How to Bounce Back When Your Family Doesn’t Support Your Book

How to Bounce Back When Your Family Doesn’t Support Your Book

A young woman sitting at a desk looking at a tablet. Her facial expression shows she's a little sad.

You’ve done something incredible: you wrote a book. Maybe you spent months or even years pouring your soul into the pages, rewriting, editing, and finally pressing “publish.” You expected your family—your inner circle—to cheer you on. But instead? Silence. Shrugs. Maybe even a hurtful comment like, “That’s nice… but what’s your real job?”

It stings. Deeply. But you’re not alone—and more importantly, you can bounce back stronger.

Here’s how to pick yourself up, protect your creative spirit, and keep going when your family doesn’t support your book.

1. Take a Breath—You’re Allowed to Be Hurt

It’s okay to feel disappointed. This isn’t about being too sensitive—it’s about being human. You want to share something meaningful with people you care about, and when that connection doesn’t happen, it cuts deep.

Give yourself space to feel the sting. Write it out in a journal. Vent to a trusted writer friend. Cry if you need to. Feel it—but don’t let it define you.

2. Don’t Confuse Their Silence with Your Failure

Lack of support doesn’t mean your book isn’t good. It doesn’t mean it wasn’t worth writing. It doesn’t mean you’re not talented or brave or wildly creative.

Often, when family doesn’t show up, it has more to do with them than you:

  • They don’t understand creative work.
  • They don’t know how to show support.
  • They might feel envy, discomfort, or fear of your growth.

None of that is a reflection of your worth as a writer.

3. Find (or Build) a Support System That Does Get It

You need people in your corner—but they might not be the ones you were born into.
Look for:

  • Fellow writers on Twitter, Instagram, or Threads.
  • Book clubs or critique groups.
  • Writing communities through online forums or social media groups.
  • Readers who loved your book—build relationships with them.

Find your book family. The ones who understand the hustle, the heartache, the thrill of finishing a chapter. These are the people who will lift you up.

4. Celebrate Anyway—Loudly and Proudly

Just because your family didn’t throw a party doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.

Host your own virtual launch. Post your milestones online. Buy yourself a slice of cake or a new pen. Your wins are worth celebrating. Don’t shrink them to match someone else’s small vision.

You published a book. That’s a big deal.

5. Protect Your Creative Flame

Negativity—especially from people close to us—can dim your creative spark if you’re not careful. Guard it.
That might mean:

  • Not sharing future projects with unsupportive family members.
  • Setting boundaries around what you’re willing to discuss.
  • Putting your energy into writing, not proving them wrong.

Remember: your creativity doesn’t need validation. It needs space to breathe.

6. Let Your Writing Speak Louder Than Their Doubt

Every time you show up at the page, you’re proving something: not to them, but to you.

Keep writing. Keep creating. Keep growing your voice, your skills, your reach. Let your work speak for itself—and trust that the people who are meant to hear it will.

7. Redefine What “Support” Looks Like

Sometimes, people do care—they just don’t show it the way we expect. Maybe your mom didn’t read your book, but she shares your social media posts. Maybe your brother never brings it up, but he tells his friends you’re a writer.

And if there’s truly no support? That hurts—but it’s also freedom. You get to write for you now. For the readers who need your story. For the part of you that refuses to be quiet.

Final Thought:

You Don’t Need Their Permission

You don’t need their praise to be proud.

You don’t need their applause to keep going.

You don’t need their understanding to know your story matters.

What you’re doing takes courage. Vision. Heart. Keep showing up for your words, your readers, and—most importantly—yourself.

They might not support your book today.

But one day? They might look back and say, “I always knew you could do it.”

Even if they don’t—you did it anyway. And that’s enough.

Mastering the Use of Live Options: A Guide for Authors

Mastering the Use of Live Options: A Guide for Authors

A middle aged woman standing in front of a live stream being done on her smart phone, talking about her latest book release. She has short brown curly hair and wearing a light blue button up shirt.

