And Then Suddenly...Without a Publisher

Hello, Fire Enthusiasts. *sigh*

I guess I spoke too soon, huh? Last week we had all sorts of excitement about the future of my writing, things were suddenly moving right along again after being stagnant, it appeared that I would finally get that second book published...and now it's gone. This past Saturday afternoon I received an e-mail that my publishing house was closing, effective immediately. Now, I have all sorts of feelings about this, but I choose to look at the bright side... I just haven't found it yet.

Okay, that's not exactly true.

Some of you might be saying that this is a great opportunity for me to go out on my own. It is, but I am unsure whether I have the time to do that. You might recall the 11 hour day job. I know I can't forget it. It gets me up at 3 am. *grins sarcastically* What I mean is, I might have to shut down everything that I am currently doing in order to learn how to format, acquire artwork and contact all of the outlets in order to get set up with them as my own boss. If it is easy, I need all of you wonderful people to calm me down and point the way for me because it just seems so much easier with my schedule to find a publisher to do that for me.

My first thought was to hide this drama from you for a while as I attempted to figure things out in the coming weeks. Why did I change my mind and share it with you? The first answer is for catharsis. It feels good to write these thoughts down and to get over all of the frustration. Another reason is for some love from my peers. I can use all of the encouragement you've got right now as I pick up the pieces. You all have been nothing if not supportive, so I thank you in advance. A final reason is to share what is happening to me. It helps others to know what can happen, am I right? I did crawl into a bottle of White Zin Saturday night, but I'm okay now.

I'll be alright. I might back off blogging for a while as I research publishers, begin querying again or attempt to go it alone. I will refocus my energies on moving forward. What I will not be doing is quitting. I am a writer. I have one book published, the sequel ready for whoever might be the next editor and a stand alone third novel that I have been editing. This is only a bump in the road and I will emerge better for all of it. I'm sure of that. Absolutely sure of it! I just happen to stand at a fork in the road and need to choose my next path.

How are you guys doing on the path that you have chosen? I really don't ever want this forum to only be about me. I want to hear about you. How are things with you? As you bring encouragement to me, how can I encourage you right back?

Oh, before I forget; thanks for all of you who wished my wife and I well this past Friday on our wedding anniversary. It's been 22 years now. Actually, it's been 24 years because we got married on our 2 year anniversary of dating. I argued with a future sister in law, telling her that I was getting married on a Friday. Nobody gets married on a Friday, she told me. Do it Saturday. I am not getting married on my 2 years and 1 day anniversary, I told her. And I didn't. :)

Thanks so much for stopping by. *rubs hands together* I guess I have some work to do...

We'll talk soon.


P.S.: If you read Dance on Fire, feel like you have a great handle on the material and would like to be considered as a beta reader for its sequel, please let me know. While I decide what to do next, it occurs to me that I can now instantly send out Flash Point to anyone who might like to help perfect it. Let me know.