Hey guys,
With another year come and gone, I thought it right to recall everything that happened. But first of all, I want to thank to everyone who’s read and helped me on my author journey this year.
Several of you I know by name, (I would say, but won’t for their privacy’s sake,) you’ve really supported me improve my writing and encouraged me to keep going. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Having a readership every week and someone to talk to has been immeasurable both here and on Write Practice. You guys hold me accountable because I know some of you look forward to my stories, and you keep me working with an audience in mind.
For those who may be new, welcome. My name’s Antonio Roberts and I’m a fantasy and sci-fi author. I write normally two posts a month. Four tops. One being an honest update on what I’m working. The other being a post on writing’s craft, fantasy, short stories, or D&D. So if that interests you, be sure to subscribe.
2020 at glance
While in 2019, I officially became an author, but this year I was one three times over. During the first three months, the editing of the Vestige Saga wrapped up, and with your help I picked a cover.
On March 17th, Vestige Rise of the Pureblood went live, and a month later so did the sequel.
I joined numerous platforms (Goodreads, Amazon Author Central, YouTube, etc.) and spent ridiculous moo-lah on promos I didn’t need like an idiot in hopes of the book’s success. Eventually book one squeezed out in the top ten of the Amazon paid store for a spell, but never the number one spot.
I made mistakes. Like a lot of mistakes. But hey, I’m learning. I wish it wasn’t the hard way. I’ve taken classes, and even they can’t teach me everything. Luckily, now I know what to do better next time.
COVID-19
It’s hard to mention this year without bringing up this monster. Honestly, I’m not sure whether it hurt or helped my book launches, but I lean towards the latter. I’m not exaggerating that the week after Rise of the Pureblood dropped, Virginia instituted a lockdown order.
Talk about timing. Maybe that order helped get more eyes on my book. Maybe it didn’t. Who knows? Currently, I blame it in part for some of my lack of sales.
I pray that all of you may be safe out there. Lot’s of people are hurting. Please take it seriously.
Successes
Besides the two novels, I’m happy to announce I have finished two short stories (not including the original the Veldt.) I wrote and published these for Short Fiction Break, and I hope to republish them in a Sci-Fi collection, eventually. Links are below:
This year I moved out of my comfort zone, entering several contests such as the year’s SPFBO. More on that later.
Not only that, I’ve connected with frequently with many other people like you in exciting author groups. Thank you guys for helping me through this year.
I successfully posted two articles a month every month, thus keeping my New Year’s resolution, and I feel my writing’s only improved because of it.
We’ve also gained a small following on my Facebook Page as well. I hope to post something new this week.
Failures
As promised, this website here is the inner circle. I tell the good, bad, and the ugly. And there were a few bads. Only one ugly though.
Let’s start least to greatest. I’ve wasted some money and time trying to figure out advertising and marketing.
Luckily, now I have mastered the basics of AMS ads, and I’m financially a touch better. Covid’s been squeezing my shoe-string budget like a python. Sales are I still not where’d hope they’d be. There’s too many variables to factor, but late traditional advertising could factor.
I tried to start a YouTube Channel. Granted, it was an excellent idea back then. Covid locked everyone inside, so why not watch more writing vids?
The problem? All the equipment took months because of Amazon delaying packages. By the time everything came, I never had much time to film. Let alone learn to edit. I still have three scripts written, but never filmed.
However, I do plan on filming author interviews to help self-published authors get publicity and readers to discover new indie authors in a fun and engaging way. I’ve discussed it before. The main hurdle now is planning and guests. Let me know if you think it’s an interesting idea in the comments.
The Ugly
Lastly, this is the big ugly of 2020. This one shot a ripple effect and made this year the toughest for a month or two. I won’t discuss it in full, but here’s a link for the original post.
Basically, I received a scathing review where I felt they tore my book to shreds. Not even the entire book, but just the first twenty percent. Some comments were fair, but the delivery of the subjective ones irked me to no end. It was very discouraging. I didn’t want to get out of bed the next day. In fact, I don’t think I did until late in the day.
Following which, I abandoned the third entry in the Vestige Saga to pursue other projects. I finished a middle grade fantasy novel. Things improved. Your encouragement really helped, and writers that I look up to guided me moving forward.
But even after, there’s still been this nagging doubt and pestering what-ifs. It’s taken time and rededication to the roots of my passion, and I’ve felt progressively better. Overall, writing’s fun again, and if I’m not telling my stories, I’d probably explode. You’d have to hose me off the walls.
Some critics don’t get to define whether my work’s good. They’re not deterring me that easily. I’ve never had the common sense to quit before. Why start now? lol. I’m kidding.
At the end of the day, I want to put out work I’m proud of. I’ll admit my stories aren’t always perfect. Like I said, I make mistakes. Not knowing it’s standard practice for two editors to review everything was one. Nevertheless, I want each story better than the last. My step-father always told me to do my best and win or lose, he’d be proud of me. I intend to do just that.
Plans for the new year
Last year, my resolution was to post consistently on my website with a minimum of twice a monthly. I haven’t decided for the next year yet, but I’m thinking of making a similar commitment for my Facebook page. Even if It’s just memes. I have a small community going and I’d like it to grow.
As of the moment, I’m enrolled for another writing course to start another book, get feedback, and sharpen my skills yet again. Hopefully I’ll learn how to gather a larger audience and author brand for my stories. That may run twelve months, February 2021 to February 2022, but I hope publish two books because of it.
New projects
Plans remain tentative for the second edition of What Lies Beneath, but I’m personally combing it over again before another reformatting and editing pass. I haven’t heard yet whether the previous date in January still stands.
Lafonda and Leo’s complete first draft finished last week! Self-editing is still going but may be pushed back.
I’m in quarantine for a bit, so I might get more done than I think I can. Not sick, as far as I know, just exposed. The full results haven’t come via email.
But once the self-edit’s done, I’ll need a copy editor, if my first choice doesn’t get back to me. I already have my proofreader in mind. Then comes formatting covers and all the fun stuff.
I’d like to put it out before mid February up to early May. Early fall also could work well for kids headed back to school. I’m undecided, but I can’t wait to share it with you guys. And I’ll try to keep you posted for new stories in the meantime.
Conclusion
2020 was a great year that kickstarted my writing career in huge ways. While I can’t live off my writing yet, I’m doing my darndest to get there. (Yes, I know it’s not a word.)
Thanks again to everyone who helped me launch my books, has read my work and has supported me this year
Here’s to the new year, and I hope you have a Merry Christmas!
Until then,
Keep writing.
Antonio