Every first Wednesday of the month, the IWSG (Insecure Writer’s Support Group) engages writers to share their fears, thoughts, progress, struggles, excitement, encouragement, or anything really, about their writing. A different question is posed each month as a writing prompt. Answering it is optional. For November, the question is: “Why do you write what you write?”
This amazing, supportive group of writers was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Today, the co-hosts are Jemi Fraser, Kim Lajevardi, L.G Keltner, Tyrean Martinson, and Rachna Chhabria.
My answer to the question
Why do I write what I write? The easiest and “best” answer is: because I enjoy it. But there are nuances to this answer, as I constantly write. Pretty much as long as I’m not exploring or sleeping, I write – diaries for myself to look back at in the future and to potentially refer to; my blog to keep family and friends abreast of our adventures; articles to share fascinating destinations and experiences with readers and to make money; emails to stay in touch with loved ones; blog comments to show support and interest in the lifestyle and work of others; comment replies because I appreciate conversations with readers and learning more about them; and my book to follow a passion, inspire, encourage people to think outside the box, and feel a sense of accomplishment.
My book progress
In case you don’t know yet, my husband, dog, and I are back on the road indefinitely. We left our “home base” in Massachusetts about three weeks ago and took our camper van south through a few states and then west through some more. We are currently in Arkansas. I always keep track of our current location in the right column of this blog, if you’re curious about our whereabouts.
As expected, it has been incredibly difficult – insane, really – to keep up progress towards the forthcoming publication of my travel memoir, Plunge. Besides the driving (often on windy, secondary roads), research for fuel and free camping, exercising the dog, running our usual errands (dump station, gas station, laundromat, grocery stores, fixing stuff that breaks, picking up packages,…), emails, blogs, volunteer work for others (a translation for a family member; proofreading for a friend), and my normal jobs, there was/is still heaps to do on my book. I usually work at night and go to bed exhausted, especially after long driving days or short excursions. The chaos surrounding the US election, the approach of the pandemic, and the sudden passing of my aunt haven’t helped my emotional state.
Obviously, the focus is on getting this memoir published and we have dedicated entire days to this as well. My tentative release date is November 28th, 2020 – my 45th birthday. Now that this has been made public, I better stick to it! More pressure, more stress, more heart palpitations. By now, I’m used to it.
In the last month, I finalized and revealed the front cover of Plunge – One Woman’s Pursuit of a Life Less Ordinary. I received the manuscript back from my two excellent proofreaders. There were A LOT of changes and suggestions to incorporate. This was surprising to me, since I had hired a professional editor at a big expense, financially and time-wise.
My husband typeset the e-book (Reedsy) and the print version (InDesign). Not a small job. We scanned both for obvious formatting problems. We created an account with KDP (Amazon) and IngramSpark (for wider distribution). Both now need the files, which we are still “perfecting.” I just applied for a business license in Massachusetts for my publishing company, which we called Roaming About Press. This required a notary signature and stamp… Luckily, we were able to do this out of state!
I’ve been working on a Plunge photo gallery for my blog, updated my Amazon Author Page once more, and am active on social media every day. On Instagram as well as on my personal Facebook page, I post one memoir-related photo a day (different on both channels); good use for some of those 40,000 images that were taken during my thirties, the period encapsulated in the book. There have been plenty more steps, all coming with the necessary hurdles, but I won’t bore you too much!
Mark, in the midst of typesetting Plunge
What’s next?
Mark and I will prioritize this travel memoir until the day it launches, which means we have to plan around free camping spots that have decent cell service. So far, we’ve spent a lot of nights in box store parking lots near towns. It is what it is. Being exhausted makes us sleep better through these short and noisy nights.
I asked my cover artist to finalize the paperback cover and suggested a few minor changes on the back. She needs the exact page count of the print book, so figuring that out is imminent. We are in the midst of deciding the page layouts, icons for section breaks, and other details. I still have to write my acknowledgement page.
The next big step is to proofread the e-book ourselves and, hopefully, detect the last set of typos. We need to order a proof copy for the paperback (not sure where to ship that yet) and do the same there. Then, we need to fix all the issues and create ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) so I can collect a few reviews before release-date.
Again, you might have noticed the absence of a marketing and promotion plan. Even though I have been contemplating this for months, none of it has materialized, other than my increased social media presence. Two major sailing magazines requested a digital copy for review. But I need to get on with material for guest posts, interviews, and podcasts. And contact the appropriate people. First things first…
If you are interested in being a part of my street team, please let me know in the comments. I might have your email address already, but if not, feel free to leave it through the “contact me” form on this blog. I will still send private emails out, whenever I find a moment, and share my ideas.
