This week marks an important milestone in my writing career. Tomorrow, July 7, it will have been one year since my first book, Wandering Soul, was published š
I adore this book, and have been wanting to go back and read it againāto visit the characters and world of The Summer Park Psychics. The urge is strong, especially with the release of Lingering Touch less than a month away! Thereās so much to do going forward, but what I really need to do right now is take a moment (or a blog post) to reflect on how much has already been accomplished.
In the past year, Iāve released the first two novels in The Summer Park Psychics series, Wandering Soul and Whispering Hearts, and the first two novellas in The Department of Homeworld Security series, Gray Card and Resident Alien, through my traditional publisher, Samhain Publishing. I also independently published a third Department of Homeworld Security novella, Business or Pleasure, and the short story, āSecond Sightā.
All along the way, Iāve been learning so much. Traditional publishing, Indie publishing. Thereās so much that goes along with getting a story out in the world.
And of course, the writing had to go on! Last year, I wrote two novels that are waiting in the wings to be published. The paranormal romance is the first of a six-book series, which is mapped out. Itās currently with an agent (fingers crossed!). And then thereās the full-length scifi romance, which is the first in a four-book series arc, with the fifth one nascent in my subconscious (it will literally take the series in a new direction š ). That book is pretty much in-the-can, ready for final edits, a bit more cover tweaking, and then formatting for publication.
Iāve brainstormed more Department of Homeworld Security novellas, created detailed outlines for a High Fantasy romance that Iāll write in the elusive āsomedayā, as well as a full-length scifi novel that Iām chomping at the bit to writeā¦but will also need to wait on. And then thereās the non-fiction book thatās outlined and just waiting for me to flesh out, getting down everything Iāve learned so far.
Last year, I also wrote the third Summer Park Psychics book, Lingering Touch, and worked with Samhain to get it ready for launch next month. There are even story ideas percolating in my mind that would continue that series.
I always thought that getting a handle on the craft part of a writing career was the bulk of the work. It might take the bulk of the time, but there is so much going on behind the scenes that I never really thought about. Marketing, blogging (hello! š ), newsletters, maintaining an online presence, and wherever possible, helping fellow writers along their paths. And then there are all the business aspects to manage. Bank accounts, contracts, advertising. Itās a lot. In the end, I think all the effort has been worth the investment of time.
Do you know what else is worth the time? Writing this down. Seeing it. Because until I see it written out here, I donāt actually know what Iāve accomplished. It feels like a bunch of running around, and Iāll even let you in on a secret: there are times when I donāt feel like Iām accomplishing anything. And I know Iām not the only one who feels that way.
This is a long game, a big challenge. But one thatās so rewarding.
Every time we make a cover that knocks our socks off, or read something we wrote a while back and are brought to tears. Every time we connect with a new friend, every time we meet a deadline, whether internal or externally assigned. Every time we read a book and our craft gets better. Every time we get up early to jot down an idea. Every time we go to bed on time so our minds are clear for edits the next day.
These are victories.
We need to hold on to them. We need to remember them and celebrate them. Because when we lose our perspective and the voices of doubt are strong, we need to be able to look back and say, āLook at where I started and where I am now. Look at what Iām putting out into the world. Look at what Iām doing with my life, with my time.ā
In the end, I donāt want to just move forward. I want to move forward joyfully. And sometimes looking back in celebration and appreciation is the best way to do so.
Thank you for sharing my writerās journey.
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Congratulations! You have had a busy, accomplished year!
Thanks! Yeah, three novels. Wow š