Two Interviews, a Review, & a Writer's Rant

Before I get started, I just have to point out the fact that this post's title sounds a little bit like a failed ABC sitcom. That is all.

Naj over at Unputdownable Books recently asked me to answer some interview questions for her blog and the conversation is now available HERE.  Not only is Naj a great supporter of indie authors, she's also a fantastic graphic designer. Explore her website and check out her artwork if you can. It's pretty amazing.

In related news, I'll soon have another interview posted at the blog Kindle Author. I'll be sure to post a link as soon as it goes live.

Also, this: an amazing review fellow author Tominda Adkins wrote about my book "Prismatica" on Goodreads. The recommendation of "Prismatica" for fans of Neil Gaiman nearly turned my brain to pudding. And, for those of you who aren't sure, that's definitely a good thing. Go check out Tominda's (unsolicited) review. And when you're done there, check out Tominda's ebook "Vessel" on Amazon.

Finally, I received my first royalty check from Amazon about a week and a half ago. Small as it was, I actually got a little choked up when I first saw that envelope. The first check is going in a frame above my desk.

Rereading what I've posted so far, I can't help but think how some people might get into writing (or any creative act) for the simple gratitude of easy praise. It's a real possibility that many writers only work in order to stroke their own egos.

Believe it or not, that's not why I'm here.

The real artist, the one who cares about the craft, doesn't make something to be congratulated. They make their art to share it with others. They create in order to share an experience. Sometimes the art isn't popular. It's not a candy-coated commodity that every person can enjoy. Sometimes, there are risks to be taken.

I knew publishing "Prismatica" was a risk. It wasn't a full-fledged novel, nor was it actually a true collection of short stories. It blended horror and fantasy and action and even poetry. And, it's a prequel to a story that hasn't even been published yet. The audience wasn't enormous, but I knew that there were people hiding on the Internet, just waiting for something like this book. And they're beginning to find it and enjoy the story I had to tell.

That pleasure is the reason I do this. Do I enjoy making money from writing? Hell yes. The moment I'm able to make a solid living through my art, I'll post a video of myself doing a dance of joy.

But there's nothing more exciting than seeing someone else get into a book like "Prismatica". It means the risk paid off. And that calls for a chorus line of joy dances.