As the release date for Secrets of Shadow Hill: Always and Forever draws near, I find myself teetering between excitement and nerves. Having a book published has always been a dream of mine, although it was not one I ever thought possible.
There have been many times in my life where I have dared to dream, but I never had the confidence to fully try for them. Writing has been something I have always loved to do, but was too insecure to share with others. I have written many short stories throughout the year that have sat in my computer taking up space. When I wrote Always and Forever, I never intended to have it published, I did it purely for pleasure and entertainment while on bedrest during my pregnancy. After letting the 90,000 word manuscript sit in my computer for a year, I got up the nerve to ask my twin sister to read it becasue I really thought it was something special. For any of you who are a twin, you will know that by asking her to read this meant I was opening myself up for the most honest ciriticism...twins don't hold back. My sister is an avid reader and excellent writer herself, so I trusted her opinion. After her glowing reviews and encouragement, I decided to submit my manuscript to publishing houses and entered it in contests. Of course many people suggested going the self publishing route, but I felt that if it was good enough to be published then it would be picked up. Much to my surprise I had some great feedback and actually was able to make a choice between three publishers, choosing Center One Publishing becasue they were a growing company and truly showed they care about their authors.
Now that I am less than two months away from my dreams becoming a reality, I wonder how others will take to my style of writing and the characters that I have grown to love. While I don't claim to be Tolken, I have to say I am so very proud that I have taken the chance to put myself and my writing out there. I am so glad that I finally found the courage within myself to finally shoot for the stars, and follow my dreams!
There have been many times in my life where I have dared to dream, but I never had the confidence to fully try for them. Writing has been something I have always loved to do, but was too insecure to share with others. I have written many short stories throughout the year that have sat in my computer taking up space. When I wrote Always and Forever, I never intended to have it published, I did it purely for pleasure and entertainment while on bedrest during my pregnancy. After letting the 90,000 word manuscript sit in my computer for a year, I got up the nerve to ask my twin sister to read it becasue I really thought it was something special. For any of you who are a twin, you will know that by asking her to read this meant I was opening myself up for the most honest ciriticism...twins don't hold back. My sister is an avid reader and excellent writer herself, so I trusted her opinion. After her glowing reviews and encouragement, I decided to submit my manuscript to publishing houses and entered it in contests. Of course many people suggested going the self publishing route, but I felt that if it was good enough to be published then it would be picked up. Much to my surprise I had some great feedback and actually was able to make a choice between three publishers, choosing Center One Publishing becasue they were a growing company and truly showed they care about their authors.
Now that I am less than two months away from my dreams becoming a reality, I wonder how others will take to my style of writing and the characters that I have grown to love. While I don't claim to be Tolken, I have to say I am so very proud that I have taken the chance to put myself and my writing out there. I am so glad that I finally found the courage within myself to finally shoot for the stars, and follow my dreams!
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