I tell ya, the Ladies of Hive contests make you think. Some of the questions are light, some require a deep dive into memories or emotions... This week, the question is:
What has been your greatest achievement at a professional or work level, perhaps a project that made you feel proud or something you did on your own and that only you could have done at home or at your workplace?
Well...
As usual, I can't just choose one, but I'll group them together under one label: BOOKS!
The life of an author.
My greatest accomplishment (professionally-speaking) is becoming an author.
Being a writer is one thing. I've written all my life. Not always well, mind you, but over the last decade, I've dedicated much of my free time to developing my writing skills.
You don't have to be good at writing for it to be a blessing. For instance, poetry got me through a good portion of my youth because it allowed me a healthy way to express the mess of emotions I was drowning in. Sure, a lot of my early writing was cliché, and melodramatic, but what do you want from a teen?
Fast-forward many, many years, and here I am, working on getting my fifth book ready to publish. It's out with a proofreader right now, while I work on another project that I'm super excited about but not ready to announce yet.
Being an author is being a writer, plus a lot more. If you're lucky enough to have a traditional publishing deal, you might end up with books on the shelves of stores worldwide. However, traditional publishing houses have cut back the number of new authors they're picking up, and most authors these days are either with small publishing houses, or doing it all as self-publishing multitaskers extraordinaire.
The art of self-publishing and self-care.
Self-publishing is not for the weak of heart. It's a business. You have to be an entrepreneur as well as an artist. You have to manage cover art, formatting, editing, proofreading, and the actual publishing process. And then, once the book is out in the world, you have to market the thing so people know it exists.
Some of this can be outsourced, depending on your budget, but you're still the one making decisions, which can be both liberating and stressful.
The first time I published a novel, I had a 12-hour panic attack. What would people think of the story? What would they think of me? What if they hated it? What if I was making a huge mistake sending my creativity out into the world of critics?
None of these worries were things I had control over, of course, and it turns out that most people don't even care. Most people who have read my writing have told me they love my stories, and those are the ones I focus on.
The hard truth is, I'm terrible at marketing, and, like the vast majority of self-published authors, my books haven't sold that well or been read by that many people. However, every book I've published has excellent reviews. So I keep writing, and publishing, and appreciating the readers I have, because they tell me they want more of my stories, and that makes my author's heart glow in the most wonderful way.
The trick to self-publishing, for me, is self-care. I've stopped giving myself deadlines, and decided to only announce the date of the next book when everything is ready, not when I think it will be ready. I take big breaks from writing when I need to, and let myself work on other projects if I'm approaching burnout.
Like everything, the life of an author is a balance. It's finding the right amount of ambition and dedication, without losing the joy of creativity. It's believing in yourself, and finding the friends who will cheer you on when you're struggling. It's celebrating the wins, some small, some monumental.
And now, I proudly present my book babies!
I write fantasy under the pen-name Leia Talon, and my upcoming release is the sequel to Falling Through the Weaving, so let's start with that.
Falling Through the Weaving: Roots & Stars Book One
Cool story... Part of Falling Through the Weaving is set at Duart Castle in Scotland, though heavily fictionalized. Before publishing, I reached out to the staff at Duart, as a matter of courtesy. The personal assistant to the current Chief of Clan Maclean read my book, and had this to say:
"I am an avid reader and work at Duart Castle as PA to the Chief, Sir Lachlan Maclean, and also as a visitor guide. I have been utterly captivated by Shelta and her journey through time and dimensions and her link to the one soul in three men. Shelta's musical intuition and connection to nature's song is fascinating and I feel a resonance with that in my own soul.” — Alison Canham, from Duart Castle, Scotland
Falling Through the Weaving has been sold in the gift store at Duart Castle, which is one of the coolest things ever!
Here's a link to get your own copy of Falling Through the Weaving. 🔥💖🔥
Dragons in the Weaving: Roots & Stars Book Two
Dragons in the Weaving, the next book in the Roots and Stars duology, is coming soon! I'm so excited for this story, which I began writing in 2013, when I was pregnant with my twins.
Dragons is with a proofreader right now. I'm hoping to have it ready for August 1st, 2022. But, like I said above, I've learned not to set a hard launch date until I've got everything lined up and I'm ready to go live with it, so we shall see...
For now, here's a sneak peek at the cover. I'll release the full cover in the not-so-distant future.
Shelta's Songbook: Poetry and Prose from the Vaults of the Keeper
Shelta's Songbook is a poetry and short story collection written by Shelta, the main character in the novel Falling Through the Weaving. It's fictional, presented as a collection gathered by an elusive god... one who will finally be named in Dragons in the Weaving.
