Arg. This has me written all over it. The art of patience and how important it is in the indie author biz.

I can't even say, "This is something I struggle with in my author career," because impatience is something I struggle with in ALLLLL aspects of my life. I've been actively toning my patience muscles for a while now, and while I've gotten a lot better, it hasn't been easy. 

I've learned why patience is one of the most critical practices as a business owner and writer the hard way. Here are a few of them...

1. Impatience leads to making assumptions, and assumptions kill (as Jack Reacher would say). They can be detrimental or at least very scarring when they backfire, whether you're publishing a book or making hasty business decisions.

   1. Not giving your manuscript a final read-through or at least run it through a grammar checker before uploading the final version for publication (after you've made a bunch of changes to what was already edited and proofread). It took me a few books before I actually learned my lesson. I'm dyslexic, so the last pair of eyes on my work should never be my own.

2. If you're impatient, you might miss an important detail, especially in time-sensitive situations.

   1. Not double- and triple-checking that you have the correct manuscript uploaded before your Amazon preorder is locked for publishing, even though you told yourself you should. *Somehow the version that was in there and apparently had track changes from my editor was visible in the ebook too. Fun times.

3. If you're impatient, you're less likely to trust your gut, or ignore it completely, so be sure to stop and listen to your intuition when it's speaking to you. 

   1. When you have a feeling you need to do more character development about XYZ because your mind keeps circling back to that, but it's too much work because you've come so far. Instead, you leave it out, and all of your beta readers tell you to do the thing you ignored, adding additional work when you're up against a deadline, AND now your manuscript is different, and your beta readers have already read through it. *This is when I changed my revision process and instated an alpha reader first. The tradeoff is that the production process is longer when you do it that way.

Sometimes, in the marketing aspect of things, impatience can cost you a lot of time AND a lot of money. You keep trying new things instead of analyzing what you've already got going first. Maybe you're so set on making $1,000 a day that you have so many efforts in the works and you can't give any of them the time and focus they need in order to succeed. 

Maybe you spend 3 days creating ads and then let them run for three days, and when you aren't making money, you pull them and move on instead of tweaking or waiting to see what happens when they gain traction. I don't use ads, but if I did, I would have to practice a lot of patience.

Obviously, there are numerous ways impatience can hurt you financially and emotionally, so remember to be kind to yourself. To slow down. To be thoughtful in your business and in your writing process in order to avoid some of the I should haves at the end of the day. It will help keep some of your sanity intact, too. :)

Distractions abound! This world is inundated with shiny objects, so navigating this minefield carefully is difficult but imperative, especially if your goal is to write books and make money.

It’s a constant practice for me (and many authors) to stay focused when the world pulls us in every way it can and inundates us with so much noise and unwanted distraction that focusing can be one of the most challenging hurdles for writers.

Email popups, telemarketers, door salespeople, schedule kinks, sick kids, writer’s block, animals need attention, the house needs to be clean… And that’s not including the distractions and curveballs the publishing industry will throw your way.

Distractions with the writing biz aren’t just when we’re in the writing cave, but when we’re focusing on to-dos, prioritized tasks, multitasking - you name it. But for today, I’m diving specifically into writing. Writing is why we’re doing this, after all. It’s what we want to do most and what most wish we could do faster.

Being realistic and aware of your time is critical to being productive and staying on course. It sounds easy, and for some writers, it is. But for many (like me), it’s not.

In my Brainstorming and Outlining Novel workbook, I talk a bit about this because preparing yourself can make all the difference on writing day when you have limited time and that word count you’re determined to make.

No Excuses or Distractions! You can gather what you need beforehand to be productive while you're in your writing cave and minimize distractions.

Here are some items I make sure I have with me:

You might not need or want all of these items when you’re in the writing zone, but being honest with yourself about what your distractions tend to be can make all the difference when you have a job to do and need limited distractions to do it.

MOST IMPORTANT: NO PHONES ALLOWED

If you’re like me and get a little anxious if you can’t see your phone (in case of an emergency), consider turning off all notifications so that Messenger, Instagram, email notifications, etc., aren’t popping up and deterring you from the task.

Sometimes, it helps to turn my phone over so I can’t see the screen.

The write frame of mind.

In addition to blocking out shiny objects, getting in the right frame of mind is another way to set yourself up for efficiency and success during your writing session.

To do this, I start by outlining/bulleting what I need to do during my next writing session before I quit for the day. That way, when I sit down to write, it’s already figured out for me. And I generally re-read what I wrote the day before to settle back into the story.

Unless you're taking the night to rework a plot point or ponder something, don't leave snags in your story for the next day. Get them ironed out before you sit down to write again if you can.

Other resources:

Immersive Writing Sessions with Abbie Emmons (I use her writing sprints as well)

Noisli - white noise generator for focus

Here is an extensive list of apps that may help you focus.

