Jennifer Howard's Blog
June 19, 2013
Notes from a "Newbie"--It's All About Balance...(she says, as she trips...)
"At times I experience hardship in trying to find the proper point of balance between traditional things and my own personality."
Princess Masako
Amen, Princess Masako! Truer words have never been spoken--especially when it comes to someone like me! If you haven't figured it out by now, I'm a wee tad bit social, ya'll. "Who ME??? I don't know what you're talking about!" is what I would like to be able to say. However, (sometimes unfortunately) it's all too true.
As a newbie author, the pitfall of being too social can certainly hinder you. When you're geared toward loving people, as I am, it's very easy to get swept up in the joy of social media. You make contacts, follow and gain followers, and pin like a voodoo priestess! You justify all of this as playing the "social media game"; after all, you're only doing any of it to get yourself noticed and your work out there to the public, right?? If so, then bravo and good on ya! With me, yeah...not so much.
I severely had myself fooled, until a chance problem with my Twitter account taught me otherwise. Remembering back to the first day of my recent "Tw-uspension", I could certainly liken my then-reaction to someone coming down from a drug addiction. I felt panic; I kept checking and re-checking my Tweetdeck, wondering how could this be?? I shouted at my computer, "I don't need you!!" It was a long, sweaty, awkward time in my life, indeed.
Misery soon turned to a Zen-like state, however. Having truly nothing better to do, I picked up my pen. Distractions aside, I wrote like a madwoman! Blessedly, I'm still writing. Being in "Tw-ouble" was the best thing that could've ever happened to me; it recharged and refocused me as a writer. And that's kinda the whole point, people--writing.
Am I bashing social media? Absolutely not. Social media can be amazing for indie authors! You become introduced to a vast, yet tightly-knit, support system by connecting with other indie authors. You make lucrative connections all across the board. You make dear friends, whom you can laugh with, call upon, and vent to. These people understand what you're going through better than anyone else ever could; they are dealing with many of the very same issues themselves! And, most importantly, you get in touch with your readers. There's nothing more thrilling than reading that first post about how your work truly mattered to someone else!
As the title of this blog post suggests though, it truly is all about balance. This is a hot topic among all indie artists. Indies typically don't have the luxury of large-scale backing and promoting by those in their respective industries. We have to do it all on our own, so balance can be as elusive to us as Sasquatch is to National Geographic. Do I have balance-based enlightenment for everyone out there? Woo, baby--do I ever wish! I would be a gazillionaire, highly lauded, and probably quite snooty if I did! (Not really--I would end up wasting my money on an authentic Storm Trooper costume and my very own Batmobile! But I digress...) No, unfortunately I can only provide balance advice as it applies to my own life. If any others gain knowledge or guidance from this, then yay woo! Here goes:
1) Throughout the work week, I'm going to limit myself to AT MOST an hour of social media time in the morning and one in the evening. These time frames will be divided between my various social platforms. I won't be like a child before bedtime, either. "Please Mom, just five more minutes??" As my hour is up, I will truly unplug.
2) I will utilize my social media time in a good way, making positive and meaningful connections. I will not just pad my various outlets to make my numbers seem savory to others. Because honestly, who does this help?
3) I will recognize and move away from the "I Must Be Missing Something!" fallacy. Truly, no--no I'm not. And if I am, I guarantee someone will let me know about it in another fashion. Ahhh, technology.
3)I will use a paper thesaurus versus it's convenient, minxish e-counterpart. This way, I will abstain from the temptation of "sneaking on" just to "make sure nothing important has happened". Also, when the Zombie Apocalypse occurs and we all have to revert back to *gasp* paper, I will already be on top of things. Win-win, I say! ;)
And finally, 4) I will give myself a break from the above self-imposed rules every now and again. I will be as social as a debutante come cotillion time, folks! I will deliciously nurture the social side of my nature until I turn green from the cotton candy-tilt a whirl-absolute madness of it all! Then, I will take an antacid, swear it off for a bit, and focus back on Rule 1).