In today’s digital landscape, live streaming and live options on social media have emerged as powerful tools for authors to connect directly with their audience, promote their books, and build a stronger author brand. Whether you’re conducting live readings, hosting Q&A sessions, or showcasing behind-the-scenes glimpses of your writing process, mastering the use of live options can significantly enhance your engagement and visibility. Here’s how authors can effectively harness the potential of live features on social media platforms:

1. Choosing the Right Platform

Selecting the appropriate platform for your live sessions depends on where your audience is most active and engaged. Consider these popular options:

  • Facebook Live: Ideal for reaching a broad audience, hosting interactive sessions, and leveraging Facebook’s extensive user base.
    Instagram Live: Perfect for visual storytelling, engaging directly with followers through real-time interactions, and sharing behind-the-scenes content.
  • Twitter Spaces: Suitable for audio-only live conversations, interviews, and discussions with your audience and fellow authors.
  • YouTube Live: Great for longer-form content, such as virtual book readings, live tutorials, and interviews with guest authors.

2. Planning Your Live Sessions

Successful live sessions require thoughtful planning and preparation to maximize engagement and effectiveness:

  • Set Clear Goals: Define the purpose of your live session—whether it’s promoting a new book, engaging with readers, or sharing valuable insights—and structure your content accordingly.
  • Promotion Strategy: Announce your live session in advance across your social media platforms, email newsletter, and website/blog to build anticipation and maximize attendance.
  • Technical Setup: Ensure you have a stable internet connection, adequate lighting, and a quiet environment to minimize distractions during your live broadcast.

3. Engaging Your Audience

Interactivity is key to a successful live session. Here’s how you can engage your audience effectively:

  • Encourage Interaction: Invite viewers to ask questions, leave comments, and participate in polls or quizzes throughout the session.
  • Respond in Real-Time: Address viewer comments and questions promptly to create a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.
  • Call to Action: Direct viewers to take specific actions, such as subscribing to your newsletter, visiting your website, or purchasing your latest book.

4. Content Ideas for Live Sessions

Explore a variety of content ideas to keep your live sessions engaging and relevant to your audience:

  • Book Readings: Share excerpts from your books or read chapters aloud to give viewers a taste of your writing style.
  • Q&A Sessions: Answer questions from your audience about your books, writing process, characters, or upcoming projects.
  • Behind-the-Scenes: Provide a glimpse into your daily life as an author, including your workspace, research process, or inspiration for your stories.
  • Guest Interviews: Invite fellow authors, industry experts, or influencers for live interviews and discussions on relevant topics.

5. Post-Live Engagement

The conversation doesn’t end when the live session concludes. Follow up with your audience to maintain momentum and deepen connections:

  • Thank Your Audience: Express gratitude to viewers for participating and attending your live session.
  • Recap and Highlights: Share key takeaways or highlights from the live session on your social media channels or blog.
  • Promote Replay: Make the recorded live session available for replay on your preferred platforms for those who missed the live broadcast.

6. Evaluating and Iterating

After each live session, take time to evaluate its performance and gather feedback from your audience:

  • Review Analytics: Utilize platform analytics to assess viewer engagement, reach, and viewer retention rates.
  • Feedback Collection: Encourage viewers to provide feedback through comments, surveys, or polls to identify areas for improvement.
  • Iterate Your Strategy: Incorporate insights from analytics and feedback into future live sessions to enhance their effectiveness and relevance.

 

Mastering the use of live options on social media empowers authors to forge deeper connections with their audience, showcase their personality and expertise, and ultimately, drive engagement and book sales. By strategically planning and executing live sessions, authors can leverage these dynamic tools to amplify their author brand and enrich their reader community.

In Person Advertising: Are You Wasting Your Opportunities as an Author?

In Person Advertising: Are You Wasting Your Opportunities as an Author?

close up image of hand typing on a dark gray laptop. The image has a cool undertone.

Why Hiding Behind a Screen Isn’t Building Your Audience—and What to Do Instead

Let’s be honest: it’s never been easier to convince yourself you’re doing “enough” as an author. A couple of Instagram posts? Check. A tweet about your book launch? Check. Maybe even a TikTok that got a few hundred views. You’re “marketing,” right?

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: If you’re only showing up online, you’re missing some of the most impactful, lasting, and relationship-driven opportunities available to you as a writer. And that means you’re likely leaving real readers—and real sales—on the table.

