To Inspire

I work in a deli, and it involves a lot of nasty, deplorable work. The corporation alone (which shall remain nameless) can suck the living soul from your walking cadaver.  My particular department makes the day even more maddening. Food service, customer service, and retail wrapped into a nice, miserable package.

The other night, I waited on a customer.  It was an older gentleman who frequents the deli at least once a week, if not more.  I recognized his face from previous encounters and had no grievances with him.  This particular encounter, I was unabashedly agitated with the manner he used to get my attention (clucking one's tongue is not an acceptable way to announce your presence, for future reference).

But me and my spirit, which has not been entirely worn down for inexplicable reasons, forced that cheek-aching smile as I patiently took his rather gruff order.  The transaction was made and the foodstuff was handed over.

Then the man shifted his weight to his other foot. Another customer, a woman had wandered in line behind him.  But no, apparently my previous tardiness would not go unpunished.  This man had something on his mind and he was going to share it with me, solicited or no.

He started, "You know I used to work back *there*, about ten years ago now."

I nodded with polite interest, unsure if he meant my department specifically or if he meant the store in general.

He continued, "Yep.  Then I had foot surgery and my doctor told me I couldn't be on my feet all day.  Then [Store Manager's Name] told me that they didn't have jobs available for someone to sit around all day.  So I left.  Quit.  That was ten years ago.  I've written eight books since then, six of which are published.  You can buy them on Amazon and other stores."

This actually surprised me.  I was excited.  HERE was a fellow author in my small, rural community.  What a miraculous godsend for me to receive this anecdotal lecture.  Of all the people in the store, this man has shared his story with a fellow writer.  And, not just any author, from the sound of it.  If I'm not wrong, I believe this was a self-published author, judging from context clues.

A genuine smile came to my face while I pointed to myself.  "I wrote a book too and I published it on Amazon about a month ago as well!" I informed him excitedly.

There was a perceptible change in his behavior and countenance, and not for the better I'm afraid.  There was a definable moment when this man's bravado had completely vanished. He might have even physically stumbled back, eyes widening at me.  Clearly he had not expected my response.  Somehow my answer wounded his pride.

He quickly composed himself, regaining his self control, and proceeded as if I had not said a single word to him. "Yes well, I have published six books after leaving here ten years ago.  Best damn decision in my whole life."

And with that, his story over, this man quite literally turned on his heel and marched off.  I was left stung.  This man, who was allowed to gloat of his accomplishments to me, could not even share in the joy of a fellow writer.  He could only gloss over my accomplishments as he validated and appraised his own.

I reflected on the encounter some time after he had left, that night when I was lying in bed.  The next morning, and even until now.  Ignoring his manner completely, I can be genuinely happy at the success of another writer.  I am.  He did not detail to me of his sales and revenue, if he even made enough to earn a substantial living.  His concern primarily rested in the number of works he had completed.  I can respect that.

And I can draw from his experience as inspiration to my own.  Some ten years ago, this man worked in the same or similar conditions as I do now.  He made an effort to do something that makes him happy and he succeeded, unshackling himself from a societal structure that can only ensure depression and discontent.  And it was the "best damn decision" in his entire life.

Perhaps this is a sign for me.  Perhaps there is indeed hope for me.  And how I would love to quit every educational and vocational responsibility I am currently obligated to complete and attend right now to write full time.  Oh the books I could write and the happiness I could achieve.

But since I have only sold 24 books in a 32 day period, some would still insist that this was folly.
Perhaps, some day.
-krm

A Month Later

I've intended to make a fully concerted effort to blog more, considering I've just released a book.  Actually today marks the first month that Archer's been released.  If I'm being honest, I've tried waiting until I have more information to blog about.  So far, I don't have much.  I need to try to do some promotional things.

The paperback still isn't available.  I'm sorry to everyone who's been waiting for it and I'm grateful for your patience thus far.  I've been having problems with the proofing--not the actual proofing process.  I've just been discovering problems with my file once it's been through file review.  Specifically, I'm having issues with the drop-cap for the beginning of each chapter.  But I'm hoping to have these problems resolved soon, and then the paperback shall be ready.

In other, good news:  Within the month of its release, I have sold 24 copies of Archer for Kindle (plus 1 borrowed unit for an Amazon prime member).  Two of these books were sold to people in the UK and another one to someone in Canada.  And with that, I've claimed proper bragging rights, boasting about how I'm now an "international" author.

I have two 5-star reviews on my book's Amazon page, plus one 4-star review.  For it's first month, I certainly do not think these are bad stats. I'm excited and alternating between work on the sequel and prepping the paperback.  The sequel, tentatively titled "Prince of the West", is about a quarter of the way finished. 23,000+ words out of an estimated 100,000 words.

I'm scheduled for a book review and author interview over at Rosie Amber's blog starting July 7th, so be sure to watch out for me there!

The local newspaper did a feature on me and my book, it details some minimal biographical information.  Click here to check that out.

Meanwhile, I have very many future books racking my brain.  I've been catching up on my reading after feverishly writing for two and a half years. I read The Fault in Our Stars and watched its movie.  I'm catching up on Game of Thrones.  I've done little to rein in my book-hoarding habit and have purchased a conservative estimate of twenty books within the last month.  Currently I'm reading through a nonfiction book about pirates, which may or may not allude to a future sequel of Archer.

And on the off-chance I haven't bored or annoyed you yet, you should totally check out my book, available for purchase on Kindle.  (Side Note: I'm not sure if I'm going to take part in KDP Select on the next book go-around)

And, that's about it!  Hopefully soon I will have more to discuss!
-krm