OF INTRODUCTIONS AND METACOMMENT...

Chaos Graffiti

Friend of TheBlurb and member of TheInfected, Steve Taylor-Bryant, introduces the new website with some commentary on publishing and Kneel...



In my previous incarnation I was a man of ideas looking for a world of words, a being of sales looking for a home, an unpredictable droid searching for a way into a predictable situation. I am not a novelist, I have 3 started manuscripts but tire easily when having to work for myself. I like other people, I like their commitment to their projects, and, if I'm completely honest, I like to take credit for other folk's blood, sweat and tears. This inevitably brought me to the community you all know as the "self published author", a tag I hate, as it makes it incredibly difficult to sort the wheat from the chaff. So you have a book? Good for you! If I don't know about it how the hell am I going to be able to read it? So many writers of talent lack belief or ability in marketing themselves, are too scared to offend friends by pushing a link to their product and I get that, I really do. A few years ago when I was beginning the aforementioned journey I met Kneel Downe. A genius with a pen, a top bloke, a soulmate, but he was so immersed in his universe and his characters he seemed to struggle with marketing what is an incredible storytelling form.

This brings me to a question I was asked on social media. How do self published writers get themselves known? Well Kneel had all the answers, he just didn't know it at the time.

Kneel is a generous artist (I really wanted to say lover then!) and whilst, like all creators, he loves his characters, he encourages others to join. Whether that is through his fan club, The Infected, or via his friends, the job gets done. Far too often people become a bit precious about their work. They become insular and blinded by control. Whatever floats your boat but I can tell you, from experience, you can't do it all on your own. Even the most successful authors have teams of hard working folk in the background. The writer has the idea and transfers that vision to the page. That is where it should end in my opinion. An editor takes a look and does the corrections that are required, maybe referring back to the author with some notes on possible changes, then an artist makes a cover, someone is responsible for publishing either in print or digital or both, which, in itself, is no mean feat by the way, then the word must be spread. I'm shattered just writing this, imagine doing it all on your own?

Then you come to different issues that not every author will come across, but many will, "The Universe and what to do with it". Kneel doesn't write conventional novels, he creates vast landscapes where anything can happen and eventually links back to a single event. Each book is different. Each book creates a vibe that needs listening to. Each book spurs a different project. Amelia's Song is currently being adapted as a fairytale style comic, Kurt Lobo and his debut solo outing, The JackPort Killer, is now an audiobook made by one of the most reputable audio companies in the world, and the media rights for the criminally insane superheroes are currently available for a screen adaptation. Now tell me it can all be done on your own!

My point is this. Don't be scared to allow others into your vision. Don't be frightened to let your grip loosen as trusted comrades come into your life. Concentrate on the important thing - the words. With a little help the rest will take care of itself. Kneel is a genius, a visionary unlike any other I know, and I am both humbled and proud to be a small cog in his huge wheel,so please enjoy this new and improved home for Kneel's universe, explore and wonder at the various tangents you'll be taken on. Just make sure I get all the credit...

 
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