Indie Authors: My New Heroes / A Dragon's Lament

Last week an old client asked me to do some research for him and read the Clickbank site. He wanted to find out if he could make additional money by promoting stuff in his own website and how would be the best way to do it. I'm not going to get into the actual details of marketing or the result of my research.

I only want to say the information I found there affected drastically the way I see indie publishing. This dragon humbly bows and salutes all indie authors out there who took up the challenge to write, publish and promote their books. I always wanted to be published but I am not sure I have what it takes to be a successful writer/promoter. Probably not, because the more I read, the less appealing the dream looked to me.

The instructive videos in Clickbank kept reminding me over and over again of Alex J. Cavanaugh. Yes, I know he's not an indie author, and he is in no way whatsoever related to Clickbank. However, IF you want people to know who you are and what you do, and additionally care for what you've got to say, it wouldn't hurt you to watch him closely. (Not too close that you get a Shuriken in the eye, though.)

Anyway, my issue with the whole idea (and the fact I'm bowing deeply at those who choose to go indie) is not where to get 1000+ clones that help you with the job. There are many who make it without a cloning machine. My real issue is a Hamlet-like question; To be or Not To Be.  Or more exactly, To be AND Not To Be.

How can you be the type of introvert, anti-social, leave-me-alone-with-my-thoughts kind of writer and go around shaking everybody's hands, getting involved, knock doors, talk in public, and so on and so forth? In order for people to listen to what you have to say (mostly if you have a product in your hands), you first have to show them you truly care for them and their needs. So the wise say. (Now you see why I mentioned Alex?)  Otherwise you're just another annoying salesman at whom people promptly close their doors.

Talon on my heart, I care for people. Sometimes too much. I am just not always willing or able to let them know it. So it seems not everybody has what it takes to go indie. Indie authors, you are one special and brave kind. You have my respect and my admiration.

Dragon Hugs!

Although there is no more dashing, magnificent, impressive dragon than Father Dragon, (remember you're crunchy and good with ketchup), I must confess I absolutely dig this cover.

LAUNCHING DAY!

Magic is real. So is betrayal.

David enters the Fire Kingdom and events shift from bad to worse. He learns a shocking truth about the dragons, a truth destined to block his efforts to retrieve the lost magic of Shaylar from the ruling Council.  After a cave-in and injuries force a rescue, David finds himself more isolated than before as personal concerns scatter his trusted advisors and the wizard who led him there abandons him.

The head of the dragon Council negotiates separate deals with both David and his father, sowing further discord between them. David's close friend, Lothan, disappears into the caves and doesn't return. A group of dissidents kidnap Wilks, the child empath David is sworn to protect. With no options left, he accepts the Council's demands to help them in their centuries-old conflict, risking a war which might kill them all.


Even if David manages to win, there's no guarantee the dragons will let him leave the region alive. They don't want the Kingdom of Shaylar to rise again and will stop at nothing to see it remain a pile of dust.

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River Fairchild is somewhat odd, brandishes a dry sense of humor, owned by several cats. Lives in a fantasy world. A fabricator of magic. Makes stuff up and spins tales about it. Believes in Faerie crossings and never staying in one place for very long. Speculative Fiction wordsmith. The secret to her stories? Spread lies, blend in truths, add a pinch of snark and a dash of tears. Escape into her world. She left the porch light on so you can find your way down the rabbit hole.

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