Writing has often been described as a solitary occupation. It’s something we do on our own, sitting by ourselves at our desk or wherever it is we like to write. But the Internet changed everything. Now we have a way to connect with other writers and not feel so alone.
I did this via Blogger, and I’ve met countless talented writers who are at various stages in their career, but who universally reach out and touch others like me who crave not just understanding, but friendship. I might be tenacious and determined, but I seriously do not think I would have made it this far without my blogging buddies and the critique partners I’ve met online.
There are two in particular I’d like to feature here today. They are both beloved critique partners, and now, they are both what I like to call my publishing sisters. As most of you know, I managed to swing an unagented deal with Sapphire Star Publishing last March.
Well, in April, my best friend and writing soul-mate, Lisa Regan, also joined the growing team at SSP. Although I did mention her book deal, it came right in the middle of the A to Z Challenge, when all my posts were prewritten and scheduled well ahead of time, so I only briefly touched on her achievement. But though it might have been lost in the chaos that was April, nothing in this world could have made me happier.
You see, although Lisa and I have not actually met in person...yet—we will finally meet in October at BoucherCon—we’ve become about as close as two friends can be. We email looooong letters to each other twice a week and constantly text each other when news is too urgent to wait for the email. And we talk on the phone when one of us needs the extra support. We started as critique partners, but have become as close as twin sisters. And, with the exception of my mother, I love her more than any other woman I’ve ever known. She is my rock, plain and simple. And now, we get to share every stage of the publication process, side-by-side.
Since I’m a couple of months ahead of her in that process, I share every detail, every problem, every accomplishment, knowing she will soon experience the very same thing. I cannot even express how wonderful it is to have my best friend experiencing the same journey at practically the same time, and with the same publisher. It doesn’t get much better than that.
But then it did! That’s right. Another one of my blogging buddies and beloved critique partners signed her own book deal with SSP.
Many of you already know Carrie Butler. In addition to her wonderful blog, Carrie’s a skilled writer who’s penned a thrilling New Adult paranormal romance novel, plus, she’s an amazing graphic artist who’s designed numerous blog headers, buttons, and badges for her friends and followers, including me. But more than anything, she’s been an unconditionally supportive friend to me. She was there when I needed her, when I had to make one of the most difficult decisions in my writing career. And now, she is also my publishing sister.
So it’s the three of us together at SSP now, me the big older sister with her two younger siblings in tow. I can’t begin to explain what this means to me. I don’t have any real, from-the-womb sisters, only brothers, and I’ve always envied my friends who do. There’s just something special about that bond. But I think I have the next best thing with my publishing sisters. We stand united in our goals, in our dreams, but more than anything, in our friendship. It’s like a second and third dream come true, all within a matter of months. How cool is that?!
If you could bring anyone along on your journey, who would it be and why?
