DASL Writer's Blog, page 5

Reflecting at The SunLit Literary Festival in Florida: A Lesson in Owning The Fact You Are an Author

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Sunshine beamed across the tall windows of the public library as I made my way towards the Sunlit Literary Festival that Saturday afternoon. Hope in my heart, and a little pep in my step. I walked briskly past the man who asked me if I wanted to sign up to vote regarding assault rifles.

I declined and made my way into the auditorium, where a woman greeted me with a smile behind a sign up table, complete with a schedule for today’s event and a couple of free reading materials. She smiled at me kindly, and leaned into her cane, she asked me this question:

“Oh, I know for a fact, just by the way you are dressed, that you are here as an author.”

At first, my cheeks felt hot, and my brows widened. I told her,

“I’m not an author,” I said quickly without truly listening to her words.

It was clear to see that my name wasn’t at the reading panel table, where real authors sat ready to present their work. And, it’s not like I had my work published recently and ready to receive awards. Though, I did carry a copy of my ARC of Syphons in my purse, just in case.

Then it dawned on me, as I gathered papers the real reason why I was there. I spoke up after imaging a leg appearing out of thin air to kick me in the but.

“A-Actually, I did write a short story for the contest, but I’m not an author, I’m a writer.”

The next things the librarian said made me think deeply.

“Well, that does make you an author. You wrote a story, you’re here to present, you’re an author. Do not sell yourself, short! Good luck on the contest.”

I sat down, feeling a little better after speaking with her. In the pit of my stomach, butterflies swarmed and flew angrier with each presenter. First, a young woman who thanked her father for being her inspiration, she won the teen writer’s award.

And, later the author of 100 Things to Do In Tampa Bay Before You Die, Kristen Hare reported on all the exciting places I should’ve visited by now after living here since infancy for 24 years.

As the day went on and the second place winner of the creative writing contest got on stage. My anxiety hit a pinnacle. I knew for a fact my short story didn’t win. The second place winner’s heartfelt story about her best friend who left her a pair of jeans that helped her travel through time did an outstanding job. My work, would never make first place.

As the day went on and the next presenter, this one the author of The Girl from Blind River, Gale Massey was up next and she shared an excerpt that had me sitting on the edge of my seat.

My hand touched my purse and my book, Syphons suddenly didn’t feel so important.

Why did I even waste my time writing a novel when clearly I’m an impostor? I’m surrounded by real writers who know what they are doing! I’ll never be like them.

Gale Massey started taking questions and someone asked her why did she choose to write her story. And, she said something along the lines of: She chose to write what she cared about. As a woman writer, as someone who is interested in poverty and how it affected single mothers, women, and their children. She wrote what she believed in and no one should stop you from writing what you want, otherwise.

Finally, the time came for the winner of the Sunlit Writing Contest to take the stage. And, while I knew I didn’t win, I was happy to hear the winner’s story. A story about life and birth. Two things that made sense and obviously deserved to win.

My story might not have won the writing contest. But, I enjoyed my time spending time with other writers, authors, and artists in the industry. Maybe next year, I’ll win. I just need to keep on writing.

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How Did I Stumble Back Into Blogging Again?

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Photo by Jake Hills on Unsplash

I started taking blogging seriously in 2012 when I signed up for the Tribe Writers Class by Jeff Goins. I knew that I wanted to be a writer of some sort, but (a) fear of being judge by well-meaning family members, (b) I needed steady and stable income for said family, (c) I couldn’t justify to anyone including my mentors why I wanted to get a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.

So, I decided to blog in secret while working full-time. In order to get the best of both worlds.

My initial attempt at blogging had to do with life after college. At the time I just graduated with my A.A. Degree at the age of 18, and had no plans of continuing higher education (bachelors or higher).

The blog was known as The Life Major (no longer active). And, I made great blogging companions throughout that project. I figured that I could share with the world what I thought about tuition rates, gap years, etc. As I became more confident with the blog, I started sharing my work with friends.

