Saturday, April 19, 2008

"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!

5 comments:

barbara huffert said...

I'm very proud of you too Molly. You will find a publisher this year. I can feel it.

Unknown said...

I'm sure you'll find a publisher soon. Hopefully, we'll both get to RT next year and I'll get to meet you.

Unknown said...

You'll get there Molly, it just takes perseverance

jackie said...

I'm very proud of you Molly. It takes guts to step out the way you have and you get all sorts of atta girls from me.

Anny Cook said...

Oh, I LOVE Elswyth Thane. I've been trying to collect her Williamsburg series for years. How lucky you are to have one of her books!

Hang in there, girl!