3 Reasons to Never Give Up

I’m a planner. So needless to say, I had everything set for my second book launch. Release date…check. Budget…check. Marketing plan…check, check. This book was going to be the tipping point! I could feel it.

Then EVERYTHING went to Sh!T!

Literally overnight.

My book designer took a hiatus. My house flooded and caused thousands of dollars in damages. Layoffs at my professional place of business had begun. My distributor FUBAR’d my Kindle Countdown which impacted my first week of sales.

I actually cried.

Everything I had worked so hard to accomplish was falling apart in front of me and it couldn’t be fixed. It was out of my control and I just had to sit there and take it. I had to keep going so I smiled through the pain…because at the end of the day…I had books to sell. I showed up with a smile on my face for my readers who were interested in the series. Book signing after book signing, I’d sit for many hours and share how awesome my story was.

But what I didn’t know was that while I was stressing at night trying to figure out what to post on Instagram, Sidelined II was making waves. That’s why you can never give up and here are three reasons why.

1. Where there’s life there’s hope.

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Although I wanted to quit, I remained hopeful and started writing again. I used that crazy energy and wrote a new prologue for Sidelined: The Contract (from Shane’s POV). You guys are going to love it. Then my book designer resurfaced (PRAISE HIM)! Not only did he complete the design of my last book, I was inspired to polish the final book synopsis. It’s posted in my Sidelined Series Book Discussion Group on Facebook.

2. You never know who’s watching.

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A few weeks ago, Sidelined: The Penalty was honored as a finalist in the 2018 Best Book Awards. I was ecstatic considering my first book, Sidelined: The Draft, won the prior year.

Then I got an email from BOOKBUB! They selected Sidelined: The Penalty as a feature! WHAT!??!?!? This like doesn’t happen for indie authors. They have millions of subscribers!

3. Don’t despise small beginnings.

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My distributor reported 7121 copies sold as of 9.30.18. NOOOO freaking way. I didn’t believe it at first. When I think about my last book signing, that was during a torrential downpour, although only a faithful few showed up, little did I know thousands of people were downloading my book.

I wanted to share this experience because I was very discouraged after my series of unfortunate events. I couldn’t see how things were going to turn around. What I didn’t realize is that GOD was working it out the entire time. Not only did I learn a few lessons, I received the idea for my fourth book! Subscribe to my email list for updates.

Bianca Williams is an award-winning author. She was born and raised in Baltimore County, MD. She discovered her love for creative writing at college while pursuing a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Finance & Management. After graduating at the top of her class, achieving a 15+-year career in finance, and co-founding an event planning company, Bianca began penning her autofiction series. When she isn’t writing, Bianca is using her platform to empower women in life, business, and relationships. Know the Plays, or get Sidelined is her signature slogan. Learn more about Bianca at https://www.bwillbooks.com.

5 Steps to Overcome a Breakup

Getting over a breakup is definitely easier said than done. I should know. I literally cried every day, multiple times a day, for about two years before the pain stopped. Two years? Yes, two years!! But we all experience pain differently. Can you recall how you handled your last breakup? Does it cause you to cringe?

My constant weeping was embarrassing, but it was needed. It was during that tragic period that I learned patience, unconditional love, and most importantly, forgiveness. You want to know how I did it? See below, the 5 steps I used to overcome a breakup.

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1. Spend time loving yourself. Redirect your focus from the heartbreak to things that you enjoy. Book a trip, go to the spa, read a book, or binge on a fun series with your favorite cup of tea. Whatever makes you happy, do that.

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2. Give yourself some time to grieve. Don’t rush the process. Don’t beat yourself up because you can’t ‘just get over it’! Cry, get mad, and scream if you have to. Repeat the five stages of grief until you’ve conquered acceptance. Time really does heal all wounds.

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3. Be brave, open, and honest with yourself. Face the ugly truth and accept that you’re hurting. Don’t feel ashamed. It’s okay to admit that you still love your ex. It’s the only way to truly let go and move on.

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4. Take accountability for your actions. Analyze your mistakes and let them serve as a reminder for when you get that phone call (because you will get that phone call). Don’t sacrifice your path to healing for more hurt. Stay strong.

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5. Turn your pain into your purpose. Go through the pain and grow from it. Dig deep and let the disappointment of the failed relationship fuel you. Write a book, a song, or a script. The best creative work throughout history was born out of suffering.