Recently, I shared an old story with a new friend and they encouraged me to create that book. Honestly, I was and am nervous. What if I'm so rusty that I can't write like that anymore or what if I publish it and it turns off my current readers so much that they don't buy any of my other series? 

Well, there was only one way to find out. I wrote a new story and shared it with a couple of people that I know really enjoy that type of writing. They loved it! Honestly, that made me feel pretty good. I like writing things that people really enjoy. I decided to go ahead with a project that I've joked for years that I would write... Katie's Book of Bedtime Stories. 

It went live on Amazon this afternoon and I'm nervously excited to be sharing it with all of you. Remember, this is very adult content so please don't buy it for the kiddos! Buy it for yourself, your friends, your partner(s)...

All proceeds will be going to help me attend Writer MBA so buy lots! 

For now, there's more writing to be done! See you soon! 

Education and Advancement!

As a writer, editor, and streamer, there is a lot that I can learn to improve on all of those areas. I truly believe that if I start investing in myself and in those areas, I can change the situation that my family finds itself in. I can get us out of a bad housing situation and into something that is truly ours. I can stop worrying that we're going to be homeless. That's one of my personal goals for 2025 that will be supported by my business goals. 

You may have noticed that I broke the business goals into three areas: writing, editing, and streaming. I'm also going to split this into three posts, starting with my writing goals!

My overall goal? Two books. I want to do one more toy store book and possibly wrap that series. That or figure out a better way to market it. I think I need to talk to Phoebe about keywords on Amazon. She’s much better in that area than I am. She offered before, but we just never got around to it. Okay, so let’s break this down in more of a list format.

-            Keywords with Phoebe

o   See how much she’d charge to go over all 6 current books

-            Write 2 more books by December 2025

o   Bongo’s Buddies

o   Holidays at the Toy Store Part 2 (obviously working title there)

-            Merch

o   This is a cross-pollination kind of thing with streaming.

o   Build up the fourthwall store.

§  Character shirts

§  Logo shirts

§  Hats

·       Baseball

·       Beanie

§  Mugs

§  Notebooks

§  Tote bag

o   Talk to Will about getting designs from him

o   Talk to Maxx about some new designs

o   Talk to Eric about using the book covers in some fashion

-            Shows

o   Alma - March

o   Lansing - July

o   Grand Rapids - November

o   St Catherine’s - November

* Midland (?)

-            Craft Shows

o   Middleville

o   Hastings

o   Lake Odessa (Christmas)?

*  Hastings - Jingle Mingle (Library)

-            Show Stock

o   My books

o   Coloring book

o   Snow Paw

o   Cthulhu books

o   Mittens (?)

o   Stickers (?)

o   Pins (?)

o   Prints (?)

-            Library readings

-            Bookstore signings

-            Holiday Bundles

-            Look into ALLi (see Russell email 11/27)

-            Set up a mailing list

As you can see, I've put a lot of thought into this. It's that important to me. This is just part of a three page document that I wrote out. Come back soon for Part 2: Editing. 

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Last night, I was having a rough night. It had just been a perfect storm of an emotional rollercoaster. Then, out of nowhere, a friend reached out to me and offered me a ticket to what I consider an exclusive event: Writer MBA. 

Every person that I know who has attended this conference has told me that it's career changing. It's run by someone who I have looked up to in business ever since I met them and we started working together. He has probably forgotten more about writing as a business than I know. I spoke to him last night about attending and he wants me there. 

Honestly, I'm kind of in shock. The people who attend this conference are...elite. These are people who are know what they're doing. Even though I've published 5 books, I still feel incredibly clueless. Maybe I put on a good face...lol. Nah, Russell would see right through that. We've also worked together for years now and he knows me well. If Russell thinks I'm ready for this and Phoebe (who will be speaking there) thinks I'm ready for this, I must be ready for this.

So, I'm going to do something incredibly brave of me. For those that know me, you know I don't often make big moves and almost never for me. This time though, I'm going to do everything I can to attend this event. Not only could it very much advance my career as a writer, but it's also full of networking opportunities. Both of these could very much help my family in 2025 and beyond. 

The problem? You guys were waiting for this part, right? It's not an inexpensive trip to take. In fact, I did a breakdown of the costs earlier today and here's what I came up with:

Amtrak : $350 (This is cheaper than flying and something I've always wanted to do.)
Hotel : $1250-1500 (This is the host hotel. I checked with a travel agent friend and for that time, any money I'd save at another hotel would be taken up in Ubers, etc.)
Uber: $25 (Amtrak station to hotel and then back for on the way home.)
Food: $500 (It would be 8 days and I'm willing to take a bag of bagels for breakfast if this is low.)

Total: $2375

Now, I'm hoping that there's a chance I can share a room with someone. If not though, I need to be prepared to pay the whole amount. $2375 is a lot of money, especially when your budget for something like this is $0. However, an opportunity like this doesn't come around every day and I truly feel as if I need to do this...for me and for my family. I've said 2025 is all about education and advancement and if this doesn't fall under these categories, I don't know what will. 

If you've read all of this, thank you. Your support of me as a writer and an editor means the world to me. If you feel led to try to help out, there are a few ways that you can do that.

* Recommend me to anyone who is looking for an editor or proofreader. 
* Donate via PayPal : Katrina@KatScratchPress.com - Mark as for New Orleans
* Donate via Ko-fi : https://ko-fi.com/katrinaroets

* Donate via Throne: https://throne.com/katieroets
* Purchase a book bundle on Fourthwall: https://katieroets-shop.fourthwall.com/

Again, thank you so much for your continued support! The new year approaches quickly so watch for my 2025 goals post to come very soon!

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Plus, I have a secret I've been keeping. The campaign will be not for just Holidays at the Toy Store, but also my first ever coloring book! People have been asking for one for the past couple of years and finally, it's going to be ready to go! It will be filled with all of the images from the books plus some extra images. Each picture will be on the right side of the page with the reverse being blank. This should help prevent bleed through. I can't wait to share it with all of you.

I can't begin to express how excited I am to be able to share both of these books with you. A lot has gone into them and a lot more will before they're ready for printing and shipping. Maxx and Eric are already hard at work on interiors and covers. I'm going to be touching base with Phoebe about the blurb. Then, I have to record the audio for the campaign video and build the page. 

So, lots to go! But keep your eyes right here and I'll post updates as they happen!

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Speaking of those holidays though...Have you started your shopping? I have and man, sticker shock was a real thing this year. Luckily, I've found some good sales. It seems the older my kids have gotten, the more I have to stretch that budget. With that in mind, I wanted to do something for all of you!

From now (November 15th) until the end of the month (November 30th), I have marked down my books from $10 down to $8. These are signed copies that come directly from me. My Amazon prices are set so if you prefer to order from them, know that those copies aren't signed. Signed copies can only be ordered directly from me. Shipping will be $5 for the first book and an additional $2 per book after that. I've included copies of three of the book covers below. I don't have a good image of Tales from the Toy Store. If you'd like more information on each book, head over HERE to read their descriptions. To place your order, message me on Facebook or send an email to Katrina@KatScratchPress.com -- Books will arrive in time for the holidays! 

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