I've had multiple coaching clients come to me recently with the same concern: "Lindsey, this company says they'll publish my book for $3,000. Is that normal?"

Let me be crystal clear: You never have to pay someone to publish your book. Ever.

This isn't about being cheap or cutting corners—it's about understanding your options and making informed decisions about your author career.

The Truth About Publishing

Here's what's real: Traditional publishing houses will never ask you to pay them. In fact, money flows to the author, not away from them. Publishers pay advances, cover production costs, and handle distribution because they believe your book will make money.

But what about all those companies advertising publishing services? They're not lying when they say they'll publish your book—they're just not telling you the whole story.

What "Paid Publishing" Really Means

When you pay a company to publish your book, you're essentially hiring them to do what you can do yourself. They're offering services like:

• Cover design

• Formatting

• ISBN registration

• Distribution setup

• Basic marketing

These are legitimate services, and some authors choose to pay for them. But here's what they don't always make clear: none of these services require their specific company, and many can be done for free.

Your Free Publishing Options

You can self-publish your book at zero cost using platforms like:

• Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)

• IngramSpark (for wider distribution)

• Draft2Digital (distributes to multiple retailers)

These platforms provide:

• Free formatting tools

• Basic cover design options

• ISBN assignment (or you can get your own)

• Global distribution

• Print-on-demand services

When Paying Might Make Sense

I'm not saying you should never invest in your book. Professional editing, custom cover design, or marketing services can be worthwhile investments. The key difference is understanding what you're paying for and having control over those decisions.

If you choose to hire professionals, hire them directly:

• Find a freelance editor through organizations like the Editorial Freelancers Association

• Work with cover designers on platforms like 99designs or Reedsy

• Hire marketing professionals who specialize in your genre

Red Flags to Watch For

Be wary of companies that:

• Contact you first (especially after seeing your social media posts about writing)

• Promise bestseller status or guaranteed sales numbers

• Rush you into signing contracts

• Are vague about what services are actually included

• Don't clearly explain your rights and ownership

The Bottom Line

Publishing your book is absolutely achievable without spending thousands of dollars. Whether you choose traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid approaches, you have options that don't require hefty upfront payments.

Your book deserves to see the world—but you shouldn't have to mortgage your future to make that happen.

Take Control of Your Author Journey

The most empowering thing you can do as an author is educate yourself about your options. Research the different publishing paths, understand what each one offers, and make decisions based on your goals and budget—not on pressure from sales calls.

Remember: you wrote the book. You have the power to decide how it gets published.

What questions do you have about publishing paths? Drop them in the comments—I read and respond to every one.

Survival romance sets an epic stage for romantic tension. 

I'm not trying to convert you to writing this genre - BUT I DO WANT YOU TO THINK ABOUT THE ART OF STORYTELLING. How you can create these high-stakes and emotionally ridden situations in your stories.

Look, I'm a romance junky, so I don't say this lightly. But in my humble opinion, writing disaster fiction and romance together isn't just epic—it's storytelling genius. Here's why this combination creates some of the most gripping character development and tension you'll ever write:

1. You're Writing in Virgin Territory We've all seen the billionaire and sports romance markets. They're saturated, and honestly? Some readers are getting bored with the same formulas. That's why there are always new genre trends on the rise.

But survival romance? You're practically writing in virgin territory. There's so much unexplored emotional and plot real estate here that you can truly make your mark as an author.

2. Your Character Development Writes Itself Here's the thing about high-octane disaster scenarios—they strip your characters down to their absolute core. No masks, no pretenses, just raw humanity fighting to survive. That guttural fear that makes your throat close? That's universal. Every reader has felt it, which means instant emotional connection. Your characters aren't just falling in love—they're discovering who they really are when everything else falls away.

3. You Get the Ultimate Antagonist Mother Nature doesn't negotiate. She doesn't have character flaws you need to justify or backstory you need to develop. She's pure, relentless force—and she makes every other villain look like child's play. Your billionaire hero's money means nothing against a Category 5 hurricane. Your mafia don is just as vulnerable as anyone else when the ground starts shaking. It's the great equalizer, and that creates incredible storytelling opportunities.

4. Tension That Practically Writes Itself And here's where it gets really good for us romance writers—survival situations are tension goldmines. Forced proximity isn't just a convenient plot device anymore; it's literally life or death. Characters sharing body heat isn't cute—it's survival. That abandoned cabin isn't romantic—it's shelter. But somehow, in that raw, desperate environment, love still finds a way. That's the kind of storytelling that keeps readers turning pages at 2 AM.

The sexual tension writes itself because the stakes are already sky-high. Add enemies-to-lovers into a disaster scenario? Chef's kiss Pure magic.

