To Self Publish or Not to Self Publish ... Is that even a question?

We all know how hard it is to get an agent/publisher these days. And I totally get why. But sometimes (and don't take this wrong agents because I super fabulouslike love you! You do amazing things and are practically heroes!) sometimes I wonder if going that route is even right for what I'm looking to do. Sure I'd love to be a number one best seller and be published by Harper Teen and have a million people like me on facebook ... BUT there's a lot that goes into that!

Reasons I think going the agent/big publisher route might not be for me ...

• Time ... it's sorta limited ... like a LOT! And I'm not sure how well I would do being bound by contracts and deadlines and all that fun stuff!

• I'm not really looking to make gobs of money. I write because I love it. And I want people to read my stuff. BUT, I mean, it'd be nice to make a wee bit of money. Wouldn't it?

• I'm a control freak (I'm pretty sure you guys didn't know that already) and I don't know how I'd do answering to agents and editors and publishers. I like things my way dammit!

• I've already got a really decent platform, as my website has really taken off. So the marketing efforts will be needed, but it would be slightly less than if I had no platform at all.

• I don't know that any  agent/editor/publisher would really "get" my book. I feel super passionate about it because it relates closely to my life, I'm not sure the every day mentally healthy person would get that. And furthermore, the thought of someone tearing it apart to make it "sellable" (new word...made it up myself) just makes my stomach churn.

The only real benefit I can come up with for going the agent/big publishing house route is the validation of having published with one of the big guys.

So I know this is a VERY controversial subject, one that people have MANY opinions on ... but I'd LOVE to hear all those controversial opinions. Really! Tell me TELL me TELL ME! NOW!

Sorry for the over dramaticness there. Just really in a loop about this right now :)

An epicly lame attempt to catch up ... but lame is good. Right? Now tell me what to read!

So thanks to my fantasticsause sister, I revisited this site for a moment or twelve ans tarted going over posts that I didn't even remember writing. I mean who knew my kids and The Hunger Games had so much in common!??!

So here's the last what? 132 months in review ....

• I started a new site
• It got kinda big
• I wrote another book (or two)
• I have no clue what to do with it (Agent, self publish, put it on a shelf and make it look pretty ... do they sell shiny paper for unpublished manuscripts?)
• Started a new full time job
• Got sick
• Really sick
• Just got better
• Still working on booming new website
• Trying to catch up on life
• Are you bored yet?

Yeah, so not too exciting (unless making # 3 out of the 50 best blogs about bipolar is exciting...), but it's still keeping me busy.

BUT... my newest thing ....

I have read approximately 1.2 books so far this year. That is sad. As in fall down on the ground in a dramatic "Oh my world this life is going to end" sort of way. It's cry worthy I tell you.

SO I'm looking for your help. I've been out of it so long, I need help knowing what to read. Last year I gave up Facebook and Twitter for lent. This year I gave up going out to eat ... and I'm TRYING to watch less TV and read more.

What I've picked up and started (as in the first chapter) so far ...

1. The Book Thief
2. Gathering Blue (sequel to The Giver by Louis Lowery)

What should I add? What have I missed out on. HELP ME!!!

PS...did I mention I've gotten that itch back. You know...the writing itch. Does anyone have any cortisone cream for that? Or should I just start scratching?

MISS YOU GUYS!!! SOOOO MUCH!!!!