I recognize; it’s been a while since we have seen each other. I’ve been elsewhere in a cave, scribbling away, building worlds and characters to entertain you.
If you believe any of what I have just said, you, my friend, live in a fantasy realm. I’m totally making that up. I’ve been away thinking of what to compose for you. So you are getting ramblings of a self-published author.
Like, seriously, what should I write about that you haven’t previously heard fifty million other occasions by fifty million diverse individuals, and what will cause you to take notice and wish to read further?
I chose the author interviews because The Authors Porch is all about promoting authors, suddenly that dried out, and authors didn’t use that service, which I accept; they have to choose time away from their writing careers to draft up words about themselves. Heck, I’m not too fond of self-promotion.
So, here I am, having a pass in the dark, wondering if you will listen to the ramblings that I encounter as a self-published author, along with factors I perceive within the self-published author field.
One thing rings true; anxiety is on an all-time high. I have over 2K friends on Facebook and another almost 2K on Twitter and 500 Instagram, a few on TikTok, 4K on my mailing list, and I could point out the other social media and groups, but you see the jest of what I’m trying to deliver. I place my ear within the self-publishing world very close to the floor, so to speak.
Anxiety has hit the majority of authors, and they have every right to be. This business will break you down if you are not ready for it. I woke up at 3 am wondering why me, dear God, why am I awake when my workday at my full-time job starts at 7 am, and I have to be on my A-game because somewhere along this self-publishing adventure, I created two businesses as well.
SO here I sit, a full-time job, two business’s, a writing career, kids on their way home from college for the holidays, a husband who doubts if he will ever see his wife again, six dogs who require time with their mommy, and a seven-year-old little girl inside of me going, when do we get to play.
Are you screaming yet?
Here is the fact, being a self-published author can activate an abundance of anxiety. Some coping techniques will help you, but you need to understand you are working in an uphill battle. The battle does not have to be won in one day. Relying on other authors and working with them will help you.
Do not assume you have it all figured out, and DO NOT be a snob. We all learn in varied ways, and jointly we can succeed.
So many people try to hold a secret formula in their purse and not share it. Some of the most successful self-published authors write books about being best-selling authors and making six figures. They share their successes. Why not do that too.
Also, when you are feeling some triggers, take a break, don’t think you have to figure it all out overnight. Success comes when you least expect it, so that square peg in the round hole, stop it.
Collaboration is the key to being successful. Reach out to other self-published authors and create groups where you read each other’s work to give feedback. Don’t be so selfish that all you do is promote.
Marketing is the hardest thing out there for self-published authors, and yes, you are stressed out over it, but here is the thing, when you read each other’s material and become fans of each other’s stuff…. are you catching my drift…. BOOM, the marketing takes off because now you have other people that care about your success the same way you do.
Stop having those shallow friendships that simply let you share in their group and don’t even like your post!
You all know how that goes!
Either way, take some time for yourself, have a coffee while sitting on a porch, recliner, or wherever you are, and don’t worry about the things you cannot change, but about the things you can and be excellent because that is why you write.
You do something that so many can’t; you create an entire world inside your head and help others escape.
You’ve got this; you’re a whole boss.
I’m here to tell you; you will succeed. You need to define success in your way and not in someone else’s way. While our at it, let me know how you like Ramblings of a Self-Published author.
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