This is the fifth post in a series dedicated to a self-assessment of my writing journey, particularly as it relates to Core Haven, my new release. The previous posts have been:

1. Overview (Reassessing the Long Game)
2. My end goal (Milestone)
3. What I hope to accomplish (One More Rung)
4. How long I’ll consider Core Haven as a new release (Decision Tree).

This week’s post addresses a particularly thorny issue:

• How much more time, effort, and money do I want to devote to promoting a novel that has so far garnered solid ratings (4.6 on Amazon & Goodreads) and 27 great reviews & counting but has yet to gain much traction in any of its genres?

The time & effort aspects go without saying since this whole journey has been taxing on many levels. Early mornings, late nights, too much coffee…the usual.

And as far as money goes, I’d be elated to come close to calling it even. After all, I’m an avowed hobbyist, not a naive writer spinning grandiose fantasies about a melodramatic, Hollywoodish breakthrough.

Truth be told, I love writing, take pride in my work, & enjoy the process.

But I’m also a realist with a limited budget to devote to promoting either of my novels. After all, ads cost money, marketers earn an income, websites aren’t cheap, Amazon-sanctioned book review websites require a monetary investment, as well as one involving copious amounts of time & energy, & so on.

This week’s question boils down to the concept of how much more money I’m willing to spend—or rather, how much more debt I’m willing to take on.

The ad campaign I started back up is gaining a little traction, so I’m trying to convince myself to believe in the process and give A10 (as in, the Amazon algorithm) another week or so to figure things out.

Patience is indeed a virtue.

Meanwhile, back at the writing ranch…

Drew

P.S. If by chance you’re interested in reading and thoughtfully reviewing either of my two companion novels, please see the Amazon links below. (And thanks so much in advance!)

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Latest BookFunnel Promo LINKS

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I invite you to check out Lee Hall’s excellent video review, especially the first book he includes on his short list of memorable indie reads—uh-huh, that would be Pearl Fields and the Oregon Meltdown.

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