Hello, readers!
Last week I shared with you how I got to the place where I was finally able and ready to seriously pursue writing. Of course, my insecurities are still with me, and battle against them every day. But writing is who I am. It's what I love. And I will not allow myself to stand in the way of my greatest passion.
This week, I'm looking forward to sharing the vital steps I took on my journey to becoming a writer. Each of these steps is big. Huge. Overwhelming. This post will provide a basic overview. I will explore each step much more thoroughly in future posts.
Step One: Evaluate what is holding me back. I explored a lot of this in my previous post. Once I identified the challenges that were acting as barrier to success, I was able to evaluate them and work to dismantle them. What does this mean, tangibly? Well, for me, it meant facing my mental health challenges, my low self-esteem, and roots of trauma straight on.
Step Two: Break down barriers. Over the years, I have become more open about discussing the challenges associated with my depression and anxiety. I refuse to feel shame around them, and I hope my experiences can help destigmatize, as well as to empower others. I have a strong group of friends, family, and others who collectively act as my support system. Intensive self-care is an integral part of my daily life. And, for me, writing is an absolutely essential component of my self-care. Be true to who you are!
Step Three: Research research research. I spent inexhaustible hours researching everything from my niche, to indie authorship, to publishing options. There was so much to learn (and there still is!) I scoured the Internet for tips on writing erotica, crafting my book blurb, and composing my author profile. I searched the pages of Reddit and other online forums for advice on selecting a publisher, distribution options, and marketing practices. The research doesn't stop. I'm continuously looking things up and seeking guidance relevant to the stage of writing that I am in at any given moment.
Step Four: Write. This is my favourite part of the process! While not easy, it is absolutely the most enjoyable, natural, and fulfilling step. Putting the story on paper isn't the only thing I do at this stage. Here I also do a lot of brainstorming, idea generation, outlining, character profiling, and setting development.
Step Five: Edit. I've always loved editing - except for when it's my own book that is 140,000+ words long! This process is brutal, grueling, and stressful. Editing means axing entire paragraphs, sections, and occasionally chapters. Editing means reworking the storyline, moving things around, and doing rewrites. It seems to take forever! This is my most despised part of the process.
Step Six: Format for publishing. This is where it starts to get real. After digitally uploading my manuscript into the publishing editor, I can see what my book will look like page-by-page, in actual book form. What an incredible feeling this is: to see the words I wrote, the story I created, coming together in a real-life book. Ah!
Step Seven: Author proof. This is when I hold my book in my hands for the first time. Wow. Nothing could've prepared me for it. All the challenges, roadblocks, moments of hopelessness - it was all swept away in an instant. I did it. It had been a battle, but I had won. What a monumental moment. But I wasn't done. Time to buckle down and go through the novel, one page at a time, and note anything that needs changing. Yup, more editing.
Step Eight: Submit for publishing. Once everything looked good and I was happy with the changes I'd made to the author proof, I was ready to release my book out into the world. I submitted it to my publisher, picked a release date, and celebrated the impending release of my first novel to distributors worldwide!
Step Nine: Reviews. Reviews are so important to indie authors. There are very few people who will read a book that no one has reviewed. After much research (back again to Step Three), I found a review service and submitted my book on there. Over the course of a couple of months, I was able to get a number of reviews. Several other reviews outside the service came in, too. Not a lot, but some. To me, this was a huge success. Readers had discovered my book, and - the best part - they were enjoying it! FOUND is currently rated 4.38 stars on Goodreads!
Step Ten: Marketing. I wrote a book. I got some reviews for my book. But there are millions of readers out there that still don't have any idea my book exists. This is where marketing comes in. And it's tough. Really tough. Especially for me, who is (a) an introvert, (b) socially anxious, and (c) creative only when it comes to words. But my book isn't going to sell itself. This step is by far the most uncomfortable for me, but it's also extremely necessary. It's all about growth!
Writing a book is complex, grueling... and the most gratifying thing I've ever set out to do. My experience writing FOUND was an absolute roller coaster, but I wouldn't change a thing about it. I've learned a ton, and I'm still learning more. It's a lot like navigating a labyrinth.
A big part of me hopes that my experience can inspire and encourage others to follow their dreams. If I can do it, you can, too! I believe in you <3
Until next time, happy reading!
xxx Ellie