Thoughts About My Book

I may never hit a million sales, but I am proud that I put my book out there for the world to see. It was hard because Brianna, Chris, and Steven have become like another family to me in a weird sort of way. You don't turn your back on family even if no one else gets them.

These fictional characters that I have grown to love are a huge part of me. They came from my imagination, and I built their world. This process took me years to get completely right. I put so much of myself into this project. I put in time, effort, tears, and frustration.

My favorite scene in the book is when Chris and Brianna are taking a walk together on her birthday. I love the conversations that they shared on that day. To me, that is a golden moment. I'm not saying this to pat myself on the back, but it's just one of those scenes that made me happy during the countless hours of editing and rewrites. It was a part that made me feel that I didn't stink as an author.

I think a lot of authors go through the same thing. You feel like you stink as an author, but eventually you see that it's not the case. If you are doing something you love keep at it and never give up. There will always be those that doubt you, but don't let the negativity win. You can do it.

Newly Published Author Nerves

One thing you never hear about are newly published author nerves. Every writer should be informed of these nasty little creatures, so I shall do my duty, and tell the world. This way other newly published authors won't be surprised.

Being a newly published author is like going on a roller coaster only you can't see the bottom. Your stomach is a mixture of butterflies and stinging bees. You are sure that you will die of a heart attack from the fall.

Don't get me wrong. It's a dream come true, but that dream is laced with a tiny bit of anxiety. You want the whole world to read your book and love it. You want the days to bring new sales, and most of all you want there to be a promotion fairy to help you promote your book to the world. Alas, that fairy doesn't exist. I'm going gray from searching for that wretched beast.

The dream is worth the ulcer. It truly is. There is nothing like the feeling of knowing that you have put so much of yourself out there, and you are finally seeing the good results. Just know that Newly Published Author Nerves are real, and perfectly normal. We'll be alright once our meds kick in.

My Journey Through Breaking the Surface

Original Artwork by Kaleb Dunn

Breaking the Surface is my first novel, and it took my heart and soul to write it. I started writing this book years ago, and I can hardly believe that it is finally up for people to buy! 

This novel took all I had to write. There were many times when I had to just put the writing away, and pick it back up later. There were many days of writer's block, tears, and hair pulling.

I have to say that Evanescence got me through this book. For some reason if I really wanted to write, I had to have them playing in the background. They brought out the feelings that I had deep inside that went along with the storyline. 

I also got rid of a lot of demons as I wrote this book. Many of the things Brianna went through in the beginning of this novel I did as well. It felt good to be rid of them, and stick them out for the world to see.

I have also met a new friend because of this book. Kaleb Dunn did the stunning artwork for this book, and I couldn't be happier with it. That leads me to an old friend I need to thank, Mike Whitehead, who put Kaleb in my path.

My family has been so supportive of my writing. They have been editors, listeners, sounding boards, and they were never afraid to tell me when something didn't work. I love them for being the great family that they are.

In the end, I have learned that writing takes patience, a strong support system, good music, and you meet friends that you never would have before.