Quitting My Job to Write Full-Time ... What Actually Happened! | Self-Publishing
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ก.พ. 2020
- Many have asked for an update of what actually happened when I put in my two week notice at my corporate job considering my last video was recorded before I actually did it. I'm so grateful and excited to be able to share this journey with you all. It's a weird time in my life, because this is something I've looked forward to for the last nine years. While it doesn't feel real ((yet)) I know it eventually will. Though the circumstances kind of suck, this really is a DREAM COME TRUE!
I hope to be back on schedule really soon. The next two weeks are going to be hectic for me as I work my last days at my job. Thanks again for your support and for being here! 2020 is going to be amazing!
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If you have any questions, please feel free to post them below!
Looking forward to chatting with you in the comments section.
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//A B O U T M E//
Pen names: Lyra Parish & Kennedy Fox (we're an author duo!)
I've been in the indie scene since 2011. I published my first romance novel in 2014 (Weak for Him). Under Kennedy Fox, we've made USA Today 4 times since 2017. With Lyra Parish, I've made top 100 several times on Amazon.
I'm currently a co-host for the monthly youtube show Publishable (Self-publishing versus Traditional Publishing) You can watch our videos on this playlist:
• Playlist
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Want to learn more about my books?
Lyra Parish - amzn.to/2rOHn9D
Kennedy Fox - amzn.to/2BEbpfG
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//2020 R E L E A S E S C H E D U L E//
Always Mine - January 2020 - Released
Always Yours - February 2020
Catching the Cowboy - April 2020
Pushing You Away - June 2020
Holding You Close - July 2020
Keeping You Away - September 2020
Needing You Close - October 2020
Wrangling the Cowboy - November 2020
//2 0 2 0 U P C O M I N G S I G N I N G S & T R A V E L//
Talkbooks Author Event - April 18, 2020 - Boston, MA
Wild & Windy in the City - May 9, 2020 - Chicago, IL
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//L E T S C O N N E C T//
→ website:
www.thecourtneyproject.com
→ instagram:
lyraparish
kennedyfoxbooks
→facebook:
/ lyraparishauthor
/ kennedyfoxbooks
→ twitter:
lyraparish
kennedyfoxbooks
→ email: thelifeofcourt@gmail.com
#authortube #writingtips #selfpublishing
I laughed out loud at your boss's reaction! What a perfect moment! Go live that author dream life, girl!
Also, I have a video idea suggestion. How/why do you get an agent as an indie author (and when is the time to do that).
Way to go, Courtney!
bytheBrooke oooh yes, lol, SHOCKED. It was worth all the BS he’s given me over the years. It went how I dreamed it would. LOL. And that’s a great idea, I can totally add it to the list considering we’ve had ours for a few years and she helps us with several different things. You can always message me too! I’ll be happy to share whatever! 😘😘😘
I love that the bit of 'tude that your boss had, was exactly the little nudge you needed to go face the fear! Good for you! I can't wait to see how you and Kennedy Fox both grow in the future!
Evelyn Gray thank you! The goal is to take KF to the next level and my writing partner is just as excited as I am! And oh yes, that attitude made me remember the other reasons why I needed to get the heck out of there. 😆😆
I'm so thrilled for you!!!! When I left the day job the very last day, I expected it to hit me hard. But it didn't. I bet you'll experience the same euphoria because you've done such a marvelous job preparing for it. Yay!
Cara Carnes I think that’s how you know you made the right decision, because there’s no regret and second-guessing. I’ll be looking in the rear view mirror and leaving it all behind me. I honestly can’t wait! Only 8 more business days!!
Congratulations Courtney! Welcome to the full-time writing world or as much as we do....:)
Tina Holland thank you so much!
Congratulations. I hope everything goes ok with your family
Sarah Wyman thank you so much!!
You're welcome!
Congratulations!!! I'm planning on leaving my job in 5 years. I know it's a long time but in 5 years, I'll have 20 years of service and I can officially retire from my corporate job! I plan on focusing on writing full time then! ♥️😍
Shayla Marie that’s an incredible goal! If I had 5 years left, I would’ve totally stayed. You’ve got this!! ❤️❤️
I'm so happy for you! Congrats!
Fiona Murphy thank youuuu!! 🥰🥰🥰
So happy for you Courtney! You're going to be an absolutely amazing full-time author! Can't wait to take that step myself!
