I've given up speaking in public, doing interviews, responding to people who want my help in some way, traveling around the country signing books, and several other things I don't enjoy about my career.
I no longer require the approval of others, no longer need to help everyone reach their goals, and no longer want to spend time self-promoting to sell print books in a dying industry. I've always believed advertising is worthless, and these days I see no need for extensive self-promotion.
After all, without doing any of the above-mention things, I made over $40,000 in January. All through self-publishing.
So I've finally reached a point where I can do what I want to do, maximizing my happiness, minimizing discomfort, without having to answer to anyone.
It's glorious.
That said, I'll be making what will likely be my final public appearance for a while, this weekend.
Love is Murder is a Chicago-based mystery writing convention taking place this weekend, February 4-6. at the Intercontinental O'Hare.
I'm doing a panel about ebooks, and it'll be the last time you can corner me one-on-one and personally pick my brain.
My panel is 11 to 12 on Saturday, and Saturday night I'm also going to be hosting a gameshow with the headliners, including F. Paul Wilson, Joseph Finder, Rhys Bowen, and other big shots. The game is called Stump the Stars, where I read sections from their books and see if they recognize them. When they don't, I publicly humiliate them. It's a fun time.
So if you're a writer in the Midwest, it's worth digging out of the snow to attend Love is Murder. Lots of good panels, the fine company of your peers, and I'm bringing a few bottles of expensive whiskey and I'm known to throw room parties.
Hope to see you there.