The pressure of being a published author

I’ve been wanting to write about this topic for a while but just didn’t know how to put it into context until now and that’s why there haven’t been any new updates on the website.

It’s now been around 4 months since Origin was first published, and i’ve loved every bit of being a published author, but even though i’m self published and work completely for myself, the pressure is immense.

Now you know if you’ve been reading this blog or following me on another platform that Origin is the first novel of what is meant to be a trilogy, but trying to produce that is a struggle for me on a daily basis.
I’m still fully enjoying what i’m doing, but because of having this pressure on me to get straight on task and finish the second book for the readers out there that loved Origin, i haven’t been able to wallow is this amazing feeling of being a published author.

Yes i work completely for myself, so yes i could take as much time off as i need to recuperate and find myself in my writing again, but it drives me crazy not to be working on it daily and progressing with my characters story.
It’s an extremely contradicting matter.

Origin, and finishing Origin good enough for it to be published is the best thing that has ever happened to me, and i love being in this world and having such an opportunity at this career choice, but sometimes i find myself just wishing that the first book i’d published had been a standalone.

I absolutely adore this series, and the characters are outstanding with the stories they’re making me tell, but i’m also so excited for when this is done and i can put down the laptop and start finding myself again in the real world and read as much as i like without telling myself that i should actually be using this time to write.

  Book two update

Right now i’m just hitting 200 pages into writing book 2 so it’s coming along nicely, but i’ll admit that i’m not as far along as what i’d like to be.
I was slower then i would’ve like to have been starting this draft after Origin was published, but that was me putting off all the planning that book 2 needed for the plot and character story lines.

I’m at this point again now, because i’ve written everything that i’ve planned and am now stuck in limbo with the rest of the plot line.

I’ve got the end game, i’ve just got to work out the adventure to get there. But, i’m more then confident that my characters are going to plan this out themselves the more i keep writing along the road.

I’ll be back soon beauties, love and light!

 

 

Exactly a month.

Hey beauties!

So it’s been exactly a month since my recent post and the publication of Origin, and let me just tell you that it’s all fun and games here on out.
I’ve been relishing and enjoying all the feedback i’ve been getting from the readers that have finished Origin and i’m so happy that they enjoy my world and characters just as much as i enjoyed creating them.

Yes, i did have a little bit of a back track when i first published because of some errors i didn’t revise in the manuscript before i published, but i’ve definitely learned my lesson and earned some patience from that experience. I’m just ho
ping that nobody who purchased one of those first editions judges it by those mistakes.

It’s definitely been a learning curve going through the self publishing route, having to take on all the slippery slopes alone, but i wouldn’t change the choice i made now.
I agree with many people that Origin deserves so many more people to read it then who actually have right now, but it’s time will come, and when it does, i’m expecting it to be splendid.

As with the progress of The Mortal King #2, lets just say that it’s getting there. 

I speed wrote through the first couple of chapters, but now we’re at a stand still because of all the planning that needs to be done. This series is rather complex if you haven’t already figured it out, but i am writing as fast as i can.

 

Whilst i am writing i won’t be creating these blog posts as much as i did the first time around. Obviously if i come to different obstacles within the course then it will come straight onto here and i will let you all know what’s going on, but i do think the recording i did for Origin was enough to let people know about the self publishing route and the struggles i faced.

Even though i’ve definitely got a more detailed blog post coming with all the steps of the self publishing journey being put onto one page, that way i’ll be able to link people a lot quicker without them having to read through the whole website to find the information that they need.

I know that everybodys journey is different, but i do believe this might benefit at least 1 individual when they’re struggling in their time of writing need.

I will be lingering on this blog though that is a fact, and for people following the progress of the series i will be uploading a sort of monthly newsletter on here to update you all on what is going on and how we’re doing. 

I just want to finish this off my saying, and i know i say things like this a lot, but if you’re writing and your main aim in life is so become an author, or even just a successful writer, then just keeping writing. There is no need to doubt yourself or compare yourself to other authors out there. No you may not be the next J. K Rowling, but you will be the next YOU!

I DID IT!

