Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 105 of the podcast and it's March 8, 2023  as we record this.  Main Topic: Reflection as an Indie Author Tool PATREON: No new patrons this week. Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast.  This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a postcard from me, a shout out on the podcast, and we can make announcements for you on air. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan.  Patreon.com/strangeairstories for paranormal mysteries short stories   Comments: email from listener:   Questions from listeners:   Announcements:  1) Book launch party on Saturday 2) Chasing Shadows 99 cents on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YZ44QXF UPDATE:  Valerie:  Went to Becca Syme's Publishing conference this past weekend. Blew my mind. I'll be going every year now. Got my books and delivered them to the bookstore for the launch party on Saturday. Starting new book project today; met with co-writer yesterday to set up the outline.  Erick: Website crashed; that consumed all of last week; working to catch up on client work, as a result; released reader magnet "Forgotten Shadows;" from the ground up marketing; reengaged with newsletter swaps; working on main series, plus side series with    Just finished:   In the Middle of Hickory Lane by Heather Webber I'M READING: Maame by Jessica George;  Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs by Suzanne Clothier; Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton.    Up Next:  The Blackhorse by Carole Johnstone Erick's Reading: Dead Beat by Jim Butcher   Show Notes: "Only do what you are good at." (Wisdom gem from Erick.) You don't need to use a spreadsheet for metrics; It can be more "feelings" oriented.  Pick a section of time (or a work) to reflect on. For instance, a co-writing experience, writing your last novel, the ad campaign you did last week, your last month. Example questions to ask yourself: What was the most memorable part of this past month? What were the three biggest lessons you've learned in this past month? Assess your priorities. Are you happy with how you spent your time? If not, what steps can you take next month to adjust them? What did you accomplish this past month? What are you most proud of? What or who are you especially grateful for this past month? Name three things you can improve on this upcoming month. What are concrete actions you can take to work towards these improvements? Next episode:      Resources:  Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions) Raven Publicity (publicity for authors) The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror Contact Erick for business-starting advice. Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book. Other Resources: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter. Valerie's new day book for the year 2023 is: Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates. I've published our 2022 Book List on the website: valerieihsan.com/podcast-news   The Author Life Community Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE188 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)   Find Us:   Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor   Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: htt