Oh my goodness. My friends, things are happening. I am blown away by how things are just falling into place. My first book is coming along and I may, or may not, have a publishing date! Okay, let’s slow down and let’s talk about the process, what I have done, and what I still need to do. And let’s talk about the finances aspect of things. So, let’s chat.
Creating The Story
So, this book that will be coming out is so crazy as to how it came to be. It started with me subbing in the Sunday School at my church. I had taught the lesson, the kids had finished their snack, and it was free time, while we waited for parents. Some of the kids wanted to play games, but most of the kids didn’t. Anyone who has had kids, or done any sort of child care, knows that bored kids can be troublesome kids. So, I asked them if they wanted me to make up a silly story for them. They liked that idea and came to sit on the floor with me and I made up a story on the spot that had them laughing. Even the kids playing games paused their game to listen to the story. Then the parents came. Since the kids loved it so much, I thought about making it a book. Two weeks later I subbed again and asked if they remembered the story. They did and were very excited when I said it would become a book.
Doing Research for My First Book
Well, if this was going to happen, I knew I needed to do some research. How do I find an illustrator? What does formatting look like? How can I self-publish? Do I need an editor? I had a better idea on how things would work when I thought my first book would be a fantasy novel. And I had to think about cost differences. Obviously an illustrator for a children’s book is going to cost more than one for a novel. But it’s shorter than a novel, so maybe editors will be cheaper. I got lucky and got to meet someone in person who does art for a living and she said she wanted to illustrate my book. We gave it a shot with the cover and I absolutely love the work she did. So, I’ll be using her talents for the rest of the book as well. And I was able to find a local publishing company who is happy to help me out with this book. So, things are going well there too.
My First Book – First Draft
Even though I knew the story in my head, I also knew that I would have to do some adjustments to make it an actual book. As life picked up, I found myself forgetting about writing it down. Every time I had a moment to sit down and write, I focused on blogging, because I knew I needed to stay regular with them. I came to the conclusion that if I didn’t schedule actual time for working on the first draft, my first book would never get written. At first, I tried to just make it a goal – to work on writing books for a few hours a week. But then I would forget about the goal and when I did my check-in I was like, I forgot again. So, last week I put it in my planner on a specific day. And I am happy to announce that the first draft is complete!
Time to Lock in
This is so real, my friends. In fact, this is the closest I have ever been to publishing and I am in shock. But, it’s happening, and I need to lock in and get things going. So, next on the list is to talk with a graphic artist, as the illustrator is only doing the artwork, not putting the words on it. That is what a graphic artist does. I have a friend who says that she can do that and won’t charge me an arm and a leg for it either. So, I’m going to let her have the first crack at it and if it’s just not possible for her, I’ll need to find someone else. And I need to find an editor, but I think the publishing company can help me with that. So, with that hope in my heart, I made an appointment to have a phone meeting with the publisher next week.
Need Money for My First Book
Obviously all of this is going to cost money. And a lot of it. Don’t worry, I’m not asking you for donations or anything like that. Plus, my site isn’t set up for that. Instead, I’m going to invite you to a market that is happening in August. Roadhouse 52 Inn & Suites is putting on a vendor market on August 8th from 12pm-5pm. There will be vendors inside and outside, as well as a BBQ , face painting and I think an ice cream stand. I will be doing a bake sale to raise money for my book. So, if you want to support my dream, or if you just love dessert, I invite you to come to the market. Support me, and so many other vendors, enjoy a delicious BBQ , and just have a good time. Come with friends, or with family. It will be a great time.
Living a Dream
My friends, this has been a dream since I was in school. Publishing this book means so much to me. It’s opening a door that I never thought I would reach. For those of you who always believed in me, thank you for all your encouragement and the way you have supported me. Some of you have pushed me to just take the leap already, and I can’t thank you enough. You know who you are. And even for those of you who have been reading my blogs, you have been supporting and encouraging me to keep going. So, thank you, everyone. And I can’t wait to announce that the book is published. If all goes well, that blog will come in November. And I might set up a store on my site so that those of you who are not in the area can order them as well. Anything can happen, if you don’t ever give up.
