So glad, Natalie! It's really helpful to see how others are working through some of these difficulties. I've already benefited from reading the other interviews Karen has done.
Anything in particular resonate with you in terms of successes or struggles? I'm always curious to learn how other writers are working through this stuff.
I just resonated with so many of those thoughts, especially on the constant pull to prove your worth. I think that's something true of all artists of varying kinds (though honestly, talking to my engineer husband, I think it's something everyone struggles with in their vocation just perhaps in different ways.. and maybe that's obvious, but it's something I've been thinking on lately ha.)
I also wholeheartedly agreed with the need for encouragement from others. I'm in the process of my first book coming out next year, and my local church has been so instrumental to me along the way in my writing. While I was waiting to hear back on the proposal a woman from my small group told me, "well could you just still write it and print it out so we could read it?" And that sentence right there just filled my heart so much. I still think about the encouragement it gave me. Everytime a non writer friend asks how my writing is going it just fuels me with joy.
Anyway, I appreciate your words, and I still remember an article you wrote about the craft of writing that was really encouraging to me at the time and pushed me along to keep going! We need that encouragement... constantly 😅
As someone who has published both traditionally (with P & R) and independently (hiring editors and book designers and cover designers, etc.), I really enjoyed reading Pierce’s description of his process and passion. I also felt encouraged by his thoughts on platform. I always feel pulled in that arena. Thanks for sharing this interview, Karen. I also look forward to choosing one of Pierce’s books to read! I discovered a new author to enjoy!
As Jody noted below, Amazon (KDP) and IngramSpark are the two biggies. Though I've heard that Barnes & Noble has a POD (Print on Demand) option for self-publishing as well. It was bound to happen, I guess.
Excellent interview. Indeed, marketing one's message (book) is a mission in itself. For me, it's similar to teaching. And as a Christian, I have models to follow.
I love this interview because it don’t give the “traditional” or expected answers. I also love Pierce’s hesitancy with platform building and how honest he is about how it can pull us away from the work and from our relationship with God and our audience. So good!
"A trying spiritual battle"...what a PERFECT way to describe the effort it takes to build a platform. It's why I published one major Christian nonfiction title and then went back to fiction. I'm so proud of the book I wrote, but trying to sell myself wasn't worth the cost.
This interview does such a good job addressing questions I have wrestled with as a Christian and aspiring writer. Thank you.
I’m so glad! Thank you for reading and responding!
So glad, Natalie! It's really helpful to see how others are working through some of these difficulties. I've already benefited from reading the other interviews Karen has done.
I love this series Karen! It's so encouraging.
Pierce, you hit the nail on the head with so much of this.
Anything in particular resonate with you in terms of successes or struggles? I'm always curious to learn how other writers are working through this stuff.
I just resonated with so many of those thoughts, especially on the constant pull to prove your worth. I think that's something true of all artists of varying kinds (though honestly, talking to my engineer husband, I think it's something everyone struggles with in their vocation just perhaps in different ways.. and maybe that's obvious, but it's something I've been thinking on lately ha.)
I also wholeheartedly agreed with the need for encouragement from others. I'm in the process of my first book coming out next year, and my local church has been so instrumental to me along the way in my writing. While I was waiting to hear back on the proposal a woman from my small group told me, "well could you just still write it and print it out so we could read it?" And that sentence right there just filled my heart so much. I still think about the encouragement it gave me. Everytime a non writer friend asks how my writing is going it just fuels me with joy.
Anyway, I appreciate your words, and I still remember an article you wrote about the craft of writing that was really encouraging to me at the time and pushed me along to keep going! We need that encouragement... constantly 😅
I love what that church member said. That is beautiful.
Just the best ♥️
Thanks, Brianna!
"Writing is what inscribes things on my soul." Beautifully put!
Thank you for hosting this series, Karen - so many wonderful ideas and practically helpful tips, too.
You’re very welcome! I have found these voices very enriching, too!
Thanks for reading, Kerri!
Ordered The Christ-Light today. Looks like a Godsend 🙌❤️
Awesome! I pray it’s a great encouragement!
🙌
As someone who has published both traditionally (with P & R) and independently (hiring editors and book designers and cover designers, etc.), I really enjoyed reading Pierce’s description of his process and passion. I also felt encouraged by his thoughts on platform. I always feel pulled in that arena. Thanks for sharing this interview, Karen. I also look forward to choosing one of Pierce’s books to read! I discovered a new author to enjoy!
Platform is tough, isn’t it? Pursuing it can make me feel more lonely in some ways.
Yes, I agree! And yet, connecting with readers or potential readers is delightful! So if I think of platform that way, it helps!
Wonderful! I’m so glad you read and commented. It was such a blessing to interview Pierce for this space!
Where can KSP readers find Mr. Hibbs' place to upload, design, print and publish independently?
As Jody noted below, Amazon (KDP) and IngramSpark are the two biggies. Though I've heard that Barnes & Noble has a POD (Print on Demand) option for self-publishing as well. It was bound to happen, I guess.
Thank you for responding!
Thank you!
Excellent interview. Indeed, marketing one's message (book) is a mission in itself. For me, it's similar to teaching. And as a Christian, I have models to follow.
Agree, Carole. For me marketing is just sharing a message I believe in.
Yes, I can certainly see a teaching component to marketing. Finding good models to follow is a great point.
I love this interview because it don’t give the “traditional” or expected answers. I also love Pierce’s hesitancy with platform building and how honest he is about how it can pull us away from the work and from our relationship with God and our audience. So good!
Yes, Christy! So much wisdom from Pierce here.
Thanks, Christy!
"A trying spiritual battle"...what a PERFECT way to describe the effort it takes to build a platform. It's why I published one major Christian nonfiction title and then went back to fiction. I'm so proud of the book I wrote, but trying to sell myself wasn't worth the cost.
You’re very welcome, Jody!
Wonderful to meet you as well! It's honestly an encouragement just to be part of a community of writers!