As I grew up, I loved to write. My family was not supportive and shut me down. They were not loving and kind. I wrote well into high school.
After school, I joined the military and became too busy to write. After the military, I struggled to survive. I got divorced three times. In 2006, I met the love of my life. We remain married today. In 2010, I broke my back and depression took hold. I still worked to pay the bills but now I had a new master, pain, constant pain.
2014, I re-injured my back had a series of three strokes. Not able to provide for my family, I sank into depression. One day, I had a dream. My wife urged me to write it down. I have one book complete and 3 others. I am working on two that are sequels to the first. I rediscovered my passion and love for writing, with a difference. My strokes left me weak on my left side. Easily fatigued, I struggle to remember anything. At first I had to reread my book every time I wrote in it because I could not remember what I wrote. I am improving, though. Now I only have reread the last 4 or 5 chapters before I get back in the groove. Other days I struggle to remember my name, but the writing bug has bitten me and I will not step away again.
That's fantastic to hear, James! I wish you the very best of success!
Writing has been therapy for me, over the years, and I believe in it as a tool for growth and recovery. I think you are doing yourself a world of good by keeping at it. I hope I see you on a bestseller's list someday!
Thank you for your positive encouragement. I know, for me, it has been very therapeutic. My memory is improving, although it will never be 100%. I do enjoy it and since I cannot do other things I used to enjoy; I find it’s a suitable substitute. As far as being a best seller, I’m not sure I am that great. It would be nice if I could earn a little income.
That's absolutely possible, James. There are so many great tools and resources for authors now. When I started, it was all "Wild West" and figuring everything out through trial and error. But today, it's easier than ever to publish and start earning.
You concentrate on writing the best book you can. Once you're done, I'd be happy to talk you through some options for getting started. There's a lot out there, and I spend a lot of time chatting with will-be authors about all of it. Happy to help!
Actually, I have a question: what do you think of Draft2Digital? and what software would you recommend when transferring a book from word doc to book format? Sorry, I do not mean to bug you, but I know nothing about this stuff.
Ok, for Draft2Digital, I'm obviously going to be a bit biased, since I'm the Director of Marketing & PR, and one of the public faces of the company. But I think most authors will agree when I say that D2D has top-tier author support, and is really a very easy way to publish your book.
We'll convert your boo from a Word Doc to ebook format for free, and we have some very nice free templates to give it a pro look. You don't even have to distribute through us to use these tools. They're free, and you own your files, so you could use us to do the conversion and take your files direct to retailers if you prefer.
The way D2D makes money is with a ~15% cut of royalties from sales. There re no fees or subscriptions or anything to worry about, and if you don't sell any books through us we don't make a dime from you. If you have trouble, we'll be there to help with real-live humans who answer the phone or an email during our business hours.
There's a ton more I can say about the company, but let me just close with this:
I was a fan of D2D well before they asked me to come onboard. It's a very author-centric business, and there are a lot of us authors working there. We understand this business inside and out because we're right here in the trenches. :)
If you want to learn more, I really recommend checking out our blog and our YouTube channel. You can find a path to both if you go to http://draft2digital.com/wordslinger
And if you have more questions, I can help. You might also reach out to our support folks at support@draft2digital.com.
Hope this was helpful, James! That blog and YouTube channel are filled with advice you might benefit from, for sure.
Hi Kevin. Where do you stand on editors and proof-readers? Self-publishing has seen these roles marginalised, resulting in errors that compromise the usefulness and enjoyment of written work.
Every writer benefits from having and editor and a proofreader, and more than one of each if they can swing it. There are authors who do not yet have the resources for either, though.
So for them, to keep that from being a barrier to entry, I always counsel using any resources you have to make the book the best you can possibly make it, and launch. Indie authors have the advantage of being able to come back to the work and improve it. Readers can often be the best editing resource an author has, particularly in those early days.
I tell writers to use what I call an “editing stack.” I’ll probably talk about this eventually, but I’ve written about it quite a bit.
My own books go through a pretty thorough editing process... and still have typos. Curse of the author. But as they get pointed out, I fix them and prepare the book for the next edition.
