Lessons of a First Year Author

On May 10th, 2012, OyMG officially debuted.  Hard to believe that it was one year ago today.  So much has happened..so much has changed…maybe me most of all. In honor of the day, and the anniversary and the journey of a debut author, here is just a few of the things I’ve learned.

I LEARNED: It’s always a thrill to see your book on a shelf or in someone’s hands–that doesn’t change in a matter of (365) days.

I LEARNED: You may be an author, but you still have to be a writer.  That means writing every day.

I LEARNED: I don’t like to blog.

I LEARNED: It’s okay to say no.  A year ago, I didn’t want to let a single opportunity slip by.  But you can’t do everything–and it doesn’t make sense to try.  Say. No.

I LEARNED: Book bloggers are amazing people.  I had no idea they even existed two years ago.

I LEARNED: I should have printed double the bookmarks and half the reader guides.

I LEARNED: Everything is better when you have someone you can whine to about it.  If it’s another writer, even better.

I LEARNED: Carry a bottle of water to school visits.  They will point you to a water fountain–not practical for presentations.

I LEARNED: You can float high one day and crash the next.  If things are awful, just wait.  If things are great, just wait.

I LEARNED: You will want to compare yourself to others.  Resist!

I LEARNED: This is a business.  It isn’t fair.  It isn’t logical.  But it is what it is.  Deal with it.

I LEARNED:  Authors are generous people willing to share their secrets and bare their souls.

I LEARNED: Success does not breed success.  It breeds fear that you won’t be able to hold on to it.

I LEARNED: To savor every encounter with a reader who loved my book.

I LEARNED: Everyone loves free stuff.

I LEARNED: Free stuff does not convince people to buy your book.

I LEARNED: Pack plenty of hair gel when you to travel to conferences in humid cities.

I LEARNED: Carry floss.

I LEARNED: This is a hard way to make money.

I LEARNED: That this job is a passion but also a struggle.

I LEARNED: That there’s still nothing I’d rather do than create stories.