THE CHALLENGES OF BEING A NEWLY-PUBLISHED AUTHOR

So, I've written a book and had it published. How exciting! It seems as if new doors are opening and that I have embarked upon a new career. That is true, but the challenges have only just begun. Now, the task is to get the word out. Major TV networks aren't exactly knocking at my door. Where do I begin?

These are the questions I had to ask myself after I published the highly-rated Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude which I soon followed up with the first sequel, Babes in Bucksnort. I knew that I had good books that my readers have joyously embraced. The frustrating part has been that I need exposure and that is not an easy thing to get. Nothing in life is free and promotion can be very expensive. While I have been blessed to have some resources, I am not currently in a position to spend megabucks in promoting my books.

I have had to pay to get some reviews, to create a video trailer, to broadcast podcasts, to hire a publicist who has done a wonderful job setting up blogs for me. I have paid to appear on some radio shows and now other publicists are encouraging me with promises of what they can do to help. It's just that it means more money. Unfortunately, money doesn't grow on trees.

I've had to be practical, but I have also had to cling to the faith that I have been inspired to write these books for a reason. The interest in my work is there and I have a message of hope to deliver. It is only a matter of remaining strong and believing in myself. My mantra is don't quit. Dreams do come true.

Friends have been helpful in spreading the word about my books, but it takes a domino effect to continue to spread the word. The continuing question remains, what more can I do?

I have been a student of Abraham who is channeled by Esther Hicks, a marvelous spiritual teacher who talks about the art of allowing. The premise is to become open to the abundance of the universe by focusing on the experience of emotions that feel good. She maintains that, when one does that, all desires will manifest.

That takes me back to some of the same spiritual principles that my main character, “naughty” Sister Mary Olga Fortitude, would embrace. It all has to do with eliminating doubt and replacing that with faith. It is only ourselves and our insecure egos which can block the way.

With that in mind, I am going to practice what I preach through my title character. I am embarking on a spiritual journey that embraces what I have been espousing in my books. Each day, I begin by meditating upon one of Esther's CDs about getting into the vortex. I breathe and relax. I let go of tension and open myself to the notion that it's not about work or luck. It's about letting go of resistance and allowing goodness to flow to me and through me.

I am practicing this diligently and will let my readers know how the manifestation of my desires will unfold. I am hoping to inspire others by my example; that is, that the power of our spirit which comes from our Source (God) will always provide. There is more than enough for all.

I practice affirmations and claim that which I wish to possess as if I already had it. But I keep my focus on being grateful for what I already have in my life. The blessings of love have nurtured me and my passions. I am a successful author which is something I never would have imagined. My dreams are unfolding and have already become a reality. Yours can become that too!

Author Davis Aujourd'hui

Both "The Misadvetures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude" and "Babes in Bucksnort" are available in Paperback or Kindle. The Kindle version is at a special rate of $3.99 each