A look back

5 months ago today, I walked away from my day job and my employer of 5+ years and into the job I'd dreamed about for a very long time. That of full-time author.

I can clearly remember days where I'd sit on the couch in the early morning, drinking my cup of tea as I looked out at the backyard, thinking, I wish I could stay home and write today.



I've written a lot.

Twice I holed myself up and wrote stories for the joy of it. I wrote fast and furious, returning day after day, not wanting to lose the momentum, and thankful I didn't have to because of a day job. One of those books has already sold. I also wrote proposals, sample pages, presentations, guest blogs, and more.

In those 5 months, I've done promotional things too. I did my first ever TV and radio interviews. I've traveled to Texas for the Texas Library Association and to Rochester New York for the Rochester Teen Book Festival. I've participated in author panels, and I've done individual presentations. This summer I have skype visits and a conference presentation scheduled.

This has not come without some sacrifices. We've had to dip into our savings a couple of times. I worry about finances more than I'd like. Maybe someday I'll make enough to stop worrying about it. Or maybe someday, I'll get an idea for a great series and it will sell for big bucks. Then again, maybe not. That's the hardest part - the unknown. There's never any guarantee.

Regardless, I just wanted to say today - I love my life right now. Whatever happens next week, next month or next year, I'm really thankful for this time.

I've lived the dream.

I've sat at my couch and instead of wishing about staying home and writing, I've smiled and thought, today I will write!

And then, that's exactly what I did.