What do you think, dear readers? Do you have any other suggestions for finding balance? I would love to hear from you, if so! Meanwhile, I will leave you with a toast: *imaginary wine glass raised high* Here's to tripping, "Tw-ouble", getting back up with humility and skinned knees, and wisely moving forward! Now, if you need me, I will be writing! Much love to you all!! xoxoxoxox
Princess Masako
Amen, Princess Masako! Truer words have never been spoken--especially when it comes to someone like me! If you haven't figured it out by now, I'm a wee tad bit social, ya'll. "Who ME??? I don't know what you're talking about!" is what I would like to be able to say. However, (sometimes unfortunately) it's all too true.
As a newbie author, the pitfall of being too social can certainly hinder you. When you're geared toward loving people, as I am, it's very easy to get swept up in the joy of social media. You make contacts, follow and gain followers, and pin like a voodoo priestess! You justify all of this as playing the "social media game"; after all, you're only doing any of it to get yourself noticed and your work out there to the public, right?? If so, then bravo and good on ya! With me, yeah...not so much.
I severely had myself fooled, until a chance problem with my Twitter account taught me otherwise. Remembering back to the first day of my recent "Tw-uspension", I could certainly liken my then-reaction to someone coming down from a drug addiction. I felt panic; I kept checking and re-checking my Tweetdeck, wondering how could this be?? I shouted at my computer, "I don't need you!!" It was a long, sweaty, awkward time in my life, indeed.
Misery soon turned to a Zen-like state, however. Having truly nothing better to do, I picked up my pen. Distractions aside, I wrote like a madwoman! Blessedly, I'm still writing. Being in "Tw-ouble" was the best thing that could've ever happened to me; it recharged and refocused me as a writer. And that's kinda the whole point, people--writing.
Am I bashing social media? Absolutely not. Social media can be amazing for indie authors! You become introduced to a vast, yet tightly-knit, support system by connecting with other indie authors. You make lucrative connections all across the board. You make dear friends, whom you can laugh with, call upon, and vent to. These people understand what you're going through better than anyone else ever could; they are dealing with many of the very same issues themselves! And, most importantly, you get in touch with your readers. There's nothing more thrilling than reading that first post about how your work truly mattered to someone else!
As the title of this blog post suggests though, it truly is all about balance. This is a hot topic among all indie artists. Indies typically don't have the luxury of large-scale backing and promoting by those in their respective industries. We have to do it all on our own, so balance can be as elusive to us as Sasquatch is to National Geographic. Do I have balance-based enlightenment for everyone out there? Woo, baby--do I ever wish! I would be a gazillionaire, highly lauded, and probably quite snooty if I did! (Not really--I would end up wasting my money on an authentic Storm Trooper costume and my very own Batmobile! But I digress...) No, unfortunately I can only provide balance advice as it applies to my own life. If any others gain knowledge or guidance from this, then yay woo! Here goes:
1) Throughout the work week, I'm going to limit myself to AT MOST an hour of social media time in the morning and one in the evening. These time frames will be divided between my various social platforms. I won't be like a child before bedtime, either. "Please Mom, just five more minutes??" As my hour is up, I will truly unplug.
2) I will utilize my social media time in a good way, making positive and meaningful connections. I will not just pad my various outlets to make my numbers seem savory to others. Because honestly, who does this help?
3) I will recognize and move away from the "I Must Be Missing Something!" fallacy. Truly, no--no I'm not. And if I am, I guarantee someone will let me know about it in another fashion. Ahhh, technology.
3)I will use a paper thesaurus versus it's convenient, minxish e-counterpart. This way, I will abstain from the temptation of "sneaking on" just to "make sure nothing important has happened". Also, when the Zombie Apocalypse occurs and we all have to revert back to *gasp* paper, I will already be on top of things. Win-win, I say! ;)
And finally, 4) I will give myself a break from the above self-imposed rules every now and again. I will be as social as a debutante come cotillion time, folks! I will deliciously nurture the social side of my nature until I turn green from the cotton candy-tilt a whirl-absolute madness of it all! Then, I will take an antacid, swear it off for a bit, and focus back on Rule 1).
