being an author is stressful
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- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
- Hope you enjoyed a glimpse into my life as a full-time author leading up to a very tight deadline. If you like this kind of thing, please let me know down below!
Okay, I miscounted my books. It’s my 48th book (Kennedy Fox's 40th) releases and will be published on all platforms tomorrow. Can't wait to see how it goes and I hope our readers love it.
This is the book: bit.ly/cbrstckf
Eeeeeep! I'm so excited!
Let's be Pen Pals:
Courtney Young | PO BOX 697 | Groves, TX 77619
Do you have a question about self-publishing?
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Dear Writer, You Need to Quit - amzn.to/3at1yyk
Romancing the Beat - amzn.to/38rfc2C
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel - amzn.to/34pmNxl
Let's Get Publishing Series - amzn.to/2WvDKBP
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//A B O U T M E//
Pen names: Lyra Parish & Kennedy Fox (we're an author duo!)
I've been in the indie scene since 2011. I published my first romance novel in 2014 (Weak for Him). Under Kennedy Fox, we've made USA Today 5 times since 2017. As Lyra Parish, I made the top 100 list several times on Amazon.
If you're looking for those books, you will not find them. I unpublished my Lyra Parish backlist in 2020 with zero regrets. You can watch that video here: bit.ly/3k8P6pa
Want to check out Kennedy Fox's Books? Visit: www.kennedyfoxb...
___
//Searching for a Motivational Writing Group?//
I have a writing group on Facebook where you can earn stickers for writing 10K in a day or 50K in a month. You can choose your own day. It's a supportive community that's also fun. If you're international, feel free to join! I've sent stickers to people all around the world since July 2019! In 2021, those who write Half a Million or 1 Million words in a year, will be sent an enamel pin!
groups/write10kinaday
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//2022 R E L E A S E S C H E D U L E//
The Heart of Us - February - Released
Claiming the Cowboy - Released
Tempting the Cowboy - Released
Seducing the Cowboy - August
The Fall of Us - October
The Joy of Us - November
Plus...we're releasing 12 Italian books and some collections!
___
//S O C I A L M E D I A//
→ TikTok:
/ lyraparish
/ kennedyfoxbooks
→ instagram:
/ lyraparish
/ kennedyfoxbooks
→facebook:
/ lyraparishauthor
/ kennedyfoxbooks
→ twitter:
/ lyraparish
/ kennedyfoxbooks
→ my personal email: lyraparish@gmail.com
→ If you want to follow my writing partner too:
Tiktok: / brookekfox
Instagram: / brookekfox
Facebook: / authorbrookecumberland
Twitter: / blcumberland
//Affiliate Links //
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This is actually book 48! 🤣🤣🤣 Apparently, I don’t know how to count. 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
Ummm... but that's alotta books. No one can blame you if you lost count. Lol 😅 Also CONGRATS~~~🎉🎉 on #48 *hugs*
@@hanasheik thanks so much!!!
Hey, you have been working with words more than numbers lately, it’s to be expected. 😆😆
@@jeanshelbybooks4154 this is very true! And I counted at 3AM and ran with that number for a week. 😂 Prob should’ve looked again with fresh eyes.
That's a lot of books
“Y’all don’t understand.”
Ma’am, I uploaded my last book with about two hours to spare, but as soon as I submitted it realized I’d uploaded a version that had PLACEHOLDERS in it and of course it wasn’t reviewed in time for my to upload the correct version before the cut off. 😫
Nothing like four days of freaking out and then arguing with Amazon to push the update all while getting messages on social media from readers like, “Did you know about this? I thought the magazine was just called ***NAME*** until I came across the conversation where it had ***NAME 2***.”
Traumatized. I am TRAUMATIZED by that release. 🤣🤣🤣
Omggggggg nooooooo. But I’m sure you’ll look back and laugh later even if it was traumatic in the thick of it. 😂 Honestly sounds like something I’d do. We have uploaded with 4 minutes to spare, and yes I was sweating bullets then too.
Thanks, I hate it. Now I have to add that to my list of publishing fears.
@@c.e.higgins2609 I’m sorry. Just showing my reality. My debut novel was the smoothest publishing experience I ever had. I was ahead, had everything pre-planned, and double/triple checked everything. The hardest part was waiting for release day because everything was done.
The Bible is the only tool to completely overcoming stress. Meditating on scripture
Congrats on the 50th book! That's amazing. And thanks for showing the struggle of hitting deadlines.
