Posted in event, News, promo

Wearing Many Hats

The Multiple Personalities of an Entrepreneur

Recently I was asked if there was an author whom I admired and why. Well, there are several authors who have inspired me. Many who have personally helped me with my writing and my publishing career. But one author I’ve yet to meet, Jayne Ann Krentz is on my bucket list. JAK has inspired me not just because of her success but also because of her failures. When her sci-fi romances didn’t sell under the penname Jayne Castle, Jayne tried another penname and began writing historical romances. When they didn’t sell, she tried writing contemporary romances. Suddenly all of her books under three different pennames started selling and she became an overnight success with several years’ experience. I say that as a joke, because when we find a new author and think wow, they’ve made it. We don’t always see the years and hard work it took to get there. Now, Ms. Krentz is traditionally published so her story is a bit different than others who have gone the indie route, though I see her and others using the indie methods of marketing to be proactive especially since Covid.

As an indie author we have to wear many hats. We have to be creator, planner and marketer, as well as seller. If you are a creative, whether you are a crafter or a builder, a mechanic or painter, if you are your own boss, you have to wear many hats. It takes different personalities to handle each aspect of the business of being an entrepreneur. For most of us, we would like to just be the creators. We like to make things and that is where we excel. To set up a business plan and figure out how to sell your wares isn’t the same mindset or personality as the person who created the work. You have to put on a new hat and think differently. For many of us we have to train ourselves to do this.

How do you learn to be a businessperson? For an indie author and publisher, we are learning two sometimes three businesses. We want to write the best possible stories, so we learn the craft and business of writing. We want to sell those stories, so we have to learn to market them. If you are looking for a business loan you need to be able to show what your expected growth is. There are several resources but there are also scammers. Who do you trust? This is why I joined RWA: Romance Writers of America and my local chapter, The Heart of Carolina. It’s what I hope to give to my writer’s group in Washington, the Pamlico Writers’ Group and it’s the resource I am so thankful I receive from ALLi, the Alliance of Independent Authors.

I will be speaking at the Carteret Writers’ Conference in April on Why ALLi and I’ll be giving a brief talk March 28th to the Pamlico Writers’ Group via Zoom on ALLi as a practice run. If you are interested in learning more about what ALLi has to offer or joining Pamlico Writers’ Group or attending the Carteret Writers’ 40th Anniversary Conference, I have provided links below.

The Carteret Writers website for information on their upcoming conference. https://carteretwriters.org/

If you are interested in joining the Pamlico Writers’ Group. https://thepamlicowriters.org/

For more information on ALLi, Alliance of Independent Authors. https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/

Posted in inspiration, my books, Thoughts

Success versus Failure

What is The Meaning of Success?

Success is just a leap of faith into the abyss and surviving the fall.

I’ve been struggling lately with feelings of failure. My sales haven’t been great, and I’ve been wondering about whether I’m spinning my wheels and wasting my time. What is the meaning of success? Everyone categorizes success in different ways, for some it is accolades from their peers, awards, notoriety, for others it is about the money, the lifestyle, and still others it is the level of achievement, a goal reached.

Like most small business owners, I’d like to make more sales and as an author, I’d like to build more fans. I’d like more people to read my books and fall in love with them. Somedays it seems no matter how hard I work I’m just not making it. But then something amazing happens and I feel renewed, like I have a reason to keep believing. What does it mean to me to succeed? What is my idea success? Yes, I want to sell more books, become a well-known author, be able to pay my bills with my writing career but is that really what success is? Is that all there is? How do I define success?

As we begin the new year, I am doing some real soul searching about what my future holds. What does success mean to mean? Contentment, happiness, peace… I’ve achieved that. I’m happy with my life. Maybe not every minute of every day but mostly I am happy and content, with my family and friends, and even my work. I feel good about what I’m doing. I’m doing what I love. It’s not always easy to juggle my writing career with my “real” job, other obligations, family, and friends, but mostly I manage. Some days I’m tired. I’ve stretched myself a little too far, but I know if I want this, I have to push myself.

