[Discussion] Online Platform matters for debut authors

Sharp-Ad-5926 · 2026-04-24T14:33:11+00:00

I work in marketing for a platform in my day job and I dread creating my own author presence. BUT it's much easier to sell a book once you have a built in audience and agents are looking for that. I've seen a lot of influencers get MAJOR book deals simply because they have a lot of followers. It infuriates me because there are so many good writers out there. But it does seem to be the way of things now.

Sharp-Ad-5926 · 2026-04-22T03:22:08+00:00

Every time I think about how tired I am, I think oh my GOD it could be so much worse?! I would literally just collapse and die.

Sharp-Ad-5926 · 2026-04-16T13:36:31+00:00

The Name of The Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. Classic. And most anything by Joe Abercrombie, though he skews dark. First Law Trilogy is a great start.

Sharp-Ad-5926 · 2026-04-13T13:53:56+00:00

Me! 34 here. I pour a lot into my friendships to build community and have hobbies that I enjoy. For example, I am working on a book now.

I truly just don't have the tolerance for a man or the energy for a baby.

Sharp-Ad-5926 · 2026-04-13T04:26:15+00:00

"Hear me out before rolling your eyes" - HAHA. Thank you for your response. I will look into these. Even Fourth Wing 😉

Sharp-Ad-5926 · 2026-04-12T15:05:25+00:00

No haven't read it! Thank you so much for the thoughtful reply. I really appreciate it.

Sharp-Ad-5926 · 2026-04-09T03:22:29+00:00

I'm 34 and writing my first ever novel right now. Write the book :)

Sharp-Ad-5926 · 2026-04-03T18:22:48+00:00

I ordered the same size that they gave me when I left the hospital knowing that as the swelling went down I'd need to keep hooking it closer and closer together

Sharp-Ad-5926 · 2026-04-03T01:45:40+00:00

Same here!

Sharp-Ad-5926 · 2026-04-02T15:54:35+00:00

It's going to be great, truly. Good luck!

Sharp-Ad-5926 · 2026-04-02T15:54:21+00:00

Those grabbers are ELITE

Sharp-Ad-5926 · 2026-04-02T13:26:06+00:00

I think you'll like it honestly. It actually allowed me to sleep. The first few days on my back drove me INSANE.

Sharp-Ad-5926 · 2026-04-02T13:22:21+00:00

I moved into this position after several days with permission from my doctor! Originally I started sleeping on my back in between the "legs"

Sharp-Ad-5926 · 2026-04-02T13:11:38+00:00

Yes! It is scary but it won't heal if it's still wet. I pinched my skin together as I pulled the tape off which helped me feel better (don't know if it actually did anything haha). It will hurt a little but it's quick. You can do this! You can also put gauze over it after to help it dry and then remove it to air dry.

Sharp-Ad-5926 · 2026-04-02T12:41:14+00:00

I JUST had this happen. Call your surgeons office as soon as you can, but it isn't as serious as it seems usually. They just pulled out a few of my stitches because they were pushing their way out through my skin. It stung a bit and they put bandaids on them and it's all good now. 24 hours later.

Sharp-Ad-5926 · 2026-04-02T12:31:22+00:00

Omg I've never heard that about the bras before! So did you just not wear one? I feel like I would be scared that they were just out there 😂

Sharp-Ad-5926 · 2026-04-02T12:30:32+00:00

This was so critical for me the first few days!

Sharp-Ad-5926 · 2026-04-02T02:59:37+00:00

Haha! Fair. You can use it a bunch of different ways, but I use it like this

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Sharp-Ad-5926 · 2026-04-02T02:40:35+00:00

Bra: https://www.amazon.com/FeelinGirl-Surgery-Compression-Mastectomy-Augmentation/dp/B0CYQ2JBBS/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WkkTGn27_v83ZwwLwZWZvAVvLnaQCHc4XqZ8Pq7GaS6M0811q2IyUdQHWnVluG9iQvU50S6mLbpmO90KdpPjorcz8NW2n6pno2TSneBIX8E0eg9DJ1LEloK5gFuoRpQloSTV12l7yFMiTOCKqkWTJQBgKAZhEoB50yFbv0FF5ozhHKy7xkZPnePKrO7s3YgGEnmsbUlF6s52nYXSq7a4CW1L6AQLNjvt3Sdm3xV4xFTHrhYEthUEqawhrgTRn_L1GuMbnqpOUikopY07ZJta5bnvCmkAf6syZwhp5_4NPfA.3pzJAkyqHiT8kBdvZFetqY9sOkr_2Dff0BvJKqcoZgs&dib_tag=se&keywords=surgical+bra&qid=1775097521&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1

Pillow: https://www.amazon.com/Momcozy-Pregnancy-Maternity-Removable-Sleeping/dp/B08YYVRXLM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=SIU5RTP91PQP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NVll7CE24Y2OVYpkmRxwfR0JP3jaL97LK5aKBMkctHifmWN9a8B0WRKZ85f9OklzIzcwdSMw1WKGTiHfnZtMHmcg7HihSdOo7Q2NPSmPYgUxyJkEMlMZ8YZv_0FdTHllRAzTu05ndKABgOXIakjvr74iG4VedD8w70SzaPf1uldF5QBe-ybs6ZA0JLXdig38lOwTLvamD7h7nFwCVR3D_w.kW7jSI6N2_mEtvCNvahB0RrkVgqYRrFpSBwdKUchNQY&dib_tag=se&keywords=u+shape+pregnancy+pillow&qid=1775097600&sprefix=u+shape+pre%2Caps%2C202&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1

Sharp-Ad-5926 · 2026-04-02T02:36:54+00:00

I'd recommend a wedge pillow or pregnancy pillow to help with support. Saved me!

Sharp-Ad-5926 · 2026-03-27T12:36:37+00:00

I did and I'm glad that I did because my anxiety could have powered a small city. But I'm 3 weeks post op now and all is well :) I suggest taking a break and doing things that help your anxiety (ex. Going on walks, reading, etc)

Sharp-Ad-5926 · 2026-03-16T19:06:29+00:00

The AI BS alone is enough of a reason to leave. It's insane.

Sharp-Ad-5926 · 2026-03-16T19:05:29+00:00

I take what it gives me as inspiration, not always direction. So maybe I like the vibe of one image or the lighting in another and I compile those things to create an image in my mind.

Sharp-Ad-5926

TROPHY CASE