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