This
weekend, I was invited to the Pinehurst, Idaho, public library to share my
Indie Publishing Workshop. I'd heard there were a couple of people who had manuscripts ready and wanted to know what to do next. So I added some pretty new slides to
my Power Point presentation, dusted off my handouts, and my husband and I went
to meet some new friends about an hour-and-a-half drive from our country
home. Still thinking I'd be sharing with two or three writers, we set up two
tables and six comfy chairs facing the wall where my slideshow would be
displayed. Boy, was I thrilled when people kept walking through the door of
that small meeting room. By the end, thirteen writers and interested guests had
joined with me in talking about the Indie writing/publishing way. Isn't that
cool?
From
newbies to a writer who'd already published six books, our mutual joy was
discussing writing and the process of getting a book published and noticed. I
shared tips on marketing, formatting, publishing in paperback and ebook, and
what to do next. I met some wonderful writers who had tips of their own to
share. One lady encouraged me when she said, "I can't wait to go home and pull my manuscript out
and start writing!" That's exactly the response I love. I want to
encourage others that they CAN do this. It's not as difficult as they (you) might
imagine.
If you're wondering whether or not you should try publishing your book, you CAN do it. If your dream, like mine, has been to write a book since you were
a kid, know this, you CAN. Don't give up. Join a writers' group where the goal
is to be published, not just to practice writing. Read everything you can
through blogs and ebooks about the current Indie Publishing possibilities. It's
pretty exciting when you realize what you can do to get your ideas into the
hands of readers—without it costing an arm and a leg. And you get to make all
the creative choices. That's pretty awesome.
Follow
your dream.
You can write AND publish.
Start
today.
Begin with a single step...knowing you can!
Mary, this sounds like it was a lot of fun! I wish I could have attended. Thanks for encouraging us to pursue our dreams. I appreciate you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Paula!! I really enjoy sharing my story at these workshops. And it's fun to meet new people who carry the same dream of seeing their books published. Congratulations on your recent publishing success!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed touring your website and blog, Mary! Tweaked my interest since I love drama too! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Eileen! Thank you for stopping by. Are you a director? I love my Youth Theater days! What a blessing to get to inspire young people to use their talents for the Lord. Blessings to you...
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