I have been busy working on new book releases at Bewitched Curios HQ. My latest titles are the ‘1st Grade Memory Book’, a ‘Book Report Journal’, a ‘Veterinarian Case Log Book’, and a ‘Guinea Pig Log Book and Journal’. These are quite different from my usual Gothic themes, but I wanted to explore new opportunities. I’ve been using a book publishing design platform with extensive research features to guide my choices. Through my research, I found that these particular niches are not well-served in the current market, so I decided to fill that gap. I have enjoyed the challenge of creating something outside of my usual style and thinking from a different perspective. It’s been a fun process, and I’ve surprised myself with how much I’ve enjoyed it. I find myself constantly thinking about what I can create next. Even when I try to take a break, I can’t help but think about the next niche I could explore or challenge myself to conquer new markets. I never realized how much I would enjoy making products for Etsy until I discovered research tools that target platforms like Amazon.

However….

While it has been enjoyable, there is a downside. My mind keeps wandering, making it hard to stay focused and causing me to feel confused about what to prioritize. Instead of concentrating on one task, my brain is pulled in multiple directions, making it difficult to do a good job on any one thing. I know there are many other areas I want to explore in the future, but my brain wants to do them all right now. It’s challenging to stay focused on one task or one book. I find myself spread too thin and unable to do a good enough job on any one thing. So far, it hasn’t been a major issue, but as I explore more avenues, I’ll need to reign myself in and have a stern talk with myself when necessary.

I Have A Cunning Plan

I’m struggling with self-doubt in that last paragraph. I’m criticising myself for not producing work that’s good enough. However, my products are selling, so they MUST be good enough. I need to work on being kinder to myself. I tend to be my own harshest critic, and I hope that by sharing my struggles, others will find comfort in knowing they’re not alone. My work gives me purpose and a reason to get out of bed every day, so I want to appreciate every moment. I enjoy learning through my business, even though it can be frustrating at times. I’m excited about what the future holds; what niche will I pursue next? Will I try something completely different? Will I create more Etsy products or colouring books? The uncertainty of these questions brings both happiness and fear. I just need to keep doing what I’m doing, have more faith in myself, and see where it takes me. Well, that’s the plan, at least.

What I find most rewarding about this work is that I’ve finally found a way to transfer the ideas in my head onto paper. Previously, I couldn’t draw or create anything artistic, so my thoughts never saw the light of day. Lacking a creative outlet made me feel like I had no artistic ability at all. I often argue with my husband about the meaning of ‘creative.’ I see creativity as painting the Mona Lisa or being the next Andy Warhol. I don’t view my work as particularly creative. However, he insists that I am creative but don’t recognize it and often undermine myself. He’s right, and I hope to overcome that mindset someday. I hate it when he’s so logical!