My heart broke for you when I read this.

I would love to hear more about how you’re building your platform and how you made some of the decisions on which direction to go. I think this is a topic RU readers are very interested in. Maybe you would consider visiting RU as a guest. If you’re interested, let’s chat.

Best,
Kelsey

As a mother and a writer, not to mention all of the other things you do, I know you understand all about Gruntsville. It’s nice to know we have the support of fellow writers!

Must’ve been tough to keep writing with those bruised knuckles! At least you learned and, instead of quitting, you’re out there fighting your way to make it. I actually have a sister who owns a PR company. Wouldn’t you think she’d have the decency to begin representing authors, so I could benefit from a bit of nepotism?

Keep at that diet!

Great lecture. I especially love your description on Gruntville! Hilarious! You are a writer for sure,

Warmly,

Christine

I had NO IDEA you were writing! How is that possible that I missed that? I loved the article and just wanted to say I’m so proud of you! Keep up the great work…I’m guessing the article was extremely helpful for those trying to start in the business.

Best wishes and hope to see you soon!
Bobbi

You wrote: “Making it so close to a NY pub house had to have been killer.”

It was a doozy of a publisher, and if I’d made it past marketing, I would have made enough off the advance to hire a publicist so I could focus on writing instead of self-promoting my way to the top. Instead, marketing stepped in and taught me a painful lesson. And after I repaired the holes I’d made in the drywall upon hearing the bad news, I dusted myself off and decided that the way to make it past the marketing bouncers was to learn everything I could about promotion, marketing, and publicity, apply what I would learn, and try again. And again.

Perseverence, patience, and determination–a steady diet of mine.

Thanks,
Ann

Isn’t it amazing how much help and advice is out there for new authors? Just don’t turn into a chameleon like I did!

Best of luck in your writing career!

You said, “…if you don’t have a platform or full enough ‘resume,’ you lose to the other author who does.” Sad, but true. That’s where the balancing act comes in.

I made the huge mistake as a new writer of focusing too much on the “other stuff” and not enough on the actual writing, but I tend to take things to the extreme end of the spectrum.

BTW, busting your hiney is working–I recognized your name!