Unexpected benefits to being an author
I’ve enjoyed many perks as an indie author. I work independently from anywhere in the world, on my schedule, and on a topic of my choosing. The royalties I make on my books supplement my income and, hopefully, will soon become my major means of support. Aside from the perks most people associate with being a writer—independence, flexible work…
How to create a professional media kit
In my last post I talked about what to do after you have finished your first book. If you have not already prepared a media kit (sometimes called a press kit) for yourself and your book, I suggest you do so. You can do these on your own, but I purchased templates from Joan Stewart that simplified the…
Training in NH
Dennis and I went hiking on the back roads around Newton, NH. Everything is verdant and vibrant following the rains. The rhododendrons, azaleas, and spring flowers add colors not seen in Florida. We also saw golden finches, robins, cottontails, and other small woods animals. I had not realized how much I missed the smell of newly…
Kudos on the first book. Now what do you do?
You’ve just published your book. You feel a sense of accomplishment and a relief that the work is over. Friends and family congratulate you and are happy to have you back in their social circles. Soon you realize that writing a book is not the end-all, but the first step in your career as a writer. Now that the…
Changing to hiker mode
On our drive north, I read the Green Mountain Club Long Trail Guide, Hiking Vermont’s High Ridge. It divided the trail into twelve divisions. Each corresponding chapter included a profile map, descriptions of the route, and its side trails. Though the book offers a lot of information, we will not take it with us. It is too…
To be a successful author, promote yourself and your books
When I saw this twenty-second TV ad from the “International Best-Selling Author” James Patterson, I just had to purchase the book. Not only was the book trailer thrilling, but the writer was JAMES PATTERSON. When I later discovered that this trailer was not for the book but for a summer 2015 CBS series based on the book, it did not change my decision to…
Tweaking gear
A few trial hikes discouraged me from using Dennis’ Gregory Z35 Pack. The torso is about two inches too long. It didn’t sit right and caused me to lean forward too much. Not wanting to spend money on another pack, I decided to use my Osprey Talon 33 back pack. I’ll miss the extra three cubic feet, but not…
Gear change
Dennis and I were speakers at the Appalachian Trail Club of Florida. Dennis presented slides from his 2008 walk on the first part of the Long Trail, which is also part of the Appalachian Trail (AT). I think he was a little wary that all the photos of the mud might change my mind about…
How to get new readers
You’ve had a successful book launch, but how do you keep the momentum going? How do you get new readers? The most important thing is to write a good book. Eye-appeal counts—get a professional book cover designer. Hire a professional editor. If you don’t understand book formatting, get it professionally done. Don’t forget to ask…
Preparing for the Long Trail
I am preparing to hike the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the US—272 (435 km) miles long running the length of Vermont from the Massachusetts to the Canadian borders. It is considered more difficult and rugged than the Appalachian Trail, with lots of mud and mountains (53 named ones) including 27 that are over 3,500…