ASHLEY FARRIS's Blog

Self-publishing is a wild ride, a rollercoaster of emotions, and a test of your sanity that you didn’t know you signed up for. It’s exciting to type “The End” on that first draft, only to realize that the real work is just beginning.

Welcome to the chaotic world of self-publishing, where hours turn into days, and days into months as you navigate through the labyrinth of edits, designs, and promotions.

The Thrill of the First Draft

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of writing that first draft. You’re filled with hope and caffeine, convinced that your words will change the world—or at least entertain a few friends.
But hold on! That first draft is just the tip of the iceberg. What follows is an avalanche of rewrites and edits that can make you question your life choices. You’ll find yourself buried under piles of feedback, wondering if you even know how to string a sentence together.

The Endless Cycle of Edits

Editing is where the magic (and madness) happens. You’ll rewrite your manuscript so many times that you’ll start to loathe your characters—those once-beloved creations will begin to feel like annoying houseguests who just won’t leave.
“Why did I ever think this character was cool?” you’ll mutter in despair. Yet, somehow, after countless revisions, you’ll fall in love with them all over again. It’s a toxic relationship, but one that every author knows too well.

Designing Your Book: The Fun and Frustration

Next up: book cover design and character art. This is where your vision meets reality—and sometimes clashes spectacularly. Finding the right design can feel like pushing a boulder uphill.
You want something that screams “buy me!” while also reflecting your artistic soul. And don’t even get me started on marketing!
Suddenly, you’re thrust into the role of a social media guru, creating videos and posts that make you feel like the most obnoxious person on Earth.

The Marketing Maze

Marketing is an essential part of self-publishing, yet it often feels like shouting into a void. You inundate friends and family with updates about your book launch, feeling like a broken record while praying someone will care enough to buy a copy.
Spoiler alert: not everyone will love your book—and that’s perfectly okay! You didn’t write it for everyone; you wrote it for yourself. But when someone does connect with your work? That’s pure gold.

The Joys and Heartaches of Reader Feedback

Getting people to read Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. You hand over your baby to strangers and wait for their reactions with bated breath.
When they love it, it’s like receiving a warm hug from the universe; when they don’t... well, let’s just say it stings a bit. But remember: every piece of feedback is part of the journey.

Conclusion: A Labor of Love

At its core, self-publishing is about sharing a piece of yourself with others. It’s messy, chaotic, and sometimes downright frustrating, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
You pour your heart into every word, every edit, and every marketing post because you believe in your story—and that belief is what makes this wild journey worth every sleepless night.

So here’s to all the indie authors out there navigating this crazy path! Embrace the chaos, laugh at the absurdity, and keep writing—because at the end of the day, it’s all about telling your story in your own way.

ASHLEY FARRIS

Bound Souls

Let’s get one thing straight: if you’ve ever had a dream of writing a book, you need to stop putting it off and just do it. Seriously. WRITE THE DAMN BOOK.

I know what you’re thinking. “But I don’t have time!” or “What if no one likes it?” or “I can’t even spell ‘definitely’ without Googling it!” Trust me, I’ve been there. We all have. The truth is, the world is filled with excuses that can keep us from pursuing our passions. But here’s the kicker: at the end of the day, this journey is about you and your dreams, not about what anyone else thinks.

Imagine this: you finally finish that manuscript. You type those glorious two words—“The End”—and suddenly, a wave of euphoria washes over you. It’s like standing on top of a mountain after a grueling hike, arms raised in victory, feeling like you could conquer the world. You did it! You took that leap and wrote your heart out.

Now, let’s be real for a second. Writing a book is not all rainbows and butterflies. There will be days when the words flow like molasses in January, and you’ll wonder if your characters are secretly plotting against you. There will be moments when you question your sanity for thinking you could ever write anything worth reading. But guess what? That’s part of the process! Embrace the chaos, because every word you write brings you one step closer to your goal.

And here’s where it gets even better: if people happen to love your book along the way? That’s just icing on the cake! Sure, it feels amazing to receive praise and accolades (who doesn’t love a good compliment?), but the real victory lies in knowing that you did this for yourself. You poured your soul onto the page, and that is something no one can ever take away from you.

So why not make today the day? Grab that notebook or open up your laptop and start typing. Write about that quirky character who keeps popping into your head at 2 AM or that fantastical world where unicorns roam free (or whatever floats your boat). Let your imagination run wild!

And when doubt creeps in—because it will—just remember: every bestselling author started out as an aspiring writer with a dream. They faced rejection, criticism, and self-doubt just like you. But they pushed through because they believed in their story.

So go ahead—write the damn book! Pour your heart into those pages and let your voice be heard. Because at the end of the day, this journey is yours alone, and there’s nothing more fulfilling than achieving something you’ve always wanted to do.

Now go forth and create! Your story deserves to be told.

