Joseph Gatch's Blog

Been out of the writing game since my publisher closed their doors (temporarily) last year. However, after all that time, I finally got the courage to try self publishing on Amazon - and I am so glad that I did. Not only was it a fairly easy process, the end result was just as satisfying as having someone publish for you...well, maybe a bit more satisfying. After only a week of copy/paste/edit/re-edit/more editing, a few trial and errors on the cover and finally forcing myself to hit that submit button, my sixth book is finally out. The Pirates of Kilgore was actually the first stories that I had ever written back when I was a young pup in my twenties. I had always wanted to have them published, however, back then, you needed an agent and money for an agent and a snowball's chance in hell to be considered for publishing. Now, thanks to Amazon, another item on the bucket list is crossed off and soon, two novels based upon these short stories are on the way as well.
It feels good to be published again...and it will feel good once again in another few weeks. :)

Back in, oh around 1992, I headed out to the Chicago ComicCon with the intent of showing my artwork to editors and possibly getting a job as a comic book artist. I had just started to seriously draw and I knew that I had a slim to none chance of being recognized. It was the year that comics were making a noise for themselves with a fresh batch of artists with new styles and looks and, of course, when something new is introduced, everyone wants to join in. I was no different. Sadly, the editors told me to keep working, gave me advice on how to get better, and sent me on my way. At the time, I had dreamed of one day being on the other side of the table, signing my work for fans and being recognized for it. Then it faded away after time, though I always regretted not pursuing it further. Yesterday, however, that dream was finally realized when I appeared at Chicago ComicCon to sign my first book, The Adventures of Phineas Frakture. Not only was I a writer, but my art was also part of the book. I succeeded as an artist and I was a writer as well. The majority of my books that were for sale were sold and signed and I met some wonderful people and even inspired some to take their shot at writing for BigWorldNetwork.com. I was far from being a decent salesperson, but with help from another writer, we made a good team at the Con. Though I was only there for one day, it was enough to make the dream real. A year ago, all I intended to do was to write stories to entertain people. Then, all of a sudden, I was being published and several dreams were realized in one fell swoop. You never can tell what is going to happen, but if you don't try, it won't anyway. Dream, but pursue your dreams. Good things might happen.