What do you think, dear readers? Do you have any other suggestions for finding balance? I would love to hear from you, if so! Meanwhile, I will leave you with a toast: *imaginary wine glass raised high* Here's to tripping, "Tw-ouble", getting back up with humility and skinned knees, and wisely moving forward! Now, if you need me, I will be writing! Much love to you all!! xoxoxoxox
May 6, 2013
Notes from a 'Newbie'...or Tag, I'm It?
I recently returned from an amazing Caribbean adventure. (Woo hoo!) For this blog post, I planned to share tropical anecdotes and sun-kissed, refreshed wisdom. Suddenly though, out of the cerulean blue, BAM, I was tagged! Now, it's been years since I've played tag of any sort. Spray paint can be OH SO messy... Wait a minute, wrong kind of tag? My bad... I had a warped childhood. (haha) Even so, when my pal, Martin Hengst, suggested writer's tag, I became intrigued. Researching further, I found a fun game for indies, to spread the word about our current works in progress, otherwise known as 'WIPs'. Would you like to be 'it'? Just follow THE RULES:
1.) Give credit (including a link) to the Author who tagged you.
2.) Play by the rules, therefore you must post the rules!
3.) You MUST answer all 10 questions (below) some are quite hard but do your best.
4.) List five other Authors with links at the end that you have tagged so that the game can continue.
Simple, right? A little pyramid-scam-ish? Perhaps... But I promise, I'm not out to steal your retirement fund. As an indie, and a newbie, I am however out to promote my work, in any way possible. And since we already discussed the mess factor of spray paint, companioned with my aversion to heights, tagging the local water tower is out. Sooo, I may as well give this kind of tag a go!
The indie writer who tagged me was Martin Hengst, author of The Last Swordmage. Learn all about him and his works at http://www.solendrea.com. Now, bring on those questions!
Q1.) What is the title or working title of your WIP? So far, Ten Steps...unless I end up with more chapters. Then, it will be *insert chapter numbers here* Steps. Personally, I think that title is MUCH catchier. (haha)
Q2.) What genres does your novel fall under? Contemporary Romantic Fiction...less romantic than my first work, though. More like Contemporary Fiction with a splash of romance, for good measure.
Q3.) What actors (Dream Cast) would you choose to play the characters in a film version? If I had my dream cast, Katherine Heigl would play my protagonist, Karma. I adore her! Channing Tatum would be a fantastic choice for Will, Karma's potential love interest. M. Emmet Walsh would be an awesome Hal Baxter. Blake Lively would be great as Jae. And Aaron Johnson would make a pretty hot Tyler.
Q4.) What is the main outline for your book? My protagonist, Karma Clark, is a big time, hotshot divorce lawyer in Washington, D.C. But she's a burn out--a real head case. Rather than slide down a very slippery slope into Disasterville, she chooses to give everything up. In two days, she completely ditches life as she knows it, and moves to St. John, USVI. She has no plans, no preparation. Will she fail or succeed? Who knows?? (Well, I know...)
Q5.) Will your book be Indie published/self published, or represented by an agency and sold to a traditional publisher? It will be self published (Indies rock...woo!) However, I certainly wouldn't kick a traditional publisher to the curb...just sayin'.
Q6.) How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript? As it is a true WIP, I am currently in the middle of the first draft. I hope to complete it within the next month. And I edit as I go, so that process shouldn't take too long past draft one. I'm a perfectionist...I HAVE TO edit as I go...then edit some more!
Q7.) What other books in this genre would you compare your book to? My first book was likened by a reader to Debbie Macomber's writings. I haven't come across anyone who writes quite the way that I do. That isn't a snooty comment, like "Ooh, I'm special and so unique!" If anything, I'm weirdly warped and quirky.
