PITY PARTY & WARNING
I just felt like ranting a little today and discuss a portion of my writing journey so far. So, if this isn't your cup of tea, please feel free to check out other areas of this website.
First, my decision to write seriously occurred in 2005, right after being told I had prostate cancer. I had this idea for a story that had been rattling around in my head for some time and if I was going to write it, it had to be now. As far as the cancer thing, I found the best surgeon I could, which happened to be in Austin, Texas, and after he had been brought up to speed I asked him to schedule me for surgery as soon as possible. I didn't want any delays. All of the samples that had been collected were cancerous. Stage 2, Gleason 7.The surgery was a success. For anyone interested, the procedure used was by the DaVinci Robotic, relatively new for the time. I'll jump ahead here. As of today, every test has remained negative. (Note to men and wives: Do NOT rely on the PSA test exclusively. Mine was non-detect at the time, but a digital exam discovered something odd. I was sent to another doctor where the cancer was identified.)
Back to writing. I was enlightened as to how much work goes into writing a book. My first one, including research, writing and rewriting and rewriting ... , searching for an agent and/or publisher, and then deciding to self-publish, took six years. After that long and doing everything I was told at writing conferences, the expectations were pretty high. I couldn't wait for everyone to fall in love with my baby. The satisfaction would be overwhelming. I could almost taste it. Well, I'm still waiting. And now I've written three more books. The expectation aren't any less. But now I understand the reality of competing with a million-plus other writers for readers. BTW, I still love writing and the research involved. Selling a few books would be nice too.
I was so sure I could do this. (Here comes the pity part.) I have been diligent about my research and have hired editors, cover artists, and formatters. It doesn't seem to matter. Sales are dissmal.
I am self-employed, giving me the ability to pass on certain jobs. I started doing this four years ago with the idea that with more time on my hands, I'd be able to concentrate more of my time on my writing. Well, that part has worked. I think I'm starting to ramble or rant if you prefer, so the morale of this story is "Don't rely exclusively on a PSA. And even if it is embarassing, ask to have a digital exam done also." I've heard that the doctor doesn't like it any more than you do.
First, my decision to write seriously occurred in 2005, right after being told I had prostate cancer. I had this idea for a story that had been rattling around in my head for some time and if I was going to write it, it had to be now. As far as the cancer thing, I found the best surgeon I could, which happened to be in Austin, Texas, and after he had been brought up to speed I asked him to schedule me for surgery as soon as possible. I didn't want any delays. All of the samples that had been collected were cancerous. Stage 2, Gleason 7.The surgery was a success. For anyone interested, the procedure used was by the DaVinci Robotic, relatively new for the time. I'll jump ahead here. As of today, every test has remained negative. (Note to men and wives: Do NOT rely on the PSA test exclusively. Mine was non-detect at the time, but a digital exam discovered something odd. I was sent to another doctor where the cancer was identified.)
Back to writing. I was enlightened as to how much work goes into writing a book. My first one, including research, writing and rewriting and rewriting ... , searching for an agent and/or publisher, and then deciding to self-publish, took six years. After that long and doing everything I was told at writing conferences, the expectations were pretty high. I couldn't wait for everyone to fall in love with my baby. The satisfaction would be overwhelming. I could almost taste it. Well, I'm still waiting. And now I've written three more books. The expectation aren't any less. But now I understand the reality of competing with a million-plus other writers for readers. BTW, I still love writing and the research involved. Selling a few books would be nice too.
I was so sure I could do this. (Here comes the pity part.) I have been diligent about my research and have hired editors, cover artists, and formatters. It doesn't seem to matter. Sales are dissmal.
I am self-employed, giving me the ability to pass on certain jobs. I started doing this four years ago with the idea that with more time on my hands, I'd be able to concentrate more of my time on my writing. Well, that part has worked. I think I'm starting to ramble or rant if you prefer, so the morale of this story is "Don't rely exclusively on a PSA. And even if it is embarassing, ask to have a digital exam done also." I've heard that the doctor doesn't like it any more than you do.
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