There are only twelve days left until the release date of Without Consequence. Down to the wire there is still so much to be done, and all I can say is how grateful I am that my first release is a collaboration with someone who is so well versed in what is needed.

Self-publishing isn't easy, no matter what anyone else says, just like writing a book isn't easy. It takes time and patience. It takes your heart and soul to put words to paper and you end up falling in love with these characters who become a large part of you. Essentially, releasing a book is a little part of you being sent out into the world.

From writing, you go to editing. This, in and of itself, is an interesting process. You learn a lot about yourself and your writing. You discover areas you need to work on. Whether too wordy or not wordy enough, too detailed or scare with descriptions. All if this is thanks to a team of people who are willing to be honest with you. There are so many people involved behind the scenes, so many people who offer their time and talents. Some are lucky enough to have talented friends that offer their services for free, others have to pay for most of these services. It really is eye opening.

When you have a finalized manuscript, you go to marketing and publicity. Beta readers, bloggers, word of mouth and goodreads. There are millions of readers out there, but how do you touch even one of them without a big publishing house at your back to bring the pomp and circumstance? What about social media? How do you utilize the tools you've been given? How can you possibly ask your friends to continually push your name and words to everyone out there? There's so much to be done. You have to prepare yourself for rejection, and accept there may be some heartbreak in the process. One thing I've learned in life is that you can't please everyone. Every human out there has their own taste, their own sets of likes and dislikes and there's nothing wrong with that. It's what makes us human. It's essentially what sets us apart from one another. As writers, we have to realize this and do the best we can and hope we appeal to someone. It's a gamble, but that's where the excitement comes in.

I'm not complaining. Not one little bit. This whole process has been a huge adventure. This is more about extinguishing the belief that self-publishing is the easy route to take. I appreciate every single one of you that have put your soul down on a page and taken the step by yourself to get it out there. I also appreciate my collaborator Victoria L. James, without whom, I'd be sat in a corner, rocking.

Finally, this is a huge thank you, and a big hug, to every single one of you that have bought a book from a self-published writer and taken the time to review and talk about it. You keep us going, and you keep the dream alive.

Much love
L.J.