Thank you! Lol, it’s number 48! LOL tired Courtney can’t count, apparently, and I ran with that number for a week. 😂😂
Im a new author, and I got to say, I have so much more respect for authors and getting the book out being ended.. congrats!
Yessss! There are a lot of things that go into it. Thank you so much!
You're such an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your writing experience with us!
Thank you for allowing me to share this side of it and for the kind words too. ❤️❤️❤️
You had me stressed TF out watching this and I knew y’all made the deadline, lol. 48 is a huge deal and something to celebrate! You’ll be at 50 by the end of the year and we’ll all be cheering and so happy for you. You’re an inspiration and your dedication helps me to keep going even when I want to give up. I’m always rooting for you ♥️🎉🎉
Being an author is hella stressful and there’s so much to do when you’re indie. I’ve spent the last week+ doing all the admin stuff that goes with finishing a book. I had to finalize the cover I made for the paperback and get it uploaded so that I can order proofs. And holy sh!t why didn’t anyone tell me how much work it is to upload 2 books to all five retailers + two distributors. My list was a mile long and I’m still not done. But like you said, I’ll take this and all the stress over doing anything else ♥️🖤
Hahaha, sorry! I kinda made me feel the same way playing it back, lol. Yes we will be celebrating 50 in November with candles and a cake! 😂😂 You’ve been busy, but it will all be worth it in the end! You get used to uploaded to all the different places and for that extra 15% over the life of the book, it’s totally worth an extra hour.
@@TheCourtneyProject Lol, it happens 🤣😂 You definitely should have cake and candles! Maybe have a small party and I could drive down to celebrate with you and Will, haha. Yes I have! It’s been a lot but you’re right about the 15%. Once I learned D2D takes that much, I was like I can do it myself. I’m sure it’ll get easier with time. Well I hope so anyway
I just adored this so, so much
Thank you so much! Through all the stress, it’s fun and wouldn’t change a thing! This book releases tomorrow….eeeppp!!
@@TheCourtneyProject Ahh, I’m so excited for you! I can’t even imagine the anticipation. I hope tomorrow and all the book birthdays ahead of you are amazing (and I hope you have a lovely reward for yourself planned too!)!
Having just got through one long editing hell for book 20, I feel your pain, still in line edits but I'm getting closer every day. Congrats to you and Brooke!
You’ll see the other side in no time! ❤️ That’s exciting!! And thanks so much!
I love your music selection in this video. Hello from your fellow Texan (currently living in London) wishing you rest & productivity.
Aww, thank you Kat! I slept sooooo much. 😂 It was AMAZING!
You didn't prepare me for the PTSD I'd have watching this 😂 #WeDidIt
Hahaha, next time I’ll put a disclaimer. “If you are my writing partner…” 😂😂😂 We’ll laugh at this when we’re at book 100!
I just want to say that I'm so proud of you! Especially glad that you've shared your journey and many sessions of writing with us. And you've shared so many tools and tips, but it's just great to see the real life of someone within. Because the online presentation for most things are glamorized or portrayed to be perfect and despite knowing that can't always be the case, so there's a comfort in seeing someone be raw and human. Again thank you :) And congrats on y'alls 48th book!
Thank you! This comment means a lot. I strive to be my authentic self online because it’s just too hard to play a character. ❤️
I really enjoyed the format of this video. It’s much different than your regular sit down videos and I liked seeing all your emotions. Love it!
Thank you! It’s been a long, long while since I vlogged, but this was the perfect opportunity to share what really happens during hell week. 😂😂
I'm so proud of you. I know you have ADHD too, and I just don't know how you do it. I have no discipline. Did medication make it easier. I'm not medicated and barely manage.
Congratulations ! As a French Sci-Fi writer, I know how much of our efforts and soul we put in our writing! Have a nice day, and enjoy with a good meal in a retaurant, the publication of your 50th story! 🙂(you're not alone in the world)
Thank you! You’re not alone either! ❤️
Kudos on writing your 48th book! "That was intense..." sounds like an understatement. 16-18 hours of writing per day is insane. Glad you were able to pull it off, maintain quality and still want to do more.
Thank you so much! The book was fully written, thankfully. All that time was spent editing! 😭😭😭 I call it editing hell for a reason. 😂
Came for the clickbait, stayed for the car wash.
Hahaha, you would!
Who made the deadline? I don't understand that part was it a contract or something. Cool video thanks for sharing.
