Earlier than expected. The ‘Zon, in its infinite mercy, took pity on me after about six hours. Thankfully, not the full seventy-two.
I’m not sure whether to run in circles, hyperventilate, or throw up from sheer nerves.
Here’s the cover art from the amazing Nancy Zee with Cristal Designs.
Interesting things that happened during this process:
- I got over my fear of “writing out loud.” The More Odds Than Ends writing prompt group has been fantastic for this. I don’t always have time to get the prompt done, or done well. It usually got done anyway.
- I broadened. MOTE, again, opened my horizons here. I didn’t always like my prompts, and sometimes found them quite challenging. They certainly were not things that my brain would have conceived – and that’s fantastic.
- I learned things. Not just craft, what works and what doesn’t, but also how to run a website.
- I got it done. Do I think June’s story is good enough to share with the world? Sure. It won’t be to everyone’s taste. That’s okay. Neither am I. Won’t try to claim I won’t get upset over my first one star review, but it’s not the end of the world, either.
Other things became a matter of expediency.
- I tried covers. I really, really, really tried. You do not want to see these. I do not wish to share them. I spent nearly two months seeking a photo of a woman holding a sword who was also wearing actual clothes. So finally, I asked for help. Trust me, everyone is better off for this.
- I didn’t bother with ISBNs. I can always republish a new edition later. I’m taking the long view.
Did I achieve everything I set out to do? No, and it took too long from when I posted about public accountability.
I have so far to go, and so many more things to learn.
But the ultimate goal of publication was achieved, and I’ll celebrate that milestone for all it’s worth.
It’s 2020, after all. Small wins matter.
Do you need a magical professor in your life? Of course you do. Paladin’s Sword is just the book you didn’t know you were looking for as a holiday gift. Right?
Dr. June Porter is headed for New Hampshire as a professor, brand-new PhD in hand. The last thing she wants in her new life is more magic, so of course that’s exactly what she finds. Magic, and a mysterious Irishmand with emerald eyes. But there’s little time for dalliance when historical artifacts begin taking a life of their own and threaten the campus. Can June reclaim her magic, protect her students – and keep her job?
…and now, to get my tail in gear on book two.
Congratulations!!!