My quest to become published took a slight detour. Going
from working on my books and art full-time, to working a full-time job doing
something else, and spending any time I could find working on my books… happened.
During this time something had to give. I spent what little “online”
time I had researching, staying current on the industry, networking, reading
others blogs and looking for inspiration. There was little time left for me to
join message boards or even post on this blog. I stayed involved with any
conferences and workshops I could. Unfortunately, I had to miss some. I went to the library less often. Yet I still managed
to come home with arm loads of books.
Along the way I got an agent, completed illustrations on two
books by other authors, and received one very exciting package in the mail. My
very first published book! It didn’t happen the way I expected, but it did happen. I didn’t get to share it here like I
wanted. There wasn’t a lot of hoopla. My family was blindsided with tragedy around
this time. But one thing I will never forget was having the opportunity to hand
a copy of my very first book to one of my biggest supporters, my mother-in-law.
She not only knew how to praise, she
knew how to be a critic. The type of critic who truly critiques your work in a
way that helps you to improve.
Sadly, sharing that book was our last visit. This leads me
to today. I want to continue this blog and show the reality of what a long,
hard path this journey to publication can be. I also want to share the many
joys the journey holds. The roadblocks
aren’t over, but I’m back on track. Recently I took a huge leap of faith, quit
my day job, and will give this all I’ve got. So come back and visit! I will be
adding new posts, as well as posting from the “archives” of the last couple
years. The studio doors are open again.
