Sarah Robinson's Blog, page 8
September 4, 2016
This One Is For The Little Guys
LETS GET REAL, YALL.
I posted a status today asking the “little guys” to share about their books. To be honest, I was floored by the responses. My notifications blew up within minutes and I realized that while I may still feel like a little guy at heart, that’s not really the case anymore. There’s a lot of authors struggling, and that hurts my heart.
I remember the anxieties and pains from that period of time though, and I still feel them! So, I wanted to get real with you guys for a minute about what my career’s been like and what it’s taken to get there. Hopefully it will encourage other “little guys” to keep going, keep trying, keep writing.
There’s a reason why we do this, and there is a path to success but each of ours is different. If any other authors feel like posting in the comments about their journeys to help inspire, or vent, feel free! This is just one person’s experience, but it’s a different road for all of us. ❤️
MY BOOKS:
In 2013, I published my first book through self publishing at age 24.
In 2016, I now have 8 published, but 11 written.
Out of those, 7 are self-pubs and 3 are traditionally published (with more to come).
My dream was always to write for Random House, and I signed a contract for 6 books with Penguin Random House in 2014.
My next book comes out Oct 4 (self-pub), and Dec 13 (traditional).
It took writing 7 books before I was proud of my writing.
MY JOBS:
In 2012, I got my Masters and began working as a therapist in a sexual offender rehabilitation programs in a jail.
In 2013 and 2014, I worked full time but started writing, plus an additional separate part time job of writing resumes.
In 2015, I worked 2 part time jobs outside of writing.
In 2016, I work 1 part time job outside of writing, plus some freelance work and consulting. I also now fully support my household due to my partner’s job change.
MY TIME:
During all 4 years, I’ve averaged 60-80 hours of work per week.
I haven’t taken a vacation. I didn’t get a honeymoon. I have never taken a full weekend off. I normally work all 7 days a week.
I write at least 20,000 words a week minimum, and I do all my own marketing at night. I do not have an assistant.
I only go out with friends once a month, if that. I turn down events all the time and forget promises I make people regularly.
I don’t have kids yet, which helps with time, but I’ve had several miscarriages and am actively trying to adopt/get pregnant.
I have date nights, even if its just on the couch, because we need that time. When a friend needs me, I’m always there–work never comes first.
I spend half a day every week cooking and shopping for the rest of the week. My husband cleans the house because I just can’t even.
I watch television because it’s fun and I want to, and I don’t feel guilty if I’m doing something that isn’t work or writing.
I spend at least 15 minutes a day screaming and running in circles around my house with the dogs, playing. I call it my exercise.
I read at least 2-3 books a week.
I cry at least 2x a week about whether or not I’ll ever reach my dreams, or be able to afford…life.
MY INCOME:
In 2013 and 2014, I netted a profit loss on my books. I think it was by -$8k the first year, and -$3k the second year, but I don’t fully remember.
In 2015, I made +$8,000 profits from my books.
In 2016, I made +$8,000 in January alone, and while it’s always up and down throughout the year, by the end of the 2016, I’m projected to net a “normal” salary for my work.
In 2017, I hope to do 1.5x what I’m doing this year.
I still struggle and work on paying down a lot of debt, and put most of my book money back into my business. My shoes have holes in them and I wait for my birthday to come up until I beg a relative to buy me new shoes because that’s a “luxury” for me at the moment. I still give away hundreds of my books and buy other author’s books every week.
MY TOP TIPS:
1) Pick your goals and work toward it, no exceptions.
2) Be willing to put in the time. And a lot of it.
3) Unless you just want a hobby, treat this like a business.
4) Sleep. Get lots of sleep, or you’ll be less productive.
5) The best way to sell a book is write the next book.
There’s plenty more and I could go on and on, but this is just one author’s take on what life looks like when you work really hard and get one step closer to your goals. I’m nowhere near where I want to be yet, but one day I will be, and it will have made all the hard work worth it. There are tons of authors doing much more and much better than me, and that’s perfectly okay with me. We’re not competition, we’re peers.
