Meet Harper Bliss, bestselling author of lesbian fiction
Every week, we interview a super-successful indie author from among our Professional membership to share the story behind their self-publishing career and top tips that have worked for them. Today we're delighted that Harper Bliss is joining us to tell us about her inspirational rise to bestseller status in the world of lesbian fiction.
Her top tips are well worth considering whatever genre you write in, though some may surprise you:
- to establish a very clear brand
- to abandon social media
- to work to a very fixed routine that prioritises writing
What’s your proudest achievement to date as an indie author?
To go where no other lesbian romance author has gone before.
What’s the single best decision you ever made?
A few months ago I decided to say goodbye to all social media. I haven’t regretted it for a single second. I have so much more time now and I can save all the drama for my books.
What’s been your biggest surprise as an indie author?
That I can make a very comfortable living off writing lesbian romance, a niche market if there ever was one. Despite all the nay-sayers (and there are quite a few), my wife, who I work with, and I are living proof that it’s possible.
What’s your greatest challenge – and how do you deal with it?
Consistency. I’m still dealing with it and probably always will, but setting up very detailed systems (and many a colour-coded excel sheet!) has helped a lot.
How do you get/stay in a creative mood?
I have a morning routine which is pretty much set in stone and completely prioritises writing. Whether I’m feeling creative or not, I always show up in the morning. That way, my most important task of the day is done before most people’s alarm clock goes off. (I’m an early bird.) What happens after that is still very much a work-in-progress.How do you remain productive/motivated?
This is my full-time job, so if I don’t produce consistently, I don’t make money. That has always been enough motivation so far.
What’s your favourite thing about being an author–publisher?
The control I have over everything and being able to create tangible objects like books out of nothing. The entire process of how it grows from a mere inkling of a thought to an actual book that I can hold in my hands.
What are your top tips for other ALLis?
- Be authentic, it will pay off in the end.
- You don’t need to be on social media, no matter what everyone says.
What’s next for you?
More of what I love best: writing lesbian romance.
Inspiration for aspiring #indieauthors everywhere, whatever genre you write in: our interview with bestselling #lesbian fiction #writer Harper Bliss Share on X
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“You don’t need to be on social media,” caught my eye! I’m completely off FB but still on Instagram. How are you marketing without social media? Email lists?