Each year I try to add something else to my resume. I try to write new books, have my books available on new retailer sites and be visible on new social media platforms. I try to learn new things and even have new experiences. Some years, especially during Covid, those experiences might be limited to online, other times, I might be able to attend a writing conference in another state. Whatever new adventure I choose, it is usually something that will advance my career or at least help me learn. While I might not be able to quit my day-job just yet, each step, even some of the negative ones, have helped me on my journey to success.

No one can define success for you. Each of us have to decide what it means for us. While I might want to win the lottery and be independently wealthy, that won’t make me successful. Success for me can only come when I feel I’ve done my best and I’m happy with the outcome and selling lots of books wouldn’t hurt either.

True success is a life well-lived, and a heart well-loved. (I think that is slightly misquoted from Tuck Everlasting).

Wishing you all a happy and successful New Year. Just remember to be HAPPY!

You can find my ebooks at your favorite ebook retailer or right here at my own online store.

Posted in event, interview, my books, News

What’s Happening at The Venue

Interview with Christina Howerin

Today I’m with Christina Howerin, the host of the upcoming Valentine’s Popup Vendor Event at the newly opened, The Venue, Main Street, Aurora. Hello, what are you hoping to accomplish with this first vendor event?

Christina:  Hello, thank you so much for being a vendor and this interview!  I recently joined the Aurora Leadership Counsel, and was trying to find a fun way to help local vendors and attract people to come see some of the talent we have here in Aurora.

Sherri: You have several jobs and a couple of independent businesses; how do you juggle everything plus serve on several community organizations?

Christina:  Juggle is the magic word… lol   I work 40 hours weekly for Pamlico County DSS in the food stamp dept.,  I have a vendor booth at The Backyard Bee’s in New Bern,  I recently changed beauty companies.  I am now with VIC Beauty from California and I am also with Park Lane Jewelry.

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Sherri: What is the name of your business?

Christina: I was thinking of nicknaming myself Backwoods Barbie.

https://www.facebook.com/christina.howerin

Sherri: I love it.

Christina: After getting the coffee mug, it just fit.

Sherri: The Venue is the Chamber’s new venture. Are you part of the Chamber of Commerce? Who is handling The Venue rental?

Christina:  I have not yet added the Chamber of Commerce to my “Juggle list” yet.  I will hopefully be doing that soon.  Denise Bonner (252) 670-3711 is a member and she handles the Venue.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013016596629

Sherri: The town of Aurora has had a bit of a revival lately. It is so good to see the community coming together to make changes. You’re a part of that change.

Christina:  Thank you!  It’s so nice to see people coming together. I invite everyone to come out to any of the Aurora Leadership Council meetings.  Aurora events and happenings can be found on www.auroralife.us.  Make sure to sign up for the “Community Life” newsletter also!

Sherri: I’ve invited my fellow writers from the Pamlico Writers’ Group to bring their books to the Popup Event. Who else is going to be at The Venue?

Christina:  I started the vendor adventure with my former beauty company about a year ago.  I have made some awesome and talented friends.  There will be MT’s Cupcakes, Ms. Mary Jenkins, & Funnels of Love,  we also have Scentsy, East Coast Customs,  2 Creative Sista’s, handmade wood crafts, purses, towels, jewelry, Colorstreet, Tulaxii,  a wide array  

Sherri: You were talking of doing other events; what else do you have in mind?

Christina:  I plan on trying to have a popup once a month.  Next month is set for March 12th. Vendors can sell their items and/ or have a yard sale table.  Space is limited, so first to pay gets a spot.  If interested, please contact me (252) 375-0915 to be added to my Facebook group of vendors.

https://www.facebook.com/designbyEastCoast
https://www.facebook.com/ahhamilton1
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013016596629
https://www.facebook.com/april.s.brooks.3

Plus Pure Romance representative, handcrafted items and jewelry designer, Bridgett Bonner

https://pureromance.com/pws/BridgettBonner/tabs/home

and more…

Don’t miss this holiday event at The Venue. Find great gift ideas or something for yourself.

I’m so excited to be included in this event.

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