Author In A Wheelchair

[mrigby]

I thought that I'd introduce myself. I'm a 25 year old guy from midwest America and I have used a wheelchair my entire life. The short of it is that have a metabolic condition that wasn't diagnosed until I was almost in middle school. Once diagnosed the progression was stopped, but the damage was done. I use a powerchair because of severe muscle weakness and need assistance with day-to-day activities.

Disability aside, I'm an author. I published a novel about two years ago. It's a horror novel. I know that horror isn't a genre for everyone, but I dig it. I grew up watching Ghostbusters and Beetlejuice. Goosebumps where the first non-picture books that I read. Is it any surprise that I write what I write?

Anyway, I'm not really sure what I'm looking for here. I'm single and I have been for a while now. I had exactly one great love, and she broke my heart… I guess I'm on here because I want to feel like someone out there finds me attractive. I think everyone deserves to feel that from time to time.

So that's me. I'm happy talk or answer questions within reason.

[Dee Dee]

Hi and welcome

[brace4impact]

Welcome aboard Mrigby, I too have written a few novels; sci-fi to be exact. I've only self-published them, but one day I'd like to see them picked up by a reputable publisher. Welcome aboard, writers of the world unite

[mrigby]

Thanks. I'm actually working on a sci-fi myself. It's still in the outline/research phase, but it's getting there.

[brace4impact]

I was writing my 4th novel, but didn't like where it was going, so I put it on the back burners and have started writing a Medieval/Fantasy novel instead. I wrote about 90 pages in MS Word single spaced, which is roughly a little over half done for that fourth novel, but have just begun with this fantasy book. I personally do enjoy writing; it's much better than watching TV. I like how I have complete and total control over the story, unlike watching or even reading a story, where someone decides the plot for me. I've made very little money off of my novels, so it's more of a brain exercise/hobby than anything really.

[mrigby]

I know what you mean. I've been about half-way through writing my second novel for a while now. My first one did okay money wise, but it wasn't enough to quit my day job. I'm also a freelance writer, which is nowhere near exciting as it sounds.

Anyway, in my experience writing is I imagine a bit like riding a wave. Inspiration hits and you kind of just have to let it take you. When it reaches its end, you really have to,wait until the next wave hits. There's no forcing it. Does that make sense?

[Inigo Montoya]

Dec 14, 2010 23:53:35 GMT -5 @brace4impact said:

I like how I have complete and total control over the story, unlike watching or even reading a story, where someone decides the plot for me. I've made very little money off of my novels, so it's more of a brain exercise/hobby than anything really.

Heh, you control freak. ;D

Hussah! To both of you and welcome MrRigby.

[brace4impact]

I agree totally. My first two novels went by extraordinarily fast, the third one took a bit more effort (it was a trilogy) but I think that had to do with not wanting to say goodbye to those characters. The fourth one started strong, then I stopped writing for almost three months, and so I figured I'd try a new book to see if that gives me more inspiration, and finish the other one at a later time. Being almost 2/3 done with the 4th will make it easier to just wrap up. So, how hard was it to find a publisher, or did you self publish? I've always wondered how to go about truly publishing my works, and any advice you have would be greatly appreciated.

[mrigby]

@inigo: Thanks.

@brace4impact I self-published. While it would have been nice to have had a publisher take over the marketing and costs, I'm glad that I kept the rights to my material. In my line of work I've been able to make contacts in the horror film industry. I'm actually in talks right now with a small studio to turn part of my first novel into a short film. They green lit the project and now it just comes down to contracts.

I guess my point is that with the internet and social networking, you don't absolutely need to have a publisher anymore... They don't hurt, but they aren't as necessary as they used to be.

[brace4impact]

I'm curious then, how did you promote your book? I got several friends and relatives, and a few complete strangers to buy my novels, but the sales have been paltry at best. Perhaps it's not having catchy enough cover art, or maybe I'm going about promoting it wrong. I've switched more towards Amazon Kindle now, since there are no costs to me (I used to do www.createspace.com which charged you to purchase a proof of your book, and while not a lot, it meant any profits the book made had to first make up for the proof copy!) The problem is, it's such a cutthroat market out there, it's hard to grab people's attention. I've received good feedback from pretty much everyone who has read the stories, and even random people have said nice things about it. I feel based on the positive feedback, I've got a good product, just a lousy marketing campaign!

[mrigby]

It helps that I network with a lot people. Also, I host a few web based programs, so I had a small "fan base" to begin with. Like I said, social media really helps. You aren't just selling your book; you're selling yourself. People need to care about the person selling the book. Blogs, candid Youtube videos, all of this really works. Don't get me wrong, you won't find an instant following. It takes time, but it's worth it.

[brace4impact]

Thanks for the advice Mrigby, I hope your books do well and you get that movie deal!

[mrigby]

Thanks. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well.