Last week, I gave my perspective on the anthology and why I write so many stories for them.  This week, we get a different perspective from @Carlos Hazday. Carlos shares his beginning as a writer and also gives some great advice about marketing.  

 Carlos Hazday

After joining Gay Authors in July 2013, my membership lagged unused until I became active a year later. A newbie with zero writing experience, I gained confidence slaving over weekly prompts for a bit. Maybe not actually slaved since I was writing funny stuff readers responded well to. I got cocky.

Then I tried writing something for Chain Reaction, the Winter 2014 Anthology, and met Cia. Her reputation preceded her and was well deserved. Very politely, as is her way, she trashed Allah’s Revenge. But only after telling me how dystopian stories were a favorite genre. I probably ruined it for her. My short story deserved multiple chapters and more detail. But hey, I didn’t know better.

I screamed, I pulled my hair, I called her names, readers came to my defense… But you know what? Whatever it was she said was right. It did not sink in immediately, but when it did, it stuck with me and helped me improve. I learned to limit the scope of short stories and focus on the essentials.

Cia’s an overachiever, as much as my character CJ, and like him juggles plenty of responsibilities. The fact she found time to read what I wrote and gave me thoughtful feedback was surprising. Since then I’ve realized she, and other long-time members make an effort to read and comment on anthology entries. So do a lot of regular members.

That brings me to the main thrust of this blog: Marketing.

Newer authors often bemoan their stories receiving limited views, reactions, and comments, while most established authors seem to create a buzz if they publish a dinner menu. Totally unfair, right?

Not in my opinion. Those well-received stories usually follow a list of previous works that captured readers’ imagination. It did not happen overnight. But no matter how well-written something might be, if people don’t read your work, fame and fortune may pass you by. Okay, nothing that drastic but I’m certain all of us would enjoy a few more interactions with followers.

That’s where an Anthology submission can help. Yes, it’s an opportunity to try something new, characters, style, setting, and a chance to get feedback from people who may not normally comment on what they read. But above all, your Anthology entry will get you eyes.

More people seeing your name and your story means more potential fans. GA’s Marketing Department (LMAO) is doing its part by publicizing the project. Time for you to do yours.

If you write it, they will read it.