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#author, #authors, #books, #creativity, #dontgiveup, #gatekeepers, #indieauthor, #indiebooks, #indiebooksbeseen, #indiepublishing, #nevergiveup, #publishing, #readers, #whyindiebooks, #writers, #writetip, #writing, #writingproces, artist, ceative, depression, ecouragement, esty, lovetoread
While doing some research online, I discovered an article that lumped all indie authors and their books into one category: a waste of money. The author’s goal was to inform the public on how to avoid buying a horrible indie book. No, I will not share the link because there was only a dash of truth in his rant. He was wrong for the most part because he forgot about so many writers who invest in their work.
This blog got me thinking about creativity in general and how much creative people struggle in silence.
Writers and Artists pour their souls into their projects for months or even years. Sleepless nights become common as their minds continue to spin wanting to make their creation the best it can be. They are dedicated souls and most people have no idea the angst creative people go through to create. Most of them struggle with ever sharing anything, knowing deep down that it will never even be close to the perfection they seek.
Even the brave ones are easily discouraged when they attempted to share their work. Without connections, a platform, or the money they need to advertise, their treasures will go unnoticed and many artists will even become depressed. Their art will no longer bring them joy, but pain. What once was something that helped them through dark-times will become the reason they live in the darkness.
Nothing pains me more than to see an artist who has fallen to the beast of bitterness. They no longer enjoy that part of their being, and they wish they could kill the creativity inside that reminds them of failures and only brings pain. This is not an uncommon story. Many great artists were never recognized as such until their bones were buried. I don’t even need to name their names because you know them. Most likely, friends have even told you how the best never get attention until their dead. And that’s just what you needed to here. (sarcasm)
The world has changed some for artists though. Esty has opened up a platform for artists sell to their work to others. Tons of talented jewelry makers, designers, painters, and others fill the Esty marketplace it’s overwhelming. Film Festivals and digital cameras have allowed independent film-makers to compete where money once stopped them. And some have thrived. E-books and POD has done the same for authors, but masses of people upload files daily that never were invested in. This has created a stigma against self-published and indie authors. Just think about Esty and all the wonderful things you find from people sharing their creative projects.
But, the publishing word is still trying to exclude the independent presses and authors by pointing to the sloppy, unedited, poorly written, debauchery ridden, books and dismissing all who are independent of large publishing companies.
I believe this stigma can be undone. The indie world needs some kind of gatekeepers to make a difference. The answer to this problem seems quite easy. There are readers all around us. They can be the gatekeepers by supporting authors who have invested in their work. Some readers have already begun to find well done indie books that can compete with mainstream publishing houses. When an author chooses the independent route, the worry of them being lumped in with the stigma of self-published inspires them to invest in every aspect of publishing in hopes to set themselves apart.
Honestly, there is a ton of sub-par art out in this world. Films, art, music, and so on are released on a weekly basis because have they received a stamp of approval some company who had the money to produce a product. Not all gates are kept well. The wonderful thing about indie authors is that there are jewels among the swine. And finding the treasure is not as hard as you think. Let me challenge you to seek out the authors who are investing in their own work. You are a Gatekeeper for independent writers.
You don’t have to love their story, or their genre, to realize they have talent. Art is subjective. But, what you can do is watch for authors who invest in themselves. Watch for the writers who are working hard to improve no matter what is thrown at them. Encourage others when you see them working hard. Share positive reviews with others; it’s a boost that will help that creative soul continue their plight.
Being around creatively minded people most of my life I’ve seen very talented people who continue to go unrecognized, but would recognition fulfill them? No, but the words and support of truthful friends can be enough to keep them moving forward. Creative people don’t want the whole world to love what they create, most would settle for a few people to be moved by their work. Your support could be enough to keep them going.
One of the hardest things experienced in my life is a loved one who quit writing and doing anything creative for the most part. I spent years trying to encourage them to not. One of the reasons I started writing again was I wanted to inspire them. After years of misery at the thought of creating anything, they wrote this past week and they enjoyed it. This was my Christmas miracle. Let’s support artists and encourage them to keep creating. The world we live in has offered you, the reader, a great opportunity to be Gatekeepers of the independent artists.
Reblogged this on News and Musings From Violet Hills Productions.
Cool! Thank you.
Thank you for this. As I write and publish my work, I have garnered those readers who have indeed kept me going when I felt I could no longer continue in the constant face of rejection and obscurity. I call writing my drug of choice– but the vast and deep fulfillment is so often over-ridden by the immense disillusionment of the business. I encourage all those who love to read and those who have found authors whose books they enjoy– please, let the world know. Post a few lines in a review. This means the world to the Indie Author. We live and die by our reviews and by word of mouth. Your voice may save an author from despair and keep her or him going to write another day.
I’m glad you found this post. 😀
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Attitudes toward Indie publishing are changing – slowly. And those of us who do put the work in and have the talent will gradually swim to a level of acceptance where we can compete with the best.
