Dear Friends,
Well, I’ve finally done it. I’ve finally self-published a piece of work that began over twenty years ago as a short story. I can check this off my bucket list and move on to another novel that’s been brewing in my head.
Besides the fact that my stomach has been in knots for the last 72 hours and my hands continue to shake, I’m doing just fine. It’s only Day One. As T. S. Eliot once said, “Anxiety is the hand maiden of creativity.” So true.
I can’t even begin to recount the hours of love and energy I put into the novel (but I’m sure my husband can. Sometimes I went missing for days…). From writing the first draft, to trashing it entirely and starting all over, to submitting it as the thesis for my MFA, to reworking it for the past year, I’ve given Michael and Annabelle all I can give to them. I must now say goodbye to my dear friends. I love you M & A, and I wish you well in the world. If just one person says, “That was a nice story,” or “That story made me smile,” then I have done my job. It will all have been worth it.
Information on how to order the novel is on the sidebar of my blog. You can also find out more information on my author website at stephanieverni.com. I’m open to visiting book clubs in the area and discussing my book, and I’d love to hear feedback if you read it and have time.
For those who have continued to push me through the process, thank you. It was your constant inquiries on how the book was coming along that helped me get to the finish line.
It wasn’t a physical triathlon, but it was my own version of one.
I am pleased to present it to you.
Now I’m going to have a glass of wine.
Fondly,
Stephanie (Skeeter)
