It's Complicated

A Day in the Life of a “Full-Time” Author

You would think that being a full-time author means I get to write all day.

You’d be wrong.

I spend an inordinate amount of time on everything but writing. As a self-employed person, I'm glad that when my boss is a jerk, I can still talk to her. The bad news? She keeps piling on the jobs. What a heartless fiend she can be. The hits just keep coming.

Take today, for example.

Responding to a Reader

A reader emailed to say the box set she was reading ended abruptly—and that she would no longer recommend my books. She also added that she doubted I ever read my emails.

Well… she was confused.

I read her message, responded, and explained that if I close a book with “The End,” Amazon often pushes readers straight to the review page. I don’t like that. I’d much rather give you a bonus scene or a peek at what’s coming next. Sometimes that makes it feel like the book was cut off—but it wasn’t. Happily, she realized she’d been a bit hasty. Seriously, I like making all of you happy. Sometimes, I can’t, but generally I’ll try.

Conference Prep

Then there was the conference application. I spent half an hour filling out forms for a 2027 event I really want to attend. It’s well organized, offers incredible promotional opportunities, and connects me with new readers—but it still took a sizable bite out of my morning.

PayPal Is NOT Your Friend

Next up: real-life logistics. My proofreader (who’s in Canada) ran into issues with PayPal. We’ll get it solved, but geez…

Where Did I Put Those?

And then I went hunting for shipping boxes in the garage.

Let’s just say… the garage won.

So I ordered more. (And yes, I added gold stickers, because they were pretty and I am absolutely a sucker for pretty things.)

Re-edits

In between all of that, I’ve been re-editing the first three books in the Cara Mia Delgatto Mystery Series. I recently invested in Grammarly and have been running my earlier work through it. It’s catching small tweaks that make a real difference. When I’m done, I’ll be adding bonus scenes to each book—because I always want to give you more, not less.

Mother’s Day?

I also designed printable Mother’s Day cards and matching bookmarks for anyone gifting Death Under the Dogwoods. Order your copy here:

The release date is next week! You can print the card and bookmark together for under a dollar at places like UPS or Staples—an easy (and prettier) alternative to store-bought cards.

I’ve Been Crafting…

Because it keeps me sane. I hope you have something as joyful in your life! The cardboard is recycled from a cereal box.

YouTube, Too?

Later today, I’ll review notes from my video editor in Ukraine. I’ve been recording quick interviews with fellow authors, and I’m excited to finally polish them and get them ready to share.

Monthly Freebies

I’m also working with another author on a plan to offer you a free book each month from a group of writers. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes planning involved—but it’s all about giving you more.

New Audiobook

In the midst of it all, my agent asked for the audiobook cover of Purple, Blame, Game. Done!

Mystery Mondays!

And I checked in on our upcoming Mystery Monday guest—Korina Moss—who will join us Monday, April 20, at 7 p.m. ET. You’ll want to be there. My guests always bring giveaways, and it’s a fun way to meet new friends without leaving home. Here’s the party place: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1602372550058785/

All of This…

That reminds me of a sign I once saw:

There are no strangers, only friends we haven’t met yet.

So yes… it’s complicated.

But every email, every form, every late-night tweak is part of building something better for you.

And I’m not slowing down anytime soon. 💜. Much love, Joanna