Q8.) Who or what inspired you to write this book? I have a friend who moved on a whim to a tropical island, so I slightly based my protagonist on her. But I was also inspired to add in the fantasy factor. I haven't met a person yet who hasn't wanted Calgon to take them away at least once or twice!
Q9.) What else about the book might pique readers attention? I've researched extensively for this story. I've taken two trips to St. John, myself, and I'm using my own firsthand knowledge and experiences to fuel this book. Hopefully, it will transport my readers straight to the real life St. John. (tweaked only slightly for creative license--after all, I do sorta fib for a living!)
Q10.) Five other Indie Authors you have tagged
I am going to attempt to tag: Gary Henry http://honestindiebookreviews.wordpre...
R.W. Webb ncwardwebb.blogspot.com,
A.M. Khalifa aktwo.com
Gillian Jackson http://www.gillianjackson.co.uk and Nick LeVar (@TheNickLeVar on Twitter).
These are amazing authors in a variety of genres. I am very blessed with their friendships and the world is blessed with their talents!
1.) Give credit (including a link) to the Author who tagged you.
2.) Play by the rules, therefore you must post the rules!
3.) You MUST answer all 10 questions (below) some are quite hard but do your best.
4.) List five other Authors with links at the end that you have tagged so that the game can continue.
Simple, right? A little pyramid-scam-ish? Perhaps... But I promise, I'm not out to steal your retirement fund. As an indie, and a newbie, I am however out to promote my work, in any way possible. And since we already discussed the mess factor of spray paint, companioned with my aversion to heights, tagging the local water tower is out. Sooo, I may as well give this kind of tag a go!
The indie writer who tagged me was Martin Hengst, author of The Last Swordmage. Learn all about him and his works at http://www.solendrea.com. Now, bring on those questions!
Q1.) What is the title or working title of your WIP? So far, Ten Steps...unless I end up with more chapters. Then, it will be *insert chapter numbers here* Steps. Personally, I think that title is MUCH catchier. (haha)
Q2.) What genres does your novel fall under? Contemporary Romantic Fiction...less romantic than my first work, though. More like Contemporary Fiction with a splash of romance, for good measure.
Q3.) What actors (Dream Cast) would you choose to play the characters in a film version? If I had my dream cast, Katherine Heigl would play my protagonist, Karma. I adore her! Channing Tatum would be a fantastic choice for Will, Karma's potential love interest. M. Emmet Walsh would be an awesome Hal Baxter. Blake Lively would be great as Jae. And Aaron Johnson would make a pretty hot Tyler.
Q4.) What is the main outline for your book? My protagonist, Karma Clark, is a big time, hotshot divorce lawyer in Washington, D.C. But she's a burn out--a real head case. Rather than slide down a very slippery slope into Disasterville, she chooses to give everything up. In two days, she completely ditches life as she knows it, and moves to St. John, USVI. She has no plans, no preparation. Will she fail or succeed? Who knows?? (Well, I know...)
Q5.) Will your book be Indie published/self published, or represented by an agency and sold to a traditional publisher? It will be self published (Indies rock...woo!) However, I certainly wouldn't kick a traditional publisher to the curb...just sayin'.
Q6.) How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript? As it is a true WIP, I am currently in the middle of the first draft. I hope to complete it within the next month. And I edit as I go, so that process shouldn't take too long past draft one. I'm a perfectionist...I HAVE TO edit as I go...then edit some more!
Q7.) What other books in this genre would you compare your book to? My first book was likened by a reader to Debbie Macomber's writings. I haven't come across anyone who writes quite the way that I do. That isn't a snooty comment, like "Ooh, I'm special and so unique!" If anything, I'm weirdly warped and quirky.
Q8.) Who or what inspired you to write this book? I have a friend who moved on a whim to a tropical island, so I slightly based my protagonist on her. But I was also inspired to add in the fantasy factor. I haven't met a person yet who hasn't wanted Calgon to take them away at least once or twice!
