Getting What You Wish For

Just in case you didn’t hear me shouting it from the rooftops . . .  I sold my first book!  Lori Wilde’s Indulgence line at Entangled Publishing will publish SOUTHERN COMFORT sometime in the near future (and you know I’ll let you know when!)

Even after having days to process the amazing moment of getting the call (described in detail on my blog) I still crack a crazy grin whenever I think about it. But, I quickly realized that I now had some work to do.

And, don’t get me wrong – I love every minute of the “next step” tasks. But, they did make me sit down and seriously reorganize and plan to maximize every opportunity I worked, hoped, and dreamed about.

Obviously, I need to prepare to hunker down and complete my edits when they arrive.  Turning in a quality book which will wow my readers is the number one priority. In addition, I need to complete the sequel, SOUTHERN NIGHTS.  Second only to making sure SC is the best it can be is the desire to sell the next book . . . and the next . . . and the next. I’m in this for the long haul.  This will required me to step up my dedication to my 2k per day word count and keep to my schedule.  I work full-time. I’m married and have two small children. I can’t waste a minute of writing time.

In the end it’s all about the writing. Period.

Next, I need to focus on and put into action my marketing plans.  I’ve read tons of books on the topic of marketing and branding and my favorite is “We Are Not Alone” by Kristen Lamb.  When I first read it, I knew that I wasn’t at the point where I needed to spend the money on getting a website designer and researching marketing tools and giveaways, but now I am.

So, I’ve embarked on that part of the journey. My attorney filed my incorporation papers last week for the creation of “Burning Up The Sheets, LLC” (I’m a lawyer and needed to do this for my peace of mind due to liability concerns) and I’ve chosen a website designer and just need to give him the go-ahead.  I’m updating my biography and filling out paperwork for my publisher and setting up an author page on Facebook (stop by and “like” me!)

It’s all good. It’s all fun. It’s exciting and terrifying and the most wonderful thing all at the same time.

So, be careful what you wish for . . . you just might get it. And, I hope you do.

Robin

35 thoughts on “Getting What You Wish For

  1. congrats my dear. I know the feeling…I’m a small business owner and marketing director for my brewery that is already very successful and expanding, and I just sold a novel to Ellora’s Cave after publishing several with Decadent, Rebel and Breathless this past year. that whole website thing has been a thorn in my side. I blog regularly and tried to sort of half – a** the site but am realizing that’s gotta be addressed in a more professional fashion. Best of luck with this exciting adventure.

  2. I sincerely believe you thrive on the fast-paced, get-it-done-now lifestyle–and you do it very well. I love that! I am also so very excited about your first sale, and Entangled Publishing, the hot, new kid on the block, and they are digging in for the long run with smart buys and excellent authors (like you:)…Congrats again.

  3. Come on, if anyone is crazy Type A enough to make it work, it’s you Robin! Just know you have mermaids who’ll come swimming to your aid if you need us. %)

  4. I am still so, so, so excited for you, Robin-Mermaid! Thank you for sharing your journey with us and I hope you continue to do so! Big smoochies! 😉

  5. You’re so lucky! You get 5-6 hours of sleep every night! LOL

    It sounds like you’re well-educated and well-focused for this part of the ride. But brace yourself, because it will get busier! 🙂

    But judging from this post, you’ll love every minute of it. 🙂

  6. Hi Robin!
    I’m making a spot on my “mermaid shelf” for Southern Comfort right now (next to Avery’s Dry Creek books, Alethea’s Alpha Oops and if I can track down Susan’s “vintage” published book!) And I also really want to say thank you for sharing this whole experience with us in a public forum. Mostly it’s exciting because it’s happening to you and I honestly can’t think of anyone more deserving but also it’s neat to have you as our example. 🙂

  7. Hi Robin,

    thanks for sharing the next part of your journey. Congrats again, and enjoy the ride!

    Robyn

  8. Hey, Robin, it was great to “meet” you in the awesome marketing class we just took, taught by Jennifer Fusco. Did you find it helpful? I’m definitely going to check out her book, “Market or Die”! I was interested to see you reference Kristin Lamb’s book, too. I just finished her other one, “Are You There, Blog?” Best of luck and much success with your new release, and congratulations!

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