This week, the International Thriller Writers announced the finalists for the 2017 awards. My novel, Destroyer of Worlds is a finalist for the Best Ebook Original category and I am over the moon!
(1) Validation
One of the amazing things about being an indie author is the fact that there are no barriers to publication. Anyone can write a book and put it out there. But that doesn't mean that people will buy it or read it.
So, an indie author's validation often comes from book sales and customer reviews, as well as the internal validation of the creative process. That's certainly what it's been for me and I have several thousand good reviews from readers, I make a six figure income with my books, and I continue to write in the genre I love.
But to be honest, I still crave validation that I can actually write a story.
I want someone to say, “You're good enough. You deserve to be here.” I want to be accepted by the industry and judged by my peers. ITW is primarily an organisation of traditionally published authors with some of the biggest thriller names as members and judges. That's why I care so much about this.
I started writing my first novel in 2009, and Destroyer of Worlds was my 12th. I'd just finished taking the Depth in Writing course from Dean Wesley Smith and Kristine Kathryn Rusch, and I was confident that the story hung together well.
The idea had also percolated for years. I first visited India in 2006 and saw a statue of Shiva Nataraja, the Hindu destroyer of worlds, in a museum in Delhi. That trip also sparked the opening scene of Stone of Fire on the burning ghats of Varanasi.
We went back to India in 2013 and cycled through the south of the country, and many of my experiences on those trips come through into the book. I'm one of those people who love India and it shows in my writing!
So Destroyer of Worlds means a lot to me as a story, and it's also quite original, in that there aren't many bestselling thriller novels in the US that are set almost entirely in India.
(2) Recognition for my writing, not just my ‘marketing and business' skills
So many people have told me that I'm a successful writer because I am good at marketing and business.
Yes, I do work at those things, but I work just as hard at my craft.
I continue to take classes on writing fiction, both online and in person. I read books on writing, and with every novel I write, I try to get a little better. I read several books a week and I am always looking for things I can learn.
Becoming a finalist in the ITW awards has made me so happy because it means I've improved. The writing craft is a lifelong journey, and I am one step closer to being a better writer.
(3) Career opportunity
Winning an award like this can help with book marketing, or getting the book noticed by foreign rights agents or even film/TV. I'll be meeting with some agents at ThrillerFest and as Destroyer of Worlds is set in India, I'm particularly interested in what might happen within the Indian market.
(4) Ego
Authors balance massive ego with chronic self-doubt. We have to be egocentric enough to think that someone else might want to read our words, but we often suffer from thinking that our books are terrible.
So let's be clear, I want that trophy on my shelf!
Here's a picture of me with CJ Lyons, when she won the award in 2015. I'm clearly practising for the day I will hold it 🙂
What happens next?
I head off to Thrillerfest in New York City in July and collect the prize!
Of course, I might not win, but just being on the finalist's table will be incredible.
[Update. I didn't win, but it was still awesome to have my name read out as a finalist at the Gala Dinner.]
Check out Destroyer of Worlds
An ancient weapon threatens the heart of India.
From New York Times & USA Today bestselling author, J.F.Penn.
As those they love are threatened, ARKANE agents Morgan Sierra and Jake Timber must search for the pieces of the relic before it can be activated at the Kumbh Mela, the greatest pilgrimage on earth.
In a fast-paced adventure from the slums of Mumbai to the temples of Kolkata, the Taj Mahal in Agra to the killing fields of Rwanda, Morgan and Jake must find the pieces of the sculpture before it’s too late.
Destroyer of Worlds is Book 8 in the ARKANE action adventure thriller series, but can be read as a stand-alone story.
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1 2 Next »Incredibly happy for you Joanna! I have my fingers tightly crossed for you and I am so pleased your work got noticed. I think most writers do want to be known as storytellers and validation is important, especially in the world we live in today. Getting recognition can open more opportunities and the most wonderful thing about this, is that you have done it on your own terms i.e remaining loyal to writing what you love and consistently putting in the work to get to where you want to be. So this award nomination isn't a surprise- it was just a matter of time as you consistently put in the work. You are a great storyteller and Destroyer of World is my favourite ARKANE book:). Congratulations again and thanks for sharing so honestly.
