"Book of the Year Awards"
"DIY Convention Awards"
"The Edgars"
"2009 Independent Publisher's Awards"

$25.00 per entry, up to $75.00 per entry, per category (Limit five categories, per title; limit five title)...ouch!

One of my favorite author is well known for saying "Money flows TO the author!" Some say it is minimal risk for maximum return potential. I don't know about that.

"Finalist, 2009 Greater West Bubblegum Readers Awards"

I hope the good folks of this literate village will forgive my scepticism, but really....

"The New York Times proclaims him to be the breakout author of the year! A fabulous read! A page-turnig thiller that will captivate you!"

Sounds grand, don't it? What if I were to tell you that this "review" came from an assistant editor, for a "reading fee" of $280.00. Would it be worth it?

I love to write. I am a writer.I am a published author. When I began writing fiction, I decided to self-publish. I have learned a lot, and have to say I've gotten a deep sense of satisfaction from the process. This NaNo, I will be working--again on new words. That excites me. The juices are not yet flowing, but they are rumbling in my gut like a really bad burrito.

To desire success is a human condition. I want a really good book, that a lot of folks (even in West Bubblegum) will buy, read, and enjoy a lot! The satisfaction of learning our craft must be measured, at some point, or at least to some degree, by the ability to bring ducets to the coffers. This is only true if you ever desire to make your complete living by the craft. I do. There is, as any successful author will tell you (if they are honest about it), an entire world of new skills which you must develop to be a "successful author". I'm learning them.

I give one month to new words for NaNoWriMo. I then give one year to edit, revision, and manuscript preparation. It will take close to another year to get the publication ready, and out to the public. Marketing and sales follows ad infinitum, and takes most of the project's time.

It doesn't take long to realize that all your time is invested in title that is growing longer in the tooth with each flip of the daily planner. There are ten titles planned for this particular series. There are currently nine different series, or single titles somewhere in my toolbox.

My life has other dimensions as well. Even limited to the creative arts, there are three major projects which are to take my time. Is it worth it?

Sometimes, I do believe it is worth it. In the middle of the afternoon, I sometimes wonder. There are many other things I could be doing with my time, after all.Family, friends, useful and productive endeavors....

I'm pondering these and other things tonight. But, to be honest, what I WANT to do is to cuddle up in my quilt, on my couch, order a pizza, and watch scary movies. Or,maybe even read a good book. Is it worth it?

What do you think?

Budroe