Man, another amazing day at the 20Books Vegas conference. I know I said that yesterday, but it really, really was today. It was INSPIRING to see these authors up there sharing their paths to success and saying “I am not a fluke. This is how I did this. You can do this, too.” I’m so, soooo glad that I came to this thing. And, I’m glad I decided to do what I did, which was committed to being a full-time writer. My life is going to be more full, rewarding and happy for making this choice.
My brain, I must admit, is currently mush. I have met literally DOZENS of fellow writers in just the past 36 hours. I had none before this. Now I have dozens.
Everyone at this conference is so freaking nice, so excited to be writing and telling stories, and so willing to share their own experiences and tips. Lindsay Baroker (man, I know I’m not spelling that right, but I can’t look it up at the moment) spoke today on stage with Michael, and she was my favorite. I think. I love her podcast, and I actually had no idea quite how successful she was. She’s sold over 2 million books. Man. I had no idea. I knew she was making a living, but I had no idea. And, it didn’t surprise me. Of all the podcast hosts that I listen to each week, I’ve always listened the closest to Lindsay, and that’s the truth…and it’s because she’s always so honest and genuine. I know that has to translate into her books…and so it doesn’t surprise me that she’s sold 2 million books.
I want to sell that many books. You only sell that many books, at least as an indie, if you’ve found a voice in your writing that is truthful, honest, and vulnerable. I mean, along with exciting, funny, and all that stuff too. But, yeah…I found myself thinking a lot about craft and TRUTH today at this conference, which is odd, because so much of the speakers were really focused on hard marketing skills. I guess it’s because all marketing still comes back to the product that it’s selling…and if you have a quality product at the end of a marketing funnel…then you can make some really good money. That’s what I want.
That’s all for tonight. I’m freaking exhausted. I think I got 5 hours of sleep last night, and it was a looooooong day. No drinking tonight 😛 I’m so old.
Good night. I’m so happy to have new author friends 🙂