On April 22, 2012, it will be exactly one year since I put my debut novel, Accountable to None, on Amazon. Now, a little over eleven months later, I attended my very first book signing at Barnes&Noble with my publisher.
Just typing that sentence above is an absolute thrill and still unbelievable for me. For those of you that don't know, this was not my original intention when I started school again after the ripe old age of 40. I wanted to be a nurse.
Until two little elective Creative Writing classes stumbled into my world, followed by one amazing teacher that saw something in me that I wasn't aware existed. Upon my graduation in May 2011 with my Associates in Science, I was ready to attend nursing school in the Spring of 2012, but then several major events happened.
*In October of 2011, UK author Lindsay Ann Kendal watched my book trailer for ATN and then read the book. Her review literally brought me to tears, but her next action brought huge tears to my eyes: she contacted her publisher and by December, I was officially signed with World Castle Publishing.
*In December of 2011, I made a spur of the moment decision to offer ATN up for free through Amazon's Kindle Direct Select Program. 30,000 plus downloads in less than 48 hours. Christmas joy took on a whole new meaning for me when it hit #1 in Suspense.
*February of 2012, the sequel to Accountable to None, Zero Balance, was released worldwide.
Let's just say that nursing school is no longer in my plans!
For those of you that don't have a Kindle or use Amazon, not to worry: both books will be available soon electronically EVERYWHERE, including for Nook users. :)
A heartfelt thank you to every single person that has helped me along in this journey. From those that edited both books to those that helped create the covers and book trailer, all the way to each and every fan that downloaded a copy of a novel by an unknown. Truly, the last year has been the ride of my life, and I am enjoying every single minute of it! I have met some incredible people while walking on this new path, and their friendship and support has been such a blessing in my life.
Now to work on scheduling some book signings in Central Arkansas!
Oh, and of course, since I am a suspense writer, I leave you with this:
Watch out for some VERY exciting news in the next few months. One word hint: VINDICTIVE.
Love,
Ashley
No comments:
Post a Comment