When I started drafting Earthlog and Logistical Edge last year, I didn’t expect things to move this fast. What began as a creative challenge to explore themes of identity, belonging, and balance has grown into two full projects. With Earthlog nearing launch, I’m reflecting on how far it’s come. Writing the book was just the start—now I’m deep in the self-publishing and book launch journey, tackling challenges like marketing, social media, and business strategy. It’s a passion project, and I’m learning as I go. Any advice? I’m all ears!

From Idea to Reality

The concept for Earthlog: My Not So Normal Sixth Grade Year was simple: tell a story that mixes the ordinary with the extraordinary—middle school struggles, alien encounters, and shifting friendships. Seeing these characters take shape on the page has been both rewarding and humbling.

I’m not aiming to perfect every aspect of writing or publishing. Instead, I’m diving in, challenging myself, and learning as I go. Whether Earthlog finds a niche audience among half a dozen people that I know or reaches something bigger, I’m here for the process.

Brick by Brickalow: Building a Business

Growing up around construction, I learned the value of creating something from the ground up. That mindset carried over here. I wanted to see if I could “build” not just a book but the business infrastructure and legal entity to support it. Enter Brickalow Publishing House—a lean, minimalist operation with one client so far: me!

This is very much a passion and bucket list project. I’m minimizing expenses, doing all of the work myself, and finding that I enjoy the business strategy side just as much as the creative process. Whether or not I’m any good at either remains to be seen!

Prepping for Launch

Right now, my focus is on getting Earthlog ready for readers. I’ve been revising chapters and refining key themes—balance, identity, and friendship—so they resonate at the heart of the story. I’m also working on companion materials like discussion guides to help spark conversations in classrooms and book clubs. It’s both exciting and overwhelming to think about where the book might go.

Connecting with Readers: A Work in Progress

Marketing and engagement are a new challenge for me, especially when it comes to social media. Let’s just say this is a learning curve. Social media isn’t second nature to me, and finding time to create consistent content is tough. Still, I’m dedicating my spare time to building an online presence, sharing reflections, and figuring out what works.

My strategy for now is simple:

• • Develop a blog to share updates and behind-the-scenes content.

• • Focus on 1-2 social media platforms to build an audience with limited resources. 

• • Reach out to educators, librarians, and book clubs.

• • Create companion materials to deepen engagement with readers.

• • Leverage word-of-mouth through personal and professional networks.

The goal? Build some hype, connect with readers, and maybe sell a few books and ePubs along the way. I’m not aiming for instant success, but I believe that steady effort can make an impact. I know video content is essential these days, but with limited time and experience, I’m starting small. Whether it’s short updates, slideshows, or live Q&As, I’ll experiment and see what fits. If you have advice on social media or video strategies, I’d love to hear it.

Looking Ahead

Although Earthlog is my priority, I’m still developing the Logistical Edge series. Both stories explore the themes of balance and belonging in different ways. Launching Earthlog feels a bit surreal, but I’m ready to take that next step and see where it leads.

Thanks for following along on this journey. More updates are on the way as we move closer to launch day, June 26, 2025.

EarthBlog, signing off.