I've tried to present a clear picture of my writing journey over the years since I started blogging back in 2006. It wouldn't be right if I didn't describe my final perceptions after being published.
It's been a month since publication. I've marketed and marketed and watched numbers go up and down. I've done everything thing I learned to do to push sales of my book. I've held the final proof in my hands and rode the ride as though on a roller coaster.
But I'm glad it's over.
I'm happy that this week I can finally focus on what I enjoy doing and that's writing.
I remember how much I wanted to get a book published. I remember thinking someday it will happen and that it would be wonderful. What I didn't realized was the total reality of getting a book out in the public eyes, The pressure to sell. The fear of wondering who likes your work or not. The putting yourself in places you would rather not go. The time spent on social media pumping your book instead of being who you really are.
I'm thinking there must be a fine balance and I plan to find it.
This week I go back to finishing the edits for a book I've wanted to write for a while. In the back of my mind, I wonder how my other book is doing in the hands of my agent who is shopping it. And still in another department of my brain, I'm plotting my next book that takes me totally out of my comfort zone. I can't wait until I write the first sentence of that book.
Probably what strikes me most from last month is the overwhelming support I received from friends who encouraged me and held me up as I struggled with this new learning curve of writing. When I look back on this first release, those moments are what will come rushing to my memories. The "you've got this girl," and "do you want to know what my friend said about your book?"
The kindness from people I've never met push me on.
That kindness has always pushed me on in my writing.
So let me say this. Thank you for riding the ride with me. Thank you for helping me keep my balance so I didn't go screaming into the lake. Thank you for being with me as I try to improve my writing and stories to maybe someday take this crazy ride again.
12 comments:
So interesting to hear! Thanks for sharing. :) I have so much to learn, but I have a sneaking suspicion I'll feel the same way you do. Selling a book is no easy feat.
Yes, one needs to move on, to a new project. Not easy to do. It's good you've got an agent working for you, Terri, and I'm very happy about this. It's a very good book. But I'm a very slow reader, and get interrupted so much...as I've decided I have to write a second and final memoir NOW. But I WILL get your book read, and others I'm committed to, and WILL write a good review, because it IS good. I'm almost halfway through it.
Carry on....And I will too!
Thank you Tiffany, for your honesty. And you inspire me as, even though it was hard, what I hear in your words is that it was worth it and you are exactly where you are suppose to be on this journey!
Yes, you made it! Congrats. And ENJOY starting a new project! I'd like to do the same, but I'm also gearing up for my own release. I'm sure your book sales will continue on; word of mouth is a great form of marketing. :)
It's quite the journey...I stopped marketing my books and the only ones I sell are through my e-book kindle editions-very slowly. I have your e-book but no time yet to read it...will do soon. good luck!
It is an interesting ride, isn't it? But it's fun too, and I think the best part is the people you meet along the way.
Speaking of your book, I still need to get some info to you about an upcoming post. It's on my to-do list. :)
Whenever I finish a book launch there's that happy time when I know I've given my baby every chance at success and now I can let it go and focus on the next book. I love it when that happens! BTW I mentioned you and a link you shared on Facebook in a recent post about success.
A fascinating journey you are on. I hope to hear more about that "fine balance" you are experiencing.
Looking forward to all that is ahead, Terri. Susan
It's been fabulous following your journey. And it's great that the marketing side didn't break you and you still want to write ;)
As You know of course,I didn't take that long ride with You.I'm a product of that "crazy ride"and I'm so happy to be jumping on at this point.I'm so happy to meet You.Thank You for following Me and Your nice comment on My latest post.Denise from Coffeeberry Cottage PS. I wrote a book two Years ago. It will sit inside My computer most likely tell the end of the computers life and then disappear like the rest of Us.
I won Your book!!! How fun-I'm excited :) I can't find Your e-mail address though to send You My home address,so I thought I already notified You of My problem but now I can't find that notification? There are some wonderful benefits about growing old....forgetfulness is not one of them. knuckled54@yahoo.com Denise from Coffeeberry Cottage
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