Tell us a little bit about yourself, your books and any new projects you are working on.
My name is Torrey C Butler, born in Miami, FL and raised in Atlanta, GA. I am an Entrepreneur and the Founder of Scribble, which is a social networking platform for authors and writers to connect and network.
I started writing my first book in 2017 around the age of 22, a memoir titled Where Do I Go from Here? Writing that book started out as being therapeutic for me, but I was taken by the number of people that related to what I had to say, and also liked my artistry. So, I kept writing.
My next project is called The Right Way to Go, which will be my debut novel in the YA genre. What I want all my current and future readers to know is that I write with purpose, to bring issues to light in a humorous yet bold and unique way. Like Grandma’s house, you’re going to leave here with something.
1. When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
My realization that I wanted to become a writer came later. Ironically, it wasn’t during the time I spent writing my first book or even before I started writing it, it was after. Once I realized how much my words resonated with people and how much of a difference I was making on people’s lives, that was when I committed and knew I needed to keep writing.
2. How long have you been writing? How many books have you written?
Since 2017, so about 5 years. I’ve published one book, a memoir titled Where Do I Go from Here? I’ve finished my debut YA novel, titled The Right Way to Go and I’m working on my third, which is a sequel to The Right Way to Go.
3. What made you want to self-publish?
I wanted to maintain all creative control. Word for word, sentence for sentence. I knew what I wanted my potential audience at the time to read and I knew what I wanted them to take away from reading a Torrey C. Butler book. Overall, I wanted to be very hands on and essentially determine the fate of my success.
I also wanted to develop a small, but strong core fan base organically. With that, I was able to establish relationships with my reader and receive honest feedback on my style of writing, which inevitably led me to self-publishing.
4. Would you recommend new authors self-publish, and would you recommend Gatekeeper Press?
It depends on your goal. There are pros and cons to self-publishing and traditional publishing. Weigh your options and choose the best one for you.
To be honest, I would recommend Gatekeeper Press. I published my book through them nearly 2 years ago and I still have a great ongoing relationship with my Author Manager and the company.
5. What do you do marketing-wise to help announce and sell your books?
I’m giving out free game with this one but it’s cool, I want everyone to succeed.
Email subscribers (I recommend creating a website if you haven’t already and develop subscribers through your website), social media, emailing newsletters and upcoming project blasts via all streams of networking.
In addition, although slower, there’s nothing like face-to-face conversations that allows readers to become intrigued with you and eventually your work.
6. What advice do you have for a new or fledgling author?
Scribble! Scribble is the world’s first mobile application for authors and writers to network and connect. It’s available on the App Store and Google Play Store. I wish I had this networking system or someway to connect with other creators before I started.
Also, be yourself. Be original. Remember, you are one of one. The world has already seen other writers and authors. Now, they’re waiting to see you.
7. What social media platforms are you on?
Scribble, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter.
8. What is the one piece of advice you wish you had known when you first started out?
I’m still learning and growing daily as a writer and storyteller. And maybe that is the advice I wish I had starting out. Understanding that it is good to be protective of your work because all creators are, but don’t be oblivious or too big-headed for good feedback. It’s only going to make you better as you go along in your writing journey.
9. What do you feel is the biggest challenge authors are facing going into 2023 (and beyond)?
Identity. Too many authors are writing genres just because it’s more lucrative or popular at the moment. Just be yourself, develop your fan base of people who love your writing style and stay true to publishing work that you want your name behind.
10. Have you won any awards or contests that you would like to mention?
2022 Next Generation Indie Book Award Winner for the Motivational Category
2021 San Francisco Book Festival Award Honorable Mention for Biography/Autobiography
Please share your website/social media links below:
Instagram, Twitter @ butlerthedon