You published another book...
How I manage the Overwhelm while trying to write the next book.
It is no wonder I feel stretched. Paraphrasing Indie Author Magazine Podcast's host Annie (Nov 3), "constantly expanding output doesn't scale growth—it just scales exhaustion."
On Expanding Growth and Scaling
From spaghetti thrown on the wall—to see what sticks—, to a series of intentional experiments formulated to grow measured outcomes and propel myself and my work forward.
The spaghetti thrown on the wall on this journey was putting myself in the room with other authors and creators, knowing full well my goal of publishing fantasy fiction. Since 2022, I've been going to where the authors were: creative writing workshops, author groups, writing groups, discussion threads, Wattpad, RoyalRoads, and social media. I would learn that writing described as very Tolkien—is not meant as a compliment.
D.M. De Alwis
I struggled a lot—thinking I was done but realizing otherwise—but eventually, I finished writing a book.
The first experiment started in 2024 and would continue until August of 2025. It led me down the path towards traditional publishing. What seems like eons ago, I wrote my first agent letter. I embarrassed myself but the agent was kind enough to respond. 150 subsequent letters sent: I would receive much valuable feedback—from the occasionally generous agent. I would also receive feedback from my alpha readers. I would learn my genre, my need for better pacing, my need for better character development. I would change the starting point of my novel and rewrite one chapter 5 times from 3 different points of view.
The second experiment was showing up for Comicon Toronto in March 2025 with two kid's books on hand. I was still throwing myself at author friends—for this event I was blessed to spend the day with author Rachel Rosen of the Wizards & Spaceships Podcast.
The WCYR community booth, Comicon Toronto 2025: Author D.M. De Alwis' 1st time selling books in person—and she made sales—of her picture books WHICH FEELING and BEST FRIENDS, illustrated by R. Corlosquet.
The third experiment occurred when I hired an editor to review my work. This is where my novel was properly tempered. Having Elise's review and feedback contributed to my confidence. I was still technically sending my novel out for agent consideration.
D.M. De Alwis
D.M. De Alwis
The fourth experiment with Beta and Sensitivity reader feedback was another round of revisions resulting in my splitting the work into two books. A rewrite ensued—you don't simply split a book in two without tying loose ends so that each stands alone.
The fifth experiment—going Indie. I had learned from my earlier foray with the children's books, a parallel journey that had already established D.M. De Alwis as a global author via IngramSpark, how to distribute my books outside of KDP. Navigating Draft2Digital was new. Unhappy with printing my books through IngramSpark and unsure about printing them through Amazon, the shipping costs for both options were horrendous.
This led to a sixth experiment: contracting a local printshop for physical copies of my books. It's rough when you are interrupted while fixing alignment between two book covers and send the wrong cover (100 books with misprinted covers).
My next experiment will be having my illustrator rebrand the duology as an omnibus.
The most important part of the journey
Finding myself while establishing an author brand. Learning from the successes and near misses of my peers. Realizing who my supports in life are while asking tough questions. Reflecting on what I want to do and where I want to go.
Giving something back
2026 has been a year of being an author, student, and mom filling my time with busy work. I waited more than a year before I volunteered to be an event coordinator for the Writers' Community of York Region (WCYR). I enjoy being a part of the writer community. More importantly, I want to give back after benefitting from being a member.
What I learned in the last year
- Don't take in person book sales personally.
- Promote the work of other authors. There's room in the forest for everyone.
- It's better to sell a book to someone who will love it.
- Be selective about where you put your energy: pick the one or two channels that sing to you.
- Be generous. You never know when it will come back to you.
As a bookseller, I'm here to see if my work resonates with you. Let's start a conversation. Let's talk about potential and opportunities. When mine matches yours, then you might feel the urge to buy a book or two—if not, no harm done. I've made a friend, I've solved a problem, I've made a connection.
