The countdown has begun!

The child in me wants to make one of those paper chains we used to craft in elementary school to count down the days until Christmas, only now I’m counting down to my book release. June 20th is less than three weeks away! It’s as exciting as it is stressful because there is still so much to do. I just ordered my first big batch of books and am thrilled to start signing copies!

As terrifying as it is to put myself out there, I am living my dream. Many people don’t get that opportunity. Sometimes I feel like I’m getting ahead of myself, because being an author doesn’t mean I’ll be a best seller, but I won’t waste this chance by doubting myself (too much). I have goals to work toward, and I am enjoying every stress-filled step of the way.

Having due dates has forced me to become disciplined, and it’s been amazing how much I can accomplish when I’m focused. I have completed three books and have seven others in the works. If all goes as planned, I’ll have two additional books out before June of next year. That’s really exciting, but there is much to do.

Being an independent author is basically 25% writing, 80% doubting myself, 10% thinking my ideas are brilliant, 120% editing, 30% undoing the thing I did wrong the first time around, and 50% shameless self-promotion. So that means, it occupies about 315% of my time. Math has never been my strong suit, but that feels pretty accurate, and my husband would agree!

Speaking of my amazing husband. None of this would be possible if he hadn’t supported and encouraged me over the years. While I’m the dreamer who needs reined-in, he’s the logical half of our couple who needs pushed. So while he talks me out of my more outrageous ideas, he’ll let me talk him into some of the better ones. He’s also the romantic one in our relationship, making sweet gestures that never come naturally for me. He got the raw end of the deal on that front, but all in all, we make a pretty good team.

Now, I’ve gotta get back to work so Guardian of Latovia will be finished and ready to release by July 29th!