But even if it never pays off, I love what I do. I love my job, and I love working hard, and that’s all that’s ever going to matter in the long run. I’ve surrounded myself with a great group of people, my agent, my publisher, other authors, my family, my friends, etc, who make me a better version of myself and I love every moment of it. This is going to be my lifetime career, and I’m going to make it successful–no exceptions.
So, don’t be discouraged if your book isn’t selling, or you’re struggling to reach more readers, or you’re new and overwhelmed. It’s not an easy road for any of us. We’re all just trying to figure it out.
Just keep writing.
❤️
Go check out some of these awesome books listed in the comments of my “Little Guys” Post here!
[This post was originally published on Sarah’s Facebook profile here. Please follow her there (or on her page) for the most up to date information. For book information, please subscribe to her newsletter here.]
Image Credit: http://www.specialtyansweringservice....
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August 30, 2016
That Time I Interviewed My Own Narrator
Listen Up, Y’all!
As everyone knows (I hope!), the first three novels in the Kavanagh Legends series is coming out as audio books this fall!
(PS: If you haven’t heard about it, I broke down the whole announcement here!)
We’re 1 week away from the first book, BREAKING A LEGEND, coming out on audio on September 6th, and I’m so, so excited!
To celebrate, I interviewed/chatted with the narrator, Charles Constant, about the experience and we recorded it for all of you to listen to, and, hopefully, enjoy!
Charles Constant, Narrator
Also, I apologize in advance for my 4-yr-old sounding voice and lisp, because 
When You’re Trying To Be Productive But You Have Cats
Cat Life Meets Author Life
Me at desk trying to write.
Whirring noise irritating me. “Shoot, I need to refill the dog fountain before it starts whistling and screeching.”
Gets up from desk. Walks toward kitchen.
Sees cat with tampons in her mouth.
Chases cat down and removes said tampon. Minimal scratches, yet maximum cursing occur.
Investigates where tampon came from, because I taped the damn box up yesterday to avoid this exact situation from repeating.
Can’t find source of cat chewed tampons. Box is still taped. There’s a mystery source of tampons in my house somewhere.
Frustrated. Now needs more coffee. Makes coffee.
Walks around house in circles sipping coffee wondering why I got up in the first place and what I’m forgetting.
Washes a dish. Wipes the counter. Gives evil eye to cat. Still can’t remember what I was supposed to do.
20 min laters, goes to sit back at desk and write because #2booksin2months yall. #thestruggleisreal
SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEECHHHHHH.
“Oh, shit, I had to refill the dog water fountain.”
Gets up and goes to dog water fountain and FINDS A DAMN TAMPON IN IT and now I’m chasing the cat again and the fountain is still screeching and I’m seconds away from switching from coffee to wine.
On a separate note, cat for sale.
As in, I’ll pay you to take her.
August 28, 2016
COMING OCT 4th: Not a Hero, A Marine Romance (Brand New Standalone)
COMING OCTOBER 4, 2016!
Preorder Not A Hero:
(Click on the desired retailer below to purchase!)
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA
I’m so excited to announce that I’m publishing my 7th indie book soon (9th published book total, and 11th book written!)! Eeks! I’m so excited to dip back into my roots, and bring you all a story I’ve been wanting to finish for so long. This story is not easy, and it’s subject matter is slightly dark, but it’s full of passion and characters you’re going to remember.
For the time being, this novel is going to be exclusive to Amazon Kindle for at least the first 90 days of release, but possibly longer. This means that it’s available to anyone who has the Kindle App (you can get it on any smart phone, tablet, computer, or a Kindle tablet!) and if you have Kindle Unlimited, you can get it FREE!
Last, but not least, this novel is a full-length standalone romance with graphic content and is going to be $2.99 during the preorder period and the first 2-ish weeks of release. After that, the price will rise, so if you’d like it, grab it now!
Thanks for giving this book a chance, and once you read it, please remember to leave a review!
