What 2 Years of Having a "Hit" Book Taught Me About Community & Chasing Success

It has been two years since my novel, Because Fat Girl, came out in bookstores and airports across the country. I waited 20 years for a traditional publishing deal, wrote 13 manuscripts, and did a 15-city book tour. But having a "hit" book completely changed my life in ways I never expected. In this video, author, filmmaker, and story coach Lauren Marie Fleming breaks down what traditional publishing actually gives you, why numbers and bestseller lists will never love you back, and why seeing your community show up for your art is the ultimate act of creative freedom. 📚 SPECIAL $0.99 BOOK BIRTHDAY SALE (NOV 11–17): To celebrate two years of Because Fat Girl in the world, the eBook is on sale for $0.99 and the Audiobook (narrated by Lauren!) is 60% off! 🔗 Grab the eBook & Audiobook here: http://becausefatgirl.com ✨ WORK WITH LAUREN 1:1: Ready to build your book strategy, unblock your creative career, or get support writing your story? Book your VIP Story Coaching session or ghostwriting consultation: https://laurenmariefleming.as.me/ 🌴 ESCAPE THE HUSTLE AT A CREATIVE RETREAT: Creativity is better in person and with community! Join us to leave the everyday grind behind and make art in a room together. Sign up for information on upcoming retreats: https://forms.gle/yR9GBCy8g9vT22Kc9 📚 BOOKS & PROGRAMS BY LAUREN: Queer romcom fiction Because Fat Girl: http://becausefatgirl.com Bawdy Love: 10 Steps to Profoundly Loving Your Body: http://bawdylove.com The Writer's Career Guide: https://laurenmariefleming.com/books/... ✨ CONNECT WITH LAUREN & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Read the Substack: https://unscripted.laurenmariefleming... Follow on Instagram:   / laurenmariefleming   Subscribe on YouTube:    / @laurenmariefleming   🕒 TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Two Years Since Because Fat Girl 01:00 - Waiting 20 Years for Traditional Publishing 02:15 - What Success in Publishing Actually Looks Like 03:00 - The Real Magic: Friends Flying Across the Country 03:50 - Why Publishing Won't Love You Back 05:10 - Unapologetic Queer Stories & Industry Backlash 05:50 - How Book Community Gave Me Courage to Make Movies 07:10 - My Birthday Gift Request: Tell Your Story 08:20 - The $0.99 Book Birthday Promo & Final Thoughts #AuthorVlog #TraditionalPublishing #BookTube #IndieFilmmaker #QueerAuthor #BecauseFatGirl #Storytelling #WritingCommunity