New Site, New Blog, New Me

Welcome to My New Upgraded Website and Blog on All Things Science Fiction and Fantasy!

My previous site has been retired, and I've ported all the content over to this nice, shiny new one. If you joined the mailing list on the old site, then don't worry; you'll still be on it from now on, but it will come from a different email address.

So, let me reintroduce myself in the first blog post on my new site.

I am Craig Boldy. I've been writing science fiction and fantasy stories since I was a small child. I released my debut novel, Overlord of Time, into the void in 2015.

Overlord of Time Ranks then Sinks

The novel reached number 11 in Amazon's "Time Travel Science Fiction (Kindle Store)" category shortly after its release. Then, it sank into obscurity as the algorithm, along with a particularly harsh one-star review, crushed it under the weight of its code.

The Infiltrator: Part One Releases

Fast forward to 2018, and the first half of my second novel was released. The Infiltrator: Part One reached rank 124 in "Technothrillers" upon release and gained a single five-star review before once more sinking into the algorithm.

The Long Absence

Disillusioned by the self-publishing process, which I once saw as a path to creative freedom, I decided to stop writing. The initial excitement gave way to the harsh realities of marketing and pressure to succeed in a saturated market. Frustrated by the effort required to promote my work, I packed up my writing tools and shifted my focus to other passions, spending time with family and exploring new hobbies.

Seven years later, after reflection and growth, I find myself in a different place, ready to write again with a new perspective. Life experiences have enriched my understanding of storytelling, teaching me patience and perseverance. As I return to writing, I am excited by the evolved self-publishing landscape, eager to explore new platforms while staying true to my voice.

In this renewed phase, I am determined to embrace the joy of creation over external validation, crafting stories with authenticity and depth. I look forward to rediscovering storytelling's magic and sharing my voice with the world once more.

The Journey of a Writer

Writing is a journey, isn't it? It's filled with ups and downs. I remember the thrill of hitting that number 11 rank on Amazon. It felt like a dream come true. But then, the harsh reality hit. The algorithm is a fickle beast. It can make or break you in an instant.

I often joke that it’s like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded. You think you’re on the right path, and then bam! You hit a wall. But that’s part of the fun, right?

Lessons Learned

I pretty much gave up after that one-star review. But then I remembered why I started writing in the first place. It’s not about the accolades or the rankings. It’s about the stories. Over the intervening years, I’ve learned a few things.

First, persistence is key. Setting a goal and sticking to it, even if that means five words in one day and a thousand the next.

Second, write the stories you want to tell, even if it's not the latest trend or popular genre right now. If it's the story in you, let it out.

Second, community matters. I’ve met some incredible people along this journey. Fellow writers, readers, and fans who share my passion for science fiction and fantasy. They’ve kept me motivated and inspired.

The Future Looks Bright

Now, as I look ahead, I’m excited. I have plans for more books, more stories, and more adventures. I want to dive deeper into the worlds I’ve created and explore new ones.

I also want to connect with you, my readers. Your feedback means the world to me. It’s what drives me to keep writing.

So, if you’re a fan of thrilling plots, complex characters, and imaginative worlds, stick around. There’s so much more to come.

And remember, if you want to stay updated, make sure you’re on the mailing list. I promise to keep you in the loop about new releases, special offers, and maybe even a few behind-the-scenes peeks at my writing process.

What Am I Doing Now?

I finished my book!

The Infiltrator is now a complete novel after countless hours of writing and revising. This journey has been both challenging and rewarding, with moments of inspiration and self-doubt. The characters and plot twists have come alive, and I look forward to discussing the themes and creative process in another post.

I'm also setting up this website to market my books and myself as an author. This platform will be a hub for my writing, offering updates, insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into my life as a writer. I aim to connect with readers who share a passion for storytelling.

Here's to the next ten books! I have many ideas and am eager to explore new genres and styles. Each book will be an adventure, and I am committed to this journey as long as my imagination allows.

Hope you stick around. I appreciate your support and look forward to sharing updates and insights on my upcoming projects. Let's explore the world of literature together. Stay tuned for more content, and thank you for being part of this journey!