On May 26th, 2023, my first novel “Bloom of the Desert Rose” was published! After two years with my publishers and seven years of writing, I had done it. I held my book in my hands, turned through her pages, and was on cloud nine! It was perfect, the cover, the font, the texture of the pages, it was a dream come true. Many of you know the feeling, some of you, several times over, and of those still reaching, do not give up. Achieving your dreams takes time, persistence, and dedication, do not give up! We all want you to experience the joy of seeing your published book in your hands, and even better, in the stores!
So, a year later, what can I tell you about it, a lot. I must admit I started slowly, struggling through the landscape of marketing, and selling my book, missing out on a pre-launch and forgoing advertising, ($$$) I did everything else myself, and I still am, but learning that curve took time, and even now I am still small and eager to grow. I have done all I can do to better myself, my writing and my marketing skills. Taking every chance I can to get the word out there about my novel, and spreading those business cards like Moses and the Red Sea 😊
I keep active in the social media game and truly enjoy my book signings, I recommend this above most other things as it is the best way to get to the customer and let them know who you are, the best chance of sales is for them to know you are a local author and there to sign a book for them. Believe me, it is still the long game, but gosh it is worth it. If you can get out there and talk to strangers, be approachable yet bombarding, but never pushy. And a bubbly personality comes in handy for sure.
Even at this point, my novel being a year old, I still go out and do signings, time means nothing when there are hundreds of readers walking through those bookstore doors every Saturday. And most importantly, I won't give up on myself, for my dream of being a well-known author, writing a worthwhile story, and engaging with my wonderful readers. Every sale means so much, the idea that my words can leave a lasting imprint on others, make them feel, cry, and even hate. There is no better reward than that.
I’ll keep today's blog short and end with my great appreciation for my followers, my readers and those who have stood by throughout this amazing and well-worked year. Thank you all for joining me along the way, on this, A Writer’s Journey.
Thanks, A.F.
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