I rarely read something and suddenly think, “This could be directed at me. The author may actually be writing this to me.” I am not so egotistical as to think something was actually written and directed to me, unless it has one of my many names attached to it. On occasion, I will read an article, a paragraph, or even a sentence and just think that it may be meant for me.

Bill Henderson managed to do this to me this time. In one of his recent articles, he wrote, “If you are 26 and not yet heard from, get busy,” with regards to having a platform to make yourself more appealing to publishers. To those wondering how I think that might apply to me: I am twenty-six and unheard of for the most part. I know Mr. Henderson was not typing that for my benefit, but I believe the intended message of the blog entry that it was in was very targeted at me and others like me. Unknown authors trying to break into the publishing arena.

He made me take some time to think about my own platform, small as it may be, and expanding recently as it is. I wrote a personal blog for a few years, then started this one a couple of different times. I have not developed any kind of cult following that might be interesting to publishers, but I know that there are people interested in my book. How do I know? I ask them. Actually, more to the point, they ask me. I am popular in several circles through games and forums that have absolutely nothing to do with writing or book publishing, and invariably in the introduction phase of it, I mention being an aspiring novelist.

Immediately following that revelation, people ask what I write, how far I am, and whether or not they can read what I have written. I feel kind of bad when I tell them that they can read it when it is published, but I think that is the reality of publishing. I find that many of these people would gladly buy the book, were it available. I do not think I am ready for the self-publishing route, but I am aware of an interest. This interest is not apparent on my site or in any readily tangible form. I do not boast a million friends on facebook (cuz I do not use the facebook account any more). I keep my twitter relatively selective. And I have only recently started trying to get traffic onto this site.

Google Analytics tells me that I am getting traffic slowly but surely though. That leaves me wondering when exactly a hobby-type website/blog becomes a platform in the eyes of a publisher? As with a great many of life’s wonderful occurances, I am sure it is simply a matter of time and patience. Luckily, over the years, I have developed an astounding amount of patience, and I have a job that gives me the time I need.