Wait, I'm an author now?

With two books published, an unknowing personal rebranding has taken place

author talk at bookstore man and woman

I’ve been having new conversations with people that often start with, “Hey Vince, I’ve got a friend…”

I’ve been married for twenty-five years so I know it isn’t a blind date set up. And while my regular job is in insurance, not many folks know I’m not licensed and unable to give sound advice on what they need.

Nope, now that I’ve published two novels (Friends In Low Places and Lose Yourself), folks are coming to me about writing and publishing advice. Well, that’s scary. When I started this new journey nearly six years ago, I didn’t think it would lead some of these conversations. After all, FILP started as something to do while I was on a plane when the WiFi was out.

Since that burst of creativity, writing has been a part of my life. Creating stories has been my therapy, my escape, and a productive alternative to sitting around and watching sports all day (though even writing doesn’t pull me away from college football on a Saturday). But I’d never thought I’d be the author an acquaintance would seek out for advice.

What I’ve noticed since I’ve released my second novel, Lose Yourself, is that my persona has shifted slightly to include the title “author,” even to friends and family. For example, I’ll be in a group setting where I’m not thinking about writing or about selling books, and a friend will blurt out, “I’m not an author or anything like Vince here.” And I feel the urge to look around and see if there’s a Vince who writes books. I’d like to meet him.

When all eyes turn to me, I’m suddenly hit with a confluence of emotions. I’m elated that someone has recognized this difficult task of publishing a novel and thankful for that friend for raising me up in their genuine excitement for me. But when the eyes turn toward me, I’m also sheepish. “Um, yeah, I do some writing.” Finally, I have to resist the urge to pull out my elevator pitches for both books and try to sell them a signed copy right on the spot.

I thought there might be some ceremony to which I would be invited. I could see Nick Hornby, John Grisham and others in a big hall like in Star Wars, with Stephen King draping a medal around my neck. Then, I could publicly declare, “I’m an author.” Instead, I guess I post it here?

Recognition in this space is still new to me and with two novels under my belt, I am considered an expert on all things writing and publishing. All of a sudden, I’m asked about book sales and progress of the next book. I’m asked about the Substack and my process for writing. There are the requests for advice on writing and publishing. I’ve been happy to share what little I’ve learned over time and provide practical advice, what to avoid, and ideas to ponder as one begins on a writing journey.

The top three conversations on writing I have now:

• “I have a great idea for a book. I just have to write it.” Indeed, you have to sit down and write it. One doesn’t just fall into writing a whole book. The first 50 pages are written on adrenaline and excitement of the new idea. The last 50 pages are written on momentum to get the sucker done. The middle 200 are all discipline. It’s the only thing that will get you through the slog of the middle.

• “I’ve written a book. Now what?” As my good friend Rich Ehisen asked me when I asked him this question, “What do you want to get out of this?” Establishing your WHY is a big priority. Do you want to have your book in bookstores and on EndCaps? Do you want to have bookstore talks and signings? Do you want your book available so people can read it. All valid goals. All have different paths to get there - traditional publishing, independent publishing, hybrid, and self publishing.

• “How are you finding your audience?” My genre, contemporary fiction, is difficult to break through as an indie writer. The genre is very general and undefined, unlike sci-fi, romance, fantasy, vampires, etc. but it still needs to be done. Defining the audience means everything from cover design to pitching agents and publishers to marketing and more.

The truth is my advice is worth the paper on which this newsletter is printed. I’m still navigating this cavernous industry mostly in the dark, groping my way. There are sharks willing to provide advice for a price. There are pitfalls everywhere and even when you get it all right, the audience may not be there for this book.

The biggest advice for anything, not just writing, is for it to serve its purpose. Going back to the Why and the Mission Statement, the thing should bring you some bit of joy. It’s going to be difficult, but the struggles and the process is part of the foundational enjoyment. Writing a novel is hard and takes a lot of time. If it’s not enjoyable, is it worth it?

For me, writing has been the perfect creative outlet. And to be considered “an author” by others, has been the most surprising aspect of writing these books. Thank you all for your support.

Side of Mustard

Author events, especially those where other authors are present, bring an energy that is invigorating. Last week, I participated in an event at A Seat At The Table bookstore in Elk Grove, CA with six other authors. (Media coverage here)

I sold a few books, but the real value of these type of events is meeting readers, meeting other authors and learning about their journeys and their best practices when it comes to cover design, time management, marketing, and outreach. My table mate was Joanne Kwan, who was there with her novel, Secunda, a monster romance. At the next table was Ricardo Andres, who wrote Luminary: Quantum Rising, a science-fiction story inspired by the comic book movies he enjoys and his family’s history of immigration. I reconnected with my friend and author Catherine Arguelles, whose middle-grade Flip Turns, was traditionally published.

Writing can be isolating and meeting others provides ideas, support, and relationship. Whether it’s bookstore author faire, a writing group, writing conferences, finding others with similar interests is becoming increasingly important part of this new author life.