A Year for Prosperity
Happy New Year!
Thank you so much for being here and being a part of my author journey. I’m so excited for what’s in store for 2025!
To start the year, I like to choose a word to help me focus. My word for 2025 is prosperity! I’m aiming high. According to Merriam-Webster, to prosper means to ‘succeed in an enterprise or activity’ or ‘flourish physically; grow strong and healthy.’
My goal is to be a successful, full-time author—to prosper, provide for my family, help others, and bring more love into the world, one book at a time. Closing my eyes, I can picture myself writing in my very own pastel pink painted office at my writing desk with a floor-to-ceiling bookcase and decorated with pictures of my family, Scottish landscapes, and inspiring décor. I can see my beautiful backyard from my open window and hear my children’s happy laughter as they play in the golden sun. Dreams don’t just happen—you have to see them.
I’ve prayed, I’m working diligently, and I can see my future clearly. I can’t wait to see how this word shows up in 2025!
To be a successful author today, especially when publishing with a smaller press, you have to advocate and market your book yourself. You may not know, but I’m naturally a very shy person. I’m an introvert, bookworm, and home body, and I live with high-functioning anxiety. I shy away from big crowds, unless it’s an incredible concert, and get nervous at public events. But I know in order to reach my dreams, I have to persevere past the uncomfortable moments—comfort zone move aside!
I’ve contacted numerous local bookstores to request they carry my book, THE STARS OF SCOTLAND, and also podcasts, bookstagrammers, and more to help spread the word about this beautiful romance.
What I’ve found is that persistence and follow-up are key. The first bookstore to add physical copies of my book to their store was my local Barnes and Noble. Eek! Pinch me. This past weekend, I visited the store with my family and signed a stack of my books for sale. As an extra perk for readers, I also stuck bookmarks between the pages. The manager even put a sticker on each noting each book was a Signed Author Copy! It was such an incredible moment to step into the bookstore as an author with my children skipping beside me. Definitely a bucket list moment! Before leaving, we took a few pictures, and I even spoke to a few readers who had strolled over in interest.
My daughter and I at Barnes and Noble. After this photo was taken, she looked at me and said, “I’m going to write my own books and sign them, too!”
I’m saying ‘yes’ to all God has in store for me. I said that very thing on January 1st as well!
And guess, what? I have three incredible announcements, including two I just confirmed this week (and yes, it’s only Tuesday!). I’ve done many happy dances this week!
1. Barnes and Noble, Fullerton confirmed my Author Event for March 23rd.
2. I’ve been invited to participate in MomBossMotivation’s Podcast.
3. My book will be featured in multiple author newsletters in January and February.
The Stars and Scotland on the shelves at Barnes and Noble! I’m so sorry the picture is blurry. I was emotional. :)
I’m so thankful for this forward momentum, and I’m excited to see what else is in store!
What are you working toward this year?
Until next time, I send you lots of love.
Erica