Becoming a Writer

I am new to this writing thing. I have always liked to write, but I was always too self-conscious and critical to share it with anyone. I wrote poems and songs when I was younger and only a select few people were allowed to view them. I don’t have a background in journalism, English, or writing. I have been working in the human service field for over 25 years with experience and an education in psychology and human behavior.

Last year motivated me to finally tell a story that was in my head for years. Being stuck in my house during the pandemic, with no place to go, pushed me to jump on my laptop and start typing. A funny thing happened. I became addicted to writing. I know I have a lot to learn and I am not the best writer, but it was the perfect outlet. I looked forward to it.

Once I wrote about 30 thousand words, I started to see my story come to life; I knew how I wanted it to end. I didn’t do an outline or plot out the chapters before I started. I kind of just winged it. I liked doing it that way and my next book I will probably do it the same way. However, this won’t work for everybody.

After editing it for the 6th time, I pulled the trigger and self-published through KDP Amazon. It was easy and I have sold 10 copies in one week. I’m not going to make a lot of money, but I didn’t write the book to do that. I want to get my story out there for people to enjoy. It is a vulnerable feeling to put yourself out there like that, but isn’t that what life is about in the first place? Life should be about taking risks and putting yourself out there.

Now I am in the confusing and difficult stage of promoting my book, hence writing this post! I will come back and share how things are going with my new journey into writing and self-publishing. I already started my second book, and by the time I am done, I hope to be more experienced at all of this.

Kevin Slimmer is the author of his debut psychological thriller, The Shelter.