TracieDelaney

I study story structure and plot quite a lot. It's one thing to be able to write 60,000 - 80,000 words, but quite another, like you say, to keep the plot interesting and keep the readers turning the pages. Structure and plot development as well as character growth are key to having a good story. If you have a local library, I'd go along and see if you can hire some books that will give you some background into storytelling. Save The Cat by Blake Snyder is a particular favourite of mine. I also like Goal, Motivation and Conflict by Debra Dixon as, without those three elements, you don't have a novel that will keep things interesting. There are loads more books that can help with how to write a novel - if you search online, you'll find many free resources too. J.A. Huss (jahuss.com) has a series called 'The Perfect Story' which is free online that takes you through writing a novel from start to finish. I highly recommend checking her out. The biggest thing though, when you're first starting out, is to simply write. Don't worry about anything apart from getting the words down. Try to write every day, even if it's only a page. And most of all, enjoy it! The very best of luck to you - and congratulations on finishing high school.

Ha! I guess that proves we're all human. Thanks for pointing that out. Now if only it would let me edit :-)

This is a great question and I will answer as honestly as I can.

It's not a fast way to make money. Of course there are always exceptions to any rule but mostly any success is down to hard work and having a decent backlist.

Successful Indie authors I've spoken to say it's 3-4 years of regularly releasing books before they saw a return. However lots of Indies are able to make a living writing full time. It is perfectly within reach but those looking to make a quick buck are likely to be disappointed.

I hope that answers your question.

I am not published through a traditional publishing house. I am responsible for everything from cover design to choosing which editors and proofreaders to work with, to when to publish. It has its benefits (control, keeping much more of the royalties etc), but also its downsides (you have to do everything yourself.) But although I considered the traditional route, the Indie route made much more sense for me personally.

Yes some folks call it self-publishing too so you are completely correct 😊