They found my content bold, witty, and entertaining. I shared my heart and soul on that first blog and hoped to gain readers along the way. After getting such positive feedback, I shared my blog post with my family. At this point, I was confident that they would appreciate my ideas since it was becoming more than just a hobby.

Unsurprisingly, I got the reaction that I should’ve, in hindsight, seen coming. My family felt indifferent or didn’t care about my blog posts. One family member even started a heated discussion about how pathetic I sounded in my blog posts.

Hearing that about something as simple as a free, public, blog crushed me. I couldn’t crawl out of a steep series of writer’s block. I couldn’t even function as a writer, let alone a blogger. No matter what positive feedback I received, I slowly abandoned my blog.

By 2017 – 2018, I got out of a two-year battle with self-hatred, depression, loneliness, and writer’s doubt.

I didn’t even pick up books to read any more. I didn’t want to be reminded of writing or literature. I had off and on battles with family whenever I tried to keep on my writing journey. So, I was sick of fighting and buckled down and focused on doing the thing I hated the most working behind my desk at the day job.

The lack of books and writing in my life was so bad that I abandoned my local public library. My library card even expired from lack of use (who knew!).

When I started therapy to deal with some of my dark emotions, she stated that I should go back to blogging.

I told her, I couldn’t. She said I should go back and just not tell anyone. I started thinking about writing again, by now my family members were so distracted with themselves they had no way of knowing what I was up to. And, my love of writing became stirred up again when I came up with an idea for a shapeshifter story that wouldn’t leave my head.

I decided to give it a try. I was already beyond depressed. What could really go wrong?

My idea for a new blog consisted on something basic, my pen name is D. A. Smith and I liked to write about writing. So, I came up with D. A. Smith Writes.

I started out small, posting two articles about my reasons for writing on WordPress, and then I started writing the Stolen By The Ash: A Fox Shifter’s Short Story, and I published it through Amazon in one week in November.

I was able to give away over 100 copies of the short story, and I received 2 reviews. I never told a single person IRL about writing the short story. But, online I blasted the news on my blog and social media accounts.

Slowly, I got out of the fear of blogging and created more articles about things that would pop-up in my head. And, then in December of 2018, I decided to publish my first science-fiction story that I’ve re-written over the years.

I wrote the novel called Syphons. Blogged about the process. Held giveaways in order to market the release of the novel. And, I even managed to scrape up the money to publish my novel as a paperback-edition with a gorgeous cover.

My fear of my family’s approval is still strong in my heart. And, to this day they don’t know that I’m back at blogging.

But, now I have over 50 posts, a bunch of fantastic followers on social media, one great short story, and a soon to be published novel.

I’m glad I came back to blogging. And, this is how I got started with it.

What’s your blogging origin story? I’d love to hear it below in the comments. Don’t forget to like the story, if it touched your heart.

10 Reasons Why Cats Lay On Your Keyboard While You’re Typing (Humor)

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Photo by Jae Park on Unsplash

You just sat down in front of your laptop. Grabbed yourself a cup of coffee or maybe popped open your energy drink. And, then your cat appears out of thin air. As your beloved companion makes their way towards you, you realize that it’s a trap and they are blocking you from creating the next bestseller.

Why do cats lay on your keyboard while your typing?

Here are my theories:

1. You Give The Laptop More Attention Than Your Kitty

Cats may seem to be anti-social. But, they want your attention. You’re just staring at a screen with a mouse that doesn’t even have a heartbeat. Have a soul and turn your attention back to your cat.

2. Your Cat Is Bored

Because you’re always working on your bestseller. You don’t have time to take out the cat toys or treats. So, now your cat is bored as all get out and what’s better than laying on your hands while you write.

3. You Are Being Punished

I believe animals can sense the energy of an individual. If you promised to do something for your feline pal but it escaped your mind because you are at the last climatic chapter of a novel, then your laptop will become your pet’s sitting post until you understand what you’ve done.

