A few years ago, I decided to try my hand at indie publishing.
Since that decision, it’s taken a while to reach the cusp of actually publishing — but there’s not long to go, now, so I thought it past time to update anyone who might still be following this blog.
It’s been a while
I haven’t posted here in a while because blogging became a bit of a chore. I wanted to be working on fiction, not blogging my latest D&D game or travel adventures years after the fact.
This blog was always supposed to focus on my writing journey… but the last post about my writing was in February 2017.
So, the posts about D&D etc petered out, and the blog went on hiatus.
(We’re still playing D&D, though, being almost three years into a new campaign.)
So, what am I publishing?
The fantasy book I’m publishing is called Beyond the Humming Downs — it’s a “hopepunk” fantasy tale of forbidden love, awakening and fighting for societal reformation.
It has personal stakes, a metaphysical “earth” magic system, YA vibes, and a central love story (not spicy romantasy).
It also happens to be the book referred to in the above mentioned February 2017 post. It’s taken me longer (quite a bit longer — eep!) to revise it to a state I’m happy with. But, at last, we’re in the home stretch!
The book is currently being edited and I’m in the process of having a professional cover designed.
My author name is Ellen Starsmore
Originally, I intended to publish under my legal name. But the prospect of a fresh start began to appeal, so I’ve adopted “Ellen Starsmore” as my author identity.
Starsmore is a family name, and I wrote a blog post for my author website about how I came to choose it. The story involves a serendipitous family dinner and a link to William Shakespeare.
If you’re interested in learning more about Beyond the Humming Downs, I’d love you to visit my author website and follow my starsmore socials or subscribe to my mailing list.
Why I’m indie publishing
It wasn’t always my intention to indie publish (that is, independently publish or self-publish).
When I first started writing fantasy, I dreamt of having my books picked up by a major publishing house. (As you do!) Back then, “trad” was the only option. I knew I had a lot to learn, but I wrote (and rewrote), developed my skills, and hoped one day I’d write something worth publishing.
This blog has documented much of that writing journey (although the journey started long before even this site was conceived).
When I decided it was time at last to release Beyond the Humming Downs into the world, my decision to indie publish came down to a few key reasons:
1. I liked the idea of having full control and the prospect of learning the ropes didn’t daunt me (although it probably should have). I actually find it exciting, exhilarating at times, although it is hard.
2. I liked the faster turnaround time offered by indie publishing. I thought it might be good to dispense with the extra lead time. (Somewhat ironic, given it’s still taken a few years.)
3. I believe in this story, but I also know getting a traditional publishing contract is difficult and down to many more factors than simply writing a good book.
So far, so good
Overall, I’m loving this whole indie publishing journey (despite the challenges and steep learning curve). Seeing this project come together is such a thrill.
I have so many balls in the air, right now, it’s daunting. But it’s also exciting.
Indie authors get to do everything. We get to transform our stories, the ones we’ve slaved over, into a complete experience. A book someone might actually pick up (or download) and read.
It might not be what I envisaged all those years ago, when I first dreamt of being a fantasy author, but I still feel like I’m about to realise the dream.
E V Gregory 