​Did you know that January can be tough for independent authors?
 
Despite our lives in imaginary worlds, we still contend with winter blues, cold/flu season and the gravity of new year reflections in the real one. Reader engagement plummets with mass migration back to work or school. What’s more, part of being an independent author is being an entrepreneur. An internet search for “worst month to do business” will flag January as one to watch for, as folks are strained from the holidays and resolved to spend less.
 
I experienced this firsthand. After taking time off in December, I’d planned to start 2023 strong with book marketing, writing, and author networking. Little did I know I’d revved myself up for an icy road! To make matters worse, I’m still developing my metaphorical snowtires. Disappointments can easily send me careening offroad, straight down the rabbit hole.

All to say, it wasn’t the January I’d hoped for, even with the highlights of launching The Semicolon Reader Guide for mental health professionals and taking part in my first-ever author interview for Bell Let’s Talk Day.  

It was, however, a good reminder that long-term staying power sometimes requires shifting gears, especially when outside conditions are beyond our control. And that, as an independent creator, putting work into our inner snowtires – our ability to cope, regroup and adjust – matters just as much as the writing.

Behind the scenes, a lot is happening in every book launch – especially for an independent author! The past several weeks have been devoted to setting up worldwide distribution channels, smoothing out pricing wrinkles (think currency conversion rates, shipping costs, etc.), and getting the word out about the book every step of the way.
 
All the updates on the book front could fill a novel, so here are the most exciting takeaways:
 
I was incredibly honored this past month by the opportunity to author a piece for the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s e-magazine The Catalyst about the challenges of writing and marketing a children’s book about depression. The article, “Making a Point,” is a great place to learn the backstory of THE SEMICOLON, as well as the alarming statistics that reinforced my decision to self-publish (we need conversations about mental health to start early!). 

​In other big news: my Kirkus Review is in! Kirkus is a leading name in the publishing industry for book reviews, and I am thrilled to share that THE SEMICOLON was praised as a “heartfelt story of navigating emptiness and finding hope for the future.” The review also observed that the book “offers a great way to encourage young people with grief and depression to open up,” which thrilled me as the story has always been about sparking those critical conversations. The full review is available here (be warned: it contains plot spoilers!)

Since its full launch in November, the book has touched readers all the way from B.C. and the prairie provinces to Texas, Hawai’i, and the U.K.! As a debut author, reaching new audiences is a challenge, and I am immeasurably grateful for everyone who has not only bought the book, but taken the time to share feedback and their photos of the book with me.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. If THE SEMICOLON has resonated with you too, I’d love to know about it.

After months of waiting, THE SEMICOLON is finally available worldwide in hardcover, softcover and e-book editions, including through big-name distributors like Amazon, Barnes & Noble and more! Pre-ordered copies of the book have already landed in Canada, the U.S., the U.K. and Australia, with new distribution channels coming online weekly.

Due to a confluence of factors, prices vary between distributors – for the lowest list prices, be sure to check out the FriesenPress bookstore or, if you are in Canada, order directly through my Shopify store. Signed copies of the book, including personalized inscriptions, are also available through my author store.

Getting this book to where it’s needed is a priority for me. Discounts or donated copies may be available for registered children’s mental health care professionals, bereavement counsellors, and related charities or select nonprofits. Please contact me directly to inquire.

Thank you for checking out my new website and stay tuned for the forthcoming Goodreads page, the official book trailer and more exciting updates!

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