If you’re an author or know one, you probably know that sales for author, indie or hybrid or both are not what they used to be. Across the board, sales have plummeted. Authors are in the middle of a major storm and no one really knows how it will shake out.
How do you stay afloat when a tsunami feels like it could be one wave away? Pretend you’re on dry land. Plug your fingers in your ears and say ‘la la la’ so loud that you drown out the sound of the waves around you.
If you focus on the waves, you won’t be able to see the shore.
I’ve been a published indie author since 2011 and I have seen careers climb and fall. I have seen the trends and get-rich-quick schemes. I’ve seen author friends shoot up the best sellers list while I remain at the bottom of the slush pile.
Does it get frustrating? Sure. Absolutely. Do I think about stopping? Giving up? Trying my hat at something else that might actually make money? No.
I write even though my boat is rocking. I write through the chatter of teeth and blue lips. I write because I have to. It is what moves my ship forward. Writing is like therapy, I suppose. It helps clear the clutter out of my noggin. It fuels my creativity which chases the blues from latching on too tight. It has become a part of who I am. I can’t abandon that just because it doesn’t pay what I wish it would. It does something more important than money could. It feeds my soul.
I think all creatives can relate to that. Even my writer friends who have had to let go of writing full time in order to put food on the table, still hear the call of the muse when they close their eyes at night. I hope they don’t turn a blind ear to those voices. I hope that they still keep a journal by their beds. I hope they still construct wild stories while they wait in line at the grocery store.
Because when this storm is over, I’m going to be ready to read all of their wonderful stories. And so will the rest of the world.
Danielle Bannister, Author 
I hear ya! It is refreshing to know that I am not alone. Every day I tell myself not to give up. I sometimes fall behind. I yell, scream, and am hurt by people who put me down for my dream, what I do. Some even have had the gall to say that I shouldn’t write because it makes me sad. Today on Facebook I posted this. “Writing gives me the release I need to keep my emotions in check, to heal, reach others going through similar dilemmas, find peace by letting go of the negativity inside of me now free. And once it is gone. You can let the light in.
©1/23/19
Writing for me is about the release, a chance to share my stories in my head, for others to connect if they can. It’s not about money, and yes most authors would love to make enough money, so they do not need a day job. But I ask myself, would I do it anyway. When I say yes, that is my answer not to give in and give up. Thank you, Danielle Bannister, for inspiring me and letting me know I am not alone in my journey.
I think you’ll find that there are many, many of us in this same boat. To quote Into the Woods, You are not alone. No one is alone. Thank you for your comment and your words. We got this!