This mark has also brought up memories about how I started this writing journey. Seven years ago this month I received my first publishing contract. And I can't even begin to tell you how happy and awed I was!
Happy, because someone liked my book, and awed because...well...
I had written a book. Me.
And it was all thanks to my sister.
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| My daughter My sister |
I have always been an avid reader. I would pick up just about anything. (Except horror! I would have nightmares.)
After years and years of reading, of staying up late and telling myself, "Just one more chapter.", I got pretty picky and critical about the direction of a story. And if it didn't have a happy ending, what was the point?
One day I finished a book, and as I huffed and puffed about how it had worked out, showing my irritation with how an author could do such a thing, my sister said in her most matter-of-fact, quit-your-whining, fictional-characters-aren't-real tone, "Write your own ending.".
Well, that shut me up and opened up a whole new world for me. Thank God for sisters. They call you on your annoying habits and show you what you can really be if you put your mind to it.
And now I'm blogging and working with some of the best writers I've ever had the pleasure to know and read.
Romance has been in "bloom" for me for the last seven years, and it always will be!
Some of you might remember that I was orphaned by my publisher, and now I'm navigating the world of self-publishing. I'm happy to say that I'm about to put book 1, Welcome Home, onto the seller sites! Yay!
It's been an interesting journey, but so worth it! And if I hadn't found the ladies at Romance Gems, I might still be wallowing in despair at being "orphaned". (Anne Shirley would so sympathize with me!)
Thank you so much for joining us each day, and remember to enter our May giveaway! To enter, click here.
Happy Gems anniversary Kara! My sister is often right too (but I don't let her know it!).
ReplyDeleteHa! Well, I guess I've told mine now, haven't I? There won't be any living with her!
DeleteHappy anniversary, and hopes for great adventures in the indie world. Sisters are great, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteThank you! And yes, they are!
DeleteHappy Anniversary! I dont' have a sister but with two brothers I can imagine that would add something very new to my life! May you have many more super writing events in your life.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteSo glad your sister told you to start writing!! It's been a great year having you with us!
ReplyDeleteMe, too! And thank you!
DeleteHappy anniversary, Kara. It's great to have friends along for the journey.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteGetting to know you has been very nice, Kara. I hope your journey goes well. I like being self-published as compared to my time with a NY publisher and a small press. The people at the small press were super, but I make more money self-publishing.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteHappy anniversary, Kara! It's been a delight working with and getting to know you. I have a smart sister, too. THE BEST! Here's to many more years of writing surrounded by lovely friends and family.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteHappy anniversary, Kara. It's been such a delight to have you join Romance Gems. I'm really glad your sister challenged you, or I'd never have met you! Looking forward to your next indie pubbed book.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteMy sister was more right after graduating college. Before that, she had a thing for waving at people and then called it "mistaken identity," because she really didn't know them like she thought. It is kindof funny how people tell you things they want to do and I usually say to go ahead and do them unless it's a health or safety issue. I'm glad you had a sister as a sounding out board.
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