I’m retiring

[David Bridger]

In the context of the Wild West of the current publishing industry, I suppose I’ve gone back East.

It isn’t a comment on the industry, or any part of it. It’s simply my health condition, which is well-documented elsewhere on FM so I won’t bore everyone with it in this post too.

Suffice to say that I’m already a slow writer by nature, even if I wasn’t too ill to write a word for several months of every year. This disqualifies me from enjoying an active author career. Since 2010 I’ve had seven books released through four digital publishers (only one of which turned out to be a nightmare company, so I don’t consider that to be too bad a record) and I’ve always lifted and carried my end of the promo burden faithfully, knowing each time that there would be a health-related cost to future productivity. Despite those sacrificial efforts, my sales have never been great. Excellent reviews, and a small but solid group of faithful readers. Crap sales.

So digital publishing isn’t for me. I don’t write the stuff most epub buyers want to read, and even if I did I can’t write enough of it. And I’m definitely too ill to tackle self-publishing. Honestly, if I was well enough to run a business, I’d be running a business. I watch my self-publishing friends with awe and respect, while knowing I couldn’t do what they do.

Which leaves the Big 5 traditional publishers. And an old-fashioned sort of writing career, producing one novel per year. For which I’d need an agent. I’ve never been able to get one of them, either. Came very close last year, but it didn’t happen. And truthfully, I’m not sure any agent worth his or her salt would be interested in my old-fashioned sort of career. They need to make a living.

So what I’m doing is just writing, for the two or three or sometimes even four months per year I tend to be able to write. I’m effectively retired from the industry, through circumstances, not intent. But I’m still joyfully a writer. Craft is my love and my strength.

It’s a sadness, but not a calamity like my traumatic medical retirement from the navy was. That was a fiery hell. This is just a quiet walk into the woods at dusk.

[ErinMH]

I’m glad to know that you’re still writing as much as your health permits, but I will miss reading more work by you.

[David Bridger]

Thanks, Erin.

[jschara]

I’m sorry to hear your health has you in this position, but I’m glad you can still enjoy writing when you are able. I have enjoyed reading what you’ve written.

[David Bridger]

Thank you, Jean.

[Ashe Elton Parker]

Sorry to hear your health has forced you into this, but I’m glad you’re still finding ability to write at all when you’re able.

Ashe Elton Parker
"Just love me, fear me, do as I say, and I will be your slave." ~ David Bowie as Jareth in Labyrinth
~*~
Member since 1998.
~*~

[David Bridger]

Thank you, Ashe.

[Magic Seeker]

Hugs, David. I’m sad you need to step away from the profession, but glad you can write at your own pace. Best wishes to you.

Happy writing,
Deb Salisbury
The Mantua-Maker, Quality Historical Sewing Patterns and Books
www.mantua-maker.com

The Art of the Hoop: 1860 - 1869, Dress, Sewing, and Clothing Care Advice
https://www.mantua-maker.com/a---1860s-fashion.html

Dead Wizard's Loot: Wizard Whitewing #1
http://www.djsalisburybooks.com/Dead-Wizard-s-Loot.html

[David Bridger]

Thank you, Deb.

[MarFisk]

Hugs.

Taking care of yourself is the most important part, as is knowing your limits. I fall into that faithful reader category, and I’m thrilled that you’re still letting yourself write, but I understand about the publishing. It can take a lot out of a person and doesn’t always give back.

Enjoy your writing and creativity at the pace that is viable for you . That’s what’s key. And you can always hit me up when you feel the need to talk about writing…or even share something you’re happy with.

Hang in there.

She remakes mechanical devices, and he dreams of becoming a steamship captain in The Steamship Chronicles. Book 1 is free in eBook.
https://margaretmcgaffeyfisk.com/the-steamship-chronicles/

[David Bridger]

Thank you, Margaret. I will.

[zette]

I fully understand your thoughts on this, but if you ever have something you want published, remember to come to me. A Conspiracy of Authors is still open to you, whenever you have anything of any length.

[David Bridger]

Thank you, Zette.

[AlexFF]

Big (and gentle) hugs David! I will miss your stories, but I too am glad that you’ll still be writing – I also write for me first and consider the publishing part secondary. It’ll be nice to write for pure pleasure with no “I gotta sell” pressure.

[David Bridger]

Thanks, Alex. Yes to all of that.

[Author]

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