What's It Like to Be An Author?

Let me share a little snapshot...

Being an author sounds like a dream job, right? Dreamily jotting down words and worlds that will be read and loved by many. Creating characters! Holding a physical copy of your book! Engaging with fans! Creating character and setting artwork! Practicing your book signing signature!

But did you know we're hella busy????

Yep. Most authors also have 9-5 jobs on top of their entrepreneurial efforts. We juggle "work work" (as I hilariously call it, meaning the 9-5 job) hours and writing, but it doesn't stop there. Writing books is great---an incredibly rewarding experience. I've done it over 50 times! You write the book, edit it, even design your own cover and format it into paperback existence... But what good is your work if no one sees it? No one reads or enjoys it?

...So, of course, we add more work the plate: marketing. If you have a personal Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or IG account, you know how much work it is to keep it up. Some days, you just wanna be lazy and not post things for two weeks! ...Well, authors like me literally manage ALL of these accounts. ALL of the time. If we have an "off" week and don't really want to post, the visibility of our books goes down!

And, so, we post when we can---which means learning to edit videos and take good pictures...

With my case, I, also, build and design my own websites and maintain them, updating them as needed when I expand the books I've written and keeping up on my blog (opps, or not really ;P this is my first post in a little bit).

We, also, keep up with the author community. Like any business, it's important to make friends and network with colleagues. Other authors know exactly what it's like being in your shoes and juggling a million balls in the air. They get it. We all support each other, reading and writing reviews for each other's work---anything to help each other get ahead. It's a team sport...even when you're officially a team of one haha.

And, so, I try to give back to other authors. I attempt to help those who are just getting into the craft and learning themselves by posting helpful advice and tips on AUTHOR versions of my social media.

...I know, confusing stuff. ;P

So, yes, we all need coffee.

And, next time you pick up book or read a chapter online that you don't particularly enjoy, remember that there's a person behind your comments and reviews. Honestly, we're running businesses, managing taxes, working to build our fantasy empires and dreams.

And, if there's an author where you love their work, send them a note---a shout of encouragement. Because we all do a damn heck of a lot trying to reach for the stars.

I hope that, if you are an aspiring author, you don't let the fact that it's going to be hard ruin your drive. Because, honestly, no one said it was going to be easy. I've been writing since I was a kid and seriously started pursuing writing in 2018. That's five years of hard work so far! And I'm proud of that! If you need a shove in the right direction, I've added a page for aspiring authors on this website (just the other day). You might want to check it out. <3