Hello !
Last week, I asked what would help you most with your romance-author dream right now.
Thank you to everyone who clicked a link or replied. Truly. Your answers helped me see what's taking up the most space in your writer brains.
The two biggest needs were:
• Finding readers and building an author platform: 42%
• Finishing or revising a romance novel: 38%
Another 17% of you said you're planning your first self-publishing launch.
Those are really different stages of the author journey with different rpoblems and next steps.
At first I wondered which group should I focus on supporting next.
Then I realized I was asking the wrong question.
The better question is: How can I help you move forward, wherever you are right now?"
And I think I have a good answer!
Your Next 12 Weeks as a Romance Author
On Thursday, October 1st, I'm hosting a free, live, 90-minute workshop called Your Next 12 Weeks as a Romance Author.
October 1st happens to fall 13 weeks before the end of the year, which makes it a pretty darned good time to decide what you want to accomplish before the end of 2026.
Anyone who's been part of one of the author communities I've run in the last seven years knows I love a 12-week year planning process. I've taught different versions of it many times becuse it helps writers stop staring at a giant, intimidating author to-do list and start choosing what matters now.
During this workshop, I'll help you:
Look honestly at where you are now
Choose what matters most in the next 12 weeks
Make a realistic plan for your writing and publishing life
Decide what can wait until later, because not everything has to happen this year
Your plan may focus on:
• Finishing or revising your romance novel
• Preparing your first book for self-publication
• Building the early pieces of an author platform
• Finding ways to reach the readers who'll love your stories
• Creating structure and support so you're not trying to do all of this alone
This isn't about cramming every possible author task into the next three months. Good lord, no.
It's about choosing what deserves your attention now, what can wait until 2027, and making a plan you'll actually follow.
Save your spot for Your Next 12 Weeks as a Romance Author
I've delivered or participated in more than 20 of these 12-week planning sessions, and showing up live makes a real difference. You'll have time to think, write, and engage with other romance authors who are making their own plans.
The replay will be available for 72 hours afterward, because I know middle-of-the-day workshops aren't possible for everyone.
I'd love to see you there.
xo,
Danika
If you missed last week's question
I'm still gathering answers so I can create and share the help that will serve you best.
Which situation sounds most like you?
I need help finishing or revising my romance novel
I need help planning my first self-publishing launch
I need help finding readers and building an author platform
I have a specific problem and think I might need one-to-one coaching
Where romance writers become romance authors. Write it, finish it, publish it-together.