I’ve heard that the next SPFBO (Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off) is coming up soon. I believe submissions begin sometime in May. I would love to enter Wenworld in this competition. I’ve known about it for quite a while. Some great books have come out of there. I discovered authors like Rob J Hayes, Andrew Rowe, and J Zachary Pike because of it.
I have no guess at how far Wenworld might make it, or even if it will be accepted to join the competition among the other submissions, but I think the experience alone would be worth it. As proud as I am of Wenworld, I know I can write better books once I get more used to the craft. That being said, I know you can reenter the tournament later on with a new book if you wanted, so I’m not too stressed about having Book 1 of Wenworld be my only impression left on any potential readers. Frankly, I just think it would awesome to have more eyes on the book. SPFBO is arguably the best way to bring in new fans to your work. Lord knows it has been nearly impossible to do so on my own thus far. It’s not a big deal. I’m writing because I thoroughly enjoy it and because I can see my skills growing. I am not expecting a fanbase anytime soon. I have hope that one day I will have built enough of a catalog that readers will begin to gather around my work; it’s just that I have no clue how long it might take to get to that place. It could take me well over a decade until I can proudly say I have a fanbase of my own. Even if it takes years, I’m confident that it will one day happen if I NEVER stop writing and creating new and better stories (Which I won’t).
I encourage any other writers out there who have something to share to do so when the time comes. I understand it can be a very nerve-wracking thing to put your work out there, but the eyes will never come your way if no eyes see what you’ve made. You have to be willing to put your stuff out there, even if you feel what you have to offer is not necessarily your best. I intend to put Wenworld up there. I just hope I don’t miss the update from Mark Lawrence saying that submissions have begun. I’ve always had bad luck like that (though it is mostly my own stupidity that plagues me). I’m hoping I get my chance this time around and more people can check out Wenworld for the first time.