Ellen ES Ceely

As of today, I have a new job and a different life, but I like to believe I’m still the same old Ellen.

As of this week, I’m no longer an executive assistant. I’m thankful to be parting on good terms with my employer, sad to leave behind the relationships I’ve built over the last 5 years, and grateful for all I learned during my time in that position.

But it’s time for me to move on. It’s time to take a gamble and go after a dream a little more fully.

So, what is Ellen’s new job?

My new job as the same old Ellen, is to write and create.

For the next year, my goals and desires are to build a creative business as an author and creator. I’m in the middle of creating short-term and long-term goals with publishing, as well as creating a more intense writing schedule. My first goal includes publishing Son of Kings, the second book in my fantasy series The Legends of Zale, this fall. After that, I hope to finish writing Book 3, and hopefully outline Book 4 before the end of the year. Publishing two books in 2024 sounds intimidating, but it also sounds possible now that the majority of my focus is on my writing.

I’m also brainstorming with another author friend about services and skills we can offer together to the Indie community. These skills could include book covers, book formatting, developmental editing, social media, etc. There’s a lot we still have to discuss and figure out, but it’s exciting and I can’t wait to share more!

For the month of July, part of my job will be finishing up renovations on our home. So, you might see some sneak-peaks of that work throughout the coming weeks. Especially of where my new writing spots will be!

How will my life be different?

While I’m still figuring out what my days will look like (and I fully expect it will take a couple months to settle into a solid routine), I know they will include a good bit of the following:

• Blogging (hello!)
• Social Media (if you have Instagram, Facebook or TikTok I’d love for you to give me a follow!)
• Patreon Content Creation (you can join me there too!)
• Audiobook Recording/Publishing (keep your eyes peeled!)
• Writing (I mean…)
• Editing (what you read is not what I first wrote)
• Book Formatting (customizing the inside of books)
• Book Cover Creation (for myself and others – I created my own most recent book covers!)
• Reading (to learn as well as keep my mind/imagination sharp)
• Author/Book Planner (I already started working on this – can’t wait to share!)
• Eventually: developmental editing

What am I feeling about these changes?

I’d be lying if I said the above list and the idea of striking out to do something with no promise of success was anything other than a mixture of terrifying and exhilarating! This is an exciting and scary step. My husband, Brian, has already talked me through several panicked moments surrounding budget and ability. So has my author friend. I’m working for myself, but I’m also working for my tiny family. My success and/or failure are not dependent on a boss. I do not answer directly to someone who tells me what to do and shields me from ugliness. There is a certain level of terror that accompanies this new-found freedom.

I feel the weight and the privilege that comes with being able to do this. Being able to take a gamble is an immense privilege. It took hard work to get to this point, but there are some who work hard and are never able to give their dreams a shot. There are others who don’t have a supportive spouse or partner. I am so grateful I get to do this.

I’m also excited though. Truly excited. I hope to make the most of my time without burning myself out. I long to write more stories and send them out into the world. And I want to create more art and help launch the stories others are telling. The world is a pretty broken place. Art of any kind reminds us of the hope and beauty to be found in the midst of anything horrible that comes our way. Creativity fights darkness, tyranny, and grief in ways nothing else can. The fact that I get to be a part of that creativity thrills me to no end!

How can you be part of the journey?

If you want to encourage me along the way, here are some things you can do over the next few months to help!

• Every like, comment, and share on social media helps me tremendously! For real, these mean so much to me and help more than you know.
• If you’ve read Child of Shadows, please review it on Amazon and Goodreads.
• When Son of Kings releases, purchase a copy for yourself and/or a friend. If you have any questions about who my books are appropriate for, please don’t hesitate to ask!
• Join my Patreon community (see below). I’m excited to turn more attention that way!

There will be more things you can do down the road, but overall I’m just grateful you’re here. I have been continuously blessed by so many people and I’m just so grateful you’re here!

Talk soon,
Ellen

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