Financial Incentives: What Can a Self-Published Author Expect to Make?

In a perfect world, we'd all only work for fun. My day job is awesome (I mean, as far as having great stories, it can't be beat), but if I didn't have to work to pay my mortgage, I bet I'd only be part time. I'd also love to be able to write as a career.

Because who doesn't want more time for this?!

Now, I realize that the level of fun probably drops substantially when you're writing to feed your family rather than writing in your spare time and only when you want to/feel inspired, but its a dream job for a lot of us.

Realistically then, what can you expect to make? Beverly Kendall did a comprehensive self publishing survey and posted the results (complete with full color charts!) at her blog. Her conclusions may surprise you! Click here to check it out!

Deadlines, expectations, and other things that can be thrown out windows

My illustrator emailed me last night, letting me know she has fallen behind, but plans to be done next week. I hope I was understanding and kind, because if you saw Wednesday’s post entitled, “Enduring the Wait,” you already know that I have the patience of a two year old that missed both nap time and lunch.

It happens. Deadlines aren’t always met. Neither are expectations. I mean, I expected that I wouldn’t sell my first book until it was illustrated and published, but, after telling a gentleman what I was trying to do, he prepaid for a signed copy of my book!

Guys, do you understand what I’m saying? I SOLD A COPY OF MY BOOK!!!

This has been the expression on my face since yesterday

If you’ve been there, you know the giddiness, the excitement, and the absolute delight/terror that comes with it. If you haven’t been there, hang on! Right now, I’m celebrating. Care to celebrate with me?

(Also, water balloons are other things that can be thrown out windows. And paper airplanes. And greetings to guests coming up the walkway.)

Compelling: How do you write what people want to read? (part 2)

I recently read a book series where I pretty nearly hated the main character, I found her whiny, constantly doing the most ridiculous things while her life was a risk, irksome, and we had nothing in common whatsoever. She made the worst possible choice at every venture, and part of me wanted to jump into the pages and wallop her upside the head. Still, I read the entire trilogy. I can almost hear you asking, “Why in the world would you do that?!”

Because, my friends, the storyline was unique and wildly imaginative. Imagine a world where being overweight is illegal, possession of high calorie treats is a crime, and distribution of high calorie treats (in this case, cookies), is punishable by 6 months imprisonment in a re-education facility. Drop in an individual from the United States who is used to the freedom of eating what she wants when she wants and is used to getting away with some rebellious actions and BAM! I was useless for an entire Saturday, eating up the story (like that I stayed with the food theme there?).

All three books now reside on my Tablet, and I guarantee I’ll read them again. They were fun, different, and a great weekend read. In fact, if you’re interested, it’s the Parallel Trilogy by Christine Kersey, and the first book is called Gone.  If you pick them up, let me know what you think. 

A great story is essential. Even if you're not the best writer in the world, an original idea can cover a multitude of sins. 

You just KNOW there's a good story behind this one, even if you hate cops!

 Anyone else have this experience where you’re pulled into a great story, despite the characters?