My Medium Writers Library
A growing collection
I think most writers dream of publishing a book. Whether it’s a novel, a non-fiction work, or a collection of poetry, humor, or short stories.
Naturally, it would be great to have that book published by a big-name publisher and see it become an international bestseller, leading to fame and fortune. [Or to pick all the winning numbers on the Powerball lottery — which is roughly the same odds.]
But traditional publishing is not the only option. It is relatively easy to self-publish a book. Which is a fairly quick path to experiencing the thrill of holding a physical copy of a book you wrote. The drawback, of course, is there is no publisher to promote your book. Promotion falls on you.
I recently took the self-publishing route with three books. A collection of humor and a collection of fiction that I gathered from my first two years of writing on Medium, plus I also completed my first novel — a quirky adventure story set in the 18th century.
The Grand Story Of The Seemingly Impossible Adventures Of Baron Britpop Blastfurnace
Mark Starlin Writes! Humor
Mark Starlin Writes! Stories
I knew the reality of self-publishing and didn’t expect big sales. I was correct. [Laughs.] But several of my Medium friends have been kind enough to purchase copies, and I am grateful. Best of all, some let me know that they read and enjoyed the books. That is worth far more to me than a few dollars. Although, I am open to million-dollar advances, publishers.
Supporting Each Other
Buying books by other Medium writers is an easy and thoughtful way to support and encourage them. It will make their day. Plus it benefits you. If you enjoy their writing on Medium, why wouldn’t you enjoy their books also?
Leaving a review of their book is another great way to support their efforts.
I have purchased a few books from Medium writers in the past, but I plan to add more.
So I have started a library, or collection, of books by Medium writers. Here is a list of what I have so far. Please check them out for yourself.
The Imposter: And Other Stories by Terrye Turpin
Crossroads: And Anthology by The Lit Up Press (several Medium Writers)
Maybe I’m Flying To You by DiAmaya Dawn
Finding My Voice by J. Brandon Lowry
They Are Here Now: Short Tales by J.S. Lender
14 X 7: Fourteen Stories in 7,000 Words by Jack Preston King
Yamashita’s Gold by Pat Link
Beyond The Tempest Gate by Jeff Suwak
Introspectors by Rick Post
[For some reason, these Amazon links won’t convert into boxes. I will keep trying.]
Trains In A Perfect World by Terrye Turpin
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085X8L93
The Assassin’s Sacrifice by Jeff Suwak
(Temporarily unavailable.)
I admit I have been slow about reading them (writing always seems to win out over reading for me.) But I recently finished Introspectors by Rick Post, and am about 3/4 of the way through The Imposter: And Other Stories by Terry Turpin.
I want to add to my Medium Writers collection. So, feel free to add your books links in the responses section of this story.
I am not financially wealthy, or even on the outskirts of wealthy—I can’t even see wealthy with a telescope—so I won’t be able to buy everything. But I will choose books that interest me. Especially if I am familiar with your Medium writing.
Books I Would Like To Read That Are Not Yet Published
There are many writers I follow on Medium who have written enough stories on Medium to collect them into a book. Here are a few suggestions:
- Henry James Stories by P.G. Barnett
- The Charles Splints Cases by Dan Leicht
- The Drumcliff Stories by Edd Jennings
- Nerd Romance by Jack Herlocker
- You Otter Buy My Book by Sarah Lofgren
- Imagine That! Stories by White Feather
- Elevator Blues And Other Stories by Stephen M. Tomic
- Betting Against The House And Other Tales by A Maguire
- Storybook by John K Adams
- A Collection Of Poems by DiAmaya Dawn
- Mama Stories by Bebe Nicholson
These are just some on my wish list.
I know that creating a book is a considerable task. Although I enjoyed the process for the most part. So if they never happen, I understand.
I hope this story will bring a little promotion to those writers I listed and those who post in the responses. And I hope you will start (or continue to grow) your own Medium Writers Library.
Mark