The Myth of “Doing It All Online”

We’ve all heard the narrative: “You don’t need to leave your house to be a successful author.”

And sure, that sounds nice. But for most authors, the numbers don’t lie—social media reach is inconsistent, email lists grow slowly, and Amazon algorithms don’t care how beautiful your book is if no one’s talking about it. You know where people are still talking about books? At festivals. At libraries. In bookstores. At markets. In real life. If you’re not showing up there, you’re marketing in a vacuum.

Are You Mistaking Comfort for Strategy?

Let’s call it out: digital feels safer. You can hide behind posts, pre-schedule your updates, and avoid direct feedback. Showing up in person? That takes effort. Vulnerability. Energy.

But here’s the thing: the authors who are selling books, growing loyal readers, and landing unexpected opportunities?

They’re putting their books—and themselves—in front of people. Not behind screens. Not hoping the algorithm comes through.

They’re out in the wild:

  • Talking to local bookstores
  • Getting tables at community events
  • Speaking at book clubs and libraries
  • Partnering with schools, indie shops, or organizations
  • Meeting readers face to face

And readers remember those authors.

In-Person Doesn’t Mean “Big Budget” or “Extrovert Only”

We’re not talking about expensive national tours. We’re talking about smart, scrappy, local-first moves that actually work.

  • Got a farmers’ market nearby? Set up a table.
  • Have a library card? Ask about hosting a workshop or author talk.
  • Know a local café or boutique? Offer to do a pop-up reading or book signing.
  • Have five friends? Start a living room book night and invite people to bring someone new.

This is grassroots. Community-driven. Word-of-mouth magic. And it works.

You don’t need to be famous. You don’t need a publicist.

You just need to be present—and a little bit bold.

The Hard Truth: If People Don’t See You, They Forget You

Your book is not going to market itself. And your digital presence—even if you love your Instagram aesthetic—isn’t a replacement for real-world relationships.

Books are physical. They’re personal. They’re meant to be held, signed, discussed, shared. So why are so many authors keeping their entire marketing plan virtual?

If you’ve been waiting for permission to go old school—here it is.

It’s time to get your book off the screen and into people’s hands. And here’s the shift: this isn’t just about selling. It’s about connecting. Most authors don’t need a million followers—they need 50 loyal readers who tell their friends. They need one bookstore owner who champions their work. One librarian who invites them to speak. One teacher who reads their book to a class. From there, doors can start to open. In-person marketing builds that kind of trust.

It’s Time to Show Up Where Readers Are

If you’ve been spinning your wheels online, wondering why nothing’s really moving—this is your wake-up call. There’s a whole world of readers outside the algorithm. They’re browsing tables, attending workshops, and wandering through weekend markets.

They’re real. They’re reachable. And they’re waiting to meet you—not just your latest post.

Let’s stop wasting time.

Let’s stop hiding.

Let’s get in the room.

Create an Amazing Press Kit – An Author’s Guide

Create an Amazing Press Kit – An Author’s Guide

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

1. Press Release (Newsworthy Angle)

  • Announce your book launch, award, tour, or other big milestone.
  • Include a strong headline, a compelling hook, and a concise overview of your book.
  • Add quotes (from you, reviewers, or experts) to humanize the story.
  • Provide all key details (title, release date, publisher, formats available, ISBN, retail price, and where to buy).

2. Author Bio (Multiple Lengths)

  • Short bio (50–75 words) for quick blurbs.
  • Medium bio (150–200 words) for podcast/bookstore/event programs.
  • Long bio (250–400 words) for in-depth features.
  • Include relevant credentials, previous works, awards, and personal details that connect you to readers.

3. Professional Author Photo(s)

  • High-resolution, well-lit headshots (formal + casual options).
  • Optional lifestyle/action shots (e.g., you writing, speaking, signing books).

4. Book Information Page (One-Sheet)

  • Book cover image (high-res).
  • Title, subtitle, genre, target audience, ISBN, page count, release date, price, formats.
  • Brief synopsis (100–150 words).
  • Key selling points (what makes your book unique or timely).
  • Endorsements, review excerpts, or early praise.

