December is here, which means it’s time for my favorite (and occasionally humbling) year-end ritual: digging through a year’s worth of stats to see what actually happened in my little corner of the publishing world.
This month, I’ll be taking a closer look at:
• Website stats – Who visited? What were they looking for? And how many of them stuck around long enough to click something besides “back”? • Sales data – The highs, the lows, the “…really? That’s all?” moments. • Social media growth – Which platforms showed promise, which flatlined, and which ones are still giving me the “why are you like this?” energy. • Best-performing books – Along with the true cost behind each one: money, time, effort, and the occasional existential crisis.
Basically, I’m pulling everything apart to see what worked, what didn’t, and what I can learn from it all. It’s part archaeology, part analytics, part “oh, that’s why nothing happened in May.”
I’ll be back in January with an update on what I discover and, more importantly, how I plan to move forward in the new year. New strategy? New goals? New chaos? We’ll see.
Here’s to ending the year with clarity and starting the next one with purpose.
Well, let’s just say it was an adventure—and not entirely by choice. Remember how I had to discontinue my Amazon ads because of that delightful bank card fiasco? Yeah. So November was a full-on freeballing-it month. No ads. No fancy targeting. Just me, my social media posts, a couple of emails, and some strategic free book promos thrown into the universe like confetti.
So the strategy was simple: let readers try them for free digitally, fall in love, and (fingers crossed) come back for the print versions either for themselves or as gifts. Will that work? It’s too early in December to know, but we’ll see.
As for downloads… I didn’t get as many as I would’ve liked. But I’m hopeful that the ones I did get were from the right people like the families, teachers, herbalists, and curious readers who actually want and need these books.
Marketing without ads is definitely a challenge, but it’s also oddly empowering to see what happens when you rely on creativity instead of algorithms. On to December and whatever magic (or mischief) it brings!
Well… here we are at the end of the 2025 WIP Challenge, and yes, I know that I haven’t posted an update since August. Oops. But in my defense, time is a weird soup, and somehow the last four months evaporated when I wasn’t looking.
Did I write? A little! Here and there! Enough to feel smug for a moment and then promptly forget what I was working on.
Did I finish any new WIPs this year? Absolutely not. Not a single one. Zip. Zero. A very symmetrical number, if nothing else.
But did I learn something? Oh, definitely. I learned that if I ever expect to actually complete any of these WIPs, I need to carve out more consistent writing time instead of assuming Future Me will magically take care of it. (Future Me did not.)
Was it a wasted year? If we’re talking strictly in terms of word count, maybe. But in terms of life experience, growth, chaos, plot material, emotional arc-building, and general character development? A gold mine. I’ve been living the chapters I’ll write later. Transformation, baby. Sometimes that counts just as much as finishing a draft.
To anyone who made an honest attempt to write this year, whether you wrote a sentence, a page, or just opened the document and stared at it meaningfully, congratulations! You showed up. That’s the hardest part.
As for whether I’ll undertake another challenge next year, that remains to be seen. I might switch things up and track actual hours or word counts per month. I haven’t decided yet; I’m still in the “thinking about thinking about it” phase.
Here’s to the stories still simmering, the WIPs patiently waiting, and the small but mighty wins that carried us through 2025. Onward!
If your idea of a perfect evening involves a steaming mug, a cozy blanket, and a good book (or notebook), this list is for you. Here are a few gifts that celebrate storytelling, creativity, and quiet inspiration — perfect for the readers and writers in your life.
📘 1. Books That Spark Curiosity
Start with books that feed both the mind and imagination:
🌿Exploring Traditional Herbal Remedies in Mexico — A deep dive into the folklore, culture, and healing traditions of Mexico. It’s as much about storytelling as it is about plants — an inspiring companion for writers seeking fresh ideas or readers who love to learn.
🌼The Mexican Apothecary: Traditional Cold and Flu Remedies — This beautifully researched collection reveals the narrative side of herbal healing — perfect for readers who enjoy the intersection of science, culture, and tradition.
