I haven’t written a post in a bit, because I was working toward finishing up my second novel. It is due to release first part of November (unless I can make it happen for end of Oct like originally planned).

Just like in our personal lives we live in different seasons. We might be in a high period in our lives or we might be in a stagnate or low period. All of these are seasons, not one is more important that another and each one is needed for personal growth.

As an author I’m in a wonderful place because granted I might not be writing everyday because I like to take a break between releases to collect myself and my thoughts, but that doesn’t mean I have to be down. I get to see covers designed and new readers take in my writing. I get the privilege to see my words from a different perspective and through someone else’s eyes.

Here is an example, not a tangent. I title my books at different times in the process. My first novel was entitled towards the end of the process and it was the most important because it then gave me a starting point for the remaining series. Then my second novel was titled before I started because it just came to me and I knew it was right. That said, the title of book two is Dangerous Calculations. I thought it played to the storyline and the roles perfectly. When I sent my book images to the designer to compile I realized that my vision means something entirely different to the designer. He missed a couple of my images when he went back a few days after our discussion of my goals and view of how I saw the cover. When he came back I received a file that was no where close to my “vision” and I was disappointed.[image error]

The resulting image as you can see resembles a math textbook rather than an exciting romantic suspense novel.

This goes to show you the power of perception. Everyone is entitled to their own ideas and thoughts when they come into contact with anything and anyone. We have to learn to not let it get to us or get us down. Granted when I saw this image I wanted to cry. I picked myself up and promptly righted the situation. I didn’t want this season to go to waste. We make these times what we can and then work with what is given to us.

Let’s continue talking about perceptions, as I said everyone is entitled to their own opinions and with writing comes lots of different opinions. I have grown a thick skin over the years and not just because my writing puts me out there on display at the mercy of my readers. I used to sing and every time I took the stage I was allowing people to judge me. Even if it was a casual event or just singing in the car. I put myself in the hands of anyone listening to me. I learned that everyone was allowed to think what they wanted and sometimes they even voiced those concerns.  That was their choice and I could either learn from the experience or run to my room and cry every time someone gave me a not so nice evaluation. I’ve adapted those experiences to my writing life. Now I read a review and find the positive even in the more negative feedback.

This is an opportunity for me to sit back, okay maybe not sit back because I self-market, and soak up all the things people are saying about me and my novels. I’m a positive person by nature and so anything anyone chooses to say makes me giddy just because they took the time out of their lives to read something I wrote.

Now that I have two books out there for people to experience with  me (yes with me because these characters came from me and I’m sharing them) I’m seeing more feedback and people excited about what is next to come. Those who have read it have given some amazing words that are more encouraging to me than they know. Beta readers have allocated my character depth to E.L. James (50 Shades Author) and they’re so caught up in the story they are sad to see it end.

Sharing myself with others has become an uplifting source for me. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to walk through life with my readers. I’m happy that my seasons are ever changing and even in the low points I love the support they provide for me. I might not have branched far from my inner circle (I’ve made a crack in it though) I’m happy to share with anyone who is willing to take a chance. Everyone should know that their perception is important to a new indie author.

If you’d like to see the cover reveal you should like/follow my page on FB and join my newsletter to be sure to stay up-to-date on all new things. Don’t worry I’m not a spammer, because usually I don’t have time to blast readers a newsletter unless it’s important info! Cover reveal is coming soon (already released to those who signed up for the newsletter) to everyone!