Every post, every newsletter from you is a lesson in patience and resilience and grace for me - and probably for a lot of your other readers too.
Life isn’t a smooth ride and seeing the way you tackle the challenges, roll with the punches (even the ones that have that initial stunning senseless effect), and keep moving forward brings comfort and hope.
Also from one martial artist to another, there is nothing quite like drills and sparring and learning to control (and trust!) your body for bringing balance - physically or mentally.
I love how you circled back to the destinations! I had forgotten about that, and something like that would be great for me to do in a retrospective look at the year (it’s been Weird™️)
Love reading your newsletters—they always validate my indie-author struggles. I felt guilty this year for only releasing three books when small indies often feel pressured to rapid-release. I’ve usually put out at least five since 2023.
After Kindle Vella shut down 2024, this year became a time to test new things. My Kickstarter hit $25K with zero ads or viral videos—just organic FB support—but I learned this: I’m not a Kickstarter author. Fulfilling nearly 200 orders alone drained me and pulled me away from what I love most: connecting with readers. Advocacy and mental health are huge parts of my platform, and I missed being present.
My KU reads were thriving earlier in the year while I explored a new genre I fell in love with. Being successful at multi-genre is such a gift, but Kickstarter made my KU tank. Word to the wise: something’s gotta give. Patreon also suffered.
2026 is my year to embrace what fulfills me and release what doesn’t. Mood writing is okay. Following inspiration is okay. I don’t owe readers back-to-back releases—but I do owe myself positive energy and a sustainable pace. And it seems like you are doing the same for what fills you and what you let go. Here’s to 2026 being a great writing year.
It's incredible how much you accomplished this year! I really appreciate your honesty about your goal-setting process and what it actually means to be a fluid creator - I may need to try something like that in the new year. Setting unachievable goals for myself or, its inverse, floundering around doing what feels good, has been a personal challenge. Definitely going to check out Becca Syme's resources!
And also, just a quick note - I LOVED Executioners Three!! It made my millennial heart nostalgic and was such a fun ride!
You were WILDLY productive and have every reason to be proud of yourself! Especially with the unexpected things life threw your way. I'm so impressed by all you've accomplished. Here's to a wonderful 2026, friend.
Every post, every newsletter from you is a lesson in patience and resilience and grace for me - and probably for a lot of your other readers too.
Life isn’t a smooth ride and seeing the way you tackle the challenges, roll with the punches (even the ones that have that initial stunning senseless effect), and keep moving forward brings comfort and hope.
Also from one martial artist to another, there is nothing quite like drills and sparring and learning to control (and trust!) your body for bringing balance - physically or mentally.
Thank you! This is a truly lovely comment. I certainly try to roll with the punches! Literally and figuratively. 🥋😂
My jaw is on the floor reading everything you accomplished this year. Inspiring.
I'm telling you! Once I got my "writing self" in alignment with Becca Syme's resources, it transformed my output! And happiness!
I love how you circled back to the destinations! I had forgotten about that, and something like that would be great for me to do in a retrospective look at the year (it’s been Weird™️)
"I sold four books to HarperCollins" What didn't you do Ms. Dennard? : ) That's a pretty good year and congrats
Great to hear, Susan! Looking forward to your new books! Take care.
Love reading your newsletters—they always validate my indie-author struggles. I felt guilty this year for only releasing three books when small indies often feel pressured to rapid-release. I’ve usually put out at least five since 2023.
After Kindle Vella shut down 2024, this year became a time to test new things. My Kickstarter hit $25K with zero ads or viral videos—just organic FB support—but I learned this: I’m not a Kickstarter author. Fulfilling nearly 200 orders alone drained me and pulled me away from what I love most: connecting with readers. Advocacy and mental health are huge parts of my platform, and I missed being present.
My KU reads were thriving earlier in the year while I explored a new genre I fell in love with. Being successful at multi-genre is such a gift, but Kickstarter made my KU tank. Word to the wise: something’s gotta give. Patreon also suffered.
2026 is my year to embrace what fulfills me and release what doesn’t. Mood writing is okay. Following inspiration is okay. I don’t owe readers back-to-back releases—but I do owe myself positive energy and a sustainable pace. And it seems like you are doing the same for what fills you and what you let go. Here’s to 2026 being a great writing year.
It's incredible how much you accomplished this year! I really appreciate your honesty about your goal-setting process and what it actually means to be a fluid creator - I may need to try something like that in the new year. Setting unachievable goals for myself or, its inverse, floundering around doing what feels good, has been a personal challenge. Definitely going to check out Becca Syme's resources!
And also, just a quick note - I LOVED Executioners Three!! It made my millennial heart nostalgic and was such a fun ride!
You were WILDLY productive and have every reason to be proud of yourself! Especially with the unexpected things life threw your way. I'm so impressed by all you've accomplished. Here's to a wonderful 2026, friend.