My Writing Journey's Conversion

Six years ago this month began my journey writing romance. Yes, six years! To date, I have eight completed manuscripts. My very first story (I didn’t call it a book), was thirteen thousand words. And I knew nothing about writing. Nothing about POV….in fact, I didn’t know what POV was (FYI: Point of view). I knew nothing about characterization.

Regardless, I set my ass in the chair (or on the floor) every night and wrote. I am very good at tuning any and everything out. Soon, I’d completed my first “story”. I was elated. What did I do? I started the second one (one which will never see the light of day, in this lifetime). I could bore you with every detail, but I’ll try to refrain.

The process continued until, viola, (fast forward six years) and I now have eight. Did I ever enter contests (yes)? Or submit (yes)? Did I get rejects (a bunch)? But why am I telling you this? Because, most importantly, I finished what I started when I began this journey. And now, six years later, I am pleased to say I have signed contracts with two different publishers for two different books. My efforts are coming to fruition.

I will leave you with this—whatever your heart might desire, albeit writing fiction, memoirs, or music, the sense of accomplishment is akin to euphoric drugs (okay, I don’t know what that means, because I’ve never done drugs). But, to finish something is so incredible. And to have someone (read, buy, review????) validate one’s hard work, that took literally years, is insanely over-the-top, unbelievably cool.

Oh, and I’ll leave you with this, too: Nose Job from Wild Rose Press, thank you Nan Swanson (no release date yet—I’ll keep you posted). And, Quotable from Soul Mate Publishing (also, no release date, but not to worry…)

Good luck in your endeavors. Al Wheeler says, “The time is going to go by anyway. You might as well make it work in your favor.” (Thank you, honey.)