A year ago today, my debut novel was published by Loose-ID.
Such a simple statement…One year ago, I became a published author. Wow! And in the past year, I've subsequently gone on to publish several more books, culminating with the recent release of Twist of Fate this past February.
I'm continually awed by the outpouring of support in the writing community. And while I may have started my journey with traditional publishing, I've been warmly embraced by the Indie community. There is no way I will get all my thanks in order, and I will miss some people. As I write this, my mind is churning with all the flowery thank yous I owe to hundreds of people.
I'd like to start with a bottomless thank you to an amazing woman, who has become the sister I never knew. Sophie Lynn is my BFF and we have travelled through this past year on a cresting of highs and lows, coming out of this with a depth of friendship I treasure from a bottomless heart. I'm continually amazed by the support she's shown me and my gratitude is simply not enough to express how I truly feel. Thank you, Sophie, mushy, mushy, blah, blah, and all that goes with that.
To my dear friend, Nathalie Pinette, we've chased around in circles, having the best damn time, and learning to embrace the best in one another. Your support is something I treasure, and I certainly can never repay that debt. We continue to grow and learn from one another, and that is a true gift. Thank you, Nathalie.
Shea Moran and Jennifer Guffey…you were my first supporters, my friends who read my words and urged me to keep on writing. But you've done much more than that. My first Beta readers, you became a foundation of my writing process. I love you more than I can say, because I'm a dork like that, but you give it to me straight, constructive in your criticism, and determined to help me be the best writer I can possibly become.
A special shoutout to Shea. I'm your loveable dork, and that is probably one of the highest honors anyone has bestowed upon me. Shea has an amazing talent, y'all. She creates words with the pages of books, and bestowed upon me this amazing gift. These unique creations are available for sale (customizable to your needs), just let me know and I'll hook you up with Shea's BookFolding Shop.
To Anita Renea, you have taken on a huge role in helping me with the ELLZ BELLZ. Your love and support are gifts I often feel I don't deserve, but accept with a gracious and willing heart. Thank you for dealing with my foolishness and for helping me make my dreams come true.
To the ELLZ BELLZ, an amazing group of women. Your support of me and my writing is something I still have difficulty wrapping my head around. You're my cheerleaders, my confidants, you're subjected to the atrocious and mindless drivel of my random thoughts, like my candy corn obsession, and the ever important orgling of llamas, yet you still love me. I've taken you on my vacations and shared drinks with you at sea. You've been a constant positive driving force pushing me to write just one more story, one more thing. Thank you, BELLZ!
To the authors I've run across, we share a kinship with one another as the creators of worlds and lives. We share similar passions and with that comes a tremendous outpouring of support. I'd like to give a special shout out to Pam Godwin, she's the person who made today possible, who told me to stop fucking around and publish already. Pam always gives it to me straight and with her encouragement I continue to grow and thrive as an author. Thank you, Pam.
Kinships and friendships develop organically. I stumbled upon Riley Edwards late last summer and we kind of clicked. We've traded successes, frustrations, dreams, and have brainstormed late into the dark of night. We're now involved in collaboration and I can't wait to reveal the wonderful creation we've made. The Collective is coming the first of April. It's a series of ten standalone stories, all interconnected with an awesome twist. And…you'll want to keep your eye on us as Riley and I bring to you FOUR KINGS, a five book masterpiece which will blow your minds.
To the Collective guest authors: Erin Trejo, Elias Raven, Chris Genovese, and Carver Pike…y'all are friggin' amazing individuals and I'm having a blast collaborating with you. Erin and I are new friends, and she makes my days better with each laugh, each word of encouragement and is a total hoot. I urge you to check out the magic which is her writing. Chris/Carver, what a creative brilliance lies within this mind. Erotica of many flavors and horror too, you'll want to check out his books and the journey they take you on. Elias Raven, you are the Whisperer of so many dreams and fantasies. Your mind moves a mile a minute and I'm delighted to glimpse just a piece of the magic percolating within that impressive brain. Behind the voice which melts panties, lies a wonderful man, a person I call a very close friend. Kyocera, Raven, you spoil me rotten, and I absolutely adore you for that.
I have another amazing collaborative on the way…Welcome to the small town of Peace Montana, where things are not always as they seem. The Peace Novella series is an unique crossover series where 20+ authors bring the people of Peace to life! All novellas are standalone stories, and you'll see the entire town of Peace come alive throughout this amazing series.
Bloggers are the lifeblood of the industry, and I've had more than my fair share of supportive blogging friends who have gone out of their way to promote my writing to the world. You are amazing and wonderful people. Your passion for the written world is a powerhouse and incredible force. You've helped me beyond measure, and my author friends as well. This is my chance to say thank you for all the support you've shown me, but I'd like to take a moment and thank you as well for supporting my fellow author friends. We really can't do this without you. Thank you!
I've really saved the best for last. I write the words, but my readers and fans are the ones who have embraced my dream and made them a reality. You are the reason I'm here, and the reason I continue to write. I love our conversations and cherish those tiny moments (which are huge for me) when a piece of my writing has touched you in some small way. Thank you for taking a chance on me. Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for reading my words. And for those who leave reviews, wow!, you totally rock.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Interested in reading my works? Click the pic…and one-click away.
I also enjoy writing for fun and established a Flash Fiction Fridays Group on Facebook. Writing prompts are given out in the middle of the month, and Flash Fiction pieces are posted on the First Friday of the month. April's prompt is posted. I encourage writers and readers to join in on the fun! Click on the picture below to join the group!!
And with that, I come to a close. It's really more of a beginning….as I continue to bring MY-MIND-TO-THE-PAGE and into the hearts of readers every day.