In 2013 the local art council of the county was offering a literary grant. You could ask up to $2500. The point of the grant was to fund projects that would help us progress to the next level of our career. I was fortunate to be one of seven applicants to get awarded.
The rule is you can’t apply two years in a row if you win. That was okay for last year the grant was not strictly literary but all art. However this year they are funding another literary grant and I am debating trying for it or not. Time is not on my side and I hate to do a hap hazard job of it and then not stand a shot of getting my grant application approved.
I have written up half of what is required so far but the deadline is next month and time is going by fast for me to get it all done. So I am flip-flopping on this issue. It’s free money to spend on what I need. It is worth a shot even if I don’t win, right? I am trying to figure out what to legitimately ask for, quote the prices and keep working on this applicant and see where it falls. For as my motto has been for the last few years when it comes to my writing has not changed, “All they can say is no.
I learned from my publisher that Jasper: Rainforest Friends and Family, which is volume two of my Jasper series, is being released in early October. WOOHOO!!!
So for a small time there is a promotional gig going on. There will be a discount price on not only the new book but also the first volume so anyone can catch up before October and be ready for the second one. I’m very excited and can’t wait to be able to hold and see the new book in my grubby little hands. Also volume one was just recently nominated for a book club award. A great time to see what is between the pages of it.
Volume three has been written and it is gong through my writer’s groups for critiquing. Which everyone knows is rough as heck to put one out there like that to the public. But I get to do another round of promotions, signings and hanging out with fans for this soon to be released book.
Writing can be as wonderful as you dream it to be. One just has to put in the time.
I started an author service last Fall. I was fortunate to get a client soon after. WOOHOO Since last August we have been meeting close to every Wednesday for three hours at a time. The goal was to get her manuscript in tip-top shape and to show her the technique to how I was able to get my first book finished and published by a traditional publisher.
Joanna has been a joy for she was diligent in learning what I had to teach her. A month ago her book was picked up for publication from a company out of Connecticut. Another WOOHOO moment. She just signed her contract and is ready to move forward as the pictures show above. I am very proud of her. Plus I am proud of myself for even though I only had one client, the end results were what we were hoping and shooting for.
I am batting 1 for 1 right now and it feels pretty darn good.
Sharon C. Williams-Author 