I'm not going to lie, readers. Trying to balance the business of writing with the art of it is TOUGH.. And what I'm finding the hardest is making time for both. 

Any of you do this? Start the morning out with social media; marketing; promoting; coming up with post ideas; etc. And by mid morning/early afternoon, when it's time to switch over to writing, I hear this tiny voice inside my head saying, "Pssst, you stop working on this, no one's gonna know about your book." So, instead of ignoring it and moving on, I give in. I spend more time on social media; more time on research; more time on marketing. And before I know it, I've spent the majority of my day promoting one book but not writing the next. 

Problem.

Because writing the next is just as important as promoting the first. If I want to make this author thing work, I have to--surprise--produce. 

This is exactly the reason I bought myself a writing calendar. To help outline my day/week/month and keep me focused and diligent on all tasks. 

Yes. This isn't rocket science. And yes, I'm sure you've all figured this out. I'm just looking to rant a bit. And mostly to ask you to keep me accountable on my daily grind. Ask me if I'm balancing my time between writing and promoting. ASK. ME.

I'll be forever grateful. And maybe even make you cookies. 

xoxo 

You all have been AH-MAAAZING. Buying paperbacks on Amazon. Buying Kindle copies. Buying ALL THE COPIES AT VROMANS. And the list goes on and on. The retweets; the GoodReads entrances; the amazon reviews; the key surveys. It all makes my heart SO happy. And motivates me beyond motivation to keep. On. Writing. Keep on figuring out this social media nonsense. (Like SnapChat. Um. This was the hardest to start, but I think one of the most fun to use. Who knew?? RobinPuelma if you wanna follow the craziness.)

This self publishing journey is definitely that. A journey. I've been up; I've been down. I've cried. I've freaked out. But I'm beyond loving every second of it. It's mostly been so special to feel the love (cheesy, yes.) and see strangers mark my book as "to-read" on GR. At this point, I'm just thrilled other people are reading my words. It's up to you if you like it or not -- you may not. But you're reading it. And that's two thumbs up. 

This week I've added an email updates form. That is, if you're interested in learning more about my writing process; my up coming books; my writing life; you name it. A bit of a behind-the-scenes right to your inbox, kind of thing. If that's your jam, I'd love it if you signed up on the main page. We'll get to know each other. And I'd really like that. 

Until next time.
​xxoo

Top Customer Reviews on AMAZON

5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars
By James Aries on February 13, 2016
Format: Paperback
Robin Puelma has created a magical masterpiece in The Missing Crimoire. With endearing characters, tantalizing twists, and a detailed keeper world, this book is a must read for fantasy fans who enjoy a well thought out plot and a climax that will leave you praying Robin would finish book two ASAP!

5.0 out of 5 starsA new classic is born!
By Amazon Customer on February 22, 2016
Format: Paperback
An instant classic, this story will compel readers of all ages. Robin Puelma has a beautiful mastery of language and in this wonderful story has created rich characters and an incredible depth of history "The Missing Crimoire -Vol. 1" is sure to be a favorite in any household.

5.0 out of 5 starsMagical and full of suspense!
By Gale on March 1, 2016
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
An intriguing story, likable and believable characters, realistic and appealing dialogue... it all adds up to an exciting read, especially for those of us who love discovering new magical worlds!

5.0 out of 5 starsBest Book I've Read So Far This Year!
By Amazon Customer on March 11, 2016
Format: Paperback
The Missing Crimoire is a must read! Robin has developed complex characters in a story that is full of surprises until the very last page. You will be hooked the moment you pick it up and will have a hard time putting it down. This story has adventure, action, and most importantly heart! I can't rave enough about this book and can not wait for Robin to come out with another book. If you haven't already ordered one, what are you waiting for? Get yours now!

Shhhh. I've got a secret. I'm getting my next book ready to self publish.  

And I'm giddy about it. 

I don't want to say too much, except that this book I truly wrote for myself. I poured my heart (my anxiety ridden heart) into this book and especially into its main character. So, to say I love this story, is an understatement.

I've started formatting the book; giving it one final edit; and? The most exciting part--WAITING ON SHELLEY TO COMPLETE THE COVER DESIGN! Yes, the same amazing artist who created the cover for The Missing Crimoire is at this moment, designing the cover for my next book. And let me tell you. It's looking AMAZING.

But that's jumping ahead. I'm still enjoying the excitement around The Missing Crimoire. Don't want to overshadow that story yet! I only wanted to give you a little taste for what's to come...soon.

​Keep you posted.

xoxo

When I decided to self publish, I bemoaned the fact that my book wouldn't be displayed on actual shelves in actual bookstores. That was always a dream of mine. Big time. So you can imagine my excitement when I discovered there was such a thing called The Consignment Program. 

Oh. My. GOODNESS.

This is truly the best gift bookstores could ever give to self-published authors. A chance to sell their books in an actual bookstore. For so long, only those on the traditional publishing path could find themselves there. And for so long, with every rejection letter I received, I lost hope that I would ever see my book tangibly in stores. 

Somehow, however, someone decided to give local, self-published authors, a chance. The same chance traditional published authors have. Because now-a-days, both have become such popular pathways for writers to take. 

So. The Consignment Program. What is is it, per say? While each bookstore's program slightly varies, each pretty much does this: displays your book on a local author's wall; includes your book in an email blast; offers online sales of your book; and even allows you to partake in an author signing. Yes, payment is required to set up each program. However, you do receive a share of the sales. And if your books sell out, they'll ask you to restock. 

WIN. WIN. WINWINWINWINWINWINWINW. Am I right? 

If you're looking to self-publish, here's a (small) list of independent bookstores who offer consignment programs:

Vroman's Bookstore 

Flintridge Bookstore and Coffee House

Book Soup

Diesel, a bookstore