Tuesday 10th January 2017

I’ve done it, i’ve actually done it and i can’t quite believe it!

Now i know that nobody reads through this right now, but who knows who could be flicking through this blog in the future, and this is to you guys…nothing really is impossible if you put your all into it!

 

 

 

Origin is alive and I am an Author! 

 

 

 
This first journey i’m guessing has got to be one of the hardest things i’ve had to persist with. Sometimes it’s been so excrutiatingly painful that i’ve just wanted to quit, knowing that it’s so hard to make it in this industry, especially as a self published Author. But then i met so many amazing people, along with my editor, who really persuaded me and gave me to will power to continue. Now look where i stand with my own paperback in my hands.

I’ll say this: It wasn’t easy, but it sure wasn’t hard, that’s if you’ve got the determination and will power to stay on course. 

I really don’t know what the future is going to hold, but right now i’m taking it one day at a time. The book writing continues daily and i’m hoping to have two books or at least the second installment of The Mortal King out this year, and of course i’m going to keep with the updates on this blog. We’ve still got hell of a journey to go!

Right now Origin is available to purchase is both Paperback and Ebook format from Amazon, but there will be some signed editions up on my facebook author page soon!

 

 

 

 

 

Blessed be beautiful souls, and just keep on writing!

One day at a time.

Saturday 7th January 2017

So today is a new day and we’re making new advancements.
My reviews were granted as acceptable through Createspace and i’ve now got a proof copy on the way to double check through before i publish, which is extremely exciting. Yes we’ve had a few set backs and delays with the publishing of Origin, but it seems we’re finally getting somewhere.

Now for the even more exciting part: as a last minute thing a couple of days ago, i sent a few sample chapters and my query to Python Publishing house which is a London based book publishing business. I only queried this out of hoping for pure luck because the manuscript is now edited, but i still wasn’t hoping for much because of the other 70+ agents i had contacted and had refusals from in 2016.
Well…surprise, surprise, Python Publishing came back to me last night via email saying that they would like a more indepth synopsis of the series with possible acceptance of being published. I would never have expected such a thing, so right now i’m in quite a bout of shock. 

So, as far as self pushing and traditional publishing is going right now i can’t really say what is happening, but all i can say is that something is, and whatever that something is, is extremely exciting.

Right now we’re pushing hard one day at a time, but whichever outcome happens either will be a positive step.

Mondays aren’t all that bad.

Monday 19th December 2016

So today is a Monday, and i’m feeling optimist!

I’ve just recieved the second to last edits through and we’re pushing closer to the publication date!

So where am I?

• Whilst the final edits were being gone through by Lorna (my editor) i managed to reach the 12,000 word count (40 pages) on the second installment of The Mortal King series.
• I started a stand alone secret project all dedicated to the spiritual expansion of my partner.
• Got invited to my first author interview after publication date.
• And off the topic of writing, i got my degree as a Master Herbalist.

Author and Doctor all in one year, doesn’t feel bad at all to me!

Writing playlist you ask?

1. James Arthur – Say you won’t let go
2. Calum Scott – Dancing on my own
3. Disturbed – The sound of silence
4. Hozier – Arsonist’s lullaby
5. Tom Odell – Another love
6. Counting Crows- Big yellow taxi
7. Dido – White flag
8. Fast Car – Tracy Chapman
9. Shawn James – Through the valley
10. G Tom Mac – Original The lost boys cry little sister
11. Arctic Monkeys – Do i wanna know?
12. Marvin Gaye – Lets get it on
13. Black Stone Cherry – Stay
14. Kodaline – All i want
15. Kodaline – High Hopes
16. Weezer – Buggy Holly
17. Black Stone Cherry – Me and Mary Jane
18. Milky Chance – Stolen Dance
19. Woodkid – I love you

 

How about some book recommendations? 

• A monster calls by Patrick Ness
• The Call by Peadar O’Guilin
• Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
• Cinder by Marissa Meyer (The Lunar Chronicles)

 

Unfortunately there aren’t many updates when it comes to the editing process to be put up on here, so i’ll be working on some book reviews for the next little while.
I’ve got some amazing self published author books i can’t wait to share with you all.

