|
…(And What They Taught Me)  When I decided to self-publish my first book, I thought the hardest part would be writing it. I quickly learned that finishing the manuscript was only the beginning. Self-publishing requires you to wear multiple hats—writer, editor, marketer, project manager, and entrepreneur—all at once. Even with the countless books, videos, and online resources available today, mistakes are almost impossible to avoid. There's always something to remember, revise, or learn the hard way. Looking back, though, those mistakes became some of my greatest teachers. Every setback helped me improve my process, sharpen my skills, and approach each new book with more confidence. Here are three of the biggest mistakes I made as a self-published author—and how they ultimately made me a better one. 1. I Didn't Plan My Pre-Release Marketing Early EnoughOne of the biggest misconceptions I had was believing marketing started a few days before my book launched. I assumed posting a few promotional graphics on social media would be enough to generate excitement. It wasn't.  I soon realized that successful book launches begin months before publication. Readers need time to discover you, become familiar with your work, and build anticipation for what's coming next. Pre-release marketing is about creating awareness, growing your audience, and giving people a reason to care about your upcoming release. As a new author, you're not just selling a book—you're introducing your brand. Today, I begin promoting much earlier by sharing writing updates, cover reveals, character teasers, behind-the-scenes content, and email newsletters long before launch day. By the time my book is released, readers will already feel invested in the journey. 2. I Rushed the Editing ProcessLike many first-time self-published authors, I tried to save both time and money by handling much of the editing myself. I was eager to meet my personal deadlines and move on to publishing, but I underestimated how important fresh eyes are. After publication, I received thoughtful reviews and feedback pointing out areas where the story could have been more developed, scenes that needed additional clarity, and opportunities to strengthen character development. While constructive criticism can be difficult to hear, it became invaluable feedback that helped me become a stronger storyteller.  I also learned another expensive lesson: not every editor is the right editor. Because I was working with a limited budget, I chose the least expensive editor I could find without doing enough research. Unfortunately, they weren't familiar with my genre or the tone and voice I wanted to preserve. Instead of improving the manuscript, the experience cost me both time and money. Now I understand that hiring an editor isn't simply about finding someone who can correct grammar. It's about finding someone who understands your audience, respects your writing style, and knows how to elevate your story without changing your voice. 3. I Didn't Ask for Enough HelpI've always been fiercely independent. If I could figure something out myself, I would. While self-reliance is valuable, I eventually realized that trying to do everything alone was slowing my growth. The self-publishing community is filled with experienced authors who have already made the mistakes you're about to make. Their advice, courses, podcasts, writing groups, and online communities can save you countless hours of frustration. Looking back, I wish I had asked more questions, sought more feedback, and leaned into the experience of others sooner. There's nothing wrong with learning independently, but there's also wisdom in accepting guidance from people who've already walked the path. Today, I view asking for help as part of the publishing process—not a sign of weakness, but a shortcut to growth. Every Mistake Is a LessonEvery writing journey includes failures, disappointments, and unexpected challenges. Ironically, I've learned far more from the moments that didn't go according to plan than from the ones that did. After completing each book, I spend time reflecting on the entire process by asking myself questions like:
These questions help me identify patterns, celebrate progress, and continuously improve with every project.  Self-publishing is a continuous learning experience. No matter how prepared you are, you'll make mistakes along the way. The important thing isn't avoiding failure—it's learning from it. Every lesson becomes part of your publishing blueprint, making each future book stronger than the last. If sharing my mistakes helps another author avoid unnecessary setbacks, then every one of those lessons was worth it. Growth comes from experience, and every published book is another step toward becoming a better writer, publisher, and storyteller.  The Blakk Dahlia (E. Alexcina Brown) is a New York City author/blogger from Macon, GA. Recently, she released the book series, the Heartbreak Diaries, outlining different perspectives of heartbreak. The Dahlia Diaries is a lifestyle blog penned by The Blakk Dahlia, sharing her story in NYC along with life lessons and tips she's learned in her journey.
