Have you ever gone through a transitional time in your life where you feel like the path you're on isn't the best one? Or that it isn't working like you wanted? Or that even though it's you're dream, there are some things that are more important?
I've been in the publishing world for more than seven years and it has changed me in ways I never could have imagined. The connections I've made and the things I've pushed myself to do--stepping far out of my comfort zone--has had such an incredible impact on my life.
Long story short--once upon a time I learned that making connections in the publishing industry was essential. It was a painfully terrifying truth. Step by step, I did it. Pushing myself into scary situations. From my first writing conference, to publishing a book, to my first book signing, then connecting with authors online and over Zoom during the pandemic. Then came the podcast. I could have said I wouldn't do it. I didn't have to do it. Talking on a podcast was such a scary thing. But I did it and by doing it, interviews weren't so terrifying anymore either.
I could go on. There's more, but I'll stop there.
Earlier this year I was running all my 2024 numbers--royalties, book sales, expenses, etc. In doing this, I realized that for the first year since I began publishing in 2018, my author business didn't perform at a loss. I made more in royalties and book sales than I ever had and I made a tiny profit.
But in looking at my family expenses with my husband, my tiny profit with my books isn't enough. With the economy and our personal situation, I need to find a way to bring in more income.
Here's the part that ties into my question at the top. Writing books and doing this author thing full time is my DREAM. It's a dream that has proven to be even more amazing than I could have imagined as a nine-year old girl who wanted to be an author. But my family needs me.
So I took a few weeks to mourn this working out the way I want. After talking with a dear friend, I'm working on a solution* that would allow me to still have time for my writing while doing other work to help pay the bills (and still have time for my kids and family).
I pray it works. If it does, you won't see much change around here. I'll still send out regular newsletters. I'll still be writing and posting on Ream. I'll still be at book events and book signings.
I'm still sad that this isn't exactly how I wanted things to turn out (make enough so my husband can leave his 9-5 and sell real estate full time), but I'm hopeful. I'm pushing myself out of my comfort zone again and I hope that I can look back in seven years and be thankful for this next chapter.
