Dreams: Blood, Sweat, and Tears

I'm excited to announce that my first novel is releasing on May 4th! It's been a long-held dream that is finally coming true after much blood, sweat, and tears. Ok, maybe not so much blood but definitely a lot of sweat and many tears. Lest you fret, the blood was mostly from paper cuts.

Photo from Unsplash

I've always wanted to be a writer. But practicality, reality, and necessity reigned. Most writers don't make enough money to live on. Most who start a novel, never finish. I've heard that the percentage of people who start a novel and actually complete it, is about 3%. The number of writers that go on to publish is even less. I'm glad that wasn't my focus when I started this journey. It would have been incredibly discouraging.

Love, Emily will be available on Amazon on May 4th.

Instead, I chose to focus on what I could do instead of what others said I couldn't. I surrounded myself with those who knew more than I did and learned from them. I took classes and attended conferences. Cautiously, and with much trepidation, I submitted my work for critique and review. I entered contests, read through judges notes, and applied what I learned. I grew thick skin. Is my final product good enough? I don't know. But I followed my heart, pursued my dream, honed my skills, and gave it my best.

I believe we're all given gifts as individuals. What we do with them is up to us. I believe if we're given a dream, we're given the skill set to make it happen. Is it easy? No. Are there guarantees? No. Do you have to make sacrifices in time, energy, and money? Yes. But, with faith, perseverance, and hard work you can make it happen. Success may not come on your first try. Or even your fifth. Or your definition of success can change. But if we're doing what we're called to do, in the best way we know how, I think we've succeeded.

Photo by S. Williams

With that in mind, I am looking for individuals to join my journey and help promote Love, Emily. If you have a knack for marketing, love reading, or want to learn more about what goes into a novel, consider joining my promo team. Send an email to stacy@wordsbystacy.com with the subject line "Book Launch" to express your interest.

Please share in the comments a dream that you've pursued. Or one that you want to! I'd love to encourage you in your journey, as well.