"Ooooh! You're an Author?"

Currently Reading: The Perfect Cover, by Claire Thompson. I'm on ch 5:)

Print book: The Lightheart, by Elswyth Thane.

Yes I am:) I officially became an author at the tale end of 2002 when my first book, Love is Sober (sucky title...but that's another blog altogether!) was officially available. And I immediately panicked, because I was sure everyone was going to think I had lost my mind, and would disown me.

Seriously.

I wanted to crawl into a cave somewhere.

But the few people who knew it was coming, along with family members I gave a copy to, all said the same thing:

"I'm so proud of you! And I really like it! You did a good job; the story flows, and it is hard to put down!"

But the best reaction came several months later, at the first craft fair.

A woman came by my booth; she picked it up, read the back, and decided to buy it. The next day, I just happened to catch her eye as she was going through the tent.

"I started reading it last night; I can hardly wait to get back to it!"

"Good; let me know what you think of it," I smiled and said.

The next day, I'd only been sitting at my table for maybe an hour when I saw her walking across the parking lot. She strode purposefully to my table, slapped her hands down, and exclaimed, "I loved it! I couldn't put it down! When is the next one coming out?"

I wanted to jump up and hug her! But I managed to thank her and say, "Whenever I find a publisher!" And asked her if I'd given her the 'sneak peek' at #2. It turned out I hadn't, so I gave her the chapter, and she went on her merry way, hopefully spreading the word about the new author she had met!

The next year, no one bought. But I had several queries if it was on CD. So later on, I copied my file onto CD's, but only sold maybe two.

And now I've gotten a second one published under my belt; I've learned a lot about the E-Publishing world, and I've also joined chat loops; started this blog; created a website; and fallen in love with VistaPrint.

Now if I can just get an e-publisher to take a chance on me, things would be wonderful. And I've met several other wonderful authors online who have encouraged me, mentored me, and helped me become a better storyteller.

Thanks, guys...hopefully by the end of this year, one or even two of my books will be featured on an e-pub website somewhere:) And hope to meet you next year at RT!