Jon Chaisson

I'm a self-published writer who's been releasing books at the rate of at least one a year since 2015. It's an insane way to go about making a buck, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I currently live in the west side of San Francisco with my wife Amanda, far too many books, a few guitars, and a ridiculously large digital music collection. Oh, and a lovely view of the Golden Gate Bridge from my office window. I've been writing since I was a teenager, but it's only recently that I've made the decision to go DIY and self-publish my works, and I still think it's the best career move I've ever made.

That's a good question. I've blogged about it here: https://welcometobridgetown.com/2017/06/12/why-i-self-publish/

I self-publish for many reasons...the quick turnaround, the freedom it provides in my career, and especially the DIY attitude, for starters. I've always been a bit of a nonconformist in my own way, and I was drawn to the idea that I could release my novels on my own terms. I wouldn't do it half-arsed, of course; I'm well aware of the amount of work that goes into releasing novels this way, as well as how much work comes *after* the release, with the post-production (such as the cover art and the formatting) and the promotion. I choose to look at it like a punk band would have back in the 80s: do it the way you want to the best of your ability, don't worry about being the square peg in a round hole, and remember to have fun doing it at every moment. And above all, be creative about it. I still think it's the best decision I've ever made in my writing career.