So as the title suggests I wrote a book why is Lloyd to thank? First let's rewind a little. When I was a teenager I was a pretty gifted writer and was put in academic and AP classes for English/lit classes. My job eventually led me to marketing where I do creative and writing for a living. So, when the Lloyd Evans scandal blew up it made me revisit Reluctant Apostate. I get why it became popular but at the end of the day it's really just a run-of-the-mill auto-biographies that his audience paid for. Well if that joker could write a book so could I.
So I got to writing. I had been listening to the Tom Sawyer audio-book and it reminded me of my friends and I. I started thinking about how few books are written from the perspective of a young born in JW who doesn't want to be there, who doesn't have much faith, one of the "bad association" kids. I also wanted to keep it funny while also covering some serious issues in the faith. Within six months I had written a 240 page novel.
It was even more satisfying that I didn't need anyone to pay for me to do it, or beg for everyone else to do the small things. I concepted the artwork, wrote everything and outsourced editing (though that could be improved). I also opted to self-publish which was pretty easy. Really the whole process was something I could do all on my own with a little budget. Makes me wonder why Lloyd had to raise the amount he did.
So I can say Lloyd helped me, he helped me realize he was a hack and if he could write a book surely I could. I know it's a little petty but hopefully some find it more entertaining than his.
Anyway, I also posted something similar on Reddit but figured some may get a kick out of this on here. Not sure if it's ok to share the title or a link to my book but if it is I'll share it.