A Real Life Author

If you’ve been following me for a little while, you already know that my first novel (in my name) was published nearly 2 years ago. I have since then been featured in a multi-author non-fiction book meant to inspire. What I haven’t shared is that I have not received any compensation for my novel.

I was under the impression I needed to reach a certain dollar amount before I’d get my first royalty payment. Either way, I just figured all the sales I saw come through didn’t quite make that cut. What actually happened was that my banking details weren’t approved so they couldn’t send me any payments.

Guess what? I received a message letting me know that I needed to provide a new bank account. As soon as I updated that, I received a confirmation email, followed by another email telling me that I would receive a payment with the next batch of deposits.

I just got that first deposit! It was more than I thought it would be, and made me feel like an actual author instead of just a writer. Kind of like that story about a wooden puppet who wanted to be a real boy, I was a mere writer wanting to be an author. 

I know that sounds silly, especially since seeing my book, holding it, reading it, and watching family, friends, and strangers purchase and read it also made me feel like an actual author. I suppose this brought everything full circle for me. I have written, edited, edited some more, published, sold, and now have earned royalty payments from that novel.

I’m proud of myself for putting myself out there the way I have. There was a lot of doubt and insecurities and other things I had to work through to publicly share my work under my own name. It’s different being in the spotlight than it was just writing and letting someone else publish the work under their name.

As scary as parts of this process have been, I wouldn’t change any of it. I hope I inspire at least one person to go for their dreams. Don’t chase your dreams, but take one step at a time to get you closer to making it your reality. It’s the best feeling in the world to know that you did whatever it is that you wanted to do and made your dream come true.

As self-discovery is a continuous part of my journey, it’s become crystal clear over the past few months that I’ve taken a lot of background roles, even when I was in leadership positions. I’ve allowed a lot of people to take credit for a lot of things, then smear my name in the process. I really do hope that doing that got them where they wanted to be.

However, I’m not willing to sit back anymore. If there’s something I want to do, and it means stepping into the spotlight, I’m going to do just that. I’m just as deserving as the next person, and me shining the way I’m meant to won’t ever take away from anyone else. Just like someone else doing well can never take from me.

I’m not in competition with anyone. I’m only working to be a better person/woman than I was yesterday. No one can compete with me because there is nothing to compete for. I want to see everyone improve and advance.

As for me; I’m here. I’m a real author. My work isn’t for everyone, but for those who enjoy it, there’s so much more in store for you! I appreciate you joining me on this journey. Volume II is coming soon!