People really assume that if you've had a book published, you've been paid a sum of money--and that that sum is enough to live on while you're writing the next. They have NO IDEA!

I think all writers should talk about this at some point DURING their presentations. (And not just at the end.) Call it Public Education.

I've been asked to do guest visits with book club groups. I've accepted these invites in spite of the time spent, because they really are fun. BUT I ask at the outset for each member of the group to commit to BUYING at least one copy of the book from a local independent bookstore, and NO library borrowing even. (Though I love the idea of donating the book if they don't have a copy.)

Thanks for writing this, Roz! Very needed!