This contest thing is hard. I must say that. Much respect to everyone involved, because I have been in contact with several people who have been involved with previous contests, and they all agree that pushing your book through a contest is extremely stressful.

And it’s true. I have had to transform myself from a guy who writes stories into a guy who also sells his stories. It’s waaay outside of my comfort zone, and I find myself apologizing every time I ask someone to buy a copy of my book. 

Typical conversation:

Me: "I’m sorry to bother you, (friend). Would you mind maybe, possibly buying my book? I’m sorry for asking."

Friend: "Oh sure! When can I have it?" 

Me: "Umm...I don’t know, really. The only way I can find out is if enough people buy it. Then I win a contest, and then I’ll get the book published, and then I might know when you get a copy...I’m sorry." 

Friend: "So...you want me to buy something that I may or may not get?"

Me: "I’m sorry. Yes, you may get a copy, or you may get your money refunded. It depends. I’m sorry." 

Friend: "Okay...is your book any good?" 

Me: "I think so...but I’m sorry for asking you to buy it before it’s ready." 

Friend: "I’ll think about it, okay?"

Me: "Okay...but I’ll have to keep bugging you about it every day because it’s in a contest...I’m sorry."

Friend: "Stop saying ’I’m sorry!’"

Me: "Okay...sorry about that." 

I hope I still have friends when this whole thing is over, no matter how it turns out.

Just my feelings for today as we’ve hit the halfway point in this thing. Good luck to everyone involved! 

And thank you to everyone for your support! As always, please feel free to contact me if you want to network, want to do a pre-order exchange, want to pitch your novel, or just want to vent about this contest. I’m here: madmrbutler@gmail.com

Have a great day, everybody! I’m off to the ER on a Monday, so wish me luck!

Love, love, love,

-Michael.