Optional but Valuable Additions

5. Sample Q&A / Interview Questions

  • Helps journalists and podcasters quickly frame interviews.
  • Include a mix of light and thought-provoking questions.

6. Fact Sheet / Talking Points

  • Key themes, statistics, or topics your book touches on.
  • Makes it easier for media to link your book to trending conversations.

7. Press Coverage & Reviews

  • Clippings or links to any past media coverage.
  • Select review highlights or reader testimonials.

8. Event / Speaking Info

  • If you’re open to events: list what you offer (book signings, keynote talks, panel discussions, workshops).
  • Mention experience or relevant topics you can cover.

9. Contact Information

  • Clear instructions for how to reach you.
  • Include website, email, social handles.
Dusting Off Old Stories: Finding Treasure in Forgotten Ideas

Dusting Off Old Stories: Finding Treasure in Forgotten Ideas

Closeup woman hand writing on notebook with pen

Every writer has a stash of forgotten ideas—scribbled notes in old notebooks, half-finished stories tucked into digital folders, or fleeting concepts once jotted down on the back of a receipt. These dormant creations might seem like relics of the past, but they hold untapped potential waiting to be rediscovered.

Reviving old stories isn’t just about completing them; it’s about unearthing the treasures hidden within. Here’s how you can transform forgotten ideas into meaningful, impactful works of art.

Revisit with an Open Mind

Old stories often feel like time capsules of your earlier self. Instead of critiquing them harshly, approach them with curiosity. Ask yourself:

  • What sparked this idea in the first place?
  • What themes or emotions was I exploring?
  • How does this resonate with me now?

By revisiting your work with fresh eyes, you may find layers of meaning that weren’t apparent when you first wrote them.

Identify the Gems

Not every story will be a masterpiece, but each one holds something valuable—a vivid character, a compelling setting, or a unique premise. Comb through your old work and extract these gems. They can become the seeds for new stories or enrich current projects.

Let Your Current Self Enhance the Past

You’ve grown since you first wrote those stories. You’ve read more, lived more, and learned more about your craft. Use that growth to refine your ideas.

  • Could a character be more complex?
  • Does the pacing need adjustment?
  • Could you bring more nuance to the themes?

Revisiting old stories allows you to merge past inspiration with present skill.

Reimagine the Premise

Sometimes, a forgotten idea needs a fresh spin. Ask yourself:

  • What if the protagonist had a different motivation?
  • How would the story change if set in a different time or place?
  • Could the idea work better in another medium, like poetry, a screenplay, or flash fiction?

Reimagining your stories can unlock new creative pathways.

Embrace the Unfinished

There’s no shame in an incomplete story. In fact, many of the world’s most famous works began as fragments. Use the unfinished state to your advantage—it gives you the freedom to rework, reshape, and refine the story into something entirely new.

Combine Old Ideas with New Ones

Sometimes, two unrelated ideas can form a powerful synergy. Look through your old work for concepts that could complement each other. For example, a fantasy world from one draft might be the perfect setting for a romance from another.

Set Boundaries for Revisions

It’s easy to get lost in perfectionism when revisiting old work. To avoid endless tinkering, set clear goals:

  • Decide what you want to achieve with the story.
  • Establish a timeline for revisions.

Remember, not every piece needs to be publishable—some stories are valuable simply for the practice and joy they bring.

Honor the Process

Dusting off old stories isn’t just about the writing; it’s a journey of self-reflection. These stories capture moments in time—who you were, what you cared about, and how you saw the world. Honor those moments, even if the stories don’t end up in the spotlight.

Keep the Treasure Chest Open

Don’t let the cycle of forgetting and rediscovering stop. Keep your old stories accessible. Organize your drafts, create a folder for abandoned projects, or start a “story seeds” journal. This way, your treasure chest of ideas is always within reach.

The stories you’ve forgotten aren’t failures; they’re pieces of your creative journey, waiting for the right moment to bloom. By dusting them off, you not only find hidden treasures but also reconnect with the writer you’ve always been.

So, dig into those forgotten drafts, breathe life into old ideas, and remember: every story, no matter how unfinished or imperfect, has the potential to shine.