Clean Indie Reads March Madness Blog Hop

It’s been a little more than three years since I hit the publish button on my first book, Summer Storms. Since then I’ve met an amazing cover designer, an editor who understands exactly what I’m trying to say even when I have buried it under layers, and a number of supportive individuals who have provided encouragement when I’ve hit a brick wall. Now, with my fifth book going through revisions and two more books brewing I have a few minutes to contemplate what I would do should I be approached by a publishing house with a contract offer.

There are some good things a publishing contract could bring. Maybe they’d offer me enough money up front so that I could quit my day job or find something that’s only part time and closer to home so I’d have more time to dedicate to writing. Maybe my sales would take off and I could afford to give my parents a trip to Alaska for their anniversary. Maybe I could afford a trip to Italy to do research for a book I’ve been wanting to finish for years.

But what would I have to give up for that contract? How much of my independence, how much of my voice would I lose? If my books don’t fit into the mold of what’s hot now, will I be dropped like a hot potato? What if I don’t mesh with the editor they assign me like I do with my current editor?

As a little girl I pictured myself as a writer. I assume I was successful because I envisioned owning a ranch and several horses. While I don’t have the ranch or the horses, yet, I do feel fulfilled as a writer. I love having the chance to interact with my readers and asking them for input on my work. I love sharing my experiences and encouraging others who have thought about writing, but have been afraid to try.

For now, I’m happy right where I am. Who knows, in another ten years there may not be any big publishing houses and I may be on the cutting edge of the new industry. I kind of like the sound of that.

The Clean Indie Reads authors have teamed up to give away a huge assortment of books! In order to win one book from EACH author in the blog hop, simply fill out the secure Google form below. It’s that easy. To increase your chances, visit more of the blogs on this hop (see all their links below) and fill out the form on each of their blog sites. One random visitor will be selected at the end of the blog hop! Some of these authors have their own giveaways, so be sure to check them out. I’d also like to encourage you to visit the Clean Indie Reads Book Sale beginning at midnight March 15, 2015! Lots of great clean reading is offered there, and most of them are at discount prices.