4. You Forgot to Feed Your Cat

How dare you? This. Is. Horrible.

5. The Fan Warms Them Up

When you’re typing on a flat surface, eventually your laptop may start to heat up. Even with the fans blowing under it. So, what’s better than having a kitty heating pad made out of plastic and glass?

6. Your Kitty Noticed You Were Stressing

As I mentioned before. Cats just know. So, if you’re stressed out, stuck with a plot twist or suffering from writer’s block. Maybe your cat just wants to lighten the mood and soften your heart.

7. Your Cat Cannot Reach Their Literbox

If you keep the literbox in a separate part of the house like the garage and/or bathroom, and the door is shut, you better let your precious pet reach their spot to conduct some business of their own.

8. You Are Lonely

You purchased or adopted your cat because you needed a companion. Writing is one of the loneliest jobs in the world (if you know of any other ones let me know below). So, your cat is providing you with some TLC and company.

9. The Erratic Movement of Your Fingers Triggered Their Instincts

Your fingers are probably about the same size and shape of a mouse depending on a cat’s vision. And, that skiddy nature of rapidly typing fingers may leave your feline flicking its tail back and forth waiting to attack you at just the right moment. They just happened to land on your keyboard.

10. Because They Freaking Can

Cats are one of those animals that don’t give any cares in the world about your feelings. Even if they love you. They will still choose to lay on your keyboard, because they can, and what are you going to do anyway? You’re going to let them stay there, maybe, pet them, and then walk away to grab another cup of coffee.

Is this true for you and your cat? Let me know in the comments below.

Fun in the Sun With D. A. Smith Writes – Goals Update

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Hiya literary fans,

As I write this, I’m sitting at Sunset Park. Sunlight sparkles down on the dancing waves. Boats and wave runners are filling the relative silence with the growl of their motors. The sky is bright, blue, and clear. And, the breeze brushing against my skin is unexpectedly cool, but refreshing for mid-April in Florida.

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Why exactly am I at the beach?

More like why not?

First, it’s a beautiful day, it’s one of my goals on my writer’s life bucket list.

Sitting at the beach, working on a book, with a fruity drink (okay a lime-flavored ginger ale, but still fruity) has always been a dream of mine. And, with Syphons my debut sci-fi novel out in a few days, I have more goals in store for that novel.

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Besides the giveaway (if you’d like to get in on it click here), I’ve got fun writing activities lined up for myself these next few months:

First, I plan on attending the Keep St. Pete Lit – SunLit Festival. For almost the entire month of April, there are fun literary happenings going on around town. From author readings to poetry slams, it’s going to be lit (pun-intended).

I entered to win their annual story contest. It’s one of the first writing contest I’ve entered, and though I’m not sure about the competition, I’m just glad to say I participated. After judging takes place and the dust settles, I’ll post my short story here. Hopefully, it wins ;D.

Next, there’s the Florida Antiquarian Book Fair coming up. I’ll be attending that to learn how other authors sell books and also to pick up a few good reads of my own. I haven’t been to a book fair since the Scholastic Ones back in grade school. So, I’m pumped for it!

Also, I’ve been working on a cool new book trailer for Syphons. And, I will be sharing that with you lovely readers soon! I just have to do some final edits.

Finally, I just discovered that one of my local libraries is having a book fair in the middle of summer and all local authors are invited. If I sign up for the book fair, this would be my first opportunity to sell my debut novel to the masses and get personal with a few local authors.

So, that’s my plan after publishing Syphons. I should add as a side note, I have about three regular job interviews lined up, one seems really promising. I hope to find something that allows me to keep up with my literary goals and dreams!

I hope you’re having a fantastic day and soaking in the sun rays whenever you can. If not you can enjoy my pics above.

Thanks for reading!

Don’t forget Syphons A Novel is available for pre-order for the temporary low price of 99-cents. Yes, the entire novel is only 99-cents and it will not stay that way.

