When I released my debut novel Deadly Secrets from Pond Island this past August, I imagined a kettle of vultures encircling my brain, ready to pluck away my writing spirit, and carry away my keyboard.
I knew I couldn't let that irrational thought become a roadblock. Like every other indie author who doesn't have the backing of a publishing house promotion machine, I had to discover ways to find and build my audience. After all, friends and family only go so far.
During my journey these past four months, I waded through multiple webinars, programs, consultants, and businesses gladly offering their marketing support. Some seemed good, some not so good, and some seemed just as lost as me.
Indie writers like me can’t avoid this part of the journey. We must embrace it and move forward. We have to continue to balance the tasks before us, along with the daily events of our lives, while new characters take over our minds and pull us down various paths full of twists and turns. Which is where I find myself these days - juggling life, the self-indie marketing maze, and the production of Vanessa Hutchins’ first mystery in audible format. Not to mention listening to the cast of characters babbling on in my head as I work on the second installment of the Deadly Secrets' series.
I'm not one for making a New Year's resolution. (I gave up starting out the year disappointing myself long ago.) So with the dawn of this New Year upon us, I'm choosing instead to reflect with gratitude on these past four months since I first self-published. I'm grateful for the sheer enjoyment I derive from writing. I'm grateful for putting myself through this daunting process. And I’m most grateful to you, dear reader. I'm grateful we found each other. You motivate me. I can't thank you enough for that gift.
And now, with one watchful eye cast skyward, and my trusted furry companion, Mr. Ralf, by my side, I begin my new year pecking away on my keyboard with my spirit still intact.
But until I’m ready to divulge the latest secrets Vanessa is uncovering, I thought I’d share a few books I’ve recently read, which you may also enjoy:
The Maid, Nita Prose
Mad Honey, Jodi Picoult
The Boy from the Woods, Harlan Coben
Lessons in Chemistry, Bonnie Garmus
The Perfect Family, Shalini Boland
POTUS, David Hoppe
The House Mate, Nina Manning
The Girlfriend, K.L. Slater
Happy reading and Happy New Year!
Trivia P.S.: People ask me why I named my dog, Ralf. I explain I didn't. I just saw this adorable puppy, patted his head and asked, "What's your name?" It was love at first bark.
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