Fellow Authors

With all the progress being made on my book, I have to admit it's an odd feeling thinking of myself as a published author, but I'm getting used to it more now.  It's like I've been invited to join this secret world that I knew existed, but like the cool kids at lunch, I never felt I'd fit in.  Now that my foot's in the door, I love talking about my book, making friends with fellow authors on twitter and facebook, and reading up on their adventures as they make their way through the publishing world. 

Before, when I would tell people I was writing a book I'd get the look.  You know, the one that says, "Yeah, right.  Good luck with that."  After getting that a few times too many, I stopped telling people.  If I'm being totally honest, it almost drove me to prove that I could finish.  So I suppose I owe them for "the look." 

Now, after signing my contract with Inkspell, it's amazing the response I get.  People actually want to know what the book is about. My favorite question is, "How long did it take you to write it?"  When I answer three years, I get the "whoas" and "wows". Much better than "the look." 

So to my fellow authors out there, thanks for welcoming me in with open arms.  I hope to meet each and every one of you one day and read all of your books!  Thank you for your support and enthusiasm as my journey begins. 

Jill

Progress

Today I felt like a rock star!  All due to a photo shoot for my headshots. 

As I navigate the process of taking my novel through publishing, my goal is to enjoy each and every moment.  Some are naturally more exciting than others, and today was one of those times.  My daughter's dance teacher dabbles in photography and is quite good.  So it was fortuitous for me that she agreed to employ the task of making me appear author-like.  I purchased a new blouse, which for those that know me doesn't happen often, and we met this morning at the scenic and, come to find out, mosquito riddened Sugar Mill Gardens.  Feeling oddly lighthearted, I came out of the shadows and faced the lens that I have so heartily avoided for some time now.  Mirrors and cameras have not been my friends.  (Probably goes back to a little of that self-loathing thing I had going on a few weeks ago.) 

Kristi, the photographer, made me feel very comfortable and I think we got a few good shots in there.  I will know for sure tomorrow.  I'm sure they'll be terrific, especially after editing.  Regardless, I have to say that it was loads of fun. She made me feel like a superstar, which says a lot for her talents. 

So pictures will show up on my website soon...can't wait to see myself. www.jillkaelin.weebly.com

http://www.kristihartleyphotography.webs.com/ 

Pre-Edits Done

So I'm feeling very accomplished today.  I have finally finished my pre-edits.  For those of you who are new to this like I am, pre-editing is where you go through your manuscript and fix the little mistakes that you find like changing "cannot" to can't.  Another tedious fix is making sure there is only a single space at the end of each sentence.  I clearly remember back to keyboarding in high school where I was taught to double space before beginning a new sentence, but I suppose with all the new technology of e-books, single spacing is preferred.  As you can see from my blog, I still double space...old dog-new tricks, you get it, right?

After going through the last six or seven chapters of Cycle Thirteen today, I must say I feel pretty lame for my last blog.  My book is pretty darn good, if I say so myself.  I found myself really getting into it and even crying at one point in the story.  Although, if I'm being totally honest, I cry at Publix commercials, so it doesn't take much.  But seriously, I think everyone is really going to like it.  Some things I had actually forgotten about, so it was fun to reread and relive those moments again. 

My next step is to work on the other assignments from the publisher, one of which I am very excited about...the cover design.  I have some ideas, now I just need some time to put them on paper.  Wish me luck!  Until next week...happy reading! 

Normal?

Is it normal to feel like everything you've written for the past few years is crap?  I am in the process of doing my pre-edits and sometimes I read something and I find myself wondering why they picked me.  I'm no stranger to self doubt and low esteem issues, but honestly, as excited as I am about being published, I am also scared to death.  My friends and family will read this.  Don't get me wrong, there's no Fifty Shades references or anything like that.  Judgement is where my fear presides.  Will they like it or will they kindly tell me to my face that it's good but then secretly send private messages throughout Facebook land on how awful a writer I am?  For those of you who are experienced at this, I'm curious...is this normal? 

Funny, as I look over what I just wrote, I am reminded of my main character, Skye.  She, too, is in the self-loathing club at times.  Wonder where she gets it from? 

Back to the Book

"I felt faintly aware of what was about to happen. Another person I knew was going to be informed of our supernatural lives. Why didn’t we just rent a banner plane? Seriously."

 

~One of my favorite quotes from Cycle Thirteen.   

For the majority of her life, Skye Kelley's parents have told her to keep her secret hidden.  Even in their own home, her dad whispered when it came to things involving their clandestine lives.  She wanted desperately to be able to confide in someone, to have someone other than Jenny, her diary, to talk to when it came to her life as a uni.  However, when the curtains came down on her play, her world, began spinning in the opposite direction.

Skye's witty sarcasm can be found throughout the book.  She sees the world differently from the rest of us because of who she is.  I can't wait for you to read it and come to love my characters as I do. 

I was at a funeral today.  A very close friend of mine lost her father this past week.  The church swelled with love from friends and family members who were there to remember a remarkable man, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  It is times like this that remind us how precious life is. 

I thought about how my life has been up to this moment.  Honestly, no complaints came to mind.  I don't own a house, my bills pile up...like every one else lately, and my car doesn't always work like I would like it to.  But my daughter and I are happy and great things are happening in both of our lives.  Isn't that what matters most? 

So, I arrive home from this sad occasion to find a blog entry on Inkspell Publishing's website welcoming me as a new author.  Yep.  Life is good.  No complaints here. 

My book is being published.  I think I mentioned that before. It still surprises me every time I say it out loud. 

Check it out:  http://www.inkspellpublishing.com/blog.html

Thanks

They say behind every good man is a good woman, but I believe behind every good author is a great cheerleader.  I was fortunate enough to have two.  The first one is obvious...my beautiful daughter.  She wasn't just an encouraging word or two when I needed it, she taught me about perseverance.  You see, she has been through extraordinary events in her life and has always been a beam of positive shining light in every life she touches.  She lives by the mantra of never giving up.  When I began writing and the self doubt crept in, she took the first few chapters to her middle school and let her friends read them.  It wasn't long before her friends were begging for more to read.  That jolt of confidence encouraged me to continue, so I did.

But the rah-rah's didn't stop with her.  My sister-in-law was a huge contributor to my success and I must publicly thank her for her support.  (No, she didn't put me up to this.)  Sharing her ideas, spending her time reading, weekends spent editing, and countless texts and e-mails...she has done it all.  She is the only person who has read every word of my book and she's done that more than once.  I owe her...bigtime. 

Without these two very special people in my life I'm not sure if I would be where I am today.  So here is a very public THANK YOU to the both of them and to all who have believed in me.