New 2024 Segment - Magic Moments!

The magic, warm, and fuzzy moments of being an author. There are plenty of overwhelming and daunting moments in this biz, but the glitter sprinkled throughout makes it all 100% worth it.

As we delve into another year, I'm making a conscious effort to be grateful and celebrate why I continue to write and publish after a decade of ups and downs and hard-earned lessons. Because for most of us published authors, the anxiety, confusion, and juggling... it's all worth it in the end.

I want to share the warm, fuzzy, and fun moments to prove that it isn't always a learning curve. Sometimes, it feels like magic.

When we can get past the fear and tedious nitty gritty of it all, writing is such a magical experience. After all, we started writing because we felt a calling to it, right? It’s an inherent part of who we are and what makes us feel whole, seen, or free.

This month's warm and fuzzy moment for me was brought about by the readers who celebrated my month-long 40th birthday shenanigans. They didn't have to participate. They didn't have to interact or even stop in to chat with me. They don't even have to buy my books or leave reviews. But the reality is - they do.

People worldwide choose to buy my books and care about what I do and what I have to say. Interacting with so many of them this month is one of the most amazing feelings I've ever had.

Yes, I’ve felt this before - often. And the feeling never gets old. It reminds me that I’ve always been meant to do this, making me want to continue doing it forever, no matter my business hat grumblings.

Hold on, I’m letting that sink in for a moment.

Please don’t think I'm not tooting my horn. I'm sharing this because it's a universal feeling for authors.

When you make your first sale or get your first five-star review.

When you receive an email from a reader or they take the time to comment on your social media post.

When they consider you worthy of their follow on social media, or sign up for your newsletter because they care what you have to say.

Each of those “Small” things is a powerful endorsement, proving we are doing what we've always meant to do. If it weren’t so powerful, many of us would stop publishing.

But Lindsey, you’ve been writing for twelve years, so you have a following.

Yes, it has taken me years to grow my audience and build authentic relationships with my readers. It doesn’t always happen right out of the gate. But I’m sharing this with you so you know it’s possible. I am not the best writer in the world. I am not the most popular or the most prolific. And still, some people enjoy my books. That means some people will enjoy yours. And if you’re anything like me, yes, readers are the most essential part of your business, but they may also inspire you to keep going.

What feeds your soul about being an author? If you haven’t published a book yet, what will be that defining moment for you on your journey?

Until next week!

Linds