Tales from a Bruised Mind

When I self-published my first book, it was a daunting and nerve-wracking task. You might think that’s overdoing it, but the reality is that books take so much work.

And hours and hours for writing after my 9-5 day job made things tricky.. and quite exhausting.

My first book, A Ballad from a Bruised Brain, took four years to write, but that’s largely because I was living out the story as it happened. With every day and month that passed, something new or weird would happen.

I thought my personal story was interesting enough to write about. I guess I believe that every person has a story to tell (Zak that’s so cliche) but it’s true.

I grew up thinking I’d never be the subject of a story, but hey, things change!

But I’ve had to realise that to be a full-blown published author, you need a lot of things, such as:

1. You need to be somewhat well-known or famous even – you basically need a following
2. You need to have a very, very good story
3. You need to be able to write well (obviously)
4. The topic you are writing about needs to be, well, topical
5. You need to have enough money to get through the first stages

So you could see, based on these points, that things are a little difficult when you want to publish the work you are very, very proud of.

Why it’s hard to not just give up on publishing

I sold my first book to friends, family and others who were keen to learn about my story.

But I didn’t sell many books.

I also didn’t get too much feedback.

I guess I just wanted any feedback: the good, the bad or the very bad. I feel that feedback just makes you stronger and your writing better.

And then when I did push it forward towards publishers, they said my story was, well, not very topical. I didn’t quite understand that.

It’s hard to see where you stand in those situations.

Despite some setbacks, I kept on writing and I’ve now finished my second book, Quadrants of My Mind, which I really want to give the best possible opportunities for success.

I’ve also given it a first pass and am ready to send it off to some fresh eyes.

I want this book to be the best it possibly can be.

No pressure.

If you’re out there reading this, and you know a publisher that might be interested, please do get in touch. It’s going to be a good one!

Kindest,

Zak