A Pledge

I love writing.

I also love National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).

Correspondingly, I love the non-profit that hosts NaNoWriMo, The Office of Letters and Light. Please read more about the fabulous programs they provide for young writers, teachers, and grown-up writers here, here, and here.

 As such, I'm making a pledge for the month of November:

1) All royalties from sales of my book, On Her Own Two Wheels, in the month of November, shall go to the programs hosted by The Office of Letters and Light. You can purchase my book either from CreateSpace at this link or from Amazon at this link.

 2) I have 25 promotional copies of my book that I special-ordered for NaNoWriMo. If you make a $10 donation, I will give/send you a copy of my book as a donor gift. I can collect the donation and send it for you, or you can show me your donor receipt via email if you donate directly at this link. First 25 donors only. U.S. shipping, 48 contiguous states only. You can send me your donor receipt via email at stacyxavier7 at gmail dot com.

 3) If you don't want my book, fine! I see how it is. :-) But you can still feel really good about yourself and do something nice for the holidays by either donating directly at the link above or through the secure StayClassy Page at this link.

 However you do it, please consider donating to this wonderful organization so they can continue offering their programming to thousands of children, and even a few of us adults, around the world.

Oh Yeah! I Published a Book!

I'm doing this all kinds of backwards. I mean, really, I didn't have months of anticipatory build-up before my release date. I mainly just told people I know - "Hey! I'm releasing a book in a few weeks!" (that was back in August; it's now November; gosh am I glad I didn't post an official release date way back then). And last night, after going over my most recent proof, I was half-delerious from exhaustion, half-giddy from FINALLY being ready to pull the trigger, that I hit "Publish My Book" on CreateSpace... and then collapsed into bed.

I'm certain I'll do this right next time around. I will do a blog tour and host other writers on my blog that I manage to network with so I can be a good member of my community. I'll set an official "Release Date." I'll hire a real editor. I'll do some other awesome promotional stuff.

But this time around - I learned the Process. And it was really good. I feel about 75% smarter than I was in January and the bulk of that I learned since July. I have a realistic idea of time frames; I have a realistic idea of how much time I  have to designate to this project myself. I see what it takes; and I can't wait to take it on again. Bigger, better, and unplugged. (or something)

That said - I'm still insanely excited about this book. I'm excited that I've dipped my toe in the water; I'm excited to learn what I can do better next time - writing-wise, cover-design wise, everything-wise. But I'm also just excited that this fun little story has a place to go other than on my hard drive. I hope it is good for a smile, a relaxing little foray into another person's world for a few hours, and maybe even a little bit of inspiration.

Purchase Now on CreateSpace