The Roller-coaster Journey of a Debut Author: Lessons Learned and Emotions Explored

Nirja Sharma
3 min readJun 26, 2023

Hey there, fellow dreamers and aspiring authors! Today, I want to take you on a thrilling ride through the depths of my heart as I recount the incredible journey of becoming a published author for the very first time.

Buckle up and get ready to delve into the highs, lows, and invaluable lessons I learned along the way.

Picture this: after years of pouring my soul onto countless pages, painstakingly crafting and refining every word, my dream of seeing my novel, “Consumed By Obsession,” in print became a reality. The exhilaration that washed over me is something I can hardly put into words. It was as if my heart took flight, soaring with joy and accomplishment. Oh, the elation!

Consumed By Obsession

Consumed By Obsession

But amidst that whirlwind of emotions, I soon realised that the path of a debut author is not all rainbows and sunshine. No, my friends, it’s a wild and winding road with unexpected hurdles and valuable lessons lurking around every corner.

The first lesson that struck me like a bolt of lightning was the undeniable importance of marketing and promotion. Being a fresh face in the literary world, capturing the attention of readers proved to be quite the challenge.

Once I had published my novel, my focus shifted from writing alone to developing an effective marketing plan and actively promoting my beloved book. It was a whole new realm I had to conquer.

And let’s not forget the power of networking. As a debut author, building connections with fellow wordsmiths and industry professionals became my lifeline.

But even with the book in print, my work was far from done. The realisation hit me hard — the writing process doesn’t simply end with publication. No, dear reader, it was merely the beginning of a new chapter. Engaging with my readers, tirelessly promoting my book, and crafting new material became my new mantra.

And, oh, the joy of connecting with readers who resonated with the story I had poured my heart into — it was pure magic.

Yet, I also discovered the importance of embracing feedback, both positive and constructive. It was humbling to see my creation through the eyes of others, to witness the impact it had on their lives. I learned to develop a thick skin, to let criticism become a catalyst for growth rather than a source of discouragement. It’s an art, my friends, but one that allows us to transcend our limitations and evolve as authors.

Throughout this awe-inspiring journey, I understood the need to keep pace with the ever-changing trends and technologies of the publishing industry. Adapting, learning, and investing in myself and my work became paramount. After all, our stories deserve to be heard, cherished, and shared with the world.

Now, as I reflect upon my rollercoaster ride as a debut author, these lessons will forever be etched in my heart. They have become the guiding stars of my career, steering me towards new horizons filled with creativity, growth, and boundless possibilities. I am excited to see what the future holds and to take you all along for the ride.

So, my fellow dreamers and future published authors, remember to develop a writing routine, embrace careful research and planning, and savor the invaluable feedback from readers and editors. Build connections, celebrate the joyous moments, and learn to dance gracefully with the criticisms that come your way. Adapt, invest, and stay open to the wonders of the ever-evolving publishing industry.

But above all, my dear friends, remember to have fun, enjoy the process, and never let go of the burning passion that ignited your love affair with words.

Until next time, may your pens be mighty and your imagination boundless!

--

--

Nirja Sharma

An individual full of contradictions can only hope that life in words will pave a way for a harmonious yet challenging life.