Ottawa native Anne Ewers shares lessons from a life in the arts in debut book

Ottawa native Anne Ewers shares lessons from a life in the arts in debut book

Ottawa native Anne Ewers has built a remarkable career leading some of the nation’s most respected opera houses and symphonies, including the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia.

She recently returned to her hometown for a book signing at Prairie Fox Books in Ottawa on Sept. 7, where she shared insights and discussed her debut book, “The Mentor’s Gift.”

Absolutely not! I was planning to be a K-12 music teacher and earned a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Arts in theater to do so. Having spent the summer singing in the MUNY Opera (St. Louis) chorus, I was invited to visit one of the colleagues I met there. I was pursuing a Master of Music in vocal performance at the University of Texas at Austin. I had a blast with my opera colleagues that weekend and decided to pursue a master’s degree in opera production.

Holiday Self-Care for Authors: Stress-Free Ways to Recharge During the Busy Season

Holiday Self-Care for Authors: Stress-Free Ways to Recharge During the Busy Season

young woman sitting at her kitchen table in front of her laptop, stressed and looking off into the distance

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and connection—but for authors, it can also bring stress, packed schedules, and disrupted writing routines. Whether you’re juggling family obligations, holiday plans, or end-of-year goals, it’s easy to put yourself last. That’s why prioritizing self-care is essential. Taking time to recharge not only helps you stay balanced but also fuels your creativity and productivity.

Here are stress-free ways for authors to practice self-care and find calm during the busy holiday season.

1. Give Yourself Permission to Pause

As an author, you might feel pressured to “do it all” during the holidays—keep writing, stay active online, and hit deadlines while managing personal responsibilities. But it’s okay to take a break.

  • Set Realistic Expectations: Adjust your writing schedule to reflect the season. Instead of daily word count goals, aim for smaller wins, like brainstorming ideas or editing a single chapter.
  • Enjoy Guilt-Free Rest: Taking time away from your writing doesn’t mean you’re losing momentum. Rest can reignite your inspiration and help you return to your work refreshed.

Even a short pause—like a day spent with loved ones or an evening reading by the fire—can leave you feeling recharged and ready to write.

2. Make Your Writing Time Relaxing

If you’re determined to keep writing during the holidays, why not make it part of your self-care routine? Turn your writing sessions into moments of calm.

  • Create a Cozy Atmosphere: Light a candle, brew a warm drink, and play soft music to make your writing time feel special and stress-free.
  • Write for Joy: Instead of focusing on strict goals, try writing something just for fun. Play with new ideas, explore scenes you’ve been imagining, or journal freely to let creativity flow.
  • Take Breaks: Don’t chain yourself to your desk. Step away periodically to stretch, enjoy a snack, or savor a few quiet moments.

Writing can be restorative when you approach it with joy and intention rather than pressure.

3. Reconnect with What Inspires You

The holidays are a perfect time to recharge your creative well. Step back from your routine and indulge in activities that spark joy and inspiration.

  • Read for Pleasure: Escape into a good book—whether it’s a favorite classic, a cozy holiday novel, or something entirely new. Reading is one of the best ways to recharge your imagination.
  • Enjoy Seasonal Activities: Take a walk in nature, bake your favorite holiday treats, or watch festive movies. Simple joys can clear your mind and help new ideas bloom.
  • Seek Inspiration: Attend holiday markets, listen to music, or reconnect with traditions that make you feel grounded and inspired. Everyday moments can spark creativity in unexpected ways.

4. Set Healthy Boundaries

Balancing personal time and writing commitments during the holidays can feel overwhelming. Setting clear boundaries will help you avoid burnout and make space for what truly matters.

  • Say “No” When Needed: You don’t have to attend every event or agree to every request. Protect your time and energy so you can enjoy the season without feeling overstretched.
  • Schedule “Me Time”: Carve out time just for yourself, even if it’s only 20 minutes a day. Use it to write, relax, or do something you love.
  • Limit Social Media: While it’s tempting to stay connected online, stepping away from constant notifications can help you feel calmer and more present.

Boundaries allow you to be intentional with your time, ensuring you meet your needs as both an author and a person.

5. Prioritize Simple Self-Care

Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate. Small, thoughtful habits can help you feel centered and recharged.

  • Take Care of Your Body: Stay hydrated, get enough sleep, and take short walks to clear your mind and release tension.
  • Practice Mindfulness: Spend a few quiet moments meditating, journaling, or practicing gratitude. A deep breath and a quiet pause can work wonders during busy days.
  • Do Something That Makes You Happy: Whether it’s indulging in a hobby, enjoying holiday treats, or spending time with loved ones, give yourself permission to embrace joy.

Self-care is about consistency, not perfection. A few mindful choices each day can help you navigate the season with more calm and clarity.

6. Reflect and Set Intentions for the New Year

The holiday season is a natural time for reflection and renewal. Use this period to celebrate what you’ve accomplished and set thoughtful intentions for the year ahead.