Check out the blurb here.

or

Grab your Kindle Edition Copy by clicking the button below.

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You Don’t Miss Something ‘Til It’s Gone

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Photo by Miguel Bruna on Unsplash

It’s funny, the old saying that goes like this: You don’t miss something until it’s gone.

The last couple of weeks, I’ve been worried about how to sustain my disabled mother and myself financial. I have a lot of pressure on my shoulders as a 24-year-old who has been working full-time for almost a decade. I still stand by my post regarding leaving a toxic workplace%. However, I do miss the relative security of disposable income.

Any experienced writer can agree that financial stability is always in the forefront of most artistic ventures and dreams. And as an aspiring indie author, I know how easy it is to be sucked into the hype that you need to write a lot of books, make a lot of money, and quit your job to travel the world.

Nothing wrong with those dreams. Just got to remember reality hits and life happens. When I was younger, my only reason for wanting to be an author was to make tons of money and travel the world. Now, I just want to try something new: like writing a book people would want to read (even if it’s free).

Life is short, money comes and goes, but books can take you anywhere. When my family struggled in the past due to my abusive father, I had novels and short stories to escape to. My love of books led to me receiving a scholarship to one of my dream schools (though family responsibilities prevented me from going).

This last month and a half without a day job, I learned a lot about myself. I’m resilient. And my novel isn’t that bad, especially when you have enough time to re-read it almost 100+ times a week, (ugh editing). There’s no such thing as quitting your job to travel the world, if you’re a writer. You will be working harder in general as a writer. Generating ideas. Meeting deadlines. And, more.

My biggest fear has come and past: writing without a day job. My cushion is getting flat, but I have an interviewed lined up. I’m keeping hope intact and letting go of the past sting of being booted by my old job.

Anyway, this post was more like a peak into my world outside of writing fiction. I will say that the time I spent writing and promoting my work has been a joyful learning experience.

This #IndieApril don’t forget to thank your favorite indie authors for the hard work they do with minimal resources and tons of ideas.

Thanks for reading!

Someone Made My Day at Starbucks and 19 Days Left in the SYPHONS Giveaway!

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Hiya literary fans,

It’s 19 days until 4 winners will be chosen to receive one of the following:

A copy of Syphons

Or

A $25 Starbucks Gift Card

I believe this is my fourth giveaway.

Last four times I gave away $20 bucks.

So that’s like $80 dollars worth of prizes. Crazy cool!

Anyway, I have a touching Starbucks Story to Share.

Yesterday, I was feeling bummed, I had a job interview and haven’t heard back, thought I slayed it, but still feeling ghosted by the company.

Anyway, I was going to head out for lunch, my mom wanted me to grab her one of Starbucks Dragonfruit Refreshers.

So, I obliged even though I wasn’t craving anything caffeinated at 12 in the afternoon.

I head over to my local Starbucks, there’s four cars ahead of me. Fantastic! I’m sitting here hangry, and now I have to wait in line for a drink I didn’t even want!

So, I place my order, the guy was super chill and professional. I pulled up in the drive thru, only two cars ahead of me. The driver of the car at the window must’ve ordered for a team or something because it took way too long in my opinion, then again I it could’ve been my hanger.

I rested my head on my steering wheel contemplating my life. When, finally the driver at the window left, and I pulled up, one driver ahead of me.

He moved a lot faster, by now I had my last twenty to hand over to the cashier.

He shook his head and handed me my drink, telling me that the guy in front of me had paid my drink.

I was so baffled, I forgot to pay it forward.

Thank you mysterious driver at Starbucks who bought my drink in Saint Petersburg, Florida!

Ciao!

Rant: Never Stay In A Toxic Workplace

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Photo by Egor Padalka on Unsplash

I don’t understand how I keep finding myself on this end of the corporate ladder. I’m at the bottom, no longer near the rungs, I’ve done everything I assume imaginable to keep a job. But of course, I get chopped like a pile of iceberg lettuce leaves for a salad.

