Category: Literature

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Becoming a Published Author: Embracing Independent Routes to Success

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In the past, aspiring authors often faced the daunting challenge of securing a traditional publishing deal to see their work in print. However, with the rise of digital technology and the democratization of the publishing industry, aspiring writers now have an array of options to become published authors without relying on a large publisher. In this article, we will explore how to pursue a successful writing career by leveraging independent routes to publication.

  1. Perfect Your Craft

The foundation of any successful author’s journey is honing their writing skills. Dedicate time to practice, read extensively, and seek constructive feedback from peers or writing communities. Joining local writing groups or online forums can provide valuable insights and opportunities to improve your writing.

  1. Write with Purpose

Discover your niche and write with a clear purpose. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or self-help, understanding your target audience and the message you want to convey will help you attract a loyal readership. Passion and authenticity in your writing will resonate with your audience and set you apart from the rest.

  1. Edit and Polish Your Manuscript

Once you’ve completed your manuscript, editing and revision are essential. Consider hiring a professional editor or collaborating with beta readers to provide feedback. A polished manuscript increases your chances of creating a high-quality product that will be well-received by readers.

  1. Embrace Self-Publishing

Self-publishing has revolutionized the writing industry, providing authors with an accessible platform to share their work. Numerous self-publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and Smashwords allow you to publish your book in e-book and print formats without any upfront costs.

  1. Create a Professional Book Cover

A captivating book cover is crucial for attracting potential readers. If you’re not skilled in graphic design, consider hiring a freelance designer who specializes in book covers. A professionally designed cover will give your book the competitive edge it needs to stand out in a crowded market.

  1. Build an Online Presence

Establishing an online presence is essential for independent authors. Create a professional website, start a blog, and engage with readers through social media platforms. Building a strong author brand will help you connect with your target audience and gain a dedicated following.

  1. Utilize Marketing Strategies

Marketing is vital in the self-publishing world. Utilize various marketing strategies such as book giveaways, promotions, and collaborating with book bloggers or influencers in your genre. Building a mailing list of interested readers can also help you launch future books successfully.

  1. Leverage Print-On-Demand Services

To offer paperback versions of your book without investing in a large print run, consider using print-on-demand (POD) services. Companies like KDP Print and IngramSpark allow you to distribute paperback copies of your book globally without holding physical inventory.

  1. Network within the Writing Community

Networking within the writing community can lead to valuable opportunities. Attend writing conferences, join online writing forums, and connect with fellow writers, agents, and small publishers. Collaborations and mutual support can open doors to broader readership and potential publishing deals.

  1. Never Stop Learning

Continuously educate yourself about the publishing industry and marketing trends. Stay adaptable and be willing to adjust your strategies to meet changing market demands. As an independent author, staying informed and open to growth will aid in your long-term success.

In today’s digital age, aspiring authors have unprecedented opportunities to publish their work without relying on a traditional publisher. By perfecting your craft, embracing self-publishing, building an online presence, and adopting effective marketing strategies, you can realize your dream of becoming a published author without the need for a large publisher. Remember, success in the independent publishing world requires perseverance, resilience, and a genuine passion for your craft. Embrace these challenges, and your writing journey can lead you to new and exciting horizons.

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Limbo: A Dialogue

Photo from Unsplash taken by Greg Rakozy

Inspired by real events

Death: Boo!

Me:..

Death: *Evil Laugh*

Me: … Boo!

Death: Why are you not scared? 

Me: Why should I be scared?

Death: Because… everyone is?

Me: Not me

Death: Why?

Me: Because I don’t believe in fearing my fate

Death: Your fate is to die?

Me: Not to die, but to go through the cycle of life. It is not like I can stop it from happening, just like I can’t stop the birds from singing, I can’t stop the waves from crashing back into the sea, and just like I can’t stop a child from climbing and falling off a tree.

Death: Humph. You make me laugh, so many people pass by but it is rare that I hear something like that.

Me: Most people don’t think of it.

Death: They don’t. I don’t. Very few do but, most do not. But, if they did maybe, they would respond differently. 

Me: Maybe

Death: Why do most react the way they do? Such surprise at their own demise. Yet, it is the fate of all, I know it to be true. 

Me: Because most people don’t think about you, to them you are not relevant until their journey ends. By the time you arrive, people realize it is too late to do all the things they said they would do. It’s always pushed to later so why bother and by that time you get the best of what they had to offer.

