There’s something about a single month that can shift the trajectory of an entire life.
Not long ago, I was writing about how to make my author career sustainable while working full time. I was balancing marketing for other people during the day and chasing my writing dreams in the margins of my nights and weekends. Then, everything changed—I quit my job.
It wasn’t an easy choice, but it was the right one for me (at least I think). Other good decisions I’ve made in my life have given me the freedom to finally bet on myself and I'm cashing in the opportunity. Instead of pouring all my energy into marketing for others, I’m going all in on my own brand. I’ve given myself two years to see if I can build a sustainable life as a full-time author.
I know what you're thinking... uhhh, Megan? Do you really think that's a good idea... the success rate for indie authors is not exactly... high.
At the end of those two years, if I’m not bringing in enough from my books to support my living expenses? Other decisions will be made. Maybe a job that aligns with writing or publishing. Maybe financial adjustments. But for now—I’m going for it. If nothing comes from it but looking back on my life and having no regrets, because I wasn't afraid to take chances, then I'll think of my two years as a full-time writer fondly.
The Pivot
When I say a month can change everything, I mean it. August was proof.
I started the month with so much excitement. My journals were dropping. I was days away from opening ARC sign-ups for Ruined for Her, my dark rom-com that was fully edited, formatted, and ready to go. Some of you had already signed up. I had everything lined up.
And then—I pulled the plug.
Yes, a finished book, ready for the world, and I made the difficult choice to shelve it the day before ARC sign-ups went live. Some of you already know why, others don’t. There are privacy boundaries I needed to honor, so I can’t share the details. What I can say is that it was a necessary pivot for my peace of mind and my future as an author.
Sometimes the boldest decision isn’t pushing forward, but stepping back.
What’s Next
Now it’s September, and the slate has shifted. Instead of releasing Ruined for Her, I’ve committed to editing and releasing two books in 2026.
The first is Without Refuge, book two of The Sanctioned Series. The draft is complete, and I’m knee-deep in edits. My goal is to have it polished, through beta reads, and ready for professional editing by January 2026.
The second? TBD. I’m leaving space open for possibility. It could be something new, or it could be book three of The Sanctioned Series. That third book still needs to be written, but with all my time dedicated to writing now, I’m focused on finishing it so it can head to edits on schedule (Also, January 2026).
Alongside the novels, I’m continuing with creative marketing, growing my journals as a side hustle, and building the kind of author career that could, truly, sustain my life.
A Month Can Change Everything—For the Better
This past month reminded me that change doesn’t always look like the plan we made on paper. Sometimes it’s scarier. Sometimes it’s a pivot we never saw coming. But it can also be the thing that clears the way for something better.
I don’t know what the next two years will hold, but I do know this: I’m betting on myself. And that, to me, feels like the kind of change worth making.
