Tag Archives: Book

2013, Author

2013: My Writing Journey

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The year 2013 will soon be behind us. It’s time to reflect on how it treated us and to gather new hopes and dreams for 2014. I was fortunate as an author, 2013 was my best year since I started this venture.

March– My book, “Jasper, Amazon Parrot: A Rainforest Adventure” was picked up by a publisher.

April– Attended a conference in Wadesboro which left me with contacts.

May– I released my short story, “Root Canal” which was my first attempt at self publishing.

September– My book was released on the market.

November– Volunteered at a writer’s conference in town. The first of its kind.

November– I received my first royalty check as an author.

November– I completed NaNoWriMo successfully for the third straight year

November– I was one of seven people in my county to win a literary grant from the local arts council.

December– The Wonder Chicks, a writing group I formed, released the anthology, “Dragons In The

Attic” which was amazing.

December– My book, “Jasper, Amazon Parrot: A Rainforest Adventure was featured with local artists at a small theater in town. The new project for them.

My Jasper has been sold in Denmark, England, Scotland and the US. The reviews have made me feel I did good when it comes to this book. I’m not sure how I can improve on this. What I do now is I won’t be slowing down. My projects for 2014 that I know of are:

-Edit and revise the sequel to my Jasper series

-Edit and revise my NaNoWriMo book that won in 2011

-Start writing volume three to my Jasper series

-Release my true story, “Squirrel Mafia” in Feb/March

-………………(Always have writing projects)

I will be attending a conference in February and April if all goes according to plans and possibly one in November if funding comes through. I’m not sure about NaNoWriMo for I have three books that have won and are all waiting impatiently for me to edit them for submission. I will see as November comes closer.

It has been a hectic year between health issues, family, and life in general. But it has been amazing when I think of how far I have come and how fortunate I have been. Oddly it took all of this for me to say to myself. “You’re an author.” And for me to actually believe it.

First dollar, Published, Writer

My First Dollar

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2013-12-13 18.09.41The infamous first dollar earned from one’s business. It’s a monument of what one has accomplished. The hope is there will be more to come. When my first royalty check came in this was the first thing that came to mind. I have had the frame already, it was just waiting to be occupied. It now sits on my desk where I do my work.

I know I’m still small potatoes in the field of writing but like all things worth having , you have to start somewhere. But more importantly you have to start.

My first dollar as an author. I like the sound of that.

 

 

Author, Published, Royalty check

My First Royalty Check

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I received my first royalty check recently. With that comes great responsibilities. Okay maybe that is a bit of an overstatement. It was for the preordered copies of my book prior to September 7th when it was officially released.

Since I been recording every step of the way on this journey I printed out the statement from PayPal signifying the next step on this road. I have read, and I agree, to celebrate every success regardless how small versus how big. I been doing that with videos, pictures, copies of statements and the likes. I been posting on all my social media outlets that I have created over the last few years. This was a special occasion though hence the motivation behind the picture. I treated myself to one of my favorite desserts, tiramisu, and a glass of wine with my lunch.

But to receive payment for something I absolutely love to do is amazing to me. I have heard of this happening from athletes to business people and all in between. But since I became disabled from a career I absolutely loved, which was a chemist, I have not had that luxury of enjoying being paid in money for a job.

It has now happened, the money has been transferred to my account and it sits waving at me with a big smile on its face. I am sure it is saying, “Way to go Sharon. You’re on your way.” I like to think it is saying that.

Here’s to the many people who are writers and are trying to make it happen. I wish you must success whether that be big or small. Just enjoy the ride.