The Indie Author

I'd like to take a minute to discuss the indie author. For a while, I've been hearing that this is the next wave of literary success. It wasn't too long ago when self-publishing was a dead end, and the only way to be a successful writer is to submit your query letter to publishers and/or literary agents. While I have done that multiple times in the past, I found myself receiving rejection after rejection. Yes, I do take solice in a few facts - that at least I am getting read by industry professionals, and that I just need to keep plugging away. Granted, I will continue to do so. But, I've taken notice of some young writers who self-publish their work, whether shelling out their own money or putting out an e-book on amazon or createspace, or both, then doing the self-promotion thing via social media and networking.


The thought of it does sound a little too overwhelming, I know. But then I thought that it really is no different than what I am doing as a filmmaker - shelling out my own money, finding independent sponsors, producing it, getting it in to festivals, social media buzzing, going to networking events. I've been doing that since I left school. While it hasn't paid off financially just yet, me and Justice Productions definitely have that positive reputation amongst the indie filmmaking community of Philadelphia. This really is no different. It's a new, blossoming option for myself as a literary writer, and I find that massively intriguing. One author in particular comes to mind - Amanda Hocking - writer of a number fantasy/romance novels, in which she self-published digitally, promoted herself like crazy, and made a nice chunk of change in doing so. Now, mainstream publishers are eyeing her for her work. I urge you to check out her work and her blog, it is very good stuff. And, as a newly vowed indie author, I can take a lesson or two from her.


Most of you probably don't know this, but I've been working on my own Young Adult Fantasy novel series for a couple years now. What I have is an outline for the entire series, a second draft of the first book nearly completed, and the beginnings of the second one. I truly believe it is a unique story with an underlying motif that will relate to readers of any age.


I picked up some books today - a workbook to officially complete my first novel in 30 days, and a guide to self-publishing as an indie author. I'm definitely going to take these books to heart, utilizie every morsel of information they can give me, and yes, see what I can accomplish as an indie scribe. No worries, I will definitely give you fine folks updates on this epic journey.


In other news, I have completed my version of all 10 episodes of the 'Duo of Justice' web series. The feedback has been rather mixed, but I intend to fix that straight away. I've printed my version out and will fix any errors, see where there is room for improvement and trim some stuff, based on my read throughs, as well as thoughts and suggestions from the rest of the Justice team. I sit here with utmost confidence that this will be a very strong web series. My feelings on the matter were definitely boosted with a generous donation given to me today (more on that later on).


Tonight is also seder: part dos in my house, as well as my father's birthday! So tonight will be quite enjoyable.


Thank you so much for reading. Ink on, my friends.