Linda Jeffries asked Nenia Campbell:

How did you go from writer to published?

Nenia Campbell Hello! This is a great question!

I'm actually self-published. About ten years ago, I used to serialize my work for free online when I was still in high school. I liked the anonymity of it, because I didn't feel comfortable sharing my writing with anyone I knew in real life. I was very shy and had low self-esteem as a teenager, and had had several writing teachers tell me I wasn't a very good writer. The writing community was very welcoming, and I became close with a group of readers and writers (some of whom I am still in contact with nearly a decade later), and we all supported and encouraged one another.

My stories gained a loyal following very quickly, to the point that supportive friends and family (and fans) began suggesting that I publish my work for money. It took several years before I finally got the courage to listen to them, and I went in with very low expectations as to what would happen. I thought maybe I would sell ten books, tops. When CLOAK AND DAGGER sold 100 copies in the first two days of its release, I began crying.

Writing is more of a hobby for me at the moment, but it is a beloved hobby I feel very passionate about. The route is different for everyone, and maybe my way isn't as successful as someone else's, but I am very content with where I am now and I feel that I can honestly say that writing has turned me into a stronger person, and perhaps a more empathetic person, as well.

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