Authors: Just Keep Showing Up…
I’m the type a personwho, once I commit to something, I’m all in. Especially if my heart hasanything to say about it. Let’s talk writing for instance. At the beginning of2025, I was faced with a dilemma. My publisher was closing at the end of theyear, and I had to take action if I wanted my books to continue to show up inthe world. So, I queried (not fun, but a necessary task) a couple of publishersbased on referrals from my author friends. Within a month, I signed on with twopublishers! The first publisher, PandamoniumPublishing House for my teen psychic mystery series, Mysterious Tales fromFairy Falls (read more about that news HERE),and the second publisher, Next Chapterfor The Last Timekeepers young adult time travel adventures. Once I signed bothcontracts, the stress literally rolled off my shoulders. Woohoo!
That said, I know I’min it for the long haul. As mentioned, I’ve got two young adult book series onthe go—four done in the time travel series, and three completed in the teenpsychic tales. What you don’t know is that I’ve got nine more to write intotal. Stating this fact shows I know it’s going to take years before eachseries is completed. Honestly, what was I thinking?
Keep in mind I’ve hadto learn that patience is my friend, not foe. I removed myself from the hustle culture a few years ago, and feel much calmer, more focused, and less stressed.If you’re familiar with the Tarot cards, there’s one particular card that Ivisualize in my mind to help me keep showing up. It’s the seven of wands, andthe energy this card carries is one of valor, of holding firm, and of havingthe advantage in spite of the stiff competition facing you. I’ve embodied thiscard’s meaning many times throughout my author and personal life. To have thecourage to work through adversity and all sorts of pressure. It’sdetermination, perseverance, and a sense of purpose wrapped up in a gift with abow. This card reminds me not to give up the struggle, and that if I make theeffort, I will achieve victory.As writers, sometimesobstacles are placed in our path (like losing your publisher) just to enhanceour ability to use our skills and wisdom wisely. Take the amount of times awriter has been rejected, and you get the gist. It’s a test for us to see if wecan truly handle what we believe we can accomplish. To keep showing up is atestament to your dreams and goals. I mean, why did you come to the earth planeanyway? You showed up here for a reason. Figure out what that reason is, andmake things happen in your life.
Sometimes just showingup means carving out that fifteen minutes a day to write your story or even ablog post. Do up a few ad blurbs for the books you’ve already written andpublished, and do some marketing. Back lists sell new books, right? Plot andplan that next novel. Meet with other writers and network or brainstorm. Reachout to your local bookstore, and see if they’ve got any author events planned.Jump in with both feet, and share your reading wares with the local librariesor schools. Donate copies of books to charities like Ronald McDonald HouseCharities to enhance their libraries and raise spirits. Be courageous andbrave, like the figure on the seven of wands, who takes the bull by the horns,and soldiers on.
In this writingbusiness, it’s easy to feel daunted, to retreat, to feel overwhelmed, and not know what the next chapter of your life will bring. I haveat times too. Just take a breath, step back from the action periodically,reassess your plans and goals, then take back your place, and know you have theadvantage even if you don’t realize it. Because, trust me, you do.
How about you? Have youever let the competition get to you? Let me know if you’ve ever felt at adisadvantage in your writing life. Do you cut your losses and withdraw fromyour dreams and goals? Would love to read your comments. Cheers and thanks fortaking the time to read my blog. I appreciate you!
