Colin Parsons

Author of fantasy fiction for children and young adults. His books include the Wizards' Kingdom series and The Curious World books.
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Jan12

Never thought it would come to this

by Colin R. Parsons on  January 12th, 2017 at  11:29 pm

When I started out I never envisaged having a back catalogue of books in 2017. Well you don't do you really? I mean in 2005 I had Wizards' Kingdom, a small novella of 117 pages. I took this small, purple book to every event that would take on a novice author. I was self-published, and that was taboo at the time. Anyone who self-published wasn't good enough to be eventually published by 'Proper' publishers. 

I was even told at one bookshop 'Over the Bridge', that a self-published book written by a welsh person wouldn't do well in England! Honestly, that actually did happen. So, I tried everything in my power to sell that little magical novella. I signed at newsagents, supermarket's, fete's, indie bookshops and through sheer hard work, it paid off.

Looking back now, everything that's happened - happened for a reason. It was a path I was meant to take. I met a lot of struggling authors along the way. Some continued on like me, and are still going today - others just gave up and disappeared. I though (through the strong belief and dedication of my wife) kept on pushing. One book became two - two became three and so on. As my books gained popularity, more places allowed me to do signings.

At one point nearly every Saturday in the calendar was filled with a book-signing somewhere in the UK. We spent thousands of pounds over ten years on fuel, meals and accomodation. I couldn't have done it without Jan. I owe everything to her, she's been so understanding.

I'm now looking at nine books and counting. Me, yeah, with nine books behind me. Also, running a book fair, and doing school visits, television interviews, radio interviews... just seems so crazy.

I feel so lucky to be where I am, and never-ever thought I'd be doing this full time. You've just got to be passionate about what you want to do.

Nine books

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