How to Stay Motivated as an Indie Author by Laurel Osterkamp

Let’s welcome back Laurel Osterkamp as she shares with us “How to Stay Motivated as an Indie Author.” Enjoy!

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Do you have a traditionally published author friend–someone who scored a book deal with one of the Big Five?

Or, perhaps you know an indie author who’s killing it. She has a huge social media following, with book sales to match?

Maybe you don’t actually know anyone like this, but you go on Instagram and see posts by other, “more successful” authors that you follow. Either way, this can be demoralizing. You might even ask yourself why you keep writing books when success seems so out of reach.

Writing a book and putting it out there takes a lot of courage, hard work, and dedication.

You pour your heart and soul into your novel, hoping that it will be a big hit.

Unfortunately, with thousands of books published every day, an author’s road can be long and winding. Sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated and keep writing.

So, let’s explore some tips for how not to give up on your writing and publishing journey. (And if you don’t want to take my word for it, check out my famous author quotes!)

1. Remember Why You’re Doing It

You have stories to share with the world. It’s your main motivation for writing, and don’t forget that. Remember the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating a world and characters, and how much fun it is.

“Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self.”  – Cyril Connolly

2. Focus on the Process, not the Outcome

Yes, it’s important to market and promote your book, but don’t let it consume you. Even when sales are low and readers are few, you’re still learning something every day, and you still get fulfillment from crafting a story.

“You have to write the book that wants to be written.” – Madeleine L’Engle

3. Set Realistic Goals

It is easy to get caught up in the numbers and compare yourself to other, more successful authors. But remember, everyone’s journey is unique, and success looks different for everyone. Goals like writing a certain amount of words per day, or finding one new reader per week, are attainable.

“I write to discover what I know.” – Flannery O’Connor

4. Connect with Other Writers

There is a whole community of writers out there who are going through the same struggles as you. Connect with them through online writing groups, or by attending writing conferences and workshops. A support system can provide you with motivation, encouragement, and valuable feedback.

“A good writer possesses not only his own spirit but also the spirit of his friends.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

5. Celebrate Your Accomplishments

Remember to celebrate your wins, no matter how small they may seem. Did you finish writing a chapter? Great! Did someone post a five star review? Fantastic! Little victories keep us going.

“Writing is its own reward.” – Henry Miller

6. Remember that Failure is Part of the Journey

Every successful author has faced rejection and disappointment. They’re not indicators of your skill or talent; they are opportunities to learn and grow. Use them as motivation to keep writing and improving.

“You are never stronger…than when you land on the other side of despair.” – Zadie Smith

7. Believe in Yourself and Your Work

Be your own biggest cheerleader. Believe in yourself and your work, even when no one else does. Your stories have value and you have something unique to offer readers. Trust that your hard work and dedication will someday pay off.

“I love my rejection slips. They show me I try.” – Sylvia Plath

8. Market and Promote Your Book

Don’t give up after a few months of low sales. Keep pushing it out there, and don’t lose hope. Because your readers are out there, waiting for you to discover them.

“I was kind of broke. The Girl on the Train was a last roll of the dice for me as a fiction writer.” – Paula Hawkins

Being an indie author is not easy, but it can be rewarding.

Yes, the road to success may be long and bumpy, but with perseverance, you can achieve success.

Stay motivated, keep writing, and believe in yourself and your work. Most importantly, don’t give up on your passion for writing.

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About the Author 

Laurel Osterkamp is from Minneapolis, where she teaches and writes like it’s going out of style. Her short fiction has been featured in Abandon Journal, Idle Ink, Tangled Locks Literary Journal, Bright Flash Literary Journal, and The Metawoker, among other places. Her new novel, The Side Project, was released on November 13th by The Wild Rose Press.

Follow her on social media:

Website – https://laurellit.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/authorlaurelosterkamp
BookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/profile/laurel-osterkamp
Instagram: Laurel Osterkamp (@laurel_osterkamp) • Instagram photos and videos