Did you hear that scream? The one I made when I signed with Blue Ink Press?
How about the one when I found my book is going to be published in Summer 2023? #2023debuts
Did you hear the scream when I realized all the stuff I need to do (see also: learn how to do) in the next nine months?
The excitement of getting what you dream of is often accompanied by the fear of getting what you dream of. As I move into this phase of my publishing journey, I find I’m holding hands on either side with both emotions. Luckily, I’m not alone. I have a cheering section that keeps me going.
So, as Fall begins, I want to take a moment to breathe in the gratitude and excitement of being here, in this moment, and thank you all for coming along with me. Over the next few months, I’ll start to have ways you can support me, support my book, and you know, basically help me hold it altogether. In case I don’t say it enough: Thank you. I love you all. Xx
August/September Successes:
Became the newest author with Blue Ink Press!!!
Got my publishing date of “Summer 2023” – specific date to be confirmed in a few months. Not that you’ll miss it since I’m only going to mention it 100 times.
Joined Mixtus Media’s Author Circle which is helping me learn the marketing basics I need to master on the business side of writing.
Joined The Author’s Guild a resource for authors providing advice, advocacy, legal reviews, and community.
Joined the #2023debuts online collective. Apparently having your author profile rejected by GoodReads is a rite of passage. Who knew? =)
Revised Chapter 7 of WELCOME TO BLOOMS with the help of my critique partners.
Celebrated the launch of Charlotte Rains Dixon’s new book: The Bonne Chance Bakery. This belongs on your #TBR ~ trust me!
October Goals:
Continue WELCOME TO BLOOMS revisions – Chapter 8.
Finalize my Dedication, Bio, Back Cover Synopsis and Acknowledgments sections for SOMETHING BETTER (So now’s the time to be nice to me).
Create schedules (3,6, 9 months) for writing and marketing. Includes research on revisions, creating a newsletter, outreach to book subscription services, local opportunities, reader engagement.
Update my online profiles.
Books read: Oh gosh, I’ve lost count. GoodReads says I’ve read 39 books to date, and that I’m right on track to finish my reading challenge of 52 books in 52 weeks. I’ll take it.
Some recent notable favorites were:
MILK AND HONEY by rupi kaur
WHAT KIND OF WOMAN by Kate Baer
EMMA by Jane Austen
***I have to throw a word of thanks out to the MH Literary Society – I love you ladies!!! All of the above books were book club picks. If not for this club, I might not have picked up a book all summer. I was in a real dry spell, reading wise. Book clubs are amazing.
Also, as mentioned above, THE BONNE CHANCE BAKERY by Charlotte Rains Dixon. You can read my review here.
What are you looking forward to in fall? And most importantly – are you Team Candy Corn or not? Weigh in on this important topic (or anything else) here.
Xoxo y’all!