novel – Author Cameron Kielb

Indie Author Struggles

Any new indie author can relate to the struggle of starting out. If you’re like me, you started writing not to get into the publishing/marketing business, but to create a story for others to read.

The problem though, is even gaining that readership. Though we first and foremost write for ourselves, it’s disheartening when it feels like we’re talking to an empty room.

The solutions vary and can be quite time consuming depending on what you read. I personally felt like I had to choose between writing or publishing/marketing tasks with what time I had available to “work” on my author work.

One commonality, though, is to have a strong platform (website) to serve as the hub of access for you and sales. I made the mistake of trying to cold sell my fantasy books straight through social media sources which really just turned into a colossal waste of money. Instead, create a well made platform that showcases your work and talent. Then you’re attention turns to invoking people to check out your site. It’s much easier to click on ‘view my website’ then ‘buy now’. No one wants to feel like they’re being hustled.

People that feel inclined to check out your site will make better audience participants because they obviously have an interest for what you’re offering.

With that said, I’ve been seriously vamping up my website and will continue to improve on it as I move forward with my works. Between this and focusing on growing my list— I feel I’m laying down a more solid foundation for my future as an author.

In the meantime I’m continuing to work on my rough draft of an upcoming book- title yet to be revealed, now that The Kingdom Series is completes. (Check it out!)

‘Til next time,

Author Cameron Kielb

Back on the train

Author Cameron Kielb

— It’s rather disorienting when you finish off a story (not to mention a full series) and proceed to the next. All that work; the descriptions, personas, background information, everything! The details of The Kingdom remain in my head. They didn’t just disappear when I typed, ‘The End’. Voice is a big one— I find the voice of my previous characters trying to come out in my new work. But Arthur (the character I’m working on) is not Mox.

I think acknowledgment of this from an author’s mind is necessary to help move on. True and practiced mindfulness has a way of catching a lot more than we realize. In addition, creating and falling back on outlines and character maps also becomes a great asset. I’ll post a separate blog about my experience with outlining, character mapping, and planning in general, but bottom line— it is important!

Now it’s time to get back on the train. I’ve created my outline and hard as it is to leave the last station behind, the best part is in front of me back- writing. Word count goals are back in action. Let’s see where the tracks take us this time! 😀

Author Cameron Kielb

The Kingdom Unity is out now!

Book three- the epic ending to The Kingdom is out now! For more information, click here.

It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions leading up to Unity’s release. It’s my third fantasy book published and I feel like my excitement continues to grow! As I continue to work on my craft, it brings me great joy to reflect on the progress that I’ve made. It can be easy to let doubt creep in when looking at your work but I think it’s important to focus on the hard work you’ve accomplished and be proud.

Don’t get hung up with past mistakes and instead focus on the lessons learned. Continue to do that over and over again and the results will speak for themselves. Book 3 is written better then book 1, just as book 30 (I’ll get there!) will be better then 3.

Enjoy the process. Write what you like and it’s all good. I enjoy writing fantasy and science fiction but if tomorrow I want to write a crime thriller— I will.

Happy Friday!

Author Cameron Kielb

Btw- Click here to see my website!

Mobtality

Author Cameron Kielb

A flash post

“Do it! Smash the glass!”
I look at the window display, three ‘cool’ dummy models with aloha shirts and rad sunglasses all waving hello. The words ‘Aloha mate!’ Are inscribed on a sign above. Aside from the ridiculously dumb set up, I have no reason to harm these idiotic beach goers. I blink and look around at my so called friends. They’re swarmed around me, like frenzied bees, yelling— spittle spewing from their mouths, as they coax me on.
”Destroy the damn thing!”
”Shatter the glass like they shattered our dreams!” Someone yells.

Oh yeah. Those arrogant bigwigs who probably buy ridiculous aloha clothes and actually go to Hawaii took away my freedom. What about my rights? That’s right, this will show them! I feel the rage swell inside my belly, growing, growing, bursting forth. I can’t contain it! I’m a wild dog off his chain. Hoo!
This will show them…
I raise the eight pound sledge hammer gripped in my white knuckled hands and swing with all my might.

Thanks for reading! I have recently reconverted my website from an alternate host back to webpress! Check it out. Author Cameron Kielb.

This was a flash I had posted previously on the old site. With all the chaos going around, it just felt relevant. These are hard times, but we must keep a level head.

Cameron Kielb

I write action packed fantasy and science fiction works. Check it out!

Ready Player One— A review

I recently finished reading Ready Player One and really enjoyed it!

The story was packed fill of sci-fi advances, inspiring technology, and humble tributes to days past. There are many trivia facts about video games— namely old style arcade games that played a large role in the story itself. Though I enjoyed video games as a kid, I would by no mean call myself a fanatic.

Now, I’m not here to give spoilers but the basic storyline progressed with an interesting, yet perhaps scary real concept of the future.

Virtual reality. Not just for gaming— but life. Virtual reality school. Shops. Parties. You name it. It was a world in which anyone could de-plug from reality and live in a place called the Oasis. The kicker… all the friends you know may not be who you’d expect. The main character finds that out in this book as he searches for a series of “Easter Eggs” hidden within the VR universe.

Side note- I find the idea of an Easter Egg really fun. In fact, I recently sent out an email to my subscribers with a hidden link that took them to a page to purchase my upcoming book Unity, for half off!

Now let’s relate this to life. Are we on the path to making this a reality. If a legitimate, immersive virtual reality program existed today would you plug in? Scary thought, because just looking at how addicted we are to today’s tech— I implore you find many people who aren’t buried in their phones half the day, I’d be afraid of societal collapse. Oh, that sounds grim.

All in all, the story was engaging, and an exciting read cover to cover. I never saw the movie, but will be sure to check it out whenever it comes out on tv. It also got me thinking… as any good book, whether it’s fantasy, science fiction, or any other genre for that matter, should.

Author Cameron Kielb

psst- Book Three of The Kingdom, Unity comes out tomorrow! I’m so excited.

Check out my site for information on my works. Author Cameron Kielb