MY AUTHOR LIFE - M.JAMESON.

Ok, so this is something I've never done before! I grew up without the internet or fancy computers, and although I've come a long way with using them, becoming an author has proven to me that I have a LOT to learn.

Firstly, let me introduce myself. My name is Michelle Jameson, I'm an author, playwright, actor and fantasy make-up artist. I'm 47 and from Lincolnshire, England. I live with my fiance, daughter and out rescue pets, Minnie the Pomski and Betsy the tuxedo cat. I love reading, singing and travelling.

I'm not sure where to start, my journey so far has been a rollercoaster, and although things are going really well, wow, do I keep making huge mistakes. I'm hoping if I explain them on here that I might help aspiring authors avoid some of the mistakes I have made - and will inevitably keep making!

So just for tonight I'm going to list a few things that might life easier for budding authors or help readers understand just a tiny fraction of the challenges we face as indie authors, things I will talk about in length on other blogs.

*Get arc readers - as many as possible and give them plenty of time to read and review before you publish. I was stupid enough not to research and missed this, meaning I had no one backing me up when I wanted to share my book to new readers.

*Start a street team - again before you publish. Beta readers, arc readers, family or friends. Get them all involved and cheerleading for you asap.

*Don't assume that converting a file to epub means it's ready for an audience. I just did this and now have a review team of over 100 people reading a very unprofessionally formatted book. Not only is this embarrassing but it will affect my reviews. I wish I could take them back ,but there's nothing to do but ride this out now - another downfall to being older; I don't have a clue about these things.

*Grow a thick skin - horrible reviews will come your way and it's going to feel awful. You're even going to want to argue back. Just try to remember that these are few and are just the opinion of one person. It is not a true reflection of your work. I spent a year in the query trenches before I decided to self-publish and this made me much stronger but that first (and only so far, thank goodness) rude/mean review really stung and still plays on my mind. Keep positive and don't let them bring you down - it just wasn't a story for them.

Right, enough for today. I'm gonna ease myself into this, and I'll be back next Sunday.

Here's my website address if you'd like to know more or would like to sign up to my monthly newsletter. (Where you'll find out things earlier than everyone else, unless you're in my street team).

https://www.michellejamesonauthor.co.uk

Bye for now,

Michelle.