Here's the official description of Shelta's Songbook:
As Shelta tumbles through time, she leaves notebooks and sketches behind. The Keeper of Lost Souls and Stories slips Shelta’s creations through the World Tree into his secret collection.
Sometimes, he listens through the tapestry when she sings. Sometimes, he transcribes her words. He cannot help himself. Her music sets his immortal soul aflame.
One of the poems, from the illustrated paperback:
I had a lot of fun designing Shelta's Songbook. If you get the paperback, the poems and stories are accompanied by gorgeous art. I don't know how long the sale will last, but Amazon has Shelta's Songbook on sale right now!
Wild Horse Heart: A Hollywood Romance
Wild Horse Heart is a fun, fast-paced romantic suspense set in the film industry. I've even adapted it to a screenplay, in case it ever gets interest from a producer. I'm not holding my breath, but anything is possible, so I'll keep the door of opportunity open for that.
When musician Ria Walsh lands the lead role in director Ben Crawford's next film, she works up the courage to leave her toxic marriage. She takes the kids, escapes her ex-husband, and dives into her new Hollywood life. Even as Ria secretly falls for her director, she accepts the offer of a summer fling with her co-star, Gregory Finn... a man notorious for romancing his leading ladies and leaving them when production wraps up.
Filming on location at a wild horse sanctuary, Ria finds solace in the horses and slowly gains confidence, channelling her fears and courage into acting. But when her ex jumps parole, hunting her, both Finn and Ben get protective. They'll have to stop him once and for all for Ria to claim the freedom she deserves.
“Deftly written, a lush love story that moves like a freight train.” — Melanie Wise, founder of Artemis Film Festival
“Passion and adventure at every turn of the page. An honest look into a woman’s mind and soul.” — Maja Aro, award-winning filmmaker
“My favorite stories hit that sweet spot between romance and women’s fiction, and Wild Horse Heart sits squarely in the middle of those worlds.” — Amanda Heger, author of Semi-Scripted
Yoga for Dragon Riders
My first release was non-fiction, a book I wrote at the apex of my career as a yoga instructor. I guess this counts as a double "Greatest Accomplishment" item.
Yoga for Dragon Riders is an extensive manual on yoga and subtle energy, that merges the realms of fantasy and reality. Get the illustrated paperback, and find the pages that speak to you. Yoga for Dragon Riders is on sale right now!
Thanks for reading!
If you're interested in any of my books, please check them out! 😇
For those of you who've read my books, thank you!!! 😍
To those of you who have left me reviews, you are AMAZING!!! 😘
Huge shout out to Ladies of Hive for providing the motivation to write this blog post. 💖💖💖
Peace @Katrina-Ariel / @LeiaTalon
All photos mine or used with permission.
As one of the biggest fans of your writing (a thing I don't say lightly,) I must say I think your storytelling and writing eclipse nearly everything out there from the mainstream publishing world. It's a sad, tragic truth that independent and small press authors don't get a fair share of the industry's marketing space. The stars aligned for me to discover you as an author and a human being, and I consider you one of my true soul connections. As I write this comment, I smile at my copy of "Wild Horse Heart," having dragged it with me halfway around the world and back. And, since I was honored to see an early copy of FTtW before it was in book form, I have to say I wholeheartedly agree with Alison Canham's assessment of it. This is a fantastic post because it sums up so much of your accomplishment, but also the heart behind your talent. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Rhonda, you're making me blush! This is such a high compliment, coming from you. Thank you for believing in me, for reading my stories, and for being you. A soul connection, indeed. Your encouragement and camaraderie means the world. 💖
Likewise, soul sister!
OMG I started to read and I was really amazed. I got until the end of your post and I saw this book: Yoga for dragon riders, and I didn't even think. I said: I HAVE TO BUY THIS BOOK NOW!!
I'm a Yoga teacher, a dragon in the Chinese horoscope, and a witch by nature. I have to read that!
CONGRATULATIONS!! I'd like to become an author one day as well.
Oh! This made my day, thank you so much! I just read your latest poem and I'm so glad you found me so we could connect. It seems we're kindred spirits.
I hope you find some gems in Yoga for Dragon Riders that inspire you on the mat and off. Well met, my new friend. Brightest blessings to you. 💖
💖💖Awe thank you very much for this message!! I definitely agree!! I already feel connected with your energy!! Blessings dear new friend! And thanks for appearing today! 🙏🙏
That is some achievement for sure, I have to get my hands on your books, I do love reading fantasy, I just get lost in them. Love your creative soul @katrina-ariel and congrats on the new book xxxx
That's my favorite thing about fantasy, too! Getting lost in another world. I love your creative soul right back, my friend! Thank you! 💖
I will keep reading your write-up here on the hive. It will be amazing as I learn from you.