✍️ 2. Tools to Inspire Creativity
For authors (and aspiring ones), a little inspiration goes a long way. Here are a few creative companions worth exploring:
🔮Oracle Cards for Writers: Unlock Your Story Magic — A self-paced course from Shortcuts for Writers that helps you tap into your subconscious, overcome creative blocks, and bring your stories to life in fresh, intuitive ways.
🎁 3. Add a Personal Touch (for Writers Who Dream in Ink)
Looking for a gift that goes beyond the bookshelf? Pair one of these inspiring books or courses with a few thoughtful touches that feed the writer’s soul — a dash of comfort, a spark of creativity, and a reminder that their words matter. ✍️
☕ Creative Fuel: Every writer needs their cozy corner and a few tools of inspiration. Try pairing their new read with:
The Defectors drops readers into a near-future America reshaped by a devastating virus and the authoritarian systems created in its wake. Vaccinated citizens are kept under constant surveillance through implanted microchips, while undocumented people disappear into the ominous prisons of Sector X. It’s a chilling setup, made even more unsettling by its echoes of current real-world debates around immigration, government overreach, and public health crises.
Haven Allis, the 20-year-old protagonist, is an immediately likable character. She’s earnest, unprepared, and suddenly thrust into circumstances far beyond anything she has been trained for. When her best friend Greyson is arrested for his undocumented status, Haven is forced off the grid and into a dangerous world filled with virus carriers, private military checkpoints, and a growing underground resistance.
The novel is a fast, accessible read, and Benner builds a world that feels surprisingly close to home. At times, the large cast can be a little tricky to track, but the core emotional thread, Haven’s loyalty and courage, keeps the narrative grounded. The dystopian elements are familiar in a satisfying way, and readers who enjoy pandemic-era fiction with a touch of rebellion and tension will find plenty to sink into.
Overall, The Defectors is a solid entry in dystopian fiction: timely, action-driven, and thought-provoking.
There’s nothing better than getting lost in a good story — except maybe when that story is free! 💫
This season, I’m sharing a few of my favorite reads that invite you to slow down, sip something warm, and fill your creative well. Whether you’re a writer looking for inspiration or simply a lover of beautiful books, these titles are a perfect place to start.
🌿 Exploring Traditional Herbal Remedies in México (Volumes 1–5)
What ancient secrets do the plants of Mexico hold? In this five-volume special edition, discover over 140 medicinal plants used for centuries in traditional healing practices. Each entry is paired with stunning photography and rich cultural context that brings Mexico’s natural heritage to life.
Even if you’re not an herbalist, you’ll appreciate the storytelling woven through every page — a tapestry of history, folklore, and science. It’s a fascinating reminder of how knowledge and narrative go hand in hand.
👧 Abuelita ¿Qué Vamos A Hacer Hoy? Let’s Make Rosca de Reyes!
Meet five-year-old Lupita and her Abuelita as they prepare for Los Reyes Magos. This bilingual picture book is brimming with warmth, color, and celebration — a lovely addition to any family’s holiday reading list.
Perfect for bilingual families, teachers, or anyone who loves learning about cultural traditions through story.
So whether you’re stocking your Kindle, gathering creative inspiration, or sharing meaningful stories with your family — these free books are a heartfelt way to celebrate reading and connection. 💛
Diving into Dreams: Navigating Life’s Deepest Waters to Discover the Secret of Having Enough by Szilvia Gogh is a deeply reflective and surprisingly grounded memoir that blends high adventure with introspective wisdom. I was initially drawn to the book because the author, like my grandparents, is Hungarian, a connection that piqued my curiosity more than the diving aspect. I can say that while I still have no personal desire to dive beneath the ocean’s surface, I found myself completely immersed in Gogh’s world.
Her descriptions of the underwater realm are vivid and captivating, rich in sensory detail and emotional depth. She doesn’t romanticize her profession; rather, she presents both the beauty and the grueling realities of underwater work. From Hollywood film sets to remote dive sites, she takes readers on a global journey that’s as much about internal discovery as it is about external adventure.
