Tag: independent authors

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.

Things that made my year – 2022 edition

On By Alice StrathernIn Miscellany, Personal

We’re getting closer and closer to the end of 2022. Where did the time go? Funny how time flies when you’re having fun.

Here’s a list of things that made my year:

  1. Celebrating my son’s first birthday.
  2. Having my mom around for two months and celebrating my son’s birthday with her.
  3. Publishing my debut novella Kaleidoscope Eyes.
  4. This interview about my novella.
  5. Realizing that, as independent author, learning takes place every day, and it’s scary and fun at the same time.
  6. That it’s important to focus on the step in front of me, not the entire staircase.
  7. Learning about Amazon Ads for authors.
  8. Writing #LetrasDesnudas.
  9. Joining Té de Querer for some great writing workshops and making new friends.
  10. Publishing three articles on Excélsior (Mexican newspaper, all available in Spanish): Carta para la niña que se convertirá en mujer, Promesas de hoy para un mañana seguro, and Urge modelo de salud con perspectiva de género.
  11. Discovering the Curious Fox podcast.
  12. Rediscovering The Chase Jarvis Live Show.
  13. A great podcast in Spanish, Hablemos Escritoras.
  14. Joining Good Reads as an author.
  15. Learning that Depeche Mode is releasing an album next year.
  16. Finding joy in writing my newsletter.
  17. Listening to some great artists: Neo Soul, Toni Braxton, Sade, Tom Jobim, The Human League, Spice Girls, and Alicia Keys.
  18. Castella tarts.
  19. Tuna and salmon poke bowls.
  20. Janet Jackson’s album “Control”.
  21. Learning the meaning of surrender.
  22. Tara Brach’s talks and meditations.
  23. Waiting Game by Junior Boys.
  24. Toda Tercafeira by Soul Quality Quartet.
  25. Deciding that my new NFL team is the Seattle Seahawks.

 

Grateful for all the lessons learned. Grateful for the wonderful people who walked with me every step of the way. Grateful for all discoveries. Looking forward to 2023!

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.

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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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Tip: Choose the verb over the noun

On By Alice StrathernIn Inspiration, WritingLeave a comment

One of my favourite chapters in Keep Going by Austin Kleon is “Forget the noun, do the verb.”

Let go of the thing that you’re trying to be (the noun), and focus on the actual work you need to be doing (the verb). Doing the verb will take you someplace further and far more interesting.

If you want to be a writer, first of all, you need to be writing something. It doesn’t matter what title you give yourself if you’re not actually spending your time with words.

A “verb”, in this context, is an action. Creating. Crafting. Writing. Editing. Those are the steps that take you places. The “noun” is a title that you give yourself or that someone else assigns you.

If you wait for someone to give you a job title before you do the work, you might never get to do the work at all. You can’t wait around for someone to call you an artist before you make art.

So choose the action over a random title. Your actions define your results at the end of the day.

What are your thoughts?

New Year: Planning your progress

On By Alice StrathernIn Beginnings, Writing2 Comments

The beginning of a new year is one of my favourite seasons. Everybody is genuinely trying to be a better version of themselves. I think this is a noble cause. We can affect our environment a little bit by bringing some positives vibes.

At the same time, we wonder how long we’ll be able to maintain our goals and turn them into a reality. While it’s a long journey that requires a lot of energy, I recommend focusing on solutions rather than resolutions to obtain realistic results.

Here’s a few more thoughts and my list of personal objectives for 2020.

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