Let's try again...

I hadn't planned on making changes again so soon after my last time, but sometimes things simply don't go as planned. I had over 3000 subscribers again because I was part of a giveaway, but as soon as I send my first newsletter, the unsubscribing started. It's pretty disheartening and also annoying because it shows they just wanted the free stuff. Blah.

It's been several months since my last blog post and long overdue. I participated in a bunch of author events at the end of last year and also signed up as a vendor for a few markets, which led me to what is now my little bookstore.

Rebecca Lange Books is a small shop in Pleasant Grove. It is part of the Edynkei Boutique and I spent countless hours on getting it ready, reaching out to authors, trying to spread the word and figuring out how to make it work. My future is still unsure, but baby steps are happening and I am actually amazed how many Indie authors reached out to me and went out of their way to drop off their books or send them to me. It's awesome for sure, but it also adds to the pressure I feel of having to make this work. I need to be able to make it on my own. My husband and I bought a house last year and had some medical bills we didn't expect, so I can't drain our savings.

I am aware this will take time, and so I am just crossing my fingers, that I can at least make enough each month to pay the rent.

I am not sure why, but I always feel like a one-woman army no matter what I try and do. I get very little support and encouragement from family and friends. Negative responses are currently more common than trying to cheer me up. Just the other day I was told that what I am doing is a waste of money and time and I won't succeed. Bookstores don't really make it nowadays, etc. 

As much as that hurt and even makes me angry, I am freaking stubborn when I have my mind set on something and that usually helps me through the times part of me wants to give up. I know it won't be easy, I am not stupid, but I don't believe bookstores don't make it. As usual the biggest obstacle is marketing, but everyone who has been to my little store so far, was excited about it. I spend some money on paid advertising, but I didn't see much changing. Word by mouth is still the best way to spread the word.

I am happy when I am at my store. I am currently on a two week break to take care of a sick family member, but I miss it like crazy and can't wait to go back. To help fund the rent, I am organizing two markets next month, since the building has a big warehouse space in the back. My outdoor banner also finally arrived, so I am all set to take this thing to a new level. 😉