Thanks for reading! 😊
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Wonderful you are enjoying writing your books, Kat. You are a talented lady with your singing too. They all sound fantastic.
Keep on keeping on singing your song, my friend. 🤗
Thanks so much! Yes, the writing is always a pleasure. And it's neat to look back and see how much I've accomplished over the years. 😊
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Being an author who does things under self-publishing is something amazing, it's a great achievement. thanks for sharing 😊
Thank you so much! It was a great question and helped me take some time to celebrate how far I've come as an author. 💖
Oh wow! These are amazing achievements for sure so kudos to you and congratulations on your latest book.
And I love this💗
Thank you! 💗 I can't wait to see it out in the world. And yes, that's my motto. Sometimes the song changes, but you gotta sing your soul, right? 😉
Cheers to you and all the best💗 And definitely, we have to keep the tune and sing out loud for all the world to listen to hehe😍
Wow, I had no idea you are an author! How cool is that!! I often work with authors to create the covers for their books but never thought about having one in the hive family. That's amazing!
That's so great that you do cover art! I designed the cover for Wild Horse Heart, and have done the interior layout for all of my books, plus some cover layout on each, but I'm always amazed what cover artists are able to come up with. Isn't it amazing how we can keep discovering each other's talents here? Thanks for the sweet comment!
Absolutely! Seems like it's never too late to learn something new about other members of the community. Thank you for replying back ☺️, you did a great job with that cover!
Indeed. And thanks so much!
You received 2 LADY(LOH) tokens for entering the Ladies of Hive contest!
We believe that you should be rewarded for the time and effort spent in creating articles. The goal is to encourage token holders to accumulate and hold LOH tokens over a long period of time
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Upvoted 👌 (Mana: 0/55) Liquid rewards.
Keep that creative fire in your
heart and soul burning strong!
@katrina-ariel
🧾❤✍📚🔥
Upvoted and curated!💯
You are so kind! What a wonderful thing to say! You've warmed my heart and started my day off with such a lovely sentiment. Thank you for being YOU! And for the curation. You are so appreciated. 💖💖💖
That is such an awesome achievement. Love that you were able to get it all done!
Thank you!!! It's taken many years, and I've learned not to push myself so hard, but to go with the flow of creativity. 💕
Thanks for sharing your achievements. That is important, with your testimonials you encourage us to follow our dreams. Although sometimes we are tired, we will organize ourselves more so that we can achieve it as you have done so far.
Congratulations and much prosperity, abundance and wealth.... @katrina-ariel
#hivecomments
Thank you! It's important to rest when you need, as well. I take big breaks from writing when I'm tired, so it really comes in waves, a bit at a time. Best of luck to you, and thanks for the thoughtful comment!
Thanks for sharing. its a great lesson learnt not to quit on your dreams. Highly inspirational.
Indeed. Sometimes, it just takes longer than we imagined for our dreams to come to fruition. Thanks for reading!
nice work... 5 books is nothing to sneeze at.
Ha! Indeed. Thank you, kindly. 😁
My sweet dragon princess. You can certainly be proud of yourself
Reading this is like getting a hug from you, I can feel the love. Thank you! Grateful for you! 🤗
A veces nos quedamos como que sin creatividad a la hora de escribir, este post me cae como anillo al dedo pues me estaba dando un tiempo como para agrandar esa parte escritora que hay en mi. Me gusto mucho leerte!
Muchas gracias!
Hi, @katrina-ariel , I mentioned your article here!
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Thanks so much!
Ah! I've been a writer my whole life and am yet to be an author. And you are inspiring the heck out of me with this post, woman! Beautiful 🐉
What a sweet thing to say, thank you! Keep writing, keep believing in yourself.
😊🤗😍
My internet has been down 9 days now so haven't had much time to browse posts - thankful for autovoters as this deserves the attention I see it has gotten and love supporting you and all the people I know put out amazing things. Makes me happy to know you love what you do. Having most of the books up there, I can attest that you aren't bullshit and will continue to conquer the goals you set your mind to. I'm really looking forward to the game shiz! Much love Princess.
!PIMP
Well shit @enginewitty, this post is older than 7 Days days.
Please try PIMPin' a different post.
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Well shit, I send you some then :P
Ha! Thanks for trying. Happy to receive if you want to send. ((hugs))
9 days! That's a long time. Especially for you.
Thank you for all your support. You know how much I appreciate it! And, yes, I love what I do. Much love back! 💖
Thank you!
Thank you!