Happy Anniversary!

My Facebook memories showed me that one year ago today, I launched my book.  It’s funny how the universe works.  I never had the goal of writing a book, it wasn’t on my radar.  Then the Big “C” decided to come into my life, and I found writing gave me a tool to help me cope.  Keeping a journal and blog, let me release my angst, worry, and fear.  Writing helped me find humor and gratitude in my experiences.   It was my savior. 

With all that said, it was NEVER my intention to publish a book.  My blog had a substantial amount of hits on it, and I was getting great feedback from people.  Now mind you, some of those people were family and friends so let’s be honest, they have to say something nice.  (LOL) But it was the feedback I was receiving from people I didn’t know that had me questioning if I should publish.  Reading my blog helped them, it gave them hope and humor.  I began to foster the idea of a book while still treating the Big “C”. If I publish and it helps one person, it’s all worth it.

I began my publishing journey by attending a How to Publish a book class at the Birmingham Community Center, taking it during my Chemo treatments.  To make sure my brain fog didn’t miss anything I took it again. (LOL).  I had somewhat of a first draft once I finished my second class.  I hired an editor, and I was off and running or so I thought. 

Off and on over the years I would work on it but then get involved in something else and forget about it.  In 2023, I put myself out there and joined the Waterford Writers Workshop.  They held meetings every other week in the Waterford Library. 

I attended my first meeting just to observe since I had no idea what you did at a workshop.  At the end, the leader turned to me and said “You want to join us?  What do you write poetry or prose?”  I’m embarrassed to say, I had no idea what he was asking?  (I told you a book was never on my radar).  I took a stab at it and said “Prose” (it was really a 50/50 chance and since I knew I didn’t write poetry, I was pretty sure I came off okay). I then told him about my blog and the name of my book.  He asked, “What is it called?” I went into my spiel about how my last name is Teets and therefore the title.  “I know it’s an odd name”, I say. “Not really”, he replies, “my name is Bill Teets”.   Who knew there was more of us? (LOL) I took it as a sign that I had found the group that was going to help me publish.

The first time I had to read one of my excerpts I was shaking.  It’s one thing to have someone read your blog, I’m not in front of them.  Now all eyes were on me. Yikes! Shaking, I got through it. I received great critiques.  I was hooked; this is what I was searching for.  I joined and rarely missed a meeting.  For almost a year, I had my work critiqued and became a better writer.  Their input was invaluable.  Then one Saturday, Bill asked me to stay after.  “You weren’t at the last meeting, and we discussed your book.  We all think it’s time you got it published.  You’ve done the work, it’s ready to go”.  (Deep breaths Carey, put your big girl panties on and do it.) 

I decided to self-publish because it could take years to get an agent.  Once I made that decision, how would I go about it?  I referenced my notes from my publishing class and started researching.  I must have talked to 20 different publishers, getting more confused after every phone call.  The calls didn’t last long; the average was 15 minutes.  They were always followed with pressure emails and “deals”.  I contacted Global Media Publishing and had an hour and half zoom call with Eric.  No pressure, he patiently walked me through the publishing process, so I understood.  I found my publisher.  Thank you, Universe!

We began working together in January, zoom calling every week, then bi-weekly.  Finally in May, the final day we were on the phone from 9:30 am – 3:30pm.  The book was published. Whoop! Whoop! The journey to publishing was long, I feel such a sense of accomplishment.

I’ll be honest, it’s scary to put yourself out there, showing the world my journeys, warts and all.  I put my apprehension and fears aside and am so glad I did.  My book sales have been steady, but more importantly, my book has reached people on their own Big “C” journey, and they have told me it has helped them.  It doesn’t get any better than that! I’m in such gratitude!  Happy one year anniversary to me!