I’m sure we’ve all seen the commercial for the Apple Watch that talks about Quitter’s Day, the second Friday in January. The commercial encourages viewers to look up the day and, sure enough, it’s real: “Did you know that today is officially referred to as quitters day? It’s the second Friday of January and research shows that today is the day where millions of people drop their new year’s resolution.” The commercial claims the watch can help its wearer overcome this unofficial holiday.

But I took a different approach — I didn’t decide to even start my resolutions until after Quitter’s Day.

And to be honest, I didn’t really make resolutions. I just have a strong desire to prioritize my health and my writing career in 2025.

When it comes to my writing career, I serendipitously received an email from Book Brush. Book Brush is a technology company focused on helping authors create and use social media and ads to promote their books and create an online presence. They offer both free and paid services, and I must have checked them out earlier, because I’m signed up for their newsletter. Their January edition listed marketing ideas and equipment for authors for 2025:

Kickstarter
The Book Brush newsletter recommends this tool specifically for authors with a novel coming out soon to secure pre-orders and give “super fans” exclusive rewards. According to Kickstart’s website, “Kickstarter campaigns make ideas into reality. It’s where creators share new visions for creative work with the communities that will come together to fund them.” I’m still working on getting Lightning Strikes published, so this tool will remain on my radar but I don’t think I’ll be using it in the near future. [image error] Shopify
Shopify bills itself as “The all-in-one commerce platform to start, run, and grow a business.” The newsletter suggests selling signed paperbacks and bundled merchandise right from your own website, which for me would mean this blog, and it would help give the seller control over pricing and profit. I’m greatly intrigued by this idea. I’d like to make plans for bundled merchandise (t-shirts? mugs? writing materials?), but it definitely takes money to make money. To sell signed paperbacks, I’d have to order paperbacks to sign and sell.Substack / Kindle Vella / Patreon
One option for making money from my writing is to release my writing in installments on platforms like Substack, Kindle Bella, or Patreon. My good writing friend known as California Joe does use Substack, as does one of my literary role models, Chuck Palahniuk. This is something I plan on looking into as soon as possible. Social Media
I’m going to come up with a strategic posting schedule. I definitely need to be posting everyday and I should be promoting my novels more often. The newsletter states, “Develop a strategic posting schedule, share behind-the-scenes content, and engage consistently to grow a loyal following on your preferred platforms.” That’s my major goal for 2025, other than having my next novel published. Reader Influencers
This idea never occurred to me and I’m looking forward to doing research and coming up with a specific plan. The newsletter advises connecting with influential BookTokers, BookTubers, and Instagrammers because doing so can generate authentic buzz and reviews. First, I’ll need to determine who to reach out to, and then I need to make sure I have materials to send; copies of the book, social media pictures and videos, etc.

As for my health, I’ve GOT TO get back into walking and not treating my body like a garbage disposal. I’m not planning on embarking on anything new, but I need to get back into my healthier habits and routines.

Did your resolutions survive Quitter’s Day? Did you make any for 2025? Comment and join the conversation

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