I wasn’t sure what to call this article. I almost called it “The Day My Life Changed”. But life doesn’t change in days or weeks. It changes in seconds. When you get that epiphany. When the light bulb goes off. When things just click.
A number of things led to my life changing. It could be traced back to the moment I picked up my first romance novel. It could be the moment I found a circle of writers who agreed who read and critique my books. Or even my first RWA (Romance Writers of America) conference when I finally got to meet these longtime internet friends in person. Some would say the second I hit that “publish” button on my first book was the biggest moment.
But there’s one that sticks out to me. One exceptionally stressful day when I realized things were starting to go right.
A little bit of back story: I come from a business background. When I published my first book, I was working in internal controls at a large manufacturing company. I was ready to publish. I had studied the publishing industry like I studied for the CPA exam, I put out five books at once and, most importantly, I had been a romance superfan since I was twelve years old (since there are no ratings on books, the store clerks didn’t mind selling me any books I wanted!)
Even though I had done everything “right”, publishing is strange. I didn’t know if readers would connect with my voice and the market was getting more and more competitive every year. It would be easier to be patient if my job at the time had been going better.
On this particular morning, I was already anticipating a long day. My small department was leading a full day meeting (8 full hours of boring…). I arrived to the office at 8:26 in the morning, four minutes before the meeting started. My boss met me at the door with an exceptionally pleasant “You’re late.”
Late? I had plenty of time to make it to the meeting… But nope. Apparently overnight, my manager had changed the speakers, and the first section of the day was now being led by me. I had to present to all the heads of the company with no preparation and only three minutes to spare.
So after I swallowed back my frustration and put on a pretty good presentation (if I do say so myself) I was finally able to sit down and relax while my boss led the next section. Since nothing she was going over was news to me, I took the chance to take out my phone and load my sales. Just a little something to cheer me up.
And that’s when it happened. My light bulb. My epiphany. My moment. My sales weren’t the handful or so I’d been getting since I published. The first book in the series (TEACHING THE BOSS, which was free) had gotten over a thousand downloads. Throughout the day, the number just kept growing higher and higher.
It was shocking. Unbelievable. There was no paid promotion lifting it up. Just honest to goodness readers connecting with my little story. My voice. And as someone who has been a bit of an outsider my entire life, it was a crazy moment. Not only did I realize that this frustrating job might not be my future, but it was also the moment I realized that I wasn’t alone.
I tried to find a photo of me wearing a business suit and looking all official, but I think the fact that there’s no photo record of that period of my life says a lot. Instead here’s a selfie fail of me with my first foster dog. I think my messed up hair speaks volumes about why I needed dog kisses at that time in my life π
114 Comments
J V SUMANTH
February 17, 2017 at 8:37 amWISH YOU VERY ALL THE BEST FOR THE POST OF RESCUE DOGS & TEACHING NEW THINGS TO THEM AT HANDFULL.
candiss kennedy
February 17, 2017 at 9:15 amyour books seem very intersting!!!
Kris Meldgaard
February 17, 2017 at 10:19 amOmg this sounds soooo hot!!! Totally top shelfed on my TBR!! I HAVE to read this!!π
πXoxoπ
Hattie Loggins
February 17, 2017 at 11:00 amThank you so much for the wonderful giveaway. Also, I have never read your books before and this has been a terrific opportunity to locate a new author. I cannot thank you enough.
Gloria Walshver
February 17, 2017 at 1:40 pmYou really love dogs, so do I.
Tammie Browning
February 17, 2017 at 2:01 pmThank you for sharing part of your life with me. You are new to me so I haven’t read any of your books YET, but so far they sound very good. I’m happy you followed your heart and decided to publish your books. I agree with you, if you don’t have any pictures of you dressed for work and you spent that amount of time daily doing that job something’s not right. You should have a few pictures. I would have to say you probably didn’t find your happiness or purpose in that job. But from the smiles you have now, not just from your mouth but from eyes and your words you look happy and happy to be a writer.
Thank you for this giveaway. Even if I don’t win I feel I already won by getting to know you and your writing. I look forward to learning more about both. I will be purchasing your books for sure.
Again, thank you for sharing about you, your babies, your life and your books. I wish you continued success.
Natalie Cleary
February 17, 2017 at 4:03 pmYou are an awesome person for what you are doing with your dogs!
Heather Ambrose
February 17, 2017 at 5:05 pmWow, looks like you made the right decision for yourself! Your dogs are too cute!!
