Time...

Why is there never enough of it during the day. 

It seems as if I've been MIA, but alas, that is further than the truth.  I have been so overwhelmingly busy.  Between being a full-time mom of three very active and ornery kids, I've been working non-stop in every second of my spare time to polish up my manuscript and write a synopsis to send out to agents and enter my first writing contest...well, actually the second, I entered a short story in a magazine once...but the first for a novel (pretty sure that was the longest sentence ever...that is why I have an editor).  I've been really struggling lately to find time to get everything done and it was starting to become more of a burden than a joy.  So my very supportive husband gave me the morning off today to work without any interruptions on my very long "to-do" list in my new found writing adventure.  I am happy to say, I have finished up what was needed to be done and the next time my wonderful editor opens up her e-mail, she will now find her "to-do" list full.  Ahhh, pretty sure tomorrow during my free time I am going to take a nap!!!!

Pros and Cons

To Self Publish or To Traditional Publish

...that is the question.

I've been looking into a few ideas on how to get published and there really isn't a clear direction in which to go.  Check it out and give me some feedback if you have any!

Self Publish

Pros  

I get my book published quickly.

I don't have to spend time writing a proposal, query letter and finding an agent.

I keep 50% of profits on each book.

I keep all control over my book.

Cons

I have to spend the money up front ($1000-$4000)...not pocket change for the Replogle's.

It's not as prestigious.

I have to do more work with marketing (cuz I've got SO much spare time).

Traditional Publish

Pros

They usually pay you up front.

You have an agent that works for you.

Usually sell more books.

It is easier to get a second book published.

Prestige.  Prestige. Prestige.

Cons

I loose all control over my book (title, look, words, etc.)

Only about 1% of new authors get signed.

It sometimes takes up to 4-6 years to get anything published...if at all.

I only keep on average 10% of profits on each book (and then my agent will get 15% of my profit )

Now where is that Easy button when you need it? 

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,

along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;

I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.

These are the tings I will do;

I will not forsake them.

Isaiah 42:16

In the beginning...

Let's talk about how a blank page became a manuscript! 

Over two years ago my life was being raked over the coals and I constantly felt like I was digging myself out of a hole.  I had lost two babies from horrible miscarriages and my second son (2 years old at the time) had come into contact with a very rare and terrifying disease called Kawasaki Disease (on top of him struggling with sensory and sleeping issues since birth).  You can imagine my nightmare. I was overall stressed and needed a release. My wonderful and supportive husband suggested that I write a book and work towards fulfilling my dream.  So in the middle of my storm, I took anchor and poured myself into my new adventure.  It was so good to have an outlet, a place to escape. 
Half way through my book I knew I needed a good editor, I had the creative side, but my grammar side is lacking (as you can read).  However, I was leery because we were going through a very difficult financial time (because of the reasons above) and I knew paying an editor would add more of a financial burden.  However, the Lord had huge plans to bless me! A close family friend, Wes Herschberger gave me the name of Susan Begay as a person to contact to help with editing. She was his ghost writer for his book, When IT hits the fan. We talked and after our conversation she offered to edit my book for free.  I know!  It still brings tears to my eyes the kindness and sacrifice she gave to help me. 

I wish I could say everything unraveled perfectly from there...but alas, it did not.  Susan looked over my first few chapters and had to send it back to me without any edits...I wish I could say it was because it was flawless...however it was not to the point where it could be edited.  She broke the news kindly and sent me articles upon articles on how to write a novel.  The first week I had a little pity party for myself and quietly licked my wounds.  I had to ask myself, "Do you really want this dream?  Is this worth all the work and effort?"  My answer very quickly was, "Yes"! 

So for the next month I read everything I could on how to become a better writer, what made a book come to life and how to execute a romance novel.  Then with a renewed self confidence I set to work...changing everything!  The words exploded onto the pages, along with my excitement.  I was so nervous waiting for her reply on my new and revised book, and joyfully it came back a success.   Susan did such a great job, not only being a great cheerleader with my writing, but also in editing.  I would look forward to receiving back my chapters that she had edited to see her slight changes that brought a new flavor to my book. 

Then it happened.  I got pregnant again. (Thankfully we were blessed with a very healthy baby girl).  I knew life was going to get turned upside down with having three young children to take care of, so I set a goal to have my book done before the baby was born.  Insane, yes, but achievable.  I finished the novel just in time.  I received my finished manuscript from Susan in October of 2010.  At that point I was in no shape or mental capacity to take the next step into publishing. I was just pleased when I was able to fit in a shower and content to just sit down and read "Go Dogs Go" with my boys.  Last month I decided that it was time to start pursuing my dream again before I lost my passion, life would always be busy.  So that is were I am now.  Sitting in the cockpit, strapped in, ready to take off (my pilot husband is rubbing off on me).

So please join this crazy, tired, funny, busy mom on a writer's journey ...