I’m way, way late. I broke my promise that I’d write more! I suppose this as good a time as any to admit that I have a horrible memory and leagues of anxiety.
Anyway, the fun part! The secret…the surprise I hinted at related to my last post about publishing.
When I decided that my dream for traditional publishing was probably and quickly falling to dust before my eyes, I considered self publishing. I made friends with a handful of writers who had self published. I decided I didn’t need lots of money, the point was to get my story out.
Whatever it took, I would do that. So I did some research…not a lot. But some. I got professional editors to help me fix my first story (Birth of the Storm) while keeping my eyes out for agents. And, on the side, I caught my eye on indie publishing houses.
Like many other foolish people, I believed that indie publishing houses were simply groups of writers who couldn’t make it. I regret that ignorance deeply now. I was so very wrong.
Anyway, along came one publishing house that caught my eye in name alone: Shadow Spark Publishing. I’ve mentioned my main villain Raven, no? Her shadows were represented, my favorite character to write. The spark was in Kari, my main girl, the one who has been with me forever.
This place is home, I thought. And so I wrote the query letter and I hoped fervently, especially because my close friend on Twitter was also going to drop her name in the bucket.
Acceptances would take months. I was determined to be patient and chill. I could handle rejection. I focused on hyping my friend, who was more vocal about her intentions. I was so, so happy to watch her talking with one of the creators of Shadow Spark on Twitter like good friends. That was more than enough for me.
But then! I got the email. THE email that would in no small ways change parts of my life forever. The email that said “Hey, Jen. We like your writing and want to keep it.”
I’ll leave it up to you if I cried or not >3
A few days later, I signed my contract. Alongside my friend, I joined Shadow Spark. And… in June of this year, on the 13th, Birth of the Storm was published.
Was it the “best” route for Birth? I don’t know. I know that it was right. It was where my heart and soul led me, and now Kari and I have a whole new family.
And, for those curious, the link to my page is here: https://shadowsparkpub.com/valerie-storm
Kari’s story is just beginning, and now I can finally share it. (Image below by @akimarmen on Twitter)
The Birth of Valerie Storm 