Death: The best of what they had to offer?

Me: Yes! All their potential, all their dreams, and all their goals.

Death: You make me sound like a bad guy. Maybe I am.

Me: No!

Death: I am, look at me! I come with a smile, eager for those to tell me of their journeys, traveling miles. To see life through a million points of view but, I only know little to a few. That guy who says, “It’s time to go” time to move on, how can you say that’s a good guy?

Me: You are just like birth at the end of the day.

Death: Then who is? Who frames me in such a way?

Me: Fear, he stops us from everything, no matter how small. From love, to expression, and the moments we could have had it all.

Death: It all makes sense now, everyone arrives with their fears and wonders how? As though, I am the one who took it all away. Regret, sadness, all these things are nothing I wish to bestow on anyone.

Me: Maybe there will be a glimmer of hope and as time goes on, as humanity will find ways to cope. To enjoy the cycle of life and say “it wasn’t so bad.” 

Death: It is a bittersweet quality that those who have come by are not scared of fear. A satisfied life is all I wish to see rather than tears.

Me: We have a lot to catch up on in many years.

Death: I look forward to seeing you again, some day. What will you do with your time?

Me: While my journey is not clear, I hope it is filled with adventure, joy, cheer. 

Death: May your life be long and happy… now get out of here!

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Some Like It Red

Photo from Unsplash by Michèle Eckert

Once upon a time in New York City during the 1960s, there lived a young gay wolf named Rolf, who always dreamed about becoming a star. Growing up, he would often watch movies of Hollywood’s Golden Age such as The Wizard of Oz, Casablanca, and Pyscho. Audition after audition, Rolf would be rejected by casting directors who were seeking people to be in their movies. He was struggling, gave up everything to pursue his dream, even dropped out of high school to focus on only auditioning. That all changed the day he got hit by a limo that held one of Broadway’s biggest stars. It was Scarlet Hood although people would often refer to her as “Little Red.” She had stared on every Broadway production since she was a baby. She was one Rolf’s role models, he had seen every musical she was part of and knew every role that she had played. She came out of the limo furious! 

“What are you doing crossing the street when cars are clearly driving! The damn sign says not to walk for fucks sake!” 

“I…I…I…YOU’RE SCARLET HOOD!”

“Obviously! Now look at this you made me late for my audition for Sugar Granny’s Productions. This is suppose to be my breakthrough!” “Wait! Sugar Granny Productions! They are one of the biggest production companies in Hollywood today! You have an audition with them!?”

“Yes I do! This is my chance to get the lead role in the movie Babes in Toyland! Do you not know how important this is to me! I can finally stop performing on that stupid stage and have my face on the big screen! Now get out of the road before you make me more late then I already was!” 

“Wait! I have been trying to get someone to cast me and I could really use your help with getting a part in the movie, I’ll take anything even if Im an extra in the background!”

Little Red looked at him and smirked at Rolf’s desperate plea for help. All she could do was laugh in his face.

“You really think that you can make it to Hollywood? Im sorry, but you should just give up, you can’t compete with people like us. We were born gifted and if you haven’t even caught the attention of one person already, then why are you still trying?” 

And just like that she hopped into her limo and drove off to her audition. Rolf was heartbroken to hear one of his own role models tell him that he was untalented. His sadness quickly turned into anger and he sought to prove Little Red wrong. He followed her limo to Sugar Granny Productions to audition for the same role as she was going to. When he saw her go into the studio he headed towards the window to go and spy on her audition because he wanted to go in the minute she was finished. Rolf noticed how innocent she appeared while she performed her piece, eyes big, huge smile, an angelic voice. It was all an illusion. The moment she took her bow and thanked the casting directors, Rolf bursted through the window into the room. Slightly injured and desperate for the directors attention, He got up and presented himself. Little Red was flaming with anger. 

“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE!?” She said. 

Rolf completely ignored her and started to introduce himself until one of the older casting directors got up and approached him with a concerned look on her face. 

“Oh Sunny are you ok? You just came through the window as though you were being chased by the police.” 

“I’m fine! I’m here to audition for the same role as she did!” He said furiously pointing at Little Red.

“… Umm you do know that the role that she auditioned for was for a female? Right?”

