I Found Myself in 2023

2023. It’s been an incredible year. I’ve struggled, celebrated, cried, fought, dug deep, and grown as an author and as a woman.

I’ve found balance by prioritizing my life—first finding work/life balance with my job after some important discussions at work to protect my family time and mental health, and also talking with my husband to ensure I have writing time. I took a Career Author Mastermind course and am currently enrolled in a Career Novelist Mastermind course with the wonderful, Camille Pagan, focusing on growing my author career. And, I’ve written more than I ever have.

I’ve almost completed my memoir. I’m querying When the Stars Burn (the second standalone book in Scottish Stars). I’ve written the first draft to the third book, drafted a few chapters of book four with copious notes to resume in 2024, written three children’s picture books (querying two of them), and published a personal article, “My Husband’s Tragic Accident Tested My Marriage Vows,” about my husband and my journey back to love after his accident on YourTango.

I also started my own business, officially, for Erica Mae Books (happy dance!). This year, I received my first royalty payments as an author and knew I had to legitimize my author career to pave the way for a bright, successful future. After submitting the legal forms, I cried. I’m doing it. I’m taking another important step to pursuing my dreams of becoming a full time author and bringing more love into the world, one book at a time.

And, I turned 40. Gah! I can’t believe I’m 40. But you know what? I’m ready for this next chapter. The next 40 are going to be the best yet, starting with 2024 and the publication of THE STARS OF SCOTLAND.

This year, I found myself.

I am incredibly proud of the woman I am and where I’m going.

None of this would’ve been possible without constant support from YOU. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for journeying with me on this wonderful, and sometimes bumpy author ride.

Thank you for cheering me on.

Thank you for seeing me.

Thank you for whispering, “Don’t quit.”

Thank you for connecting with me.

And, thank you for being here.

xoxo

Erica