Notes from a 'Newbie'...

Well, it's official--I've turned into a hippie. "Gasp, Really??" you ask. Nooo, not REALLY. I hate the smell of patchouli, flowy clothes make me look fat, and don't even get me started on those little, round, wire-framed glasses! Now, I've probably offended a ton of you (apologies) so, I guess it's time to get serious. What I really mean by 'I've turned into a hippie' is thus. From the standpoint of being an author, my eyes have been opened to the joys of sharing, collaborating with, and supporting other indie artists, much like myself.

You see, as a newbie, you place A LOT of focus on, well, yourself. When you're an indie newbie, that self-focus is multiplied exponentially. Your days are consumed with formatting, publishing, reformatting for another site, more publishing, promoting, begging for reviews, promoting, cajoling for author interviews, being social on more platforms than Grand Central Station's, and did I mention promoting already? (Oh yeah, I guess I did.) You spend an equal amount of time researching and 'thinking outside of the box', attempting to get your voice heard and your ideas noticed. I almost forgot, you're writing, too--because that's kinda the whole point, isn't it?

But, I've shaken loose from my 'it's all about me' haze, and been struck by an epiphany. I AM NOT ALONE IN THIS! There are countless others--authors, artists, musicians, singers, photographers, cineastes--in exactly the same boat. (Gosh, I hope the boat is big enough. Do we have enough life jackets? But, I digress...) And they are all striving toward similar goals as mine. So, maybe instead of digging our individual channels to 'the top', we should all work together, forming one massive creative highway! Because, face it, there's plenty of room for all of us, and it's so much more fun doing things together, than flying solo. (Unless you're Han Solo, that is...ugh, again, digressing--more apologies!)

In this spirit, I am trying to tweet and share about others and their projects, "like" and follow even more, and reach out in the attempt to bond, build friendships, and bridges. (Although, I REALLY stink at both physics AND geography, so watch those bridges, people!) To further this, on my website (www.jennifer-howard.net Hello, you should know this already!) I'm in the process of creating a page devoted to showcasing the talents of precious individuals that I've come across in my 'journey of enlightenment'. I'm calling it "Newbie's Notables"...has a certain je ne sais quoi, am I right or am I right? I'm starting off small, with one feature per month, because, hey, I AM still promoting, and writing...and breathing. But I hope to increase my featured artists, in the future, as time permits.

While this is still a work in progress, I can sneak and tell you my first feature will be a wonderful gal, Gillian Jackson. Late one night, not too long ago, I bombarded my Twitter followers and beyond with pleas to read and review The Healing Heart. (And if you haven't gotten your request yet, never fear, you're time IS coming!) Instantly, Gillian responded. She said she had never done anything as such, but was happy to give it a go! For this, she will always hold a special place in my heart, and I figured the least I could do was to 'award' her the inaugural feature spot! I can't wait to feature even more of you!

I have been extremely blessed in this journey, so far. Because, not only do I possess the giddy satisfaction of watching a dream of mine become actualized, and seeing something that I have created being appreciated by others; I also have met SO MANY amazing people! I wouldn't have done so, otherwise. I have taken a chance on, and been rewarded with, reading new stories, finding new favorites, and witnessing new things of beauty. It's been purely joy unspeakable. (And if you hadn't already noticed, 'unspeakable' is very rarely used in my vocabulary!)

So, become a hippie, like me! Take a chance on something or someone outside of your comfort zone; look for new favorites; support each other, share, collaborate. This newbie did, and boy, is she ever grateful!

Jennifer Howard is the author of The Healing Heart, and yes, still very much, a newbie.