Furry Writers' Guild Forum

Hello, New here

Introductions
#1

Hello all,
I’m new to the forums, having just joined today, and recently joined the Guild as well. My nickname here is Banner, and some of you may have heard of me or met me over the years, as I’ve been in the fandom for sometime now.

I used to write storied for Yarf, as well as a few online forums. I stared to write eBooks back in 2011, and published on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and a few other places. I write under my own name (John Van Stry) as well as a couple of pen names.

Last year I spent a few months working as a full-time writer, between contracts (I work as a consultant) and have since decided to quit my day job and turn pro. Writing is what I now do for a living, full-time. Which is kind of exciting (in both the good ways and the bad ones).

The reasons I am here on the forums are twofold: One, I want to help others, because I believe a rising tide lifts all boats. Two, it’s always nice to have other authors to chat with, because they have a better understanding of the issues authors face.

#2

That’s pretty great, Banner! Ebooks are one of those things people ask about a lot, so another person who can help is great.

Are you just a self-published author or do you have any traditional/small press books?

What genres or types of stories do you write?

#3

I am completely self-published. I had thought at one time about working with a small press, but to be honest, I don’t think they could offer me anything at this point. I’ve actually been giving thought to starting my own small press imprint, and may do so if I can find the time (and if my accountant tells me it’s a good idea).

As for what I write, science fiction and fantasy, primarily. Though my current series is probably more of an urban fantasy type. I have also written PNR under a pen-name, but it doesn’t earn/sell anywhere as much as what I’ve been writing under my own name, so I’ve sort of set that aside for now.

#4

Maybe you don’t have as many books out under that name. That seems to be one of the big factors.

Are any of these furry?

#5

Hello and welcome! I’m knew here, too!
The only time I was able to live off my writing was when I wrote help files for computer learning software.

#6

Welcome!

Drope by the chat, we’re always happy to get new people there :slight_smile:

#7

Hi, and welcome to the forums!

#8

Welcome! Are you the same Banner whose name has come up before in Sholan-related contexts?

#9

Maybe you don’t have as many books out under that name. That seems to be one of the big factors.

Are any of these furry?[/quote]

It’s a bit more complicated than that. I’ve been studying the market for several years now and I think I’m finally starting to understand it (however slightly). I actually have a lot of books on the market now, and was doing okay, though nothing fantastic, until last year when I started approaching it as a full-time job using what I had learned.

The pen-name stuff for now I’m just going to let sit for a while. Some of it does have furry elements to it, though they’re not targeted at the fandom as an audience. If I find the time I may go back to some of it and push it again. Right now I’m focusing on the stuff that is having the most success, and which honestly I enjoy working on the most.

#10

Yup, that’s me.

#11

Greetings and welcome. Please make yourself at home and feel free to ask if you have any questions.

#12

Greets!

#13

Welcome to the forum and FWG! ;D

#14

Welcome! And congrats on living the dream :slight_smile:

#15

Hello, welcome!

#16

Hello! Welcome aboard!

#17

Hello and welcome to the forums! It’s great to have another professional on board. The two reasons you listed- especially the first- gave me goosebumps of the best variety! Please feel free to drop a line or three in the Shoutbox sometime; I would love to pick your brain!