Q9.) What else about the book might pique readers attention? I've researched extensively for this story. I've taken two trips to St. John, myself, and I'm using my own firsthand knowledge and experiences to fuel this book. Hopefully, it will transport my readers straight to the real life St. John. (tweaked only slightly for creative license--after all, I do sorta fib for a living!)
Q10.) Five other Indie Authors you have tagged
I am going to attempt to tag: Gary Henry http://honestindiebookreviews.wordpre...
R.W. Webb ncwardwebb.blogspot.com,
A.M. Khalifa aktwo.com
Gillian Jackson http://www.gillianjackson.co.uk and Nick LeVar (@TheNickLeVar on Twitter).
These are amazing authors in a variety of genres. I am very blessed with their friendships and the world is blessed with their talents!
April 4, 2013
Notes from a 'Newbie'...
Well, it's official--I've turned into a hippie. "Gasp, Really??" you ask. Nooo, not REALLY. I hate the smell of patchouli, flowy clothes make me look fat, and don't even get me started on those little, round, wire-framed glasses! Now, I've probably offended a ton of you (apologies) so, I guess it's time to get serious. What I really mean by 'I've turned into a hippie' is thus. From the standpoint of being an author, my eyes have been opened to the joys of sharing, collaborating with, and supporting other indie artists, much like myself.
You see, as a newbie, you place A LOT of focus on, well, yourself. When you're an indie newbie, that self-focus is multiplied exponentially. Your days are consumed with formatting, publishing, reformatting for another site, more publishing, promoting, begging for reviews, promoting, cajoling for author interviews, being social on more platforms than Grand Central Station's, and did I mention promoting already? (Oh yeah, I guess I did.) You spend an equal amount of time researching and 'thinking outside of the box', attempting to get your voice heard and your ideas noticed. I almost forgot, you're writing, too--because that's kinda the whole point, isn't it?
But, I've shaken loose from my 'it's all about me' haze, and been struck by an epiphany. I AM NOT ALONE IN THIS! There are countless others--authors, artists, musicians, singers, photographers, cineastes--in exactly the same boat. (Gosh, I hope the boat is big enough. Do we have enough life jackets? But, I digress...) And they are all striving toward similar goals as mine. So, maybe instead of digging our individual channels to 'the top', we should all work together, forming one massive creative highway! Because, face it, there's plenty of room for all of us, and it's so much more fun doing things together, than flying solo. (Unless you're Han Solo, that is...ugh, again, digressing--more apologies!)
In this spirit, I am trying to tweet and share about others and their projects, "like" and follow even more, and reach out in the attempt to bond, build friendships, and bridges. (Although, I REALLY stink at both physics AND geography, so watch those bridges, people!) To further this, on my website (www.jennifer-howard.net Hello, you should know this already!) I'm in the process of creating a page devoted to showcasing the talents of precious individuals that I've come across in my 'journey of enlightenment'. I'm calling it "Newbie's Notables"...has a certain je ne sais quoi, am I right or am I right? I'm starting off small, with one feature per month, because, hey, I AM still promoting, and writing...and breathing. But I hope to increase my featured artists, in the future, as time permits.
While this is still a work in progress, I can sneak and tell you my first feature will be a wonderful gal, Gillian Jackson. Late one night, not too long ago, I bombarded my Twitter followers and beyond with pleas to read and review The Healing Heart. (And if you haven't gotten your request yet, never fear, you're time IS coming!) Instantly, Gillian responded. She said she had never done anything as such, but was happy to give it a go! For this, she will always hold a special place in my heart, and I figured the least I could do was to 'award' her the inaugural feature spot! I can't wait to feature even more of you!
I have been extremely blessed in this journey, so far. Because, not only do I possess the giddy satisfaction of watching a dream of mine become actualized, and seeing something that I have created being appreciated by others; I also have met SO MANY amazing people! I wouldn't have done so, otherwise. I have taken a chance on, and been rewarded with, reading new stories, finding new favorites, and witnessing new things of beauty. It's been purely joy unspeakable. (And if you hadn't already noticed, 'unspeakable' is very rarely used in my vocabulary!)
