How Systems Are Shaping My Author Brand
Over the past few months, I've been setting up systems to launch my new Cozy Mystery series. The first of the six-book series is set to release in December 2024.
If you're new to my journey, here's a quick recap: I used to run a business called Tech Savvy Creatives, offering online courses and videos on using tech to simplify life. I loved it, but it consumed more time than a full-time job. After three years, I realized I had created a lifestyle with no balance, working over 40 hours a week. My goal was a passive income to boost my retirement fund, not a hustle lifestyle.
So, I pivoted to pursue my long-time dream of becoming a fiction author. I always thought other careers would secure the lifestyle I wanted, but they didn't. Now, four months into this career change, I'm balancing it with my IT Support Consultant job.
Some might say, "Fiction writing isn't passive." True, but once a novel is created, it's done. In tech, I constantly updated content to keep it relevant, which was exhausting. Creating characters and mysteries feeds my soul, and I'm excited about the potential income.
System №1 — A Website
Once my first book is out, I need a place for readers to find me and hopefully buy directly. My website, Kylie Ross Books, is ready with the tagline "The Coffee is Strong, and the Mysteries are Stronger." I debated the domain name for ages, but settled on kylierossbooks.com. I also have kylierossbooks.au for an Australian redirect, though it's not urgent yet.
The website gives me a presence and a place to direct readers as I start my social media campaign. I plan to build a newsletter, or Book Club, soon.
System №2 — A Series Plan
Turning my writing into a business is key. I want a passive income to support my desired lifestyle, though just covering basic living costs might be the goal. After some planning and false starts, I chose the Cozy Mystery genre, inspired by shows like "Death in Paradise" and "Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries."
I've been learning creative writing for over a decade but only recently took it seriously. I have several book series ideas, but my writing fizzled out when I got stuck. Now, I've developed "The Kimberley Clarke Mysteries," a quirky series set Down Under.
How I Plan
As a tech enthusiast, I plan visually and in detail. Here's my process:
Jot down ideas in Scrivener.
Brainstorm the plot in Aeon Timeline, syncing with Scrivener to avoid re-writing.
Expand outline notes into full chapter descriptions in Scrivener.
Reorder and edit chapters, syncing with Aeon Timeline as needed.
Create character, event, and location profiles in Scrivener, then sync again.
Use Aeon Timeline's 'Relationship View' to map characters, events, and scenes.
Pantsing led me to dead ends, but planning helps me write and edit effectively. After planning, I write in Scrivener and track my word count.
What's Next
I'm deep into planning and writing. Book 1, "A Trail of Lies," is mostly written, and I'm editing to ensure it flows well. I aim to self-publish in mid-December 2024.
This plan may evolve, but it suits me now. Creating quirky characters and mysteries brings me joy. I'm eager to see where this journey takes me and am open to adapting as needed.
Follow along to see how my first book fares and if this dream of a financially stable author life becomes reality.