Jason Whitaker
February 17, 2017 at 5:30 pmhello
Joy
February 17, 2017 at 5:31 pmI really enjoy reading your books.
Amber M
February 17, 2017 at 5:34 pmWow! I wish you the best!! You sound like amazing author!
Amanda P
February 17, 2017 at 5:39 pmLove your dogs!!! Your books sound really good.
Sarah DeLong
February 17, 2017 at 5:41 pmI love the photo of your first foster dog and yourself. I admire your love to both foster and rescue dogs. You are a new to me author and I can’t wait to read your works. Thank you for such an amazing giveaway.
Byron
February 17, 2017 at 5:41 pmLooks good!
Norma
February 17, 2017 at 5:48 pmThanks so much for the Awesome giveaway.
Kathleen Kelly
February 17, 2017 at 5:56 pmCongrats and good luck with your new book!
Jeremy
February 17, 2017 at 5:59 pmAnd best of luck making your fortune writing, or at least a decent living.
Brian Casson
February 17, 2017 at 6:00 pmAwesome!
Joe Burba
February 17, 2017 at 6:00 pmcool
sheila yoha
February 17, 2017 at 6:04 pmThanks for the giveaway π
JJ Lopez
February 17, 2017 at 6:13 pmGreat!
Karen Holsopple
February 17, 2017 at 6:15 pmI’m enjoying your books, and your blog! Look forward to the next ones!!1
Kate Moran
February 17, 2017 at 6:36 pmI’ve never thought about the personal side of authors before. Just love to read the books. Thank you.
Kim Brown
February 17, 2017 at 6:36 pmI live in the country were so many people decides that it is a good place to dump their responsibilities. In a year and a half I’ve gain two pups…luckily my two German Shepards and Doberman love them both. π€
Katarina Lucic
February 17, 2017 at 6:40 pmI LOVE your picture!
Dale Wilken
February 17, 2017 at 6:52 pmThank you for a great giveaway I liked the excerpt.
Kim Holliday
February 17, 2017 at 6:59 pmYou’re a new author to me, but I can’t wait to read The Cocky Thief!
Terry Easom
February 17, 2017 at 7:27 pmYou are a great author and an exceptional human being, for having the love and patience to adopt and foster those furbabies. I think we could be great friends!
Jenny
February 17, 2017 at 7:33 pmI can’t wait to read the cocky thief. Seems very interesting
Valeen Robertson
February 17, 2017 at 7:44 pmI’ve read quite a few of your books and have enjoyed them all. Love the pic with your dog!
Richard Brandt
February 17, 2017 at 8:20 pmMet the new boss! NOT the same as the old boss, I trust!
Terry Poage
February 17, 2017 at 8:44 pmYour books seems very interesting and sounds good
lawrence
February 17, 2017 at 9:03 pmCool dogs. Been looking for a new book series to read. I’ve just found one
lawrence
February 17, 2017 at 9:03 pmCool dogs. Been looking for a new book series to read. I’ve just found one.
Judy Thomas
February 17, 2017 at 9:34 pmYou have a very kind heart.I wish the world had more people like you in it π
Patti Griner
February 17, 2017 at 9:54 pmLooking forward to the new series!
ANGELA SWANGER
February 17, 2017 at 9:54 pmA bit cocky sounds like a hot read!
Janelle Simoneau
February 17, 2017 at 10:25 pmI have read everyone of your books even the paranormal ones. You made me a fan of them all! I read each new book quickly and eagerly await the next. I’m looking forward to your new paranormal series even thought that’s not my usual forte. Also love that you have rescue dogs. I have a 22 wrk old blind husky puppy!
Margaret Appel
February 17, 2017 at 10:27 pmFrom reading about your epiphany to your rescue dogs, I’d say you are right where you need to be. You are a new author to me and I am looking forward to reading your books. Thanks for the insights into you π
Jackie Phipps
February 17, 2017 at 10:27 pmYou are a great person for rescuing the dogs. Your book looks interesting
Mirele Dourado Pauly
February 17, 2017 at 10:30 pmyour books are great and your dogs are adorable!
Julia
February 17, 2017 at 10:34 pmI really enjoy your books that I have read.
Barrie
February 17, 2017 at 10:36 pmWhat an awesome story of how you became a successful writer.! Keep up the good work.
paula cheadle
February 17, 2017 at 10:41 pmlooks like a good book
Gail
February 17, 2017 at 10:58 pmAwesome and love the dogs. They are so cute
Mary Epperson
February 17, 2017 at 11:13 pmHope that you achieve all that you set out to. I love your books, and hope to read more soon. <3
Melissa Ferryman
February 17, 2017 at 11:19 pmLove your books!
