Exploring the Pros & Cons of Self-Publishing
Self-publishing provides unmatched freedom and autonomy, allowing you to shape your author journey as you see fit. However, this freedom comes with a flipside: the need for accountability. As a self-published author, you must set and meet your own deadlines, manage your budget, and stay motivated throughout the publishing process. Building a dedicated writing routine and staying committed to your goals are essential aspects of maintaining accountability.
Healing Through Words: Write What You Know
When you use memories from your life in your writing, the process can be profoundly healing. Memories are the threads that weave the tapestry of our lives. They are the repository of our joys, sorrows, victories, and defeats. Memories are not static; they evolve and shape-shift with time. When we revisit our memories through writing, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing.
My Brief Thoughts On AI
I am all about working smarter, haha. I don’t shy away from tools that can help me. I know the big argument is whether or not this is “writing” but the ideas are still mine. Similarly, when I use talk to text - the ideas are still mine. If I’m not typing them, are they somehow “less?” No, that’s silly. I won’t lie, I am still on the fence about books that are entirely AI generated. But, I think if it’s known then it’s okay. I’d only feel wrong about it if it was hidden from readers.
Writing Postpartum
Taking a planned break while still focusing on how/when to best move forward is completely different than dropping everything with no intention of pulling yourself out of that dark hole. For me it wasn’t just being busy with my son and a new baby. It was the inability to write. It was my lack of inspiration and will. I didn’t want to. During that time, my love of writing was hibernating. Those of you that have had children may know what I mean when I say one day I “woke up” and the year before felt like a dream.
My Reading Preferences
I am always wary about posting my opinions on books. I am an author, so I know how much criticism of something you truly love can hurt. I do think it’s important to note that reading is subjective. Some people will love your book and others might describe it as the worst thing they’ve ever read. There’s no real right or wrong. There are just opinions, what you like, and what you don’t.
Things I Love to have while Writing
I can write in almost any environment. I’ve gotten used to having to write with noise because I have two young children. I write a lot on the road because my husband and I take frequent road trips. I’ve trained myself to be able to tune out everything around me and write. Right now my son is watching a National Geographic show on sharks and I’m standing at my kitchen counter writing this. The fact that I am a person who doesn’t need quiet to write has helped me tremendously. Even though I don’t need peace and quiet, there are a few other things I really enjoy having when I write.
What I’ve Learned (So far)
The absolute biggest lesson I've learned so far on this journey is that you have to go at your own pace. It's so easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to others, and it will drive you nuts.
My writing journey as a wife, as a mother of two, as a person with a full-time job, as a person running a home with 45 animals, is going to look different than someone who is single, someone without kids, someone who is already a full-time author, and so on.
That's okay.