Post-Debut Novel Brain Fog (and Joy. and Chaos.)

When I imagined what life would look like after releasing my debut novel on May 20, 2025, I pictured… calm. Maybe even a little downtime. Like a deep exhale after months of editing, formatting, re-editing, and stress-snacking.

Ha. Ha. Ha.
Turns out, post-pub indie author life is busier than ever—and somehow even more surreal.

What I did not fully anticipate was the quiet (and also loud) magic of watching strangers spend time with My Wingman. Seeing it show up in Kindle page reads, on social media, in reviews and ratings …it’s honestly wild. Humbling. Slightly terrifying. But mostly incredible. Clover has her story out in the world now, and I’m so grateful she’s finding her way into your hearts and hands.

Along the way, some pretty exciting things have happened:

• My Wingman cracked into the Amazon Top 100 in Feel-Good Fiction in its very first week!
•  It received a 5-star seal from Readers’ Favorite
• It was named IndieReader Approved, with a glowing editorial review that landed it in the running for the IndieReader Discovery Awards—final results to come in Spring 2026!

Still wrapping my brain around all of that. Slowly. Brain fog is no joke.

That said, the work is far from over. In fact, now is the real hustle. Marketing? Turns out, that’s a full-time job. Balancing my actual 9 to 5, family time, household tasks, creative time, and now social media and marketing is like juggling flaming batons… while blindfolded… on a unicycle…and also trying to write the next book. (Casually.)

Oh, and social media? Not only is it time-consuming, but it’s honestly a lesson in vulnerability.
Putting myself out there, sharing updates, personal moments, and creative behind-the-scenes has been weirdly intimidating. But I’m learning. And I’m doing my best to keep it interesting. Sometimes that means heartfelt posts about how this whole journey has touched me. Other times, it means weird, offbeat humor and chaotic bookish memes. I like to think I’m keeping it real.

And speaking of exciting things in progress:
My Wingman is heading to audiobook! Production starts next month and I could not be more excited that the voice of Clover will be brought to life by the incredibly talented Arya Jacobs. The moment I heard her audition, I knew she was the one. As I listened to other narrators’ scripts, I kept going back to hers. Phenomenal.  Schedule should point to audiobook release early November!!!

I’m also thrilled to share that My Wingman is now available in a couple of local gems: Refurbished Treasures in Streator, IL and Prairie Fox Books in Ottawa, IL.  If you’re in the area, stop in, browse a bit, and support some truly amazing small businesses. And if you’re nearby in September, come see me at the Readers & Writers Rendezvous at the Peoria Civic Center! I’ll be there with other authors for signings, meet-and-greets, and general bookish joy. It’s going to be a great time.

As for what’s next… yes, the next novel is in the works. It’s another story about a resilient woman. I can’t give too much away, but I promise to post some sneak peeks. I’m hoping to really dig into it over the coming months with a tentative plan for a summer 2026 release (if all the coffee, creative time, and calendar gods align). If you’d be interested in beta reading or grabbing an ARC when it’s ready—let me know! I’d love to have your feedback and early support.

In the meantime, if you’ve read My Wingman (first of all: THANK YOU 💛), please consider leaving a quick review on Amazon or Goodreads. It makes a huge difference in helping new readers discover Clover’s story. Even a sentence or two is gold to an indie author like me. Also, if you are friends with Reese Witherspoon, feel free to tell her about it too! LOL

And if you loved it, don’t be shy about sharing it with your reader friends, your book clubs, or your favorite barista. Word of mouth is powerful, and your support means everything.  If you need a book club discussion guide – see the one posted here on my website!

Also… if you wondered -I’m not planning a sequel. But would anyone be interested in some bonus content from My Wingman? Let me know what you’d want to see—alternate scenes, deleted chapters, a behind-the-scenes look at Clover and friends after the final page? 

Let’s keep the conversation going:
👉 Follow me on FB, Instagram and TikTok  @tessakingwrites

Drop a comment below! Ask me anything about the book, the writing process, the next project, or anything you’re curious about—I’d truly love to hear from you.

So stay tuned. Stay happy and healthy. Enjoy the sunshine.
And give yourself time to live a little. I’m trying to do the same. 😊

-Tessa