My Goal is to Be One of the Popular Chick Lit Authors
It’s the final day of the year. The last day to think about what I want to leave behind and what I’m channeling going forward. I’m taking some time today—as I wrap myself in an impossibly chic leopard-print coat from Khy—to think about what my goals are for the upcoming twelve months. These include: finishing my Christmas novella, writing posts for my Fashion/Fiction blog on Substack, and becoming one of the popular chick lit authors.
For as long as I care to remember, I’ve wanted to be an author. And not just any author. I want to write saucy, sassy, stylish books that you reach for on vacation or when you’re heading to a swanky bar for a solo martini or when you’re unrolling your Jacquemus beach towel on the shore. Fashionable books that are as rich in humour as they are in enviable wardrobes.
When I published The Manhattan Mishap in late 2021, it felt like I was one (stiletto) step closer to reaching my dreams. Now, four years later, I’ve self-published a short story collection and a book of poetry. I’m so proud of myself for showing up at my computer time and time again—regardless of what I have going on in my personal life: babies to take care of, houses to clean, martinis to drink. You know, the stuff of a fashion fiction author.
Being One of the Popular Chick Lit Authors & More
Becoming a popular author in my genre
Being one of the popular authors in the chick lit genre requires equal parts voice, vulnerability, and hustle. In other words, it’s a lot of work. So, good thing I’m willing to work hard. First, I have to hone a witty, emotionally honest narrative voice that readers recognize the moment they open the book. Next, it’s all about learning to write scenes that balance laugh-out-loud moments with real stakes so characters feel both lovable and alive.
With Margot in The Manhattan Mishap, she’s not perfect, which makes her relatable, and she yearns for the career she’s always dreamed of—even when the bumps in the road become more like boulders. Sound familiar?
Furthermore, it’s important for me to consistently produce work and enter every draft with the discipline to revise until the humour sparkles and the style shines. And finally, if I decide to go the traditional route again instead of self publishing, I have to stay resilient through rejections and trends, trusting that persistence and a distinct, relatable point of view are often what turn a promising writer into a beloved, bestselling name.
Eek. It all sounds very daunting. But if this is what I want, then I have to do it.
Read More: Poetry About Love and Heartbreak in My Latest Book
Finishing my Christmas novella, The Fashion Girl Goes Home
I’ve been working on this one for the last two years. I was inspired after going back to my hometown for Christmas and kind of feeling like I no longer . . . fit in? Life takes us in different directions from how we grew up. And that’s okay. My life has drastically changed from when I was a 21-year-old woman leaving home. I wanted to write about that experience, but obviously on a much more dramatic scale. My goal was to publish this Christmas, but I changed that. I’m now aiming for Christmas 2026. Stay tuned.
Consistently writing blogs here and for Fashion/Fiction on Substack
Consistently blogging as an author builds visibility for myself and my books, sharpens my voice, and cultivates a loyal readership. After all, I have to give readers a reason to return over and over again. Regular posts improve discoverability through search engines and social sharing. Plus, my blogs create a living archive of my ideas and writing process that can feed future projects, and provide a low-pressure space to test themes, characters, and marketing angles before committing them to a manuscript.
Being a mom of 4-year-old twins and a baby on-the-way, it can be difficult to find time to write consistently. But I’m going to try! At least the twins are in part-time preschool, so that gives me a few hours in the morning when I can ferociously type away.
Read More: Confessions of a Shopaholic Made Me Want to Be an Author
Doing more author events, locally and back in Canada
Author events are vital for promoting your books because they create direct, memorable connections with readers that online marketing can’t replicate! It’s so important to have that face-to-face interaction. Live readings, signings, and panels allow authors to showcase their voice and personality, generate immediate sales, build word-of-mouth buzz, gather honest feedback, grow a loyal fan base, and create shareable moments for social media and local press. All of which boost discoverability and long-term engagement in a crowded market.
My goal is to treat social media and author events as extensions of my storytelling. I’m going to work on sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses and authentic interactions rather than polished perfection. (Perfect social media accounts are so last year.) I’m going to build relationships with readers, booksellers, and other writers so word of mouth grows organically so that I can become a popular chick lit author! Wish me luck.
Read More: Avaline Wine My Book Characters Would Drink IRL
Actually wearing my wardrobe and shopping less
Let’s be clear, when I say “shopping less” I don’t mean thrifting. And of course, I can’t call myself a “fashion fiction author” without talking about fashion. It’s not all writing and sitting behind a desk. I have to live what I write! And that means wearing my wardrobe to its fullest potential. My goal is so buy less new stuff and instead, scour thrift shops. It’s been hard since moving to a new city and not knowing where all the hot thrifting spots are. But I saw that 2nd Street is opening a location near me so I am very excited to check that one out and shop ‘til I drop. Check out this post I wrote about my most-worn items of the year on my Substack.
Anyway, I’m off now to go meet up with a girlfriend and her kids for a playdate—and hopefully some fashion mama gossip too. Chinese food will be ordered for dinner and I’m going to make rosemary mocktails to sip by the outdoor fire pit. I hope you have a fabulous New Year’s Eve. See you next year. Mwah!
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