I need your help (and tips on how to help other authors)

Today's blog is just a short one. I'm looking for ideas on how to get more eyes on my books and also how I can help other authors.

Now, first of all, I don't have a great deal of time. I work full-time plus write, but I do everything I can to get my books out there. I've created videos, and blogs, I'm on social media, (I will post all links at the end of this blog) and I do my best to connect with potential readers. The truth is that it's hard. It's hard to find readers when you have a niche genre that doesn't smoothly fit into a category. Also, not having a multi-million dollar publisher behind me leaves me with other challenges, but let's face it, most writers out there are in the same boat as me. Whether you are traditionally published or self-published, unless you're a best-seller that's a household name, chances are you're not making your entire income on selling books. 

I want to increase attention to my books, but I want to do the same for other writers. There has to be a simple way to support each other that doesn't take much time. What about committing to sharing 5 book posts (other authors, obviously 😊) on Twitter every day? On Facebook? Are there any other ideas? I'm all ears! 

Canadian author Mima (aka Michelle M. Arsenault) is known for complicated and diverse characters, dark style, and never shying away from controversial topics. 

Author of The Hernandez series - loyalty above all. There are no exceptions. https://mimaonfire.com/the-series/

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Hernandez series playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNMrBPeLoQWnVfF3-e0UrBbtotu4NfTl2

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Why authors need to stop stressing about book reviews and awards 🏆

If you're a fiction author, you've felt the pressure to have as many book reviews as possible! 

Of course, it doesn't stop there, does it? You're encouraged to have as many as possible, and they must give away enough of the plot to make it sounds mind-blowing without spoiling it for the potential reader. And of course, they must get close to five stars but not five stars because that seems suspicious, but anything under two and you may as well bury your head in the sand and perhaps, your writing career with it.

And book awards! If you won awards, then you've made it, baby! 

Does this sound a tad intimidating? 

This isn't to suggest that I don't enjoy having a great review thrown my way. I also wouldn't snub an award. However, much like the shameful act of not writing enough words a day, I believe this also fits under the same category of unnecessary stress that authors put on themselves. 

Just write a great book. Don't fixate on the other stuff.

The truth is that having a lot of reviews give you a boost on Amazon, but most people will read your book because it captivates their attention and connects with them in some way. They're going to read your book because they checked out a free preview and found it interesting enough to continue. They're going to read your book because they saw you speaking in an interview or a video (see below) and liked what they heard. They're going to read your book cause they loved the cover or because a friend told them about it. They probably won't read your book only based on how many stars you got in a review. 

I'm not an expert. I only know what's encouraged me to buy a book. It's never been because it won an award. I've also never relied on book reviews because savvy marketers offer services to write them. I also know that our tastes vary. A book I love might not be for you and vice versa. 

It's not a race or even a competition. It's about finding your readers. 

Why do I choose to be an indie author? 🤩 (updated)

Contrary to what some people might think, independent artists aren't necessarily the spinster aunt who never could find someone to marry her, but the independent woman who preferred the road less traveled. In other words, indie artists - whether it be writers, musicians, filmmakers - aren't doing so out of desperation but out of self-preservation. They play by their own rules.

The problem with following the traditional route in publishing is that it requires getting an agent (which takes a lot of time) and then allowing their agent to help them find a publisher (also takes time). While this isn't a terrible idea, it's probably not going to happen overnight. As a writer, you have to consider your values, what you want, and follow your instincts. For me, that means having the freedom to write whatever I wanted with no boundaries or disputes on content. I don't want someone telling me to make changes to fit current industry standards. I also don't want to change my book to make it more of a commercial success. As an artist, I want to unleash my vision into the world without feeling any restrictions or censorship. Call me a rebel. 

I know it's not for everyone. A lot of writers have different values and motivations than mine, and that's fine. We're all unique, and who's to say that one day, mine won't change. However, at this time, expressing myself and coloring outside the lines is my priority.

Being an indie author automatically makes you a harder sell. People have a lot of preconceived notions about independent artists as a whole. It's easier to grab the latest best-seller off the rack than take a chance on someone unknown. I mean, you know what you're getting, right? Then again, is that always a good thing?

Let's Help One Another! (Updated)

Independent artists and small business owners have a lot in common. They both work hard to get noticed (often as a side project along with a job) and don't have much money to invest in advertising. It's a struggle - but it's a struggle that's filled with passion. Anyone who has a side project probably isn't doing it for money alone because any new business owner or indie artist will tell you, it takes time to show a profit. They'll probably also tell you that they wouldn't be doing it if they didn't love it.

Somewhere between the time I published my first and second book, I had a friend insist I was crazy. Not to suggest she wasn't completely wrong, but her specific reason was that I invested in a book and advertising and wasn't making stacks of cash back. To her, I was wasting my time. Here's a spoiler alert; we weren't friends much longer. 😄

We have to follow our passion. It's not just for potential financial gains but the personal growth stemming from the challenges and the many learning opportunities along the way. Had I never written a book, would I be the same person? Where would I be now? Would I still be friends with that imbecile I mentioned in the last paragraph? I can't even imagine.

Artists and small business owners need to work together and help one another out. Be open-minded and know that by helping someone else, you're indirectly helping yourself too. It's an unselfish act that makes you feel pretty good about giving a hand to someone you know has been working hard to get ahead. Always be open to new ideas. Maybe you never considered (or wanted to) having a YouTube channel, but another artist suggests you start a project together. Maybe another business owner wants to collaborate on a promotion. Hear people out and consider their ideas. You never know where it might lead.

Follow your dreams because without them, what do we really have?