Now, it’s back to the drawing board!!!
Halloween blue moon rising over the Tennessee River
How is your writing process going? Are you interested in helping with the promotion of Plunge?
November 4, 2020 at 11:58
Whew! I’m exhausted just reading this. It’ll feel great once your book goes live. If you need an address for shipping, you are free to use my address here at the RV Park and then pick up at your convenience. Just let me know if I can help. Safe travels.
November 5, 2020 at 20:45
Hi Ingid!
Thanks for the address offer. We really have no idea yet where we will drive to and where we will end up… Our initial plan was to go to Colorado and Utah before heading down south in Arizona, passing Phoenix, but I don’t think we will do that anymore. It’s getting too late in the season.
And, we’re going slow, as we have so much work to do and the only way that happens is when we “sit still”. Luckily, it’s in the lower seventies in the south! 🙂 We will need to order the book soon, so we will probably use an Amazon drop box or a general delivery address, which is what we’ve been doing forever. That being said, we do hope to swing by and say hi at some point in the spring!
And, you’re right: it will feel great once the book goes live. That will be a day to celebrate!
November 4, 2020 at 12:02
That’s awesome you are so close to releasing it! let me know what I can do to help.
November 5, 2020 at 20:46
While overwhelming and stressful, these are becoming exciting times as well, Alex. Thanks for the offer. I’ll be in touch! 🙂
November 4, 2020 at 12:47
I know about the final PUSH, and you are doing great! I’m glad Mark is still “all in” with working alongside with design and publication, such a huge help.
My bit will be to do some final perusal of your manuscript, and I will surely write a review at some point.
I’m happy to see someone has volunteered a shipping address. You have a lot of support here because you’ve invested the time and effort to build a platform. Yay, Liesbet! 🙂
November 5, 2020 at 21:54
Hi Marian,
It’s about time that Mark helps out. 🙂 Just kidding. I’m glad he has been helping me so much, lately. We could have never done this if he’d worked for Amazon again this fall. So, everything worked out for the best. He’s also much better than me at researching things, for example.
Imagine the shock I felt, when he let me know a few days ago that we were supposed to register/create a legal business in order to print our own books! We had to buy a business license in MA and we were in Luckily, there as a way out.
Anyway, he took care of the typesetting, patiently incorporated my many changes in both book versions over the last weeks, and set up accounts with KDP and Goodreads for me. He also took care of the ISBN numbers and a few other administrative things. He’s been indispensable. 🙂
Thank you for helping out with the typos and the review, whenever the time is right. I’m still debating whether I should read the book again before putting the ARC copies out (which will cause a delay) or do it now (which will sent the book into the world with more typos than I’d like). Sigh!
November 4, 2020 at 13:49
Let me know what I can do to help with the release! Happy to help with ARC, social media, whatever you need 🙂
November 5, 2020 at 20:49
Thanks, Ellen! I will count on you… 🙂 I’m hoping to have ARC copies ready within a week!
November 4, 2020 at 14:49
Let me know how I can help. My e-mail is tyreantigger (at) gmail (dot) com – I could help with social media shout-outs or a book blog tour/guest spot/interview.
Way to go with the work you’ve done!
November 5, 2020 at 20:56
Hi Tyrean! Thanks for swinging by and leaving a comment. And, I hugely appreciate your willingness to help out. I’ll be in touch within the next week or so! Thank you for co-hosting as well. I still have to do my IWSG rounds. Hopefully this weekend. 🙂
November 4, 2020 at 15:13
You are really doing it! I just followed your Amazon author page. Let me know how I can help.
November 5, 2020 at 20:59
Hi Jacqui, even though I’ve had that Amazon Author Page for ages, I didn’t realize it was “a thing”. Or, that people could follow me there as well. How do you keep track of all these channels… Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Amazon, Goodreads, blogging… Jeez! If I wasn’t overwhelmed already, I would be right now! 🙂 Thanks for offering to help. I’ll be in touch!
November 4, 2020 at 15:27
Such a lot of hard work for this final push! Can’t wait to read it.
November 5, 2020 at 21:02
Thanks, Anabel! I think you might like the book… Even though this project has been in the makes for five years, this last year was the first extended period of time that I’ve been totally committed to it. And, I never could have guessed just how much work, time, and determination would be needed to get this done!