Love,
Sarah
Preorder Not A Hero:
(Click on the desired retailer below to purchase!)
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA
This novel is available FREE on Kindle Unlimited, and is currently only available in the Amazon Kindle store.
From the bestselling author of the Kavanagh Legends MMA series, Sarah Robinson’s Not A Hero is an emotional standalone military romance where love battles trauma, and there can only be one victor.
Ex-Marine, Miles Kydd, is trying to readjust to civilian life after ending his career and returning to his small home town when he learned his father was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Once the town hero and star quarterback, Miles no longer feels like the man he was, or who he’s expected to be—possibly because his demons have followed him home from Afghanistan.
Meeting Zoe Brooke, his father’s live-in nurse, gives Miles the slightest glimmer of hope that he can still find happiness despite the dark secrets he holds inside. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and together they are explosive—in more ways than one.
A helper at her core, Zoe is more than willing to care for Miles’s heart, but not at the expense of her own, and she’s not afraid to tell him that. She knows what having a painful past is like, and she wants to help him with his, if he’ll let her.
Things get complicated fast when Miles realizes burying his secrets isn’t actually the same as healing from them and if he wants the girl, he’s going to have to tell her the truth—the one thing he can’t do.
This book is suggested for 18+ years of age, contains graphic content, sensitive subject matters, and sexually explicit material.
Add ‘Not a Hero’ to GOODREADS!
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July 15, 2016
Exciting Book News: The Kavanaghs Are Coming to Audio!
The Kavanaghs are coming to Audio!
Exciting news from the Kavanagh Legends series, Penguin Random House has sold the audio rights to the first 3 Kavanagh books (Breaking a Legend, Saving a Legend, and Becoming a Legend) to Tantor Media! All 3 will become available as audio books in the near(ish) future!
To recap the books, the Kavanagh Legends series is contemporary romance that follows the saga of an Irish family in the Bronx, New York City, who collectively own a Mixed Martial Arts gym. With shadowy ties to the Irish mafia, the family of five alpha male brothers are gripping tales of love, redemption, and loyalty.
Through a collaborative effort, we’ve cast Charles Constant as the narrating voice for all three books. He has narrated dozens of audio books, including many romances, and is just as excited about this project as we are! He even claims to be the model on the cover of Breaking a Legend 
June 17, 2016
COVER REVEAL: Becoming a Legend (Kavanagh Legends, Book 3)
BECOMING A LEGEND COVER REVEAL
I’m so excited to reveal the cover for the third book in the Kavanagh Legend series, BECOMING A LEGEND. This book revolves around the third son, Kane Kavanagh, and his quest for fame and glory as he climbs the ranks in the world of MMA Fighting. You’ve read about his continued success in his brother’s books, and now he’s facing off at the National Championship. More than ever he needs to concentrate and stay focused on his training, but someone very close to home keeps distracting him… and it may just be worth it.
Official synopsis to come at the end of June! Check back here.
Preorder Becoming a Legend:
Coming December 13, 2016
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA
iBooks (coming soon) | Books a Million | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Google Play
Penguin Random House
Add Becoming a Legend (Kavanagh Legends, #3) to your TBR on Goodreads here!
Don’t forget to grab the first two books in the series (BREAKING A LEGEND, Kane’s oldest brother, Rory, and SAVING A LEGEND, Kane’s twin brother, Kieran) today!
Both books are live and receiving rave reviews!
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SAVING A LEGEND FEATURED IN HYPABLE, HUFFPO, SHEKNOWS.COM, USA TODAY, EXAMINER.COM, AND MORE!
Saving a Legend is live… and everywhere!
I was so unbelievably excited to see Saving a Legend go live this week, but even more excited to see the response to it. Major publications featured it, and over 300+ blogs shared about it! Three days after its release, there were over 106+ reviews on Amazon with a 4.4 out of 5 rating! Talk about overwhelming!
So, I spent the week posting on Instagram, celebrating with sushi, and trying to keep up with the millions of notifications on my phone and social media accounts. It. Was. Amazing.
