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Christine & ThomasMy first published novel. I wrote this one during National Novel Writing Month in 2015, with the working title "Sisterly Concern." It was incredible to finish a 65,000 word novel in thirty days. But then, this novel sat quietly on my computer. I didn't know what to do with it.
In 2017, I started studying the self/indie-publishing industry. I read books, made friends who published for themselves, and started following the wisdom and advice of the talented Victorine Lieske. I also "met" Shaela Kay, through reading her stories, and found so much in common with her we became fast friends. In December 2017, I decided I would publish my novel. Shaela helped me rename it to The Social Tutor. I found a cover designer - who made a cover that just wasn't right for the story, the historical time period, the tone. It was all wrong. And much more expensive then I expected. January arrived, and I wasn't sure what to do. My family took a financial hit that meant I couldn't purchase the cover or pay for a new one. I was new, I didn't know who to reach out to for advice or help. And Shaela, who'd been reading my manuscript and helping me edit it, happened to reach out to me when I was incredibly sad and literally on the floor crying. I just wanted to publish this book! Then Shaela made the deal that has made all the difference in my books. She offered, as a friend, to create a cover for me for free. Because she believed in me. She believed this book needed a beautiful cover. I only had to agree to hire her for future covers in the series. Ladies and gentlemen, best deal I ever made. My books wouldn't be what they are without Shaela's beautiful covers. |