November 18, 2012

Grateful for Writers: NaNo & ROW80 Updates

Life is full of ups and downs, so it stands to reason that writing is as well. Writing springs from what we experience. But for me, writing is also a product of the people who influence me.

When my mom and I published Depression Cookies in October 2010, I wasn't sure if I wanted to write another book. Or, if I could. Was this my only story?

Only after publishing did I understand the importance of an author platform. Before, I picked books based on covers, summaries, and book recommendations. I knew nothing of indie publishing.

Now I can't imagine my life without getting to know writers and taking chances on books. And that's only the beginning of what the indie writing community has done for me. Now I have amazing resources for all things book-related: editing, covers, publishing options, book reviews, marketing opportunities, advice, and on and on.

Most importantly, writers made me realize how much I love writing. I now know I'm not done. Not even close.

So, I found this mention on my dear friend's blog all the sweeter. Elise Fallson, my sister from another mister as I like to call her, and I bonded instantly. I encouraged her to jump into the writing community, because I knew how much it had done for me. This is what she said...

Tia, I'm sending you big hugs and I thank you for getting me out of my writers closet and for being such a positive force in this writing community.

Knowing I paid it forward means the world to me.

Also, Mom and I attended this weekend's Readers Favorite Award Ceremony in Miami. Being surrounded by such amazing authors was inspiring. It lit a major fire under my butt! (I'll share more about this sometime this week.)


I am more determined than ever to finish the follow-up to Depression Cookies and my NaNo project, a young adult book currently titled Chasing Memories. I know now that I don't just like to write... I must write.

My NaNo and ROW80 update... my NaNo project is currently at 22,204. A bit behind, but I feel confident that my renewed writing energy will get me through!

5 comments:

Elise Fallson said...

I can't wait to read about your time in Miami! And I love the pic, you and your mom look great! So proud of you guys. Hugs (:

Helene Poulakou said...

Wow, that was quite a sprint for NaNo!
Congratulations, Tia, for deciding to stay the course!

Jo Michaels said...

I think you're doing GREAT with NaNoWriMo! You've already accomplished a LOT. Be proud, lady! And getcher butt over to the blog and enter my 200th giveaway post :) Free books. Nothing could be better. LOL! I'm thinking about creating a magazine online... After NaNo, of course ;) Yay for friends! WRITE ON!

Eloise said...

Great post, and just what I needed! I've not blogged in *a while* and should get back on it.

Great pic of you and your mom. She's wonderful!

Tia Bach said...

NaNo has been a wonderful experience for me as a writer, but it's really sidelined me as a blogger. Thanks for stopping by and being patient with my lack of posts this month.

I'll be back with a blog passion in December!