I've been seeing a lot lately on Facebook about how to market my books. There are even posts from a group for those of us who published via kdp. A few years ago, before I was even published, I was scolded for weeding out my FB friends list because, as a writer, my first priority should always be getting readers.
My mental health is my priority. I weed out my FB friends periodically because it becomes overwhelming. After the incident mentioned (and other accusations of bidding for attention) I no longer give a heads-up. The boundary remains and if someone wants to get upset about it, that's on them.
I don't want book sales if I have to hector people into it. I feel like I'm running up to people in the street and screaming "buy my books" in their faces. I do occasionally share a picture on Facebook with a playful caption.
I published via kdp to avoid rejection, frankly, especially after seeing some of the garbage "real" publishers are putting out there. I do not cope well with being told I'm less capable than people writing about physically impossible interactions, be they romantic or violent.
There's also the problem of the gatekeepers. The bulk of my characters are Cherokee. Some of them are gay. I've been told I've no right to this muse because I'm straight and white. (I do have a previous blog post about this if you'd like to read it. I think the title is "You Can't Write That".)
I have to pay for my own copies of these books. I was not sent a truckload of free copies to give away or sell in a local market. That's simply not how kdp does business. They don't even print until they get an order for a paperback version. Most of the sales are digital. Therefore, unless some windfall comes my way, I won't be setting up a sales booth at a local event.
I love writing. I love my stories. But even more than that, I love the little girl inside me who is still learning that she deserves happiness. That she is a good person despite what others say. I won't risk her for the sake of sales.
Anyway... if you're interested... search Amazon for PJ Schmidt Stillwater Farm. Titles are "Seventh Son" and "Ghosts". It's listed as a series, but either one can stand on its own. Thanks for listening.
