Things you won't see me do

There's a couple things you probably won't see me do as an author. Both have to do with promoting myself and my work. Book signings and chats. I've tried both. In 2009 I spent a week at a Romantic Times Book Lovers Convention because it took place in Orlando, Florida, down the street from where I lived at the time. It was a good experience, but it just wasn't me. I have a hard time selling myself. I think it's because I have always considered writing a hobby and not a job. Writing is my passion and it's something I would do, even if I didn't publish my stories. 

I tried a chat once. It was hard keeping up with everyone and trying to respond to comments. I was so afraid of missing someone. After a while I got lost, and it got very frustrating to me. Again, because writing is a hobby and something I do for fun, I had to remind myself that doing chats was another way of selling myself. I enjoyed meeting new people but I steered away from talking about my books.

As an author, and I think I can speak for my fellow author friends, you have to decide what works best for you, and where you want your writing to take you. I will never be a Nora Roberts, and I'm okay with that. I write for me. It's a kind of therapy I've used since I was a teenager. It gives me confidence, makes me feel accomplished, and I get great satisfaction sharing it with people. 

Do I like the royalty checks? Absolutely! I'm not crazy. But royalty checks are not what drive me to write. At the same time I'd like to thank all of you who enjoy my stories, have helped support my craft and me, and continue to look forward to future publications. As long as I have fingers, and an imagination, I will continue writing.