MM Hurley

My Book release anniversary happened! Wow. It’s been a year. I sit in disbelief that one full year has passed since I released my book into the wild.

It’s one of those things that I know I did. I see that I did it. I’m actively still doing it. But I can’t believe it. It’s not like it’s changed my entire life. I didn’t “blow up” overnight. My name isn’t being shared in friend groups. I’m not doing interviews for podcasts or news outlets. But still, no matter what, I will have published a book.

The next step is to make book two. And I want to do it. But I feel so insecure about it all. I had this daydream in my head about how easy Book Two would be compared to Book One. But it seems like it was all just a dream because the struggle for book two is more than I anticipated.

I was ghosted by my best friend, the one I trusted to edit Book One. I can’t lie, that really knocked the wind out of my sails. I’m sure I messed that relationship up, though I’m not sure how. But losing her and her support really stalled my writing process. The good news is, I didn’t let it stop me. I’m still writing and getting the draft finalized. But once that’s complete–I don’t know what I will be doing. Self-editing isn’t good. Because I’m terrible at grammar. (TERRIBLE) But I do not have an editor lined up. Which really sucks. I’ll get it figured out. I have no choice. But it’s where I am at.

Currently, I am trying to figure a lot out. My part-time job has gotten a bit more difficult. But it’s because I got a promotion. I went from working four hours during the day, when my kiddos were at school, to working night shifts. Meaning I have to learn how to manage my time in a very different way. It’s not a bad adjustment, but an adjustment that I’m trying to figure out. Because I like routines, and the ones I had are gone. It’s a good thing, but also a change.

I have to figure out when to write again. How to manage my household duties. Plus all my parental duties. It’s just a change. I don’t like change, but it’s a part of life. Until I get it all figured out, I’m going to feel discombobulated.

Now, with all that, this is my next steps, via a list.

Journey/Thoughts/Comments/Q&As
via a list

1. Edits: Yes. They are still happening. In fact, my goal for the week is to ensure that all my handwritten pages, edits, and notes are typed, and I can have a clean, printed copy to identify the holes, issues, and needs.
2. Marketing: Yes, this needs to happen. It’s very clear, I don’t know how to market. So I’m now open to taking suggestions.
3. Plotting: Oh, Man. Am I plotting!!!
4. Vendor Setup: Due to the job change, vendor events are out for the foreseeable future. I have the April 18th event, but after that, I won’t be able to participate in them anymore.
5. Next Steps: Right now, the focus is on book two. I’m going to zero in on that and just try to have it ready for everyone.

My journey is all my own, and right now it’s just a slow, molasses-like journey.

@mm_hurley

so that’s the story behind my debut novella. #thestorybehindthestory #indieauthor #marketing

♬ Im looking for the girls in libraries – City of Marion Libraries

Thanks for following along with the journey.