Mindset

Manage Expectations

Success means something different to every author — from seeing your book on Amazon to Brandon Sanderson–level stardom. Here is how I think about expectations so I can set and reach my goals.

Slow and Steady

Our desire to hit timelines often makes us overlook fully preparing our books before hitting publish. It's more important to give readers an amazing book than to rush.

Don't Do Everything!

If you're an indie author like me, doing everything we "need to do" is far from possible. Doing it all causes burnout — so pick what serves you.

Handling Stress

Being a self-published author means wearing all the hats — creative director, marketer, financial officer, and more. Here are tricks I use to manage the pressure.

Handling Criticism

Being an indie author is a bit like being a parent — nurturing your literary offspring and sending them out into the world. When the world doesn't respond with open arms, it can feel like a personal attack. Here is what helps me.

A Day in the Life

Welcome behind the scenes to the world of an indie author — a rollercoaster of creativity, numbers, and the pursuit of dreams. Here is the fun and the drudgery of a day in my life as a writer, editor, cover designer, marketer, and advertiser.

Navigating Imposter Syndrome

Have you ever felt like a fraud — that your achievements are just luck and soon someone will expose you? "Imposter syndrome" has affected me many times. Here is how I navigate it.

Be Kind to Yourself

One of the hardest life lessons I struggle with every day is to be kind to myself. As a parent, an author, a chronic sufferer, and a human, it's hard to remember a simple truth: being yourself is enough.