May 8, 2013

From Idea to Publication: ROW80 Update

When I wrote my first novel, I wasn't sure if I was a one-and-done writer. After publishing, my mind seemed void of ideas. Then about a year later, an idea emerged.

But Life kept the idea in my head until last November. For the first time, I decided to take on National Novel Writing Month. I had no clue what I was really getting myself into, but I knew one thing about myself--if I took on the challenge, I wouldn't quit.

I survived NaNo. Taking the advice of those with NaNo experience, I put the manuscript aside until mid-January or so. When I re-read it, I was surprised how much I liked it. Still unsure what to do with it, I let it sit again.

Then, my mom (and my Depression Cookies co-author) called to let me know about a short story contest at a writing conference. They had a YA category. I wanted to see how the idea behind Chasing Memories would fare, so I entered a revamped 2,500 word sampling from the Prologue and early chapters into the contest.

Crazy thing happened... it won.


Armed with an increased self-confidence about the piece, I decided to send it to my amazing blogger friend, Jo Michaels, who happens to be an editor at Indie Books Gone Wild (where I am also an editor). When she was also encouraging, I threw caution to the wind and began the editing process. Six weeks later, I had a finished copy. Now, I'm hovering over the Publish button. Why is hitting Publish so scary?

None of this would have been possible without my writing community, a huge part of which is ROW80. Without the encouragement of my fellow writers, this manuscript would be collecting dust in a corner. I am truly grateful.

Please stop back by on Friday. I will have sign ups for the cover reveal for Chasing Memories. 

I hope all my writer friends are 
making progress and believing in their work!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

See what happens when you just go for it? Congrats, Tia!

Jenn said...

Wow, awesome! Congrats! :)

Jo Michaels said...

Hell yes! Let's get this bad boy out there to the masses! :) Suggestion: Enter the cover in the contest over on The Book Designer's blog: http://www.thebookdesigner.com/e-book-cover-design-awards-submissions/ We'll get to see what he has to say about the cover, and you'll get some free promotion. :) Muah! Just click publish and get on that next book! :) WRITE ON!

Beth Camp said...

Wonderful news, Tia. Thank you for sharing your story, even to that hesitation before clicking that 'Publish' button! You really did it! Congratulations! Now, are you on GoodReads? Can't wait for the cover reveal. Best, Beth

Anonymous said...

It must you are hestitating because you know how awesome your new book will be and you're worried about making the rest of us "wanna be" writers feel even more hopeless... that's why you haven't hit that Publish Button.

:-D

Well, it's as good a reason as any, ne?

Tia Bach said...

Nicky - Thanks!

Jenn - Thanks!

Jo - Just added to GoodReads. Will enter that cover contest soon. Getting there! Couldn't have done it without you!

Beth - Just now on GR. Thanks for all your encouragement!

Eden - Didn't know you were Mouse. ;-) Sweet comment, but I hope you are full of hope. ;-)