One Year Later: What I've Learned As A New Author

It's incredible to realize that it's been exactly a year since Legend Has It was released. I remember writing a post when that euphoria day was one year away. And now here I am on the other side of it, no longer wondering what it would be like. Now, I'm reflecting on the past year and everything I learned as a published author.

The rush of emotions

As cliché as this likely is, there is something special, almost magical (and incredibly surreal) about seeing your novel on a bookshelf.

It doesn't matter where it is. Right now as I write this, one of the three author copies I received from my publisher (Rowan Prose) is laid out on one of the end tables in my living room.

Even one year later, I still smile whenever I look at the cover and see the title and my name below it. I'm reminded of all the little moments it took to move this story from the first draft to paperback. So many hours. So many coffee shops. So much research. Channeling haunted house memories. Acting out scenes in my living room. Countless nights shared with a keyboard and a faint blue glow.

I can't speak for every author, but for me, it still feels special a year later. I suspect that first novel will always feel magical in some way. It's a physical reminder of a dream that became a reality. It won't be the last, but it will always be the first.

What free time?

When my childhood self envisioned being an author, I thought it would go like this: Write a novel, send it to a publisher, have them call you and say it's the best thing they've ever read, send you a contract, sign it, and put your feet up. Pop the champagne (umm, I mean, Capri Sun), enjoy the royalties, and wait for inspiration to put you back in the writer's chair.

It's fun to dream, right?

Fast forward to reality and I have days when I struggle to fit in the one thing I want to do the most--write. (Don't come at me. I actually use em dashes from time to time in my writing!). It's not for a lack of effort or energy. It comes down to the demands of being an author in today's landscape.

Authors, even those with a small press or Big 5 representation, have to wear many hats, including the marketing one. It involves reaching out to reviewers and influencers, speaking to bookstores and libraries, coordinating with businesses and schools for appearances, reaching out to the media in its many forms, discovering and attending book fairs, landing speaking appearances, plotting and posting on social media, figuring out where and when to spend money on ad placements, and so much more.

I don't say any of that to complain. Sure, some days it's frustrating to put in so much effort on outreach and return to an empty inbox or to attend an event that nets only a few sales. But that's the life of anyone who is starting out.

A learning experience

Building a legacy doesn't happen in a day, a week, a month, or even a year. It takes time. I've learned that you have to embrace all aspects of the journey, even the struggles. It all serves a purpose.

I see the first year of being a published author as a learning experience. I'm learning what works and what doesn't when it comes to marketing my novel, improving publicity, and building my legacy.

I've found that coffee shops don't seem to bring out a crowd for an author. While people might enjoy a spooky read amidst the howl of an espresso machine, they aren't usually in a book-buying mood. Book fairs tend to be the best when it comes to sales. Horror-centric ones do really well for Legend Has It, though I did have some luck as the lone spooky read at an event saturated with romantasy books.

I've found that Facebook ads deliver the best returns for sales and website visits. They also own Instagram, so your ads appear there, too. A double whammy for a single ad campaign.

I've learned that most book promoters, especially if they cold email you with enough text to fill a prologue, are disingenuous and not worth your time. Their narrative falls apart as soon as you ask them basic questions.

I've discovered that the social media algorithm never stays consistent. Once you gain some traction, something shifts and you have to adjust. I also wrestle with the idea that being a social media powerhouse comes with a cost. You have to invest so much time and energy in your socials to get them to grow. But that cuts into your writing time. It becomes a Catch-22 situation. You want to be a household name as an author, and a large social following can give you that. But if you want a large social media presence, you have to treat it like a full-time job. But being a writer is also a full-time job. And writing novels doesn't just happen. They take time.

Looking ahead

I once wondered what the release day for Legend Has It would be like. It was surreal, almost like walking in a dream. One year later, I still reflect on that day and all that has come since. It's been a rewarding experience, and I'm truly grateful for every moment.

Even with all that's happened since Sept. 16, 2025, I realize there's still plenty to learn. Writing and publishing Legend Has It was one major step in my larger author journey. You know what's great about that? There's so much more ahead.

To those of you who have followed me along this journey, thank you for your support. It means the world to see all of you who have embraced me and Legend Has It. Don't worry. There's still more to come. Much, much more!

I'm looking forward to sharing more stories with you!