Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.
The book is titled The Last Dance, and it is about a father, Jake Stevens, who is in a constant losing battle with alcoholism. He becomes estranged from his daughter, Gabrielle, and thinks he is doing what is best for her by remaining out of her life. When the alcohol becomes a burden too heavy for Jake to bear he commits suicide. The book goes back and forth between Jake and Gabrielle’s perspectives, and after Jake takes his life it leaves the reader wondering what is next? Will Jake ever get the chance to tell Gabrielle how sorry he is? Or will she be destined to live a full life of wishing for just one more moment of her father’s time?
You can get the book for Amazon’s kindle for $1, and the price is the same for the Barnes and Noble Nook. I also published it in paperback through lulu.com, and it is now available in paperback on Amazon as well. The price for the paperback is $8.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
I decided to self-publish mostly because I wanted to have complete autonomy over my work. I wanted to pick my release dates, choose how the book was set up, and surround myself with hard working individuals who I knew had my best interests in mind.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
My biggest challenge would be patience. And that is because I want as many people as possible to read my book. For me it isn’t about the money I just want to change people’s lives with the gift I have been given. So I know the more people that pick up this book the more lives I have the opportunity of changing.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
The best part, and this may seem silly, but the best part is making my dedication as long as I like. I am really into Hip-Hop music, so I like to listen to Drake, Jay-z, etc., and when I am doing my dedication it always looks like the booklet inside a rappers CD. I meet people on the street, and insert them into my dedication. I just love the fact that I can immortalize a thank you, and that person will remember that forever. They may not like the book, but they will always know they touched my life in some sort of way.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
As far as advice goes I don’t really have much. I think the key when you are a self-published author is to make your own way, never give up, and realize that for every person that likes your book there are five more waiting to tell you they hate it.
Is there anything you would like to add?
I would just like to add that I would be lost without these special people… My mom (Jeannie), Molly Bates, Katlyn Maxwell, Alana Wilkinson, Lee Musser, Sarah Bianchin, and Danielle Uppole.
I would also like to thank you for letting me do this interview. It truly means a lot.
Thanks for sharing information about your book with us, Colin, and good luck with book sales!
