Before I go down that path, let's back up further to June 2011. I was working on Black Legacy and trying to perfect my writing style when I read an open call for a science fiction anthology. I didn't know if my writing was good enough and gave myself pep talks, saying not everyone is going to like every story but maybe, just maybe, some would like mine. I decided to try and wrote a story. I had family and friends read it. They loved it and further encouraged me to submit it. It was the first time I had anyone read one of my stories and I was about to take the leap--to submit it for hundreds, thousands or possibly more to read it. The idea gave me a nervous high. More importantly, it confirmed my ambitions to become a published writer. I submitted the story and waited for four long months for a reply.
My story was rejected. At first, I was sad but didn't let it leave me down. I knew it wouldn't be my first rejection and also knew I wasn't alone in this particular failure. Over two thousand authors submitted stories for that anthology.
I continued to write, participated and won NaNoWriMo, and then in December 2011, I read an open call for the dark paranormal anthology, Dark Light, through a new publisher, Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly. I liked that the publisher was new. I thought I might have a chance because the publisher wasn't big and not as many authors probably heard about the open call, thus giving me better odds. I wrote Spider Whisperer and submitted it. December 24 SJ Davis, editor and owner of Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly, accepted my story. It made for an ecstatic Christmas present!
Dark Light was published February 29, 2012. Leap Day!
I had three other short stories published in 2012, two of which were published through Crushing Heart and Black Butterfly. Anthology Morbid Seraphic, featuring my story Illusions, was published in April and Sinister Seductions, featuring my story Detonating the Bomb, was released in September. Then in October, The Wager, featured in anthology All the Lovely Creatures, was released. This last anthology was created, edited, and published by the joint effort of authors from Paranormal and Horror Lovers Goodreads group.
Currently, I am submitting Black Legacy to a publisher, while editing its sequel, Keeper of the Spirits, which should be completed by May. I also have two short stories in the works for anthologies. They haven't been submitted but I feel confided I will have another story in an anthology for 2013.
Through my journey I learned to promote through social media, interviews and blogs. I pulled on support from my husband, family and friends. I made valued friendships with people like fellow author Rebecca Nolan and Emily Joyner, whom our paths would've never otherwise crossed.
Finally, to my readers--my faithful followers--I thank you. Without you, my journey wouldn't be a success. I feel that this is just the beginning and promise to continue to entertain you. In return, I hope you will come along for the ride.
Cheers, Lisa