Today on The Tattooed Book Geek I am pleased to be taking part in the Blog Tour for A Glimmer of Hope by Steve McHugh with a guest post courtesy of the author himself.
Massive thanks to Ann Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to be part of the tour and of course, the author too!
Now, onwards to the guest post:
Guest Post: Things You Didn’t Know About Becoming a Published Author
I’ve been a published author for 6 years now, and a fulltime one for a little over 2. I’d like to be able to say that there was nothing that surprised me when I first published. I’d like to say that I did my homework to such a big degree that I anticipated everything. But I can’t, because that would be a lie. So, here are a few things that I’ve discovered since becoming an author.
1. People message you to tell you they hate your book.
It’s weird, and I had absolutely no idea it was a thing that happens, but yes people do message or tweet how much you suck. You just ignore them and move on with your day, but it really is quite weird.
And speaking of weird.
2. Some people will leave reviews of each book saying how much they hate this book and will never read another of your books, yet they keep reading the next one.
Yeah, I don’t really understand why anyone would put themselves through reading books they hate, but you know, thanks for spending your money on my book, I guess.
3. I get a say in my cover.
I’d often heard that authors don’t get a say in their covers, so I was a little surprised to find out that my publisher actively encourages input about the covers. Now, some of my ideas have been described as, ‘unworkable’, and ‘impossible to do on anything so small and not just be a big blur’, but it’s nice that I get asked my opinion, and told what’s happening.
4. Writing from home is an exercise in self-control.
I’ve been lucky enough in my career that I’m able to write fulltime, so that means working from home. My PS4 is at home, and my big TV, and lots of book, and… well, you get the idea. Essentially I could spend all day doing absolutely nothing of value except having fun, and having to switch that part of your brain off so you can work was harder than I’d expected. I always assumed that working from home was just awesome. And it is, but it’s also a big commitment.
5. Book Launch Day is nerve wracking even after book 8.
It never goes away. Ever. Every single book that comes out makes me nervous. Doesn’t matter how well the last book did, it’s the one you’re about to have published that you focus on. I try to just lose myself in work on book launch day.
6. You can easily fall into the trap of becoming insular.
It’s a bit of a problem; especially when neck deep in deadlines or edits, or something along those lines. You start not seeing other humans for several days at a time. I have a wife and three children, so it’s never complete solitude, but there is a bit of a case that I’ll notice I haven’t left the house in a few days. Writing is awesome, but you need to ensure you have a healthy balance of not sitting in your office all day.
7. Getting emails from readers who love the book is the greatest feeling ever.
It really is. It never gets old. When I get an email from someone who thanks me for not writing stereotypical women, or for having a character who reminded them of themselves, it’s just a wonderful thing. It’s not something I thought about before getting published, as it’s not something I ever considered would happen, but a message from a fan really is something pretty special.
That’s 7 things I didn’t know before I became an author, and to be honest I probably could have put a few more down, but I’d be here all day. The thing about being an author is that it’s always throwing up new surprises, but most importantly, it’s simply the best job I’ve ever had.
A Glimmer of Hope By Steve McHugh.
- Publisher: 47North (1 April 2018)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1503951804
- ISBN-13: 978-1503951808
From Steve McHugh, the bestselling author of The Hellequin Chronicles, comes a new urban fantasy series packed with mystery, action, and, above all, magic.
Layla Cassidy has always wanted a normal life, and the chance to put her father’s brutal legacy behind her. And in her final year of university she’s finally found it. Or so she thinks.
But when Layla accidentally activates an ancient scroll, she is bestowed with an incredible, inhuman power. She plunges into a dangerous new world, full of mythical creatures and menace—all while a group of fanatics will stop at nothing to turn her abilities to their cause.
To protect those she loves most, Layla must take control of her new powers…before they destroy her. All is not yet lost—there is a light shining, but Layla must survive long enough to see it.
Pre-Order A Glimmer of Hope (released April 1st, 2018).
About Steve McHugh.
Steve’s been writing from an early age, his first completed story was done in an English lesson. Unfortunately, after the teacher read it, he had to have a chat with the head of the year about the violent content and bad language. The follow up ‘One boy and his frog’ was less concerning to his teachers and got him an A.
- Blog: https://stevejmchugh.wordpress.com/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/StevejMchugh
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steveJMchugh
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Thanks for the Blog Tour support Drew
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Finally got to grips with the Blog tour thing and its a very cool idea. Thanks.
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I really enjoyed this post! It is always so refreshing to gain more insight into the author’s life and side of the process. It really opens our eyes as readers and reviewers. I could not imagine how grueling the publication process, reviews,etc must be at times. Nothing but respect!
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This post was awesome! I just finished reading A Glimmer of Hope because I was lucky enough to get an ARC from netgalley and I totally give the book 5 stars!
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