The Misadventures of an Indie Author: A Tale of a Private Investigator Mystery

Greetings, fellow bookworms and amateur detectives! Swinton here.

I finally drafted, edited, formatted and published The Dyeing Process. It’s only taken me four years to accomplish this. That’s four times longer than I thought it would take. Picture this: me, a first-time indie author, armed with nothing but a laptop, a wild imagination, and a burning desire to write my very own private investigator mystery.

Now, let me set the scene for you. It all started on the first of November 2019, day one of NaNoWriMo, a month long marathon that writers undertake every year. As I sat hunched over my keyboard, sipping on copious amounts of coffee and trying to conjure up the perfect plot for my debut novel. Little did I know, I was about to embark on a quest beyond that month filled with self-publishing shenanigans.

First things first, I had to come up with a protagonist. Enter Neil Ames, a troubled private investigator. Well, that’s not exactly, right. First came The murder victim Kathleen Sterling, an investigative journalist, whose spirit can’t seem to leave her apartment. She was going to help a bumbling police investigator find her murderer, much like Columbo, who would be helped by the victim’s dog, named Sherlock. Wrong. Suddenly a brooding, haunted, private investigator, with a Sherlock Holmes fixation , who told me his name is Neil Ames, strode down the hallway to the crime scene. Sherlock the dog remained , but not the spirit of Katherine Sterling.

With Neil by my side, I dove headfirst into the world of private investigation, crafting a plot filled with twists, turns, and more red herrings than a fish market. (All right, I know that’s cliché, and if it was in the book it would have been edited out.) But little did I know, the real mystery was about to unfold behind the scenes of my writing process.

As I delved deeper into the murky waters of self-publishing, I quickly discovered that navigating the indie author scene is a lot like solving a mystery – full of unexpected plot twists and hair-raising encounters with dubious characters.

First, there was the editing process – a harrowing journey through the treacherous landscape of typos, grammatical errors, and plot holes the size of potholes. Let's just say, my manuscript went through more revisions than a Broadway play during tech week. (Sorry, my background in theater always finds it's way into everything I write.) I found a great critique group and a kind but firm copy editor…Natalia Leigh who tamed the actor who loves dashes and hash marks to semi-colons.

Next up, cover design. Now, I may be a whiz with words, but when it comes to graphic design, let's just say my artistic talents leave a lot to be desired. After countless hours spent wrestling with Photoshop and more than a few failed attempts at creating a cover that didn't look like it was designed by a toddler, I finally caved and hired a professional…A really good cover designer…Stuart Bache.

And let's not even get started on marketing. As an indie author, I quickly learned that promoting your book is a full-time job in itself. From building a social media presence to organizing book signings and blog tours, the list of marketing tasks seemed endless. But hey, at least I got to flex my detective skills by hunting down elusive book reviewers and tracking sales data like a seasoned gumshoe.

But amidst all the chaos of my indie author journey, there were moments of pure magic – like the thrill of holding my published book in my hands for the first time, or the joy of hearing from readers who fell in love with Neil Ames and the talented amateur, Octavia Clarke (his Watson).

So, to all you aspiring indie authors out there, I say this: embrace the madness, laugh in the face of adversity, and never underestimate the power of a good detective novel – even if it takes a few misadventures to get there.

Until next time, keep sleuthing and keep writing!

From Tragedy to Triumph: The Remarkable Journey of Swinton Woolfe - A Woman of Many Talents

I was musing on something for a future press packet. It’s lively. It’s inspirational. Perhaps prophetic. I think it will work as a future piece of marketing material—or my obituary. A perfect beginning for this blog.

In the realm of literature, there are countless stories of resilience and triumph that inspire readers across the world. Today, we bring you the awe-inspiring journey of a woman who has worn multiple hats throughout her life and emerged stronger despite facing numerous challenges. Meet author, Swinton Woolfe, a social worker, Shakespearian actor and director, radio news editor and reporter, director of museum services, and freelance writer for a neighborhood business newsletter. Her life took an unexpected turn when an extended illness forced her to start anew, ultimately leading her to become a celebrated author of the Neil Ames PI Murder Mystery series.

The Early Days of Swinton Woolfe

In her younger years, Swinton was a force of nature, an individual bursting with creativity and a passion for making a difference in the world. As a social worker, she dedicated herself to improving the lives of the underserved. Simultaneously, she took center stage as a Shakespearian actor and director, skillfully bringing the timeless works of the Bard to life.

A Journalistic Trailblazer

However, Swinton’s diverse talents did not stop there. With an insatiable curiosity and a flair for storytelling, she ventured into the realm of journalism. As a radio news editor and reporter, Swinton delivered compelling stories that shed light on social issues and celebrated acts of courage and compassion in her community. Her dedication to her craft earned her the respect of her peers.

Curating History and Community

Swinton Woolfe’s ever-evolving career trajectory led her to explore the world of museums and contemporary Pacific Northwest art.  As a director of museum services, she played a pivotal role in engaging and entertaining visitors. Moreover, she continued her written pursuits by becoming a freelance writer for a neighborhood business newsletter, further connecting her with the vibrant community she had grown to love.

The Dark Days of Illness

Unfortunately, life is often unpredictable, and even the strongest of us can be brought to our knees. Swinton’s life took a tragic turn when she faced an extended and debilitating illness that forced her to step back from her diverse roles. The challenges she encountered were overwhelming, and she found herself losing everything she had worked so hard to build.

A Phoenix Rising from the Ashes

Yet, Swinton is no ordinary woman. Her spirit refused to be extinguished by adversity. Despite the hardships, she found solace and therapy in the world of literature, where she immersed herself in the realms of mystery, intrigue, and suspense. Inspired by her love for Shakespeare and the crime fiction genre, she began crafting murder mysteries.

The Neil Ames PI Murder Mystery Series

With determination, Swinton poured her heart and soul into her writing, birthing the Neil Ames PI Murder Mystery series. Set in the backdrop of the captivating world she once knew as a reporter and a social worker, the series features a brilliant and tenacious private investigator, Neil Ames, who unravels complex cases that intertwine Shakespearean  and Sherlockian themes with modern-day crime.

The Success of Neil Ames

Swinton Woolfe’s powerful storytelling, fueled by her unique life experiences, resonated with readers worldwide. The Neil Ames PI Murder Mystery series became a literary sensation, garnering critical acclaim and attracting a dedicated following of fans. Her journey from the depths of despair to becoming an accomplished author stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit.

Conclusion

The incredible life of Swinton Woolfe serves as a poignant reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is hope for a brighter future. Her story inspires us to embrace our passions, persevere through adversity, and emerge stronger than ever. Her journey from a multifaceted professional to a celebrated author is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative potential of art and literature. Through her writing, Swinton Woolfe continues to captivate readers, proving that out of the depths of tragedy can emerge a triumph that shines bright enough to inspire generations to come.