The Indie Author Hustle

The Indie Author Hustle

It's been a cracking week! I'm feeling the most productive I have in a wee while, and it's given me a real boost! 

This week, I've had my social media guru Cassie (my daughter) working with me across my desk and boy, can she keep me on my toes! Yes, I'm going to brag! I'm going to tell you how thrilled I was this morning after some zoom calls when she told me, "Mammy, I love working with you!" How proud do I feel? What a compliment for any mammy? 

So, what have I been up to? Well, I've spoken to a scriptwriter, the lovely Ella, about translating Turmoil into a script to send to studios! You gotta’ dream!  I've also talked to a dynamic team who are to rebrand and update my website and social media pages, Bounce Design. I've put a giveaway on Goodreads.com of 100 e-copies of Turmoil to get those old reviews up, and it looks like over 1000 readers applied! 528 have shelved it – meaning (I think) they want to read it at some stage!

And to round it all off, I received feedback from my copywriter Sorcha way down in Christchurch, New Zealand, who is finalising Darkness, telling me, "I'm doing a fine job with Darkness following Turmoil." Music to my ears! I was also proud as punch to see Turmoil on display amongst some great authors at The Bookmark, Letterkenny.

I am delighted to announce the winners of the competition I ran for those who bought Turmoil, asking readers to nominate a name(s) for me to use in Stones Corner, Hope.

The winners are:

Twins, Charlotte, and PJ Moriarty from Christchurch, New Zealand!

Kerry McClay RIP

Bridie Nicell RIP

I try not to inundate Facebook with too many stories, but all this work is starting to pay off, and I couldn't be happier with the book's reception. I can't explain the feeling since I never, ever dreamt I'd write a book when I was growing up. But I've always said to my two daughters, you've got to believe in what you want to do, but importantly you've got to enjoy what you do – otherwise, you'll be miserable, and success will not come! Simply put, I love writing, and I'm determined to make a success of it.

I've also told myself repeatedly - you know that friggin, annoying nagging voice that sits permanently on your shoulder - that I'm in this "book game" for the long term. It's sometimes so frustrating - nothing happens FAST. However, I've come to recognise it'll likely take years for Turmoil+ to reach 1000 Goodread.com reviews! Well, I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing; it's all I can do.

But whilst I'm working my a** off this end, it would be incredible if you gave me a bit of help by leaving your reviews on Goodreads.com. I KNOW! You've heard this so often, but I don't think I'm going to stop nagging anytime soon - I can’t, reviews are too important.

Here's to the weekend everyone! I hope you all have a peaceful one.

J x