Do you ever have those moments when you think, 'this is too hard, maybe my [book, essay, project, business] just isn't meant to succeed or doesn't really matter in the scheme of things'?

I do. Those dark moments--especially with everything happening in our world--can be discouraging, to say the least. When it feels like the things I'm trying to accomplish are too small to matter, I find that reminding myself of why I wanted to pursue it in the first place helps.

If nothing else, I'd like to remind you to take a moment to revisit why you started writing this book, or why you already wrote a few books, or why you want to get it into the hands of readers.

What are the stakes for your book?

Who are the people who will miss out if you never do this book justice? (And yes, I ask myself this too)

If you need a refresher too, take out a piece of paper and write down WHY you wanted to do this and make note of WHO it's for. Consider how much fight you're willing to put in to get it out there.

Your obsessions are no accident.

I believe each of us are born with specific talents and interests for a reason. The more we listen to our intuitive callings to create what we're meant to create, the more balance enters our world.

Don't let overwhelm keep you from fighting for your work.

That belief in the kind of writers who feel called to their work, is part of why I do what I do. I know that marketing and promotional skills don't come naturally to most writers. But I also know how to stand in the gap to change that.

Will this be the year you get the book deal? Or perhaps, the year you finish your manuscript? Or maybe the moment you decide to truly take yourself seriously as a writer?

Is it fear or intuition?

As an advisor, I don't believe in just telling people what to do. I prefer to offer the best information and perspectives I can, then encourage my clients to check in with their gut to know what to do.

Trying new things or making significant investments in ourselves can feel scary. It can be hard to decipher fear from intuition.

In life and in publishing, there's always a point where you do your best and then have to release the outcome to the fates. But I believe in putting yourself in the way of luck.

Staying in flow

Every time I open the doors to my group program (just twice a year), there moments where I both doubt myself and yet trust what's meant to be. There's always a moment where I wonder if no one will be interested. I get a little anxious about who will apply--this is a special program and a special commitment to the writers who join, as we spend 6 months working together on their brand.

This time is no different, except that I'm going more gently, and trusting more than ever that the exact right people will be in this group. Spoiler: it always ends up that way. I'm so excited about those who have already joined and those who will soon. ✨

Above all, I am so very grateful to do this work. It's a privilege to guide authors through the transformational process of owning their power and helping them turn that into tangible, actionable results.

It's magical.

Wherever you are in your publication journey, thank you for allowing me in your inbox. I hope it brings you nourishment.

If this speaks to you and you're ready to transform your career and your relationship to success, check out the Author Brand Strength Group Program. If this email floats your boat and you just want to say hi, feel free to do that too. ;)

Book Launch Congratulations

Quick congrats to two clients on their books that just came out. Naseem was in my first ever author branding class (and we've worked together since) and Bridget was in the first cohort of my Author Brand Strength Group Program.

Congrats to Naseem Jamnia! Their new middle-grade horror tale, The Glade came out May 27th! "Former neuroscientist Jamnia’s middle-grade debut is a lushly atmospheric summer camp horror with an unexpected ecological twist." —Kirkus Review ​ Learn More: The Glade ​ “Andrea is incredible. I cannot recommend Andrea as a consultant/advisor/mentor enough! Make no mistake, she’ll push you to think about things and be honest with yourself, but she supports you the whole way.” Naseem Jamnia Award-Winning Author of THE BRUISING OF QILWA, THE GLADE, and others

Congrats to Bridget Crocker! Her debut memoir, The River's Daughter came out June 3rd! “Heartrending in its maturity and its quest for empathy . . . A brave, sincere story of the shattering and saving powers of adrenaline and humility.”—Kirkus Review Learn More: The River's Daughter ​ “After finishing my manuscript, the program was just what I needed to kick-start the next phase of going to market. I came away with a solid understanding of my brand and created the assets I need to streamline my website for agents and my ideal readers. I feel so much more confident about the publishing process and my place in the market.” Bridget Crocker, Author of THE RIVER'S DAUGHTER + River Explorer

Also, stay tuned as I'll also be celebrating more clients in the coming months for book launches that happened while I was on hiatus from publishing my regular email newsletters.

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✨ If the 6-month program isn't for you, here are some more bite-sized resources:

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Wishing you all the best,

Andrea