The last post (potentially)

I've been writing for many years around a full-time job and family. I've penned six novels in that time, appeared on radio, in newspapers, given college talks and book signings etc.....

I've never found myself so demoralised as right now, however.

I'm seriously thinking of quitting.

I know people say you should write just for the fun of it. A large part of me agrees, but... I also create because I enjoy hearing what others think? Receiving no feedback kinda brings me down.

I'm not bothered about money or fame but without an audience of any kind, I find am really struggling with motivation.

To that end, I've marketed on social media, sent out FREE audiobook codes and pdf files, offered books, attempted to post on Goodreads, Tiktok, Instagram, ran competitions.... All to no avail. I have received next to no interest despite my efforts and from the hundreds of freebies I have sent, I have very, very little feedback.

The anomaly is that those reviews I do have are almost exclusively good. Or I'd have accepted my lot many moons ago.

To be clear, this was a hobby for me so I am not/have not thrown money at it. Not much anyway. As stated. I have small ambitions/goals and do not expect much, just some kind of readership beyond family and friends.

How does a small-time writer reach a receptive and open audience these days? I'd be grateful for any advice on my last throw of the dice?

Thank you.