Hi folks!
Exactly four years ago, I was signing my first contract with Entangled Publishing. I knew my book, A Vengeful Affair, got approved a few weeks before that. Still. Signing the contract was a big deal.
I look back and realize so much has changed. I have learned so much more about the craft, and the industry changed a lot too. When I started, I was so green. I mean, I'm still green and trust me, there's still a lot to learn. I guess what I meant to say was I didn't know much. I loved writing, but I was a dummy in so many ways.
Six months after the contract, A Vengeful Affair was released. Thankfully, it got amazing reviews and it was on Amazon's Romance Series bestselling list for a several weeks. Again, I was so green-- I knew nothing about promo. I had virtual no support; I didn't know what a teaser was, or how to make a banner. When someone told me about street teams, I laughed it off. Who in the world would want to invest their time and effort to help me get exposure and boost sales? Really, that was such a silly idea.
Thankfully, the past few years taught me a lot of lessons. In particular, the past two years. Why? Because I was so new at everything, that when my book got picked, I had no back-up plan. I didn't have another romance ready to submit, I had no idea where to go from there. Nowadays, I get antsy if I don't have anything else in the works, with EP or self-pubbed.
Again, I know and hope this is still just the beginning for me. But I must say, all in all, I'm grateful I've been blessed with working with talented professionals. And the street team? I have one now, believe it or not, with well over 300 fabulous members. I'm getting better at promo, although I can't make my own teasers. They suck. Seriously. :)
So. To celebrate my contractversary, I'll give away a digital copy of A Vengeful Affair. For a chance to win, answer the question: what fear have you overcome or would you like to overcome?
Being alone. That's my biggest fear and with hubby gona all but 2-5 days a month, I've learned I can do it
ReplyDeleteI totally understand you. My husband used to be gone half of the month. His schedule has changed, but it's still hectic. I totally praise you though because when my husband was gone that long I didn't have kids. It's a nice feeling when you learn you can do it on your own--very liberating. Thanks for entering.
DeleteI'd like to overcome the fear of losing whatI have and not being able to help my children, if they needed it, all for the lack of money.
ReplyDelete((hugs)) Hey you've paid your dues. In some cultures, the kids/grandkids are the ones taking care of their parent/grandparent.
DeleteAt one time my biggest fear was losing one of my children. Well unfortunately I had to live that out almost 5 yrs ago and I have come out of stronger. When something like that happens you have two choices let it totally defeat you or get stronger, for me there was no choice I had to be strong for his three sons. It's not been easy but I am moving forward.
ReplyDeleteLinda, huge hugs to you. I can't even imagine how devastating it must be. You are right though, even after this kind of tragedy you have to choose life (if not for you, but for your other kids). My brother died when he was 22, and my mom was heartbroken. Thankfully with time she was able to deal with the pain and move forward.
DeleteCONGRATS, LINDA!! You won!! Please email me at carmenauthor@yahoo.com so I can get your email and gift you the ebook. Yay!
DeleteMy biggest fear is being trapped in a burning car and unable to get out. I have not had to face that fear and I pray I never have to.
ReplyDeleteYes you certainly do not want to face that one--neither do I!
DeleteI have a fear of the dark, always get quite nervous and jumpy if my partner is away. But I recently got a german shepherd again (already have a cocker spaniel) and with him around I'm a lot less reactive. Not sure he would actually do anything but his size is enough
ReplyDeleteGerman sheperds are so smart and intuitive. You are doing good. My dogs are pugs. I can only trust them to bark if there's a strange noise. LOL. But that's it.
DeleteMy biggest fear I would like to overcome is my anxiety disorder. It keeps me from enjoying so much like traveling and seeing the world as I should.
ReplyDelete((hugs)) Anxiety is horrible. I experienced panic attacks in the past and they were so energy draining. Here's to hoping you can overcome your anxiety.
DeleteI used to be terribly shy and terrified of speaking to an audience. I was good in a small group discussion, but getting up in front of a crowd terrified me, and then I became a manger in a government agency in a job where I was regularly required to present at training sessions and seminars ... and no matter how scary, I knew I needed to overcome my fears or I wouldn't be successful in a job, most of which I loved. I've been in the job 25 years last month, and over the years I've made well over a hundred presentations to groups of up to 70 and 80 people. It's still not my favourite thing, but I no longer have sleepless nights and butterflies the size of elephants in my stomach when I walk up to a podium.
ReplyDeleteFear of revealing my true self... I have done so but only to a select few.
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you Carmen. Meeting you has definitely made my life a much brighter one.
I don't like crowds and I get anxious when a lot of people are around me. It's not really a fear but I wish sometimes that I could relax and enjoy myself when invited to parties and things.
ReplyDelete