Jaka Tomc's Blog

In A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens wrote one of the most famous and influential opening lines:

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

As a writer, I can’t imagine a better opening for a story. The book may be a total bore, but after reading the first lines, I want to read it. I don’t know about you but I’m a sucker for beautiful covers and opening lines.

The book was published in 1895. That’s 130 years ago. And yet, we can say that we live in times that are the best and the wors...

I should be writing is slowly but surely becoming my new mantra. Lack of time (or will) is not an issue. I’m not sure what the problem is. When I do write, it’s going just fine, and I’m happy with my writing material. It’s something else.

The main reason is obvious. I’m a perfectionist. But the problem, as I see it, is not that I want to write a perfect book. That is impossible and I know it (or do I?). Even though I trust my writing abilities just enough that I know that I can and do write dece...

I should be writing is slowly but surely becoming my new mantra. Lack of time (or will) is not an issue. I’m not sure what the problem is. When I do write, it’s going just fine, and I’m happy with my writing material. It’s something else.

The main reason is obvious. I’m a perfectionist. But the problem, as I see it, is not that I want to write a perfect book. That is impossible and I know it (or do I?). Even though I trust my writing abilities just enough that I know that I can and do write dece...

While I’m writing this post, I am completely aware that what I should be doing is writing my new book. But at least I’m writing something and that is a good thing.

I have had a very insightful afternoon reading your book. It arrived from Amazon at midday today and I have just finished it. I also have bipolar and can empathise with your plight. I will be seeking out some more of your published works. 

I love getting emails. It reminds me of ancient times before the internet became a thing. We were ...

I know I’m starting to repeat myself but it’s been a while. Not just here. In the last few months, I didn’t write much. There were solid reasons for that but still…

Firstly, we moved to a new apartment. It’s not new new; actually, it’s half a century old. But you know what, it’s ours and it’s fucking lovely. We started moving in at the end of August and by mid-September, we spent our first night here. So for two weeks I was carrying stuff up the stairs (fourth floor, no elevator) and assembling f...

It’s been a while since I wrote anything. Not just here. My new book is progressing so slowly that I even considered changing it into a novella (I’m planning a 60k-word, 300-page novel). And whenever times like these come around I remember my high school math teacher.

“Tomc, you stink! You stink of manure. You could have an A in math class but you’re getting Ds in [general] class.”

First of all, let me explain a few things. This was the 90’s. Teachers could say shit like that and not lose their j...

Some of you were probably wondering why I didn’t write a single line in the last few months. It’s not just Substack, I took a total break from writing. Why? I needed it.

For bipolar in remission, I play a lot of roles and I get fresh ideas all the time. Every once in a while I come to the point where I have to say STOP. If I don’t, bipolar disorder does. When that happens, I’m screwed. That’s why I pull a brake occasionally and try to get a well-deserved rest.

I quit the role...

A month and ten days have passed since Stop This Game, my book on bipolar disorder, was published. So far, 45 copies have been sold on Amazon and one (that I bought myself) on Kobo. Happy? Yes and no.

Yes. Every indie author will tell you that beginnings are tough. While I’m not a beginner, I’m also not a well-known name yet. I also put more money into Amazon and Facebook ads than I get back. But that’s all part of my plan. I’m playing the long game. I don’t want to be a one-hit wonder.

Manic Droi...

It’s almost been a month since Stop This Game was published, and it’s been a decent first month. It’s not on a NY Times Bestseller list, but a copy or two is sold almost every day.

Regarding royalties, June was the best month for me on Amazon. I did put a lot of money into Amazon and Facebook ads, but I’m selling this book at a higher price than the previous ones, so the revenue is higher too. I’m still far from breaking even, but hopefully, I will soon.

In other ne...