November 4, 2020 at 16:08
Can’t wait! Congratulations, Liesbet. Hopefully you’ll visit my blog after the new year.
November 5, 2020 at 21:03
Thank you, Jill! I know how busy you are. Enjoy your blogging break and I’ll be in touch before the New Year. It will be good to spread out my presence a bit, so thank you for your willingness to host yours truly in 2021!
November 4, 2020 at 16:27
I have read three responses to the “Why do you write” question now and love all the different responses.
I love how thorough you are with the reasons for just about everything you write.
Looking forward to the release of your book. I hope you won’t be too exhausted for a party. I’ve marked your birthday in my calendar.
And, of course, I’d love to be part of your street team.
November 5, 2020 at 21:08
Hi Duwan!
Your words make me smile and I can’t wait to meet up again and spend some extended time together with you and Greg. We have missed your company. So much to talk about. And, so much to celebrate. I sure hope we can hang out together by the 28th of November. I’ve had a bottle of bubbles for two months already, waiting to be opened in good company to celebrate this release (and my birthday). Sigh! It’s hidden in Maya’s dog stuff bag.
I still have to make my blogging rounds to read other answers to this month’s question. I’m exhausted. But, the good thing is that we finally found an amazing place to sit and work for a while. And, maybe even relax a little bit and catch up on my inbox and diaries. 🙂 I’ll be in touch soon!
November 4, 2020 at 17:54
So exciting, Liesbet! I’m looking forward to reading your finished masterpiece!
November 5, 2020 at 21:09
Hi Janis, I’m getting there! Even though the road is long, we are finally seeing the end of it and getting a tad excited. 🙂
November 4, 2020 at 18:48
Exciting time, Liesbet. You’ve got this. Looking forward to reading your book.
November 5, 2020 at 21:10
Thank you, Natalie! You’ve been very kind and supportive in this process and I hope to be the author of one of your 10-20 books you read, one month. 🙂
November 4, 2020 at 20:25
Hi, Liesbet – Congratulations on all of your hard work and commitment. I just followed your Amazon Author Page. I can’t wait to read ‘Plunge’. Let me know if there is anything that I can do to help.
November 5, 2020 at 21:14
Hi Donna! Thank you for being a part of my cheerleading team already and for wanting to help out, too. If there’s a way to link the contents of my book to the themes of your blog (adventure, travel, inspiration maybe?), I very happily do a guest post on your blog. Otherwise, just spread the news of my release or your thoughts of the book after reading it… I’ll send you an email one of these days. 🙂
November 4, 2020 at 22:18
Congratulations on all your hard work and progress (even though it might not feel like progress). I can only imagine how difficult it is to find time to work on your book while dealing with critical issues like food and shelter.
It’s such a long and painstaking process to get a book out the door! Hooray for you for taking the time and effort to make it as perfect as you can. One thing about typos: Even when you think you’ve gotten them all; after your editor, beta readers, proofreaders, advance readers, ALL THOSE PEOPLE have gone through it… you’ll still find typos. It’s maddening but true. I went through the same process as you with the same level of concentration, but even now, years after my first books were published, sometimes I STILL find an occasional typo. I used to get frustrated, but now I just shake my head in resignation, fix it, and wait for the next one to get reported. It’s a way of life… 😉
November 5, 2020 at 21:26
Hi Diane,
I never thought the publication process would be this painstaking and tough! And, I’ve tackled quite a few challenging projects in the past. This one is insane! But, I do believe it does get easier with practice. Already now, I say “The next time I write a book, I will do such and such differently!”
While I hate to believe you about the typos, I do believe you. Here’s my issue, though. Not only am I a perfectionist, but typos have been a pet peeve of mine forever. Other people’s typos that is. This started in the Dutch language (I was a teacher in Belgium) and continued in the English language, where I am appalled at (by?) all the mistakes, inconsistencies, and typos I detect in every publication and book I read. Even bestsellers.
So, to know (and I do know) that my very own book has typos, almost literally kills me. Yes, I have to get over that, but this means dropping my pet peeve as well, more than likely. Because now I totally understand how hard it is to find every typo in a 88K book! Or even in blog posts and comments. We are all flawed!