  • Celebrate Your Wins: Look back on what you’ve achieved—whether it’s finishing a draft, publishing your book, or simply sticking with your writing routine. Every step matters.
  • Set Gentle Goals: Think about what you’d like to accomplish in the new year. Focus on goals that feel exciting and achievable, not overwhelming.
  • Let Go of Pressure: Release any lingering stress or comparison. Your writing journey is uniquely yours, and progress happens at your own pace.

Reflecting on your growth can inspire a fresh start in the new year, fueling your motivation and creativity.

The holiday season doesn’t have to derail your writing or leave you feeling drained. By prioritizing self-care, creating realistic expectations, and giving yourself permission to pause, you can recharge both your energy and creativity.

Remember: self-care is not selfish. When you take time to rest and reflect, you return to your work with more focus, joy, and inspiration. So light that candle, sip that hot cocoa, and give yourself the gift of peace this season—you’ve earned it.

Here’s to a stress-free, restorative holiday season and an inspired new year ahead!

Why “Just Self-Publish on Amazon” Isn’t Enough Anymore

Why “Just Self-Publish on Amazon” Isn’t Enough Anymore

The word "Publish" typed on retro typewriter

There was a time—let’s call it the Kindle Gold Rush—when simply uploading your book to Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform was enough to launch a successful writing career. Authors hit “publish,” watched the downloads roll in, and in some cases, walked away with bestseller badges and passive income dreams come true.

But that era has shifted. The self-publishing landscape is no longer the wide-open frontier it once was. And if your entire plan is just “self-publish on Amazon,” you might be setting yourself up for disappointment. Not because Amazon isn’t still a powerful platform (it absolutely is), but because the game has changed—and so have reader expectations, market saturation, and the definition of success.

Here’s why “just self-publish on Amazon” isn’t enough anymore—and what serious authors need to do instead.

1. The Market is Oversaturated

There are millions of books on Amazon. Thousands more are added every single day. Once, the simple act of self-publishing gave you an edge. Now? You’re one voice in a very loud, very crowded room.

Readers are overwhelmed with choices. If your book doesn’t stand out with a professional cover, a sharp blurb, strong metadata, and a solid launch plan, it’s going to drown in a sea of titles. Amazon’s algorithm rewards visibility—but visibility is no longer guaranteed. It must be earned.

2. Quality Expectations Are Higher Than Ever

Gone are the days when readers would tolerate typos, clunky formatting, or amateur covers just because a book was $2.99. Today’s readers are savvy. They expect indie books to be indistinguishable from traditionally published ones in terms of quality.

If you’re not investing in professional editing, formatting, and cover design, you’re not just doing your book a disservice—you’re sending a signal to readers that it’s not worth their time. First impressions matter. And in a saturated marketplace, quality is your most powerful differentiator.

3. Amazon Is Just One Platform

Yes, Amazon dominates digital book sales. But relying solely on one retailer—especially one that can change its rules, algorithms, or royalty rates without notice—is a risky strategy.

Wide distribution (Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, etc.) opens your work to new audiences and more global markets. Audiobooks, print books, direct sales from your website, subscription models—these are all part of a modern indie author’s ecosystem. Diversification isn’t optional anymore; it’s survival.

4. Algorithms Alone Won’t Save You

Amazon’s recommendation engine used to be the secret sauce. But in today’s environment, it’s less reliable and more competitive. If you’re not actively driving traffic to your book—through newsletters, social media, ads, or collaborations—you’re relying on an algorithm that now favors consistent performance, not one-hit wonders.

Amazon rewards momentum. That means planning launches, promotions, and steady content production. “Publish and pray” is not a strategy. You need to build your own audience and bring them with you—because Amazon won’t do it for you.

5. Your Author Brand Matters More Than Ever

Publishing a single book on Amazon doesn’t build a career. It doesn’t establish your brand. In a crowded market, readers don’t just buy books—they buy authors. They want to connect with you, follow your journey, subscribe to your newsletter, and know what’s coming next.

Treating your writing like a business means thinking long-term: website, mailing list, branding, community, reader engagement. These aren’t just “extras.” They’re the infrastructure for a sustainable author career.

6. Marketing Is No Longer Optional

Marketing used to be the dreaded “other job” of the author world. But in 2025, marketing is part of the writing process. It’s how your work finds readers.

That doesn’t mean you have to do TikToks if you hate being on camera. But it does mean finding authentic, consistent ways to connect with your audience—through blogging, podcast interviews, social media, email marketing, or paid ads. You can outsource parts of it. You can take it slow. But you can’t ignore it.

7. Readers Are Looking for Community, Not Just Content

More than ever, readers want to feel like they’re part of something. Whether it’s a cozy mystery series they can binge, an author newsletter that feels like catching up with a friend, or a Discord where they can chat about character theories, community is currency.

Amazon doesn’t give you community. That’s on you. The good news? Tools like Substack, Patreon, Ream, and even Kickstarter now let authors create reader-driven ecosystems. The most successful indie authors are the ones who aren’t just publishing—they’re building relationships.