I hate writing about losing my job. It infuriates me. I tried to suppress the urge to write about being fired, but it keeps coming back. This post may sound like a rant, and dammit, I’m trying hard not to make it come off like that. But, I have to get it off my chest, otherwise it’s going to prevent me from being an honest and productive writer. I hate bearing this same stupid weight.

In 2016, I was hired by an insurance company that promised me the world. At least in my head they did. I went through two interviews, took a test but never received the scores, why would they matter?

I was hired after the second interview and sent to the training department.

Immediately, I fell in love with the atmosphere, it was like a college campus, and my colleagues were classmates. The trainers taught us everything we needed to know in order to do our jobs. But, I had an advantage, most of my colleagues were new to insurance, I had worked in insurance since I was 16, so I expected to move quickly up the company.

A job posting opened up for me in the claims department. (I promise to spend another post talking about how claims drove me insane.) But, long story short, I was promoted within 3 months after getting hired.

I was paid well. I was also fed free food. I think they use food as a golden handcuff since they got the good restaurants on speed dial. My work-life balance seemed to be more reasonable than my previous occupation.

And, then Hurricane Irma and then Matthew hit.

My workload in the claims department became unbearable, at this time, I was in the department for over a year. I kept up with the demands of my clients. But, I couldn’t help them, I could only make phone calls and hoped they were covered. I felt guilty whenever the insurance company denied a claim. But, I had other individuals to help all at the same time.

While claims became chaotic, I managed to cope, but life threw me a curve ball. I became violently ill during the late winter of 2017, and I feared that I might lose my job.

So, I asked my manager if I could work from home on the days I didn’t feel well. He gave me permission, but never followed through with getting the paperwork done.

I was afraid.

Fear always gets me in trouble at work. I’m afraid of stepping on toes. Rocking the boat. Standing up for myself. All of these stupid fears is what’s led to my current dilemma.

Out of fear, I started to look for work in another state. Maybe, if I got away from my environment, including claims, I could strive in the real world. My plan to move to North Carolina for work fell through the cracks.

So, I remained quiet at work.

Suffering inside. I couldn’t understand why I hated a place that I had grown to love. I knew the work was tough. I knew I couldn’t please everyone. But, why did I see red when I entered those security doors? I blamed myself, and worked on changing my attitude, but even then I failed.

My work-life balance became non-existent as my mother’s own disability crept into my life. I ceased having a social life. I was done with living at all.

I just worked, took care of my mother, and prayed I didn’t die due to my own mysterious illnesses. The middle management started behaving coldly towards me.

Could they tell that I was sick? Were they planning on firing me for taking one day off work to care for my disabled mother? What will I do if I lose my job?

All these worries ate at me, until a bright ray of sunshine helped me out of my darkened pit. My old manager asked me to rejoin her department and I did.

Everything got back on track, I was training to do new work. No longer stagnant. Sure, I was still sick, and I still had family issues, but I saw renewed joy in work.

A year after being rehired in the customer support department, I started training with a new department. The manager training me made me nervous. I was cautious around her. Something about her didn’t seem right. She was aloof, but cunning if that makes any sense. I assumed, I was being paranoid. After four months of training and learning the ropes. I applied for a position in that department, anyway (idiot!).

I was given positive feedback by the hiring manager, but not the manager who trained me. I had a sinking feeling, I didn’t get the position.

The following day, I received an email from the hiring manager stating that she had to go with two other employees, instead of hiring internally. She said it was because they had 10 years of insurance experience. I had less than them.

I understood.

It didn’t bother me.

Besides, I enjoyed my current team. But, the following day my boss pulled me into her office. She brought to my attention that the manager for the department I trained for not only believed my communication skills were lacking, but she said I had poor work ethic. And, that they overlooked me because I never asked her for more work in her department. Pretty much, I was lazy.