OMG. Yes. I totally relate to the nightmares. I had no idea this was an actual thing. I just thought it was me and my overactive mind. Here's hoping you get some restful sleep between projects.
Haha, I’m glad I’m not alone. It’s just stress induced! 😂😂
Watching this got me all types of stressed lol
Feels like a fever dream for me now 😂😂😂
This came at the right time! I’m racing to upload my book in less than two days time and found this super inspiring!
You can do it! :) I'm cheering you on.
@@TheCourtneyProject Thank you! I did it - even though I ended up testing positive for C0vid 36 hours before and then stayed up until 8am finishing it. What a nightmare 😅
Lots of emotion near the end! But dang, you and Brooke are rockstars with how many books y'all have written together. And did I hear you say this was book 50?? Daaaannnngggg!
I loved seeing this type of vlog from you! Hope to see more like this in the future (if you have time for it, of course).
Haha I miscounted, LOL! It was 48! 😂😂 And thank you for the nice comment. I might add some more vlogs in here and there. I always like recording them, it’s the editing that kills me. Could say the same about writing though. LOL! 😘😘😘
I just discovered you through Sarra Cannon's recent vlog of your trip to Houston. When you shared your frustration with uploading, I could relate because I felt the same way. I uploaded my book with a few hours to spare and sat back, breathing a sigh of relief. A few days later, I realized, I had uploaded the wrong version!!! Meanwhile, people who had ordered the ebooks already had the copy downloaded and it was the wrong one! I was sick to my stomach. I felt horrible. I did upload the correct version, but I'm sure those who received the wrong version will give me bad reviews. Sometimes this job we love is so damn stressful!
Aww, so glad you’re here! And oh noooooooo…I’ve had that happen to friends, but hey, usually those who are buying it right as it releases are super readers or super fans so at least they tend to be a little more forgiving. ❤️ Hope it wasn’t too stressful!
Congratulations. Thanks for sharing your highs and lows. I had no doubt in your success but success isn't always pretty. Continued blessings.
Thank you! ❤️ No it’s not always pretty. It usually looks a lot like this, haha, a hot mess. 😂
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It's really cool to see inside/behind the scenes. I haven't published anything yet and I can't wait. Bring on the chaos!
It’s fun chaos, I promise! ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you for being here!
You had me so worried lol But I also really appreciate the reality that you show. Careers and jobs of any kind will not be perfect, every day will not be the best day of your life...That doesn't mean it isn't worth it to pursue what fulfills you the most. "...Still better than corporate." That should be on the next mug...
Aww, I’m sorry for making you worry! I’ve never missed a deadline under KF, not even when my dad passed away. Ya girl just stresses. 😂😂
And omg…it SHOULD be on a mug!
Congratulations! 50th or 48th, it's still a huge accomplishment.
Thank you so much!
I love love writing but publishing and the work that comes with it is stressful. I’m planning my first novel release and I’m tempted to just go onto ghost writing. I can write all day but the moment I think about publishing I get a migraine. You make the process look so easy.
You have to do what’s best for you, but I promise the reward is worth publishing it yourself. You get the credit and get to learn in the process, which learning is my favorite part. I believe in you and am rooting for you! Just take everything one step at a time…otherwise it can get super overwhelming fast.
Wow, that was an emotional ride! I can't handle deadlines and can't even do pre-orders until the book is all ready. Those emails from Amazon with the countdown to upload stress me out so much. Congrats on another success! You're such an inspiration 💕💕
Oh yes. It’s super stressful then to see the clock when you login. It almost feels like a doomsday clock. 😂 I’m so thankful Brooke and I both work well under pressure, otherwise we’d probably wait until the book is written too. I honestly find that the less stressful solution. Writing/editing deadline to deadline is 😬
Thank you so much for the kind words! I appreciate it!
Is it weird that I miss being on deadlines?? I thrived on that, and it's maybe not the best personal choice, but there are a lot of us who do thrive on deadlines. Then again, there are deadlines and then there was THIS BOOK, which we watched you speed draft after your vaca and then just sorta hoped you weren't actually killed dead by it in editing hell. I'm glad you emerged victorious once again and that you have an attentive husband to feed, water, and caffeinate you as needed
I don’t think it’s weird to miss it! But then again, I might be weird. 😂 I have two speeds: overly busy and wishing I was busy because I get bored otherwise, so I totally understand.
