I'm a writer, blogger, mom, and love reading fiction: erotica, urban, romance, fantasy, you name it. At this moment I am currently editing my novel, Secrets Unveil, an urban erotic romance. I'm here to help others through inspiration and spirituality. Life is full of obstacles, we just have to overcome it the best we can.
I have forgotten I had drafted this post until I read a fellow blogger’s post that reminded me about it.
Hi all! I sometimes wonder why things happen the way they do and why some things happen at all that puzzle me.
I have spent the majority of August constantly sick from something. In July, I had gotten my first Covid vaccine. But, my sickness had nothing to do with the vaccine. A sore arm is the only thing resulting from that. 🙂
When August came, I felt fine then a few days into the month, I started going through my monthly cycle. But as the week carried on and another week came in, I noticed how weak I was becoming. The problem came and gone, and came back.
The things women go through health-wise and having other life problems were weighing on me hard. I went to the doctor and was put on antibiotics. It took care of the problem, but the side effects constantly made me sick from mid-month to close to the end of the month. (Sighs.)
As my body went through it all and I thought I can go back feeling like myself, my allergies got so bad I thought I had a bad cold. I felt miserable, but I didn’t go to urgent care or anything, because the side effects from the antibiotics were too much for me. And I didn’t want to put on anything. So, I ended up taking the natural approach.
I hated that not only being sick, people were also constantly stressing me about something, laid off from my job, and having to find another one, I had to still find something to keep my spirits up. To do something. I feel fine now since a week ago. And I went back for my second vax.
And I hate having to be on blood pressure meds and the new brand makes me dizzy just like the last one. I dislike my soon-to-be-former doctor because she doesn’t do her job well with me, and I have to wait for my appointment with the new doctor. (Okay sighing again.)
I’m saying that, no matter what comes your way, you still have to keep moving forward. Things seem to happen for a reason or to screw with your nerves and aggravate you.
The things that helped a lot for me getting through last month and the first week of this month was reading and more reading, writing and listening to music. I just finally started back dancing, in my own space, and it feels good. I gave it a yoga vibe.
I feel like when I take a more natural approach, my body bounced back better. There also don’t seem to be many side effects or lack thereof when going natural. I understand sometimes some doctors do their job, but the downsize from the others is how the patients are affected. I still have some health issues that I feel like I am suffering from because my soon-to-be-former doctor hasn’t taken care of my health problems. So as I should, I decided to do more than I have before, and not just go by what the doctor says when they aren’t doing their job anyway.
Okay, I’m ranting. I’m not saying not to see a doctor because you should, especially if you need to because some doctors are good doctors.
You only have one body. One life. You have to take care of yourself no matter what, and do what works for you.
It may seem hard to live in positivity with all the negatives in the world. Stay strong, rise above it all, and know that none of those negatives can bring you down. You got this because you are the co-creator of your own life. Know that God and the Universe has your back.
When I think about the title of this post, Boys To Men’s song, It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye comes to mind. (You can listen to it here.)
Earlier this year, a cousin of mines had passed away. I didn’t found out until after they had a memorial service for him. He was missing for weeks before his body was found. Though I was over 14 years older than him, we know of each other, just not that well. And we weren’t raised up around each other either. Still, it is sad to know he had died the way he did. And he was so young.
This past Monday, another cousin of mines passed away. She was an elderly woman. I didn’t even know she was so sick and constantly hospitalized.
That side of the family, several of them, I don’t talk to because of what happened in my past because of them. So, though I had forgiven them for my own sake so I can heal and move on, I don’t have to go around them nor communicate.
When I was told this Monday evening about her passing, I was shocked, and I didn’t know how I feel about it. I still don’t.
When I was a teenager, my life was in chaos, and though I won’t go into details about all the things I was put through (and my siblings), I want to let known that it is difficult when someone who caused you great pain, turmoil, and abuse turned out to be sick for so long and then passed away. I always wanted to sit down and talk with her when I became an adult, but I also wanted to stay clear of her. She was the reason for a lot of things going wrong in my youth. I wanted to know why she took us in and was supposed to care for us but treated us the way she did. And allow others to do it too.