Welcome, Kevin. Good to see you on here. I have two substacks, one instructional for other writers and https://stanbroughwrites.substack.com/, in which I post a new short story free every week.. Just finished my 73rd novel today, also the 21st in a series. I'll talk about that in tomorrow's Journal post at my other substack: https://harveystanbrough.substack.com/
TRIED TO FIND HIM ON GOOGLE, but only found an Austrailian author that died a few years ago - didn't find any Westerns by him..... probably not the same!
My library which has a very large collection of ebooks does not have any of yours. I have requested your latest. (Living on SS, I can't afford to buy books.)I want to see what you write.
They should have no trouble ordering all of my books for whatever app they use. I'm kind of surprised they're not already available, but requesting them is the surest way to get them to "shelve" them.
Any time someone is willing to share how they got where they are, I am in. I have been assisting various writers by being in their Advanced copy group, proofreading and then leaving my reviews on Amazon, BookBub and GoodReads.
Sometimes that is difficult when multiple authors come out with something all at the same time but I make sure to read each and comment.
David Stevens. We... don't talk much these days. Long story (and not really anything all that negative). It looks like his books may not be available anymore, though. I need to reach out and find out why!
A most excellent writerly first blog post.
Thanks Maureen, I appreciate the kind support!
Very interesting. I totally agree with Jazzlauri, I too have assisted with proofreading ARCs and for Author friends.
As I grew up, I loved to write. My family was not supportive and shut me down. They were not loving and kind. I wrote well into high school.
After school, I joined the military and became too busy to write. After the military, I struggled to survive. I got divorced three times. In 2006, I met the love of my life. We remain married today. In 2010, I broke my back and depression took hold. I still worked to pay the bills but now I had a new master, pain, constant pain.
2014, I re-injured my back had a series of three strokes. Not able to provide for my family, I sank into depression. One day, I had a dream. My wife urged me to write it down. I have one book complete and 3 others. I am working on two that are sequels to the first. I rediscovered my passion and love for writing, with a difference. My strokes left me weak on my left side. Easily fatigued, I struggle to remember anything. At first I had to reread my book every time I wrote in it because I could not remember what I wrote. I am improving, though. Now I only have reread the last 4 or 5 chapters before I get back in the groove. Other days I struggle to remember my name, but the writing bug has bitten me and I will not step away again.
That's fantastic to hear, James! I wish you the very best of success!
Writing has been therapy for me, over the years, and I believe in it as a tool for growth and recovery. I think you are doing yourself a world of good by keeping at it. I hope I see you on a bestseller's list someday!
Thank you for your positive encouragement. I know, for me, it has been very therapeutic. My memory is improving, although it will never be 100%. I do enjoy it and since I cannot do other things I used to enjoy; I find it’s a suitable substitute. As far as being a best seller, I’m not sure I am that great. It would be nice if I could earn a little income.
That's absolutely possible, James. There are so many great tools and resources for authors now. When I started, it was all "Wild West" and figuring everything out through trial and error. But today, it's easier than ever to publish and start earning.
You concentrate on writing the best book you can. Once you're done, I'd be happy to talk you through some options for getting started. There's a lot out there, and I spend a lot of time chatting with will-be authors about all of it. Happy to help!
Actually, I have a question: what do you think of Draft2Digital? and what software would you recommend when transferring a book from word doc to book format? Sorry, I do not mean to bug you, but I know nothing about this stuff.
No worries!
Ok, for Draft2Digital, I'm obviously going to be a bit biased, since I'm the Director of Marketing & PR, and one of the public faces of the company. But I think most authors will agree when I say that D2D has top-tier author support, and is really a very easy way to publish your book.
We'll convert your boo from a Word Doc to ebook format for free, and we have some very nice free templates to give it a pro look. You don't even have to distribute through us to use these tools. They're free, and you own your files, so you could use us to do the conversion and take your files direct to retailers if you prefer.
The way D2D makes money is with a ~15% cut of royalties from sales. There re no fees or subscriptions or anything to worry about, and if you don't sell any books through us we don't make a dime from you. If you have trouble, we'll be there to help with real-live humans who answer the phone or an email during our business hours.
