That beloved card found a home everywhere I’ve lived. The message resonated with me deeply, and I quoted it often to my daughters as they grew, updating it later with the kid-friendly, “Just Keep Swimming” from Disney’s Little Nemo. The message was the same. Don’t stop. Don’t look back. Persevere.
If you’re leaving a situation or experiencing a setback, I find it is best to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep going. “If you’re going through hell, keep on going” as the saying goes.
Lately I’ve spent a lot of time with my project manager’s hat on, looking back at issues with a critical eye to see what’s worked, and what didn’t, so we can make better decisions.
I can do this for others with a little more ease. It’s harder to do when it’s your own baby that you’re potentially calling ugly.
Except this time as I closed out and archived completed projects, it was less self-flagellation, It was a delighted surprise.
Look how far we’ve come. Look at all we’ve done. Look at who we’ve helped.
Sometimes when you’re so focused on moving forward you forget to celebrate the journey. Only by looking back can you see how far you’ve come.
There are lessons to be learned, too. That’s to be expected. But I’m learning to take those for what they are⸺ways to improve. Nothing more. I don’t assign blame or shame.
As indie authors whose creative souls rests in the words, it’s important that we keep going. Nothing sells the last book like the next book.
But I’m finding it’s equally important to intentionally stop and look back, too. Celebrate your wins. Take a quick victory lap. And be graciously critical when you see ways you could do better.
Then keep going. You may not be going back that way, but never forget how far you’ve come.
To your success,
When Writing Means Business, Storytellers Read Indie Author Magazine
Despite my best marketing efforts, my backlist just isn’t selling. How do I decide whether to go back to the drawing board and refocus the series or cut my losses and unpublish it? At a Crossroads Dear Crossroads, I feel your frustration, love. When a backlist underperforms, it’s like owning a vintage auto that sputters more than it purrs. Do you tune it up or trade it in for a new model? Let’s hash out
I’ve only ever written in one particular genre. I have an audience built there, a decent backlist, and a few ideas for future books. But I just recently got an idea for a story in an entirely different genre—one that I don’t even know I’ll continue past this book. Do I write the new idea or stick with what I know? Pestered by a Plot Bunny Dearest Plot Bunny, The temptation of an off-brand manuscript
My biggest obstacle in my career is profitability. I have a full series of eight books, with great read-through. I do everything I’m supposed to do to advertise them: Facebook Ads, freebies, group promos, daily posts on social media. But I’m still not earning much. How do I make money in this business? Seeking More Sales (Aren’t We All?) Dearest Seeking Sales, Oh, my little crumpet, this profit pickle has so many of us in
We’ll send you our best articles, special offers, and industry updates
Hello! I’m Indie Annie, and I would love to send you a copy of this month’s issue of Indie Author Magazine. Just join our email list and I’ll drop it in your inbox!