Living My Author Life

Lately, I've seen many people excelling in their author careers: releasing new books, making lots of sales, launching campaigns to fund their debut. Meanwhile over here, I'm struggling. My debut got published a few months ago, but I still haven't figured out the marketing thing. All the beta readers for my next book have gotten back to me, but I'm finding it difficult to go through all the feedback. It's a difficult part of the publishing process, at least for me.

I'm full of envy. I want to have people excited for my next book to be released and I want to be able to make back my investment to publish my debut. What I'm trying to do is live my life. (That applies to more than just my author journey too.) I've probably said this before, but social media shows an unrealistic view of things. When things go well, people tend to post it, to celebrate. And why they deserve to celebrate their achievements and be excited about upcoming things. But it's so easy to get caught up and forget that other people have struggles too. Yes, there are people who show the negative side as well, but they seem to be fewer and harder to notice.

I have a day job; I'm not a full-time author. I have a son and a husband; I don't live alone. My author time consists of an hour or two every evening, which means it's going to take me longer to publish a book than other people. The books I publish aren't in a popular genre (Christian YA Fantasy), so it's harder for me to find readers than, say, a contemporary romance author. I am who I am and I'm going to try and embrace that. I am unique. No one else will write the stories I have. I will give myself some grace and go at my own pace.

I will live my life, not someone else's!