There is such a big build-up to writing a book and then having it published - it is a huge accomplishment. But considering why you wrote that book can determine where you go next after the book comes out. Of course there are lots of marketing activities such as book signings, readings, interviews, podcasts and so on that make up part of your life at that point, but then the question is "What next?"
Is your book an "issue book" as mine is - about the issue of healing from domestic abuse, or as Shannon Moroney's book "Through the Glass" is - about the issue of what happens to a family when one of its members commits a crime or is it about dealing with child abuse, recovering from serious illness or having a mental illness? If so, you may want your book to be your calling card - your statement to the world that you know your topic and want to educate others about the issue. This can lead to speaking engagements, or being part of a panel or work group that helps to deal with the issue.
In my case, writing about my life was something I felt compelled to do. I love to write and I wanted to make sense of the things that had happened to me in my life.
But my original career had been giving courses, teaching, designing courses, and mentoring people. After spending so much time learning to write my book in this, to me, new genre of creative non-fiction, I wanted to combine what I had learned with my former career - teaching. In addition, I am a retired psychologist so the perfect fit for me is helping people write their difficult stories.
Take into consideration what your complete skill set is and then use it - maybe you simply want to keep on writing but maybe you have other talents and skills that would combine with writing, as I do.
Is your book an "issue book" as mine is - about the issue of healing from domestic abuse, or as Shannon Moroney's book "Through the Glass" is - about the issue of what happens to a family when one of its members commits a crime or is it about dealing with child abuse, recovering from serious illness or having a mental illness? If so, you may want your book to be your calling card - your statement to the world that you know your topic and want to educate others about the issue. This can lead to speaking engagements, or being part of a panel or work group that helps to deal with the issue.
In my case, writing about my life was something I felt compelled to do. I love to write and I wanted to make sense of the things that had happened to me in my life.
But my original career had been giving courses, teaching, designing courses, and mentoring people. After spending so much time learning to write my book in this, to me, new genre of creative non-fiction, I wanted to combine what I had learned with my former career - teaching. In addition, I am a retired psychologist so the perfect fit for me is helping people write their difficult stories.
Take into consideration what your complete skill set is and then use it - maybe you simply want to keep on writing but maybe you have other talents and skills that would combine with writing, as I do.
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