"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?