From Idea to Publication: ROW80 Update

When I wrote my first novel, I wasn't sure if I was a one-and-done writer. After publishing, my mind seemed void of ideas. Then about a year later, an idea emerged.

But Life kept the idea in my head until last November. For the first time, I decided to take on National Novel Writing Month. I had no clue what I was really getting myself into, but I knew one thing about myself--if I took on the challenge, I wouldn't quit.
I survived NaNo. Taking the advice of those with NaNo experience, I put the manuscript aside until mid-January or so. When I re-read it, I was surprised how much I liked it. Still unsure what to do with it, I let it sit again.
Then, my mom (and my Depression Cookies co-author) called to let me know about a short story contest at a writing conference. They had a YA category. I wanted to see how the idea behind Chasing Memories would fare, so I entered a revamped 2,500 word sampling from the Prologue and early chapters into the contest.
Crazy thing happened... it won.

Armed with an increased self-confidence about the piece, I decided to send it to my amazing blogger friend, Jo Michaels , who happens to be an editor at Indie Books Gone Wild (where I am also an editor). When she was also encouraging, I threw caution to the wind and began the editing process. Six weeks later, I had a finished copy. Now, I'm hovering over the Publish button. Why is hitting Publish so scary?
None of this would have been possible without my writing community, a huge part of which is ROW80. Without the encouragement of my fellow writers, this manuscript would be collecting dust in a corner. I am truly grateful.
Please stop back by on Friday. I will have sign ups for the cover reveal for Chasing Memories. 

I hope all my writer friends are making progress and believing in their work!