Saying Yes

Hi Friends and Family,

I hope you’ve been enjoying the spring season! Spring is a time for fresh starts and embracing new opportunities. Amongst the beautiful flowers this spring, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to participate in some new opportunities, which have helped me reach some of my author goals for 2025. These new opportunities have helped me become more confident, share about my journey and books, meet readers, and grow as an individual and author.

I admit, at times, I’ve gotten overwhelmed trying to balance everything—working full time, being a baseball and dance mom, caregiver to my husband, and part-time author, but then I remember that each step is a step closer to my dream of becoming a full time author. I can’t choose when opportunities are going to come, but I can choose to say, yes.

What would happen if you said yes to something that you’d normally say no to due to fear or insecurity?

Good things come when you go outside your comfort zone. And that’s what happened to me.

Last month, In Bloom Bookery in Temecula, CA reached out and asked if I’d join their local Author-Sign-A-Thon for Indie Bookstore day with only a few weeks notice. I immediately thought I couldn’t join because I didn’t have enough books in stock, and I needed to take my son to his baseball game. It’s that time of year when the beautiful sun is out, bright and vibrant, and the sound of cheering and crack of a baseball bat permeate the warm air. But this also means my husband, who is still recovering from a brain injury and other symptoms since his accident, can’t be at the field due to the heat. But then I wondered, what if?

What if I said, yes?

Have you had an opportunity recently that called to you? This was one of them for me.

After a day of going back and forth in my own head (because yes, I overthink everything), I talked to my father-in-law and asked if he could be at my son’s baseball game and then watch him and my daughter until my husband got home from his part-time job. He agreed, asking for fudge sludge (he’s a funny guy who loves sugar!). Fudge sludge is what he’s endearingly called my nutty fudge sauce I gift him every Christmas. With the kids taken care of, I decided to take a chance. I responded to the Event Manager, noting that I’d love to join, but wasn’t sure if I’d be able to have enough books delivered on time (I’ve recently experienced long delivery times from my distributor).

And…guess what happened?

The Event Manager immediately responding that since my book is available at In Bloom Bookery, they’d order the 30 books! I was ecstatic and immediately, responded with a yes! Even better, they had an afternoon time slot available, so I didn’t have to disappoint my kids. The event was so much fun!

Independent Bookstore Day at In Bloom Bookery

Meeting some amazing readers at In Bloom Bookery! This wonderful reader said she came especially to meet me and purchase my book. So incredibly kind!

I also connected with new readers and a few podcasters since joining Threads. It’s such a fun, welcoming community, and if you haven’t joined, I highly recommend! A couple readers contacted me asking if they could spotlight me and my books on their social accounts and newsletters. Yes!

Next, I responded to a podcaster who posted a Thread, noting she was looking for more romance and romantasy authors for her podcast. And, more good news: she reached out and scheduled me to join her! We recorded the podcast a week ago. Stay tuned for Rebel Reads’ podcast!

Next, I received an email from one of the organizers of Fall into Books Fest, congratulating me on being accepted as an author for their upcoming event in September. Fall Into Books Fest is a one day fall themed bookish celebration on September 20th in Southern California with author signings, panels, bookish vendors, and a night event. I’d signed up a few months ago, hoping to be chosen, but was cautious. Even though excitement thundered through my veins, I only had one paperback book in my current series available to offer readers. The second book—a witty, opposite-attract romcom—in my Scottish Stars Series, WHERE THE STARS BURN, will debut after the event. But then I realized that I can offer a drawing and give some Advanced Reader Copies (ARC) to readers who purchase THE STARS OF SCOTLAND. So, I took the chance and said yes!

Last but not least, I recently decided to self-publish, Where the Stars Burn, and the last book in my Scottish Stars series. I’m jumping in, learning along the way, and embracing the journey. The best news: this book will be available earlier than expected! Check my socials for a pub date announcement next week.

You may be thinking…this is A LOT.

It is! I’d be lying if I didn’t say it’s a bit overwhelming, but it’s also incredible. I’m so thankful and optimistic for these new chapters in my author journey!

What will you say yes to today?

xo

Erica