Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Writer Wednesday: What 2016 Taught Me


Maybe I should have titled this post, "What I Learned in 2016." It was a tough year, but I did learn a few very important things. Here they are in no particular order:
  • Cover design  ~  I've been designing covers (in secret) for years, but this year I learned a lot about cover design and even did my own cover for Fading Into the Shadows, which I love.
  • ebook formatting  ~  I've been doing paperback formatting for a while, but this year, I learned fancy ebook formatting thanks to some awesome programs.
  • Self-Publishing is the way to go for me  ~  I've been traditionally published, but I'm not interested in that route anymore. I've worked on both sides of publishing for years now, and I'm ready to take my future in my own hands and self-publish from here on out. (I'm very excited about this!)
  • I love writing adult mysteries  ~  For years I swore I wouldn't write adult books, but look at me now. I don't know why I didn't think I'd like it, but I find the 25-30 age group really fun to write about.
  • Balance  ~  I'm particularly proud of this one because I've had the goal of finding balance between editing for clients and working on my own books for the longest time. I just couldn't figure out how to pull it off until I participated in NaNoWriMo this year. Now, I know I can balance the two and get all my work done on time.
Those are my top five writing lessons learned in 2016. What did you learn this year?


9 comments:

  1. Lessons learned include the realisation that the publishing business is all about making money. I don't know why I thought it wouldn't be. I've learnt to expand my world through new interests and contacts. More expansion in 2017. I've also learned that I'm more than I thought I was. All the best for the new year, Kelly.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sounds like you learned quite a bit! I hope 2017 is good to you.

      Delete
  2. I've learned to set up my own blog tour. I previously thought I'd use a blog tour site and purchase a tour package.
    I've only self-published one book, a poetry chapbook, but still interested in hybrid publishing (doing both the traditional & self publishing route).
    Balance is something I'll need to work on in 2017. Balance in finding the time to write and using it wisely. Between work, family and writing. And finding a healthy balance for my health (have been way too sedentary).
    Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very good lessons to have picked up along the way, Kelly!

    ReplyDelete
  4. That is your design? It's better than most I've seen. You are amazing, Kelly.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it is! It took forever to create, but it was well worth the effort. :)

      Delete

All anonymous comments will be marked as spam and not published.