Like, on many occasions, no matter how many times my dad (who died back in 2003) fought hard for his children to get us back, she and other members lied and schemed and did what they could to keep him away or else. It was so devastating, and I grew up with hatred in my heart for EVERYthing that happened under her watch for not only to me but also to my siblings.
I just wanted to get that out of my system in words. Sometimes, you look for the good amidst the bad, but the bad is overcrowding the good. Things happened for reasons unknown at times, and it can be frustrating trying to find out the whys, what-ifs, and hows to a situation when you are a teenager going through life changes. And dealing with people who are mean and so…
Okay…I told myself not to get into these things, but as of now, I find myself taking my days as I usually would upon hearing about her death. That brush, or more like an ambush of memories, came and is slowly fading. A few years ago, I had to do a ritual to let go of the past. It’s okay to think about things sometimes, to look back at how far you have come, but it is not good to dwell on the things that are negative and toxic. I had learned to let go and work on my mental health and not associate myself with certain people. And to do better in life for me, but also for my child.
That ritual I did, I had written pages of everything and everyone who had done something to me, and what happened to me. I went back to when I was a little girl and stopped at the age I was when I started the ritual. It took me the entire weekend to write what had seemed to be eight pages. I poured out every emotion. All the hurt, pain, anger, you named it and wrote it all down. Every single thing and every person, I wrote it down. I ended it with myself for being hard on myself and putting myself down. For allowing myself to go through the things, I took myself through and allowing those things to happen that shouldn’t, and not allowing myself to speak up when needed. Finally, I walked somewhere and burned the pages and said, “I release everything and everyone that had ever treated me and done me wrong. Every bad, cruel, and evilness. I release them from my mind, heart, and spirit.”
With people, our past selves, and whatever else, can one truly say goodbye? Sometimes with some people, like my dad, it took over a decade for me to come to terms with his passing. And to realize he’s really not coming back, at least not in the flesh. So, I feel like a person can say goodbye to someone who had passed on, in their own time, because everyone is different. I supposed it also depends on the person’s relationship with the person who had passed on when they were alive. And also, whether or not it was on good terms if that person wants to say goodbye. Perhaps some people want closure.
My cousin who passed this week, I am not sure when that is, and as I mentioned above, I won’t go into the details but, I had to get that out of my system and write whatever else I may be feeling on a sheet of paper, or whenever that “feeling” may come and write it and burn it.
I don’t want to be numb.
The candles burning in the video is my way of virtually burning candles for someone who had a loved one who had passed away. Emotions are real, and so is grief. And I wish you nothing but strength, love, and healing.
Good morning/afternoon, everyone! I hope your weekend went well. I had spent it mostly reading and writing…oh yeah, daydreaming a little. Lol. I would like to share with you an article about how you can sell your book on Amazon, which you can use other self-publishing services as well. When it comes to self-publishing, I have learned that marketing is as hard as writing a novel. Although, perhaps writing the book is easier than marketing. Wherever you are in your self-publishing journey, or if you are thinking about doing so, consider learning as much as you can. Marketing is the most crucial part of self-publishing there’s no avoiding it.
This article has a lot of helpful information and videos resources you can use along with 70 tips, and I hope it helps you.
P.S. Also, if you haven’t already, do subscribe to my newsletter to get updates on my novel, Secrets Unveil, cover reveals, excerpts, and more, by clicking here.
If you’ve written something the world needs to read, you’re likely wondering how to sell your book on Amazon. Here are the best book marketing tips available.
#1 Collect an Email List
One of the easiest ways to build a platform is to compile an email list of readers and authors interested in what you have to say.
Perhaps you have an author website, a WordPress blog, a YouTube channel — whatever it is, you should be pushing your email list like it’s your number one marketing service.
On this email list, provide value. People will unsubscribe if your email marketing is too spammy or unhelpful. Give your readers book recommendations, tips on how to start writing a book, or a handy list of marketing tips.
#2 Utilize the Best Email Service
What is the best email service for authors? The absolute best email service for authors to use is GetResponse or MailerLite. Both offer authors a great way to communicate with their readers in effective and easy-to-understand ways.
When you do publish a book, you should mention your new book in every email to your subscribers.
Whether it’s at the bottom or at the top of the email, let your readers know you have a book they can buy. Also, convince your email list to leave you reviews. If they subscribed to your messages, they are more likely to not only buy your book, but leave you a positive review.
