3 Reasons to Never Give Up

I’m a planner. So needless to say, I had everything set for my second book launch. Release date…check. Budget…check. Marketing plan…check, check. This book was going to be the tipping point! I could feel it.

Then EVERYTHING went to Sh!T!

Literally overnight.

My book designer took a hiatus. My house flooded and caused thousands of dollars in damages. Layoffs at my professional place of business had begun. My distributor FUBAR’d my Kindle Countdown which impacted my first week of sales.

I actually cried.

Everything I had worked so hard to accomplish was falling apart in front of me and it couldn’t be fixed. It was out of my control and I just had to sit there and take it. I had to keep going so I smiled through the pain…because at the end of the day…I had books to sell. I showed up with a smile on my face for my readers who were interested in the series. Book signing after book signing, I’d sit for many hours and share how awesome my story was.

But what I didn’t know was that while I was stressing at night trying to figure out what to post on Instagram, Sidelined II was making waves. That’s why you can never give up and here are three reasons why.

1. Where there’s life there’s hope.

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Although I wanted to quit, I remained hopeful and started writing again. I used that crazy energy and wrote a new prologue for Sidelined: The Contract (from Shane’s POV). You guys are going to love it. Then my book designer resurfaced (PRAISE HIM)! Not only did he complete the design of my last book, I was inspired to polish the final book synopsis. It’s posted in my Sidelined Series Book Discussion Group on Facebook.

2. You never know who’s watching.

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A few weeks ago, Sidelined: The Penalty was honored as a finalist in the 2018 Best Book Awards. I was ecstatic considering my first book, Sidelined: The Draft, won the prior year.

Then I got an email from BOOKBUB! They selected Sidelined: The Penalty as a feature! WHAT!??!?!? This like doesn’t happen for indie authors. They have millions of subscribers!

3. Don’t despise small beginnings.

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My distributor reported 7121 copies sold as of 9.30.18. NOOOO freaking way. I didn’t believe it at first. When I think about my last book signing, that was during a torrential downpour, although only a faithful few showed up, little did I know thousands of people were downloading my book.

I wanted to share this experience because I was very discouraged after my series of unfortunate events. I couldn’t see how things were going to turn around. What I didn’t realize is that GOD was working it out the entire time. Not only did I learn a few lessons, I received the idea for my fourth book! Subscribe to my email list for updates.

Bianca Williams is an award-winning author. She was born and raised in Baltimore County, MD. She discovered her love for creative writing at college while pursuing a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Finance & Management. After graduating at the top of her class, achieving a 15+-year career in finance, and co-founding an event planning company, Bianca began penning her autofiction series. When she isn’t writing, Bianca is using her platform to empower women in life, business, and relationships. Know the Plays, or get Sidelined is her signature slogan. Learn more about Bianca at https://www.bwillbooks.com.

A Dream come True

My First Novel

I've always wanted to write a book but never had a story. I'd hear about JK Rowling or Susan Collins speak about their stories being given to them, I would literally get depressed. I was jealous, yet inspired. Then I'd ask, 'when will I receive my story'? 

Seven years later to be exact. I'll never forget it. January 11, 2013, I was sitting at my desk at the office crying my eyes out. I'm talking about the ugly cry. A sobbing, snotting, heartwrenching cry that traveled through the office walls. My boss and co-worker at the time tried their best to console me, but there was nothing anyone could do. A piece of my heart had broken off and was lodged in my chest. Comfort, healing, or better days were unimaginable. I was hopeless.

After that, I sat back down and returned to sobbing with my head in my hands, when suddenly I felt nothing. The pain stopped. It was like the clouds parted and the light came shining through. My aha moment! I could see it! My story was playing out in front of me. My cries turned into screeches of joy. I frantically grabbed a pen and wrote the outline for the entire SIDELINED series.

The first book was written in six months. It was 80,000 words and in bad shape. Who said that writing was easy? My first novel needed a lot of work. I needed to grow as a writer and to do a lot of research and writing, writing, and more writing. Forty drafts, countless rewrites, and numerous proofreads later, I'm finally releasing the first installment of the SIDELINED SERIES. 

Writing a book was the hardest thing I've ever done. It was so therapeutic. I laughed, cried, and healed as I relived the memories and created the story.

Hats off to all authors whether you sell one book or a trillion, you've accomplished something great. And to those of you who feel like it will never happen, hang on just a little bit longer. Live a little more, make some more mistakes, fall, and get back up. Pray, pray, and pray some more. Center yourself, get in touch with God and keep moving forward. Dreams do come true.

BWB