Paving Your Own Way
In 2009, I made the decision to spend a few hundred dollars and invest my time in creating a book blog, Chick Lit Plus. Two months after launching the site and dedicating countless hours to learning how to run a blog, reading and reviewing books, and making a social media presence, I was approached by Jackie Collins’ publicist and ask to review her books, plus phone interview Jackie. That was one of the first of many highlights from starting Chick Lit Plus, and my life has really changed with that one small decision of creating something that I was truly interested in.
After starting Chick Lit Plus, I got serious on writing my first novel, and published Destined to Fail in 2011. At the same time, I bought rights to a LLC and created an independent publishing company, Marching Ink. From there, Marching Ink has gone on to publish eight titles, three of them being my own.
Around that same time, I decided to venture out further, and created CLP Blog Tours, a blog tour company mainly marketed towards independent authors looking for more promotional services to get the word out about their book. At the time I started there wasn’t a lot of companies yet and really nothing for indie authors, and the company took off faster than I expected and is still going strong today.
Like I said, my life has changed a lot since 2009 and starting a small and simple book blog. I learned that paving my own way and being my own boss is what I love to do, especially when I get to work in an industry that I care about so much. Books are my thing, plain and simple. I love reading, I love working with authors, and I love helping authors promote their work. It’s a satisfying feeling and one that I truly cherish. Now, my business and my books are my full-time career. It still thrills me to be able to say that.
Do you have something you love doing, a field that you are particularly interested in? Is there a way that you can connect with your passion? Think hard, do some research online, and open your mind. I’ve always wanted to be an author. I did not think when I graduated high school in 2005 that blogging would open me up to that world – heck, I really didn’t think that in 2009. But times are changing. People are carving their own paths by creating blogs, YouTube channels, Instagram accounts. Be smart, take your time, and work hard. If it’s truly your passion, you’ll take it seriously and strive hard to make your achievements. Good luck!
