Writing comes first. At least when it comes to my free time. I've always dreamed of having a longterm career as a novelist, and now that, by the grace of God, I've had two fiction books published, I have to work hard to keep the momentum moving. I want to have one or even two new novels released a year. Yes, I'm dreaming BIG!
Here's a nugget of truth about being an author. It's difficult to write, edit and sell your first book, but it's double hard to keep it going. New hurdles are established and you have to clear them to stay in the game. I write because I love to tell stories and deliver happy endings with messages that will make readers want to try something new in their lives. I'm making it my priority, I'm compelled to set everything else aside and go for it!
I love my crafty audience, am mega devoted, and will still be blogging about DIY here, but not daily. I'm going to use that extra time to work on new novel outlines and introduce myself and my work to new markets. Time to give my ChicaWriter blog some love!
Why the shift? My editor told me something recently that really hit home. She said, "Kathy, crafters are more into craft supplies and project ideas than buying and reading novels. You need to expand your market!"
Gosh, in a perfect world, if I could get every follower, Facebook friend/liker, subscriber to each buy one book, I'd be set! I can't and refuse to rely on that, I want to push myself. I know many of you have bought my books and I'm so grateful! Thank you!!! But now I have to work on establishing myself in the book world to reach out to avid readers of contemporary women's fiction and win them over. Hopefully convert them into crafters! Even though I have no idea where to start, it's a challenge I'm excited to meet! Gulp. I'm nervous!
It's pretty much just for summer. I have two novel outlines and two non-fiction book proposals to complete! But come fall - I have super exciting Crafty Chica product line news to share! Oh! By the way, this month is the 10th anniversary of CraftyChica.com, and all the current Crafty Chica inventory is marked at a special celebratory 50% off! Check it out!
I'll still have fresh blog projects for iLoveToCreate, plus now I'm the official craft section editor at BlogHer.com, so I'll be sharing cool finds from across the blogosphere! I'll also have some online classes coming up this summer too, and for filler I'll repost some popular tutorials.
Gosh, I guess I'm still doing a lot of crafting afterall! OK, I'm off to go write, please send me good energy and I'll do the same for you!
New novel on sale! MISS SCARLET'S SCHOOL OF PATTERNLESS SEWING
Congratulations, Kathy, on making what sounds like a difficult decision. I recently bought one of your craft books and have to confess that I had no idea you are a fiction writer, too. I'm a writer (journalist and aspiring novelist), too, and I love to craft but think I may love books more so I struggle with balancing my little free time and deciding what makes me happiest. I'm going to look up your fiction books now! Best of luck with your fiction writing this summer. An admirer and newest follower, Minnie
ReplyDeleteThank you, Minnie! And good luck with your writing, too! Check out my other site, chicawriter.com - I posted all kinds of tips and notes from my experiences of the journey!
ReplyDeleteIt is hard, but I have to give it all I've got, time is passing too fast! Thanks for the support!