Ask the Author discussion
For writers (and readers) - You want to be asked

https://www.goodreads.com/author/4031...




https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

https://www.goodreads.com/author/7012..."
Sent you a question - please reciprocate.

Posed a question for you. Please reciprocate.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/6453...

https://www.goodreads.com/author/6996...

https://www.goodreads.com/author/4609...


"Have you/writers persisted, sat back or moved forward in creative endeavors, as I find myself wan..."
Well ..... I've retired a book that I could see wasn't working. I still think the book had value and I've published it elsewhere, but it wasn't working in that format. I guess it was an experiment that went wrong.

You might not have it activated. If not, edit your profile and you'll see the option there to turn it on. I struggled to figure out the same thing :)

"Have you/writers persisted, sat back or moved forward in creative endeavors, as I find myself wan..."
You only fail when you give up.


"Have you/writers persisted, sat back or moved forward in creative endeavors, as ..."
My take on it, after 7 years immersed in the world of indie publishing, is explained in my blog article (complete with song lyrics).....
"The Indie Book Promo, ain't gonna do it no mo', welcome to my pity party, somebody shoot me boogie blues"
http://garyvaltenuta.blogspot.com/201...

It might seem strange to say it on a thread for a group like this, but I gave up playing the indie author back-scratch game some time ago too. I've had enough of the indie 'marketing' sites and communities, the paid reviews that don't translate into anything tangible, the third party publishing/editing services from those in the same boat as you, the chain groups designed to inflate social media popularity, and the Goodreads groups set up as poorly disguised marketing platforms for the moderator's own work.
Having an address book full of fellow bird watchers won't raise your chances of seeing what you came to see in that over populated field in the first place.

It seems everyone wants to write books - and in fact do so. Everywhere I go, when I mention that I'm an author (and trad published with a small press, etc etc etc etc) at least one person says 'I've written a book too!'. Often more than one person.
I reckon that, like everything else in life, it's just down to luck ( and constant hard work)
https://www.goodreads.com/author/5170...

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Looking forward to answering your questions!

"Have you/writers persisted, sat back or moved forward in creative en..."
Gary wrote: "Day wrote: "Caroline wrote: "My question is, "When should a person realize they might not get readers or no one is interested?"
"Have you/writers persisted, sat back or moved forward in creative en..."
Very honest and spot-on blog, Gary. It so pisses me off that authors and the promoters of these how-to services don't tell the truth about how pointless, time-consuming, and costly all the recommended activities are. I am not one to spin my wheels for very long, and like you, have tried most of the promotional methods to no avail (other than wasting my hard-earned money and time). I say, let's all start by being honest, and maybe we'll learn something useful from there.

Finding an "audience" is always difficult, and it doesn't happen overnight. We all start from the same place...no readers. So find solace in the fact that EVERY author has gone through this. Don't expect "instant success" it may take years (or even decades). Just keep writing and putting your stuff out there. Keep working on constant improvement and never give up. It's a profession that rewards persistence.

While I understand that, it implies that a process is taking place. I can picture my audience pretty well: Male, 30+, liberal minded, educated, not into anything mainstream. But my problem (and I'm sure it's a problem for others) is that I have no idea where to find these people.
Books mentioned in this topic
The Membranous Lounge (other topics)Lost Innocence: The Accused (other topics)
Once Were Friends (other topics)
Experimental Heart: Pieces (other topics)
The Dazzling Darkness (other topics)
More...
"Have you/writers persisted, sat back or moved forward in creative endeavors, as I find myself wanting to do/ learn even more?