My husband fancies himself my business manager, so when a friend offered to engrave glasses for us, I had her make a set that say “Writer” and “Business Manager.” While I certainly lean on him for bigger business decisions, the bulk of the business side of writing falls on my shoulders. So I drink out of both glasses—some days more than others.

At first, I only drank from the “Writer” glass while the other languished in the cupboard, but at some point during the launch of The Trail Rules, I decided it was time to dust off the “Business Manager.” Since then, my glass selection varies depending on what I’m working on that day, and it got me thinking about how the days of authors simply writing are long gone. Regardless of whether you’re self- or traditionally-published, a lot (or all) of the marketing is your responsibility.

Which brings me to this new series.

People often ask how much time per day I devote to writing, and I tell them I write for an hour in the morning before work, but that’s not accurate. Because marketing never turns off. I’m always thinking of new ideas, or chatting with people on social media, or gaining inspiration from other authors in my network.

IT’S NEVER ENDING.

So I decided to write about this balancing act between living in my imagination while writing books and unobtrusively shouting from the rooftops to BUY MY BOOKS! It’s a delicate dance, one filled with failures and false starts and abandoned ideas, but it’s the life I’ve chosen and I have no plans to give it up.

I have a number of topics I plan to cover, but I’d love to hear from you. Is there something specific you’d like to know more about? Post in the comments or email me at melaniehooyenga(at)gmail(dot)com.

AND, as an example of the Business Manager brain that does not quit, I’m starting an author interview series on August 20! I already have interviews booked through the end of this year, and I’m so excited to introduce you to these amazing writers. And my next book comes out October 26! (More on that soon.) So basically, if you don’t already subscribe to my blog or newsletter, you should do that now. The blog button is at the top of the sidebar on this page, and you can sign up for my newsletter here.

Until next time…