Jan
February 17, 2017 at 11:51 pmI’m not a great reader but thanks for the chance anyway
Cheryl Winter
February 18, 2017 at 12:25 amI’ve not read your books yet but I most certainly can’t wait. It’s been great locating another amazing author.
BJaye Conway
February 18, 2017 at 12:41 amLOVING IT ALL, BUT TOO MANY HOOPS TO JUMP THROUGH FOR CONTEST. BOOKS LOK LIKE A BLAST, CAN’T WAIT TO READ THEM!
Abderrahmane
February 18, 2017 at 1:11 amyour books seem very intersting!!!
Jeannette
February 18, 2017 at 1:25 amJust started to read your books -thumbs up!! Awesome job with your rescue dogs! I grew up with dogs and cannot picture my life without them. I look forward to coming home from work to my 2 dogs and get lots of lovin’
357annie
February 18, 2017 at 1:52 amHappy to see you are able to do what you love!
Anindito Suangga Mangawe
February 18, 2017 at 1:53 amGreat story…
Cynthia Powers
February 18, 2017 at 2:06 amYour former boss sounds like a real winner….I can’t wait to read your books!
Julie
February 18, 2017 at 3:21 amI prefer this photo anyway it’s real, compare to most author photos which look fake, put on, old and stuffy!
Carol Trochelman
February 18, 2017 at 4:32 amAwesome! Looking forward to reading some of your books. And gives me hope as a writer. Great blog post!
Kim
February 18, 2017 at 4:49 amLove your love of rescue dogs. I can appreciate you for your ability to make others aware of what great, loving pets rescue animals can be. Thank you.
Julie
February 18, 2017 at 5:27 amI never read your book yet but I read the extract and for sure I will be a fan!
Debbie Fair
February 18, 2017 at 6:01 amI love your personal story. Its wonderful to be able to write I love to read and could probably write but my writing language skills aren’t the best. Hope it keeps well for you thanks, debbie
Amin Salasa
February 18, 2017 at 7:25 amwish you all the best…..
Rebecca Foley
February 18, 2017 at 7:29 amThank you for a great giveaway.
Milly Voskanyan
February 18, 2017 at 7:42 amI’m looking forward to reading all your books!
Crystal Finch
February 18, 2017 at 8:03 amcute dogs
Laura
February 18, 2017 at 8:07 amSounds awesome! I love that photo by the way. I’ve taken plenty of those with my pups haha! π
Denise Elliott
February 18, 2017 at 9:38 amLove your fur babies. I have never read one of your books but they are at the top of my to read list
tonia clifton
February 18, 2017 at 10:33 ami havent read any of your books before but looks interesting
Mei
February 18, 2017 at 10:44 amYour dogs are soooo utterly adorable! Thank you for sharing a bit about yourself, you are an inspiration.
vaibhav
February 18, 2017 at 11:55 amI certainly waiting for your new series to read.. eagerly. π
rm2h
February 18, 2017 at 2:25 pmhello
Teresa Williams
February 18, 2017 at 3:44 pmI love your books and this is an awesome contest.
Tiffany Giovino
February 18, 2017 at 4:13 pmI’m really looking forward to reading your books π
Valerie Miller
February 18, 2017 at 4:30 pmLove the dogs and the book to. I will have to put it on my wish list.
Darla Peduzzi
February 18, 2017 at 5:30 pmIt’s important to do what you love and in your picture, it’s so apparent you are in the right place in your life <3
Steven
February 18, 2017 at 5:53 pmSweet puppies!
Lee9
February 18, 2017 at 7:48 pmNever had a dog but in dreams i love them
Debbie Clatterbuck
February 18, 2017 at 8:11 pmI love your dogs and the fact that you rescued them. I have a rescue dog too that is a beagle mix. I love her more than any other dog I’ve ever had because she is a rescue dog.
Gabrielly
February 18, 2017 at 9:41 pmGood luck with your new book.
V B
February 18, 2017 at 9:53 pmI love this author! Her books are amazing!!
Jennifer L McKinney
February 18, 2017 at 10:50 pmI’m sure I would like your dog picture better than the suit picture. I love paranormal Romances. I can’t wait to start the Bewitching hour series.
maryna jedrzejak
February 19, 2017 at 12:56 amIlove what you doing for the dogs!!!
