In fact, some people would even say as soon as up to three years before you've finished writing your first book.
But how can I do that?
The aspiring writer asks.
I have nothing to offer prospective readers - no book has yet been written, no valuable experience gained with which to regale the loyal readers of my blog, no interesting news to thrust into their eagerly awaiting inboxes.
To him, I say simply: Give them you. Your personality. Your struggles, your innermost thoughts and desires. Your author persona. That's what they really want; that's what they're buying when they buy your books, after all - pieces of you.
But Clarke, my personality... It's not like yours. I have no charisma; I'm not undeniably handsome. Hell, that's why I decided to become a writer in the first place!
The aspiring writer agonises.
To ask me to do such a thing as to put myself out there and share myself with my potential readers... It's all too much. I just want to write books.
To him I reply: Grow some balls, man. Being a top thriller author on Amazon is hard damned work. Thousands of aspiring authors are clamouring for top position each and every day, and if you aren't prepared to put in the hard yards then...
Perhaps this game just isn't for you.
Yours in perpetuity,
