Authors: Just Keep Showing Up…

I’m the type a person who, once I commit to something, I’m all in. Especially if my heart has anything to say about it. Let’s talk writing for instance. At the beginning of 2025, I was faced with a dilemma. My publisher was closing at the end of the year, and I had to take action if I wanted my books to continue to show up in the world. So, I queried (not fun, but a necessary task) a couple of publishers based on referrals from my author friends. Within a month, I signed on with two publishers! The first publisher, Pandamonium Publishing House for my teen psychic mystery series, Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls (read more about that news HERE), and the second publisher, Next Chapter for The Last Timekeepers young adult time travel adventures. Once I signed both contracts, the stress literally rolled off my shoulders. Woohoo!

That said, I know I’m in it for the long haul. As mentioned, I’ve got two young adult book series on the go—four done in the time travel series, and three completed in the teen psychic tales. What you don’t know is that I’ve got nine more to write in total. Stating this fact shows I know it’s going to take years before each series is completed. Honestly, what was I thinking?

Keep in mind I’ve had to learn that patience is my friend, not foe. I removed myself from the hustle culture a few years ago, and feel much calmer, more focused, and less stressed. If you’re familiar with the Tarot cards, there’s one particular card that I visualize in my mind to help me keep showing up. It’s the seven of wands, and the energy this card carries is one of valor, of holding firm, and of having the advantage in spite of the stiff competition facing you. I’ve embodied this card’s meaning many times throughout my author and personal life. To have the courage to work through adversity and all sorts of pressure. It’s determination, perseverance, and a sense of purpose wrapped up in a gift with a bow. This card reminds me not to give up the struggle, and that if I make the effort, I will achieve victory.

As writers, sometimes obstacles are placed in our path (like losing your publisher) just to enhance our ability to use our skills and wisdom wisely. Take the amount of times a writer has been rejected, and you get the gist. It’s a test for us to see if we can truly handle what we believe we can accomplish. To keep showing up is a testament to your dreams and goals. I mean, why did you come to the earth plane anyway? You showed up here for a reason. Figure out what that reason is, and make things happen in your life.

Sometimes just showing up means carving out that fifteen minutes a day to write your story or even a blog post. Do up a few ad blurbs for the books you’ve already written and published, and do some marketing. Back lists sell new books, right? Plot and plan that next novel. Meet with other writers and network or brainstorm. Reach out to your local bookstore, and see if they’ve got any author events planned. Jump in with both feet, and share your reading wares with the local libraries or schools. Donate copies of books to charities like Ronald McDonald House Charities to enhance their libraries and raise spirits. Be courageous and brave, like the figure on the seven of wands, who takes the bull by the horns, and soldiers on.

In this writing business, it’s easy to feel daunted, to retreat, to feel overwhelmed, and not know what the next chapter of your life will bring. I have at times too. Just take a breath, step back from the action periodically, reassess your plans and goals, then take back your place, and know you have the advantage even if you don’t realize it. Because, trust me, you do.

How about you? Have you ever let the competition get to you? Let me know if you’ve ever felt at a disadvantage in your writing life. Do you cut your losses and withdraw from your dreams and goals? Would love to read your comments. Cheers and thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I appreciate you!