What sets this memoir apart from many travel and adventure books is its maturity. Gogh isn’t just chasing thrills for the sake of them. She examines the cost of ambition, the drive to achieve, and the fine line between passion and restlessness. I’ve read numerous travel memoirs, and too often they focus on self-indulgence or youthful recklessness. Gogh’s story, by contrast, reflects hard-won wisdom and self-awareness. She questions herself constantly about why she keeps pushing for one more challenge, one more journey, or one more success.
Her evolution from a daring, risk-taking young woman to someone who understands the meaning of “enough” is moving and relatable. It’s an emotional deep dive into identity, satisfaction, and balance. Her achievements are remarkable and include building a unique career as an underwater stunt performer, designing jewelry inspired by her experiences, surviving cancer, and creating a balanced family life. Yet the true treasure of the book lies in her realization that fulfillment doesn’t come from what we do or own, but from who we become.
My favorite line captures the essence perfectly: “True happiness is not acquisition or accomplishment, but alignment—knowing that the life I’m living reflects who I actually am, not who I thought I should become.”
This memoir will resonate with anyone searching for peace after years of striving, or with readers who crave authenticity in an age of endless achievement. Inspiring, honest, and beautifully written, Diving into Dreamsis a book to savor.
I received an ARC from Reedsy Discovery. You can find my review here.
The holidays are here, and that means one thing for us authors: it’s time to turn visibility into sales and ride the wave of end-of-year momentum. November’s theme is simple but powerful: “Make your books impossible to ignore.” Here’s how I’m tackling it this month (and maybe giving you a few ideas for your own strategy).
🛒 Black Friday & Cyber Monday Promotions
These shopping holidays are prime opportunities for indie authors to shine. This year, I’ll be:
Offering limited-time discounts on both Kindle and paperback editions.
Building urgency with countdown posts on social media (“3 days left!”).
It’s all about creating that “grab it now” energy!
📧 Email Marketing Push
This month, my subscribers at SurvivingMexico.com will be hearing from me with a three-part email sequence:
Teaser: “Something exciting is coming…”
Announcement: “Black Friday deals are here!”
Final Call: “Sale ends tonight — don’t miss it!”
To keep it personal, I’ll also sprinkle in quick author updates, a peek behind the scenes, and hints at upcoming projects. My goal? To make readers feel like they’re part of this journey with me.
🎁 Tapping Into the Holiday Gifting Season
Books make the best gifts. They are absolutely thoughtful, personal, and lasting. This month, I’ll be framing my titles as perfect holiday presents by creating gift guide-style posts such as:
“Perfect Books for the Curious Soul”
“For the Herbalist on Your Holiday List”
“Holiday Reads That Inspire & Delight”
By highlighting how my books fit into the holiday spirit, I’m helping readers imagine them wrapped up and under the tree.
🚀 Wrapping It Up
November is all about momentum. With smart promos, engaging emails, and holiday positioning, the goal is clear: make my books impossible to scroll past, click past, or shop past. Now I’d love to hear from you: How are you planning to market your books this holiday season?
Welp, I suppose it could have gone better. Let’s call this month’s challenge a work in progress.
I did manage to update a few things across the board, including some author bios, some book descriptions, and some keywords. Progress! I didn’t get around to adding more books to BookBub or Muted Muses (maybe next round), but I did run several free promotions this month, which gave some of my titles a nice little boost.
Then came the Amazon ads fiasco. My bank, the same one I’ve used for ten years, decided to switch from Mastercard to Discover platform. No big deal, right? Wrong. Amazon Media Group doesn’t accept Discover as a valid payment method. Cue the sad trombone. 🎺
So, I had to turn off all my ads, and naturally, my sales nosedived at lightning speed. For now, I’m not running any Amazon ads until I figure out how to actually pay for them. Gotta love a good plot twist in marketing!
Book marketing is hard. Just when I think I’ve got a handle on it, something unexpected comes along to derail my momentum.
And that, friends, wraps up my October challenge. Onward to November! Let’s see what I can do next!
C.E. Flores 