Writing a book and selling a book are two very different things. Writing a book, though challenging and time consuming, is the easy part. Marketing and adverting a book, is the hard part.
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
Like most, my love for writing began when I was young, around fourth grade to be precise. My teacher had asked the class to write a short story spanning that of two pages, mine ended up being twelve pages. A horribly written story, but nonetheless, I had never felt so invigorated in my life and was baffled that within a short hour I had come up with an entire world encompassed with characters, themes, and a dramatic plot. I was hooked, and for the next decade I would spend my time learning how to write.
Who has inspired you in your life and why?
I find it’s not a single person who has inspired me to write, but a series of different situations and encounters that has propelled me on this journey. For me, inspiration came not from a single person but a cluster.
What is your greatest achievement so far?
I would have to say, it was when I randomly met a stranger in an airport who had read my book. It was a chance encounter and upon revealing my penname they proceeded to recite one my poems. Apparently, he had come across my work on Instagram and had purchased my book as a Valentines gift for his girlfriend. The experience completely blew my mind.
Do you have any tips for our readers that are trying to become a writer and break in the industry?
Well, my initial word of advice is to understand that writing a book and selling a book are two very different things. Writing a book, though challenging and time consuming, is the easy part. Marketing and adverting a book, is the hard part.
This, I must admit was my greatest mistake. Although, I had read such advice over the years, I didn’t start Social Media for my brand ‘A.Y. Greyson’ until I was done with my first book. A huge blunder I now realize. In order to sell my book, I should have started building a following years prior, rather than waiting until the book was published to start marketing.
A.Y. Greyson’s new book ‘The Ground is Overrated’ is to be released October 9, 2018.
www.aygreyson.com
