Introducing Author Imani

I begin writing at the tender age of twelve. I used my imgination as a way to escape, and boy was it an imagination! But it wasn't until a few years ago did I have a desire to get my work published. As an avid reader, I saw what kind of reading material was trending and instead of keeping up with that, I wanted to bring something entirely different to the table. My first novel has drama on top of drama in it and this is the type of material most women like to read, but my second novel had a Romeo and Juliet type of theme, sort of. I'm starting to see that this isn't what people, especially the audience I'm writing for, are used to reading and it does get quite discouraging.

Don't get me wrong. I've received quite a few positive feedback on it. While most author's issues is receiving negative reviews, mine isn't.

Before I starting getting my work published, I vowed to myself that no matter how many or how few books I sell, I was going to keep writing because it's what I love to do. It is a lot easier said then done. Now only two books later, my reviews are minimum and my sales are pitiful and today has been the day where I just wanted to throw in the towel and give up. I started to second guess myself even though there's still plenty in me to write. I was worrying that what I was writing just isn't good enough.

I have support from my family and a few friends, but compared to other brand new authors, I was feeling alone. I keep telling myself over and over that everybody is not going to like what I write, and that's ok. I still firmly believe that. Sometimes, you have to give yourself a pep talk. I started this blog because I need to vent and I know that there are plenty of authors who are in my shoes. So it's comforting to know, I am not alone, even though I feel that way. If I don't vent, I go somewhere privately and cry. I'm supersensitive, but I feel like in this business, sometimes you have to have a thick skin. See, I feel better already.

I encourage everyone who read this blog as well as myself,  don't throw in the towel especially when you see those negative reviews. Use this as a growing method. Your next book will be better and the one after that, even better. To those of you who just seem like they're not making a single sale, your time is coming. Be patient a little longer. I'm not just talking because it's easy. It's not. I'm going through it too. So we'll face it together.