Far longer than I’ve been a writer, I’ve been a crocheter. Very specifically, I love crocheting stuffed animals. Here are some examples of my work:

None of them turned out perfectly. Some were a bear (no pun intended) to make. But, mostly, there was a lot of joy in making them. I have fun figuring out patterns, going my own way when something isn’t how I want it to be, and putting the finishing touches on a toy to make it the best I can make it.

When I’m done with an animal, unless it’s one I’ve made for myself, it goes in my closet until I give it away. I never wanted to create a crocheted animal business. I make them for fun and for the sense of accomplishment I get when they turn out well. They may not be art, but they are definitely my craft. There’s pride in my work.

You might see where I’m going with this. Now I’m writing books. I didn’t begin with the idea of starting a business and I still don’t want my new hobby to become a job. At first, I just wanted to see what I came up with and explore a path not taken. As it turns out, inventing a story and telling it is hard work but fun!

Still, there’s a problem. Right now, despite putting it out there, it feels like Driftless Spirits is tucked away in my closet, waiting to find a home.

The comparison isn’t perfect. A novel isn’t a one-off, hand-crafted toy. Rather than one home, I hope it finds many. I think I need to help it along. Just like toys are meant to be played with, books are meant to be read.

This all just occurred to me yesterday. I need to think about my writing like I think about my crocheting. Both are hobbies that I do for fun, but I’ve been stressed about writing a story that isn’t being read. Just like my toys, Driftless Spirits isn’t perfect but I think it’s pretty good. I have the confidence that all my toys will eventually find a home, but it’s not that way with my book(s) yet. Thinking about that has been ruining my joy. Time for some changes!

Yesterday I changed the price of the Driftless Spirits ebook to 99 cents. I checked this morning and it looks like (except on Apple) that change has made it to the various sites. I can’t really mark down the print book any more than it is ($13.99) for obvious production and shipping reasons. C’est la guerre.

Over time, I’ll work on ads and promos, but honestly that sounds a lot less fun than writing and even editing. I think my best option is set-and-forget click ads on Amazon and Bookbub, and maybe engaging occasionally with promo sites for perma-99 cent books. I’ve given myself the summer to work on that. Tangled Roots (Book 2) will come out in September. It would be good if more people were anticipating the continuation of Charlotte’s story.

In the meantime, I’ve put my little crocheted raccoon on my desk here to remind me that writing should feel like crocheting. Produce the best thing I can and have fun doing it. Success is finishing the project. Eventually it will find a home.

If you’re interested in starting Charlotte’s journey, here are some links to help you find Driftless Spirits, now permanently at 99 cents for the ebook!