Hi Reader,

I’m tackling a new project. Not that I have time for a new project! The Indie Writer Game. Being an indie writer isn’t easy. Being an indie writer with a day job is even harder. I’ve been thinking about the focus of my YouTube channel, and I think this might be the way to go. A weekly recap of the challenges, goals, unexpected problems, and successes of an indie writer trying to leave the day job behind.

In 2009, I attended a two-week long masterclass for professional writers. Taught by Dean Wesley Smith and Kristine Kathryn Rusch, it was intense. Two weeks of writing and business lessons, more assignments and reading than it was possible to do. It was an incredible experience.

One of the activities was the Game. The objective of the game: get off the day job. It was a detailed simulation of a writer’s career. At the time it was aimed at a traditional publishing career. We wrote proposals (I went on to write some of those novels). The simulation broke down the math behind a writer’s career. It detailed the size and timing of advances (based on the novels pitched and contracts). It incorporated “life rolls”—events, positive and negative—that came up in each simulated year.

Now I’m wanting to do something similar—except for real this time. I’m eligible for early retirement. That’s great, but my retirement (even after over thirty years) isn’t enough income to retire on. In another country, possibly, one with universal healthcare, but not here. Not when that’s our only income. If I wait until full Social Security retirement age (67 years old), when I’m eligible for Medicare, maybe—but that’s more than a decade away! (Really. I’m old, but not that old).

On the other hand, if income from my writing career increased sufficiently, combined with my early retirement income, we could get by. If I matched my retirement income, that might be enough. I need to sit down and work out the details, considering taxes and everything else. I think we can make it work. That's the goal—how many years can I shave off?

If you don’t already subscribe to my channel on YouTube, consider hitting that subscribe button. Not a lot there right now, but more to come. Here’s my first short.

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Street Team

Last week I talked about starting an ARC team, or I guess it’s also called a Street Team? BookBub shared a writer’s story about it this week—great timing—and it gave me some ideas. Here's that button (and this time, hopefully it’ll work).

Paranormal Promo

The paranormal deals promo I shared last week runs until Sep. 15th, so you’ve still got time to check out the books listed.

Autumn SFFH Promo

Science fiction, fantasy, and horror fans—this one is for you! Fill up your TBR pile.

Until next time, happy reading!

Ryan

Until next time, happy reading,

Ryan

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