Dear Readers!
Welcome back to my author's blog, Happy DETours!
Happy 1st Book Birthday to my debut YA novel, Pretend!
It is the book that officially made me a published author! It will always hold a special place in my heart! The "brain story" that would become Pretend, lived in my mind for many years. To finally have it out in the world, in written form, was a dream come true!
I still can't believe it's been a whole year already since my book launch on August 28, 2023. I have learned so much over this past year. From maintaining my website, blogging, having a social media presence, marketing and promoting my work. It has all been well out of my wheelhouse of expertise but very enjoyable to learn. (Well, sometimes. New tech be crazy.)
After setting (and accomplishing) my initial goal back in January of 2022 to write a book, I have been setting little goals for myself throughout this past year since I published.
First, it was to publish my debut illustrated children's book. That happened in November of 2023 and the book was so well received I immediately got to work on editing and publishing book two. (That book released this July 2024). Goal accomplished! Twice!
My second goal this year was to enter my books into a few contests. I did not have any high expectations. It might be a "me" thing as I have always doubted my skills in everything I do but I have also learned it's an author thing too. We are very hard on ourselves and we definitely don't give ourselves enough credit, or grace for that matter, that the words we are sharing with the world are worth something. So, when I got my first contest results back and both my books took First Place in their respective categories, Fiction>YA-Romance and Fiction>Children's Picture Books, I could not believe it. I was literally shaking and tears streamed down my cheeks. I will never forget that moment for as long as I live. I was now an award-winning author! Goal accomplished!
My YA novel (and children's book) went on to win several more contests and awards since that day. In fact, through one of the contests I entered, my award-winning novel Pretend, along with other contest winners, was featured on the NASDAQ board at Times Square in New York City! With part of my YA novel taking place in NYC, I just knew it was fate! My entire trip to NYC was absolutely amazing! From the weather, the city vibes (both day & night), the restaurants and all the connections I made with other authors. It was a dream and a dream come true!
The third goal I set was to get my physical books on bookshelves and into more marketplaces. Besides Amazon, I am now available online at Barnes & Noble (hopefully on shelves soon); the local library; and my novel is on the bookshelves of a local bookstore, The Author's Note. Goal accomplished!
And finally, my last goal was to secure book events were I could talk, sell and sign my books. All summer I have been all around town (and neighboring towns) participating in weekly events as well as single day special events. It has been so wonderful to meet readers excited to buy my books and then tagging me on social media to share pictures and their love of my books! It has been so wildly exciting and humbling! Goal accomplished!
It is not lost on me that these readers are taking a chance on a local author when they purchase my books. The fact my readers want to read more and can't wait for the YA companion novel to Pretend, just speaks volumes! Having my readers reach out to me on social media asking when they can return to the world of Robin, Kyle, Sarah, Brody, Shane, Max and Kira makes my heart soar with joy! Knowing my words are having an impact and giving readers a little DETour from their everyday lives feels wonderful.
I mentioned in a blog at the beginning of the year about finding what sparks your joy. Well this past year, I did. It is YOU! I love writing and I love storytelling. They both bring me such joy but it is you, my readers, who have brought me the most joy this year! Thank you all for your unwavering support, excitement, questions, predictions, and love for the characters (and their world) within my novel.
Happy Book Birthday, Pretend!
Thank you for making me a published author!
Happy DETours,
Jenn
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