And it’s all thanks to you guys!
Below are a few places that featured Saving a Legend this week, and I hope you guys will check them out. Fun interviews, excerpts, and games made for the perfect release week, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
If you haven’t gotten a copy of SAVING A LEGEND yet, go do it now! PURCHASE HERE!
Or read my interview with Examiner.com
called ‘Writers on Writing’ here.
Read my interview in Lauren Layne’s Weekly here!
And last, but certainly not least, you can read the first two chapters of SAVING A LEGEND on my website here!
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SAVING A LEGEND FEATURED IN USA TODAY
I’m so honored to be featured once again in USA Today’s Happily Ever After blog on USA Today Life! A few months ago, they featured BREAKING A LEGEND in an article about puppy love! Now, they’ve featured the second book in the Kavanagh Legends series, SAVING A LEGEND, with an interview with me!
Read it here!
I also had the pleasure of doing my own interview for USA Today last week where I sat in the opposite seat! Last week, I interview Jamie Otis, reality television star of Married at First Sight, Married at First Sight: First Year, The Bachelor, and Bachelor Pad 2! She has just released her first book, an inspirational memoir titled WIFEY 101: Everything I got Wrong After Finding Mr. Right which you can find on Amazon or her website. Read my interview with her here!
If you haven’t gotten a copy of SAVING A LEGEND yet, go do it now! PURCHASE HERE!
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June 14, 2016
SAVING A LEGEND IS OFFICIALLY LIVE!
Saving a Legend is Finally Live!
After months of waiting, I’m so excited to finally bring Kieran and Fiona to your e-readers. At only $2.99, it’s less than a cup of coffee and available on all major online retailers. It’s the second book in the Kavanagh Legends series, but can easily be read as a standalone. A lot of readers enjoy reading Kieran’s older brother Rory’s book first, BREAKING A LEGEND, but you won’t be lost if you don’t! It’s also an HEA with no cliffhanger, and no OW drama so you’re safe!
Purchase Saving a Legend Now:
Click on the desired retailer below to purchase!
Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon AU
Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Google Play | Books a Million | iBooks
Penguin Random House
Praised by New York Time Bestselling Author Penelope Ward as “a unique story line with multiple layers to it,” Sarah Robinson’s Saving a Legend goes another round with the brooding Kavanagh brothers: MMA fighters who won’t call it quits in the ring, or in romance.
His family’s gym has produced a roster of mixed martial arts legends, but so far Kieran Kavanagh hasn’t followed in their footsteps. After a brawl lands him in jail, Kieran is assigned to work at a center for at-risk youth. Though given a second chance, Kieran’s simply going through the motions—until he meets one very special kid, Shea Doherty, and falls hard for her very beautiful, very grown-up big sister, Fiona. The trouble is, Kieran’s best opening moves are getting him nowhere fast.
Fiona Doherty has too many responsibilities to fool around, especially now that she has custody of Shea. Sure, she’d love to find a devoted partner. But she won’t jeopardize her sister’s happiness—or risk revealing her tortured past—on a love-’em-and-leave-’em type of guy like Kieran . . . so it’s up to him to prove her wrong. As Fiona spends more time with Kieran, she starts to see a softer side of the reckless warrior. Now she must admit that when it comes to the possibility of real love, well . . . there’s a fighting chance.
Read the first two chapters here.
Add Saving a Legend (Kavanagh Legends, #2) to your TBR on Goodreads now!
*This is a digital only release. There will not be a print edition of any Kavanagh Legends books for now.
SEE SAVING A LEGEND ON MY WEBSITE
CLICK HERE
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May 30, 2016
New Book Trailers for the Kavanagh Men!
The Irish Fighter Kavanagh brothers have been heating up the charts, and now they’re heating up your screen! Both the upcoming release, SAVING A LEGEND, and the already live, BREAKING A LEGEND, have brand new book trailers! Check them out below!
SAVING A LEGEND goes live on June 14th! Preorder it here.
Purchase BREAKING A LEGEND today here.
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