r/wroteabook

I wrote my first novel at 70. I'm still not a bestselling author at 73.

The world did not throw a parade for book one. My daughter, who became my marketing manager somewhere between love and obligation, worked harder than I deserved. We got a Kirkus review. I celebrated until I realized most readers have never heard of Kirkus. 😂

Before the books, I spent four decades as a mime comedian and motivational speaker. 90 countries. More stories than I knew what to do with. Eventually I sat down and wrote one.

The algorithm stayed quiet. No bestseller list called. But slowly, readers found it. Real ones, who emailed to say they stayed up embarrassingly late, or that the Irish history hit somewhere unexpected, or that they immediately bought the next one.

Three books published now. A fourth being written.

Nobody handed me the title. No list, no algorithm, no industry gate opened and waved me through. I just kept going anyway. That turns out to be most of it.

If you wrote something and the world didn't notice, keep writing. The world is slow, and so am I, apparently. 😂

If you're curious, the first one is called The Key to Kells - a thriller built around a genetic mutation that lets people access their ancestors' actual memories, spanning Philadelphia, Ireland, and Jamaica.

I wrote a book, and then I actually published it. I’ve never done anything like this before, so it still feels a little strange! In a good way. It started when a friend of mine told me they didn't like my idea of an RPG character and my girlfriend told me just to write the story instead!

It’s called Auriel. I’m proud of myself for sticking with it and getting it all the way to a finished book. I still can't believe you can just 'start' writing a book on google docs and go through the whole process to publishing it after many rounds of editing! Now I'm hooked!

It’s a fantasy story about Auriel, an exiled celestial trying to find a way home, and Pip, a whimsical jackrabbit navigator who joins her on the journey. Along the way, they meet some unique characters who provide guidance and assistance might offer Auriel answers to why she was sent here. There's also a ruthless mercenary named Kord. Just to throw that out there :)

If you want to take a look, here’s the link: https://a.co/d/0fWutvI7

Boy, sounds like a kickass name for a self help guide, but this is a questions, not a statement.

I've tried. Paid ads on Meta. Caught trending topics and made videos for the book. Had interesting meme worthy copy ads, but nothing.

Few friends, mostly colleagues, and family. That's all.

Need help to promote!