As we celebrate Indie Author Month, I wanted to pull back the curtain and give you an authentic glimpse into what life as a self-published author actually looks like. Unlike traditionally published authors who can focus primarily on writing while publishers handle everything else, indie authors wear many hats—sometimes all in the same day!

Morning: Creative Time

My most productive creative hours are in the morning. With coffee in hand, I dive into my current manuscript before the distractions of the day take over. This sacred writing time is when characters come alive and plots unfold. Some mornings the words flow effortlessly; other days it feels like extracting teeth. But showing up consistently is what matters most.

What many readers don't realise is that writing the first draft is just the beginning. This morning, I spent two hours editing Chapter 7 of my upcoming book, polishing dialogue and tightening descriptions. Every sentence gets scrutinised, every word choice questioned. Without a publishing house editor giving mandates, these decisions rest entirely on my shoulders.

Midday: The Business Side

By lunchtime, I switch from creative to business mode. Today that meant:

• Designing graphics for next month's newsletter (yes, many indie authors handle their own design work!)
• Responding to reader emails and social media comments
• Tracking sales numbers across different platforms
• Researching potential book promotion opportunities
• Coordinating with myself as the cover designer for my newest creation

This business aspect of indie publishing is often invisible to readers but takes up a significant portion of an author's day. Traditional publishers have entire departments handling marketing, design, and administration. Indie authors either learn these skills or budget to outsource them—usually a mix of both.

Afternoon: Community Engagement

The indie author community is wonderfully supportive, and maintaining these connections is both enjoyable and essential. Today I participated in an online writers' group, offering feedback on another author's book blurb while receiving suggestions for my own marketing challenges.

I also spent time engaging with readers through:

• Responding to questions on my Facebook reader group
• Writing a thoughtful reply to a reader who emailed about how a character resonated with them
• Planning more aspects of my book festival appearance next month

These direct connections with readers represent one of the most rewarding aspects of being an indie author. Without corporate gatekeepers, I can foster genuine relationships with the people who enjoy my stories.

Evening: Learning and Growth

The publishing landscape changes constantly, and staying current is crucial. Tonight's agenda includes watching a webinar on recent changes to Amazon's advertising platform and reading a chapter from a book on advanced storytelling techniques.

Successful indie authors are perpetual students—always learning, adapting, and improving both their craft and their business acumen.

The Creative Freedom That Makes It All Worthwhile

Despite the long hours and numerous responsibilities, there's nothing I'd trade for the creative freedom of indie publishing. When I make decisions about:

• Which stories to tell
• How to develop characters
• When to release new books
• What my covers will look like
• How to price my work
• Which publishing platforms to use

...I do so based on my creative vision and direct reader feedback, not market trends or corporate profit expectations.

That unique character who doesn't fit neatly into genre conventions? I can keep her exactly as she is. That experimental narrative structure that traditional publishers might consider too risky? I can take that chance. That niche topic I'm passionate about? I can explore it fully.

An Invitation to Connect

Throughout Indie Author Month, I'll be sharing more insights into the realities of indie publishing. If there's a specific aspect of the process you're curious about, drop your questions in a DM via social media.

And if you're enjoying this behind-the-scenes look at indie author life, consider supporting independent creators by:

• Leaving reviews for books you enjoy
• Following indie authors on social media
• Signing up for author newsletters
• Recommending indie books to friends
• Purchasing directly from author websites when possible

Your support makes the juggling act of indie authorship not just possible, but deeply fulfilling.

What aspects of an author's process are you most curious about? Let me know in the comments, and I might address them in future posts!