ASHLEY FARRIS

Bound Souls

Ah, editing. That magical phase of writing where you go from “I’m a literary genius” to “Who wrote this garbage?” faster than you can say “delete key.”
If you’ve ever tried to polish your manuscript, you know that editing is like trying to clean a house after a toddler has had a sugar rush—chaotic, messy, and filled with moments of existential dread.

The Love-Hate Relationship

Editing is like that frenemy you can’t quite shake off. You know you need it in your life, but it also makes you question every life choice that led to this moment.
Here are some of the highlights (or lowlights) of my editing escapades:

Clarity? What’s That?:

You’d think I was writing in hieroglyphics with how often I have to decipher my own thoughts. “What did I mean by ‘the sky was blue’? Did I mean it was cerulean or just… blue?!” Spoiler alert: nobody cares.

Character Development:

My characters are supposed to be relatable, but during editing, they start sounding more like they belong in a soap opera. “Oh, darling, I’ve lost my memory and my will to live!” Thanks for the melodrama, but can we tone it down a notch?

Worldbuilding Woes:

You know that feeling when you think your world is as rich as chocolate cake, only to realize it’s more like a stale cracker? Yeah, that’s me. I spend hours crafting intricate details about my fantasy realm only to find out I forgot the most important part: how it all makes sense.

The Struggles Are Real

Editing is not for the faint of heart. Here’s what I’ve learned about this torturous process:
Self-Doubt: Nothing says “I’m a writer” quite like staring at your manuscript and wondering if you should just become a barista instead. “Hey, can I get a tall latte with extra self-esteem on the side?”

Time Sinkhole:

Editing takes forever. It’s like trying to find your way out of IKEA without buying anything—impossible! You sit down with good intentions and suddenly it’s three hours later, and you’ve only managed to delete one awkward sentence.

Emotional Rollercoaster:

Cutting scenes feels like breaking up with your favorite character. “Sorry, Brad the Brave, but you just don’t fit in this story anymore.” Cue the dramatic music and tears.
Surviving the Editing Gauntlet


So how do I survive this madness? Here are my tried-and-true (and slightly sarcastic) strategies:

Breaks Are Key:

When in doubt, walk away! A little distance helps me remember why I started writing in the first place—or at least gives me time to binge-watch something mindless.

Feedback Frenzy:

Nothing boosts your confidence quite like handing your work over to someone else and saying, “Please don’t hate me.” Beta readers are like emotional support animals for writers—except they can talk back.

Goal Setting:

Set tiny goals so you don’t feel overwhelmed. “Today, I will edit one paragraph!” And then reward yourself with snacks because let’s be real—food is the ultimate motivator.

In conclusion, while editing may feel like a cruel joke played by the universe on unsuspecting writers everywhere, it’s also where the magic happens (eventually).
So here’s to all of us brave souls tackling our manuscripts one sarcastic comment at a time!

Remember: if all else fails, just add more dragons. They make everything better.

ASHLEY FARRIS

Bound Souls

Hey there, book lovers and fellow daydreamers!

So, I did a thing. I wrote a book. Like, a whole-ass novel with chapters and everything. I know, right? Someone pinch me—actually, don't. I bruise easily, and I need to look good for my author photo.

Let me tell you, bringing "Bound Souls" to life was like trying to wrangle a herd of caffeinated cats while riding a unicycle. Backwards. In heels. (Okay, I was actually in fuzzy slippers, but let a girl have her glamorous fantasies, will ya?)

From Brain to Book: A Journey of Caffeine and Tears

I've been spinning yarns since I was knee-high to a grasshopper—or whatever the cool kids say these days. But taking Evangeline from the cozy confines of my imagination and plopping her onto the page? That was a whole new level of crazy.

There I was, a grown-ass woman, having heated arguments with fictional characters at 3 AM. "No, Devlin, you can't just smolder your way out of every situation!" (Spoiler alert: He totally can, and it's infuriating.)

Character Wrangling 101

Getting these characters to behave was like herding cats. Sexy, magical, occasionally homicidal cats. Evangeline, bless her potty-mouthed heart, kept trying to derail the plot with her latest erotic fantasy novel obsession. Devlin refused to crack a smile unless it was at someone else's expense. And don't even get me started on Lennix—that golden retriever in human form nearly gave me cavities.
But you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. These characters have been living rent-free in my head for so long, it's about damn time they earned their keep.

Dreams Do Come True (After a Lot of Coffee and Cursing)

Publishing this book is literally a dream come true. Well, a dream that involved a lot less glamour and a lot more ugly crying over plot holes, but still. DREAM. COME. TRUE.

To all the aspiring writers out there:

Keep at it. Your characters deserve to be heard, even if they're as stubborn as a mule with a grudge. (Looking at you, Devlin.)

And to my readers:

I hope you fall in love with these characters as much as I have. They're flawed, they're fabulous, and they're finally free from the confines of my caffeine-addled brain.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a date with a bottle of wine and the crushing anxiety of waiting for reviews. Cheers!


ASHLEY FARRIS

Bound Souls