Time To Move On

 

Somethings take a little longer to realize than others.

Today, I realized I'm not a writer/ author. Sure, I can type words that tell a story, but that doesn't make me a writer. And publishing a book now, it's not that hard to do.

15 years of my life - 7 1/2 books - 3 published.

It's time for me to move on and do something else, that I'll probably not be good at.

Ironically, that has been my life for the most part. Do something for a bit and then move on. Writing lasted a little longer than expected.

I'm a lot like the lyrics in a song, "I don't know where I'm going, but I sure know where I've been."

I did learn a few things along the way. Writing is not easy. It requires hours of practice and dedication, much like any other profession.

I have only one regret about publishing what I wrote - someone wasted their time reading what I wrote.

A person's time is a very valuable thing and should always be considered.

Once upon a time in a land far far away, . . .

To all the writers and authors out there, I wish you the best of luck.

I will scribble a few words here when I have something to share about a particular subject - I ain't dead yet.

I love you all - have a great day, year, and life.

 

j/k

Authors - "How Independent are you?"

 

What does it mean to be an independant author?

Freedom? Write your way, not the trade way?

Well, here is the list of rules for indie authors --

See any?  No?  That's because there are no rules. 

To truly be an independant author, you march to the beat of your own drum. It's risky, of course, but if readers read your books - Bravo!

Okay, before I drive deeper into this subject, there are a few things that I need to clear up. Number one, anybody can be a writer. It's easy. You write stuff down and presto, you're a writer.

However, to be an author, especially an independant author, you have to invest in yourself. Not just money, but also time; and as we all know, time is far more precious than money.

Indie Authors Need Lots of Hugs

Now, back to the indie thing:

Want a ten page prologue or and index - Check the rules first

Want to use AI for your cover - Check the rules first

Semi- colons, commas, dashes - Check the rules first

I could go on, but you get the point? There are no rules.

That being said, some indie authors seem to forget that there are no rules for the indie. Although, a few indie authors will belittle their fellow indie brethren for the choices they make or do. Strange isn't it? 

The line I like the best - "Do whatever you want, but I would never do that." 

I'm older now, and the world of writing and being an indie author is evolving - so I must incorporate a rule -- 

Rule #1 - As an indie writer/ author - when you write, the words must be your words, your thoughts, your ideas - everything else about getting those words thoughts and ideas to the readers are fair game.

Sorry, I know, rules suck, but that one is an important one. 

Here's the rub of it; if author 'A' is selling a lot of books and they followed the one and only rule - I say Bravo! 

If Author 'B' thinks they cheated or they aren't doing it the right way - too bad - a capitalist will always seek a way to stay ahead of the game, and as an (indie) author or any other kind, sales are a good thing. 

Hackers or AI prompt authors are like processed food - sure it taste good with a few drinks or a glass of wine, but the next day, well, dare I say, no one likes diarrhea. 

Be kind to strangers, because they're strange, and scary too.

Love the one you're with!

j/k

Book Title and the Name Below It

The title of a book, in my opinion, has an unequivocal function - be relevant to what is inside.

Picking a title is a small thing compared to the herculean task of writing a novel, but nevertheless, a vital element that should not be taken lightly. Your work will be remembered by the title and if your story is worthy enough, your name will eventually supersede the title. 

When your name is larger than the title – you’re famous!

I was a novice about such things as assigning a title to a book, and I agonized for days over each one before deciding, but in the end, I was pleased with my choices; and they are relevant to the books.

Writing a Book is Exciting

Vanguard – leading the way of the Trilogy. (It seemed like an appropriate choice.)

Warfolkan – Warrior of the Folk and defender. (Warfolkan was the name of my character  when I was playing AD&D long ago, and he is the main character of the Trilogy.)

Sagacity – profound knowledge and understanding, coupled with foresight and good judgment. (While using my old dictionary one day, and I saw the word Sagacity. I decided to use it to name a character in the story and used it as the title – a satirical name for a satirical character. (I am forever thankful that fate was on my side that day.)

As for my name on the cover below the title, ( I know it’s a famous name) which I often think confuses readers, but at this point in my novel writing career, if someone buys my books by mistake, I‘ll take the win.  

When I was growing up, I’m frequently asked if I’m related to Franz Kafka. No, I am not related to Franz Kafka, although I am big fan of his work.

I did not choose my name, nor would I ever change it, however, I did get to choose the title of the books I wrote, a challenge I pleasantly accepted.

 

Enjoy each day, speak with passion, and climb the rungs of life carefully. Wisdom and Fate walk upon the same path. Absorb the experience and learn from it.

 

“jimmy, if I were to change my name, I suppose I’d go with ‘Outrageous Awesomeness’. Mr. Awesomeness, your table is ready. Hey, Outrageous, how’s it going? Yeah, that sounds outrageously awesome!”   

“Mr. Kafka.”

“Yes?”

“Take your medication.”

“Okay.”

 

-jk-