Mandi Lynn thank you so much! You’ll do it!
The chains are off. Your a thoughtful daughter. Please take us along on your new adventures.
Romance with the Past thank you! I try! I want my parents to look back and think how I was a great kid. I know I’m making them proud and that’s enough for me though neither can really articulate it very well. Oh, I’m totally taking you all along with me!
Leaving a corporate job is weird - been there. It takes time to adjust to, but once you do it’s amazing. Sorry you didn’t get to make it to FL. I would’ve given you a hug 🤗
Dawn-Cora Mead I might be in Florida beginning of March! Hubby is going to another launch and I’m contemplating tagging along!
I love your videos. I love your passion for writing and your desire to always challenge yourself. But remember to give yourself some leeway with the word count goals while you have everything going on with your dad. Just don’t stress yourself! You will ROCK being a full time writer.
Karri Allen thank you!! Yes, it’s a good reminder. If I don’t meet my goal, I won’t beat myself up. 😊 Thank you so much!
Congrats Courtney! So happy for you! I love that you're so honest about hard it is to work as an author full time. Numbers are SO SO important prior to making this jump. Can't wait to see that video :0)
Katlyn Duncan eeeep! Thank you so much! Yes, it wasn’t as easy as just putting in a notice and walking away. I’m looking forward to sharing it all! ❤️
Good for you girl!!!! Proud of you!
Kathi Montigny-Bold thank you! Means a lot!
So excited for what's next for you and looking forward to tagging along on the ride with you 😊 Sending lots of positive thoughts for your dad's recovery - can't wait to see what's next in store for you x
Layne Kingston thank you so much!! Tag along any time! I totally don’t mind!
Congratulations! You have worked so hard to be able to make that decision, and three months ahead of schedule...I think...my memory and math may be off. I know you will continue to work hard...but I hope that you remember to take care of yourself too. Again, congratulations on being able to see your dreams through while always aiming higher. Love and light to your family, may blessings continue to bloom.
Heather Harris thank you so much! May 1 was my original date so 2 months sooner. Oh man, I learned to take care of myself through all of this. At one point, I completely ran myself in the ground. I’m on the other side of that now but you’re so right, self care soooooo important! Thank you!! ❤️
So happy for you. It will feel really weird both when you leave for the last time on the 28th and then wake up the following Monday and realise that you don't have to drive into work. :)
Walter Oakley ahh yes!! Thank you! The Monday after my last day, I’ll be traveling so it will be SOOO weird. I’ve only been able to travel the first business day of a month ONCE in the last 10 years. It’s going to be strange!!
Congrats on getting over the hurdle of giving your notice! Lol, your boss really set up the opportune moment for that! I totally understand the flurry of emotions. I've often been 10x as nervous about giving my notice than I was interviewing for the job in the first place, and that's for jobs that I honestly hated and couldn't wait to get out of. Goodbyes can be tough, not matter what the circumstances. I'm glad your boss understood, and I'm glad you're feeling confident in your decision.
I'm looking forward to your next video about the preparation to quit, because that's something I'm hoping to do in the somewhat near future myself. I started a side business two years ago that I hope to build up to full time to replace a corporate job that I absolutely can't stand, but I've still got a ways to go, maybe another year or two or three. But I also want to be planning now in case I get laid off, which in that company is always a real and present danger. I find your journey inspiring as I navigate mine!
Best wishes for your future career as a full-time writer, and for your father's recovery.
Jamie Makin Yes, you worded it so well. Goodbyes are tough even if the environment isn’t always ideal. Thanks for the kind words! ❤️ I hope all the info I’m sharing will be helpful. LOL, it’s taken me some time to figure it out, but I feel great about my decisions and not worried about the future. Thanks again! ❤️😘
@@TheCourtneyProject you're welcome! And I'm really glad to hear you're feeling so confident in your decision. It's inspiring to see others fulfill their dreams like this! ❤️
Congrats on your decision...but sorry to hear about your dad. I’ve been there. It’s a lot of work and not always as easy as it sounds. But you’ve got some things to digest and a lot to look forward to in your new chapter of life :)
StoryDtechtive thank you so much!! It’s not easy, but I’ll survive. Just taking everything one day at a time and thankful for the good days. ❤️
@@TheCourtneyProject Yes, that’s exactly it. With my mother is was very rough, but so glad I was able to do whatever I could...and for the time we had together.
