I had already picked out my topic for this week's blog several weeks ago because today is my thirteenth wedding anniversary! I was going to write about my husband and the support he has been to me through this process and maybe even talk a little bit about our history together, but God changed my plans. I'll just save that topic for another date, but today I have to share something else because I am just absolutely blown away by what has happened!
I've mentioned before that being a self-published author means that I have no one doing marketing or publicity for me. I am my own agent. When I put my book on Amazon, I think the scariest thing for me was that I had to rely on God to take it wherever it would go. If that meant that only my friends and family would ever read it, then that was going to have to be okay with me. If it took off and sold like crazy, well, that would be okay, too. My sphere of influence is really very small. I had let my friends and family know about it and asked them to pass on the news to their friends and family.
This process makes my sales kind of peak and valley. One month I hardly have any book sales and then the next there will be several. The thing I've noticed is that when I have a good month, if I Google my book I'll find that someone has posted it on a list or blog or something to get attention. Can I tell you how supremely grateful I am to every person who has ever done this? If you are one of those people, thank you, thank you, thank you!
To give you an idea of how the peaks and valleys go, I want to share with you what has happened the last few months. In February, 12 copies sold and that was actually a good month to date. In March, it took off and I had 100 sales! April started slow, but I ended with 22 books sold.
Now here's where my mind was blown. May started very slowly. I had 9 copies sold heading into the last week of the month. I was sitting and thinking about it and wondering what was going on. Suddenly, it hit me that I needed to realize Who was in control. I can worry and agonize over what I should do or if I should do anything. I can rejoice when it sells well and be disappointed when it doesn't, or I can just understand that God is in control and let Him take it wherever He will. I said, "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." (from Job 1:21) I told God that no matter what happened I understood that He was in control and I was going to bless His name regardless of the situation.
Yesterday morning I woke up and 16 copies had sold. Last night I looked at it said 357 books were sold! I couldn't believe my eyes. A minute later I checked again and it said 360 books were sold! I took it to my husband, Joel, to show him and it was up to 362! I was in tears! My husband hugged me close and told me how proud he was of me and how happy he was that my hard work was paying off. (I told you that he's been so supportive of me! I am so thankful for my husband!)
I don't say any of this to sound like I've got it all figured out, because, believe me, I don't. I feel sometimes like God is taking me on this journey in part to teach to me to let go! In another couple months, I may have to go through this all over again. But maybe eventually I'll learn. I also don't say this because I think I stumbled on a "magic" prayer. I cannot presume to know the mind of God. I don't know if one had anything to do with the other, but it meant something to me and it was something that I needed.
As of right now, my book has sold 476 copies this month - most of that just within the last two days! All I can do is sit back and marvel. I am blown away and emotional and just extremely thankful. One more thing. "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Best Laid Plans by Courtney Lyman
Monday, May 27, 2013
Monday, May 20, 2013
High School
I just went to my cousin's high school graduation yesterday. That made me think that it's been fifteen years since I graduated from high school. Now I feel old.
It was actually back in high school that I began to write. A few of my friends and I would write stories. Then we would switch and read them so we could offer constructive criticism. Often they would bring up things that I had never noticed before which helped make the story better. My stories back then were short, not very detailed and, to be honest, not very good. Yet I stilled enjoyed writing.
I never had any intention of actually publishing anything back then. I had wanted to be a teacher. My writing was just a fun pastime. I think those times got writing in my system and now when I have a story in my head I just have to write it down.
I'm pretty sure that none of my friends who read my stories thought I would ever one day write a full book and publish it. As nice as they were to me, I'm sure they realized that my stories were not good. They were so encouraging to me though. I'm sure if they had known I was writing a book, they would have been cheering me on and helping me out any way they could.
Even though it's been so long since I've been in high school, I'm so thankful for the support I got from my friends back then. They ignited a fire in me to write and gave me the assurance I needed to keep on.