@@TheCourtneyProject yeah, but you're never bored with the next story to write!! I try imagining what I'll be like once I hit my groove and figure out my writing process. I'm predicting a lot of self-inflicted stress and big payoffs.
This video really worked, btw, very compelling
I frickin' love you girls so hard :D
Aww, thank youuuuu! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for sharing your journey. You have no idea how much this means to many of us who are new to this writing process. I find myself trying to navigate through the 'business side of things' while trying to make time within my schedule to write. Tears have surely been shed, but this video inspires me! I appreciate you my friend! 💖
Aww, thank you so much. We all write our books the same-one word at a time! Sometimes we just have to take it day by day, even when it’s stressful! ❤️
I want you to know that I love you, lady!
We do understand. We do. Also, your Care Bears are giving me life. I have a teensy one on my desk.
Aww! Thank you! I was a carebear wh*re as a kid. 😂 I found some vintage ones and was like yepppppp, you’re about to live on my bookshelves. 🙌🙌 Carebears FTW!
You did it! Well done. And I hope you get SO much sleep. you deserve it.
Thank you! I slept so much, it was amazing!
We love your vlogs, you are an inspiration, Courtney!
Thank you so much! :)
I was stressin while watching you lol, but I loved this vlog style! 💖
Thank youuuuu!
I def would have cracked under this tight deadline. Glad you made it and hope you get some rest!
Lol, I was close. 😂😂 I have friends who are a year ahead of schedule because they don’t like this part of it. Me crying with envy.
Great going for your latest book...🤩🤩🤩!!!
Thank you!
I get anxiety just from watching
I’m sorry! ❤️ it all worked out in the end.
Amazing edits on this video Courtney!
Thank you so much!
Happy Birthday! Ty for sharing!
Thank you so much! ❤️
So relate to this kind of stress. Good for you for staying the course and jamming! 👏👏👏Congratulations on book 50! 🎉🎉🎉 Happy Anniversary! Happy Birthday to Will and Happy HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!! 🥳🥳🥳
Thank you so much for all the happys! :) LOL, I counted wrong, it's actually book 48! Hopefully the real book 50 is less dramatic.
Girl. I'm in tears. "You don't understand...maybe you do. Maybe you do." CHILLS. So happy for you and I love these videos
Aww! Thank you for going on this little journey with me! :)
Congratulations on book 48!! You did it!! 🥳👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🥳 And thanks for always keeping it real. It’s helpful to see the full reality of the process, stress and celebration and all! ❤️ Also, thank you for keeping me company while I folded laundry. Much more fun that way! 😂🤗
Aww, totally happy to keep ya company! Thank youuu!
Congratulations on getting that book out there! 🎉🎉🎉 It doesn't matter if it's book 1 or book 50. It's still a crazy wonderful thing you're doing. Absolutely LOVE the vlog! Great length for a vlog too. I find it hard to justify watching vlogs that are 30-45 minutes long, but in my opinion 15-20 minutes is perfect.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Caro! And I totally agree! 15 minutes is about where I start to mentally checkout when watching my favorite creators. 😂
woo hoo! that is a ride! I would be in stress tears the whole time
Haha yessss! 😂
Your worst day as a self published author can’t even compare to the corporate life…oh my gosh, I like my job now but I’ve been in the corporate life for 20 years. I thoroughly get this statement.
It’s so true! It’s not even the in the same realm! I’m so grateful for that. ❤️
Congratulations on finishing the book 🥳🎆 I also ❤️❤️❤️❤️ the new video format, the b-rolls and music. It’s like you were inspired to edit this video. Happy anniversary and advance happy birthday to Will!
Aww. Yay! And thank you so much! We’re going to have so much cake!
You're amazing! This video shows the importance of working hard for your dreams, not giving up and sticking to it. I have been immensely inspired by this channel. I've released two books as a newbie author and am about to release my third book in November. I come back to this channel when I start to doubt and replay your vids for the extra encouragement and push. I hope you know how much of a difference you are making and the selflessness that you present by sharing the ups and downs, the hustle and bustle of what it takes and what it means to be an author. And most of all, NEVER GIVING UP. Thank you Courtney! Your video had me in tears. You deserve all the success in the world. Sending you lots of love and book hugs for this new release 💗❤🔥💗
Thank you so much for the kind words. Really, it means a lot to me. Sometimes I question why I even put my energy into posting, but when I read things like this, I’m reminded why I keep doing it. I’m rooting for you and can’t wait to see what you accomplish. ❤️🙌
Courtney.....Lovin this video. You're so open, honest and yes, funny. Only real comment I have was about the track pad and new ego keyboard......I thought you wanted to start really exploring dictation. Give us a video up date on how the dictation end of things went.
