Who Knew Writing the Book was the Easy Part?

Who knew the easy task was the writing of the book?

During my formative years as a writer-journalist, I might not have agreed with the above statement. Like many who dreamt of writing a novel, I found my desk drawers littered with numerous half-finished manuscripts (yes, saying half-finished, might be giving myself a little more credit than is due). I’m sure most of us who write know that initial rush of a new and exciting idea. The characters are fresh, the story, hopefully, compelling, and the promise of what it could become is ripe with possibilities. Ah, yes, but at what chapter does all of that fade and the manuscript put away?

The desire to write is powerful; the discipline to write, for many of us, fleeting. I developed my discipline as a screenwriter, a task I found infinitely easier than writing books, and, in believing that, avoided attempting any further book manuscripts for a long, long time. At least until the insanity that is the film business and those who populate it, drove me in desperation to write something that wouldn't be scrutinized by producers, directors, development executives and their spouses, children, nannies, yoga instructors, etcetera – namely I decided to write a book.

This is not a record of my attempt to write my first book. That ship has sailed. Tripping on Tears is finished, and I’m quite proud of it. The Merry Pranked, my second novel is complete, as is The Marquis Mark, my latest psychological thriller. Both Tripping on Tears and The Merry Pranked were released on Amazon.com, but due to circumstances were not actively promoted. With The Marquis Mark, I plan to change that, and like all indie writers with a digital manuscript, I’m faced with the daunting challenge of finding an audience readership.

I’d never planned on writing a blog, but understand in today’s world of publishing it is important for writers to create a platform for themselves; but what to write about, and what to say? On other parts of my blog, With Malice Toward None , I've included articles I've written on a number of subjects, but in this section I propose to chronicle my attempts to market The Marquis Mark and find that readership. I believe if successful it will also serve to instruct anyone who cares about who I am and how my imagination and thoughts work. While I understand that presently I’m really only writing for myself, for those who join me, it will be a look at a journey towards success or disappointment; and while I hope it is entertaining and insightful, it may also serve as an example of what to do or not to do for those in the same predicament.

I guess, here goes...