Like so many others, this storytelling path of mine started when I was a child. I was read to and I read a lot so it was only a natural that I started making up my own stories. I was eager to read anything available, no matter the genre. I mashed up the parts and told my own versions to my imaginary friends. As a teenager, I turned to poetry and actually sold two to a poetry magazine.
Then life got in the way, blah, blah… we all know how that goes. But still I wrote here and there – tried my hand at short stories that nobody else ever saw, wrote genealogy and history articles, edited a genealogy newsletter and a family historical collection. I wrote reports for work. Finally, many years gone by, I found myself in a position where I could actually WRITE! What I wanted, when I wanted, and how I wanted.
In 2017, the Universe nudged me along the footpath and I published Uncovering Norman the following year with a hybrid press. (I paid a lot of money to do that, but it was definitely worth it for me.) Then I pulled one of my oldest, and most treasured, short stories out of the tattered manila folder and went to work to turn it into a beautiful tale. Once I found my rhythm, more short stories followed. I was sprinting my way down the writing road.
There’s been no looking back since then, and I believe my writing is successful. Beyond my wildest dreams! I am truly blessed to have received this gift of storytelling, from the Universe and from my ancestors.
My birthday is coming soon and as I approached yet another milestone, my more practical self wanted some validation of what I’d accomplished since I started on this journey in 2018. And I wanted some inspiration for where I go from here. So I counted…
3 books published
Uncovering Norman, non-fiction, hybrid published
Death in the Cards, occult thriller, fiction, small independent press published
Haunted in Paradise, supernatural mystery, under contract with independent press for 2024 release
27 Short Stories
Short Stories in Magazines – 16 and 1 pending publication
Short Stories in Anthologies – 8 and 2 pending publication
The publisher for Haunted in Paradise has also accepted submissions of additional manuscripts, and I will hear in a few months if/when they will take those on as well.
Not bad for a six year career. I will keep writing and submitting. I get so excited every time I receive a note of acceptance. The thrill never gets old.
But, there’s so much more! I have so many stories to tell, a lifetime of stories that are pushing and shoving for their chance at coming alive. This is where I stand at the crossroads. Is there something more I can do to propel my stories on their way into the world?
I always shook my head at self-publishing. I wanted validation that my writing was worthy and self-attestation didn’t do it for me. At this crossroads, however, validation is the path at my back. Ahead of me lie avenues of opportunity and I plan to take full advantage of each one.
What’s next? Stay tuned for a big announcement in the next couple of days.
Simultaneously published on Substack.
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