Young Adult Indie Author
Last week, I shared everything I’ve learned as a self-published author. This week, I want to take it a step further and talk about the hardest parts of being an indie author—because let’s be real, this journey isn’t easy. But just because something is hard doesn’t mean it’s impossible. 1. Marketing Feels… Weird? For some…
I’ve been self-publishing since 2018, and in that time, I’ve worn all the hats—writing, marketing, formatting, working with cover designers, and everything in between. Being an indie author is exciting, challenging, and constantly evolving. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot, and today, I’m sharing six of the most valuable lessons from my journey. 1….
Writing a book is both magical and messy, and every author has their own way of bringing words to life. Today, I’m sharing my exact writing routine—from the moment I sit down at my desk to the little rituals that keep me inspired. 1. Setting the Mood Before I write a single word, I set…
If you’re an indie author, chances are you’ve asked yourself: Am I good enough? Will readers figure out I’m a fraud? Impostor syndrome is something almost every writer experiences at some point. It can be paralyzing, making it difficult to sit down and do the work. But the good news? You can overcome it. Here’s…
Whether you’re a new or seasoned writer, finding the right tools can help boost creativity and streamline your process. Let’s dive in! My Go-To Analog Writing Tools Sometimes, nothing beats the feel of pen and paper. Here are my top three must-haves for brainstorming and planning: 1. Spiral-Bound Notebooks I stock up on these during…
As an indie author, one of the most common questions I get is, “How do you find the time to write?” Balancing writing with a day job, family responsibilities, and everything else life throws your way can feel overwhelming. Over the years, I’ve developed a system that works for me, and today I’m excited to share my formula for staying productive and consistent as a writer.
When it comes to my writing process, I love to embrace the concept of loose structure. For me, it’s all about having a plan, but leaving enough room for inspiration to strike. Whether I’m working on my weekly schedule or crafting a new story, I need that white space to allow my creativity to flow…
World-building is one of the most exciting parts of writing for me, but it’s also a process that evolves with each story I write. My first three books were all set in real places: New York City (and New Jersey), St. Louis, and Chicago. I’m comfortable using real settings because it allows me to draw…
When I sit down to write a new story, the first thing I think about is the characters. For me, they’re the heart of every story, and I like to build them up in layers, starting with a simple question and growing them into fully fleshed-out people. Starting with a Question Most of my stories…
Second-draft land is a weird place. After the whirlwind of writing a first draft, you might think the second draft would be easier. But, as I’ve learned, it’s anything but. In the first draft, you’re essentially telling yourself the story—letting your imagination run wild and figuring things out as you go. But in the second…