A Year in the Life

It is just over a year since my first book went live on Amazon, and I’m amazed at how things have snowballed since that first foray into the world of publishing. So, as I look back over the year, what have I discovered?

1. Reviews matter.

Oh, my word! I can’t even begin to describe how it feels when someone takes the time to leave a review when they have enjoyed my book. I’ve even shed a tear at the encouraging and positive comments. It made me realise how much affirmation we poor fragile authors crave.

It also made me more aware of my own reactions to stories. I devour books on my kindle. Occasionally I will come across one that I really like, but until this year I would never have thought of leaving a review. Now I am committed to doing just that, even if it is only a few words saying, “I really enjoyed this.”

2. There is always more to learn.

I was completely unaware of just how much free information is out in the digital world to support, advise and teach people like me. From structuring scenes, and creating characters, to self-publishing and marketing, there is some really great advise out there. I have found some amazing free courses and summits that have helped me hone my skills. As I am writing and publishing with a budget of £0, finding resources like that are like discovering precious treasures in a dark, dank cave.

3. I’m not alone.

I have been fortunate in meeting a few others on this journey, all at differing stages of their writing careers, and I have discovered something mind-blowing. I’m not the only one suffering from imposter syndrome, struggling to get down ten words after a day’s work, or desperately refreshing my author page in the hope that someone, anyone, will like or comment on my post. As I have connected with more and more people, it is such a relief to know that we all suffer – even the greatest of us.

Neil Gaiman is someone I admire, and he is full of wise words. But the best part is how those words encourage others, as he talks of his own experiences of imposter syndrome or being at a book signing where no-one came. To know that even he has his demons is strangely comforting.

4. Cherish your tribe.

Every writer needs a group of people around them who will support and encourage them. They don’t even have to like your work, just be there for you and cheer you on. (Although it’s lovely if they see value in your words!) Some may only be there for a season. Others will walk the whole way with you, but they all matter. Whether they read and critique your early scribblings, share your posts, buy your books or stand on the side-lines patting your back and encouraging you to take the next step. We need them all.

I can honestly say, I would never have come this far without mine.

5. I am a writer.

This may sound obvious, but it wasn’t to me, especially in the early stages. If I ever admitted that I wrote, the resulting questions would fill me with dread. What are you writing? (This always made me want to either apologise for not picking a more popular genre or go into great explanations about what adult fantasy is all about – and no, it isn’t kinky!) Where can I buy your books? (Well, I actually haven’t even finished it yet, let alone submitted it to an agent.) What’s your book about? (Eek! – I haven’t even thought of a synopsis or elevator pitch, so I’d ramble on about the book until their eyes glazed over.) I felt like a total fraud.

I only began to own the title of author when Master and Apprentice came out. Yet I had five years of drafts, edits, criticisms and my trusty red pen behind me.

If you are just starting out with a vague idea, you have completed a first draft or you are crossing your fingers and toes as you submit your manuscript to dozens of agents, you are a writer. Be proud of it.

So, there you have it. The five most important lessons for me this last year. I’d love to know what you have discovered in your own journey!