NOT THE NORMAL CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHOR

I never wanted to be a writer. My dream was to be a brain surgeon one day. Then, about five years ago, I woke up around one in the morning, and began writing, and haven't stopped since. I wrote about 20 children's stories, and sat on them, until recently.

I published (4) children's books on Amazon, Barnes, and Kobo, within a four week span in April, 2020. Being on furlough, living alone, can become depressing. So I decided to pull out the old notebooks, and type a few of the stories, into my laptop. I then paid some graphic artists to create my illustrations, as I cant even draw a stick man neatly. I have to be honest. I did publish one book in March, which published the day after my dad died, so I never got to celebrate. I did a do-over in April, with the same story.

I sent one of my manuscripts to over (20) literary agents, hoping to at least receive an acknowledgement. I'm still waiting. I did research, and the common consensus is that you have to be patient. Expect to hear the word 'no', at least 100 times. Be patient again. Contact publishing houses, and submit your manuscript, and pray for a reply. I have done that too. Bomb social media frequently, to self promote. I do that as a ritual, like I drink coffee every morning. Be prepared to give away books. I'm doing that with some of the known book club platforms.

I was told to contact book bloggers. I will, once I have enough stock at hand. That way, if the people calling in, want a free book sample, I can giveaway a few. Right now, I have purchased a total of (30), which are useless. Going forward, I will invest in a Proof Reader. There were some spelling mistakes, not many, but, as a first time author, and as a person who in my books, promotes education, how would it look to sell books for children with known mistakes. We live and we learn. I've learned.

Without a publishing house or agent behind me, everything is a learning experience. I get up everyday, looking forward to jumping on my laptop, to start writing. To post on social media. To read all my messages, and to answer them. I enjoy what I do, so sitting at the table for hours on end, is nothing.

But regardless of how many publishers/Literary agents do, or do not call me back, I wont stop. I will, continue to promote myself and my Doggie Darwin Mystery Series. I will, hold free events at libraries for the children, to introduce myself,while giving away books. I have to. If I don't market myself and my brand, who will?

I define my future, and I wont allow myself to fail.

Darwin's Mum

Creator of the Doggie Darwin Mystery Series.