Is it all worthwhile?

As an indie author I am the driving force behind every aspect of my book, from creativity to design and publication through marketing. It’s a lot of hard work. One might argue it’s a futile pursuit, this writing dream. So why do it? Where are the moments that make it all worthwhile?

• For me, finishing the writing of my first book was a triumph regardless of any eventual destination.
• Working with a copy and proof editor to build a consistent grammatical and storied narrative was a revelation.
• Bringing an image from my imagination to a book cover was a collaborative process I will forever treasure.
• Holding the printed book in my hands was the culmination of three years sweat and tears. It was joyous.
• Likewise seeing the book on Amazon and available to buy left me dizzy with hope.
• Whether sold for free, cents or dollars, seeing the downloads mount up was another layer of hope.
• Seeing it consistently sell is vindication against the demons inside of me, who would have me believe story was more important than overall quality.

For all the highs none have come close to the utter elation of knowing someone read my book, stayed up half the night to finish it and then immediately sat down to write a review for the most thrilling book they ever read.

So thank you linnyvinny and Rachel, and David, and Ella, and shopper2010, and Jimmy. And all the reviewers who have taken the time to say something about Chasing Innocence.

Above all, a writer wants the words they weave to be read. Knowing people are reading what you write is one thing, knowing they enjoyed it in all the ways you hoped they would, really does make it all worthwhile.