What it Takes to Write a Book
My book, WHAT LOOKS LIKE CRAZY, was to hit bookshelves on Feb. 26th. Or so they said. Two weeks later, the books still weren’t in all the stores, reminding me of the old saying that the only you can count on for certain are taxes and death.
Most people don’t have a clue what authors go through. First, we have to write and sell the dang book. One would think that in itself would be enough. But no. If we want to make sure readers know the book is out there, we have to promote it. Then we start to fret. We worry if the cover is going to appeal to readers, and if they pick it up, will they find what’s written on back interesting? And what about that first page? Will it draw the reader in? And is the book going to be placed in a location in the store where a reader can actually FIND it! Are we going to have a good sell-through or make any lists? Jeez!
I’m not a business person. I’m an author. There was a time, some 40 books ago, when I was ignorant to much of what I’ve since learned. I just wrote my book, and my only concern was writing the best book I could and making my deadline. Those were the days!
Then, it hit me. Most of what I’ve worried about is not in my control. The only thing I can control is how well I write the book. Did I feel passionate about the story and my characters? Did I give it my very best?
Now that the book is out, and the dust has settled, I am thankful I can stop worrying and do what I love best: write my book. Which is really all I wanted to do in the first place.
I’m donating 50 books to military wives and mothers who have sacrificed so much while their loved ones are deployed. This is close to my heart, as my family had a loved one in Afghanistan, (he is home safely now), and we are waiting to learn if another family member will be going to Iraq.
One of the worst things a parent or spouse has to go through is the day their loved one leaves for war. It is heart-wrenching. So I thought maybe I could do one tiny, minuscule thing that might bring a smile to someone’s face as they try to get through the long days and nights, waiting.
If you know of a wife or mother who has a family member deployed, would you please let me know via my website? It would mean a lot to me.
www.readcharlottehughes.com