So What Should You Be Doing?

If “just self-publish on Amazon” is the old mindset, what’s the new one?

Think beyond the upload. Think like a publisher. Think like a brand.

Here’s a modern roadmap:

  • Start with a plan: Know your audience, your genre expectations, and your goals.
  • Invest in quality: Professional editing, design, and formatting are non-negotiable.
  • Build an author platform: Website, mailing list, social presence—start small, but start early.
  • Launch intentionally: Build buzz before you publish. Use preorders, ARC teams, and early reviews.
  • Diversify your presence: Go wide, explore new platforms, and don’t rely on a single point of sale.
  • Engage with your readers: Treat them like part of the process, not just buyers at the end.
  • Keep learning: Publishing evolves fast. Stay curious and adapt as needed.

Final Thoughts

Self-publishing is still powerful. Amazon is still an incredible tool. But neither of them are magic bullets anymore.

Today’s successful authors aren’t “just” self-publishing—they’re running author businesses, cultivating audiences, and producing professional-level work. It takes more effort, yes—but it also offers more reward, more control, and more creative freedom than ever before.

So if someone tells you to “just self-publish on Amazon,” smile and nod. Then go build something bigger.

Want help building that? I’ve got tips. Just say the word.

Maximize Your Reach: How Authors Can Repurpose Press Releases for Greater Impact

Maximize Your Reach: How Authors Can Repurpose Press Releases for Greater Impact

a young girl pulling a blue hard cover book out from a bookshelf in a library.

As an author, leveraging an existing press release creatively can significantly boost your visibility and engage a wider audience. Instead of letting your press release serve just a one-time purpose, repurpose and distribute it strategically across multiple channels. Here’s how you can maximize exposure using an existing press release.

1. Leverage Social Media Platforms

Create Social Media Posts
Break down the key points from your press release into bite-sized social media posts. Share these across all your platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn). Use eye-catching graphics and relevant hashtags to increase reach.

Live Streams and Stories
Go live on social media to discuss the news from your press release. Use Instagram and Facebook stories for quick, engaging updates. This real-time interaction can draw attention and foster a closer connection with your audience.

Pin Posts
Pin the most important announcement from your press release to the top of your social media profiles. This ensures it stays visible to new visitors.

2. Enhance Your Website and Blog

Dedicated Blog Post
Expand your press release into a detailed blog post. Provide additional insights, background stories, or personal anecdotes related to the news. This enriches the content and keeps your website updated.

Press Section
Create a press section on your website where you upload the full press release. Include high-quality images and any relevant media coverage. This serves as a resource for journalists and readers interested in your work.

SEO Optimization
Optimize the press release content on your website for search engines – use relevant keywords to improve your chances of appearing in search results related to your book and announcements.

3. Engage with Email Marketing

Newsletter Feature
Feature the press release in your email newsletter. Add a personal note to your subscribers explaining why this news is exciting and how it impacts them. Include a call-to-action encouraging them to share the news.

Email Signature
Include a link to the press release in your email signature. Every email you send can help spread the word.

4. Utilize Multimedia Channels

Video Announcements
Create a video announcement summarizing the press release. Share this video on YouTube, social media, and your website. Videos can capture attention more effectively than text alone.

Podcasts and Interviews
Discuss the news from your press release in any podcast appearances or interviews. This reinforces your announcement and reaches different audience segments.

5. Engage with Online Communities

Forums and Groups
Share the news in relevant online forums and groups, such as Goodreads, Reddit, or Facebook groups dedicated to reading and writing. Engage with the community by participating in discussions and answering questions.

Guest Posts
Write guest posts for other blogs or websites that cater to your target audience. Reference your press release and include a link to your website for more details.

6. Collaborate with Influencers

Influencer Partnerships
Partner with influencers in your genre to share news. Provide them with the press release and any additional materials they might need. Influencers can reach a large, engaged audience and lend credibility to your announcement.

Reviews and Giveaways
Offer copies of your book to influencers for reviews or giveaways. This can generate buzz and attract more attention to your press release.

7. Print and Local Media

Local Newspapers and Magazines
Submit your press release to local newspapers and magazines. Personalize your pitch to highlight the relevance of your news to the local community.

Community Bulletins
Submit your press release to community bulletins, local library newsletters, and other local print media. These often have dedicated sections for local author news.

8. Leverage Professional Networks

LinkedIn Articles
Publish an article on LinkedIn that expands on the press release. Highlight the professional aspects of your news, including your writing process, achievements, and future plans.

Industry Newsletters
Submit your press release to industry newsletters and publications. This can help you reach a more specialized audience interested in your genre.

Maximizing exposure as an author using an existing press release requires creativity and strategic thinking. By carefully utilizing your press release across multiple platforms, you can amplify your reach and make a lasting impact. Remember, the key is to keep your content engaging, consistent, and relevant to your audience. Happy promoting!