The Cycles and Seasons of Being an Author

          

 
         I think the most exciting time as an author, is the time in which a book has been newly released. Most of us have worked hard to create a story, crafted telling that story and then worked for a couple of seasons in honing and revising that story. It can be tedious work.  Then, as it readies for market, it is time to hire someone to create a book cover. This is also important work as I always want a fair measure of input here because I realize that many times, the books I read drew me to them with their cover. There is also the matter of an author picture which should always be freshly taken for the back of your book.
                 After submittal, acceptance, any final revisions, etc. the book readies for release. This is the most exciting time for me. My favorite moment of being an author, is the moment in which I hold and page through the first copy of the new book that I have seen. Often this is sent to you by the publisher, but occasionally depending upon the publisher, it is not. Then, you might have to purchase one yourself. I liked opening and seeing exactly what the purchasers of my book would see.

                The next part does not thrill me, but it's extremely important. Authors need to promote their books in a myriad of ways. There are radio interviews, book signings, television interviews if you can get them, and bringing your book to the attention of the public in creative ways.  I don't enjoy this part terribly, but I understand its importance and I am committed to a certain amount of this type of work.  I am enjoying however, that with each day since the release of this book, it appears in more and more places over the Earth. First, it appeared on Amazon. Then Barnes and Noble online. Then Books-a-Million had it.  Bit by bit this book will find its way to book sellers, particularly those online, all over the world. This is very exciting.

                Of course, there is no time to rest on one's laurels, if there are any. A new book must begin. It must be outlined. People may need to be interviewed. Research must be done. Permission for pictures needs to be obtained, should you decide to use those pictures in the book. It could take a year or two for a new work to even near completion.

               And so, this is where I am. I am promoting my third book, and  first novel, which I feel is an important book.  I am in the early creation stage of a new one, although the vision for the new one is clear. Snippets of books which will follow call to me sometimes. If I am smart, I will write those thoughts down now. Managing all these seasons of creating books is not easy. Wish me luck !