I was taken aback. The other manager rarely went to work and she didn’t train me. Her employees trained me and taught me everything I needed to know. Between her daughter’s girl scout meetings and her children’s Christmas presents shopping, she never mentioned I wasn’t doing my job.

I didn’t stand up for myself. I let my own boss rip me a new one. Again, I was afraid of being fired, so I remained church mouse quiet.

From that day forward, I kept my eyes focused on the keyboard. I worked through lunch. I avoided water breaks with my colleagues to keep working on projects. The situation with the manager from the other department blew over. I was removed from all of her team’s tasks, and I gladly obliged.

Still, in the pit of my stomach, I knew that my job was going to end.

In early 2019, we had a client service award meeting, fifty colleagues of mine received rewards, I knew I wasn’t getting anything. I wasn’t even envious, I just knew that I needed to work harder.

At that same meeting, it was announced that my company was sold, after the CEO stated in October 2018 and I quote: “We will never, ever, ever, ever, sell the company!” Yes, he used that many evers.

The air changed in my workplace and everyone started to quit or be fired for mysterious reasons. All of the firings never occurred because of the merger, at least that’s what the multiple emails a day said.

I had a gut feeling I was about to be gutted.

In the meantime, I trained with a new department, and I made sure to keep track of all my work in the form of spreadsheets. I followed up with the manager and asked for more work whenever I had a period of respite. She respected me, and I had respect for her. And, things were going great.

Her team had gotten behind in their work due to a heavy sales month. So I hopped in to assist. I was barely in her department for a month before one of her sales agents told her that she needed me to do more tasks and faster. I promised them I could, because I knew I would, and I did.

At the end of the month of February, a position opened up in the department. I applied for it, but never received a response from the manager or the hiring manager. I knew at that moment, I was done, but why?

My boss who hired me in 2016 and rehired me in her department back in 2018 pulled me into the office. I gave her a thick packet of all of my assignments that I’ve completed in the last four weeks in that other department, as well as communication between the teams and myself. I asked her to share it with the other manager. She said she would.

Then she told me the reason why I would never be hired in ANY of the departments and why I should QUIT sending my resume to ANY of the managers, it was because back in 2016, I took a test on my hiring week and my scores showed that I lacked initiative, thoroughness, and urgency.

I just frowned, and a small tear touched the corner of my eye. I was pissed at myself for showing any emotions. My boss gave me an ultimatum, leave the company or be under surveillance by her personally until I do my job better, and maybe then I might be able to find a better job outside of the agency.

I took the hint. I thanked her for being my manager and she fired me. My last day was March 1st.

The following day, I was given a request by the other manager who denied my resume. She wanted me to do additional work for her colleagues. I simply responded to the email that I wasn’t qualified to do their work.

It’s been a month since I got booted. I’m still jobless. But, happy AF. I’ve gotten healthier. I smile more. And, I know what it means to be in a toxic workplace. From this experience, I learned to trust no one but myself. I also used the experience to remind myself that corporate America is made up of people who don’t really know what they are doing, but are cool with stepping on nobodies to get ahead. I guess, I should’ve wore thicker shoes.

I did have one final message for my boss and my colleagues after getting the boot. I looked everyone in their eyes and said, “Remember the person you look down on while you’re going up is the same person that looks down on you when you fall to the ground.”

So, I got this off my chest, I’ll go back to writing about my new book and anime tomorrow. Thanks for reading!

Syphons Spring Book Giveaway (30 Days Til Drawing!!!)

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Hiya literary fans,

I’m letting you know that there’s a brand new giveaway.

Since, Syphons will be available on May 3rd, 2019. I wanted to celebrate and thank all of my supporters by giving away the following:

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3 – Copies of Syphons (ONE copy per Winner).



