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Approximately one year ago, I made a decision to write full-time. My energies were divided between a few different projects. Eventually, I focused on one particular story to make a concentrated effort to finish. The story began with a basic framework. Then it began to take shape after pitching this story to a few people, entering it to be critiqued, and some embarrassing problems.
In December, a pitch became an official proposal. Soon after the new year, the story was picked up by Elk Lake Publishing. My excitement grew into a determination to make it the best story possible with my editor. She led me through several edits, and her advice improved the story in some wonderful ways. Then I learned how to submit illustrations for the book. After many attempts, they were submitted along with the manuscript.
This month, The Bomb Squad is scheduled to be released. It’s a much different story than in the beginning, improved, tightened, and character-led. Currently, the work on a cover is underway. The process continues to march forward to final edit and then publication.
Afterwards, the process of promotion will begin. The next step into creating a successful book is to get it into the hands of a reader. This step is as important as the process of writing.
Many people have helped me along the way. Friends, family, writing groups, harsh critiques from nice people, and many YouTube videos to instruct me on doing things have all been part of the process.
Do all dreams take this much work? Yep. They do.