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3.31.2014

On Breathe Again

Why yes, I did change the cover. I definitely will not be doing this often (like I change my blog design), but I've been contemplating and working on it for a few weeks now. It'll stay this way, I promise!

A little over a month ago, I hit publish on my book. It's still so strange to think that it's out there in the universe; that people are actually reading it. In fact, over 4,000 people have downloaded it as of today. Crazy. Holy crazy. 

I knew that I might get some slack over it because I knew it needed some editing. But when your eyeballs start to bleed from reading it over and over again, and then you really start to cry wondering if you'll ever just get there, sometimes you do crazy things. Like hit publish. 

I put a lot of thought into how I wanted to promote my book. I suppose I could have gone the traditional route and try to find a publisher, but that's not me. I read a lot of indie self-published fiction, and I know how big the market for books that are self-published is. There are people out there willing to read my book, even if I did publish it myself. Some of my favorite books were, at one point or another, self-published by the author. And if you're aware of the indie niche that is book publishing, you know how vocal some established authors are about the merits of doing it yourself. I figured, why not?

Another reason I may have done this prematurely or even...spontaneously (did I just admit to that?) is because, well, I'm not a writer. I like to think of myself as a writer in the same sense that I'm an artist or creator or designer. I write, therefore I am a writer, correct? I blog, which is a form of writing. I suppose I am an author, since I have a Goodreads author account now (weird), but I don't know that I would ever consider myself legitimate at writing.

Hitting publish on that book was more for me than anything else. I wrote that book for myself because I had a story in my head, and I hit publish on that book because it's always been a goal of mine. It's a bucket list thing, not really a I know what the hell I'm doing thing. Because I don't. 

To everyone who has already purchased my book, I want to say thank you. It's still weird for me to think that there are people out there, you guys, who support me and my work from afar. I feel very alone sometimes in this world, but then I remember that just because I haven't met you doesn't mean you aren't there. So thanks for that. 

In case you're wondering, I have updated the book with a newer, more polished version. If you downloaded Breathe Again when I first released it but haven't read it yet, be sure to get the newest version before you do. And, if you feel so inclined, I would appreciate it more than you know if you would leave me a review on Goodreads or Amazon. Though I never really expected anything to come of this adventure, I can at least see where it goes from here, right?

8 comments:

Unknown said...

I really really can't wait to actually sit down and read it!

Unknown said...

I have been looking for a new book to read- I don't normally read fiction, but I read the first few sentences on amazon and purchased it. Can't wait to read it, it looks really good and congrats to you! That's so exciting! It's kind of been on my mind for a few years to try an write a book too- I think just to see if I could do it. Sometimes a good sentence comes into my head and I type it in a secret google docs document for later hehe.

Unknown said...

So excited for you! I loved the book and I hope write another soon :)

Unknown said...

You should definitely write a book! And that's exactly what I do still - I'm a dreamer and storyteller by nature, so I'm constantly writing little snippets that hit my brain. Eventually they'll all come together into something beautiful :) Thanks so much for your support my dear! xoxo

Unknown said...

Yay! And I can't wait to hear what you think :)

Unknown said...

As soon as I take my test in two weeks, I will be purchasing your book and buying it for my bf as well for a bday gift. Your book is like a prize for finishing my test and I can't wait to read it!

Unknown said...

You are so inspiring, lady!!! One day, someday, maybe I'll follow you into author-land. :) Until then, I can't wait to check out your book!

Unknown said...

You are incredible! I had no idea! 4,000 copies downloaded already - wow! SO proud of you. (And admittedly, a little bit jealous. Hitting publish ... or finishing my own, for that matter ... is still on my bucket list!)
xx Lexi, Glitter, Inc.