Best Laid Plans by Courtney Lyman
It was actually back in high school that I began to write. A few of my friends and I would write stories. Then we would switch and read them so we could offer constructive criticism. Often they would bring up things that I had never noticed before which helped make the story better. My stories back then were short, not very detailed and, to be honest, not very good. Yet I stilled enjoyed writing.
I never had any intention of actually publishing anything back then. I had wanted to be a teacher. My writing was just a fun pastime. I think those times got writing in my system and now when I have a story in my head I just have to write it down.
I'm pretty sure that none of my friends who read my stories thought I would ever one day write a full book and publish it. As nice as they were to me, I'm sure they realized that my stories were not good. They were so encouraging to me though. I'm sure if they had known I was writing a book, they would have been cheering me on and helping me out any way they could.
Even though it's been so long since I've been in high school, I'm so thankful for the support I got from my friends back then. They ignited a fire in me to write and gave me the assurance I needed to keep on.
Best Laid Plans by Courtney Lyman
Monday, May 13, 2013
Mother's Day
My mom is a reader. Her idea of a great vacation is someplace quiet so that she can read as many books as possible. She always has a book on her nightstand, on her desk, in her purse - and now with ebooks, on her phone and on her Kindle. She was my example to be a reader.
As I got older, she began directing me to some of her own favorite books, authors and series. It was my mom who suggested that I read "Anne of Green Gables" and "Gone with the Wind". During the summer, my mom would take us to the library where I would come home with stacks of books because all I wanted to do on my summer vacation was read. My mom and I have a similar taste in books - we're actual a lot alike in many ways - and now that I'm an adult we swap books all the time knowing that if one of us liked it, the other one will, too. Usually when we loan books to each other, it's followed with the statement "Let me know when you're done, because I want to talk about it with you."
Before I published my book, I knew I wanted a few people to read it first. I wanted people who were avid readers (particularly of romance) and who could be honest without being hurtful. I wanted them to tell me what needed to change and what would make it better. I also wanted them to catch any errors like a character's name changing or a contradiction of something that had happened before. Then I wanted them to be my editors. I gave them a difficult task and I knew it. I chose three women: my mom, my sister and my closest friend. It was scary to let them read my book. I was opening myself up to criticism, which I knew I needed, and it was important to choose people who would be encouraging as well as critical.
My mom was a huge encouragement and still able to point out things that needed changing or clarification. I remember her telling me that while she was reading it she was watching some of her grandchildren, and she really wanted to just sit and read my book. However, she knew that it needed her full concentration to help me and wouldn't have that with the little ones running around. She also told me that, in some ways, my book reminded her of Debbie Macomber, who is one of our favorite authors! I know she's my mom and is biased, but it made me happy anyway. She also pointed out some key flaws to my story and asked some questions that helped me develop the characters a little bit more.
My mom is one of my best friends, one of my biggest supporters and a huge help to me. I know my book would have been lacking without her help and her encouragement gave me the courage I needed to actually go through with the publishing process and put my book out there for others to read. Mom, I love you so much! Thank you for everything you've done, for all your encouragement and all your help! I couldn't have done it without you!
As always, please feel free to offer advice or submit a question. If you'd like to receive my blog in your email, you can sign up below and if you'd like to check out my book, just click the link below.
Best Laid Plans by Courtney Lyman
As I got older, she began directing me to some of her own favorite books, authors and series. It was my mom who suggested that I read "Anne of Green Gables" and "Gone with the Wind". During the summer, my mom would take us to the library where I would come home with stacks of books because all I wanted to do on my summer vacation was read. My mom and I have a similar taste in books - we're actual a lot alike in many ways - and now that I'm an adult we swap books all the time knowing that if one of us liked it, the other one will, too. Usually when we loan books to each other, it's followed with the statement "Let me know when you're done, because I want to talk about it with you."
Before I published my book, I knew I wanted a few people to read it first. I wanted people who were avid readers (particularly of romance) and who could be honest without being hurtful. I wanted them to tell me what needed to change and what would make it better. I also wanted them to catch any errors like a character's name changing or a contradiction of something that had happened before. Then I wanted them to be my editors. I gave them a difficult task and I knew it. I chose three women: my mom, my sister and my closest friend. It was scary to let them read my book. I was opening myself up to criticism, which I knew I needed, and it was important to choose people who would be encouraging as well as critical.
