"Raven's Transformation"

My author's copy of my short story "Raven's Transformation" came today! It's published in an anthology called Abaculus III by Leucrota Press. It's the first story, the first anything I've had published so, you can imagine my excitement.

I can finally say, I'm a published author! It really doesn't seem real until you actually have the book in your hand and see your name on the page. That's what I kept saying to my friend Marcia. Even after the letter of congratulations from the publisher and and contract that I had to sign, I really didn't truly believe until I received the book in the mail today.

I love the cover! I'm an avid reader as well as author and I know how important a cool cover is. Cool covers attract your attention. They may not get you to purchase the book but, if they can get your attention then, at least your probably at least read the jacket and if it's good enough, you might purchase the book.

Well, now that "Raven's Transformation" has been published, it's time to work on getting "The Prodigal Demon" and "Cursed Blood" published.

PUBLISHING BUSINESS

I'm back from a short vacation. While I was away, I decided to take some advice offered by Marcia Colette at her blog and start learning about the publishing business itself.

I've already learned an important lesson, patience. Nothing happens with the speed of lighting. Last year I submitted my short story "Raven's Transformation" for publication in an anthology. It was accepted but, it hasn't been released yet. Hopefully, Nov. 20th it will be released.

Back to learning about the publishing business, I picked up several writing journals and books on writing markets. The journals offer a lot of good advise for new writers like myself trying to establish a writing career.


I plan on going to more writer conventions in the future also. At Raven Con last year, it was a pleasant surprise to find that most writers/authors seem to really want to help up and coming writers. It was also cool that I got to see Marcia leading a panel.

I hope by learning as much as I can about the business itself, I'll be able to better present myself as a serious writer and avoid some mistakes I may have otherwise made. I'll keep you posted!

VACATION

Yep, I'll be out of town and offline but, I'm packing my laptop and books to take with me. I'm taking a long anticipated mini-vacation:) I'm taking my girls and hitting the road. I'll have to blog at you later.

Still keeping my fingers crossed. My short story is suppose to come out Friday! I can't wait to see something I created in print!

Have a great, safe weekend!

Melissa

KIM HARRISON'S UPCOMING RELEASE

Yep, I'm a fan-girl. I may be an aspiring author but, I'm also a fan-girl. I can't wait to get my hands on Kim Harrison's new Hollows series release, "Black Magic Sanction."

If I haven't mentioned it before, Kim was actually the person that inspired me to try my hand at writing. No, I don't know her. I've never even met her before. I only know her like most people, though her books, website and blog.

So, how did Kim inspire me to start writing? I read her books and absolutely fell in love with her characters, her style, her world building, pacing and not to mention her Delicious tension she was able to create.

Because of Ms. Harrison and some not so subtle prodding from a few close friends, my short story "Raven's Transformation" should be coming out this month. (Sigh)

So, I owe a big thank you to Ms. Harrison for being such an awesome writer and inspiration for aspiring writers like myself.

Who or what inspired you to start writing?

Pins and Needles

Pins and Needles, that's what I'm sitting on. I know that getting a short story published may not seem like a lot to some people but, it means a lot to me. I've never had anything published before. I was told by the publisher that my copy of the anthology would be arriving approximately mid-October. Well, it's October fifteenth and you know what that means, I'm looking for my author's copy to arrive anytime now.

I told a couple of my friends how nervous I was and they were like, Melissa, just chill out. They didn't change their minds or anything. It'll come in a few days or so.( I also had a friend who is a published author tell me the same.)

My friends are very sweet but, they aren't writers. They don't have any idea how important it is to an aspiring author to get that first story published and receive some positive reinforcement that their work is worth something and that someone actually might enjoy reading something I've written.

Don't get me wrong, I've gotten positive feedback from family and friends that have read my stories before submission but, you really don't know if you have potential talent until a professional says, "Hey we like your work and want to publish it."

Well, I'll keep writing until my copy arrives, then I'll take a day or two to celebrate. (I really won't believe it until I'm holding my author's copy in my own little hands. Sigh:)

Later,

Melissa

MAGICAL WORDS

You may have noticed that I follow several blogs. Deadline Dames and Magical Words are two blogs that I read daily. Those two blogs are geared toward new writers and new authors. Both are full of really good information and advise.

As a new writer/author I often find myself in a quandary of self doubt. Is my writing good enough? Will anyone want to read it? Maybe I don't have what it takes to make it as a writer. Damne Lili has a great pep talk over on Deadline Dames. It's just what the doctor ordered if you like most go through periods of self doubt. There's another great post by a new author, Tracy O'Hara Feeling Like an Imposter In writer's Clothing.

If your a writer who needs a little TLC and support, log on to Deadline Dames. I'm getting ready to fire up my writing muse and knock out a couple of pages on my WIP. Yep, today is another long one. Twelve hours of nursing followed by loads of coffee and a few more hours of writing.

Urban Fantasy Book Reviews

Urban Fantasy Book Reviews