And I thought writing was the hard part

Being an indie author is a lot like being a one-man band. You're responsible for EVERYTHING. I've spent the last month since "A Cold and Secret Death" went on sale marketing the book. As far as my limited budget will allow, I'm leaving no stone unturned in publicizing it far and wide. Marketing is about as much fun as changing dirty diapers. It's a real chore I don't enjoy. But it must be done. (Somebody needs to invent a book that sells itself.)

The worst part by far is the online scammers who attach themselves to you like a school of remoras. I've been approached by some folks who are very brazen. They actually impersonate real authors and try to "befriend" you and offer to refer you to their marketing person in Africa, who's more than willing to help at just about any price. Of course, they're as honest as your local mobster, and I suspect they and the marketing genius they refer you to are actually one and the same.

So heads up, indie authors. Watch out for "helpful" scams on Facebook, Fiverr, and probably every other social media platform. It's a jungle out there. Don't be somebody's lunch.