Cheers.
Oh yes, I am still practicing dictation, but when it comes to edits I still have to do it the old fashioned way. If only! 😂
Thank you so much for sharing this part of publishing! Congrats on this book! SUPERSTAR!
Thank you for watching and for the kind words. Much appreciated! ❤️❤️
*pauses 30 seconds in* Sending hugs! Also, Congratulations, Courtney! So awesome!
Thank you so much!!!
Congrats on the release!
Can I ask how the keyboard is working out for you? I’m struggling with CT, too. Thanks!
Thank you so much! It actually helps a lot because the finger placement is much different than my regular one. The padding on the bottom really gives just the right amount of support. I think it was $20-$30 on Amazon too. I also thought I needed the dongle usb thing with it for it to work but I forgot to plug it in and realized you don’t actually need it. 🙌
These videos are actually very valuable for upcoming authors. I appreciate it. Always cool to see behind the scenes.
Thank you so much! Happy to share whatever I can!
Congratulations! 🎉
Thank you! ❤️
yey vlog!🥳
❤️❤️❤️
This is exactly why I don’t pick release dates until my books are out of editing. My mental health says no 😂
😂😂 I have friends who do the same. They can’t handle this. Haha I barely can at times.
Congratulations!
Thank you! ❤️
I started crying with you when you said "We got it right". OMG ❤️
Awwww 🥰🥰🥰🥰
the editing in this video is incredible, I'm so glad you made it thru Courtney!! well done to both of you!
Thank you so much! ❤️❤️
Thanks for the vlog and congratulations!! What a journey
Thank you! It’s all about the journey! ❤️❤️
Thank you.
❤️❤️❤️
Congratulations! That seems wildly stressful, especially since it's the close out of the series.
One thing you may consider (if you haven't already) for mice would be instead of the trackpad, to use the "Logitech Trackman Marble Trackball Mouse" (they have several, but it's like a symmetrical oval)--it keeps your wrist in place without any of the slight movements that agitate the CT, though people who have tried to use mine complain there's a bit of a learning curve.
Ahh yes, I’ve used those before. The problem is I can’t use photoshop and Final Cut Pro properly with a mouse because I learned them both on my laptop and use the zoom a lot. 😂😂😂 Those mice are awesome though!
@@TheCourtneyProject Darn! Fair enough. Hope your wrists get some rest now that everything is good to go, although I'm sure there's more deadlines on the horizon!
What is the ledger for at 5:47?
I keep track of all of my edits broken down by chapter, how many full pages the chapters are, my unrealistic deadline of when I want it complete, then I check off or highlight when it’s done. 🙂
@@TheCourtneyProject Okay, gotcha. Thank you
@@rikicrawford2090 you’re welcome! I keep all of my edits and writing sprints in one bullet journal. Helps me track it throughout the year.
Congratulations on your latest book and I can’t wait to read it. Love this video because it was so inspirational so thank you for that, Courtney!
Thank you so much! ❤️❤️❤️ I appreciate it!
Happy belated birthday! Congrats on meeting the deadline for another book. Now onto the next...
My birthday is the 25th! But thank you in advance!!! It’s my last year in my 30’s! And yes, it’s time for the next one!
@@TheCourtneyProject Oh! I thought you said it had happened!
CONGRATS!! You are a SUPERSTAR!! 🎉
Thanks so much! ❤️❤️❤️
This is so huge! Congratulations to you both! You are awesome.
Thank you! ❤️❤️
Hope you do a live stream soon. Really need the motivation.
I probably will! I have a short story that needs to be written ASAP! 😂😂
@@TheCourtneyProject Awesome, I'm so excited! Love your live streams especially when you do them with Rachel. When yall are together it's super fun!
Congratulations!!! 💐💐💐
Thank you! ❤️❤️
Thank you! ❤️❤️
I just have to say, I have three books published (I’m counting my freebie to my email list), and I’m never giving up. Every video I watch of yours gives me proof that success in this business is possible!
I know you can do it, Jean! No doubt in my mind. You’re just getting started. ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, Courtney! 👍🥰
U can mute the gas screen. Right side second button down. A hack I learned. And plus, u went to Yellowstone and no hurricane!
Oh really? I had no idea! And omg, you’re right! No hurricane! 🙌🙌🙌