Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Indie Life


I'm joining in on the Indelibles Indie Life posting today. It feels appropriate that my first Indie Life post is just a couple of days before my first indie book, Hell's Hollow is released. I'm hoping to some day be able to look back at what a newbie I was with some sort of sweet fondness. But for now, I'm in it -- the newbie-ness of it.
  
And it's sort of terrifying. Everyone in the indie world has been super nice and welcoming so far, so maybe I shouldn't really be so terrified. But at the same time, starting out, it feels a little bit like those scenes you see in movies of the traders in the stock market. You know what I mean -- crushed in a crowded room, screaming something out that no one can hear, hoping to make something happen.

But the thing I try to remind myself is this: It's not about that. It's not about trying to be noticed or grab attention really. It's about telling our stories, sharing our human experience, putting them out there because maybe, just maybe they'll resonate with someone or a few someones. Maybe some part of it will be their story too. So when it comes down to it, it's all really about connection, reaching out, being brave enough to connect.
  
So right now I feel like I'm standing at the edge of a cliff about to leap. It's almost time. So here's to the courage it's taken every indie writer to take that leap! I salute you :D

17 comments:

  1. I leapt off the cliff back in January, and I'm glad I did. Good luck with your new release :-)

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  2. Don't worry. We'll be there to catch you.

    Hugs and chocolate,
    Shelly

    Found you thru Indie Life.

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  3. Look before you leap. I did, and I leaped anyway!

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  4. I just put my book up last week. It's been crazy-making, but definitely worth it.

    Good luck with your book! I hope you'll look back in a year and laugh about what your life used to be like before you became a bestselling author with your own personal island that you now live on. :)

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    1. Congrats on your release! And thank you! I love your ability to dream big on my behalf :D Here's hoping for private islands for us both ;)

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  5. Hi, Summer,
    I hope your book does well when it comes out. By the sound of things, you understand what the indie life is all about, so you'll be okay. Congrats!

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  6. It is like leaping off a cliff. And the rush is rather addictive, I guess, since I keep doing it. Best of luck with your book!

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  7. You'll soon discover that you just jumped into warm, milky water and there was nothing for you to worry about. I jumped in a few years ago and I haven't looked back since. This indie life is a fabulous place to be... I can't imagine being anywhere else. Good luck with the release :)
    Suzy Turner, YA Author

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  8. Yes! Publishing feels exactly like that. Standing on a cliff about to jump. Exhilarating but addicting!

    Thanks for participating!

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  9. When I put out my first book it just felt like someone out there needed it. If it helps one person, all the time and effort is worth it.

    Lauren

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  10. Congratulations! I'm excited for you. It's scary to me to, putting myself out there. I'll be right behind you - well hopefully in a couple of months anyway. :)

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  11. Congrats! And have fun leaping.

    Hugs and chocolate,
    Shelly

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  12. Congrats! And it is a big leap scary and thrilling at the same time!

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  13. Congratulations! It is scary to launch that first book, but it is also exhilarating.
    Elizabeth Hein

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