Have you ever wondered what drives an author to leap into the world of self-publishing and Patreon, especially when they've already tasted success in traditional publishing? Michelle West, the author of Shards of Glass, joins us to recount her odyssey from mainstream publishing to taking the reins of her creative destiny. Alongside her, we have chibipoe, a diehard fan and connoisseur of Michelle's literary worlds, and Jose, the curator of Jose's Amazing Worlds, on hand to dissect the intricate aspects of an author's journey through the modern publishing landscape.In this episode, we foster a dialogue about the practicalities and hurdles Michelle encountered while embracing self-publishing, specifically the nuances of print-on-demand and the intricate dance of managing editorial tasks and coordinating with various professionals. Our conversation illuminates the visceral experience of writing, the liberation from sales figures, and the fresh connection to readers that platforms like Patreon offer. We also unravel the unpredictable nature of publishing success, the priceless value of writing with passion, and the evolving roles of social media and promotion in an author's life.As we progress, our discussion takes a fascinating turn into the realms of gaming narratives. We dissect the emotional layers and character development in MMORPGs like Final Fantasy XIV and how these stories elicit profound emotional connections. Exploring the controversial social and political topics that have emerged from gaming culture, we reflect on the power of stories not just in books but across the digital landscape, cementing the bond between creators and their audience as we navigate the ever-changing world of reading, interaction, and the art of storytelling.Find our guests:Michelle West: https://michellesagara.com/Jose: https://www.youtube.com/@JosesAmazingWorldsChibipoe: https://twitter.com/chibipoe1PageChewing.comPAGECHEWING: Comics & Manga PodcastFilm Chewing PodcastBuy me a coffeeLinktreeJoin Riverside.fm