Thanks as ever for your support, Sukhi. The importance of practice and time is so under-rated by many, but it's the truth of many of the best-loved authors. So let's just keep on writing!
I'm at the beginning of your writing journey. Just finished Stone of Fire (and yes, I've posted reviews LOL). So I'm looking forward to catching up and "seeing" that progression of your craft. I'm thrilled for you with this industry nod. Hopefully one day, I will get to meet you, pose with one of many of your awards :-) and continue to be inspired by you with my own journey. Best of luck in July
Thanks, Michelle. I have done a light edit on Stone of Fire since it was first published, but my writing and storytelling has definitely improved :) I'll look forward to meeting you one day alongside my shelf of trophies!
Hi Joanna,
First of all, congratulations on reaching the final and I sincerely hope you win. You deserve it after all the work you have done and the gift of inspiration you have bestowed upon others.
I found your words "So many people have told me that I’m a successful writer because I am good at marketing and business. Yes, I do work at those things, but I work just as hard at my craft", along with "As J.F.Penn, I want to be known for my stories, not for how I publish or how people find me. Yes, I love being a non-fiction author and I love helping authors through this site, but in my deepest self, I want to be known as a storyteller" particularly authentic, even humble. I felt my heart open to you when I read those words.
I am very new to your teachings, so am gradually getting to know something of you through your posts and webinars. I have noticed a certain spirituality in some of the things you say, in the odd word or phrase here and there. And reading about your love of India seems to confirm that perception.
I've only been to India once, for a three week, mostly silent, retreat at an ashram in Tiruvanamali during which I was blessed with a profound awakening sitting in Ramana Maharshi's Virupaksha cave near the summit of Arunachala. Some part of me never came down from that mountain ...
Anyways, I tend to rabbit on too much so will leave it here for now. I just wanted to send a few words of support and encouragement.
Namaste!
Leo
Thanks Leo, and yes, I definitely write with an edge of spirituality. I have a Masters in Theology and although I'm not an adherent to any specific religion, I am very aware that we are not just physical beings. I love to weave aspects of this into my fiction and I hope to write some deeper non-fiction in the coming years. I'm glad you found a part of yourself in India. I long to go back :)
Big congrats, Joanna!
It's so amazing that you were recognized for the hard work you have put into your craft. I love that you are breaking barriers and being recognized as the author that you are. Not just 'some self published' person, but an author who is just as valid as a traditionally published author. Congrats and we can't wait to see you holding your award!
Thanks Yvonne :)
Massive congratulations on your prestigious and exciting short-listing, Joanna. I am so happy for you! I shall keep my fingers crossed for you on the night (the awards sound so glam) but the validation definitely comes from being a finalist (not to mention your thousands of happy readers!). Thank you, as always, for your honesty and generosity in sharing your feelings and experiences.
Congratulations!
I can definitely identify with the desire for validation — especially as an indie author. My first novel was shortlisted for a prize a few months back, and even though it didn't win, it was such a rush to think that actual gatekeepers thought my book was "good enough."
I saw Ursula K. Le Guin speak a few years ago, and she talked about still wondering if her stories were any good, even after her enormously successful career! She also mentioned she'd recently had an editor take over a year to decide on a short story she submitted — only to reject it.
Knowing that Ursula Le Guin is still being rejected by gatekeepers reminded me that we writers need to find our own validation. :)
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!
Congrats Joanna, I'm happy for you. You're a big inspiration to a lot of us.
Congratulations! I hope you win. 12 novels since '09? Very prolific. Have you done a post on your writing efficiency? Productive writers, I imagine, write well enough early drafts not to require a lot of re-writing?
Congratulations, Joanna!
You are a wonderful publishing resource - and an inspiration as a writer.
Savor the status as a nominee and enjoy ThrillerFest - soon you'll have a higher level of accomplishment to enjoy!
Thanks for all you do.
God bless!
Collier Ward
(US Architect and aspiring author)