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Lorna K. Bailey

19 members • Free

9 contributions to Lorna K. Bailey
Imposter Syndrome. 😬
So many authors battle that nagging thought: “Who am I to be writing this? Am I even a real author?” Here’s the truth: - EVERY author feels this at some point. Even bestselling writers doubt themselves. I don't think it's something that ever goes away. - Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re not a writer - it usually means you are stretching yourself and letting yourself grow through being uncomfortable with the creative process. - The best antidote? Keep writing, keep learning, and keep connecting with your readers. Don't stop. - The fact that you are experiencing this and asking yourself this means you are NOT an imposter or a "fake" author. People who are imposters don't stop to ask themselves this. 👉 How about you? Have you struggled with imposter syndrome in your author journey? What helps you move past it?
0 likes • 21h
I have struggled with this off and on, and I think you're right about it meaning you're stretching. I continue to read lots of blogs and such about writing and the writing business. The thought just occurred to me that I probably wouldn't have to deal with imposter syndrome so much if I could figure out how run a stable author business. That part always makes me feel inadequate. I think it what helps me besides knowing that I am not alone is doing the writing. When I'm creating, I think less about it. Also, getting feedback from readers can be a big boost. For whatever reason I suppose we writers are a humble, fragile bunch. Perhaps it's because we pay attention to lots of stuff that never enters the mind of nonwriters. Perhaps we crave encouragement and/or acknowledgment. What we do is hard and it's nice to know that we're reaching someone on the other side of all the struggles - that our words matter - that we matter. I better step off my soapbox before I fall and hurt myself. 😆
Let’s talk word counts. ✍️
Some authors swear by a daily or weekly word count goal to keep their writing on track. Others find the numbers intimidating and prefer to focus on “time spent writing” or just finishing a scene. 👉 I’m curious: - Do you set daily or weekly word count goals? - Do you find word counts motivating. . . or more stressful than helpful? There’s no “right” answer here — the best system is the one that keeps you writing!
1 like • 2d
I've tried word count goals and not word count goals. Both have their pros and cons for me. I sometimes do feel motivated by WCGs and sometimes they stress me out. In the end, I think I do better with them, but I just can't set them too high. Also, like Jim said, if I miss, I don't beat myself up about it ... or I try not to.
Have you connected with your local bookstore yet? 📚
One of my favorite opportunities to encourage authors to pursue is right in their own backyard: bookstores! Many indie and chain stores love supporting local authors through signings, launch events, and even stocking books on their shelves! 👉 A few quick tips: - Start small. Walk in, introduce yourself, and get to know the staff before asking about events. - Bring a one-sheet. A simple flyer with your book info (genre, tropes, topics it covers, etc), cover, and contact details makes it easier for them to say yes. - Offer value. Frame it as a partnership: you’ll promote the event to your audience, bring in foot traffic, and make it fun. Local connections not only help you sell books, they also build long-term community support. Have you ever done a bookstore signing, or is it something on your list to try?
2 likes • 4d
I've done a couple signings at bookstores and one at a library. Didn't really get much out of it. None of them brought many folks interested in a signed book. I suppose it was a good experience to have, but in the big picture I'd have been better staying home and writing. LOL. I have heard a number of authors say that these kinds of events actually drive a lot of their sales/income. It just hasn't been that promising in my limited experience.
1 like • 4d
@Jim Van Wyck Thanks for sharing!
Beverage of choice? ☕️
When you sit down to write, what’s your go-to drink? Coffee, tea, water, or something else? (I’m always curious about writers’ habits!)
1 like • 8d
Depends on the time of day, but coffee or water are my usual jam. Lately, I've been drinking Gatorade because my electrolytes got messed up.
0 likes • 4d
@Lorna Bailey Thanks!
What’s your Author Tech Stack? 💻✍️
This is one of my favorite things to geek out about with authors! Every author ends up building their own little “tech stack”. . . the set of tools and softwares you rely on to keep your books, marketing, and business running smoothly. I'd love to know: - What tools are you using right now? (Ex: Notion, Trello, BookFunnel, MailerLite, Canva, etc.) - Where do you feel stuck or like you need suggestions? Sometimes the best recommendations come from other authors who’ve already tested what works (and what doesn’t). Let’s compare notes!
0 likes • 4d
@Lorna Bailey 😆
0 likes • 4d
@Lorna Bailey I was trying to some branching in the logic, but was having trouble because in order for some of the timing to work, it needed to be immediate - to respond to a reader who clicked on a link requesting the next part of the story, but also be delayed by a couple days, if they didn't click on anything - as a reminder to try and get them to engage.
1-9 of 9
Kc Herbel
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@kurt-herbel-3091
I spent the first part of my adult life building robotic monsters in Hollywood, but now I commit such dastardly acts with a pen. https://kcherbel.com

Active 21h ago
Joined Sep 15, 2025