Mid-December 2011 I typed the last sentence of my first novel A Storied Life and then I burst into happy tears. I'd always hoped I had a novel in me but I had no idea if I could really do it.
I finished my novel and what's more, I was really proud of what I wrote. I liked my story and I thought there was a chance other readers would like it too.
I edited it and still felt really good about it. I was debating whether to self-publish or pursue a traditional deal so I sent one query just to see. I never heard back. Then it looked like I might write a nonfiction book about singleness and I looked into an agency that could represent me for both fiction and nonfiction so I put querying on hold while I worked on a proposal. Ultimately, I decided not to write the memoir and everything was on hold again.
Then I moved a couple more times and life kept interfering. But A Storied Life was always ever in the back of my mind.
My novel has been patiently biding its time for me to decide a course for a little over six years now. But in the meantime, I've continued to grow as a writer and gain more experience so I can't regret the years that have gone by.
If you've read my What I'm Into posts or seen my updates on social media, then you already know this news: I'm self-publishing my novel.
It's gone through a few revisions and it's a better novel as a result. It's interesting to think about the ways it's changed and grown since I first wrote it.
I got my final proofread back from my editor a few weeks ago and I hired a cover designer. IT'S REALLY HAPPENING!
I finished my final proofread the other night and that means it's time to figure out formatting and converting it into the necessary files.
I need to write the synopsis (hardest thing ever) but for now I can tell you it's contemporary fiction that explores end of life issues...with a love story thrown in. By the end of this month, I should be able to determine a release date. Once that's all in place and I get my cover design, you'll be the first to know. It still feels unreal but my long To Do list proves this is very much real.
(And yes, I will be putting together a launch team so stay tuned for those details.)
In 1994 at our Spring Banquet, my 8th grade classmates predicted I would be an author. I'm happy to say that prediction is finally coming true.
Thank you to each and everyone of you have asked about when you might read my novel someday. Someday is almost here.
And thank you to my friends and family who have encouraged and supported me throughout this process, in particular my best friend Tracy Eckert. When I first had the seed of an idea, she was the first person I told and when I asked her if she thought I could actually write a novel, she didn't hesitate to tell me she believed in me. What a gift.
This is one wild ride and I'm thrilled you are all on it with me!
