Writing my debut novel revealed some truths.
Some people say anyone can write a book. I'm sure it is possible for anyone to write about a subject they are schooled in and know a lot about. Say a non-fiction "self-help" or "how- to" book. Writing a story dealing with emotions and the "truths" in your life is NOT easy. It is painful and it takes courage for someone to delve deep into their soul and then share it with people they know or don't know.
All of your friends will NOT buy or even read your book. This was a real let down for me. I figured all of my family, friends, and classmates would be eager to read my book just because they knew me. Unfortunately, that wasn't true.
Not everyone wants you to be successful.
Marketing your book is hard and discouraging.
The same people that will encourage you to write more novels, many times have not read your first.
Even if you get published by a traditional publisher, it is very likely that you will not get rich. You are lucky to break even if you hired an editor.
So why continue to write?
I continue to write because I feel a calling to share what I have lived through and survived.
I continue to write believing I might bring a sense of hope to others.
I continue to write because I love it and I find it therapeutic.
I continue to write believing that someday the people that know me will read my story.
