If you've been following my blog the last eight years, you know I'm in
love with writing. I love it so much, I've jumped through hoops to
figure out how to do it full-time. Four years ago, I charged into
independent publishing like a hurricane. The result is sixteen books
under my belt (for now).
Over the years, I've spent as much time
writing as I have studying the craft and various aspects of marketing.
Because if you're publishing books -- independently or traditionally --
you're
running a business. And it's a lot of work.
I've
done many things right, but I've also made mistakes. There
have been delightful moments when a launch is successful and heartbreaking moments when nothing works. Many times I've wanted to quit
and hide under a rock, yet I've moved through each experience and
learned something new.
After this last year with the goal
being sell, sell, sell ... I'm pretty spent -- mentally and
financially. However, I'm grateful for reaching this place because I gleaned a
powerful lesson ---> I
can no longer be motivated by my financial
insecurity, but rather my passion for writing.
The project I'm currently working on is close to my
heart in a genre I adore. One that probably won't pay my bills, but I can't let that stop me from writing what I'm most passionate about. It doesn't feel like
work. It just feels right.
I wouldn't have made the decision to follow my heart had my last couple of launches crushed it. I would've continued down a path that wasn't a good fit.
As I move in a new direction, my
pastor gave me three important things to remember: 1) tell the truth,
2) ask good questions, and 3) stay out of the results. I'll let you know if I ever figure out that last charge. And I'm writing this on my blog so I remain accountable.
This business is most definitely hard
work, but I must always remember the most important job is to keep writing -- no matter what.
Keep writing. It saves lives.