0 Comments
3 Tips on how to tap into another genre of writing  For years, I carved my voice into the world as a romance suspense author. The stories I told were not simply born from imagination—they were stitched together from lived experience, emotional scars, whispered “what ifs,” and the relentless curiosity of a writer who needed to make sense of it all. Writing in that genre felt effortless because it was deeply personal. Each chapter became a release. Each plot twist unraveled pieces of my own past. Through my characters, I relived heartbreak, betrayal, passion, and redemption—and in doing so, I found healing. The page became both confession booth and therapy couch. But healing changes you. Once I had worked through my own romantic traumas and made peace with love lost, I realized something unexpected: I no longer felt anchored to those stories. The emotional urgency that once fueled my writing had softened. And as writers, we must allow our storytelling to evolve as we evolve. Growth in life should echo in art. With growth comes choice. Some writers deepen their existing genre, adding layers of maturity and complexity to familiar themes. Others pivot entirely. I chose the latter. I was no longer mentally or emotionally in the space of writing about love unraveling or rekindling. My spirit craved something different—something that would stretch me creatively and challenge my craft in new ways. There’s nothing wrong with staying in your lane. Mastery is powerful. If something works for you, honor it. But if curiosity starts knocking—answer the door. Exploring a new genre isn’t abandoning your foundation; it’s expanding it. And if the experiment doesn’t unfold the way you imagined, you can always return to your roots with sharper skills and a renewed perspective. If you’re considering stepping outside your comfort zone, here are 3 tips to keep in mind:  Research and Read Before diving in, immerse yourself. Study the architects of the genre you’re interested in. Read widely and intentionally—not to imitate, but to observe. How do they pace their stories? Where do they heighten tension? How do they introduce conflict, develop stakes, and reward the reader? Different genres demand different rhythms. In romance suspense, tension often blooms from emotional vulnerability. The suspense is intertwined with matters of the heart—trust, betrayal, longing. The danger may be external, but it is filtered through love’s lens. In contrast, a straight thriller often builds like a slow-burning fuse. Suspense is planted in breadcrumbs—subtle clues, red herrings, moments that feel slightly “off.” The antagonist may cast a shadow long before stepping fully into the light. The reveal is strategic, deliberate, and often chilling. In both cases, vivid description is your greatest ally. Paint scenes so clearly that readers can feel the humidity in the air, hear the floorboard creak, and sense the shift in a character’s breathing. Regardless of genre, atmosphere matters.  Find Your Style Within the Genre Switching genres doesn’t mean abandoning your voice. Your voice—your cadence, emotional depth, humor, or intensity—is what makes readers connect to you. The key is not to become someone else, but to translate who you already are into a new storytelling framework. Ask yourself:
Imagine yourself inside these new characters. Let them react in ways that feel authentic to you while still honoring the conventions of the genre. You don’t need to veer so far that your audience feels abandoned. Instead, invite them to grow with you. And remember—every book is an opportunity to refine your craft. Add new layers. Experiment with pacing. Play with structure. Growth isn’t just about genre; it’s about skill.  Just Go For It At some point, the research ends, and the writing begins. Ideas sitting untouched in a notebook serve no one. When you hesitate too long, you risk depriving readers of a story only you can tell. What if it doesn’t unfold the way you hoped? Then you learn. You revise. You try again. Success in writing—like in life—is rarely linear. It’s winding, unpredictable, sometimes frustrating, and often exhilarating. But every detour teaches you something about your voice, your resilience, and your range. So, take the leap. Stretch your creativity. Challenge your comfort zone. Allow your evolution to show up on the page. And most importantly—enjoy the ride. The Blakk DahliaThe Blakk Dahlia (E. Alexcina Brown) is a New York City author/blogger from Macon, GA. Recently, she released the book series, the Heartbreak Diaries, outlining different perspectives of heartbreak. The Dahlia Diaries is a lifestyle blog penned by The Blakk Dahlia, sharing her story in NYC along with life lessons and tips she's learned in her journey. Latest interview/feature with UK publication, Reader's House Magazine  I was very humbled to receive the good news that Reader's House Magazine wanted to feature me! Check out the latest interview/feature where I talk about what has shaped my journey in self-published writing, along with my book series, the Heartbreak Diaries. This is one of my BEST interviews yet! Read an excerpt below and click the link to read the full interview. The Blakk Dahlia is an innovative voice in romance literature, blending raw emotion with unfiltered truth while inspiring self-growth beautifully. Your books often explore themes of love, heartache, and relationships – what do you think is the most common misconception about romance? One common misconception about romance is that love is supposed to be a perfect fairy tale. Many of us grow up with that expectation from stories and idealized portrayals of relationships. In reality, love can be messy, challenging, and even transformative. Another misconception is that everyone who enters your life is meant to “save” you or make life automatically better. People often carry unresolved past experiences into new relationships, which can create complications. Growth and healing are possible, but not everyone is looking for the same things, and mismatched intentions can lead to conflict—and heartache.  