Hi there!
Today is my fifth anniversary in publishing. In addition to being thankful for you coming on this journey with me, I want to share 3 things I have learned along the way as a published author.
First of all, I want you to know that I still consider myself a new author, but this journey has taught me a thing or two. I can share the glamour of holding your baby in your hand. Or yes it is glamorous, for me at least. But I want to share with you my transparent truth, it just might be yours as well.
- Let your voice come naturally to you. I had to start with this because one of the things that stopped me in the beginning was I told myself I’d never sound as great as those who I’ve admired for years. Well, I was right, they are them and I am me. When God made each and everyone of us, He broke the mold, figuratively of course 🙂 So instead of trying to copy someone’s voice, hone the one that God gave you.
- The passion for your story will dwindle: The thrill of a new idea is always exciting. I have woken up many nights so excited. But as time goes on, the allure of these characters dwindle under the craft. The number one thing I do is to step back and let the characters loose. One of the reasons the passion may dwindle is the characters aren’t doing what I told them to do…free them but don’t throw away the story. You can’t fix a blank page.
- You will not feel like writing every day…and guess what? You don’t have to. I know you see those quotes all the time about “write everyday”, “a writer should be writing” while true, that’s an enormous amount of pressure. I do not write everyday, but I also don’t write only when I feel like either. I set goals for releasing a book and follow my word count action plan to get it done.
- Growing a platform takes time. It will not explode overnight. That’s just not how it works. You have to post consistently. You have to put up valuable content. You have to make an effort to build your platform every single day. But don’t be so busy looking for the masses that you forget those that are with you now. Nurture them and they will help you spread the word. I LOVE MY AFRO LUV BUGS, they are my rock readers and I’m so grateful to them.
- Writing/Authorship/Publishing are three very different things. Be clear about what you’re doing and who you are. Publishing is a business and should be treated as such.
Have you read my titles? Check them out here
Keep walking in the direction of your dream. It might not be writing but whatever it is, keep at it. Good things take time.
Peace & Blessing,
Unoma
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