Sending hugs your way!
@@TheCourtneyProject Thanks Courtney...and same. Good luck with everything :)
Congratulations!! This is so exciting! You're definitely someone I look up to as an indie author -- you're killing it! :)
Aww, thank you so much! That means a lot! ❤️
Congratulations! I finally got to watch this! So happy I found your channel to keep me reaching for the same life! Keep going! 😊
Thank you so much! With determination and dedication, you can make it happen! ❤️❤️
Oh congrats! You're gonna do amazing! And I know its stressful but you've made the right choice! 💜💜💜
Joey Paul thank you!! No regrets! ❤️❤️
Woot woot glad ur outa there! Here’s to new beginnings!
Mickey Miles yassss!! Only 8 more business days! Eek!
Again, I’m so happy for you and I’m glad this feels like the right move for you and your family. I believe it is. Yay for getting to write all night and sleep during the day. I kind of know what you’re going through. About a year and some months ago, 2018, I decided that I needed to move from where I’d been living for 13 years. It was just time to move on and actually focus on my career and health. I planned for it and when it came, it felt surreal. Even as we were driving away, I couldn’t believe it was actually happening but it was the best decision for me. Now I just need to accept the schedule (working at night, sleeping and helping with my grandma when I get up) that works best for me but it’s been going great. I can’t wait to see your updates on how it’s all going once you’re not working your current job! So freaking proud and I’m rooting for you all the way! 😊❤️
Teralyn Mitchell eep!! Thank you! And right? It’s SOO STRANGE! LOL, we’ll be night owls together. I know you’re awake a lot of the time I am when I don’t have to be at work super early. LOL.
You’re welcome and it really is! Haha, and we will be! I usually go to bed between 5 am and 8 am so I’m up all night. We could do sprints together, lol!
Congrats! I love how pragmatic you are.
DarkBlue Matter thank you! ❤️
Congrats! I look forward to your first video after you walk away. The last day will be bitter sweet.
Self-Publishing with Dale thank you so much! And it totally will. Only one week left! Woo!
The Courtney Project it’s gonna seem like an eternity getting through the week. Once you do, it’ll be so worth it. 😎🔥💪
Congrats 🥳 I’m so happy for you.
Any tips on marketing books- for those of us who aren’t selling many books 😄
M. V Mackenzie Thank you! I don’t know if I have a video specifically for marketing. I’ll have to go back and check and if I don’t, I will totally add it to my list of things to record! ❤️
Get it Courtney!!!
Haley Smith yasss! ❤️🙌
Please make that video soon! I'm wanting to accomplish full time authoring within 3-4 years if possible. :)
Jessica Baldwin it’s happening!! And you can do it! ❤️
@@TheCourtneyProject thanks babe!
I'm so excited for you! Do you plan on writing anything on your own, under Lyra Parrish? My dad is in a nursing home recovering from pneumonia and lung issues so I understand wanting to be there for your family. It's hard to do everything. It's a good thing you can quit your job to help your parents AND do what you love. Good for you!
Shelly Star thank you so much! Wow, I understand what you’re going through. I hope your dad has a speedy recovery. Yes, I do plan on releasing under Lyra again. I’ll rewrite and release my backlist, then I’ll start on new books! It’s an exciting time! ❤️
woww, lmao you pulled like 5 power moves on them, girl!!
LOL! I totally did! 😂😂😂😂
How do you organize a book 📖 signing? Do you have a video on that?
:) How to get organized as an author for a signing or how to actually put one on? I’ve never organized a signing, I’ve only attended them as an author.
600,000 words per year seems like a bit much. What's that equate to? Something in the neighborhood of 3,000 pages in a year?
Pages mean nothing to me because it’s dependent on what size page. I wrote nearly 300,000 with a full-time job, so doubling my word count while writing full-time I know is realistic for me personally.
how are you going to provide for yourself if you don't work
My books make three times more than my corporate job did. I am working, just not for someone else.
@@TheCourtneyProject wonderful! do you have a video where you explain how you build up your writer's life?
The audacity of him asking you about your personal finances. Ugh.
Yep, he was rude AF. Funny enough, now I make double his salary doing what I love!