It’s so hard to believe that it’s been nearly a month since the launch of my collection of short stories, Walking With the Muse. That first month after a book launch is always extremely intense from both an emotional and marketing perspective. It feels like a massive sugar-rush. It’s a rollercoaster of accolades, anxiousness, and anticipation. Excitement runs high as those first few sales are reported, reviews start rolling in (if you’re lucky), and the waves of hype ripple outward similar to the butterfly effect.
About two-to-three weeks into a launch most of your loyal readers and inner circle have all got their hands on a copy of your book. The months that come after this are where it all begins to get a bit more challenging.
I call it The Tapering.
This is when sales begin to taper off and things begin to get progressively quieter. Life slows down again, peoples' attention move on, and then you have decisions to make. The Tapering is precisely the time period that will make or break an author. At this point most authors, myself included, tend to walk away from the book, let it languish, and simply turn your attention to the next project.
The entire process is extremely taxing, psychologically, and only those who’ve been through it can truly understand what it feels like. If you navigate The Tapering properly you could out the other side a much stronger person and a better writer.
Lately, I’ve noticed that I’ve been going through a period of truly appreciating other indie-authors who have had the courage to walk this particular crucible. I have a deep respect for anyone who subjects themselves to this kind of life. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an amazing life, but it’s demanding in a myriad of ways.
For the past year, I’ve been ordering/reading copies of other authors’ books and leaving reviews.
What began as a kind of trauma-bonding has transformed into a new hobby that I’ve come to enjoy the hell out of. It's been so rewarding. There's such a strong community of authors out there. When I read one of these books I feel like I get to know the author a little better, the parts of themselves they might hide from the world come through in their pages.
What I’ve learned is there is an endless amount of talent existing right on the fringes of the mainstream literary world. Many of these authors are no less talented than popular authors, the only difference is they haven't had their lucky break. Much like underground music—there’s also often something incredibly special, more human, and more honest about an indie-author’s work.
My most recent acquisition is a signed copy of a book of poetry from author Dwayne Lawson-Brown. Dwayne was the organizer and emcee of the poetry reading I attended in Washington D.C. a few weeks ago. I have Biscuit Box queued up to read this weekend.
My only wish is I would've started hobby this earlier in my career. Better late than never, I suppose. If you're looking for something fresh and interesting to read please consider purchasing something from an indie-author. It might just make a world of difference in their lives, and yours.
All for now. Make this a wonderful day.