It’s hard to chase a dream. Dreams are ephemeral and unpredictable. They’re illogical. They don’t follow the rules of physics.
Dreams can make you feel elated or leave you empty and confused.
When you wake from a dream, it can be a hard landing back to reality.
I feel like I am chasing a dream right now as I face the most difficult part of having my latest book, Elvis Saves a Marriage…published: trying to foster interest in it.
It’s an intricate ballet of pushing the book a little here and there and exhausting people. You don’t want your efforts at promoting the book to feel like forcing people to watch a never-ending telethon.
But it is a necessary step in being an author. Even mid-list authors have to promote their books—through personal appearances, radio interviews, and book signings. The only ones who are somewhat exempt are A-listers who are a sure sell. And they have staffs to plan their promotion campaigns—and get to travel to exciting places and be on TV interview shows.
Writers like me are the author and promoter all wrapped up into one person. It can feel daunting.
From the time I was old enough to envision a future, I knew deep in my heart that I wanted to spend my life writing. I describe myself now as a writer who was disguised as a teacher for many years.
But I am a dream chaser. And no matter how upside down, how illogical, or how difficult it is, I will continue to follow this dream.
Graphic courtesy of Pixabay
I hear many writers say they find the promoting of their book as much work as the writing. Thank goodness for social media and the Internet where we can feature it on web pages, blogs and Facebook.
Sure a lot easier than 20 years ago.
Yes, I agree Kathy – for me the easy part was writing the books! Promoting and marketing are much harder. It takes a lot of effort and as you say, you don’t want to alienate your friends and family by being a little too pushy asking for help getting the word out or doing reviews. Still, I feel a great sense of accomplishment, as I am sure you do, for having faith in myself and actually accomplishing the publication of two books. Congratulations!
Congratulations Kathy on the publication of your new book. I share your dream, and I hope to share your current “problem” by this time next year.
Living your dreams is no small accomplishment. You are a published author. Isn’t that great. Lynn
Kathy.
Even though I am not in your shoes, all I could say would be ‘don’t give up’. And, don’t doubt yourself.
Good luck
Jeanne
I am a sure sell Kathy. I want a book, signed, of course. And I will pass the word around. So happy that you have two published books.
Congratulations, Kathy, on the publication of your new book. I look forward to reading it. I share your dream, and by this time next year, I hope to share your “problem” of having to promote a published book.