Thanks for the suggestions, Lyle and Janda. I write updates here on occasion, but I'm a long ways away from Wild Blue, so it is less pertinent. I wrote
Cat On A Leash more for the therapy aspect than the desire to get it published. Once nearly done, I thought I should probably do
something with it. Family and friends encouraged me to try to get it published, even those who hadn't read a word of it (I didn't let many people see it initially). After research to learn more about the publishing business and contacts with some literary agents, I find that the publishing world isn't so different from the boat building biz: less demand by the general public, so they stay with proven sellers. Certainly makes sense. Nine out of ten books published don't make money. This has forced many authors to turn to self-publishing (once considered "vanity" publishing) as the only means to get their work out there. POD certainly keeps start-up costs down, but is limiting on exposure. I read many writings on how to self-promote, but didn't see myself carrying books around to local bookstores or trying to find an internet radio or local media to talk about the writing.
Earlier this year, I got a rather nasty PM from a guy here who called me a "fame whore". I had to chuckle over that one, because I write for me. There's a lot more on my personal "newsletter" (for family) that never sees light here or on my blog. I started the blog so our daughter could see what we were doing with our travels in nearly real time. If others read it and enjoy it, I'm delighted... but that's not my reason for writing.
I had several literary agents and publishers who actually took the time to read a preview of the book and said they enjoyed the read, but it was "a small story." In publishing terms: they were unsure that it could support big sales.
Publishing is a business, like any other - it is about moving product. Writing, on the other hand, is generally about the need to put ones thoughts down. Certainly, there are writers who approach it as a business, but most just feel the need to write something. I write something almost everyday and have for decades. Just like some people like to work with wood or go fishing. I write for the same reason that I ride my motorcycle or go out on my boat. For most of my adult life, I did for a living what many people do as a hobby (photography). I'm not looking for another career. :wink:
As far as "getting published," I started that in junior high school on the school paper. Got my first article published in a national photography magazine in the late 70s. I was a regular contributor for several magazines for a while. My photographic work (mostly advertising) has been published in national magazines from Playboy to Modern Maturity (quite the range, huh?
).
I just enjoy
Cat On A Leash, because Molly was a pretty amazing cat. I know we all think that about our pets, but we've had a lot of pets over the years. None of the others picked us or "dated" us before they became part of the family. None of the others "communicated" like Molly. I have read the book again recently, and it still makes me laugh and cry... and I think we can all safely assume that I know what's coming in the story.
At some point, I may pursue the POD... my Mother is completely baffled by the idea of an eBook, even though she has read the book on my iPad. I may have to make a few copies for family. For now, the e-version of the book has been released on Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Sony, Diesel, Nook, and Apple iBooks. Don't get me wrong... I'd love to see the story become a NY Times Best Seller and make enough money to live in the style I'd like to become accustomed to. 8) But, I get the whole "small story" thing. It was a big story in my life.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
