Three Published Books in One Year– the long haul to full-time romance writing

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Having your own book published is a pretty awesome experience. The release parties, the blog tours, the book clubs, conferences, the reviews, meeting other fabulous authors and of course, clicking those magical links to all the major retailers that carry your beloved masterpiece. In the past six months, two of my romantic suspense novels have released while I’ve continued to work my full-time job, part-time-job and take care of my family and home. Crazy, right?? I have to admit, I’m tired a lot. But I’m also really enjoying this incredible journey and everyone I’ve met along the way.
 
When I first started this publication process back in February/2016, I had no idea what to expect. I knew that I wanted to build momentum with more than one book in one year. Three sounded like a good number to me and my goal was to try to get on the map. My first book, UNEXPECTED was published in mid-December, 2016. My second book, LOVE SONG recently released this past April.  With the release of my third novel, THE NEARNESS OF YOU happening in October, I will have accomplished this major goal that I set out for myself.
 
I write whenever I get the chance – at work, at home, on an airplane, backstage before a weekend show, in my head stuck in Atlanta traffic… I have stories that need to be told – characters that need a voice! No one told me that in addition to writing the book that I would have to spend hours on social media to promote it! Add to that blog tours, conferences, book swag, giveaways and everything else that comes with marketing an author – well, you can see why I’m tired!
 
I’ve learned two very important lessons over the past year as a new romance author:
 
1.Your next book is your best advertising for your latest book.
2.You have to be in this for the long haul.
 
The long haul…
 
I am not an overnight success. My first royalty check was less than what I pay for groceries each week for my 6’3” sons! But I still want it. And I know I can do it.
 
Mario Andretti said,
 
“Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek.”
 
It’s hard work to be successful, but I’m determined. I am living proof that it doesn’t matter how old you are or how busy you are. If you have a goal or a dream, commit to it. Don’t give up! Work on it daily with your goal in mind. I have to remind myself every day that this is a marathon and not a sprint. This is the long haul. I just need to take a deep breath and keep moving forward…
 
Thanks for cheering for me from the sidelines.
KG
xoxo