I'm an author...now what?

...I'm an author. I published a book. And to be totally honest, I feel like a fraud. Don't get me wrong, I wrote and published a book but I'm just me (that sounds kinda Anna-ish, doesn't it?). I don't have formal training, I don't know what misplaced modifiers are, and I don't have a single clue what key words to use on Amazon to move my book up in searches. I'm now going to go into a brutally honest, possibly self-pity post about being an author.

Other authors critique my work, which I'm so very grateful for, but half the time, I'm like say what? They're all "real" or "professionals" while I still consider myself a newbie. It's great to know and work with these people because it's definitely improving my writing but it's still a tough road. Seriously, I thought I was pretty good at grammar but apparently not so much.

I'm slowly selling books but I'm still far away from breaking even. Every sale is exciting but realizing how much I've spent and not being close to making it up is disappointing. I have at least two more books that I'll publish but if I don't lower my expenses and increase my sales then I'll just be writing for myself.

Critics...they're out there...in all that you do. As I've stated before, I'm not a professional but I still take it really personal when I get negative feedback. Seriously, one bad review and I'll try to talk myself out of writing even though I've gotten LOTS of positive response. I just don't have the thick skin that I used to. I also feel like this is something I'm doing for fun and I enjoy but the bad feedback isn't enjoyable so that makes it less fun. :-(

With that being said, I have gotten some really great reviews and not just from friends and family, strangers too! They're all asking for a sequel which has been written. However, I'm really scared that it won't stand up to or be as good as the first one. Oh and the book is romance, it's no 50 Shades, but geez, some of my family that reads it make me feel like I'm really dirty! So hey, there's your warning if you decide to try it out yourself.

Now, ending on a positive note...July 14-20 I'm hosting a blog tour with about 14 other bloggers that will be doing book promos, author and character interviews, as well as reviews. Some of my readers here are participating (thank you Jenni, Julie, and Hilary!) but you can check out my writing blog for a complete list not to mention lots of awesome prizes. Also, the book will be available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble for only 99 cents next week. So whether you love it or hate it, you're only out a buck!

OH and it's also available on Amazon in paperback. If you're in STL, I can get you a paperback book for less than Amazon and I'm working with two bookstores to hopefully get them in their stores as well.

Thanks for listening to me whine, vent, and try to promote my book! You guys are the best!