6.2.25 The End and Empty Spaces…
Publishing a book is so bittersweet. It’s bitter because you are leaving that world behind. It’s sweet because there are so many possibilities for future writing.
(repost from Threads)
It has been almost a year since the release of There Ought to be Shadows. I experienced success beyond what I imagined. I accomplished what other authors dream about. My novel was #1 on an Amazon Bestseller List for New Releases for multiple days, and it is still on the bestseller list for African American Horror occasionally. I was also nominated and I am currently a finalist for an Indie Ink Award. Yes, I am a bestselling author.
I have had the pleasure of being a guest on a number of book panel discussions and signings. My highlights were the Spooktastic Book Fair, Salem Horror Fest, (of which I sat next to and met Horror Queen Tananarive Due!) and my book signing in my hometown, New Haven, CT. It has been a joy to connect with people in the Horror Lit community. I have met many authors, new readers and fans. I’ve gained a ton of new followers. I already have events booked for the Fall. I am amazed at how gracious and welcoming all have been to me and I treasure it.
I love Great Grandmother, and I am honored that I was able to pay respect to my ancestors in my lifetime. I am grateful that God and Mother Nature saw fit to bestow little old me with this talent. There I said it. I have talent. I can have such an imposter syndrome at times. Of course I didn’t text war plans on an unsecure server while cosplaying being the Secretary of the Department of Defense…but we’ll leave that for another time.
Here is what I have learned about my life in my 50 years on this earth. When I am about to transition into a new part of my life, major things happen very quickly. At any given moment I am working on 2 or 3 writing projects, either physically or in my head. I signed with Quill and Crow Publishing House again out of the blue for my upcoming novel, The Stitch Witches. I was waiting until I finished and polished the manuscript before actually sending it in. But as I say we make plans and God laughs.
My publisher asked me if I was working on anything a few weeks ago. I told her I had a few things. I told her I had one that I had made some headway with. She told me to send in an outline. I sent her an outline and the first 10 chapters that I had already written the next afternoon. By early evening, I had a book deal. Just that quick.
As I said, it was quite unexpected. And so now I am preparing for another journey.
I love Marilyn and Great Grandmother, but for now I must say goodbye. It may be for a short while or forever. I am going to let the universe work that out. When you finish a book, you are done and have exercised some demons from that part of your life. And as much as I will miss Jax and The Secret Keeper, I can’t wait to introduce y’all to Settie and Orphelia.
I have been trying to be more keen with listening to my spirit. It is telling me to prepare for the next chapter in my life. I am already mentally accepting my fate.
I really just want to write.
I’m sure there will come a time when my students, colleagues and dear friends and I will depart as I move on. I already know what city I will dwell in or near, one that is so special to my heart.
I’ll give you a hint. I miss the cheesesteaks.
Till next time, stay dreadful my friends.