A Good Year
It’s a new year—a time for new stories, hopes, and dreams. And I have every intention of making this not only a good, but a great year.
For 2023, I have many milestones I want to accomplish, but to simplify, I made a three-part vision board for 2023. Thanks to @taylorhudsonwrites for the inspiration!
My vision board for 2023 is as follows:
· Sign with my agent champion for a multi-book deal/series and an agent for my children’s books
· Go on a writing retreat in nature
· Complete my four-book Scottish Stars series
Why an agent or agents you may ask?
An agent knows what publishers want right now and how to successfully sell and negotiate a book deal. Agents also have deep industry knowledge and can offer advice on contracts, royalties, author rights, and more. In addition, agents have a keen awareness of the market and can offer recommendations to make your book more successful. But most importantly, I want an agent champion. Someone who believes in my books as much as I do, will advocate for me, and partner with me on this incredible author journey.
Why go on a writing retreat in nature?
I have kids, a husband, a full-time job, and distractions at home. A retreat would enable me to focus entirely on my writing. Yesterday, I spent three hours working on edits at the local library (Shout-out to Mimi for watching the kiddos for me. I love you!). But as wonderful as it was, people coughed and hacked, the pungent smell of fresh paint and lacker inundated my senses, cell phones chimed and rang, and people shuffled back and forth.
Quiet.
Blissful quiet.
I’m most productive when I have a quiet space to write in, which is why I write when my family is in bed or before the dawn has even cast it’s soft, golden rays through my windows.
I’d also get to sleep in, rest, and rejuvenate myself. Those of you reading this who have kids will understand this wonderful dream of sleeping in. I can’t wait!
Plus, there’s something about nature—the scent of pine and earth, calm of birds soaring above, and crisp, fresh air. It’s grounding, calming, and revitalizing. I can’t wait to see where I end up this year. The retreat may be simply a single overnight stay or a few days, but however I accomplish this dream, I will be extremely thankful.
Why complete my four-book Scottish Stars series?
First off, it’s my favorite series thus far. And secondly, I want to share this beautiful series with the world! My Scottish Stars series was inspired by Outlander. It’s a swoony, contemporary romance series with strong heroines who achieve their dreams and learn that they deserve to be loved, handsome love interests with sexy Scottish accents, lush Scottish landscapes, travel themes, and most of all, heart.
A few weeks ago, one of my best friends informed me she’d read Falling for Lemon Snowballs, my debut Christmas romcom novella, and loved it. But the very next thing she asked was, “When's your next book available for me to read?”
It’s the best question I could’ve ever imagined. And one question that’s been repeated by friends, family, and other readers who’ve read Falling for Lemon Snowballs. This made my author heart sing. The answer: soon.
I’m waiting on an agent’s decision for the first book in my Scottish Stars series, have a contract on hold, and am querying other novels and children’s books. I wish there was something I could do to get the book world to move faster, but I can’t. I don’t have a magic publishing wand (though that does sound amazing!), but what I can do is this: continue to write, query, and write some more. It’s a long process, but it’s worth it. And believe me, I’m doing everything I can to get my books out there as fast as I can.
What I can tell you is this: I have many, many more books for you, including my four-book Scottish Stars series.
They’re coming.
I promise.
Thank you for following me on my author journey and asking those amazing questions!
With love,
Erica Mae
Considering an agent? Check out this insightful article: https://writersedit.com/fiction-writing/need-literary-agent-definitive-pros-cons-list/
Need a few more reasons to get out in nature? Check out this article as well: https://beechwoodlodge.co.uk/how-a-retreat-to-nature-helps-you-reconnect/