Featured Writer on Wellness: Sara Secora

For me, I’ve had issues that mostly stem from sitting at my desk for too long.

That can lead to problems such as: back pain, eyestrain, hand/wrist pain, weight gain, and a slew of other physical health issues.

I am sure that isn’t true for all writers, but for me, I tend to like writing via computer with a good ole’ keyboard and Microsoft Word.

I Don’t Want to Become a Blob with Fast Fingers!

Since using a computer is my preferred writing method, I soon realized that a desk and chair combo wasn’t suited for long writing sessions.

I pulled out my old trusty laptop and dusted it off. I am not condoning this as a healthier way to write, but lying down while writing certainly was more comfortable for those long hours of creative typing.

I’ve also begun giving myself more breaks to stretch my legs and working out five days a week as to combat becoming a blob with fast fingers.

The “Imposter Syndrome” Has Tried to Hold Me Back

I’ve had the most issue with the “imposter syndrome.”

It’s a doozy and has really tried its damnedest to hold me back from my dreams of being an established writer and author.

I think that really boils down to the fear of failure and rejection mixed carefully with self-doubt. I, myself, struggle with a few anxiety-related disorders, which I can assure you does not help with any of the above, but I manage.

When I Get Really Stressed, I Play Some of My Favorite Video Games

My biggest strengths are my friends, whom I know always have my back.

And also, my extreme levels of dedication. I’m fortunate enough to have that little edge that keeps me *mostly* on track, and focused on what matters the most to me: achieving my dreams.

When I get really stressed, I just put the manuscript away and blow off some steam by playing some of my favorite video games. Nothing helps quite like that!

The Devil on My Shoulder Whispers, “Was Self Publishing Worth It?”

I have two [darkest moments] that I recall.

The first was a few years ago. I had decided that I was going to finish my first novel. I had no idea how I was going to do that, but I knew I would find a way.

A little while after that, I ran into a huge stone wall in my journey—I couldn’t afford all the expenses that it took to get a book properly ready for publishing. Things like editing, cover design, and so on.

I asked everyone I knew for help, I looked into getting loans from my bank, and I was ready to max out my credit cards. In the end, I found a way, but that way has left me in a financial hole and sometimes the devil on my shoulder whispers to me, “was it worth it?”

That kind of plays into what the second darkest moment was. When all was said and done, and the print dried on my novel…my book wasn’t selling like I had hoped.

I soon realized that the world of the written word was just as brutal as I feared.

I am a first time author who self-published, which means: the sales will not be great for now and possibly ever.

Just because my book is out—it doesn’t mean it will be successful. So, now I wait. Hoping that I gambled correctly.

I Believe in What I’ve Written, and in Those I Wrote About

[What is the one thing that keeps you on your path?]

As I stated above, I’m a very dedicated person oozing with passion.

Writing is important to me, and even more so, my story is important to me.

I believe in what I’ve written and in those I wrote about. Once my trilogy is out, there will be a strong message in my story to all those young girls trying to find themselves in a scary world.

Advice for a Young Writer: Take Others’ Feedback with a Grain of Salt

That you should take others’ feedback with a grain of salt.

If you believe in what you’re doing, then don’t let others dim your flame.

Shine as bright as you are, and ignite the world with your wonder.

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Sara Secora has a passion for all things she dubs gamer and nerdy, as evidenced on her YouTube channel, “AviGaming.” She is also a well-branded voice-over artist. Secora has turned her talents to the arduous task of authoring an exciting fantasy trilogy. Her stories are full of magic, humanity, and insight—destined to intrigue readers of any age.

Secora lives in Detroit, Michigan, where she continues to explore old and new avenues for her talent and hard work. For more information about her and her work, please see her website, or connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Throne of Lies (Amethysta Trilogy, #1): As a seventeen-year-old ruler chafing under the obligations of her bloodline, Princess Amethysta Serelle finds the royal life anything but enchanting.

Available at Amazon.