The war of decision between self-publishing and traditional publishing have brought out their pens to write in blood what they stand for during these days of thoughtful reflection.
On one side stands an old king; battle-worn, tested, strong but rumors of his fading strength run rampant. On the other side a commoner; proud, dirty, one who's tasted ground not by choice leads a similar montly crew behind him.
The king and commoner have fought before and now stare at each other with the same thought on their mind.
"I was once like you with as much grit and backbone." The king said. "Can we work together?"
"Don't compare yourself to me." Snarls the commoner.
But the leader of common followers believes the king speaks reason and often asks himself that question still lingering in the king's eyes. Yet the mangled commoner's anger gets the best of him. "Why should I work with a tyrant?"
"We are better together." The king released the tension in his back. "You are my salt and I am your bread."
"I don't need you." The commoner spits.
"Who then will protect the land from ravagers? Who then will stop the horde from flooding the crops? How will you eat while the barley burns and you fend off pirates?"
There were merchants and beggars alike that made it through the gates. Some came back and swore an oath to the king. Others were never heard from again. At still a smaller group turned lord expressed the praises of the outside.
"I was once like you with as much grit and backbone." The king said. "Can we work together?"
"Don't compare yourself to me." Snarls the commoner.
But the leader of common followers believes the king speaks reason and often asks himself that question still lingering in the king's eyes. Yet the mangled commoner's anger gets the best of him. "Why should I work with a tyrant?"
"We are better together." The king released the tension in his back. "You are my salt and I am your bread."
"I don't need you." The commoner spits.
"Who then will protect the land from ravagers? Who then will stop the horde from flooding the crops? How will you eat while the barley burns and you fend off pirates?"
There were merchants and beggars alike that made it through the gates. Some came back and swore an oath to the king. Others were never heard from again. At still a smaller group turned lord expressed the praises of the outside.
"Go then." the king hardened his voice. "See what there is to see."
"And if I go will you take me back?" The commoner matched the kings tone.
The king said nothing. To the commoner the answer wasn't certain.
The king said nothing. To the commoner the answer wasn't certain.
Such is the life of the self-published author to go beyond those "gates" to see what one can find. But think if you are willing to pay the price for independence.
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