66 Comments
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Jodi Meadows's avatar

Big love, Erin.

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Erin Bowman's avatar

Thanks friend

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Sarah Allen's avatar

Strength your way. For whatever comes. Thank you for all you do.

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Erin Bowman's avatar

Thanks Sarah

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Susan Dennard's avatar

Lots of love. 💚

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Erin Bowman's avatar

Thanks, friend.

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Parker Peevyhouse's avatar

Rooting for you, Erin!

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Erin Bowman's avatar

Thanks Parker

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Laura's avatar

Hi! I've never really commented before, but I just want to tell you your newsletters inspire me a lot with my own writing . Knowing the lows and reality of publishing matter, too. But I understand it's taking a toll, especially with everything else you're doing, and I hope things can get better soon. Remember, as well, that bad luck doesn't last forever. This shall pass. It WILL get better.

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Amy Ripley's avatar

This!

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Erin Bowman's avatar

Hi, Laura. I'm so glad the newsletter has been a source of inspiration for you. I've been telling myself my good luck is just around the corner for multiple years now, so hopefully any day now, that ends up being true. Or perhaps it will take several more years. Or a decade. Who knows! There are simply no guarantees in this industry, and that's perhaps the toughest part. Thanks for your words of encouragement! 💗

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Hannah Teachout's avatar

Sending all my best to you!

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Erin Bowman's avatar

Thanks Hannah

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Francesca Bossert's avatar

Take care of yourself, and keep the faith. It's hard, I get it. I know. Hugs xx

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Erin Bowman's avatar

Thanks Francesca

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Catherine Peace's avatar

I feel this <3 Take care of yourself. We'll be here when you come back.

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Erin Bowman's avatar

Thanks Catherine. I hope to be back sooner rather than later!

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Megan Cooley Peterson's avatar

I'm so sorry, Erin. It's rough out here. Sending you strength.

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Erin Bowman's avatar

Thanks Megan.

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Abigail Welborn's avatar

I'm glad you're comfortable being honest about setbacks, too (as much as you want). I hope this respite will be good for your soul and your writing!

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Erin Bowman's avatar

Thanks, Abigail! I'm hoping some time away is just what I need. 🤞🏻

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Savannah Foley's avatar

Damn, it really IS hard out there! I'm so sorry to hear you've struggled so much :-( But I really appreciate your transparency. Just don't be shy about coming back and blogging when you have an idea. I paused blogging for years since I didn't have anything in the hopper, and it's really hard to get back into it once you've stopped!

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Erin Bowman's avatar

I truly love running the newsletter, so I hope to be back! 🤞🏻

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Brieanna Wilkoff's avatar

I feel for you, Erin. I'm glad you're doing what you need to do for yourself right now. Wishing you peace. ❤️

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Erin Bowman's avatar

Thanks Brieanna

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Cari Galeziewski's avatar

Oh Erin, I'm so sorry about your setbacks, especially the WFH deal. As you know, I loved In the Dead of the Night, but it was your MG novel, The Girl and the Witch's Garden, which I also loved, that lead me to start following you. I think you are a gifted writer and that gift should be shared with others. It's understandable that you want to pivot and step back from the newsletter, and of course, do what's best for you and your family. Just don't give up. I firmly believe the old adage, 'When one door closes, another opens'. Wishing you all the best.

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Erin Bowman's avatar

Thank you so much for the kind words, Cari. I am definitely not giving up! I just need to step away from this particular space, hopefully to give my muse (and my writing) the time it needs to shine in my now busier-than-ever schedule.

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Lily Williams's avatar

I love this. My next weeks substack is all about struggling to sell a book. It's hard to feel good about your writing when your career feels more stuck than others... but this industry is so often about believing in yourself and staying in your lane. Sending love.

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Erin Bowman's avatar

Boy, do I feel this. If you keep hearing "no," it's hard to not start internalizing that. And while I have bad days, overall I still believe in my writing—very much so—and I hope that never changes.

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Nathan Bransford's avatar

So real. Thank you for sharing and wishing you all the good things!

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Erin Bowman's avatar

Thanks so much, Nathan.

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Liz Griffin's avatar

Proud of you for recognizing the need to set boundaries on your time. I’ll be here when you have the bandwidth to return

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Erin Bowman's avatar

Thanks, Liz. This means a lot. 💗

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