My mom was a huge encouragement and still able to point out things that needed changing or clarification. I remember her telling me that while she was reading it she was watching some of her grandchildren, and she really wanted to just sit and read my book. However, she knew that it needed her full concentration to help me and wouldn't have that with the little ones running around. She also told me that, in some ways, my book reminded her of Debbie Macomber, who is one of our favorite authors! I know she's my mom and is biased, but it made me happy anyway. She also pointed out some key flaws to my story and asked some questions that helped me develop the characters a little bit more.
My mom is one of my best friends, one of my biggest supporters and a huge help to me. I know my book would have been lacking without her help and her encouragement gave me the courage I needed to actually go through with the publishing process and put my book out there for others to read. Mom, I love you so much! Thank you for everything you've done, for all your encouragement and all your help! I couldn't have done it without you!
As always, please feel free to offer advice or submit a question. If you'd like to receive my blog in your email, you can sign up below and if you'd like to check out my book, just click the link below.
Best Laid Plans by Courtney Lyman
Monday, May 6, 2013
Day Dreaming
When I went to the University of Arizona, I had a half an hour drive to get to school and then a half an hour walk once I got there since I didn't have a parking permit. All that time alone gave me time to day dream. I would wonder what would happen in certain situations and then day dream about it to see what would happen.
One day I wondered what would happen if a wedding planner had to plan her ex's wedding. The scenario popped up often as I walked to school and eventually characters emerged. They developed features and names. This scenario stuck with me for several years. It wasn't until three or four years after I graduated from the U of A that I even began to write Best Laid Plans and it would take me five years to complete it since I would write for a while and then forget about it for a time. Yet I would still think about the characters and the various situations that they might face. When I felt I had something worked out, I would sit down and type.
I still day dream a lot. I don't have that long drive and walk anymore, but just about anytime alone allows my thoughts to drift. When I get to a place where I feel stuck and don't know where to take my characters, I often just leave them there for a while and use my alone time to think of different ways to go. Then when I get something I like, I return to my writing.
I often use day dreaming to think about my next book as well. While writing Best Laid Plans, I decided that the other wedding planners needed their stories told as well and Georgia's story started to develop. Now that I'm writing book two, I often think about book three. It helps me keep one step ahead so that as soon as the book is finished and published, I can immediately begin writing the next story.
As always I look forward to hearing any questions or advice you may have for me, and you can see my book by clicking on the link below.
http://www.amazon.com/Best-Plans-Consulting-Series-ebook/dp/B0098O5A7M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367906685&sr=8-1&keywords=best+laid+plans+courtney+lyman
One day I wondered what would happen if a wedding planner had to plan her ex's wedding. The scenario popped up often as I walked to school and eventually characters emerged. They developed features and names. This scenario stuck with me for several years. It wasn't until three or four years after I graduated from the U of A that I even began to write Best Laid Plans and it would take me five years to complete it since I would write for a while and then forget about it for a time. Yet I would still think about the characters and the various situations that they might face. When I felt I had something worked out, I would sit down and type.
I still day dream a lot. I don't have that long drive and walk anymore, but just about anytime alone allows my thoughts to drift. When I get to a place where I feel stuck and don't know where to take my characters, I often just leave them there for a while and use my alone time to think of different ways to go. Then when I get something I like, I return to my writing.
I often use day dreaming to think about my next book as well. While writing Best Laid Plans, I decided that the other wedding planners needed their stories told as well and Georgia's story started to develop. Now that I'm writing book two, I often think about book three. It helps me keep one step ahead so that as soon as the book is finished and published, I can immediately begin writing the next story.
As always I look forward to hearing any questions or advice you may have for me, and you can see my book by clicking on the link below.
http://www.amazon.com/Best-Plans-Consulting-Series-ebook/dp/B0098O5A7M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367906685&sr=8-1&keywords=best+laid+plans+courtney+lyman
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