I think we’ve established my love for writing. I won’t shut about it, right? I mean, enough already… But I just can’t help it. Finding the right combination of words that reach inside someone’s brain and touch their emotional existence is an indescribable feeling.

But you know what isn’t indescribable? The business of writing. In fact, I can describe in three short words — it fucking sucks.

I finished my book back in July, and here we are in March of the next year, and I’m still working the gears of the system to get it out into the world. Proofreading, editing, book cover design, starting an LLC, buying ISBNs, formatting your ebook, formatting your book for print, buying a domain, starting a website, designing a website, putting the book on Amazon for pre-order, putting it on NetGalley for advanced readers. I mean, holy shit. That only scratches the surface. I didn’t even mention all the work the goes into marketing and promotion.

Why didn’t anyone tell me it was this much work? I just want to write, goddammit. How can I focus on writing if I’m doing the work of an entire publishing company? Somebody tell me it gets easier.

I mean, I’m sure it gets easier if you have the magical equalizer — money. I just want to pay someone to do all of this soul-crushing work for me. I’ve definitely learned a lot about the business, but I’ve learned about as much as I ever need to.

That’s the beauty of a debut novel. It’s the only novel you’ll ever write that isn’t accompanied by all these complicating factors in the background. It’s all about the writing, and nothing else. For those of you who are writing your debut novel — enjoy it. It’s all downhill from here.