I sure hope so. The blog I read was only from a couple of weeks ago. Thanks for sharing!
Reblogged this on Princess of the Light: Books, Writing and Inspiring Others and commented:
A brilliant blog post that every creative artist should read! As an author, myself, I have reached out to other artists instead of struggling in silence. Supporting indie authors, like Angela says, is the key to keeping creativity alive and well. 🙂 MRS N
Thanks N. Community 😀
As a fledgling writer and avid reader, especially of indie books, your post really resonated with me. Almost without exception I’ve enjoyed and/or taken something from the indie authors that I’ve come across. I agree that seeing positive reviews, and connecting with like minded people means a great deal, and is for me and probably lots of indies, the main reward.
Yay! Thanks Kimberley 😀
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog….. An Author Promotions Enterprise! and commented:
READERS and INDIE AUTHORS – An important message from Angela!
Thank you, Chris, for reblogging it, and you, Angela, for writing it!
Thank you Jemimia for checking it out. 😀
It HAD to be said Jemima 😀
Reblogged this on newauthoronline and commented:
A great post. Kevin
Good article
Angela- I have often thought this exact same thing. And I believe that this is where the publishing industry is heading. At some point, there will be organizations whose names are trusted to put forward the best of indy books. People will follow their recomendations and find that they are able to obtain reading material of equal quality to the traditionally published work they were accustomed to.
In the interim, I am on a hunt for really outstanding indy writers that I can cheer on and support.
I hope for groups just like that. 😀 Thanks for reading!
I was delighted to read your post as I have been struggling to improve my writing. The simple act of finding an editor who will work with me not simply take my money upfront and give me a few comment sis nosy. Thank you for your great post
Are you on twitter my editor @TheWriteShadow Jessica is hosting an affordable workshop. Sign up ends Jan 9th.
The last group had some great success. Also finding a good cp is a great way to get feedback, but it’s the finding a good one that’s the tricky. Good luck!
I was delighted to read your post as I have been struggling to improve my writing. The simple act of finding an editor who will work with me not simply take my money upfront and give me a few comment sis not easy. Thank you for your great post
Unfortunately, this is all too true. I know quite a few indie authors and most say the same thing, that everyone looks down on self published books. The big publishing houses are behind most of it I believe, they help promote this idea that only books published by traditional publishers are worthy of bookstore shelves or reader’s shelves.
I totally agree that big publishing has alot to do with keeping us down.Angela. It was an article similar to what you read and prompted you to write this, Also prompted me to start the #indiebooksbeseen movement This is also why i stress that we need to come together and become at industry within an industry.I believe behind the scenes that big publishing is terrified of us figuring this out.We dont have big money behind us to take us to that next level,so we have to become our own resources and build something that’ll send a shock to their system. We need to make indie trendy!.
Reblogged this on Jay Norry and commented:
A great blog post about Indie Authors (of which I am one). Enjoy!
I sometimes find it disheartening to put so much effort and cost into my writing only to be dismissed because I’m not going through a big publishing house. Thank you for this post.
Indies do it all — writing, publishing, marketing — so there are many ways to get it wrong and be less than perfect. You can pour your soul into creating a good piece of writing but fail on the business end! That’s why even one unsolicited positive review (heck, even a not-so-positive one) can make a big difference. All writers are also readers. We can read each others’ works and tell the reading world about them. Thanks for articulating this.
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Reblogged this on Peril, The Legend of Sedrak and commented:
Very good post on Indie Writing.
This is a great post. I also just want to add musicians in this lump too. Some musicians are really very talented but will never see the light of being famous. I figure it’s better to be in-famous by writing a picture book about music.
I also think that a lot of artists, musicians and even some writers need to figure out how to publicize their works and get out there and WRITE or do more MUSIC or do more ART. That’s what gets your name out there.
I’m always willing to share works if I think it’s good. The one thing I don’t like to do is a Review for a Review. Sometimes I have done a review but then my review is not kind (let’s just give an example here) or the review they leave behind is not kind. This I think can backfire for writers. I will always give an honest review.
I think also if you are a writer, artist or musician, you should have a Fan page on Facebook (not a profile page) a Twitter account, get on Pinterest and also BLOG or do Guest Blog posts.
Sorry for the long reply…again, great post.
Thanks,
I consider artist to cover a wide range of creativity including musicians. The more you can do to spread the word about your word the better, I agree. Thanks for sharing.
Great article. I think that as indie authors, we need to support each other. Buying other indie books, sharing them with our followers and readers. I will continue to support other authors by talking and sharing, buying and reviewing their work. If it’s good, it will find readers.
Well said.
Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
Great post, Angela. I loved your comparison to Etsy – there’s so much talent and creativity on the site you won’t see in stores just like with indie books and bookstores.
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