November 6, 2020 at 14:46
I know exactly what you mean. Typos drive me absolutely nuts! In the front matter of my books, I ask readers to let me know if they find any. That way, at least I know that my books are gradually becoming error-free. I might not live long enough to say goodbye to the last typo, but I’m making progress. 😉
November 8, 2020 at 11:05
Maybe we should think of it as “typos add character to our books.” 🙂 I was playing with the idea to ask readers for the same, but decided against it. If a reader is like me, he/she will mark the typos and contact the author on their own account. If they’re not like me, I didn’t want to stress the fact that there are typos to be found… Although, it could be like a treasure hunt!! 🙂
November 5, 2020 at 01:47
Wow. Good luck. It looks so sorted out. So much of hard work. Wish you success with the book.
I also liked what you wrote about writing…Diary, mails, blogs, articles and your book.
November 5, 2020 at 21:28
Hi Sonia! Thank you for the wishes. I think when we, writers and authors, think about what we do all day, every day, a lot involves writing. Even shopping lists! Or, replying to comments. Sometimes I really wonder where we keep getting the energy to keep typing away, all… the… time!
November 5, 2020 at 02:22
Way to go. I love your enthusiasm and energy and the fact that you are in it together. Keep going. You’re nearly there.
November 5, 2020 at 21:30
Thank you, Trace. It does feel like we are finally making progress. I do get to mark a few things off the to-do list every day, which is great! :-);
November 5, 2020 at 02:34
Good luck with the release. Finger crossed for you, but I doubt you’ll need it. 😉
Anna from elements of emaginette
November 5, 2020 at 21:31
Oh, Anna! You are always so efficient with your comments! Thank you for believing in me. It warms my heart. 🙂
November 5, 2020 at 19:18
Like several have said, I’m exhausted just reading this! Self-publishing is crazy, Liesbet, but once you’ve done it, it gets easier. I’m glad you have Mark to typeset your pages into the reading files. I really need a lesson on how to create a mobi file for kindle. But that is for 2021! Congrats on all your work and accomplishments so far, it’s quite remarkable! When it’s ready to buy, I will get one and definitely leave a review at the right time. I’m excited for you!
November 5, 2020 at 21:45
Hi Terri!
I can’t believe you went through all this with your first book on photography. Yes, we are learning a lot. Thing is, initially, I never thought I’d write another book. But now, after all that hard work and heaps of expenses, the only way to make it all worthwhile (it seems) is by writing more books! Haha. I’d need a decent break first, though. 🙂
I think creating the mobi file itself is not hard, as once the e-book is finished, there are services that do the conversions automatically. As far as I understand. It’s the typesetting that takes a while. We used Reedsy, which is a straightforward and free tool. If you ever have any questions, let me know. And, thank you for your interest in buying Plunge!
November 5, 2020 at 23:16
I didn’t do half the stuff you are doing on my first book, Liesbet. I hired someone to create the mobi file and create the cover. I will definitely check out Reedsy when the time comes!
November 8, 2020 at 11:00
I’m hoping any subsequent books will take less time and effort, Terri, so all the work this time around will pay off. 🙂
November 6, 2020 at 00:49
Hi Liesbet, if I can help tell some networks in Australia let me know. So pleased you have got to publish. Volcan told us it is a great read. Marion
November 8, 2020 at 11:01
Hi Marion!!!
So nice to hear from you. I will send an email out to all my contacts whenever the book is available on pre-order, so people can buy Plunge and spread the word. Thank you for your willingness to help. Yes, Volkan and Heather both enjoyed the book a lot, after worrying that they wouldn’t at first!! 🙂
November 6, 2020 at 11:31
Good going… You are almost there! Good Luck.
November 8, 2020 at 11:03
Thank you, Damyanti! I appreciate your sharing my posts on Twitter as well. I can’t keep up with it all!!
November 6, 2020 at 19:45
Oh I need to have a rest after reading your action in the past weeks Liesbet. Great that you have set a deadline and I’m very much looking forward to reading the book. I’d be happy to have you do a guest pot or interview on our blog about the book if that is helpful. I can certainly do some sharing on social media too.
November 8, 2020 at 11:09
Thank you for the help, Sue. I’ll be in touch about that, later this month. I’d love to appear on your blog again, and since my memoir is travel-related, it might pique the interest of your readers. I have some guest post ideas I need to work out, but haven’t had time to put a plan or schedule together, as we need to get the actual book completed and uploaded first. Sigh! I’m still in that action-mode right now. You don’t want to know. I can’t even imagine leaving our current (amazing and free) campsite again and hitting the road, eating all my time up once more, as I do book work for about ten hours a day at the moment.
