I have a big announcement coming up!

I can’t say what it is just yet since it’s still in the works, but I’m extremely excited about it. Honestly, I needed it. Sometimes as authors, we just really need someone to validate our work, our skill, our importance in the creative world. And don’t get me wrong, self-reliance is hugely important in that way, but especially in this age where it’s harder and harder to become a writer of any kind through any publishing track, sometimes the external validation that yes, we are good writers and yes, the world needs our work, is just nice to hear.

So, this is your reminder: don’t let your self-doubt weigh you down. We all have insecurities, but it’s up to you to identify your own and do the work to keep them from ruling your life. It’s okay to be afraid. But do the creative work anyway. It’s okay to wonder if you’re any good. But do the creative work anyway. Because the reality is you might not start out great, but you will get there. With time, practice, and a lot of study (that means reading a lot), your writing skills will improve. The more you read, the faster the process will go. The more you write, the faster the process will go.

Don’t give up. Don’t let imposter syndrome convince you that your work doesn’t have value or isn’t good enough. All artistic expression has value. Let yourself experiment and explore. Don’t worry about how people will respond to what you’re making. Just get the making done. Because even the things that you don’t think are great, someone else might look at and say they love it. Hell, it could be your next big step forward as an author. I almost didn’t submit something for publication consideration because I didn’t think anyone would care about it. Its focus is romance, specifically the first six months with the person I’m partnered with now, and I genuinely didn’t think anyone would care.

I know differently now. And I also know not to make up someone else’s mind for them, and to have a little fucking faith in my writing. I needed this win ya’ll, and I am so excited to tell you about it.

Do something scary with your work today.