I love an occasional newsletter from my favourite authors - one that gives me a little peek into their creative process; tells when the next book in a favourite series is coming; and sometimes shares a little bit of their real life and how they balance the juggle of life and writing - especially if they are also on the parenting and/or chronic illness journey.
I also know that having a newsletter as an author is deemed 'good practice' for building a community; and yet, I've been getting myself in a bit of a fear tangle about starting my own.
Why?
Firstly, while I'm new to my indie author career, I'm not new to writing a newsletter as form of community building and marketing.
When I became self-employed 5 years ago, I began a newsletter as part of my coaching practice. I enjoyed writing them and the conversations they generated. I loved growing a community that looked forwards to that little bit of cheerleading in their inbox.
But, but...
I also burnt myself out - and more than once - in the process of trying to provide a 'consistent' newsletter.
I got myself entangled in trying to put out a regular newsletter (weekly, monthly) when my health does everything it can to conspire against me being able to plan any kind of schedule - even in the longer term.
Why bother, then? I want to!
I'm leaning into that being enough of a reason at this ripe old age of 45. I miss writing to my current and future readers.
I also want to share more about my forthcoming series - it is coming, slowly, but surely!
I want to be able to grow a space where 'my people' - those of you that love cozy mysteries and sneak peeks into real writing life from a mid-life, chronically ill, mum!
Those of you who like what I share on Instagram, but perhaps want a bit more of the 'behind the scenes' and some more exclusive content related to my stories and creative process.
If that is you - then subscribe.
What will these postcards from my desk include?
I won't be promising a weekly or monthly newsletter.
I am not currently 'selling' anything.
I'll just pop into your inbox now and again with some news about how my stories are progressing (e.g. cover reveals, character inspo, research process, favourites reads, and maybe the occasional reflection on getting out of a blocked slump or illness/motherhood enforced break!)
And when my first book is ready to pre-order, then I'll let you know about that too!
Speak soon,
V x
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