4 things I've learned from publishing 2 books

Since the world has gone into lockdown, I've been productive (somewhat). Aside from starting a new job, eating more snacks and discovering that remote working sucks (zoom meetings are my new personal hell), I've been doing more writing, revising, querying and so here's some collective things I've learned.There are good deals and bad deals. There are joyful experiences like having a say in your book cover design and getting that first round of developmental edits from your publisher. Then there are compromises you may be asked to make on your story, and while some books can be a joy to write, others can earn a walloping $13 in royalties. The trick is to gain experience along the way and learn what you can for the next deal.There will always be writers who are more talented, higher earners, and some who will seem to reach heights of success early in their career while you struggle for years to get anywhere. Stop comparing yourself to other authors and keep writing.Don't be a lone wolf, unless you're writing. Join a writers' group, an online community, or take part in one of the many writing competitions on Twitter (i.e. #RevPit, #PitMad, etc). There's a whole collective of writers out there at different stages in their careers. Put yourself out there and make connections. Remember above all to keep writing. Find out what works for you. If the way you groove is with a glass of wine by the fireside, or in my case plonked on the sofa with a period drama on, find a method and place where you can write undisturbed. It's okay if you don't write every day, just like it's okay to take naps or cookie breaks. But don't stop writing. I think for authors writing is a love and without it we'd be lost. It's when the writing is no longer fun that you need to question your motives. Write because you love it, not because you're hoping to make a million dollars. Cheers
ELJ