“Yes, but I’m very much in touch with my feminine side! Trust me, the only reason my make up is messed up is because I crashed through that window!” 

A little confused and scared the casting director sat back down along side the other directors and let him continue his audition.

“Hello! My name is Rolf and I will be performing ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ from the classic Wizard of Oz!” 

The casting directors had some faith in him when he presented himself only to be disappointed by his off key singing and unnecessary interpretative dance. They could not tell if he was out of it from jumping through a window or that he was trying to portray a female. They eventually stopped him in the middle of his performance. A male casting director looked at him and shook his head. 

“I’m sorry, but you just do not fit what we are looking for in the role to be completely honest with you.” 

Rolf looked startled by the statement and started to tear up a little. Little Red began to burst out laughing. The older woman then got up and approached him once more.

“The role is going to Scarlet. She fits the criteria of what we are looking for in the film and I’m sorry, but we would also prefer a female.” 

“HAHA! I TOLD YOU! YOU NEVER HAD A CHANCE! ESPECIALLY GOING AGAINST A PERSON LIKE ME!” Little Red said as she continued to laugh and brag about herself. 

Rolf became so overwhelmed by Little Red and the casting directors that it finally happened. He cracked. He pulled out his gun in his bag in case of emergencies and aimed at Little Red. She stopped her laughing and looked horrified along with the directors. 

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?” 

“YOU ALWAYS SAID YOU WERE THE STAR! NOW IM GOING TO OFFICIALLY MAKE YOU ONE!”

Without a moments notice, Rolf shot Little Red in the face and she died instantly. The directors screamed and called the cops immediately. The police showed up quickly and took Rolf away. He was then sentenced to life in prison for first degree murder of Little Red. Before he was taken away they asked if he had any last words for his actions. He simply said.

“I just wanted to be a star…”

MORAL:

Don’t let failing go to your heart,

And don’t let success go to your head.

The End.

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Gringafied

I am the granddaughter of a Dominican immigrant who was born and raised in the city of Santo Domingo, who left behind everything she knew to chase her dreams in America.

I am the granddaughter of Puerto Ricans who left behind an economic disaster in hopes for a better life in the city that never sleeps.

I grew up knowing how to dance because my family always knew how to throw a party with our brugal or coquito.

I grew up cleaning the house every Sunday even when I wanted to be lazy and do nothing.

I grew up having Vapo rub and sancocho whenever I was sick because my family believed that was the magic cure.

I grew up watching all my tíos play dominos without me until I turned 15-years-old and was finally allowed to play.

I grew up having a mini identity crisis whenever I had to fill out a form that said, “Despite what you have just answered, please fill out what is your race.”

I grew up loving the New York Yankees, screaming from the bleachers every summer with my dad.

I grew up knowing how to refill my metro card in under a minute before the train leaves my station.

I grew up hearing “It’s showtime!” on the train before street dancers start performing and I duck in cover in hopes of not getting hit.

I grew up knowing to go to the food carts that sell halal and to never get anything at the hot dog stands.

I grew up thinking I was going to be Kim Possible one day, save people from mass destruction and be a badass.

I also grew up learning English as my primary language to assimilate to American society, which is why my Spanish sounds “funny.”

I grew up straightening my hair so that way I could avoid having “messy” and “unprofessional” hair.

I grew up giving myself anxiety about my grades at 13-years-old because I felt like I had constantly had to prove something to American society.

I also grew up having to show the other Hispanic kids what my dad looked like in order to prove that I was really Dominican.

I grew up confused about why the Puerto Rican kids and the Dominican kids would start fighting each other when I was Puerto Rican and Dominican.

I grew up hearing “why don’t you speak Spanish?” or whenever I did speak Spanish, I would hear “You sound so white.”

Make no mistake with my identity, I am Puerto Rican and Dominican but, I also am American. I am the embodiment of 3 distinct cultures, I cannot be one without being the other.

But isn’t that what being Latino is all about? The embodiment of different cultures?

The embodiment of our indigenous ancestors, the connection to our African roots and the history we share with the Iberian Peninsula.

Or have we become consumed with this narrow criteria of being Latino that we have forgotten that?

Every day I continue to wake up, look in the mirror and be proud to be Latino, proud to represent Latinos in America.

And although I may not meet the standards to be Latino, you can never take away that part of my identity.