Fresh Starts and New Beginnings featuring Sheri Velarde

     As the New Year begins it is the time many people try to implement changes in their lives, including their creative lives. This is the time to take on new challenges and learn to grow and expand as a writer as well as a person. Whether your goal is to finish your first novel or make the best sellers list, there are things that you can do each and every day to move you closer to your goals. These don’t have to be huge life altering changes either, small changes can sometimes lead to the biggest results.

     As a multi-published author I often get asked advice on “making it”. There are no short cuts to becoming published, this like the ever popular “lose weight” resolution, requires a lot of hard work and dedication. The best advice that I can give is to make time for writing, make it a part of your daily routine. Even if you can only write for 15 minutes on your lunch break write for those 15 minutes, a little bit of writing is better than nothing. Also, once you start submitting, be prepared for rejection. Most authors get rejected. This does not mean you are a terrible author, it just means that was not the right market for you. Keep submitting, you will find the right fit eventually. The important part is not to give up.

     I know some of you are saying, “easy for her to say, she’s published”. Trust me when I say that I still face rejection and almost crippling self-doubt. As a matter of fact late last year I thought about quitting writing and the publishing world all together. What stopped me? A few acceptance letters, a new cover reveal, and the support of some writing friends. I am glad that I stuck with my writing and publishing path, there is nothing quite so fulfilling as seeing a book of yours in print (or eBook form which is more and more common these days). Nothing quite beats the thrill of seeing your name (or pen name) on a book cover!

     I use myself as an example because if I can do this anyone can. I am not the best writer on the planet, editors help me make my writing better each and every day. I persist and that is what gives me the successes that I have had. Persistence pays off may sound trite, but in the publishing world it is certainly true. I am a testament to that. Even with doubts, day job issues, health problems, and life generally getting in the way, I already have three books set to be released this year and will hopefully soon add more to that list. I have also even delved deeper in the world of publishing and taken on a marketing position at Three Worlds Press.

Hard work is leading me down the path to fulfill my dreams. And if I can do this, so can you! Make this the year that you move closer to your dreams. Work on it every day and eventually you will move in the direction that you want, you will start to reap the rewards of your hard work. If you feel like giving up, don’t.      You have talent and a drive to write, believe in that drive and it will lead you to great things.

     You can find out more about Sheri Velarde at her website: http://sherivelarde.weebly.com/ and more about Three Worlds Press at: http://www.threeworldsproductionsllc.com/.