A new YA fantasy novel!
After a few years of submitting my book to publishers, I realized something–I don’t want to be the next JK Rowling.
Don’t get me wrong, I love her and Harry Potter, and all the magic those books gave me when I was a teen. But becoming an author is not at all what it used to be. It once used to be acceptable to be a hermit and an author. Perhaps some occasional book signings, but nothing too crazy. It was perfect for an introvert who can only stand a little bit of socialization.
But now? An author must have an online presence. Instagram posts, TikTok videos, website, engagement posts, etc. It’s a business to be an author, and if you want any publishing companies to accept your manuscript, you have to already have a following. But how in the world do you gain a following when you aren’t even published yet?
All these questions went through my mind. Do I want to be an author still? Am I prepared to engage online WAY more than I ever wanted? Social media is great and all, but I struggle wanting to dedicate my life to its success. Can’t I still be an introverted hermit who publishes my books for the sake of my enjoyment? Hoping that others who would love my work or need to hear my words will find it?
The short answer is–no. I have to have a presence. It’s just part of the job now. And while I still don’t plan to spend hours on social media platforms so that I can leave screen time with my soul in tact, I am willing to put in the work to make a smaller version of that dream come true. Because how will someone who needs my words find it if I don’t do anything to help it along? And I’ve spent way too many hours laboring over this beloved book of mine to let it remain completely in the shadows.
So through mine and my husband’s company, Twosome Solutions, LLC, we are officially releasing my first novel, Starlight, on Amazon. I’m kind of excited to be an indie author with complete control over my book. We’re BFFs after all, so how could I let anyone else mess with it? 🙂
I truly hope you all enjoy reading what I’ve worked so hard on. It’s my heart in book form. <3 So please consider supporting indie authors and purchase Starlight today!
Paperback – Kindle ebook – Audiobook (coming soon!)