I've been *intending* to write fiction for the past 15+ years. Never before has the barrier for entry been so low for new authors. Seeing how possible it is to skip traditional publishers and agents has given me new vigor in my quest.
I've considered many different fastlane ideas (I have lots of ideas, but zero execution), but when it comes down to what will I actually execute, I always come back to fiction writing. I do think fiction writing has some aspects that are not completely fastlane, but my goal is to get out of the slowlane and I believe I can make this work.
My Plan:
In the next 7 days, I will create a template for my fiction writing. I've thought this over in my head many times, but never put pen to paper. My template will be based on three solid fiction-writing how-to's (which I recommend).
20 Master Plots and How to Create Them
How to Write Best-Selling Fiction by Dean Koontz (out of print)
Writing Popular Fiction by Dean Koontz (out of print)
In the next 30 days I will complete a draft of a suspense/thriller that uses best-selling themes/topics based on kindle/amazon sales (there's an excellent thread by Held For Ransom on doing this research)
In the next 60 days, I will have my first book published and pushed out to all major ebook distributors. I will use a service that designs a professional cover, ensures proper formatting across devices, and handles the setup with all the vendors. I don't know if it's against forum rules to post the name of that service here, but I'll share it if asked.
In the next 90 days, I'll be working on my second book. My plan is to create a series to build a fanbase. I've noticed that when you have a series and get up to 8+ series books, each of the series seems to sell better based on the others (fans tend to continue to buy once they begin). At least that's my theory. I'll be watching sales and keeping a spreadsheet to see if this holds any truth.
My current situation:
I have a full-time professional job. I make OK money to support my family, but it is slowlane. I will never retire. I doubt we'll be able to afford to travel much. I don't even know if I can afford to send my kids to college (I doubt it). I'm ready for something a bit more lucrative.
My background
I've considered many different fastlane ideas (I have lots of ideas, but zero execution), but when it comes down to what will I actually execute, I always come back to fiction writing. I do think fiction writing has some aspects that are not completely fastlane, but my goal is to get out of the slowlane and I believe I can make this work.
My Plan:
In the next 7 days, I will create a template for my fiction writing. I've thought this over in my head many times, but never put pen to paper. My template will be based on three solid fiction-writing how-to's (which I recommend).
20 Master Plots and How to Create Them
How to Write Best-Selling Fiction by Dean Koontz (out of print)
Writing Popular Fiction by Dean Koontz (out of print)
In the next 30 days I will complete a draft of a suspense/thriller that uses best-selling themes/topics based on kindle/amazon sales (there's an excellent thread by Held For Ransom on doing this research)
In the next 60 days, I will have my first book published and pushed out to all major ebook distributors. I will use a service that designs a professional cover, ensures proper formatting across devices, and handles the setup with all the vendors. I don't know if it's against forum rules to post the name of that service here, but I'll share it if asked.
In the next 90 days, I'll be working on my second book. My plan is to create a series to build a fanbase. I've noticed that when you have a series and get up to 8+ series books, each of the series seems to sell better based on the others (fans tend to continue to buy once they begin). At least that's my theory. I'll be watching sales and keeping a spreadsheet to see if this holds any truth.
My current situation:
I have a full-time professional job. I make OK money to support my family, but it is slowlane. I will never retire. I doubt we'll be able to afford to travel much. I don't even know if I can afford to send my kids to college (I doubt it). I'm ready for something a bit more lucrative.
My background
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