One Year Later - Calming the Storm

Image by Victorine Lieske

One year ago today, I nervously watched as my first novel went live on Amazon. I wouldn't announce it on Facebook until the following day and it was difficult to sleep that night. 

The story for Calming the Storm formed in my mind some years ago and I wrote a little here and there when I had the chance. Once 2014 began, I decided that was going to be the year that I finally pursued independent publication. I did a lot of research, found a fantastic group called Clean Indie Reads, and talked to a number of people on how best to approach the scary world of indie authors. 

I had several people read Calming the Storm before I published it. However, it was a completely different thing to release my "baby" out into the world. What if no one bought it? What if they did buy it and they hated it? What if people loved it and I was never able to write another book? Yep, those doubts and many more went through my mind that very first day. 

I sold six copies of Calming the Storm August 6, 2014 and I was absolutely thrilled! In the last year, I've sold a total of 892 digital copies of Calming the Storm. Did I make the best seller's list? Not even close. But it's been an amazing adventure. 

Looking back, a lot has changed. I'm much more comfortable with Amazon and how to format my files. I've had three new releases now to get an idea of what kind of promoting works best for the genre I'm writing in. Even then, I'm constantly learning something new and I anticipate that'll always be the case. 

One thing hasn't changed, however. I'm not sure I'll ever feel at ease releasing a new book into the world. I still want to hold it close and protect it from bad reviews or rejection. 

I felt that way about Calming the Storm but I'm thankful I pushed through it. This past year has been a huge learning experience, an adventure, and a dream come true. 

I'm looking forward to seeing what the next year as an indie author has in store! 

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Calming the Storm by Melanie D. Snitker

Calming the Storm
on Amazon

A marriage of convenience isn't exactly what Rachel Peters had in mind.

What else can she do if she wants to raise her young niece and give her a more stable home than she and her sister grew up in? Rachel is at risk of losing custody of her last blood relative, and she needs to prove she can provide for her niece and raise her in a nurturing environment.

Professor Brandon Barlow is invested in his college students' lives, dedicated to ensuring their success. When it's clear that Rachel is struggling, he takes a personal interest in trying to help her. But can he keep his heart from getting involved in the process?

Brandon reaches out to Rachel as he tries to break through the walls she has built up over the years. With love and patience, Brandon hopes to help Rachel realize that, even when she experiences storms in her life, she isn't always alone.