It’s Here! It’s Here!! My debut release, Going All The Way, is finally here! As I was thinking about this release, a thought occurred to me. Instead of talk about the book, I’d like to share my journey to this place, this wonderful, scary moment in time.

Ever since I knew about books, I loved the read and I told stories. Even before I could read, I was often in my own world telling stories with my model horses or other such toys. Stories, characters, books were always a big part of my life and I always wanted to write. Instead, I focused on supporting myself. Going to college and getting a “real” job. Now, that was absolutely necessary because it’s damn hard to make a living with writing. So I don’t regret it. But I do long for the days when I can retire and write full time. Maybe when I’m 80.

Anyway, once I settled into real life, I met some wonderful author ladies including Julia Quinn, Leslie O’Grady, Nancy Block and Sharon Schultze, who brought me to RWA and the Connecticut Chapter. A whole new world opened up and I began writing in earnest. I listened to their advice; I took classes; I learned; and I wrote.

It took me fifteen years before I got published. And here are my lessons.

1. There are no right or wrong ways to go about this business. Determine what you want out of writing and pursue that. Don’t let anyone tell you – well, so-and-so made a million dollars self publishing. Or why don’t you just put it out there? Stick to your guns and what you want your career to be. Only you know what that is.
2. Be flexible. Times have changed. Revisit your career plan and your goals. See if there is a new avenue you have not pursued. Don’t be afraid to make a change.
3. Take all advice with a grain of salt. Most writing instructors and professionals will tell you that what they say works for them. You need to consider what they say, and their own circumstances, and decide for yourself. Because there are so many paths to publication.
4. Know why you write. Writing is a lonely business and can be filled with rejections and long waits. Be realistic about your goals and know why you’re doing this. Try to find something other than wanting to hit the NYT to keep you motivated. Write it down and post it above your desk for that hard times. And there are hard times no matter where you are in your career.
5. Never compare yourself to someone else. There is always someone who seems to be doing better, getting a better contract, outselling you. Be smart and check out what they do, what they write. See if any of that can be reproduced for yourself. If not, shrug, wish them well and move on. If you compare yourself to others, you’ll go crazy.
6. LEARN. Always learn from others – what to do, what not to do. Study new authors, successful authors. Learn the craft, the business, and social media from them. Pick out a couple who do what you think you could do and go for it. Don’t copy but use some of their techniques.
7. Always be professional. You never know who you’re talking to or who is around. This is especially true at conferences. And before posting ANYTHING on social media, think about it. Does it send the message you want to send?
8. Last, but not least, pursue the dream. Whatever dream you may have, go for it. Don’t let anyone dissuade you from your dreams. And there will be plenty of people who don’t understand why you spend so much time writing, or at conferences, spending money. They’ll be the little devils on your shoulder trying to get you to abandon your dreams. Honestly, what do you have to lose? I’d rather write for the next 20 years and never get published than say I wish I had written that book.

 
So, on my debut release, I want to say to all of you, thank you for your support over the years and swing for the fences!

Going All The Way is available on Amazon in print and for Kindle.

Join me Thursday April 7 from 4-9 pm EST for a Facebook release party for me and Kelly Eadon. Click here to go to the party page.