Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Guest Post: An Author's Path to Fame and Fortune

I hope you enjoy this guest post written by R. Mac. Wheeler.

I wrote my first short-story in fifth grade. Wrote poetry to girlfriends in high school. Started my first novel in 1992. I finished it around 2002. It was horrible. But I eventually split it into three separate novels, with enormous editing, which I will say humbly, created rich, independent stories.

I wrote fairly regularly from 2002 to 2007, penning another seven novels. I sent out thousands of query letters; never snatched an agent. Transitioned from fantasy to SF to contemporary fiction, while searching for "my voice."

Wrote a couple, what I call 'lite' urban fantasy (ghosts, the unexplained), followed by vampire and werewolf thrillers, and have been hooked on paranormal since. Started self-publishing in 2011.
I love to write. (Now have 26 novels in Amazon and B&N.) Don't so much like the marketing. Have never paid a dime for advertising. Took the advice to create a social network (very hard for me, since I'm a loner), do the blogging thing.

I first targeted the focus of my blogs on other writers, before I asked myself, why? They write, they don't buy (Well, you know what I mean). I had gotten into photography about the time I had that flash of insight. Since, my blog has been all about my photography. Mostly nature. I've branched out a bit.

Every weekend I trek to one of the many wonderful wilderness areas and parks we have here in Florida, and post my photographs in my "Sunday Safaris." But a rare day goes by I don't click on a dozen different things that catch my eye. So my daily "Snapshots" developed.

Every post is about fun, enjoying the beauty around us everywhere. I hope you'll visit my blog, follow me, enjoy the amazing things I discover every day that I used to overlook.

- Cheers, Mac

R. Mac Wheeler is an author of character-driven SF/F/Suspense and Paranormal novels filled with quirky sorts who lug a lot of baggage, in worlds that aren’t that far out. Here are some places you can follow him:



 

9 comments:

Maria Zannini said...

26 books in your backlist is not too shabby. :)

And good for you for recognizing that writers are not your main audience.

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

Hey, Sandra. Thanks for giving me such a great platform to practice some narcissism. What fun. I'm still waiting for your guest post over on my place. Nudge, nudge.

Thanks a million.

And a roar of good wishes from the Wheeler tribe to yours for Thanksgiving. What a great holiday. All about eating. Beats out Halloween in my book...well...almost.

Elephant's Child said...

Thank you for giving R Mac Wheeler a chance to shine here. As a bookaholic and as an introspective loner and lover of trees, clouds and nature he ticks rather a lot of my boxes. And I am in awe at all that he has accomplished.
Happy Thanksgiving to you both.

Bob Bushell said...

Beautiful images to animals, and to RMac as well.

Debbie said...

Nice Mac, I enjoyed this bit of humble pie today. Happy thanksgiving to your tribe as well!!

Christine Rains said...

Wonderful post. I really need to focus more of my blog posts for readers too. I love your photos. Enjoying your newest book right now. :)

Mike Keyton said...

I am in some awe of the number of books you've selfpublished. And I appreciate this:
I first targeted the focus of my blogs on other writers, before I asked myself, why? They write, they don't buy (Well, you know what I mean) Spot on.

I'd appreciate a blog post on the financial outlay of each book and the financial returns over say a period of two or three years. I think it is stuff like that which may constitute the final hurdle for many...well for me :)

Mike@Bit About Britain said...

Impressive track record - and inspiring stuff! Also - some excellent photos!

21 Wits said...

Thank you for sharing one of my favorite writers! What a lovely read this was, and one I'll have to share with other writer pals!

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