Gunshine State Gets Gutshot
The hustle is real, folks.
For many of us, we’re shooting (or drawing, or creating apps, or doing videos, or writing books) because it’s a passion we have.
We’re in a great space right now where, thanks to the Internet, we have opportunity and motivation to get our work out there.
But it doesn’t necessarily pay the bills.
Sure, some of us may pick up a few bucks here and there working on commission, selling prints, or having some people buy the books we’ve labored hard over.
But when an obstacle comes in your way, then what happens.
Back in 2013 or so, I “met” Andrew Nette online. Started reading his Pulp Curry blog, found out more about this intelligent gent from Australia.
Then, in 2014, he came to Philadelphia to attend NoirCon. Since I was going to be on a panel at NoirCon, and I’d be there, I thought this would be a great time to do some portrait of him. I emailed him, told him so, and we agreed to meet up.
I wrote about that meet-up here.
Andrew recently published, via 280 Steps, his second novel, GUNSHINE STATE, a sweet little heist novel that’s set in Australia. The book was clipping along pretty well….then this…from Andrews Facebook page:
The highs and lows of writing. Had a great time reading at the Melbourne Noir at the Bar event I helped organise last night. Woke up this morning to an e-mail from 280 Steps, the publisher of my second novel, GUNSHINE STATE, officially informing me they are closing down and that as of March 31st the book will be without a home.
I’m pretty gutted about this and my thoughts also go out to my fellow 280 Steps authors, many of whom had a number of books out through the outfit. 280 Steps were a good publisher, did some great books, with wonderful cover art & I didn’t see their closure coming. I’m very proud of GUNSHINE STATE. The book had been well received, appeared to have a lot of life left in it & I’ve been contemplating a sequel. Frankly, I am not sure where to go with it now. Obviously, I have no intention of giving up fiction writing, but I’d be lying if i didn’t say say this latest news has stopped me in my tracks a bit.
If you want a copy GUNSHINE STATE you should pick one up in the next day or so before it is taken down. In the meantime, I have things to do, including finding a new publisher.
The 280 Steps website is still up as of today, but their Twitter account is closed. No one seems to have any answers, at least not yet.
But GUNSHINE has been gutshot. I feel Andrew’s pain. It’s not easy to write the book and sure as heck isn’t easy to find a publisher, get it printed, promoted, etc. He, like many of the writers I know, have got no big royalty check or anything like that. This is a side job to them – but a side job that means a lot to them.
Like my photography is and does to me.
So, on this Throwback Thursday, I’m throwing it back to when I met Andrew. And hoping, perhaps, someone out there in WordPressland sees this and can help us find Andrew a new publisher.
That’s what this all about, right? Getting our words (and photos) out there, because it’s our passion.
It’s not our job.
If you or someone you know can help Andrew out, send me an email at jerseystylephotography@gmail.com and I’ll help you get in touch with Andrew.
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