Well, I did it. I published my first book. Now it’s available to read as an e-book or paperback. It is really an exciting feeling to do something you’ve always dreamed of doing. I think I sat and stared at the confirmation email and the Amazon site page for a good long time. My feelings gravitated from this is exciting to maybe I should have waited, built a following, generated more buzz. Then that lovely imposter syndrome kicked in, thoughts of maybe it’s not good enough, killing my excitement.

Dammit! Let me enjoy this moment. Sit back… Breathe… I did it!

It’s a little anti-climatic. Author’s don’t get ticker-tape parades every time they publish. I don’t think they get much of anything, except for the satisfaction of knowing they did it.

I’ve asked others how they celebrated being published, and everyone had different answers. From treating themselves with some frivolous purchase, to celebrating with drinks and dinner. It is a cause for celebration, so that is something I should do.

It’s important to keep my expectations realistic. I don’t think my book will sell a lot of copies. I’m learning it’s one thing to write a book, another thing to publish a book, and an entirely separate thing to market a book. The goal is to play the game long term. One book might not sell particularly well, but keep writing. At some point you write, publish, and market enough books that it build momentum, and suddenly you have people excited to read your books. That is my long game. So I will celebrate the publication of my first book. Thank you to my friends and family who have bought a copy. Your support means the world. Especially my husband, whom was the first person to buy a copy. He also left a review. I’m lucky to have you in my life, supporting me in following my dreams.

Let me tell you what I’m working on next. I have three works in progress right now.

Work in Progress #1—A completed manuscript about a small town librarian (not autobiographical) whose neighbor is murdered. Her great nephew moves in he has a tempting offer for her. This steamy small town romance is a departure from romantic fantasy, but I loved writing Vivian and Gray’s story. It is in the final stages of editing, then off to the editor it goes.

Work in Progress #2—A sequel to WIP #1. It’s happened to me twice now. I write a book, wind up making compelling side characters that need to have their own love story. This is enemies to lovers, no strings attached, steamy romance, it is in rough rough draft form. Once I get Work in Progress #3 finished, then I can start editing Delilah and Carter’s story.

Work in Progress #3—Tempest’s story. Sorceress’ Bargain was intended as a standalone. Truthfully, it was I have this idea, and is now a trilogy. It takes place ten years after Laris and Callum’s story, and Tempest is now an adult, but she suffers from the fear of an unknown future. She doesn’t know what she wants to do, and resents feeling like she needs to know all the answers. Laris, attempting to give Tempest’s life direction, gives her a task of creating a field guide to all the magical creatures in Bedbriand Forest. I don’t want to give too much away, but what happens in Tempest’s story leads to events for the third installment.

When do I plan to get this all done? Good question. No idea. I’ll be writing and editing as best I can over the next few months. I’m hoping to publish Vivian and Gray’s story next year. Followed closely by Delilah and Carter’s story. Tempest’s story is going to take longer. Since it’s still being written. Once I finish Tempest’s story, I need to write the third part. I’ve done some brainstorming, but until I get something more concrete down, I don’t want to give too many hints.

So until my next update. Sit back. Breathe, and most importantly, celebrate your success and let nothing take the moment away from you.