I'm not bitter...a midlist author's thoughts about the BIG BOOK CONFERENCES

As we wrap up the frenzied and fabulous spring conference season, let me be the first to tell you that BEA and ALA are awesome. If you haven’t been, you should go. Invite yourself. Anyone can buy a pass to the exhibit halls and they're amazing. 

This year (and last), however, I made it to neither. As a midlist author, you don't get invited to much. While missing book events is a bummer, it can be depressing wandering  through convention centers beneath enormous posters celebrating John Green, Laini Taylor and Andrew Smith while you worry whether anyone will ever want you to sign anything.

Am I jealous? A little. But after decades in the biz, I've got perspective. So many books are being published so fast and the industry is in such a state of confusion that you can’t be bitter if your book isn't chosen as your imprint’s banner title. Writing, like acting, dancing, filmmaking, ice skating and baseball (look at farm teams, everybody) are tough, competitive and (for most) low-paying professions BUT...

That is because we've chosen to try to make a career doing something we LOVE, something LOTS of people are willing to work at for very little compensation. Let's not pretend we didn't see this going in. We get to be WRITERS; nobody ever promised us more than that. The amazing Nova Ren Suma writes compellingly about keeping perspective on writing on her blog while encouragement for fighting the good fight is given by Elizabeth Eulberg via Novel Novice.

So, I'm not griping. I'm facing facts and celebrating the choice I have made. How? By giving stuff away. Enter and celebrate with me! Who’s partying now, huh? Okay, okay, it’s still the BEA people but you get it!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Sound of Letting Go

by Stasia Ward Kehoe

Giveaway ends August 09, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win