Reflections on Inspiration
Mister James | Apr 09, 2009 | Comments 11
I sit here on the cusp of finishing my first podcast novel. The Zombie Chronicles: Escape, has just 6 episodes left. It’s been just over seven months since I started on September 1, 2008 and I as I reflect on how I began this journey, I would like to take a few moments here to thank those who have been an inspiration to me in the world of podcast fiction right from the very beginning.
First, there’s Matthew Wayne Selznick. He’s the guy that got me turned on to podcast fiction in the first place. The first Podiobook I ever listened to was his novel, Brave Men Run and since then, I’ve been hooked. Matt’s DIY ethic and strong commitment to excellence have always been an inspiration to me. I even got a chance to interview him once when this site was in its old incarnation and maybe one day, I’ll get the chance to do it again. Matt, you continue to inspire us all through your use of New Media and the World Wide Web. I wish nothing but great things for you in the future!
Second, there’s Mur Lafferty. I was first introduced to her through the most excellent series, I Should Be Writing. A podcast that chronicles Mur’s journey to being a published writer. Along the way there’s hardships, setbacks and even interviews with established writers to help us all out. I Should Be Writing has changed recently, becoming ISBW 2.0 since Mur did accomplish her goal and the novel, Playing For Keeps, was published by Swarm Press. The name may have changed but the content is still the same because just because you’re a published author, doesn’t mean that you don’t have anything else to learn. Mur has become a friend, an ear to bend and I am pleased to say that I know her. Mur, you always inspire me with everything that you do. I look forward to cheering you on in the futrue with your continued success!
Scott Sigler is another guy who has inspired me along my journey. He’s the New York Times bestselling author of the books Infected and its sequel, Contagious. Sigler was a pioneer in the niche of podcast fiction and since then he has built up an army of followers that support him and his creations. Scott is all about busting your ass, working as hard as you can to get the job done because know one knows better than him that it will all pay off in the end. His work ethic and his writing have inspired me to keep going on many occasions. The FDO™ is a stand up guy and will always be an inspiration to me.
Last but certainly not least (I’m writing these names in the order I discovered them) is J.C. Hutchins. When I first heard Hutch’s podcast novel, The 7th Son Trilogy, it blew me out of the water. Since then, I’ve seen him do great things, make history and here’s the thing about J.C. Hutchins: he never stops coming up with new ideas. The guy is constantly thinking outside of the box and he has been a tremendous inspiration to me when it comes to ideas for promoting TZC. I’m nowhere near on the same playing field as him but one day, I hope to be. He’s taught me that it’s ok to go BIG, it’s ok to do things different, even if they don’t work. All you can do is keep trying over and over and over because really, all they can say is, “No.” Hutch has taught me to be fearless and his strong work ethic has always been an inspiration to me.
Those are the four people who have inspired me to do what I do. Some of you may read those names and think, “Bah! He’s just kissing some ass.” That’s your opinion and you’re welcome to it. I will say this though, that I have not seen anyone even come close to those four people when it comes to busting your ass, promoting your work and doing all that needs to be done to tell the world you exist. Their level of commitment and dedication to their work astounds me on an ongoing basis and that is why they inspire me.
So if you don’t see your name on that list, ask yourselves, “What have I done to inspire others lately?” Writing and the publishing business, it’s pretty cutthroat. Even online. Those four people that continue to inspire me though, they transcend expectations and go above and beyond the call of duty to bring exciting new content to their fans. Those are the kinds of people I want to be like and as I sit here about to finish my first podcast novel, I will take what I have learned from them and when The Zombie Chronicles: Volume Two is released, I can only hope to come close to doing what they do.
Remember gang: The World doesn’t owe you anything. It was here first!
Filed Under: Blog
I think you are just kissing ass, but that’s only because you didn’t kiss mine and I’m terribly disappointed. =/
Giving props were props are due is always the right thing to do.
I wanted to put something profound and meaningful and came up short. But I can’t thank the people who inspired James enough and kept supporting him when lots of people would have just said you’ll just have to learn it on your own. I’m thankful that people like this are in the world. So to those he mentioned, thanks tons for giving me a reason to be a rabid fangirl
I have been listening to the podcast novel thing almost from the beginning, although Sigler isn’t the first I discovered, he was the one that got me hooked.
I found Podiobooks.com and have been in heaven. The one thing that I truly admire about this community is that podcast authors have that sense of community.
You guys work together and help each other out. I contribute to this the whole free thing. There is no money involved (well initially at least) so it’s almost like there isn’t competition. If I only have a set budget to buy books, it can come down to buying your book or Siglers book. That breeds competition and the willingness to help out your fellow author. Once you add the free factor into the whole thing you are no long afraid of loosing a reader/listener and you are more willing to help each other out which in the end strengthens the community as a whole which will benefit everyone much more then just one of you succeeding.
This is the reason Sigler made the NY times list and the reason why as a community you podiobookers with revolutionize the publishing industry.
Cheers and good on yeah!
Awww, thanks dude. It means a lot that you wrote this. Your energy right now is inspiring to ME.
You rule, dude. Thanks for the kind words. Keep gunning for the stars!
What a nice blog, and a great way to let the people who have lit a fire under you know that not only are they excelling on the bumpy road into a new publishing era, but they are inspiring future writers like you to join them along the way.
Just think of all the people who will write blogs and articles about how James Melzer inspired them one day. It’s not far off. You are doing amazing things, and getting noticed in the best ways possible. Look out world. Here you come!
Melzer, you bastard. If JC Hutchins is “last but not least,” that means either Mur, Selznik or myself are “least” by default. So spill!
Thanks for the comments guys and gals. Much appreciated.
Sigler, since your comment was last – you figure it out. Where’s my email?!
My pod cast novel discoveries were about the same….slightly different order…..just wish I had something to contribute to the “conversation” worth saying …..love your work keep it up…
well said. i came across these guys in a slightly different order (Eley’s escapepod was my doorway into podcasting authors) you keep rocking. love your work. am looking forward to the print version
James, thanks so much for the kind words. Your support has always been what awesome is made of (one step up from “made of awesome”) and I’m so pleased to watch your success. Knock ‘em dead, buddy… of course, they’ll rise up again, so watch your ass, too.