Taking a Hiatus

I have heard it said  that in order to make yourself known or to get people interested in your books to keep publishing or writing. Easier said than done.  I know this from experience and that is why I am taking a break.

In 2011, my first book Marge was published by PublishAmerica. I had learned the hard way that it was the wrong path to take. Not only that but because I was new to to the world of publications, I had no idea that my first book was full of mistakes made by me and the publishers. I felt like a failure and my book was forever in the hands of the merciless and greedy publishers. So I set out to rewrite and make better my book and name it A Second Chance at Love. However, this was an expensive process because I hired an editor to work on it and I don't get much money every month.

Another reason I am taking a break it is not stress free. Since I don't know any publisher who would like to publish my books and it seems that agents would like to know what  book or author your book is similar to, I can't answer that question.  My latest manuscript is a Chrsitian Paranormal Romance and frankly, I don't know any Christians who write that kind of genre-- I consider most of what I write unique in its own way anyway. The only other route is Self publishing and from my own experience, it has caused some stress in my life-- getting the format right stinks!  I just as soon have a publisher that is known to do all that.

I have two works (one in progress) that I would like to get published. One is in the process of being edited while the other? Well, let us say that it is just sitting in my computer folder collecting dust. I am waiting to get enough royalties or even a job to pay for another editor.

Since May, I found out I have anemia. I found out why I have been so tired and lack energy on most days and writing is a lot of work. I just don't have enough energy to do my research. I write for pleasure. So that is what I will do when I am bored, but the stories may not get published unless something else turns up. I am short of a miracle. Promoting my book locally takes energy too.

People told me I should not expect professionals to edit for free so I won't. They also tell me not to expect to get a professional cover design for free so I won't. But I will say this: If God provides, I will accept. I will not limit Him in anyway.  If a professional says he or she will help me at no charge, it is not by my hand, but by the favor of God. Those two services I can't afford.

Another thing that has me down is promoting my own books. I can't use certain pictures without someone saying "Hey! That's mine! Pay up or else!" I really don't understand why people share their photos. I guess they all hope to get profit and that is why they share. I would be even glad to give them credit, but if people are greedy for gain, forget it. Why become an author if you have to  Be "careful" of what you use? I am definitely not an artist either.

So there you have it. After Jesus Paid It All  is published and unless a miracle happens, it will be a long break.