I never expected a puppy to teach me that if you can manage to be fully present, the time in each day seems much longer than it did before. Though that presence is mostly focused on trying to avoid accidents, redirecting puppy teeth, and keeping the dogs from playing too rough together, it’s also helped me direct my energy in more productive ways while both pups are sleeping. And sometimes that’s still YouTube shorts, but in the midst of trying to learn better marketing skills, find local events, and ways to scale my freelancing, it’s also helping me seek out opportunities rather than “recharge” from feeling overwhelmed by everything I’d like to do but have yet to achieve.
There’s something incredibly relaxing about watching a puppy nap. It’s calm, it’s quiet, and there’s an absolute certainty that it will not last for much longer than an hour. If you’re going to do something productive during that time, there’s not space to mess around. Because next is another round of wearing out their energy, keeping them out of trouble, and giving them the attention they deserve.
I’ve also been trying to balance all the things I want (sustainable writing / freelance income, working from home, books that are actually selling, being able to save money for the future, ect) with the fact I have to take small, actionable steps consistently to get there. And, there’s a fair amount of living and learning to get there. The challenge isn’t seeing things going right and doing it again - it’s seeing the lessons in the disappointments and applying them to get closer to getting it right.
It’s one thing that I really appreciate from years of writing, submitting, and a handful of short story publications. That kind of high-rejection environment teaches you a lot. Sometimes you get constructive feedback, and you develop the skill of when to listen and when to take it in a different direction. It’s producing something you’re proud of, and not letting the belief in it waver even if it’s not published. The months of waiting for any sort of response makes those rejections even harder to take, but those hard won wins feel even better.
Time and belief in your creation doesn’t ever make that cringe of disappointment go away, but it does help you move forward quicker. For me today, that looks like letting go of “I want to make a livable income off my books” or “narrate an audio book!” or even “create short-form videos for my books” and set more realistic goals, like “how can I make a sale every month?” and “what’s a low-effort way I can start marketing my book to build an audience for when I can do more video and other types of marketing?”
So if you’re feeling discouraged with where you’re at and where you want to be, know that you’re seen. But also know the next little step forward gets you that much closer, even if it’s full of hills and valleys. It might also be closer than you think. You have to be willing to take the risk to find out.
Shout out to the first proud owner of the newly rereleased version of Stars Above! If you’d like to join the club, you can find Stars Above in ebook and paperback format now. It’s available most places books are sold, but here are some quick links:
Amazon eBook, Paperback | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books | and various other ebook retailers
And! If you’re looking for a deal on ebooks, check out the Smashwords sale coming up during the month of July! My ebooks for Stars Above and Imprinted will be priced 50% off, so check it out and see what other books you find that catch your eye during the sale!
Recently read: Legacy of Ash by Matthew Ward 5/5 - look for a review coming soon
Currently reading: Grimdark Magazine issue #40
And finally, if you’re looking for some YouTube content that’s not scrolling on Shorts for hours, here are two I’d recommend. Adapting art business content to selling books isn’t a 1-1, but I think a lot of the strategies and questions to consider are valuable for authors as well. And intriguing in general, as a behind the scenes look at what it takes to run a small creative business.
Thank you for making it to the end! You can find out more info about me and Stars Above, newly released(!), on my website, and connect with me on Pinterest. You can still find Imprinted under “Brooke Tiedt” on Amazon and others. With a new version to release in the new year, the current version of Imprinted will be retiring. The second edition will be releasing August 15th, so get your original copy soon or look forward to getting the second edition then!
Bought your book "Stars Above" from you at the Leavenworth, Kansas Christmas in July. Its a great book and I look further to reading your future works. I know you dont remember me but I was the nut who was working down on the track at my church table. You have a tremendous amount of talent that I hope you dont waste. I would love to be informed of anything new you write. Dont limit yourself and keep dreaming. You made a new big fan in me. Even though I dont usually read YA books, I will buy and read what you produce.
Ahhh Brooke you heckin see me… I see you too! It’s inspiring to see dreams being proactively acted upon by someone who is committed to turning them into more than just ideal future scenarios. Also gimme that rerelease, take all my money 💰