Monthly Roundup

For May 2026

Hello fellow tribes folk!

I’ve decided to embrace the rhythm of a monthly roundup—turns out, weekly updates made me feel like I was sprinting on a hamster wheel, leaving posts half-baked or feeling hurried. Now, I’ll have time to craft something complete and satisfying!

Reflecting on this shift, I’m finding the slower pace lets me savor each moment, giving space for ideas to breathe and evolve organically. It’s refreshing to feel less pressure and more creative freedom, which both encourages experimentation and helps me stay connected to the heart of my writing. As I look ahead, I’m excited to see how this new rhythm will shape my efforts and, hopefully, bring a few more kindred spirits into this journey.

Update #1

My quest to sell 30 books fizzled—didn’t even come close! In the end, I waved goodbye to just 7 ebooks and a single paperback. But May brings a fresh challenge: this time, I’m aiming for 14 sales, hoping to outshine my previous best month of 13. Let’s see if I can turn the page!

With renewed determination, I’m rolling out new strategies to boost visibility, from experimenting with creative social posts to collaborating with other indie authors on cross-promotions. The excitement of launching my first giveaway adds a spark to the journey, and I’m eager to see how these efforts unfold. As momentum builds, even in small increments, each milestone—no matter how modest—fuels my resolve to keep pushing forward, making this adventure a little less lonely and a lot more hopeful.

Update #2

Which reminds me that my very first giveaway launched today. I can hardly wait to see how it goes!

Update #3

ICYMI, I posted a handful of highly amusing links in a note for Things I Found While F*cking Around:

Also, I’ve created a few more motivational, personal, and/or witty image quotes. Please feel free to use them anytime and anywhere you’d like. While it’s not necessary, giving credit and a link back to this publication (using www.juliewritesbooks.substack.com is sufficient) is always appreciated.

To finish up, it still very much feels as if I’m shouting into the endless void, though I’ve started to notice faint echoes—tiny signals of engagement from a few fellow explorers. Nevertheless, I’m determined to keep nurturing this space, hoping it will one day blossom into a vibrant, flourishing community.

With that hope in mind, I’m channeling my energy into fresh projects and ideas, including sharing a sneak peek or two from my next book. Staying motivated, even when progress is slow or invisible, means focusing on those subtle connections and reminders that passion and persistence can eventually spark something meaningful. Every small interaction feels like a thread weaving into the fabric of what I’m building here, giving me purpose as I move forward toward the next chapter.

Also, here’s a couple quotes from the sequel to Coming First that I’m currently in the outline phase of. If you decide to use either of these, you must give me credit and link back to this newsletter.