Chapter 1: The Indie Author Experience

What do you find most frustrating about being an indie author?

Today, I'm tackling this important question. One of the greatest benefits of being part of a community is the opportunity to share not just our victories, but also our challenges. Indie authors encounter a variety of hurdles that can be anything from overwhelming to incredibly annoying. I invite everyone to share their experiences—your specific challenges as an indie author. This could include anything from issues with the writing process, struggles during editing or cover design, to the intricacies of marketing and distribution, or even the emotional ups and downs of self-doubt and motivation. This space is yours to express what you find most difficult about indie publishing.

In a nutshell, what do I find tedious about being an author? Marketing.

The truth is, I find marketing to be quite dull. Because of this, I lack the drive to engage in it, which leads to avoidance.

I genuinely enjoy writing. I relish the editing process. I thrive on worldbuilding and character development. It may seem strange to some, but I actually find joy in editing.

I love delving into research—be it geography, history, biology, or economics—to create immersive plots and settings. I also have a passion for art, whether it's drawing, painting, or using various mediums to create character illustrations and book covers, like those for The Pink Necromancer, Quaraun, and BoomFuzzy the Unicorn. Art by Wendy Christine Allen.

However, when it comes to marketing, it’s a different story. I find it completely uninspiring.

The main issue seems to be the lack of creativity involved. Everything else I do—writing drafts, editing, illustrating, worldbuilding—feels deeply creative and meditative, allowing me to let my thoughts flow freely. But marketing requires a shift to a more analytical mindset, focusing on numbers and strategies to connect with readers. This shift often leaves me feeling stuck, almost like experiencing writer's block, which I've never encountered. Instead, I suffer from what I call 'marketing block,' a phenomenon I believe is all too real.

I doubt I'll ever excel at marketing, and I'm uncertain if that's a good or bad thing. It's not that I lack marketing skills; rather, I struggle to find the motivation to apply them. I know what to do and can execute it well when I actually try. Yet, the sheer monotony of marketing leads me to procrastinate, pushing it aside entirely.

No amount of tools can assist me because my issue isn't about knowing how to market or having the means to do so. It’s purely a matter of motivation. I understand what steps I need to take; I just don't want to take them.

What do you dislike about being an indie author?

Also, here's a fun aside: I’ve been informed that this illustration of a gay unicorn is offensive to some. While I’m unsure why that is, I embrace this character as a symbol against hate. If this unicorn can deter those who harbor anti-gay sentiments, then it certainly deserves to be celebrated.

Due to a significant number of impersonators, here are links to my verified accounts:

If you come across an account claiming to be me that isn't linked above, it's almost certainly a fake. Please note, I do not use email or a phone, so any messages claiming to be from me are not genuine.

If you have any information about my son's case, please reach out to FBI Agent Andy Drewer at 207–774–9322. For more updates on the investigation, visit our public information page.