by Kariss Lynch, @Kariss_Lynch
They say hindsight is 20/20, but it’s just because wisdom grows with the journey. I wouldn’t trade the way my writing story has played out, even if I would do a couple things a little differently now. Every twist and turn has made me, and my writing story is unique and dare I say…a little weird. My first book, Shaken, hit shelves in February 2014. As I approach a decade in the industry, I’ve learned a few things that I would tell my pre-published self. Maybe they’ll be helpful for someone else, too.
- Everyone’s writing path looks different.
I realize this might be frustrating insight for some. Others will find comfort and freedom in that one statement. This may seem like trite advice…of course everyone’s path is different. But I can’t tell you how many times I have received a note from a new writer asking how to get published and wanting specific steps to make it happen. The steps exist, but the way they play out will be different for everyone.
There is no one path to publishing that fits all. And it’s also never too late, too early, or even wrong to take a break. I’ve had the sweet privilege to meet many writers in all stages of the journey. I’ve been trained by some of the best. Not one of them has the same journey. Find freedom in that reality, and then do your best to figure out what works best for you.
- Indie, hybrid, and traditional are all great in their own way.
I think it is a mistake of pre-published writers to think that the only way to find success in the industry is through a traditional publisher. That can be a wonderful way to start and a wonderful tract to follow. There are pros and cons to traditionally publishing, hybrid publishing, and indie publishing. Do your homework. Write down your values. Match up the path, and then pursue with all your ability. You may still need to adjust your plans. Pursue what works best for you.
- Your voice and story matter.
No one can write the story that is on your heart quite like you can. No one will be able to bring the voice, emotion, details, and artistry to it quite like you can. Don’t overthink it. Just own it and write. Even if that first draft (or fifth) doesn’t see the light of day, it matters. The more you write, the more you will discover your style and voice. Now on my fifth novel, I’m learning that your voice and story grow with you. The journey just keeps getting sweeter.
- Learn to redefine success.
While I was drafting my first novel, I had one prayer: “Lord, help this encourage and impact at least one person.” While Shaken didn’t sell countless copies and go into multiple reprints, I did receive (and still do receive) reader letters from people who have been encouraged by the words, characters, and story. The book may not have reached hundreds of thousands, but it is reaching those it needs to. While I would love the affirmation of a big book deal or an indie novel that hits all the right sales numbers and charts, I’m learning to define success as the individual notes I get from people who say the story made a difference. Prayer answered.
- It’s okay if momentum doesn’t happen all at once.
Maybe years lie in between your publication dates. Maybe you have four novels just waiting for someone to sign you. Maybe you’ve had years of storied success, and it’s time to take a step back. Just like life, your publishing journey may ebb and flow with contracts and publication dates and then months of little to no creativity. Trust the process.
More and more, I’m learning to love the place God has me. In this season of a new baby and a toddler, I’m writing in the margins. My journey is slower, but I am trusting that my storytelling will be richer for it. I’ll celebrate the wins, keep plucking away on my WIP, and look forward to holding a new book with my name on it again one of these days. Until then, hopefully we can all just keep cheering one another on in the process. Happy writing, friend. You’ve got this.
When a car almost runs over him in the middle of a snowstorm, ex-Navy SEAL Micah Richards knows he’s hit rock bottom. After the deaths of several of his teammates, Micah is sure of two things: he only hurts those he tries to protect and their deaths are his fault. He has one family left on his list to pay his respects but stranded on the side of a mountain in the middle of the night, Micah has run low on options until Casey Stewart comes careening into his life.
The last thing Casey wants is a man, especially one as charming and handsome as Micah who reminds her of her heartache from high school. And especially not when she has so much on her plate: kids trapped in the middle of bad neighborhood cycles at home and a sister who needs out from under their mother’s roof. But helping is in her nature, and something about Micah makes her want to let him in.
Now in the same city, Micah and Casey just can’t seem to stay away from one another, despite Casey’s best efforts. The more, he gets to know the community, the more he wants to stay. When a local drug dealer goes awry, Casey has only one person to turn to—the one who could hurt her heart the most. Micah must face the demons of his past to fight for his new team and new dream—a woman with the heart of a warrior who fights for others. A woman he would die for.
Kariss Lynch is the author of the Heart of a Warrior series and loves writing romance about characters with big dreams, adventurous hearts, and enduring hope. In her free time, Kariss goes on adventures with her own personal handsome hero, explores the great outdoors, and tries not to plot five stories at once. Connect with her at karisslynch.com, or on Facebook, Instagram, or Goodreads.