I can't believe it.

How did this happen so fast?

Rising Authors Community is officially one year old.

A community of authors and experts came together a year ago.

We formed an instant, resilient bond that slowly but surely led to the publication of books, audiobooks, talks, workshops, podcasts, articles, marketing materials, design work, and everything in between.

I didn't set out to create a publishing company, but rather a publishing community where authors can meet the right expert for where they are in a book project.

It's also a place where the experts can hang out, exchange ideas, and support each other with referrals and potential leads.

I also didn't set out to "grow" the community; I merely wanted people to connect on a genuine level.

If the platform was useful and the community offered value and support, I believed it would grow naturally.

People talk about places they visit and like, from beaches to cities. In some weird online way, that's all I can hope for—a community that is shared and talked about, growing organically and naturally over time.

Here are a few things I've learned and relearned along the way:

#1 The opportunities are in the challenges.

#2 Community is a garden. Maintain it, nourish it, and it will grow.

#3 I don't know SH##. Learn like it's all new.

#4 Listen more and practice patience.

#5 Eat, sleep, exercise, be social, go places, and rest well to avoid burnout.

#6 Have fun doing this. Incorporate breaks and play often.

#7 Don't take this too seriously.

#8 Ask for help and hire good freelancers.

#9 Connections are everything.

#10 Be genuinely interested in others.

#11 Shut up and listen more.

#12 Charge for value, expertise, experience, and energy.

#13 Collaborate and want others to win.

#14 Information is free; feeling seen, heard and supported is gold.

#15 Clearly communicate.

I made a little loom video about the community below if you wanted to learn more.

I'm celebrating the year throughout the day, and I am merely grateful I have such awesome people in my community who support each other and myself.