This past month, with Canadian Thanksgiving and all the good things that are part of it, has been one big festival of gratitude and today I’m adding this post to the celebration.
First of all, I’m thankful to every person who purchased my novels and shared them with friends and those who took the time to write a review. Without your purchases and reviews, Amazon might not have become aware of what I was writing. There are a lot of authors to look at out there. In fact, statistics say there are between 600,000 and 1,000,000 books published yearly in North America alone. Yikes.
This month I’m grateful beyond words for Amazon’s relaunch of The Promise of Provence and Promises To Keep. The story that turned into the Love in Provence series thanks to the enthusiastic support of so many readers and requests for more of Katherine’s ‘mid-life coming of age’ journey.
Thanks to the amazing team at #LakeUnionPublishing, led by Senior Acquisitions Editor, Danielle Marshall, for their priceless support and to all the avid readers who keep me inspired ! Book 3, I Promise You This, will be published Spring 2016. The last round of edits has been completed and I’m thankful for the guidance of my superb developmental editor, Amara Holstein. Katherine’s journey continues!
As an indie author, I’ve been fortunate to reach a good number of readers 
and they have proven to be inspiring and ardent. Thank you to each and every one of you. I keep repeating that hearing from readers is the best reward for a writer! I’m constantly surprised and amazed at the personal and meaningful messages I receive along with simple “I loved the story” emails. Each one is special and I know I speak for my fellow authors when I express this: Writers love hearing from readers.
The other side of being an indie author is the endless support and collegiality that writers offer each other. Self-publishing is hard work: researching and writing the book, working with professional editors and proofreaders, and choosing cover designers is just the beginning. Books will not sell without marketing and promotion to spread the word. Did I mention it was hard work?
Thank goodness for the community of indie authors, professional editors, technical experts, virtual assistants, author service providers, book promoting websites, bloggers and reviewers who offer each other endless assistance and share information so openly.
Through Amazon I look forward to having my books in front of many more readers than I could ever hope to reach on my own. Thanks to Amazon’s amazing marketing people, I will have more time to write novels.
Yes, there is so much to be thankful for. I hope you feel the same with your life.
Keep writing
You are making countless people happy!
Thanks so much for your kind words. I will keep writing … as a matter of fact, I can’t stop! 🙂
I can’t wait to read the new book. I hope I can get it as an ebook, because when it is published I won’t be able to wait for it to be mailed.
Hi Patricia! It’s not an easy job getting our books read when there are so many authors publishing books each year. I read that statistic about how many new books come out each year and was flabbergasted! I feel like a tiny guppy in an ocean of whales. I’m thankful when I sell any books at all. I purchased two of your books and still have one I want to read. Congratulations on your future sales!
Patti
hmmm ~ I was certain I has posted a reply to you earlier, Patti. Never mind … here it is again. I hear you, my friend. I feel thankful for every sale I make too and am happy to give away copies in promotions like the fun events Book Rhythm runs. You meet so many terrific readers that way. Have you ever participated and put a book in? Take a look and give it a try. They are super people to work with.
So happy for you and all of the wonderful things going on for you. Keep it up.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
Thanks, Patricia! I’m a bit late getting back to my website but please know how much your message is appreciated.
Patricia – Your success does not surprise me. Your novels are great and in your sheer willingness to help others and open hearted kindness, your love of people shines through. I love stories of women, strong women who know what it means to hang together, not just in the good times but in the tough as well.
I’m doing my Christmas shopping with ease this year for friends I’ve been in book clubs with and we’re now scattered to different corners of the globe. I’m packaging your 3 books together into a gift basket for each. We still exchange book ideas to read and I’ve had husbands scouring stacks of ‘to be read’ in their respective homes and believe I’m safe.
Sheri, you are a remarkable woman. I daresay everyone who takes the time to read your important posts has learned a great deal about facing challenges. You’ve also gone to great lengths to educate people on the working of government and healthcare. I’m honoured that you are gifting my books to friends for Christmas. Merci mille fois!
So happy for you, Patricia. Enjoy the ride!
Thank you, Evelyne. It’s a pleasure to watch your writing journey progress as well.