This is a fun trick I learned from Brandon Cullum. Ask your growing email list to take surveys that make it feel like they’re helping you write your book.
When you publish the book, they feel like they contributed, making them more likely to buy the book and hopefully leave some good reviews.
Gather friends, family, colleagues, etc. to form a book launch team. Particularly for self-publishers, this group is crucial for author support, early book reviews, and word of mouth.
Some on your team will do this because they love you. Others may need an incentive, like a giveaway or premium content from your website or email list.
How do I market my book to my friends and family? A great way to market your book to friends and family is to include them in the marketing process. Many friends and family will be thrilled to take part in your launch strategy.
#6 Optimize Title & Subtitle
You need to optimize your title and subtitle for Amazon’s and Google’s search engines. Every genre has unique keywords that readers look for — even subconsciously.
For romance, “heart” and “passion” are great words to include in titles and subtitles.
For sci-fi, “star” and “planet” are common words that attract potential readers.
For self-help, “how to” and “definitive guide” will key the right reader in on your book’s topic.
Every author has to choose the right Kindle keywords because it’s how Amazon decides which search terms they should put you in the search results.
Amazon lets you add 7 keywords to your book. Use keywords that readers are searching, that shoppers will pay for, and that doesn’t pose much competition.
What is the best way to promote a book? The best way to promote a book on Amazon is using targeted Amazon ads that capitalize on your keyword strategy. Another great promotion tactic is to build an author platform over the course of several years.
#8 Hire a Cover Designer
Especially for first-time authors, your book cover is your number one marketing tool. A professional-looking cover makes readers think that your book is generally high-quality. If you’re looking to draw readers in, an intriguing cover makes readers want to know more.
If you really want to create your own cover, Kindlepreneur has a great mastery guide on Book Cover Design. It’s totally free to read! Additionally, check out Derek Murphy’s in-depth DIY Book Covers software and training.
#9 Nail Your Social Media
How do I market my book on social media? You need to market your book on social media in order to increase impressions, engagement, reader base, and other factors that can sell books.
For most self-publishers, I recommend setting up a professional author page on Facebook, maintaining a presence on Goodreads, logging onto LinkedIn, and creating video content on YouTube if possible.
I’ll go into more detail on individual social media platforms below. Stay tuned!
#10 Beseech High-Quality Book Reviewers
High-quality book reviews can get your book in front of a lot of new eyes. Readers gain a special connection with reviewers they trust. A word from these high-quality book reviewers can influence all their loyal listeners.
While there are some benefits to pre-ordering, I recommend most self-publishing authors avoid the downsides of pre-ordering.
When you open your book up for pre-orders, Amazon penalizes you if your pre-sales don’t perform well. After publishing, Amazon rewards you if your sales are consistent by promoting your book closer to the top of ranking.
However, IF you have a large following or can market consistently during the preorder period, then by all means go right ahead.
Watch this video to learn all the reasons I say don’t do pre-orders unless you’re famous or already have a substantial following.
#12 Thrive With Publisher Rocket
Formerly known as KDP Rocket, Publisher Rocket can help authors with the marketing of their book or eBook. The 4 things Publisher Rocket can do for you:
Find the best categories for your book
Create efficient, effective Amazon ads for your use
Show you what popular authors are doing, how much they’re earning, and much more
Help your book get discovered by more Amazon customers
There are many more benefits to Publisher Rocket, but you can read more about it in my in-depth review: Publisher Rocket Review (2021).
#13 Set Up an Author Website
You have to set up a high-quality author website to funnel readers from retailer and social media platforms to one focused destination.
Across all social media platforms, your website, and even in-person appearances, I recommend using the same author logo, the same description of your book, and even the same signature.
Inconsistent branding can be confusing to potential readers.
Consistent branding makes a lasting impression on potential readers.
#15 Place Purchase Links on Everything
Make sure every platform you’re on features links to buy your book. Buy buttons should pop up everywhere.
Of course, you don’t want to overwhelm potential buyers. But you’d hate for a reader to be interested in purchasing your book, then not see an easy link to click.
For example, check out this screenshot from Alexa Donne’s video on Red Herrings. Almost half the video description is devoted to links to buy her books….
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