I was delighted to join other local authors at my fabulous library’s 2017 Indie Author Day. (For my 2016 recap, click here) It’s a great opportunity to learn what’s fresh in the indie publishing world. I feel lucky to be writing in the post self-publishing revolution. I am grateful for the authors who have paved the way to working as a hybrid (both self-published and traditionally published–my ultimate goal).

One big takeaway this year: no matter how an author is published, you have to be paying attention to marketing. Social media has changed the game and, I think, encouraged interactions between readers and authors. I’m on most social networks but really enjoy the informal, conversational style on Twitter and Instagram. Be sure to connect with me there.

Didn’t make it to an indie author day event? You can still check out some of the resources (including videos) here.

 

It’s been a while since I’ve posted an update on what’s happening behind the scenes. So here we go!

This year I’ve been writing, a lot. I wrote a three-book series featuring thieves, the first in what will be another three-book sweet series set in Chicago, a first draft novella intended for a Kindle World (and because I always think in terms of series) an outline for another novella, and am starting work on a two-book series that has been an idea I’ve circled for years.

I’m really excited to share these projects with you, at some point. My goal for this year was to jump into the slush pile and submit to publishers. I’m hoping to polish the first book in the current work in progress (an update of my favorite movie, Holiday Inn) in time to submit to publishers before the end of the year.

It’s been a year of dusting myself off after a disappointment. It’s been a year of getting back to work. It’s been a year of growth.

I’ll be working hard to finish each of these projects and get them published (in some capacity). These are stories I’ve loved writing and can’t wait to share. For the time being, know that I’m writing, editing, and learning as much as I can to give you the very best from me in the coming year(s).

It’s never going to be “easy”

I’ve heard the old cliche of life being about the journey and not the destination too often to count. You probably have to. Still, when I started practicing yoga back in the fall of 2016, I did focus on the end. In the months (almost year) since starting a regular practice (at least 2x a week) I’ve changed. I’m still a goal oriented person, still driven by my dreams and encouraged at each stop on my journey. But I’m more interested in appreciating where I am and how I’ve grown then by trying to meet my admittedly impossible standards.

Be mindful

Listening to the instructions of the teacher forces me to get out of my own head. Instead of thinking “I can’t I don’t I won’t,” I focus on the instructors words and follow along. I know this sounds simple. As a writer, I spend A LOT of time lost in my thoughts. And as much as I’m a positive person, negative thoughts can enter and cloud my outlook. By really focusing on the voice guiding me, I’m more aware of my abilities than my weaknesses. I’ve carried this over into my regular life too. Instead of focusing on what’s going wrong, I appreciate what is going right.

My practice is unique to me

Comparison is the killer of joy. Looking at someone else and comparing your life and choices to theirs is the surest way to kill your own spark. I know this. We all know this. And yet still, we judge, we compare. I’ve made a lot of progress on my journey. My flexibility and strength has definitely increased. But not in ways that are necessarily equal to those of someone on the same path. And that’s okay.

That’s a lesson I’ve been working hard to learn and understand. I think I’ve taken every step that I’ve needed to in my life. There are times I’m impatient to hurry ahead. Moments I want to end quickly. Experiences I’d rather not have had.

But in the end, I’ve NEEDED everything that has come my way. It’s so easy to look at another author and compare their career to my own. I’ve come to appreciate what I didn’t know I needed to know. I think every step has led me to the point where I should be.

And I hope to keep learning and growing as a yogi, an author, and a person.

Namaste.