Friday Conversation | Ep 143: The Dregs Release Celebration w/ Thomas J. Devens, Michael R. Fletcher, Jarrod & Chris Mohan

In this episode, hosts and guests dive into Thomas J. Devans' new project, The Dregs - exploring the creative and logistical challenges of cover art, the themes in his book, and the complexities of the publishing world. They touch on the writing process, genre transitions, and how independent authors can maintain visibility. The episode is infused with humor and deep insights into both traditional and self-publishing.

Buy The Dregs: https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Thomas-J-Devens-ebook/dp/B0DHV3YBJX

Find Thomas: https://fallofemros.blogspot.com/

Find Fletcher: https://michaelrfletcher.com/

Find Chris: https://www.youtube.com/@chrismohan and https://www.youtube.com/@TheChronicleofChris

Find Jarrod: https://www.youtube.com/@thefantasythinker

Key Takeaways:

• Cover Art & Marketing: Effective cover art is essential; stock image use presents unique challenges.
• Book Structure: Each book in Devans' series can stand alone, providing flexibility to readers.
• Writing & Experience: Personal experiences shape the writing process and influence content.
• Genre Transitions: Switching genres is challenging but can yield creative rewards.
• Visibility Strategies: Keeping a backlog of work helps sustain author visibility.
• Sales & Reviews: Independent authors often face challenges tracking sales; a single positive review can significantly boost book visibility.
• Humor & Dark Themes: Humor can be an effective tool, even within darker storylines.
• Publishing Realities: The path to publishing is full of surprises and requires resilience.
• Community & Collaboration: Authors benefit from critique, pre-sales strategies, and relationships within the writing community. Helping others is valuable but requires clear boundaries.
• Creative Dedication: Passion and dedication are vital in the creative process, as is recording ideas for future use.
• Self-Publishing Evolution: Modern tools have made self-publishing more accessible, offering creative freedom while demanding patience and strategic effort.
• Contract Literacy: Understanding publishing contracts is critical for authors.
• Launching a Book: Celebrating a launch is a distinct experience, varying widely among authors.
• Learning & Growth: Insights from experienced editors and constructive critique help writers develop their skills.