Set Your Prisoners Free-A J Benson

“Your playing small does not serve the world.” ~Marianne Williamson

As a newly published author, I know how hard it can be to get the encouragement and advice you need to finish your work and get it published. It’s not for lack of advice, but from the overwhelming amount! In the course of my journey, every where I turned, people gave me advice on what to try. Build a platform. Don’t worry about it. Write content for money. Write novels for love. Get your book published through an agent. It’s easy to self-publish.

So, how do you know what advice to take?

Let me tell you a little about my experience. I started a novel in 2015 without knowing a thing about writing a novel. I learned a lot by looking at story arcs on the Internet. It is still in the works after 18 months, because I have discovered that I LOVE world building. (I want a backstory for every character, even if that never makes it into the novel.) At the same time, I looked into content freelancing, and short story sales because I want to eventually earn a living writing. Then, I met another author, Heather Sutherlin, and we decided to work on a fantasy-themed devotional. I took classes on traditional publishing, and worked with a lot of indie authors, too. I tried to get Quest for the King published through traditional channels. Then we decided to self-publish, because we realized it has a niche market and is unlikely to interest agents looking for a large bottom-line. (The book is slowly getting some attention, now, and, as a new author, I am happy with that.) I learned a lot about both types of publishing in the process of getting Quest for the King on the streets. However, whatever path an author takes, there’s a lot of minutiae to be managed: from writing a back cover blurb to filling out exactly what an agent wants or converting a Word doc to a .mobi or ePub.

Let me let you in on a secret, though. While there’s much to learn and even more advice on how best to learn it, most authors just need to hear this truth: The world needs YOUR story.

Which prisoner gets freed first? What does a writer do after it’s on paper? Many of us need help in working through these questions. So, that brings me back to advice. The best advice you can get is from yourself. While each person’s exerience is unique, I try to help other authors ask themselves the right questions. What steps you take (for example: content freelancing or novel writing) depends on your goals. I am happy to offer support and encouragement and help other writers figure out which path is right for them.  Brainstorming on a new story can be invaluable. So, can creating a framework with a specific destination in mind. I also help authors with the steps along the way. I beta read (short stories or individual chapters) in the YA fantasy genre and have assisted with flash fiction editing for English as a Second Language authors. If I can help you on your journey, don’t hesitate to reach out.

You are talented and dedicated. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Let’s figure out where you want to go with your writing and plan the path. Your greatness awaits. Dream BIG! The world needs to hear your story.

Then, set your prisoners free.

AJ Benson is a debut author with the publication of Quest for the King. She has a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from The George Washington University and has been writing and editing as an analyst for over 20 years. She is currently a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and is active in both her church and her sons’ Boy Scout troop.

AJ reads non-fiction books on a range of topics to include devotionals and health-related books. She also enjoys the whimsy of young adult fantasy, the depth of myth and lore, and the excitement of magic. She loves the epic struggle between good and evil.

AJ lives in Maryland with her two sons, three dogs and two cats.

AJ’s author site is http://AJBensonAuthor.com, and she can be reached at AJBensonAuthor@gmail.com. Her publishing house and shoppe, The Quill’s Lair, which focuses on mystical, magical, and mindful words and wares, can be browsed at http://TheQuillsLair.com.