[ThomasSandman]

I find the replies here interesting, in particular

I'm interested to know what you think makes a "real writer"?

For me a writer is someone who writes... is there a piece of the puzzle I'm missing?

Personally I think Locke is interesting and I admire him for the fact that he did achieve his goal. He writes books that are entertaining and that people want to read. For me that's what I want to do, I'm not interested in writing art or even the next "big thing" but I do want to write books that people want to read. Books that entertain and give enjoyment, a means of escape. Now If I can do that and make a living from it I'll be one happy bunny

Bilinda

well said. i'm not a fan of his work but kudos for going it alone and making it happen

 

[ThomasSandman]

As I say above: "I don't see any sign that he writes anything he feels the need to say."

That's what I think makes a real writer.

In his book he says he writes what he thinks will sell, and if something doesn't sell, he switches back to what does.

i can understand where you're coming from as a writer, and i usually appreciate a writer with your passion. however, publication becomes a whole different monster, and Locke has mastered what most indies would do anything for.

i do agree with you in that in some ways he doesn't seem like a 'real' writer with regards to his work.

 

[ThomasSandman]

To a degree, but for most people here, I'd imagine that the sales part is a half that wouldn't fly without the other 50% of affecting the reader, or producing something you're truly proud of. There's been a lot of bluster about Locke, but everything focuses on the sales stats. In a decade, or even a few years, is his work going to have made enough of an impact to still be remembered? Not everyone wants to be the new Dickens, but this cynical way of breaking down literature to the base elements of what sells the most the fastest will only ever result in work that's completely transient. It's the boybands of writing.

good points. i would assume that every writer here would do near anything for his sales though. i will say i'm glad there are many fine writers who do put pride into their work but i must give credit to mr locke. he's done well for himself and kudos to him. i also think he's done alot for the indie movement, but won't receive the credit due.

 

[ThomasSandman]

I think John Locke is brilliant.

Whether the strategies in his book will work for everybody is very doubtful. Locke got his success at a certain point in time. The same tactics might not work as well anymore. The general strategy is still sound, but, then again, it's hardly new. Try to maximalize initial sales and build on that.

I think he moved beyond that. His "How I sold..." delivered what he promised it would deliver. What it also did - and what he didn't tell explicitly - is that it is one gigantic promotion for his other books. Core readership: we, indies. "Look for yourself what the level of writing is to be successful. It's easy. Just buy my books." And a lot of us did, keeping him high in Amazon's rankings.

There were lessons in the book, but also: the book itself was the lesson.

PS: I exchanged a few mails with him. John Locke is very professional and very friendly. He replied rather promptly and it was no generic mail either. I could tell he had visited my website because he commented upon it.

Well said. He rid himself of ego and marketed his work to a wide audience, doing everything right. Wish more indies had in them what he has.

 

[ThomasSandman]

Writers are supposed to be devoid of egos now? Good grief. Those will be some uninteresting writers!

i would assume that once a book is done and headed to 'print', ego must go out the window.

 

[ThomasSandman]

Book sales stroke the ego. Ego means you want to sell as many copies as possible. I would argue that you have to have ego to go out there and push your books. Someone without a healthy ego would keep them in a drawer.

perhaps. perhaps not. i'm not a writer so i couldn't tell you

 

[ThomasSandman]

OK. Dude, chill.

I agree. kindleboards has become insane lately