December 2014 is the two year anniversary of my decision to become an independent author. It’s really been an amazing ride thus far. I’ve learned so much, made a whole lot of mistakes, and met some great people. I don’t regret the decision at all.

So I just want to reminisce for a minute about what I’ve done and what I’ve learned over these past twenty-four months.

What I’ve published:

• My first novel, “Beauty Rising” – Dec 2012
• My second novel “The Recluse Storyteller” – Oct 2013
• My third novel “The Reach of the Banyan Tree” – July 2014
• My first short story “If Love is a Crime: A Christmas Story” – Dec 2014
• Two dramatic sketches (using a pseudonym)

What I’ve written in addition to those above:

• My fourth novel, “A Love Story for a Nation” – coming July 2015
• My fifth novel in progress
• 20+ dramatic sketches
• A full length musical
• A one-act play

What I’ve done as an Indie Author:

• I started blogging daily.
• I stared a author’s Facebook page
• I reluctantly joined Twitter. I still can’t figure it out.
• I’ve run countless promotions.
• I’ve had my first couple public readings.

What I’ve learned as an Indie Author:

• Promotions are completely unpredictable. Some expensive ones are a waste of money. Some inexpensive ones are helpful. There’s no easy answer to promotion. Just keep trying new things.
• Reviewers are awesome. I really appreciate all the people who have agreed to read and review my books.
• Great reviews don’t equal great sales. I remember the first time a book blogger, someone I didn’t know at all, just raved about one of my books. I thought I heard the cash-registers going off in my head. I had arrived. Let the flood gates open. I’ll be swimming in sales. Okay. I had lessons to learn.
• The business aspect is hard. Keeping track of receipts. Taxes. Bleh!
• I love to write. I will continue to write regardless of how many books I sell.

Becoming an indie author has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. It has motivated me to improve in my writing and to not take good ideas for granted.

I’m so excited to see what will happen in the next two years. I am very pleased at what I’ve been able to accomplish so far, but I must believe that the best is still to come.