1 – $25 Starbucks Gift Card to (ONE) Winner

With every entry you will receive:

>>>> One free chapter of Syphons



>>>> One free e-book copy of Stolen By The Ash, A Fox Shifters Short Story

Are you interested? Click here to enter. Many will enter few will win!

Hey! It’s Time for An Update & A New Giveaway (Coming Soon)

Where did March go? I can’t believe it’s already April and less than 31 days from the release of my novel, Syphons.

Check out the blurb below:

[image error] Interested In A Chapter Preview?



Blurb:

CURVY, FIERCE AND A TOTAL RIOT!

SOLSTICE BELLATRIX HAS ALREADY DIED ONCE, AND SHE IS NOT ABOUT TO LET HISTORY REPEAT ITSELF.

WHEN SOLSTICE AWAKENS IN A LUXURIOUS PENTHOUSE, AFTER A NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE AT THE SKYLINE LOUNGE, SHE MEETS THE HANDSOME OWNER, ALEXANDER “AJ” WARD, HE’S A TELEPATHIC ENTITY WITH MANY SECRETS, AND ONE ABOUT HER FRIEND, CARMEN.

SOLSTICE’S BEST FRIEND IS BEING HELD HOSTAGE BY DANGERS PARASITIC MONSTERS KNOW AS MINDSTALKERS.

THANKFULLY, SOLSTICE HAS AJ AND HIS FRIENDS; A TEAM OF PROFESSIONAL EXTERMINATORS AND FELLOW ENTITIES. TOGETHER THEY WILL TAKE ON A CORRUPT QUEEN AND HER COLONY OF PARASITIC DRONES.

WILL SOLSTICE FIND HER FRIEND IN TIME? OR WILL SHE LOSE EVERYTHING, INCLUDING HER MIND AND THE GUY SHE’S FALLEN FOR?

What do you think?

Right now, I’m happy and equally overwhelmed. I plan to give as many updates on the progress of Syphons as I get closer to Launch Day.

I’m also starting a brand new giveaway!!! (Yay!)

Rules and prizes for this new giveaway will be mentioned in a separate post on April 3rd, 2019 .



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I’m having a great start to April. How are you doing? What’s going on in your creative journey? I’m looking for new bloggers to follow, please leave me a comment below and I’ll check out your blog!

Thanks for reading!

Need a Proofreader? Try Sarah Bailey with Twisted Tree Publications

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Hiya Literary Fans,

Welcome to the first week of April. Proving that old adage that April Showers brings May Flowers. And, speaking of May, on May 3rd, 2019, my debut novel Syphons will be available for paperback and kindle edition.

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One question that I’ve noticed pop-up in my social media feeds as a new writer is where to find someone to edit or proofread your novel?

Most of the time that question pops up because self-publishing authors are looking for a reasonably priced, but reputable professional.

Thankfully, UK author and proofreader Sarah Bailey with Twisted Tree Publications provided me with her excellent proofreading services at a very reasonable price.

Sarah didn’t need to twist my arm to provide her with this review. As a paying customer, I am pleased with her work and professionalism.

While working on my final draft to send to Sarah, I discovered a manuscript glitch which transformed all of my apostrophes and quotes into mini-boxes (I was almost defeated). After fixing the glitch, I sent my manuscript over to Sarah.

She not only took the time to double-check for any signs of the glitch, but she gave me the correct word count for my manuscript and reduced the price of the invoice, accordingly.

Why am I telling you all this? Because, I had a rookie moment, and counted my chapter names as words for my manuscript, and Sarah caught it and was honest with her work and told me before I paid her for the wrong word count.

Not only did I receive my 60k manuscript back in 3 days, but it was reformatted for readability, and she included the clean copy along with the edited manuscript so that I could compare her work.

I absolutely love Twisted Tree Publications and will be using Sarah’s proofreading services again in the future!

Would you like to see what our hard work produced?

I would love a free copy of Syphons!



I’m ready to Pre-Order my Kindle Copy!



[image error]Blurb – Grab Your Freebie Here or Buy Here