Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Why do We Keep on Writing?

Sometimes I ask myself why I spend so much time writing and promoting--especially when I get my royalty reports. Yes, the books are selling, but not a breathtaking pace and by the time I get my cut there certainly isn't much to brag about.

So many folks have gone to putting their own books on Kindle, but I hardly have time to do what I do now, I really don't want to learn how to do something else. My publishers do a good job of it and my books look good--plus I do pretty well selling the trade paperbacks at book and craft festivals. I don't want to have to learn how to design covers and the insides of the book--I want to write.

I like the writing life that I've carved out for myself even if it's not hugely profitable. I wouldn't be the chairman of the PSWA writing conference if I hadn't been writing books with law enforcement officers in them. We just completed the latest one and I'm happy to say it was a great success, I met a lot of great professionals in the law enforcement fields and I got to see old friends too while learning a lot. Even sold some books. If you'd like to know more about the conference visit http://www.policewriter.com and check out the Conference Newsletter. There are also pictures of the conference there.

Going to other conferences and conventions is something I enjoy too. I'm headed to Killer Nashville in August and I've already signed up for Left Coast Crime in Sacramento.

When I attend the book festivals, I get to meet readers--that's something I love. We're trying a new one in Tehacahpi, returning to the Nipomo library's annual affair, and are also doing the Central Coast Book Festival in San Luis Obispo.

Because I'm a writer and make appearances places, I was asked to be a presenter for the Central Coast Writer's Conference this year. Talking and teaching about writing is something else I love.

So, if I wasn't a writer, I wouldn't be doing all of the above--so guess I just keep on plugging away. For those who do read my books, I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed writing them.

Marilyn

3 comments:

Morgan Mandel said...

One great thing about being an author these days us we do have choices. We can all pick what's right for us.
Not only that, we can go back and forth if we wish to do so.
Morgan Mandel

J D Webb said...

We have no choice. We must write. It's in our blood.

Marilyn Meredith a.k.a. F. M. Meredith said...

J.D. you are definitely right about having to write, no matter whether we make any money or not.