Oh boy, does writing this scare the crap out of me? Heck, yeah! I'm
usually not one to lay it all out on the table, and prefer to stay in my
corner quietly watching. But you know what? The end of the world didn't
come and this is a new year. So I promised myself I'd try something
new. Go ahead, Tasha, don't be shy and say what you think. After all,
what's the worst that can happen? Right?After publishing Guardians of the Grimoire in 2011, I can't believe I finally finished the first draft of book 2 in the series entitled Defenders of the Grimoire a.k.a. DOTG. My journey into self-publishing has been filled with ups and downs. I've had eye-opening moments, some ah-ha! moments, and some head banging moments too. In the past twelve months I have learned not to be afraid of CSS coding, which allowed me to personalize my blog. Hey, for a gal who had never been on any of the social media networking sites and who could barely understand what a computer could do, I think I've done pretty well. I've succeeded in taking something I know nothing about and turning it into something I can now use to my advantage.
I like to say that I've been developing my business plan over the course of the past year. Now, that I'm a self-published author, what are my goals? In a month from now? In a year from now? In five and ten years from now? I like to plan ahead and if roadblocks come up on my set journey, I feel comfortable enough to say, "Okay, this is only a temporary setback." Then I plow ahead.
The key to all of this is lots of research, and research takes time. Never mind that writing a book such as the Grimoire Trilogy also warrants research of its own. So, I've been reading and learning and slowly implementing all that I acquire. To be honest, I felt bad that I had not yet published book 2 of my series. It is now more than a year later since book 1 came out, and I've been haranguing myself for not writing book 2 yet. Then my subconscious kicks in and tells me it's not like I've been sitting on my butt all day doing nothing. In fact, the bags under my eyes can testify to that, but I have to admit that there has to be passion burning within me if I'm willing to get up at 5am for something that I'm not reaping benefits from...yet.Today, though, I can smile again, because draft one of DOTG is finally finished. Some of you already know this about me, but I write the first draft by hand. I feel that I have more freedom this way to develop my ideas and I am able to spread out before me the pages that I need to see, in order for my ideas to stay consistent. What I have discovered while writing DOTG is that I didn't need to fully develop each and every scene, because I know that when I'm going to type it up, I'll already be editing those scenes. I'm hoping that by book 3 of the series I won't have to write by hand and go straight to a Word document.
I've been beating myself down a lot lately, because I didn't feel like I was accomplishing anything, but as my sweet hubby says, "Baby, you've been working your butt off ever since you've discovered your love of writing." That was four years ago. I guess if I'm willing to spend fifty-sixty hours a week on becoming a self-published author and get up at 5am, while seeing only a few coins in return, then I guess I've got passion for what I do and I refuse to give up on it. Writing is my dream. Writing is my passion. Writing is my job. I am an author. And proud to be one.
All I can say is that your hard work paid off, for me, with your first one and I know it's going to pay off with the second one.
ReplyDeletePerserverence = accomplishments far greater than monetary value, although that's every author's ultimate goal. But, I have faith in you as I've come to know you well, and your work ethic? Faultless! Good things will come your way! I feel it.
I honestly can't wait to read 'Defenders of the Grimoire', firstly because I've waited long enough (insert evil grin here) but all good things are worth waiting for and the second, because the first one was just beyond amazing.
As always, I wish you nothing but the best, Natasha. I know you'll hang in there; you have the head for it, the passion (looks up at post again), and the skills many wish they had.
Well done, my friend.
Sandra :: SSBF Blog
Thank you, Sandra, for those encouraging words. It's scary sometimes when I wonder if I'm wasting my time with this. But like I said in the post, I refuse to let myself get down. I want to make a living doing what I like and that is writing. I am grateful to have you as a friend, Sandra. Thanks for the boost of confidence! :)
DeleteCongratulations! Nice to read these words and such a good spirit. Believing is already accomplishing half of the journey, perseverance does the rest. And you have plenty of both. Besides, even if I've not read your first book, reading your posts is pleasant, such as this one. And it comes from your heart, not from some artificial attempt to impress with exotic words.
ReplyDeleteMake a living writing is also my dream which has yet to come true but for the time being writing is a must, an itch that needs attention. The scenes that live in our mind push and push until one has to give life to them on paper and screen.
Writing is like an open wound...and something oozes out of it. Sometimes it is crimson, pure blood.
Awww, thank you, Massimo. It's nice to know that I can speak from the heart and not scare people away. :) You know, it's difficult to reach out to others when you spend everyday alone. I've learned to stay in my coccoon...and just be quiet. I promised myself I wouldn't be afraid to speak this year. I'm glad to see my experiment is going well. I love the last phrase you wrote. Beautiful. Thank you. :)
DeleteTasha. You've got the talent, heart and connections to do anything you want! I'm very excited for you and plan on being right there watching as you make it to the top!
ReplyDeleteHi, Dannie! Wouldn't it be fun to make it to the top together? Thanks for the heartwarming encouragement. :)
DeleteTasha, huh? *smiles* I like it. I'm big with nicknames, so I won't forget it.
ReplyDeleteHow are you, stranger? By the tone of your post, you are doing very well. You sound excited, determined and confident. Good for you! It's a tough business, and you sound more than ready for whatever it might have in store. Wishing you the very best as always, my friend. Sorry for the late reply, but I've been stuck in writer's cave again as I work on my third novel. If you don't hear from me often it will be due to me spending more time writing and less time networking. Feel free to poke me in the side now and again if you don't hear from me. Cheers, Tasha! *grins*
-Jimmy
Editor's note: I hated being called Jimmy as a child. Now James sounds like another person entirely, and Jimmy is the only thing that sounds right. Funny how that happened.
Hi, Jimmy! Glad to see that you are writing, my friend. :) I will most definitely poke you once in a while, but I know how it is when we hibernate inside our writing caves. I keep repeating to myself, "The cave is my friend, the cave is my friend..." lol I have to admit, though, that I love it in there. I'm heading into mine for some major editing since book 2 of my series is now done. So, I won't be around too much either.
DeleteGood luck to you with your new book and may the writing juices flow freely. ;)