Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

Back in the days when I first started on this writing journey, I could never have imagined that I would come as far as I have. At the time, it seemed like nothing more than a pipe dream, an impossible target if you will. I received quite a lot of criticism, and more often than not it was from people who’d never actually read anything that I’d written.

There were some who offered supportive statements like “You’re wasting your time” and “Who in their right mind would be interested in anything you have to say?” Most kind of them. Being a true Yorkshireman, I’m somewhat stubborn by nature, so I chose quite rightly to not only ignore them but also pour myself into my work.

I admit that there were times when I felt like throwing in the proverbial towel. Thankfully, these were very few and far between, and so I persevered. I was determined to prove to myself that I could make it as a writer. Eventually, after contacting House of Honor Books, I became a published author.

I know I still have a lot more hard work ahead of me. Of course I do, it’s part of the job. Thanks to the guidance and support I received from the wonderful team at House of Honor Books, I now have three books published on Amazon, and I feel that anything is possible.

What am I working on now? Several things, actually. I’m looking into different marketing strategies. I’ve constructed trailer videos for all of my stories. I’ve also completed a guide to characters as a companion for the “Chronicles of Dreyfus” series. I’m also working on a graphic novel version of one of my stories Birth of the White Witch.

A very good friend who saw one of the trailer videos suggested that I look into creating a Dungeons and Dragons style game based on the stories, so I carried out a lot of research on the subject.

I started to write down some ideas, design gaming cards using the guide to characters, and basing them on the Top Trumps gaming cards. I’ve created a game for each of the stories in the series, designed story cards,  and also a gaming board. I’m progressing at a very steady pace, and the feedback has been amazing. I hope to have created a prototype containing elements of D & D, Top Trumps, and chess in the very near future. I will be contacting a local gaming group very soon with a view to trying it out and hopefully garnering some interest in the stories.

Do I ever look back on my journey as a writer and think what would have happened if I’d acted on my desire to throw in the towel? Never, I still have a lot to say as a writer. I refuse point-blank to look back because I’m not going in that direction.

Shaun McBride

Author of the Chronicles of Dreyfus Volumes 1-3