Author David Estes: "First copy of The Moon Dwellers - this is me holding the very first copy of The Moon Dwellers, the book that changed my life!" (Photo permission and courtesy of David Estes. Credit: Photo by Adele Estes, July 15, 2012, taken on the North Shore of Hawaii).
It’s been great speaking to your wife, and she has only had amazing things to say about your book. I am always more than happy to help new Indie authors navigate the ever–changing world of self–publishing. A little about me: I was an accountant at one of the Big Four for almost ten years, before my wife (who was also an accountant), convinced me to start writing, something I always wanted to do. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. After eighteen months, we quit our day jobs and made it a full–time gig. I’ve been writing and publishing for a little over five years and I am proud to say that it supports us in full, which is a dream come true. I have more than 20 books out thus far, and have improved my craft with each one. I primarily write in the Science Fiction and Fantasy realms, like you.
— David Estes (email message to me, Tue., May 17, 2016 at 3:34 p.m.)
[Please note: This posting is the first of two with David Estes.]
He did something that not many people do, particularly those who dwell within this particular industry. First, he didn’t sugarcoat the information he gave me. He didn’t “showboat”, either. His response was kind, direct and to the point. These qualities of sharing information in such a manner are deeply appreciated because for the past three years of my investigating this field, I have discovered that there are a disturbing number of people who are feathering their nests in it. It is to the point that you can get lost in the labyrinth of detail, that each one offers, most of which seems at cross purposes with what a beginning writer is trying to accomplish. You can also spend a tremendous amount of money in following the breadcrumb trail of self–publishing advice.
Adele Estes reading to son Beau. (Photo permission and courtesy of David Estes. Credit: David Estes, March 3, 2016, Honolulu, Hawaii.)
David said that his love of reading was a major force in his love of being immersed in a great story. He talked about how he and his wife Adele regularly read to their young son Beau every day. He believes that this literary exposure to his son is of vital importance.
I think many writers go through periods of self–doubt, especially when things aren’t going as well as they’d hoped. If I were to ONLY read my negative reviews (1 and 2 star reviews), I would likely be having these awful thoughts all the time. Likewise, if I were only to read my many glowing 5–star reviews, I would think I was the best writer in the world—which I’m not by a long shot. The true quality of my books and writing, however, is somewhere in the middle. That is reality. That is truth. That is what I need to focus on.
— David Estes, “My Books Suck, My Writing Sucks, I Suck” (Saturday, 5 September 2015)
David Estes with his son Beau: Library talk with Kahuku High School students. (Photo permission and courtesy of David Estes. Credit: Adele Estes, May 1, 2016, North Shore, Hawaii.)
“I went to Australia in 2009. At the beginning of 2010, I met Adele. We were engaged to one another three months later. We were married six months after first being engaged.”
Does that mean I’ve reached the pinnacle of my writing ability? NO! I’ve got a long way to go before I can even hope to emulate my writing idols, like Patrick Ness, Neal Shusterman, Libba Bray, and Dean Koontz. But I’m going to keep going, keep working, keep improving. That’s a promise.
So if you’re a writer having self–doubts . . . stop . . . breathe . . . remember:
YOU are the master of your own destiny. YOU have the capability inside of you. YOU have something to say.
No, my books DON’T suck, my writing DOESN’T suck, and I DON’T suck. I’m simply a work in progress, as a writer, as a husband, and as a person. And that’s okay.
— David Estes, “My Books Suck, My Writing Sucks, I Suck” (Saturday, 5 September 2015)
Next week, I will be blogging more about his thoughts on inspiration, some of the literary characters he has created and his most recent thoughts and ideas about his next series . . .
Related Links:
Links to David Estes’ Storytelling:
https://www.facebook.com/Davidestesbooks/
http://www.amazon.com/David-Estes/e/B007R75PEU/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/70863-david-estes-fans-and-ya-book-lovers-unite
https://twitter.com/davidestesbooks
Links to Libba Bray’s Storytelling:
http://www.amazon.com/Libba-Bray/e/B001IGQHL6
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2526.Libba_Bray
https://www.facebook.com/LibbaBrayAuthor
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libba_Bray
Links to Dean Koontz’ Storytelling:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9355.Dean_Koontz
https://www.facebook.com/deankoontzofficial/
https://twitter.com/deankoontz
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dean_Koontz
Links to Patrick Ness’ Storytelling:
http://www.amazon.com/Patrick-Ness/e/B001JSDMK2
https://www.goodreads.com/user/sign_in?returnurl=%2Fauthor%2Fshow%2F370361.Patrick_Ness
https://twitter.com/Patrick_Ness
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Ness
Links to Neil Shusterman’s Storytelling:
http://www.amazon.com/Neal-Shusterman/e/B000APTN0I
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19564.Neal_Shusterman
http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Neal-Shusterman/1531698
https://www.facebook.com/nealshusterman
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neal_Shusterman
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products or services that I have mentioned here. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
4 comments. Leave new
What an awesome blog! David Estes is a fantastic writer!!! For any of you out there reading this blog, be sure to read his books!!! Keith will be launching Part 1 of the Penitent soon, so stay tuned!!
Thank you, Carolyn, for your support of David’s writing. He is a force of nature regarding his writing abilities.
I adore David Estes! Love your blog!
Hi, Karen: Thank you for your comment, and I’m glad that you like the blog on David.