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So, today I mention some risky business. Publishing involves risk. Self-publishing is riskier since it all falls back on YOU
It's taking a chance on your passion, your desire, your talent.
It's taking a chance that some group of folks out in the wide, wide world will love your work, all while knowing some folks will scream to the hilltop how they HATE you and your writing too.
It's taking a chance that an idea - even if not new under the sun - has a unique enough twist to intrigue others to tell others and those others tell more people.
It's marketing until your fingers fall off with sales softer than a plush teddy bear while the Jack or Jill next door plops a novel out, sits back to crochet and rolls in the dough after their trendy story becomes all the rage (How did that happen? Heck if I know.)
It's taking a chance by moving your established characters from sweethearts that just met and have just learned to love each other to...something more. How detailed should I go before I accidentally turn my paranormal, action and romance novel into an NA erotica???
It's a risky business. But somebody's got to do it.
What are your thoughts when it comes to taking big risks in life?
So true, Angela. It is taking a chance. But we hope it leads to good things. I'm not a risk taker by nature but I do plan to take the risk and start querying soon. And next year I'll be forced to take a risk and make a big career change when my company closes.
ReplyDeleteRisk was a big fear factor but I'm glad that I'm taking the chance. I hope when the time comes for you that you'll see the desired success, Natalie.
DeleteI think self-publishing is the biggest risk I've ever taken lol! I usually go for the safer options!
ReplyDeleteSafer does sound sooo much better, but without taking risks, we can miss out on some great experiences :-)
DeleteIt seems that some luck may be involved, doesn't it? But, that is life. I do believe that hard work eventually pays off more than wishing for a stroke of luck. Keep it up, Angela. Good things will happen.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Brinda. Luck and timing play into things. Thank you so much for the well wishes. I'll definitely need it :-)
DeleteLife is a finite set of minutes. I want to make each of them count.
ReplyDeleteRisk is what happens when you move forward. Viva la momentum. :)
Ref: "Viva la momentum"
DeleteExactly!
Go for it! You will only regret what you didn't do if you don't!
ReplyDeleteVery true, Carolyn!
DeleteMy philosophy is similiar to Nike's Just Do It. Except, mine is, Just Do It Afraid, lol
ReplyDeleteIt's my nature to be a giant chicken but I force myself out of my comfort zone and push myself to take some risks. I refuse to allow my fears to get the best of me. And people who say they have suffer from no fear, are either crazy or lying, lol. So I say, go for it Angela!!
I'm right there with you, Jaybird :-)
DeleteI believe a writer knows his/her story and where it belongs in the world.
ReplyDeleteThat's often the very best thing :-)
DeleteUm, I usually face risks with, "Do I have to? I don't want to. Oh, hell...okay, let's go."
ReplyDeleteYep. Let's go, shivering in the knees and all :-)
Delete"Hell yes!" To all of this, AB. :)
ReplyDeleteJust saw your new cover, btw. A true beauty! I'm off to figure out how to signup for your release tour...
Thanks, E.J. You are such an awesome guy!
DeleteWriting a book with the intent to publish is such a risk. Whether you self-publish or go traditional, you risk having your blood, sweat and tears to be rejected or ripped apart by someone. It is also a big gamble because either you or the publisher is taking the financial risk with you book, and if it flops, either you're to blame or the publisher will drop you.
ReplyDeleteJust take a deep breath and go!
Here I gooooo! *Dive! Splash!*
DeleteRisks are good things. They are nasty, they are dirty, and they are terrifying, but they are also good, and you need them. Without risks, you never learn anything. You might fail, but that's okay too, so long as you keep going. Publishing is crazy world, and I think that if we keep writing, something will eventually happen. If it's what we wanted to happen or not, well, only time will tell.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting!
Best,
Alexandra~
Words of truth, Alexandra :-)
DeleteRisk is a giant fear factory for certain sure. But if we never take that leap of faith we'll never know.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck.
Jai Visiting from IWSG
It's almost worst fearing NOT taking the chance than at least trying and learning from failing or succeeding.
DeleteWanna know what's risky? Writing! :) All shape, manner, and form. You're putting your heart and soul out there for the world to see, and judge.
ReplyDeleteIf we didn't take risks, we would pretty much live the life of an earthworm, or worse. So, if we can't take those risks, how will we better ourselves?
Glad you're doing it!
Thanks, Jamie. It's scary but so worth it!
DeletePutting a book out there at all is a risk. But, what of the risk if we don't?
ReplyDeleteAnd someone could miss out on a fun, silly, dark, romantic or quirky story if we don't take the chance.
DeleteWe have to takes risks. We just have to. I know it's scary!! You're so right. But you are brave and a natural born survivor, and a go-getter. So, take that risk! Btw, I know I saw your cover yesterday, but now I can't recall commenting. I think it was on my phone, which is quirky about comments. I wanted to tell you how awesome it is!!! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Candilynn :-) You are always so sweet I just want to hug you!
DeleteMore often than not, I regret not taking risks more than I regret taking them. It's a good life lesson, I think. :)
ReplyDeleteYou know, Bethany, you're right on point with that :-)
DeleteGo big or go home, right? Without risks, there would never be the rewards. You're on the right track!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Miranda. This has certainly made for an entertaining path in life lol!
DeleteYeah, that plopping out a trendy novel is rather annoying. LOL! Kind of like the elephant that splashes paint on canvas and people pay huge $$ for the paintings.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, life without risks would be boring, right?
Or the one with a yellow square on a white canvas calling it the "sun" and sells it for ridiculous amounts of moola lol!!
DeleteLike you said: Somebody's gotta do it. Self-publishing is risky but today it has more respect than in the past. Congrats on taking the plunge and know I plan to do the same later this year.
ReplyDeleteWithout the risk, I think it would be so much less satisfying. It's the things that we have to work for - risk for - that mean the most in the end. :) Love this post.
ReplyDeleteWhen in doubt ask yourself how many regrets you're willing to face on your deathbed
ReplyDelete