a big thank you!

I was looking at the stats for THE PROPHECY today (yes, I'm still a bit obsessive about it--this thing has been a long time in coming and sometimes I still find it hard to believe that people are buying my story and actually reading my words), and I came to an odd realization:

my writing has actually made enough to pay a month's rent.

That's definitely not a fortune or anything, and there are a lot of bills that go above and beyond the rent payment, but it was still a bit of a shocker for me.

I mean, who would have ever thought that putting a book out there would pay for my family to have a place to live for an entire month? That's pretty crazy to me!

The thing is, I owe all of you all a huge THANKS! for that. If it wasn't for you reading my words here, no matter how disjointed my thoughts may be from one sporadic post to the next, and then telling somebody else to give this crazy new writer a shot, none of this would ever have happened. If it wasn't for the encouragement I get from you guys, writing stories would have slipped into the category of "hobby" a long time ago.

Now, I'm getting to experience something a lot of people never get the chance to experience. I'm actually seeing a dream come true right before my eyes, and let me tell you--
    --it's crazy-amazing!

For those of you who know me and may start worrying for my babies' well-being at the thought that I've suddenly decided to live off my writing, don't worry. I'm still a scientist and something of a realist by nature (though the dreamer inside is finally getting to spread her wings a bit more lately). I'm well aware that the 3-week success of a first (and so far only finished) book in no way means it's time for a career change!

That said, though, thank you again to all of you who have read my words and offered support and encouragement and told other people to take a risk on a new writer in a genre that lots of people still shy away from for the most part.
You guys are the best :)

have you gotten your copy?

First off, let me say thank you to all of you who have been reading my writing here so faithfully. Your support means more to me than you can imagine, and it has kept me writing even when the words didn't come easily.

So, I want to make sure everyone knows that THE PROPHECY is available free for the Kindle on Amazon! The promotion will last through Monday, so if you are an ebook person stop over and pick it up...then let me know what you think about it :0)

Second, I thought I would tell you all a little bit about the story that's coming next. It's definitely quite a ways from being finished, but I'm having a lot of fun writing it!

It's not part 2 for the Sons of Tundyel (that one is still in the planning stages). I've delved into a different type of world for this one. My hero Roedel is of the Ula Ros--think elf-like for that one--and he has found out that somehow he is the only hope for the defeat of an army that threatens the whole land. Roedel is traveling with 3 others from 3 different races. His companions are responsible for getting him safely to the Vale in search of a teacher who can help him understand his powers. The problem with that is, the Ula Ros have been forbidden from ever returning to the Vale.

Like I said, I'm having fun writing this story. Roedel is a bit young and clumsy, and I'm finding myself amused and befuddled by some of the things he does (that sounds weird; I'm writing about him and yet still being surprised by him). His companions have kind of mixed feelings towards him as well, so their journey is a bit... interesting.

Again, thank you for taking an interest in the crazy ramblings of someone addicted to writing! If you haven't gotten it yet, head here to pick up your free Kindle copy of THE PROPHECY (and sorry, but the Kindle version is the only ebook available right now due to a 90 day exclusivity agreement with Amazon).

I hope you enjoy it, and I hope it won't take me nearly as long to get this second story finished :0)

the big reveal...

I'm incredibly excited (and a bit terrified) to say...

IT'S HERE!

 This little thing (I say that, but it actually came to a whopping 496 pages...never would have imagined that!) has been a long time coming, but it is finally available in its entirety. You can get to it by clicking on the picture above for right now, because createspace is the only place you'll find it for a few days. Before long both the print edition and the Kindle ebook will be available through Amazon. I'll be sure to let you know when that happens--the ebook should be available by the end of the day today :0)

If you are an Amazon Prime member with a Kindle (or the Kindle for PC/MAC, or whatever other Kindle readers there are out there...I'm not very well versed in it myself!), you'll be able to borrow the book for free!

Can I ask a huge favor? If you get the chance to read it, would you take a minute to review it on Amazon for me when the book shows up? Good or bad, I would love to know what you think!