The Bottom Line

In my opinion, disaster romance gives you everything: fresh territory, automatic character development, an unbeatable antagonist, and tension that practically leaps off the page. It's high-octane storytelling that forces both your characters and your readers to confront what really matters when everything else gets stripped away.

It doesn't have to be a dystopian world. You can still make the conflict external and deeply, emotionally gripping.

What disaster scenario would you want to throw your characters into? 

Dean and Harper's story reminded me why I love this genre so much—their character development in extreme circumstances was some of the most rewarding writing I've done. The banter alone was worth every challenging scene!

Let me know your thoughts or questions in the comments! 

Linds

Reflecting on my UpperPen interview and why I love writing survival dystopian stories so damn much!

Hi authors! I was interviewed recently and we talked a lot about limitations in writing and world-building, and why I like to color outside the lines so much.

This might be a good interview to watch if you’re curious about how I brainstorm characters, choose the worlds I want to create, if you are curious about research, and all the other random tangents I went on. Ha! I hope you find it helpful.

https://youtu.be/oBydKpp52As

*You can also listen to the UpperPen Podcast on Spofity!

Linds

WHAT IS A GOAL? The end toward which effort is directed. An aim.

We’ve been talking about the pitfalls of self-doubt and overwhelm throughout your writing and publishing journey.

This month’s pitfall couldn’t be more apt – not setting goals. A new year means new goals and resolutions, right? Let this be the year you get serious about your writing journey and set yourself up for success by making REALISTIC short and long-term goals to measure your progress.

Do they have to be massive goals? No.

Do you have to have daily, weekly, or monthly goals? Whatever feels right and is productive for you.

REMEMBER: EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE LIMITED WRITING TIME.

There’s nothing worse you could do for yourself than jump into open waters alone with no flotation device. You’ll drown otherwise, right? Don’t ask me where these analogies come from, but I imagine an endless, glinting sea of all the things that want our attention. Swimming to all of them without a tether isn’t only exhausting, but you could drown.

Goals serve as our guide and tether to practicality. Things will come up and change throughout the week, month, or year, but your end game usually stays the same. Action steps to reach your goals give you momentum, and the closer you inch toward your goal, the more motivated you’ll feel.

You will continually let yourself down if you aren’t practical about what you can achieve and how you are going to get there.

What does goal setting look like? That depends on your personality. It can be as broad and big-picture for 2024, or as detailed as you want it to. The key are actionable steps to move you in that direction. Because if overwhelm is the mother of creativity killers, then goals are what allow us to break things down into manageable pieces, and you know how much I like manageable pieces.

Questions to ask yourself might be:

What are my existing responsibilities to consider?

Are there things I can declutter from my life in order to make more time to meet my writing/publishing goals?

What nagging tasks are taking up precious bandwidth and energy?

Realistically, how much time do I have to meet my goal?

Are there resources I might find to help me?

What sort of research should I do in order to make the best use of my time?

TIP: Not everyone has the privilege of writing whenever they want to. If writing has to take a backseat in order to focus on your health or family, don’t feel guilty. Use that itch to write when you can’t as fuel to get other things off your plate. Or shift your schedule so TV time becomes writing or reading time.

Let this month be the start of a new chapter in your writing life.

The New Year is here, and whether we’re ready for it, it’s to our benefit to pause, take a breath, and look at what realistic goals we can achieve. You might have to pivot along the way, but it’s easier to stay on course if there’s a path to follow forward.

You can read previous posts in this series by clicking the "Avoiding Self-Sabotage" tag for connected posts. :)

My short and sweet roadmap from chaotic thoughts and blank pages to writing The End and slipping that baby onto your bookshelf.

As aspiring authors, you see the finished novels on shelves and think, “How do I get from blank page to that?” What you don’t see are the messy, invisible stages that every published author goes through. Here’s the real roadmap based on my experience:

1. The Spark & Chaos Stage Every book starts with a whisper—a random idea, a “what if,” or dialogue that won’t leave you alone. At this stage, it’s all chaos and excitement. You feel like you cannot write fast enough. Sticky notes everywhere, half-formed characters, messy notebooks. Nothing makes sense yet, but the excitement is electric.

2. Building the Skeleton Once the spark takes hold, give it structure. Outlines, character sheets, world-building documents, plot beats. Think of it like laying out bones—not pretty, but it’s the foundation that holds everything together. I never miss this step—my brain gets too chaotic and I lose steam if I don’t find structure.

3. Research & World-Building This is the rabbit-hole stage. Whether it’s survival tactics, historical accuracy, or fantasy lore—dive deep. Readers might not notice every detail, but they feel it when your world is solid and authentic. Even when I make up my own lore, it has to make sense in the world. You can’t get sloppy! World-building is the glue that holds your story together.