November 7, 2020 at 12:00
You truly are amazing, Liesbet! And so lucky to have your husband on board to help you. Please let me know what I can do to help. All best to you!
November 8, 2020 at 11:11
Mark has been indispensable right now, Victoria, and I’m glad he is putting the time and effort in to help with the publication of Plunge. I think he is as “fed up” with this project dragging on as I am, haha!!
November 8, 2020 at 07:54
I can see you’re already snowed-under with offers of help, and you already have my email address, so I’m standing by ready to help promote your new book, Liesbet. However, don’t feel you need to rush in contacting me – I’m going nowhere, so contact me when you’re good and ready to do so and we can discuss a guest post. You’ve a lot on your plate at the moment, but I know you’ll take things one step at a time.
November 8, 2020 at 11:13
Hi Hugh! Thank you for wanting to help out and for giving me time to digest everything I need to digest before diving into that part of the book release. I will be in touch, either about a guest post about the theme you have going right now, or about another topic. I’ve had you in mind as part of my street team for a while now!! 🙂
November 8, 2020 at 11:29
Brilliant, thats great to hear, Liesbet. I look forward to hearing from you in due course.
November 8, 2020 at 11:39
Congrats Liesbet for getting this far!
It does seem like an interminable list of action items but it’s well known that immense stamina is required, especially for “the last mile”. It most definitely feels more like a marathon than a sprint and seems as if the nomadic lifestyle complicates the need for calm and thorough review of this and that draft. Sounds like you are making good progress and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Amused to see that you and Ben share the same birthday of Nov 28th as Ben! Go Sag!
Good luck with the marketing. I would be happy to email news of your book to friends whom might enjoy reading it. You have my email!!
Our writing is lagging behind and we are just hoping to get our blog up to date as we decide whether to linger on in Oaxaca city or move on…. one day at a time.
Love your book cover! It’s perfect 👌🏽
Peta & Ben
November 9, 2020 at 21:29
Hello Peta and Ben!
It certainly has been a long marathon and I am getting extremely tired (of it). You summarize this process really well. All would be fine if I wouldn’t have set this (tight under the circumstances) deadline and if I wouldn’t have underestimated how much work is (still) needed to bring this project to a satisfactory end. It’s insane. Being a perfectionist doesn’t help. Is that an attribute of sags?? 🙂
It looks like you’re having a nice time in Oaxaca city. The blogs can wait! It’s tough to write and travel at the same time…
Thank you for the offer to help. Once I send an email to my friends and family about the release of Plunge, I’ll probably ask people to “spread the word.”
November 9, 2020 at 22:57
Welcome to the part that suck LOL. Congrats again and see you at my blog on the 4th. Love the cover! <3
November 10, 2020 at 22:55
Oh, if I ever write a book again, there are so many things that I would do differently!!!! 🙂 See you on the fourth!!
November 11, 2020 at 23:44
Hi Liesbet! Okay I am obviously VERY late to getting around to congratulating you (along with all your other friends) on your progress. I know that everything you are going through isn’t easy–and I took an easier route that you for sure–but it does take perseverance and determination! Have I told you how much I love the cover design and it’s exciting that you have some sailing magazines interested in reviewing. Reaching out that way to target markets will really help I’m sure. Meanwhile, I’m waiting like all your fans to see your finished product. And the 28th will be here before we know it! ~Kathy
November 13, 2020 at 21:44
There is never a “too late” here, Kathy! I love receiving comments (and compliments!) any time of the day, week, month, year, and decade. 🙂 I’m glad you like the cover. The book has been condensed and tightened since you last read it, plus I added photos and the like. It’s been an insane amount of work, time, dedication, and perseverance. Especially these last two weeks, where I was behind my computer non-stop from 8am until 10pm. Crazy! I’m exhausted and so ready for a break. But, guess what? It’s done. Both versions of the book are finished and now I can focus on promotion! You’ll get the final product in your inbox in a couple of days!!
December 7, 2020 at 14:07
Liesbet, I am so impressed with your persistence in this final stage of getting the book out. Such a huge amount of work, complicated by the fact of being on the road. I am just going through the process of reviewing literary agency websites and getting ready to start querying for my novel. And, as you know, I’ve ordered your book and am waiting for it to arrive any day.
Jude
December 8, 2020 at 18:12
Reviewing agents and agencies is very time consuming, but kind of fun! I made so many lists and spreadsheets “way back when.” Wishing you a lot of success and at least one taker for your novel, Jude. And, I hope you enjoy coming along for the ride in Plunge!