So long 2015. You have been amazing.

Like many of you, I'm struggling with the idea that 2015 is almost over. It was a 'blink and its over year for me'. I got so caught up in writing and releasing that the first half of it flew by. Then when I got unwell and was forced to slow down, I actually got a chance to look back and see all I'd accomplished in such a short time. In 2014, I told my husband that I'd like to try self publishing. Our children were all at school and it was time for me to look into getting a job. It wasn't easy finding something that fit in with school hours, so we both agreed that my love of reading and writing was worth a try. We weren't really expecting anything to happen. He held my hand when I pressed publish on that first StepSister Devotion novella, and then we waited.
I can't begin to explain the excitement we felt when people actually started buying and borrowing. Then someone made some fan art and I cried - big happy tears. I couldn't believe someone loved Seb and Abi enough to create artwork. I was amazed, and I kept going. We were hoping for a little extra cash to subsidize his earnings. But what we found - what I found - was myself. I found my calling. I found my heart.
And with each new series, each new set of characters, I fall in love more and more with entertaining readers. I LOVE that my books are on kindles around the world. I LOVE that there are enough of you out there enjoying my work that I really can help out with the family budget and take the stress off my husband. He's such a happier man now that the burden isn't all on him. I'm a happier woman. I learned how to balance my work and home life for the sake of my family and my health. My life has changed this year, and while the days sped past, I am amazed now when I look back and think about everything that happened.

2015 was...WOW! It was a Wow year.
I put out FOUR complete books in 2015. And I am fucking proud of myself. My husband is proud of me. My kids are proud of me. My parents are proud of me.
When people ask me what I do, I don't say 'I'm just a mom' anymore, I say 'I'm a writer', and I say it proudly.

And it's because of you, dear reader. I am here because you enjoyed my stories enough to read them, talk about them, and come back for more.

I am truly grateful.

So, in the final days of 2015, I want to wish you all well, and I want to let you know how excited I am to enter 2016 with you all. I can't wait to share more great stories with you.

Lots of love,
Eve Cates