4. Drafting in Layers Your first draft is NOT your book—it’s raw material. It’s fluid and I can’t be rigid in this. Sometimes, I even draft scenes out of order, leave gaps, write placeholders like “insert epic fight here” and “something funny here” when rushing to capture ideas. Each draft adds depth, polish, and heart.

5. The Brutal Cut This is what aspiring authors fear most: the cutting room floor. Sometimes, entire chapters get rearranged or deleted. Character arcs change. Your favorite scenes might not make the final cut. It’s painful but necessary—the story is always stronger for it. The quicker you can accept that and embrace it, the better off you’ll be.

PRO TIP: Keep what you don’t use. Deleted scenes are GOLD. You might not want to do anything with it now, but you never know if you want to do a special edition one day, or offer a sneak peek behind your process to members later. I ALWAYS keep those morsels.

6. Feedback & Collaboration Writing looks and feels solitary, but no published book exists without collaboration. Beta readers, critique partners, editors, proofreaders—they help transform your story into something tighter and more impactful. Embrace this stage instead of fearing it. Get a good group together to help your story shine!

7. Transformation & Publication The final stage involves copyedits, cover design, formatting, marketing—the business side that transforms your manuscript into an actual book. It’s not always fun, but when you finally hold YOUR book, it's hard to believe it started as a scribbled late-night idea.

✨ Remember: Every published author has walked this exact path. The difference between published and aspiring authors isn’t talent—it’s persistence through these seven stages.

Your novel isn’t just words on a page—it’s proof you can turn chaos into story (and your dreams into reality).

Be dauntless!

Linds

You can visit the first post in this series here: 5 Ways to Sabotage Your Creativity & Productivity

As epic as you might feel diving into your story, there are pitfalls that contribute to self-doubt and overwhelm to be aware of in your writing and publishing journey.

Last month, I spent many posts on overwhelm and how detrimental it is to both your writing mindset and quality of life. But as you know, I enjoy breaking concepts down into manageable chunks to better understand the pieces that make up the whole.

While there are many contributions to overwhelm, and they are different for everyone, there are five biggies I’ve come across in my writing career:

·      Comparisonitis

·      Lack of Goal Setting

·      Shiny Object Syndrome

·      Over commitment

·      Impatience

Over the next few months, we’ll break each of these down to help set ourselves up for success instead of distraction.

The first key contribution to self-sabotage: Comparisonitis.

Comparisonitis. It isn’t a word you will find in Merriam-Webster, but it should be. It’s real, and just like overwhelm, comparisonitis is vicious. It will hold you back if you let it.

The key is to focus on yourself, which can be difficult to do. For many, distraction is easier than focus, and like most thing, it takes an active effort not to compare ourselves to others in many aspects of life. The book industry is no different. But if you use what precious time and energy you have, comparing yourself to others, you’re not focusing on your goals. Which means you’re straying from your own path to success. If you’re looking so closely at someone else, you’re also not being authentic to who you are and what your needs are in your journey as an author.

I say “you” but I also mean “we” and “me” because I am not immune to this.

Everyone has different skill sets. Unique challenges and roadblocks. Different strengths and inspirations, definitions of success and failure. Their own life experiences and decisions, sacrifices, and work habits that have gotten them where they are today.

Can other author journeys inspire you? Hell yes they can! But to compare yourself to anyone else could lead to negative and limiting beliefs about yourself. YOU WILL GET IN YOUR OWN WAY. The negative energy you spend wishing, resenting, and envying takes away from your energy and focus in your own goals, dreams, and aspirations.

Go into writing and authorship understanding that some creatives will write faster, better, or make more money than you once they publish.

Whatever the comparison might be, focus on your endgame - you and your book. Your career and business plan. Your writing habits and aspirations. What works for Barbara and David in the writing group won’t necessarily work for you. Their life is different, their experiences and expertise - even their struggles are unique, just as yours are.

Don’t let their success affect yours. It’s an active practice to stay on course, but staying on point and keeping your mindset honed on your goal lines is the best gift you can give yourself. It’s taken me nearly ten years to finally, truly, see that.

More about my personal journey next week when I chat about how it all started for me, co-authoring, comparisonitis, and finding my own path – twice.

Food for thought.

Is there anyone in your everyday life (industry or personal life) you may compare yourself to? Is it a healthy appreciation for their journey? Or does it feel a heavy and icky, like maybe you need to stop paying so much attention to their accomplishments and lifestyle?

Instead, make a list of things you’re proud of and celebrate all that you’ve achieved in your life thus far.

*If you have followed my coaching for a while, you've likely read my posts about this before. THESE SABOTAGES ARE SO IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER. 

How severe is your comparisonitis? Do you struggle with this sometimes (perhaps not only in your writing journey)?