to embrace feedback and suggestions. This wasn't always easy, but I persevered and learned an important lesson: an author is only as strong as his editor.
Although challenging, I felt a sense of achievement with each chapter I revisited and enhanced. For example, I dedicated hours to refining a scene where a character confronts a tribunal that is far from fair, impartial, or neutral. Crafting this exchange was, at least for me, a significant challenge as I worked to turn a few introductory lines into a dialogue that highlighted the theme of unfairness and the abandonment of justice. This test of patience proved worthwhile as I saw how much my narrative had strengthened through careful editing.
The Drudgery of Sales and Marketing
While the writing and editing processes were exhilarating, self-publishing's sales and marketing side was challenging. Setting up my author's website felt overwhelming, and maintaining a blog often felt like a chore, especially when creativity seemed to falter.
Additionally, I was inundated with solicitations from marketing services promising to "elevate" my book to bestseller status (for a fee). I suddenly spent more time on social media posts and promotional efforts than writing. According to an Alliance of Independent Authors survey, about 80% of authors say marketing is their least favorite part of the writing process. I concur.
Yet, amidst the hard work, there were moments of joy. Participating in local author events enabled me to connect with other writers and engage with readers. These interactions rekindled my passion and reminded me why I embarked on this journey. For example, discussing my inspirations with readers at these events sparked passionate conversations about the book's topics (politics, philosophy, the future of the country, proper governance, etc.) and literature and big ideas.
Surprises Along the Way
This journey was full of surprises, both heartwarming and disheartening. I was amazed by the outpouring of support and encouragement from friends and my local community. Many rallied behind me, helping spread the word about my book. A local independent bookstore even agreed to feature The Last Independence Day on their shelves. Such support from my network was uplifting and reinforced my confidence.
Conversely, I encountered a handful of scathing critiques that appeared more as personal attacks than constructive criticism. Although most of the feedback I received was positive, a vocal minority of harsh reviews seemed personal, indiscriminate, and poorly thought out. Nevertheless, not all criticism was unjustified; some offered valuable insights that aided my improvement. The lesson here? A writer who shares his work with the world must develop a thick skin. It's a good thing I have the hide of a rhino!
Understanding how to learn from critiques and distinguish helpful advice from arbitrary (or personalized) comments is essential. Handling feedback gracefully has been a key lesson, enabling me to develop as a writer. However, when it comes to random and careless attacks, I have to say: take your nonsense somewhere else (that's my polite way of saying f**k you).
Looking Ahead
With these lessons in mind, I’m excited about my next project—a fiction/fantasy story about a band of Icelandic elves: Huldufólk: A Modern Icelandic Folktale. The manuscript shapes into a sweeping narrative spanning centuries, blending Icelandic mythology with poignant human drama. Set amidst Iceland's majestic landscapes, the story chronicles the struggle of the Búrfell Elves against the Draugr of Hekla, an ancient and vengeful spirit threatening their survival. At its heart are Rhys Andersson, a volcanologist, and Elara, a hybrid human-elf who is caught between tradition and modernity. During the journey, the Búrfell Elves confront ancestral curses, devastating losses, and a shared destiny that intertwines human and elven worlds. Through epic battles, forbidden love, and themes of resilience, the tale explores the delicate balance between preserving tradition and embracing change, highlighting the power of unity in overcoming centuries-old fears and grief.
After completing Huldufólk, I intend to write a sequel to The Last Independence Day this Spring to release it before the end of 2025. The idea of continuing this journey excites me, as I aim to intensify the confrontation with extremism, addressing it even more directly than the protagonist did in the original story. If you were among the reviewers who disliked the perspective of The Last Independence Day, you likely wouldn't enjoy the sequel. The correct side of history will be affirmed, and extremists will not be on the "right" side of it. Some might say the approach to the sequel will be an answer to "burning it down," and I agree.
Sales Milestones
Reflecting on my sales journey, I have learned that tracking progress isn't always straightforward. I estimate I've "broken even" by selling around 500 copies of "The Last Independence Day." The book reached readers through various platforms, including Amazon, my author website, IngramSpark wholesale, and a local bookstore.
For my first book, this achievement gives me a sense of pride. It serves as a foundation for future endeavors within self-publishing. Building meaningful connections with readers and learning from successes and setbacks have been invaluable experiences. What remains to be seen in my journey is whether I will continue self-publishing or branch out into the world of literary agents and traditional publishing.
A New Chapter Begins
My journey as a self-published author has been adventurous, satisfying, and educational. Writing my debut novel was a complete joy, while the editing and marketing phases taught me valuable lessons about resilience and resourcefulness.
Although I faced challenges, particularly negative feedback, they have become growth opportunities. Armed with knowledge and passion, I look forward to new stories and the adventure ahead.
Until my next novel launches, I will continue writing, learning, and connecting with readers and fellow authors. I know this journey is just the beginning, and I am excited about the future.
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