So, become a hippie, like me! Take a chance on something or someone outside of your comfort zone; look for new favorites; support each other, share, collaborate. This newbie did, and boy, is she ever grateful!
Jennifer Howard is the author of The Healing Heart, and yes, still very much, a newbie.
You see, as a newbie, you place A LOT of focus on, well, yourself. When you're an indie newbie, that self-focus is multiplied exponentially. Your days are consumed with formatting, publishing, reformatting for another site, more publishing, promoting, begging for reviews, promoting, cajoling for author interviews, being social on more platforms than Grand Central Station's, and did I mention promoting already? (Oh yeah, I guess I did.) You spend an equal amount of time researching and 'thinking outside of the box', attempting to get your voice heard and your ideas noticed. I almost forgot, you're writing, too--because that's kinda the whole point, isn't it?
But, I've shaken loose from my 'it's all about me' haze, and been struck by an epiphany. I AM NOT ALONE IN THIS! There are countless others--authors, artists, musicians, singers, photographers, cineastes--in exactly the same boat. (Gosh, I hope the boat is big enough. Do we have enough life jackets? But, I digress...) And they are all striving toward similar goals as mine. So, maybe instead of digging our individual channels to 'the top', we should all work together, forming one massive creative highway! Because, face it, there's plenty of room for all of us, and it's so much more fun doing things together, than flying solo. (Unless you're Han Solo, that is...ugh, again, digressing--more apologies!)
In this spirit, I am trying to tweet and share about others and their projects, "like" and follow even more, and reach out in the attempt to bond, build friendships, and bridges. (Although, I REALLY stink at both physics AND geography, so watch those bridges, people!) To further this, on my website (www.jennifer-howard.net Hello, you should know this already!) I'm in the process of creating a page devoted to showcasing the talents of precious individuals that I've come across in my 'journey of enlightenment'. I'm calling it "Newbie's Notables"...has a certain je ne sais quoi, am I right or am I right? I'm starting off small, with one feature per month, because, hey, I AM still promoting, and writing...and breathing. But I hope to increase my featured artists, in the future, as time permits.
While this is still a work in progress, I can sneak and tell you my first feature will be a wonderful gal, Gillian Jackson. Late one night, not too long ago, I bombarded my Twitter followers and beyond with pleas to read and review The Healing Heart. (And if you haven't gotten your request yet, never fear, you're time IS coming!) Instantly, Gillian responded. She said she had never done anything as such, but was happy to give it a go! For this, she will always hold a special place in my heart, and I figured the least I could do was to 'award' her the inaugural feature spot! I can't wait to feature even more of you!
I have been extremely blessed in this journey, so far. Because, not only do I possess the giddy satisfaction of watching a dream of mine become actualized, and seeing something that I have created being appreciated by others; I also have met SO MANY amazing people! I wouldn't have done so, otherwise. I have taken a chance on, and been rewarded with, reading new stories, finding new favorites, and witnessing new things of beauty. It's been purely joy unspeakable. (And if you hadn't already noticed, 'unspeakable' is very rarely used in my vocabulary!)
So, become a hippie, like me! Take a chance on something or someone outside of your comfort zone; look for new favorites; support each other, share, collaborate. This newbie did, and boy, is she ever grateful!
Jennifer Howard is the author of The Healing Heart, and yes, still very much, a newbie.
March 7, 2013
Notes from a 'Newbie'...
WARNING! If you are an experienced author who knows everything there is to know about everything, then stop where you are--this post is NOT for you! However, if you are a 'newbie' like me, then please proceed!:)
Hi, my name is Jen, and I'm a writer. It sounds like I should be in the basement of some community center, getting ready to give a testimonial, huh? Some of you may be thinking, 'Gosh Jen, that's a little cruel, don't you think, poking fun at support groups! What gives?' Well, in answer to that, I am absolutely not! In fact, many days over the past couple of months, I have felt like I could very easily be in need of one of those afore mentioned groups!