There's a ton more I can say about the company, but let me just close with this:
I was a fan of D2D well before they asked me to come onboard. It's a very author-centric business, and there are a lot of us authors working there. We understand this business inside and out because we're right here in the trenches. :)
If you want to learn more, I really recommend checking out our blog and our YouTube channel. You can find a path to both if you go to http://draft2digital.com/wordslinger
And if you have more questions, I can help. You might also reach out to our support folks at support@draft2digital.com.
Hope this was helpful, James! That blog and YouTube channel are filled with advice you might benefit from, for sure.
That is awesome information. I too have been taken by what I see at D2D but I verify before trusting these days. Again thank you.
I will do that. Thank you
Hi Kevin. Where do you stand on editors and proof-readers? Self-publishing has seen these roles marginalised, resulting in errors that compromise the usefulness and enjoyment of written work.
Every writer benefits from having and editor and a proofreader, and more than one of each if they can swing it. There are authors who do not yet have the resources for either, though.
So for them, to keep that from being a barrier to entry, I always counsel using any resources you have to make the book the best you can possibly make it, and launch. Indie authors have the advantage of being able to come back to the work and improve it. Readers can often be the best editing resource an author has, particularly in those early days.
I tell writers to use what I call an “editing stack.” I’ll probably talk about this eventually, but I’ve written about it quite a bit.
My own books go through a pretty thorough editing process... and still have typos. Curse of the author. But as they get pointed out, I fix them and prepare the book for the next edition.
Also have read the Alex Kayne books and Evergreen.
I'm so grateful! I hope you enjoyed them!
I have read all the Dan Kotler books, the Citadel books and am glad for this more personal forum.
Me too, Janna. I'm hoping this turns into something that lets me and all my readers connect and get to know each other.
I love 💘 your books,especially The Mechanic series. It's an honour to be one of your readers.
Monica . Montevideo, Uruguay.
Thanks Maria!
So I am rewriting this post.
Kev, you still in Liberty Hill? Used to attend church there, Mission Liberty Hill. Now moved closer to grandsons south of Ft Worth.
You know Vince Zandri? You have a lot in common.
We do! We built a house here a little over a year ago. Though we're kind of on the line with Leander.
I've had a conversation or two with Vince. I wouldn't call us best buds or anything, but we "know of" each other. :)
Welcome, Kevin. Good to see you on here. I have two substacks, one instructional for other writers and https://stanbroughwrites.substack.com/, in which I post a new short story free every week.. Just finished my 73rd novel today, also the 21st in a series. I'll talk about that in tomorrow's Journal post at my other substack: https://harveystanbrough.substack.com/
Sounds like you've got this on a nice rhythm! Good luck!
TRIED TO FIND HIM ON GOOGLE, but only found an Austrailian author that died a few years ago - didn't find any Westerns by him..... probably not the same!
Ha! No, probably not. Sorry! He and I are a bit estranged, so I don't know what happened to his books. He might have just decided to pull them.
ok, no problem! :-)
My library which has a very large collection of ebooks does not have any of yours. I have requested your latest. (Living on SS, I can't afford to buy books.)I want to see what you write.
They should have no trouble ordering all of my books for whatever app they use. I'm kind of surprised they're not already available, but requesting them is the surest way to get them to "shelve" them.
Thank you!
I’m a believer😻
The worlds need more of those, Mel!
Any time someone is willing to share how they got where they are, I am in. I have been assisting various writers by being in their Advanced copy group, proofreading and then leaving my reviews on Amazon, BookBub and GoodReads.
Sometimes that is difficult when multiple authors come out with something all at the same time but I make sure to read each and comment.
I'm positive that they (like me) very much appreciate it!
What's your Dad's name?
David Stevens. We... don't talk much these days. Long story (and not really anything all that negative). It looks like his books may not be available anymore, though. I need to reach out and find out why!
Sounds like a fun ride!
I'm going to do my best to make it one!
I am a Reader.
And I couldn't do a thing without ya.