Into the Office

The desk in question. Taken, admittedly, months or a year ago, when I was in the throes of editing Stone and Flesh. In the right image, that bookcase has since been moved and replaced by my GACC (Giant-Ass Corkboard Calendar).

The Fruit of War: Stone and Flesh represents a great love, so of course I want to get it right – to put it out in the world in its best coat and on the steadiest of feet. I've done hours and hours of research on how to do that from a marketing and logistics standpoint, made plenty of both personal and professional sacrifices to enable it to bloom, and gotten several gray hairs for it. After a point there was nothing more to do except try things out to see what felt right.

I'm now at the first assessment point (because I have a thick scientific streak running through me). I'm not just looking at statistics and numbers because A) they're not the full story and never could be, and B) it can be soul-sucking. I'm also looking at the nebulous but no less important question of "How is all of this making me feel?". On its heels are questions like "Does this feel worthwhile?", "Am I truly connecting with my readers and peers the way I want to?", and many more.

I've made no secret of not being the social media type and in many ways regard it as a necessary evil in this business, so from the start I've been determined to create an online presence that is genuinely mine. Not just because that means it'll be easier to sustain for the long-term and not just because you, my beloveds, deserve something genuine, but also because I want to do my small part to counterbalance the algorithm, the digital rat-race for the best highlight reels, and bring back genuine connection.

I came to the conclusion that me being present on various social platforms was all very well and good, but I needed to look at them differently. Social media platforms are like parties; you meet a bunch of great people who're dressed nice, there's a lot of chatting and flashing lights and sometimes a surprisingly good hors d'oeuvre, and if you're lucky you get invited to a more exclusive afterparty. But I don't live at a party, nor should I – I live at home. Since I can't physically have all of you around our kitchen table for dinner, much as I'd like to, that means this website is an extension of my home. I want this to be the place I lurk at most. The place where you can see the most of me, as it were.

I hope I'll be successful! All we can do is try, right? I hope too that you'll help me by chiming in here and there with your thoughts, because after all, connection is a two-way street! 

I'm reluctant to make too many concrete plans, but here are some notes:

• Entries will be much more rambling in format compared to what I send in the newsletter. I want the newsletter to be for news, whereas this is something a little cozier. 
• I don't plan on keeping to a strict posting schedule; you may hear from me more than once one day, a handful of times a week, or once a month. I may even go quiet for a couple of months if I'm really in the weeds of something. (You should feel free to check on me if I appear to be dead.)
• While my books and the publication process will be my anchor, I'd like to give myself the freedom to talk to you about other things I'm passionate about!
• I'd love to use this space to introduce you to other indie authors/books.
• I'd be ecstatic if people began talking to me and each other in the comments. I'll do my best to respond promptly and thoughtfully where appropriate. While I don't yet have the ability to give you the nostalgia and independence of a circa-2002 fan web forum (sans vitriol), one can dream.

That's all for now, I think. Let me know if this is a good idea or not!