Update: The first step is the longest one

Not counting what I've given to reviewers, I have sold four copies of "She Wasn't Allowed to Giggle."

It may not seem like much, but I am ecstatic. It is the first time I have made money from any of my own writing outside journalism. I don't think it's too bad of a start, considering poetry is hard sell in the writing market compared to fiction and non-fiction.

This self-publishing journey has had its highs and lows. There has been stress and there has been joy. I moved out here to the west coast to pursue a dream. And it is that dream that is still in the process of coming true. Making money from my writing was a part of that dream. The ultimate goal is to become a full-time writer. I'm still working on that one. But I can honestly say that for the first time, while it is still a far distance off, I am on my way, step by little step.

I released "She Wasn't Allowed to Giggle" on the same day as I got a rejection from the journalism job so that there was still at least a bright side to that day. Actually, it was my fiancé's idea and I'm glad I did it. I got over the rejection faster once the book sold the first two copies on its first day.

And being unemployed didn't even last long. As of last night, I got a job cleaning houses for a local company. I'll get more time off to spend on writing than I did cleaning hotel rooms, which is a huge bonus!!

As hard things sometimes get, there is always an upside and things come together at the right time. This makes me even more excited for the future. It is true- the dream is far from achieved, but it is a beginning. They say the first step is the longest one…the dream has begun. From here, it is simply continued.