From millions to wattpad
[image error]It’s the first Wednesday (Tuesday actually, this month) of the month again, time for a post for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OPTIONAL IWSG QUESTION: What are your ultimate writing goals, and how have they changed over time (if at all)?
MY ANSWER: Of course, my goals changed. I’ll tell you a funny story about my original goals, when I first started writing. I thought I would be a popular writer. I wanted a big publisher to buy my books and pay me millions for them. Yeah, I did have high hopes… at one time. I sent my manuscripts to all the big fantasy publishers and a bunch of agents in those days to pursue my goal.
My kids were young then, and I remember roaming with them around Vancouver, looking at nice houses, and deciding together which house we were going to buy with my millions.
Not that one, with the white trim – too small.
Not that one on the corner – too noisy.
But this one with the balcony and stained glass door insert – oh yeah.
I also planned to share my millions with my family: my sister, aunt, and cousin.
Years have passed since then, and I’ve learn a few important lessons. And my goals changed, of course. I still want people to read and like my stories, but the monetary component is not there anymore. I actually stopped caring.
That’s why when I post my stories for free on wattpad, and people read them, I’m happy. I have achieved one of my goals. A report is due here. As of today, my regency romance novella Fibs in the Family on wattpad has collected over 32,000 readers (that’s 32,000 moments of happiness) and is #26 in the Novella category. My steampunk novella Open, Charlie, has reached 1000 readers and climbed over, with #4 in the Airship category. Even my fanfiction short story Five Days of Elf is doing well. It’s over 400 readers. That makes me happy, even though it doesn’t bring any money, and no houses with a white trim or otherwise.
I’ve also acquired another writing-related goal recently. I started making book covers, and I want people to use my covers for their books. As with writing, I began on wattpad. Over 30 writers there have already accepted covers created by me.
I’ve made many more pre-made covers by now, mostly in the fantasy genre, but I plan to branch out into sci-fi and paranormal. I started posting them on my page at deviantArt. Check it out. I’m adding a couple pre-made covers almost daily. Some of you might like my covers for your speculative fiction stories.
I also have self-publishing goals – publishing my books on Amazon – but for some reason, I’m procrastinating. Wish me luck in achieving that goal. I think I need a push in that direction.
No goal in regards to any book publisher for now. I don’t think I’ll ever submit a novel to anyone again. Maybe short stories to magazines or anthologies, but not novels or novellas.
What about you? How did your goals changed?
Save
