2022 in Review

I thought for my last post for the year I’d share about some of the things I’ve learned from releasing 11 books in this past year and writing quite a few more.

There have been some wins, some losses and rejections, and lots of learning. Ready? Let’s go!

Firstly, I’m going to preface everything by saying I write full-time, and I treat this as my working career. Hence the need for more releases this year. A woman (and her family) cannot live on the proceeds of one historical release a year. So when my desire to see my winter athletes book Love on Ice (and see it published in a Winter Olympics year) was rejected a few years ago by publishers I decided to risk my writerly reputation and embark on the self publishing journey, as Christine Dillon had encouraged me to do for years. This led to a huge pivot from being known as a Regency / historical author, to someone who writes mostly contemporary romance (which is ironic, because contemporary is how I first started writing). My long term strategy involved signing with Celebrate Lit and building a contemporary audience through the multi-author Independence Islands series, which would then lead to my Original Six hockey series, of which Love on Ice was part.

I decided to release the Original Six books in quick succession, what’s known as a rapid release strategy, where a book comes out each 4- 6 weeks, in order to allow the best chance for those mysterious Amazon algorithms to give books traction and further visibility. Would I do this again? Possibly. I’ve learned that while some readers want my books and can gobble a book in a few days, others – especially at the start of a new series – need a little more time to get on board. Part of the reason for the rapid release was because I had seasonally-themed books – book 1 (The Breakup Project) was New Year’s Eve focused, and I wanted Love on Ice to release prior to February’s Winter Olympics. (Side note: it was super cool to have readers tell me they enjoyed watching the short track skating because I’d written about it!). I think rapid release would work if you have a hungry enough readership in a particular genre. I think the fact I veered from historical romance into contemporary romance (with a side of sports) was a bit too far for some.

The last book in the Original Six series, Muskoka Blue, was actually the second book I ever wrote, and a million years ago I’d written some sort-of sequels  set in the same gorgeous area of Canada known as Muskoka. When I was approaching Muskoka Blue’s release in July, I thought it’d be good to just get these books out, so I rewrote a couple thinking I’d have a mini series of two Muskoka books. Little did I realise these romances would birth a much bigger series based around a group of women in the small (fictional) town of Muskoka Shores (also the name of the first book). And while I’m writing fresh books in this series now, I love the power we have as independent authors to redeem past books and get them out of our computer and into people’s hands. I’d originally written Muskoka Christmas as a Hallmark-type book, which got rejected by a publisher, and it was tempting to leave it locked inside my computer. But God is into redeeming things, right? After some tweaking and polishing it was  SO good to finally see this book get out into the hands of readers. So I’m a believer that you can redeem books others may have rejected.

Which leads me to another point: we all know rejection isn’t fun. This year I faced a number of humbling moments which really ate into my confidence, and at one point led me to contemplate giving up writing entirely. I’m talking rejections from being involved in author projects, rejections from publishers, rejections in writing contests, even from some readers. It made for some very challenging times where I had to remind myself of God’s call on my life, and that my times (like yours) are in His hands. Proverbs 3:5-6 says: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.’ It’s a verse I’ve had to dig into this year. I can do all I can, but there will be people who don’t like my books (or me!), who don’t like the message, who just plain prefer a different flavour. And I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that that’s okay. That God loves me nonetheless. That my identity isn’t found in pleasing others but in God.

I can’t please everybody, but just as I’ve discovered some people are not going to be my readers, so my focus is now on building my readership to find those people who are. Because readers who enjoy relatable characters, realistic scenarios, with banter, romance and some Christian grit are out there! My marketing is now focused on finding those readers, which is why I’ve employed a number of strategies to find them.

For years I’d resisted doing a reader magnet, partly because I didn’t know whether to offer a historical or contemporary novella. When Lisa Renee presented an opportunity in January to be involved in a joint author reader magnet project I ummed and ahhed for a while before knuckling down and writing a prequel novella to the Original Six series. That dashed-off novella has now brought in over 2000 readers to my newsletter list (probably more). Hello! My recommendation? Refine your genre, and write the reader magnet.

It goes to show the power of relationship in author and reader communities. I’m so grateful for authors like Christine and Lisa and others who have helped this traditionally pubbed author embark on the STEEP learning curve of indie publishing. But relationships can also be tricky, can’t they? I’ve had my challenges with that too, upsetting some people, being upset by others. I’m so grateful for people who are gracious enough to put up with me (and if I’ve offended you, please forgive me). To be honest, I think releasing so many books this year has scratched me off a few Christmas card lists, because it’s just so much. But my problem is what to do: do I a) reduce my output because it exceeds some people’s expectations?  b) write under a pen name? (I feel like it’s too late for that!)  c) ask God to slow down the story ideas and stop this stage in my life when I have time to write? Or do I d) do my best to contribute to my household finances by writing and releasing lots of books? (I choose Option D.)

I’ve had to learn a lot this year. I’ve worked hard and stretched and grown and built my capacity, and I can honestly say I LOVE indie publishing. And while I still want to chase some traditional contracts, I now know that I can do this indie thing. I’ve still got plenty to learn, but that’s okay. Life is about learning and trying things, isn’t it, otherwise you stagnate. Next year sees a similar output with more Muskoka books, a new hockey series, my final Regency book, an Aussie-set Barbour historical novella, a rom com  (Daring Mr Darcy, co-written with Meredith Resce, available to preorder now), and an Aussie-US contemporary series with a bunch of author friends. Most of these books are written, which means I can get a good month off starting this weekend. Yay!

So my top writing tips from this year?

*Risk it and have a go. I’m so glad I did. My venturing into unknown waters (like indie publishing) has helped pay for holidays, appliances and more. And the risks continue. I have an audiobook of one of my indie books in the making, something I can pay for from my indie writing proceeds, so we’ll see how that goes. I’m trying for a different publisher too, with the hope of building my readership so I can finally see publication with my dream publisher. You don’t know unless you have a go, right?

*Write the books you love to read – your readers are out there. And when you find a genre your readers love, don’t be afraid to put up preorders (especially if you know you can fulfil your writing/editing/formatting/uploading dates). I’ve had preorders at the back of each book which allows readers to click on the next in the series. (I’ve even got preorders for books without a cover!) When readers trust you to write a good book, they’ll want the next one too. So write it. Then write the next one.

*Relationships are key: with readers, authors, industry professionals, your family and friends, and most importantly God. God is interested in our hearts, so if there’s stuff in there that’s affecting how we relate to others, allow time for Him to deal with us so we can better deal with others. Soak in His love, which Christmas is a great reminder of: God’s love for us that saw the birth of a baby who would bring salvation to all. God’s love is what life is really about.

Speaking of Christmas, I hope you have a great time and find some time to read. And if you need some fun reads, then allow me to suggest The Breakup Project (it’s FREE, and the next two books are on sale!) and Originally Yours, which you can download when you sign up for my newsletter here.

God bless you, and thank you for your support. Happy Christmas!