Back to Writing!
What the heck happened to me?
After a really long break and loads of clarity, I am back at it. Walking away was the best thing I could have done for myself and my career. Honestly, I did everything wrong from the start, other than some of the genuine friendships I have made. I missed the big indie boom by about 8 months, yet I was still trying to ride the wave of full access on social media. It didn't work. I spent upwards of $25k (probably more. I tried not to look at the exact numbers LOL) on giveaways, ads, book signings, etc. It was stupid! I did very little research into marketing and I focused too much on making connections with the wrong people. After four years of tasting salt in the wounds, I made a brave step and walked away. From all of it. Writing too *sad face*.
What was the breaking point that made me finally walk away?
Full transparency... mental instability, pain management, family, and failure. It was a toxic combination and it just kept getting worst. When I reflected on what I had become and why it happened I knew I had to step back from the book world if I was going to get better. It was one of the darkest times of my life and lasted years, not just days or months. YEARS. It included so many factors that I think the only way to truly do it justice is do a separate blog post on it in the near future. BUT that's why I left. To get better.
Why did I come back to the toxicity that nearly killed me?
Because I recognized what the triggers were and I am no longer feeding into them (Again, this would be better served in a separate post). Now, I am focusing on writing and turning it into a business that I love.
What's next?
I swore I would never self-publish again, but it wasn't because I didn't want to write anymore. It was strictly a financial issue. I spent way too much money on things that didn't convert into sales or followers. I want to keep putting my stuff out there, but it has to be done right and it has to be done cheaply. No money coming in means very little money going out. With this formula I can safely self-publish knowing I won't be running my family into the ground.
What to expect in 2018!
The Midnight Rose series completed and possibly the Reign of Crowns series completed. These are my YA books and require more attention because they are set in paranormal/dystopian worlds, so they take a bit longer to write. And they are long books (85-100k words each). But I do have a contemporary/NA stand-alone collection on the books that I would like to start on, as well. I just can't decide if it should be under a pen name separate from my YA. Scratching my head on that one still.
How can you help me achieve my goals?
Follow me on Instagram and twitter (@authordanihart). ---> Sign up <--- for my newsletter that I will be sending out monthly. Plus, you get Midnight Rose free for signing up. ---> Follow <--- me on Bookbub to get notified on releases and sales. ---> Join <--- my Facebook group where I hang out, mostly. ---> Follow <--- me on wattpad and read stuff for free! SHARE my release and sales posts. That's huge! The only way I can grow my business is by gaining followers and the only way I can do that is with your help *kissy face*. And, lastly, buy my books *wink*.