Category: Writing

My First Book Fair as an Indie Author

On By Alice StrathernIn Beginnings, Mindset, Writing

There are things I never thought I’d do.

Like participating in a book fair as an indie author. I thought that’d take me years to do. That I needed at least ten books published and commercial success to feel like I belonged in these kinds of events.

I had the opportunity to try something new at the Indies and Oddballs Book Fair. I completely ignored that mindset of “you need to be an established author”. I’m proud to say this was my first live event. I felt like I was discovering a new world of possibilities, even while still fighting my mind talking me out of that. Luckily, my curiosity for this experience was greater than my fear.

As I waited for the big day, I came across a few things that helped me approach it with a more grounded and optimistic lens.

Kobe Bryant on Failure

Kobe Bryant was once asked if he was a player who loved to win or hated to lose. His answer is one of the wisest things I’ve ever heard.

I play to figure things out. I play to learn something. If you play with a fear of failure or you play with the will to win (…) it’s a weakness either way. 

If you play with the fear of failing, you’ll have the pressure on yourself to play to capitulate to that fear. If you play with the sense of ‘I want to win, I want to win’, then you have the fear of what happens if you don’t. But if you find common ground in the middle, then it doesn’t matter. You’re unfazed by either, and that enables you to really stay in the moment. Stay connected to it and not feel anything other than what’s in front of you.

 

Watching this interview before the book fair helped me stay grounded. I thought it’d be beneficial to not get obsessed with sales or what could possibly go wrong. I could see that the best attitude was being fully present in the moment.

This made my experience much more enjoyable. Every moment at the fair was full of opportunities to learn from everyone around me.

Depeche Mode as Beginners

I came across this video on YouTube. Watching Depeche Mode perform live in their early days is wholesome. A simple stage. Small venue. All four members playing for the love of music regardless of the number of people around.

It hit me: Everybody has to start in one way or another. As an indie author, I’m in that phase too. Learning. Participating at book fairs even though I have zero experience.

Whether we are musicians, writers or any kind of artist, we’re there for the love of the craft. Not for the number of people who show up. This video was a beautiful reminder of that.

A Seasoned Author’s Voice

I read an article by author Chuck Sambuchino’s article on how to maximize a book festival appearance. He provided nine tips, and all of them were spot on.

As I kept doing some more research, my main takeaway was this:

The point of these events is the connections we make. While the number of sales is an important aspect, being able to talk about our books and the stories behind our stories is what allows connection.

That also helped me approach the day with a different perspective. On that day, I got to meet lovely and inspiring indie authors. I also chatted a little bit with some people who came by and got curious about my book. I was happy to go beyond the salesy pitch.

Connecting was, by far, the best part of this experience.

 

How wonderful that life is always offering first times at any given moment. I’m so glad I went for it. I’m so glad this was my first event ever.

I’m now more motivated to keep going.

The creative process to write books: a series of changes

On By Alice StrathernIn Mindset, Personal, Writing

As I published Kaleidoscope Eyes, I’ve been thinking about the creative process to write books.

There’s all kinds of strange highs and strange lows. On the most challenging days, blocks fill you up with negativity: “Is this good enough?” “Is anybody going to be interested in this?” “Why would someone want to read an unknown author?”

While writing my novella, I went through stages where I thought my work had no potential. I felt like I wouldn’t be able to finish the job for not having a compelling story. Self-doubt was a huge obstacle.

However, part of the creative process to write books involves finding ways to overcome those blocks and stay tuned to your creative seasons. I’d like to share my experiences here.

Continue reading “The creative process to write books: a series of changes” →

Finding your voice in the things you hate

On By Alice StrathernIn Inspiration, WritingLeave a comment

In the creative world, it’s common to hear conversations about “finding your voice.” You know, that thing that makes you unique when it comes to expressing yourself or bringing ideas to the table.

Once it’s time to turn your abstract thoughts into tangible actions, it’s a struggle to capture your true essence in them. How do you discover your own voice then? There’s many answers to this complex question. I recently discovered one through a powerful exercise that helps you reveal truths in an authentic way.

It’s simple, yet effective.

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An author’s mindset for the editing process

On By Alice StrathernIn Thoughts, WritingLeave a comment

I recently wrote about the editing process when you are a new author. This time, I want to talk about an author’s mindset when working with an editor. Interactions will vary from person to person, but I think it’s worth noting a few aspects before the work starts.

What do you need to know about this professional relationship you’re in the process of developing? I attempt to answer with a few thoughts and my own experiences for you to have an idea.

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How to approach the editing process when you’re a new author

On By Alice StrathernIn Beginnings, Writing1 Comment

Last month, I experienced one of the greatest moments of joy that a writer can savour: finishing a manuscript. Seeing every chapter full of life, dialogues and monologues was glorious. Celebrating such an accomplishment was certainly meaningful; however, the work doesn’t stop there. The next immediate action is seeking an editor.

I did my own rounds of editing, but I’ve always known that, when it comes to ensuring that your story flows properly, a fresh pair of eyes is a must. This is the first book that I’m self-publishing, and it’s crucial to invest in its quality so that the world can enjoy it.

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Special Needs

On By Alice StrathernIn Poems ENG, WritingLeave a comment

Sometimes, I don’t want to talk.
I don’t want to share
what you won’t understand.
We shouldn’t waste our time.

Playing devil’s advocate
doesn’t cheer me up
on a day I want to give up.
You don’t know, but I suffocate.

I just want to be okay again.
Life should be simpler than this.
So listen to my truth and believe me.
Pain does exist.

Do you know what that means?

The art of blogging is still alive

On By Alice StrathernIn Inspiration, Personal, Thoughts, WritingLeave a comment

Some time ago, I read somewhere that blogs were dead. Online communication has mutated in such way that this kind of platform is no longer relevant. At least not as relevant as it “used to be.”

I disagree with that idea. Blogs are still very much alive. They’re the window to a person’s mind and creative crafts. It’s a platform where someone can introduce themselves to the online world without any editorial guidelines.

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Journals for thoughts, journals for life

On By Alice StrathernIn Personal, Thoughts, WritingLeave a comment

Sometimes, your thoughts can’t stay in your mind all the time.

Sometimes, it’s a good idea to talk to someone you trust. We all need to rant from time to time to get rid of all the things we’ve kept to ourselves.

Other times, thoughts are so private that it’s hard to share them with someone or in a blog. That’s when journals come to the rescue. I’ve been journaling for 23 years, and even when it seems that I’ve lost the habit of composing my private notes, I retake it, and my mind finds peace again.

There’s a place where the world can’t reach you and judge you: the pages of a journal. I find that introspection is therapy for the soul. When you write down your emotions and thoughts as you feel them or as you mean them, you create a new self. You get rid of all mental blocks and think clearly.

You’ll be surprised of all the answers you can find in your own words. You can be as bold as you like, and no one will be offended.

If you manage to maintain this habit for years, it’s useful to read past entries from time to time to remind yourself how you overcame tough situations. You can also remind yourself what things made you happy at a certain point and retake them.

What do you think?