MY PUBLISHING JOURNEY: Dennis Crosby

Have you ever wondered how authors get their start?

How do they get agents?

How do they get published?

Is it luck? Talent? Drive?

This segment is an attempt to answer the one question: How did your book become a book?

Today's Featured Author:

DENNIS CROSBY

Website

Author of

Death's Debt & Death's Despair

How did you find Acorn Publishing?

In the fall of 2017, I attended my very first writers conference. I was nervous because I only knew one person who'd be there. As many new writers do, I fell into the trap of thinking I was a "fraud," not good enough, not deserving to be among talented people. Fortunately, the reality was vastly different from the horrific fantasy in my mind. Every person I encountered was generous with sharing their time, experiences, and areas of expertise. That was true of each attendee, each member of the conference staff, and the presenters--among whom was Acorn Publishing.

Their presentation was informative, engaging, and presented a publishing path that, at the time, I never knew existed. I was still working on a manuscript at the time, and the prospect of querying felt just as daunting as the prospect of indie publishing. After the presentation, I truly felt that once I was ready, Acorn could be an ideal fit for me, offering the best of both worlds.

Three years later, and with a completely different manuscript, I signed with Acorn for my very first novel.

What made you decide to publish through Acorn Publishing?

I still consider myself a novice in the field of writing and publishing, so for me, everything is exciting, because everything feels new. I learn something different with each endeavor and I'm able to use that to become a stronger novelist. That being said, if I had to choose one aspect of the journey that's been my favorite, it's been the opportunity to share what I've learned with other writers. The arts, in this instance, storytelling, is such an important component in our growth as individuals and a society, that I am always excited to see success among creatives. There are many works out there that need to be read and celebrated, and there are many creatives out there with fantastic content that may go unread because the author was uncertain about where to go, what to do, or who to talk to. I was that author at one point. With some things, I am still that author. So, whenever I can, I like to share what I've learned to help others grow. I enjoy being that safe space for authors to retreat to when they have questions or need to vent and share frustrations. My success, and their success, can only do great things for the industry. It's exciting to be part of that.

After publication, what marketing tactics worked best for you?

The greatest asset in my marketing, for any project, is my network. At my first writers conference, I met a ton of individuals at various professional levels. I also became increasingly comfortable talking to people about writing and no longer felt apprehensive about asking questions about things that everyone else seemed to know but secretly I didn't. I think I gained a reputation as a learner, and one who was not afraid to say "yes" to opportunities that presented themselves, despite my limited publication experience. Through all of this, I created a network of individuals — writers and readers — who were excited for my journey and willing to support me in so many ways. Now, when I have projects ready for publication, they are willing to share that information with their networks. When there are opportunities to be a part of panels, discussions, or podcasts, the people within my network extend that invitation directly, or mention my name in the rooms I am not in. It takes a village to publish and market a novel. I encourage everyone to begin building their network as soon as possible.

Any advice for aspiring authors just starting to explore writing?

Absolutely! Every author typically agrees with the first bit of advice, which is to read as much as possible, both within your genre and outside of it. Notice different styles of storytelling. The nuances of pacing, dialogue, and POV. All these things can vary with author and genre, so paying attention to those elements can be very helpful as you develop your own style and voice.

Secondly, I encourage everyone to take writing workshops. Once you have an idea of the type of book you'd like to write, take workshops that can help you fine tune your story and your understanding of the craft. I took workshops on everything from short story writing to, "how to hook readers in the first paragraph," and everything in between. Workshops provide a safe environment for you to practice your art, as well as a place to begin building your network. You learn quickly how to provide critiques as well as accept them; both are important lessons to learn.

The last piece of advice is simple. Don't forget to have fun. Storytelling is one of mankind's oldest art forms. It should not fill you with anxiety and dread. Have fun learning your craft, creating your story, and sharing it with others.

What was it like seeing your published book for the first time?

For a writer, there are few things in the world as amazing as seeing a physical copy of a story you've worked on, likely for many years, in its final form. It is the culmination of a thought that sparked in your head one day, hours of writing, editing, and learning, and opportunity. Not everyone achieves this. Of all the writers in the world, few actually finish a project, let alone get it published, so to be a part of that community meant the world to me.

Death's Debt (Kassidy Simmons Novels Book 2)

Kassidy Simmons dispatched the Angel of Death, secured the Scythe of Cronus, and claimed her birthright. As she navigates her new role and tracks down rogue Wraiths still loyal to Azra-El, an unknown force is plotting to make an ancient prophecy foretelling the end of the world a reality.

Seven hundred years ago, Jaxon Burke awoke in a field outside of Rome, with no memory of his former life. Now a present-day killer for hire, the immortal assassin has taken countless lives, and, because of the recent shake-up in the natural order, the memories of those deaths are fueling his nightmares—nightmares that feel real. He longs for relief. He longs for peace.

He longs for death.

A recent brush with the hereafter brings him to the attention of Solomon Steele, a Wraith angered by Kassidy’s recent ascension. With the promise of death as his reward, Jaxon agrees to help Steele destroy Kassidy — but he is ill-prepared for the repercussions of this strange world he is now in.

As the truth of Jaxon’s life comes to light, Kassidy must find a way to pay for the sins of the past and stop this deadly duo from destroying her, taking the Scythe of Cronus, and ushering in the apocalypse.

Death's Despair (Kassidy Simmons Novels Book 3)

Born to a family of witches, Traci Leeds has always been connected to magic. A direct descendant of the goddess of witchcraft, she was destined to succeed her mother as leader of her coven. Her powers were dormant until trauma resulting from being kidnapped activated her abilities. Dissatisfied with their development Traci tapped into magic forbidden by those in her line.

Kassidy Simmons, the Death God, continues her quest to return lost souls to their proper place in the afterlife. She and her Reapers are charged with maintaining harmony between life and death, but a recent decision to resurrect a soul has shifted that balance. A rising blood moon and supernatural occurrences involving witchcraft send Kassidy on a journey to the steps of the Underworld where she learns of the darkness surrounding Traci’s decision to tap into forbidden magic.

With an ancient prophecy looming and nightmarish visions of the apocalypse haunting her waking mind, Kassidy must rise up and withstand the fury of a Titan to save all she holds dear.

About the author

Dennis K. Crosby grew up in Oak Park, IL and completed his undergraduate work at the University of Illinois at Chicago. With a degree in Criminal Justice he spent six years working as a Private Investigator and during that time developed an affinity for writing poetry. While working on a Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology, Dennis transitioned into social service. Dennis has spent the last twelve years working with adult men and women experiencing challenges with mental health and addiction.

With a lifelong passion for writing, Dennis wrote dozens of short stories, tapping into his creative side, but did not pursue the finer points of the craft until later in life. After leaving Chicago and transitioning to San Diego, California, Dennis had the opportunity to get more involved in the writing community where he strengthened his skills. After attending several workshops and writer's conferences, Dennis slowly learned to find his voice and direct it into long form writing.

To further augment his writing skills, Dennis completed an MFA program at National University.

A self-proclaimed geek and lover of pop culture, Dennis still lives and writes in San Diego, CA.