Milestones by Jannine Gallant

Milestones…the times in our lives when we sit back and take stock of what we’ve accomplished—and what we have yet to achieve. I had one yesterday. The big 5-0. It’s a bit daunting, knowing you’ve lived for half a century. I’ve been mulling it over for a while now as the day approached, wondering if I’m where I want to be both personally and in my writing career.

Turning 40 didn’t bother me at all. Probably because I had a three and a five year old, and simply having an adult conversation felt like a major achievement. LOL The last time I remember thinking in terms of life goals, I was thirty-two. I told my then boyfriend that my five year plan included marriage, owning a home, kids, and publishing a book. We’d been together for five years, so it was a “fish or cut bait” conversation. We got engaged, bought a lot and built a house, and were married later that summer. Both my daughters came along within the next three years. So that left THE BOOK.

Getting published didn’t happen in the five year span of my goal. Those were the days before digital publishing and small presses. I did have an agent, got positive feedback from several big publishers, but no contract offers. After baby number two, my writing time went downhill fast. So, it wasn’t until my youngest was in school that I wrote the book that eventually sold. Victim of Desire was published by The Wild Rose Press in 2010. Since then, I’ve published four novellas with TWRP and a second full length novel with another small press. I have a third novel, A Deadly Love, scheduled to release in August.

So, back to my original question. Am I where I want to be personally and in my writing career as I hit the big half century mark? Personally – yes. I live in a beautiful place, Lake Tahoe. I’m still married to my husband. (Apparently my proactive approach all those years ago was a success, ladies. LOL) My girls are happy and healthy, even if they do come with a lot of teenage attitude! Money’s tight in the current economy, which leads me to my writing. All those books published with not much more than pocket change to show for it. I’m thrilled to have produced what I feel are quality stories. I’m exceptionally pleased that reviews for my books have been favorable. But, my new five year goal is to actually SELL books.

I think many of us are in the same boat. In fact, that baby must be a giant ark to fit all of us who qualify! I adore the editors I’ve worked with at TWRP (three so far.) I love the professional treatment, respect, and encouragement I’ve received. But sales are discouraging, even with increased promotional efforts on my part. So what’s an author to do?

I’ve decided to be proactive and diversify. I just finished writing (and editing to death) a historical romance that is an old fashioned, sweeping saga full of trials, tribulation, and triumph. I’ve queried a couple of larger publishers, hoping my publishing history will at least get my manuscript read. If this fails, I plan to shop it to agents who can approach the other biggies. My theory for this book is THINK BIG. Then there’s the other big fish out there – the indie market. I’m currently working on a series of three novellas that I plan to publish independently. Series seem to be successful in the indie world, so I spent quite a bit of time coming up with a premise that I think will fit into that increasingly huge market. That’s my game plan. And I’m sticking to it! LOL

I’d love to hear what you all think. For those of you who’ve chosen the path of diversity, has it worked for you? What are your five year plans as you hit the milestones in your life?

All my books are available through my publishers, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Links are on my website.