The past two weeks have been pretty eye opening for me as a writer. I feel like this happens at least three times a month, and it’s mainly because my reading on the subject is expanding pretty rapidly. At first I thought promotion was key, as I’ve said a lot in the past. I’m beginning to think it doesn’t matter as much, or certainly not at the expense of writing.
Part of it’s remembering why you started what you do. I remember my first story; I felt like I had created something, a life almost. I’m not exaggerating when I say that. I felt I had given life to some kind of being. Every time I finish a work, I get the same feeling. That’s why I got into this. That’s why I’m obsessed with the written word. Telling stories is hard work, but when it’s done–well, there’s not much else that can bring me to tears so easily.
I didn’t get into this gig to write a thousand book reviewers about my book. I didn’t get into this business to check my sales every day or to make sure my goodreads rating hasn’t dropped below 3.5. In the past month I’ve done two book club signings. That’s why I do this. To talk to people who like what I read, to see what it makes them feel, what they think and then compare it to my own beliefs about the work.
I do this, because when you get it right, there isn’t anything else in the world that feels so good. I need to do more of that and less of the rest.
I couldn’t agree with you more. I started writing because I enjoy it, and it took me a very long time before I was comfortable sharing my work with others. When I originally started talking to other people at my university about my work, the reception was wonderful until my work started to feature controversial and unpopular topics. The backlash I received for my latest series was rather depressing, but then I reminded myself that I write because I enjoy it, and I tell a story because I think it is worth telling.
Writing reviews, advertising, and marketing are all things I loathe, so I will probably never be a well paid author, but I wish many sales for you.
And the renewed/continued patience to keep up what’s necessary to get your work out there. Hang in there! 
Thanks for the reply, James. What’s the new series that is controversial?
To be honest, outside of talking to people you meet about your career as a writer, etc., I’m not sure how much marketing really helps–I don’t think it’s anywhere near as important as getting the next book out.
Hi Davide,
I had the audacity to write a fantasy novel with many gay and straight characters. I’m a scientist, but I went over to the English department of my university for advice about my writing, and some of the MFA/PhD students there suggested that I add more explicit scenes in my book to make them more adult. So I did, but I have many gay characters and many straight characters – and rather than write a gay version and a straight version (which felt ridiculous to me because people are people) I simply let the book stand as it was, and I offended so many people it was mind blowing how angry people who previously professed to love my work became. I got hate mail saying everything from there ware ‘too many gay characters’ to my work now lacks focus because I inaccurately identified my target audience.
*shrugs*
I personally don’t have a problem with gay people and I don’t feel threatened by gay men and women having normal romantic and sexual relationships in movies and books. I wanted to write about people, and my characters were people who happened to be gods, with a plot that focuses on inherent evil and free will – so the things that were ‘edgy’ when straight people did them became well – downright – ‘disgusting’ when gay people did them. But, fortunately I am not planning on quitting my day job, and I have no intention of writing a different version of the series. There is now and always has been a warning outlining that the plot content is sensitive and sexually explicit in some areas, though the majority of the books are focused more on the philosophy of the things I mentioned (inherent evil, free will).
I love your work by the way! I have a book club that contacted me and is interested in my work, and since they have now read everything of mine I have passed them on to your work. You’re a wonderful writer! Keep it up.
Wow! Thanks so much for the support/kind words!
I haven’t actually heard of a book trying to do that before (yours). Are you selling it yet? Got a link? What are you working on now?
Thanks… yeah my group of friends we are a mixture of all kinds and I was sitting in the living room of my apartment one day thinking to myself, wouldn’t it be awesome if everything in the world was like this (diverse and interesting). So, when I started kicking ideas around for the Anarchy of The Gods series I decided to just try and it see what happens.
Links:
Yeah, you can download it free right now on amazon during the promo.
the first book is here: http://www.amazon.com/Anarchy-of-the-Gods-ebook/dp/B00AUYN74W
but won’t be free until Friday.
the second book is here: http://www.amazon.com/Anarchy-Gods-II-ebook/dp/B00B7P9VDY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1359635912&sr=1-1&keywords=anarchy+of+the+gods+iI
The second book is on a free promo today because most of my diehard fans already purchased the first, and the first book will be on free promo this Friday for 24hrs
so if you pick up the first one today and the second one Friday you can sample the work for free.
Cheers,
James Ash
Wouldn’t dream of picking them up free. I’m going to buy them as soon as I finish the book I’m on now.
Thanks! I really appreciate that. Let me know when you finish the book (really don’t forget
), my friends are dying to read more of your work! Two thumbs up!!! Really. 
So true! I have been too distracted lately with promotion and networking, and I have neglected my WIP. Subsequently I have a head full of narrative and if I don’t clear it soon and type it up, I might quite literally explode! Thanks for sharing.
Are you seeing great results from promotion/networking? Is it something you enjoy?
I see steady sales but no dramatic improvements. I find it tedious, but at the same time strangely addictive, so yes, I suppose I do enjoy it.