As always don’t hesitate to contact me regarding any questions, either leave a comment or contact me via my social media.

Facebook: Lauren Dowding, Author
Instagram: a_writing_life_

Blessed be and have a gorgeous day!

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Blurb for A Monster Calls

AN EXTRAORDINARY NOVEL OF LOVE, LOSS AND HOPE.

Conor has the same dream every night,
ever since his mother first fell ill, ever since
she started the treatments that don’t quite
seem to be working. But tonight is different.
Tonight, when he wakes, there’s a visitor
at his window. It’s ancient, elemental,
a force of nature. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor.

It wants the truth.

 

Review/Monday 19th December 2016/(May contain spoilers)

Now i’ve been seeing A monster calls by Patrick Ness in the book stores since it was published last year, but because it was only available in the illustrated edition i didn’t feel so inclined to purchase it.
I recently saw the movie trailer for it last week and new that i had to give it a chance because of how intruiging it looked. After looking through Amazon i managed to find this edition and i’m so glad because the story was so amazing!

I didn’t expect to get what i did from this novel. After i saw the ‘monster’ in the trailer i thought it was going to be somewhat cliche…hell was i wrong.
This is one of the most emotional books i ‘ve read that relates to real life situations, and it does pass off such a strong message when you get to the end of the book and realise it.

When i came to realise that the monster wasn’t actually a monster but a representation of the boys mind, everything slowly started to slip into place and it really is sort of a ‘holy shit’ moment!

“How can a queen be both a good witch and a bad witch? How can a prince be a murderer and a saviour? How can an apothecary be evil-tempered but right – thinking? How can a parson be wrong-thinking but good-hearted? How can invisible men make themselves more lonely by being seen?

“The answer is that it does not matter what you think” the monster said, “because your mind will contradict itself a hundred times each day. You wanted her to go at the same time you were desperate for me to save her. Your mind will believe comforting lies while also knowing the painful truth that makes those lies necessary. And your mind will punish you for believing both”.

Now that is something that is extremely powerful to me personally, but there are a lot more like this that i’m not going to share because people really need to find these out for themselves.
Yes it’s one of those ‘tragic cancer stories’ but when you’re reading it, it really doesn’t feel like it at all.

I really don’t want to write a long review for this since it isn’t a particularly long book which a large plot line and i want people to be able to experience the same things i did when reading.

4/5 (but more a 4.5 stars), the extra half just for the fact it merely broke me.

Let me know what you think if you read it or if you’ve already read it, i’d be interested to know your thoughts.
Blessed be and have a gorgeous day!

Your future is waiting for you!

Friday 16th December 2016

So now it’s been over a year since i started writing Origin and i can’t believe how quick my dream of becoming an author has come around.
I persisted so hard all year and pushed myself into the ground of exhaustion to make this work, and hell it is paying off.
We are now only a month away from the official publication date and every single moment of it has been worth it.

Now this isn’t going to be so much a book related but life related just because of my motivational mindset.

I feel like we are brought into this life to do something, not just meander aimlessly like so many people tend to do. Yes it may take years for you to find out what you really want to do in this life, but once you know then you should push endlessly until you’ve achieved your dreams.

“You give up a few things, chasing a dream”.

I’ve seen first hand from this generation that a huge majority of them just follow each other round like sheep.
Going to school, getting the perfect grades, going to A level, getting the perfect grades, getting accepted into university, getting the perfect grades.
By the time you’ve finished following an education that might not even get you anywhere, you’ve wasted a huge portion of the best years of your life where you could’ve been achieveing what actually meant the most to you.
People i have spoke to personally have said that they’re just using the few years they’re at uni as a stop gap because they don’t know what to do with their lives. Studying courses that they don’t even care for because they feel like they ‘have’ to, to fullfill the expectation that their parents hold for them. I just feel like say ‘why? Why are you wasting this time, your life is precious and you should be doing what you love, not what you think you have to do in this world. You don’t know what you want to do in this life? then drop everything and go and find it”. It’s as simple as that, well at least it is in my mind.