The Blakk DahliaThe Blakk Dahlia (E. Alexcina Brown) is a New York City author/blogger from Macon, GA. Recently, she released the book series, the Heartbreak Diaries outlining different perspectives of heartbreak. The Dahlia Diaries is a lifestyle blog penned by The Blakk Dahlia, sharing her story in NYC along with life lessons and tips she's learned in her journey. Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Paused between takes. The story’s still unfolding. What began as a therapeutic and creative outlet slowly turned into a source of pressure. Writing—once my safe space—became another item on my to-do list, tangled in deadlines, algorithms, and constant promotion. The joy faded, and burnout crept in. I’ve loved writing since I was a child. I started because I wanted to share pieces of my life through fictional stories—stories with meaning, heart, and a twist. But as I grew, certain topics no longer resonated with me. I wasn’t ashamed of what I’d written before, but I wasn’t in that place anymore. The ideas stopped flowing, and I didn’t know what to write next. That in-between space—between who I was and who I was becoming—was uncomfortable, confusing, and creatively paralyzing. So, I stepped away. A break to shake off the pressure. A break to rediscover the joy. A break to live. A break to figure out where my writing journey is truly headed. How Did I Get to that Point? At first, handling the business side of writing felt exciting. I knew how to promote my books, ride the wave of trends, and build content across platforms. I had momentum—speeding full steam ahead. But doing everything right didn’t guarantee the success I had pictured. Slowly, that drive began to fade. Writing didn’t feel like a creative outlet anymore—it felt like a job. And not the kind you wake up excited to do. Writer’s block set in and I felt that I lost the drive, the will, and the overall talent I used to become a self-published author. I found myself in a creative drought, stuck in the ebb, unable to reach the flow. I wanted to do anything but write.  The Break Eventually, I shut my laptop and gave myself permission to rest. Real rest. Not productivity-masked-as-rest. I tapped into things I hadn’t made time for in years. I remembered how I came up in the “Team No Sleep” era—where hustle was glorified, and rest was weakness. But the true inspiration for my writing? Life. Real moments. Quiet moments. Not constant output. One month turned into three… then six… then nine. Still nothing. No new stories. Just a growing list of hobbies and reasons to not return:
I wanted more. More genres. More truth. More growth. The Growth Part I let those old stories sit. Maybe I’ll return to them—maybe not. And that’s okay. I started thinking about what I love to read: horror, self-help, true stories of resilience. Why couldn’t those stories be part of my portfolio? I explored what it would take to write compelling narratives in those genres and quickly realized—I’m not ready to jump back into late-night writing sessions. And that’s okay too. I reminded myself: I chose self-publishing for the freedom. Yet, I’d been depriving myself of that very thing. So, I went back to resting. Unapologetically.  Where Am I Now? Less Pressure More Freedom These days, I’m rebuilding. Slowly. Intentionally. I’m allowing myself to wander creatively without pressure. I read articles for a few minutes, then switch gears. I journal when I feel inspired, but I don’t force it. I’m learning not to burn out the spark before it becomes a flame. I no longer carry the weight of needing to produce just to keep up. I don’t panic if I don’t have everything figured out in one night. Because I’ve realized—I don’t have to. I don’t need to release a book every year. I don’t need to race anyone to the finish line. This break? It was necessary. I needed space to grow. To breathe. To celebrate how far I’ve come. I had unknowingly boxed myself in: write…release, write…release. Now? I’m still on the journey. But I’m setting the pace this time. These quiet moments matter. They’re where I reconnect, reflect, and remember why I started in the first place. To tell stories. From a place of experience and creativity, not pressure.  The Blakk DahliaThe Blakk Dahlia (E. Alexcina Brown) is a New York City author/blogger from Macon, GA. Recently, she released the book series, the Heartbreak Diaries outlining different perspectives of heartbreak. The Dahlia Diaries is a lifestyle blog penned by The Blakk Dahlia, sharing her story in NYC along with life lessons and tips she's learned in her journey.Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. I've personally received great feedback on the Heartbreak Diaries Series. Every purchase, read, and kind words are greatly appreciated. Reviews Matter! Indie authors need reviews/ratings to stay competitive. Reviews help boost the credibility of a self-published author while sharing your thoughts/views on their work! Loved a book from the Heartbreak Diaries Series? Speak on it! Visit your favorite retailers to leave a review or click stars to rate! Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Apple Books | Kobo  About the Heartbreak Diaries the Heartbreak Diaries is a romance-suspense series with stories told from the heart’s perspective. The fiction series tackles how one’s heart approaches dating, relationships, marriage, and even "situationships" within the mind frame of living in the past, or concerns about the future. What's unique about this series is that it dives into these heart types from a real and vulnerable place. Each book has a "dear diary" moment from an integral character, displaying their true intentions within the story.  The Blakk Dahlia (E. Alexcina Brown) is a New York City author/blogger from Macon, GA. Recently, she released the book series, the Heartbreak Diaries outlining different perspectives of heartbreak. The Dahlia Diaries is a lifestyle blog penned by The Blakk Dahlia, sharing her story in NYC along with life lessons and tips she's learned in her journey. |
"I LOVE to write and create. These are the diaries of how I work and deal in my world of writing and LIFE!"
- The Blakk Dahlia from the Heartbreak Diaries Book Series
Important Links
Categories
All
Archives
June 2026
|
RSS Feed
