Can you write a best seller?

How to write a best seller.

I will start off by saying, I wish I knew the secret to writing a best seller. What I will do is share what I do know. One of my you tube clips, a basic short instructional kickbox video, went viral and has had 2.3 million view. But the thing is that I have tried to reproduce other viral videos, with out much luck. So what is the formula for putting together a social media post that goes viral. I am still trying to work it out.

Now I have written and self – published four books. And am half way through the sequel of my forth book, I have learned so much along the way. Each book I write, I learn a little more. So, why did I choose the self publishing route. At the beginning of 2024, I had finished my new manuscript for my first novel so I thought this time I will get a publisher . I started to research how the whole publishing world works. I was not impressed. Initially from what I could make out, When you are ready, the first step is to submit your work to a literary agent, They will check your manuscript and most likely it will end up in the rubbish bin.

The agents told me that if I am gifted with their grace and they do in fact read it, they will only contact me in the case that they are interested. If they do not wish to progress this further they may not contact you, you are just left wondering….

If the agent likes your work, they may then submit it to a publisher. So far this can take 3 -6 months. I have had my latest manuscript in the hands of several agents and publishers since January and have not heard a thing, having no idea if my manuscript still exists. Then if a publisher decides that they like your work, they may request a rewrite, will have control of how the front cover looks and virtually take ownership of your valuable work. To top it all off with a publisher you virtually ear no profit. So for me it was a no brainer. If you are motivated  to build your own brand, have complete control over the book an take most of the money, then I would suggest self publishing.

People often say to me “I have nothing to write about.” Well either did I. But 4.5 books later, what can I say. I used a couple of tricks to motivate myself. Firstly I did not go from the beginning to the end. I worked on chunks of the book and then wound them all together. On my last book, “The Last Warrior I was working on 5 or 6 different parts at the same time. I well and truly finished the last paragraph before I finished the beginning. This way as you work on different places and subjects of my story, I you never get bored. What about the plot? I would choose parts of my life that where quite significant, a time where I had to make a choice. I would write about the path that I did not take, enabling a completely new dialogue to surface.

One fine piece of advise was given to me by a lecturer at the writing school. He told me to just write. To sit at my desk and write anything. When I did this I found that after a while the words would just flow. There was no forcing it.

So if you want to write a book, remember , there is a book in all of us. The middle chapters of The Last Warrior, sat looking at me for months, while I constructed  the entire novel around them.

The Last Warrior.

Jack George’s life is a whirlwind of turmoil as his father’s betrayal leaves his family stranded on the fringes of Sydney.

Guided by the wisdom of a war-hardened veteran, Jack learns the brutal art of survival in a world where bullies reign supreme. Fuelled by a thirst for mastery, Jack delves into the realm of martial arts, honing his body and mind.

Hearing whispers of an ancient martial arts temple hidden away in the mountains of Japan, Jack is determined to seek it out and find one true master who can teach him all there is to learn about martial arts. 

Journeying through Asia’s treacherous terrain, danger lurks at every turn. From the cultural metropolis of Singapore, the slums of Manila, to the shadowy underworlds of Bangkok and Seoul, dodging the clutches of the mafia and facing off against unsanctioned street fighters, Jack becomes a warrior without equal.

But in the neon-lit alleys of Tokyo, he finds himself entangled in the web of the Yakuza, framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Hunted by ruthless adversaries, Jack flees Tokyo in search of sanctuary in the mysterious ashram, where they train in the ancient arts.

As the shadows of the past converge upon him, Jack must confront the demons that haunt him. With the spirit of a warrior burning within, Jack risks it all to embark on a quest that will test his strength, his courage, and his honour.

Available from the 2nd September.where ever you can purchase a book online.