You don’t have the money to do what you want to do? Then go and get a darn job that no might not be ideal for you right then, but it will give you the money you need to save and put towards that thing you’ve got in your mind.
Don’t do something you don’t want to do just because you think you have to. 

To pull away from the society and break away from the flock of sheep will be the scariest thing you’ve ever done, believe me, but it will be worth it for the life you do end up living.

Don’t be a part of the unhappy society. 

When it comes to the end of your days you want to skid into that grave side ways, covered in cuts, bruises, broken bones and completely exhausted,  but with the biggest smile on your face and saying, “hell what a ride”.

Not drag yourself slowly into the pitt of dirt in a state of depression and anxiety because you feel you didn’t achieve things in your life you should have. Yes you might have exceeded the expectations that people had for you, but did you exceed the expections that you had for youself?

So let you hair down, take off your shoes, run through that muddy field and throw yourself into the world with everything you have and don’t give yourself the chance to regret any of it.

Blessed be beautiful souls.

WE HAVE A COVER!

Tuesday 22nd November 2016

We finally have a completed cover and summary!! I can’t believe i actually get to say that…

I’m so happy with the work that Peter from Bespoke book covers did to come up with the cover of my dreams for Origin. There is no way that it would’ve been possible without him.

So…now for the quick reveal that i’ve been waiting to give…

Isn’t it just so gorgeous? I wasn’t even sure what i wanted from it but Peter sure hit the nail on the head with the outcome.

The final bits of detail

The last thing that i’m waiting for now are the final edits to come back through from my editor and then we should be done! I can’t believe it hasn’t even been a year yet since i started writing not only Origin but publishing my first post on this blog on the same day!

The adventure is no doubt going to continue with the sequel to Origin and a new little secret project i’ve just started working on yesterday.

So here is to the future of young adult authors and for not needing the go through with further education like you’re pressured to do when you want to follow and achieve your dreams.

   BECAUSE THEY ARE EVERYTHING.

I’m a writer

I’m a writer.

That’s all i’ve got to say about the life i’m living right now.

I’m a writer, a soon to be author, and yes it’s stressful.

But would i change it? Sometimes my patience starts to wear me thin, waiting for my team to get back to me with work i’d like done a lot quicker then what it’s being done, but perfection takes time, that’s what people say right?

Writing Origin was by far the easiest part of this whole process that i started nearly a year ago, but no i wouldn’t change it, not now and not ever. Not now that people are finally going to be able to read the stories that run through my head on practically a daily basis. Yes granted some of them may be slightly on the weird side, but they’re still worlds i want to bring alive and characters i want people to be able to meet.

Over the past few years since i finished school i’ve given up so much to be able to live the life that i never even dreamed of before hand. Having to spend so much time alone and completely friendless in order to make the sacrifices that needed to be made to make the most of this life.
But it was worth it, and it’s been worth it every day since then. Now with my full support team behind me, my amazing partner, my parents and you few little off hangs, i know i can finally fly.

I don’t know what the future is going to intel for me, but i hope it’s something of greatness.

The final editing journey part 2

Friday 28th October 2016

So, 20 days after sending the manuscript to my editor i now have it back! This is the first run through where we work out any flaws in the storyline and anything else that needs to be made more detailed and indepth with the world and the characters. To be honest looking at the comments Lorna has made i’m shocked there isn’t actually a lot more that’s needs work if i’m to be honest. 

So what do i have to do now?

• Work through these first sets of edits and send them back off to Lorna.
• Sit down and create a map to be going on one of the first couple of pages.
• Work on the first draft of the blurb/synopsis and also send off to Lorna.
• Take a picture and create the author bio to be sent off the Peter at Bespoke Covers.
• Work with Peter on my set date (4th November) for two weeks to get the cover created.
• Then it will be working through the final edits before adding in an acknowledgment at the end.

Authors definitely got it right when they said writing the book was the easiest thing about the publishing process. But don’t give up on your dreams people just because it starts getting difficult.

Small sneak peak of one of the first paragraphs in Origin, – The Mortal King #1