Four years ago I started a website.
I didn’t have a plan, I just knew I wanted to write online, without a traditional publishing deal.
I wanted to develop an audience, write across multiple genres, and sell directly to my readers.
What I didn’t know was how to go from A to Z.
I figured if I wrote my face off and poured my heart onto every page, I’d eventually draw enough attention and that would be it. Money would rain from the sky and readers would line the streets for miles to read the brilliance of my words.
Not really, but you get the picture.
I started Writer Dad and wrote my face off, pouring my heart onto every page. I wrote five days a week; passionate, honest, consistent, and always believing if I just hung on, my persistence would pay.
It didn’t.
Attention wasn’t the problem, audience connection was always remarkably strong. That part was fantastic. Positive feedback was fuel for my fire. It made me feel alive as a writer. My voice was strong and readers cared about what I was saying.
Comments kept coming as my bank balance fell.
Six months passed and I dug myself deeper.
Things were far worse than I expected.
I had to make money, FAST.
I started my satellite site, GhostwriterDad. Popped ghost in front of writer and BOOM!, I was open for business.
But I had to abandon the old WD because I couldn’t juggle both babies without banging one on the head. And as much as I loved writing at Writer Dad, it was hurting more than it helped.
So I had to leave, at least for a while.
In the last four years I’ve learned more about online business, marketing, and all that stuff that would probably bore you, than I ever imagined I would. And it’s been great. I’ve grown into a much better writer, connector and quality articulator.
I’m now a “Digital Writer,” one half of Collective Inkwell publishing imprint, specializing in serialized fiction, and President and co-founder of publishing company, Sterling & Stone.
My co-author, David Wright, and I have created five series: Yesterday’s Gone, WhiteSpace, ForNevermore, Available Darkness, and Dark Crossings – inspired as much by Stephen King’s serialized story, “The Green Mile,” as superbly scripted TV shows, such as LOST, Fringe, and The Walking Dead. Our first series, Yesterday’s Gone has received over 200 5-Star reviews, and has spent time on Amazon’s list of the Top 100 Best Reviewed Fiction Books.
I’m also co-founder and President of Sterling & Stone, where I serve as Creative Director and write under the pen names, “Vincent King,” and Guy Incognito.” The first two fiction titles, “The BEAM” and “Connor Kwik: 2042″ debut in early summer 2012. And when not writing thousands of words each day, I’m one-third of The Self Publishing Podcast with co-hosts Johnny B. Truant and David Wright.
But I miss writing for the fun and romance of Writer Dad.
Yet, how do I reconcile the time I spend writing for Writer Dad with the business I’m building, the family future I’m longing to feed, and the career I’m trying to craft?
Fortunately, I’ve finally come full circle.
At long last, I have the perfect reason to do what I’ve wanted to do for forever: write the Writer Dad book I’ve been longing to write for four years.
“Writer Dad” will be published on July 17, 2012.