You see, I am a 'newbie'--a very little fish swimming upstream in the rushing river known as e-book self-publishing! I have spent many days thus far tweeting, formatting, groveling, waiting, re-formatting, waiting some more, groaning, moaning...the list could go on and on! I have worked so much on my ePub, that I have needed to drown my sorrows in a pub! I have experienced nearly every emotion possible--all the way from extreme frustration on "those days" to equally extreme elation when things finally fell into place and the first copy of my book was downloaded! From speaking to many others, I know I am not alone in this. So I decided to post a few musings, in the hopes of reaching out to others, who, like myself, have decided to take the plunge, or may be contemplating doing so.
I still have a lot to learn. I still have a long way to go. But I am proud of where I am! Because for me, it's not about running at breakneck speed to the top of this mountain. It IS, however, about the beautiful journey that I am in the middle of, right now, today. It's a twisty path filled with bumps and curves, but with equally amazing views! I am simply grateful for the chance to enjoy this journey--every last minute of it! Because there is no bigger high to be experienced than knowing something that came from your heart and your mind could possibly touch another person's life!
Now, on to the advice! First and foremost, don't stash that manuscript away on a computer drive, or in your nightstand drawer! Publish it!! Take a running leap into that rushing river, with your clothes on, even! Float around until you get deliciously pruny! Take a chance! You will be so glad that you did!
Second, and equally important, BREATHE! Rome wasn't built in a day, and chances are you won't become J.K. Rowling in a day, either! But that's okay! J.K. Rowling didn't become J.K. Rowling in a day, herself! (Well...she kinda always HAS been J.K. Rowling, since she is herself, after all! Have I said J.K. Rowling enough yet? Gah, you get my original point, I hope!) THE POINT IS, don't allow yourself to become overwhelmed to the point that you question why you published in the first place, or worse yet, you want to quit.
It is a daunting process, sometimes. You will be busy. Things will take much longer than you plan for them to. When you complete one task, it doesn't close that door, rather it opens up MANY more doors with MANY more tasks waiting behind each of them. But, again, that's okay! Self-publishing is a process! Wouldn't it be lovely to merely hit 'send' on our computers and find ourselves in ball gowns and glass slipppers, waving like princesses to our oodles of adoring fans? Reality check time--they ain't called fairytales for nuttin'!
Third, set realistic goals and expectations for yourself. I cannot stress enough--things WILL take longer than you plan for them to! (Heard that before, have you? Oh yeah, in the previous paragraph! But it is so true!) This concept is very difficult to wrap your brain around--especially if you are one of those 'instant gratification' types--like me! But you will get there!
And finally, perhaps the most important of all, HAVE FUN! Take each day's tasks and turn them into adventures! Firmly grasp each chance to make a new contact. Who knows, what starts out as a contact may blossom into a friendship! And we all could use more of those! My favorite part of this process, so far, has been "meeting" so many amazing authors! I have laughed with some, have gained support from others, and, best of all, have been introduced to some AWESOME new books for my collection! (Did I mention I LOVE books??)
Going along with the above concept, give yourself some space away from it, every now and again, and don't feel guilty when you do! Go out to dinner, watch that movie marathon, clean the shower grate with a toothbrush, 'just 'cause'! Whatever makes you happy, just take a few breaks! Trust me, it will all still be there when you get back to it! Then, DO get back to it--with fervor! That way, at the end of the day, you can smile, knowing that a even a 'newbie' can make a ripple in that rushing river! Best wishes--from one 'newbie' to another! Take care!:)
--Jennifer Howard is the author of The Healing Heart. Follow her here, on Twitter, and on Facebook. Also, check out her website, http://www.jennifer-howard.net
Hi, my name is Jen, and I'm a writer. It sounds like I should be in the basement of some community center, getting ready to give a testimonial, huh? Some of you may be thinking, 'Gosh Jen, that's a little cruel, don't you think, poking fun at support groups! What gives?' Well, in answer to that, I am absolutely not! In fact, many days over the past couple of months, I have felt like I could very easily be in need of one of those afore mentioned groups!