Rhi
February 19, 2017 at 6:44 amThanks for sharing your story.
Lesley
February 19, 2017 at 9:09 amlove your dogs and wishing you all the best in your future endeavors
Irma J
February 19, 2017 at 10:40 amI’m so excited to read this books! The covers are so yumm!
Jan H
February 19, 2017 at 6:05 pmLove your backstory!
Joel Tarin
February 19, 2017 at 6:20 pmKeep up the good work rescue those dogs
Lori Byrd
February 19, 2017 at 9:26 pmApplause for rescuing these dogs. Love your story.
Catherine
February 19, 2017 at 11:28 pmI love your smooch dog selfie ! I wish you all the best ans a wonderfull carreer as your books are excellent !
shanjeet
February 20, 2017 at 1:15 amJust here for the sake of commenting! thanks for the giveaway. π
Karo
February 20, 2017 at 2:53 amGreat you have a business background!
Mary McCoy
February 20, 2017 at 3:45 amRescue dog kisses are the best!
Bella
February 20, 2017 at 4:15 amSo excited to have discovered a new author with whom I seem to have so many things in common! <3 those rescue dogs that worm their way into your heart so quickly.
Janel
February 20, 2017 at 4:02 pmReally love your work, can’t wait to read your latest!
Daphne Park
February 20, 2017 at 6:31 pmYou are a lady with a good heart, our fur babies are our family too
Judy Schechter
February 20, 2017 at 7:04 pmI loved that! You must have been so excited to see that 1,000 people bought your book! I haven’t had the pleasure of reading your work yet but I look forward to it!
Sandy Weinstein
February 20, 2017 at 8:48 pmi like the dogs the best, sorry to say, i would rather play, hug and kiss my 4 legged girls than anything. i love that you rescue dogs.
Julia
February 20, 2017 at 9:12 pmThere is nothing so good in the world as doggy kisses π
sandy haber
February 20, 2017 at 9:55 pmSo glad you had the courage to change your direction. I just submitted my retirement notice, so my life is changing as well. After 40 years of working as a librarian, I’m going to be a stay-at-home retired person. Will be weird at first; everyone says retirement is great and that before I know it I’ll be so busy. I hope so! Going to look for your books, don’t think I’ve read any of them yet. But now I’m going to have lots of time to read all of these new authors!!
Jitendra Sakariya
February 20, 2017 at 11:32 pmAppreciable work with your story writing skills & love with your pets.
Good luck.
Carla
February 21, 2017 at 1:45 amYou have beautiful dogs and are very lucky to foster Chunk. Thank you for sharing. Can’t wait to start reading.
Jana Leah
February 21, 2017 at 2:36 amA photo with your doggie is much better than a photo of you in a nice suit.
Evelyn Privette
February 21, 2017 at 3:32 amHope to read books soon
generalissimo1
February 21, 2017 at 8:04 pmgreat
Emily Endrizzi
February 22, 2017 at 1:11 amI think dog selfies are the best pics! Much nicer than professional suit pics!
Lois Telford
February 22, 2017 at 1:25 pmtrying to read all of your books
Jennifer Rector
February 22, 2017 at 6:42 pmThank you for the AMAZING book giveaway!!
πππππππππππππππ
I would lovee to win and get lost in your new wonderful novels!!
Fingers crossed!!
Good luck everyone!!
Carol Oddy
February 22, 2017 at 7:19 pmLooks like you are having a great day with your dogs, I have always loved dogs as well, great companions.
Ε½eljka RankoviΔ
February 22, 2017 at 9:14 pmThis is such an amazing story. What you wrote here… that’s why I like to support authors <3
MarcoRizzo
February 23, 2017 at 3:03 amAwsome…best dog eva!!
Kristi
February 23, 2017 at 4:09 amThis is an amazing story! Wish i could adopt more dogs! I love all of them!
Edna Williams
February 23, 2017 at 6:20 pmWish I could read more because your books sound amazing!
Jody F
February 23, 2017 at 8:57 pmGreat story that proves your career was meant to be! I look forward to getting to read more of your books as you continue to release such sexy stories!
TracyPG
February 24, 2017 at 1:06 amI love that you are into animal rescue like me! It is a passion of mine.
Brandon Sparks
February 24, 2017 at 3:24 amSounds Amazing! I really love your work. You are an amazing writer. Thanks so much.