You see, I am a 'newbie'--a very little fish swimming upstream in the rushing river known as e-book self-publishing! I have spent many days thus far tweeting, formatting, groveling, waiting, re-formatting, waiting some more, groaning, moaning...the list could go on and on! I have worked so much on my ePub, that I have needed to drown my sorrows in a pub! I have experienced nearly every emotion possible--all the way from extreme frustration on "those days" to equally extreme elation when things finally fell into place and the first copy of my book was downloaded! From speaking to many others, I know I am not alone in this. So I decided to post a few musings, in the hopes of reaching out to others, who, like myself, have decided to take the plunge, or may be contemplating doing so.
I still have a lot to learn. I still have a long way to go. But I am proud of where I am! Because for me, it's not about running at breakneck speed to the top of this mountain. It IS, however, about the beautiful journey that I am in the middle of, right now, today. It's a twisty path filled with bumps and curves, but with equally amazing views! I am simply grateful for the chance to enjoy this journey--every last minute of it! Because there is no bigger high to be experienced than knowing something that came from your heart and your mind could possibly touch another person's life!
Now, on to the advice! First and foremost, don't stash that manuscript away on a computer drive, or in your nightstand drawer! Publish it!! Take a running leap into that rushing river, with your clothes on, even! Float around until you get deliciously pruny! Take a chance! You will be so glad that you did!
Second, and equally important, BREATHE! Rome wasn't built in a day, and chances are you won't become J.K. Rowling in a day, either! But that's okay! J.K. Rowling didn't become J.K. Rowling in a day, herself! (Well...she kinda always HAS been J.K. Rowling, since she is herself, after all! Have I said J.K. Rowling enough yet? Gah, you get my original point, I hope!) THE POINT IS, don't allow yourself to become overwhelmed to the point that you question why you published in the first place, or worse yet, you want to quit.
It is a daunting process, sometimes. You will be busy. Things will take much longer than you plan for them to. When you complete one task, it doesn't close that door, rather it opens up MANY more doors with MANY more tasks waiting behind each of them. But, again, that's okay! Self-publishing is a process! Wouldn't it be lovely to merely hit 'send' on our computers and find ourselves in ball gowns and glass slipppers, waving like princesses to our oodles of adoring fans? Reality check time--they ain't called fairytales for nuttin'!
Third, set realistic goals and expectations for yourself. I cannot stress enough--things WILL take longer than you plan for them to! (Heard that before, have you? Oh yeah, in the previous paragraph! But it is so true!) This concept is very difficult to wrap your brain around--especially if you are one of those 'instant gratification' types--like me! But you will get there!
And finally, perhaps the most important of all, HAVE FUN! Take each day's tasks and turn them into adventures! Firmly grasp each chance to make a new contact. Who knows, what starts out as a contact may blossom into a friendship! And we all could use more of those! My favorite part of this process, so far, has been "meeting" so many amazing authors! I have laughed with some, have gained support from others, and, best of all, have been introduced to some AWESOME new books for my collection! (Did I mention I LOVE books??)
Going along with the above concept, give yourself some space away from it, every now and again, and don't feel guilty when you do! Go out to dinner, watch that movie marathon, clean the shower grate with a toothbrush, 'just 'cause'! Whatever makes you happy, just take a few breaks! Trust me, it will all still be there when you get back to it! Then, DO get back to it--with fervor! That way, at the end of the day, you can smile, knowing that a even a 'newbie' can make a ripple in that rushing river! Best wishes--from one 'newbie' to another! Take care!:)
--Jennifer Howard is the author of The Healing Heart. Follow her here, on Twitter, and on Facebook. Also, check out her website, http://www.jennifer-howard.net
Jennifer Howard's Blog
- Jennifer Howard's profile
- 41 followers
Jennifer Howard isn't a Goodreads Author
(yet),
but they
do have a blog,
so here are some recent posts imported from
their feed.
