Sandra Stein

I haven’t been looking forward to writing this post, but I wanted to share my story with you.

Writing for publication can be a journey of highs and lows, and I’ve shared everything with you along the way. Most have been the highs, but now, it’s time for a “low.”

You may remember my novel, Violet Midnight, won a contest in which the first prize was publication.

It was an exciting time, to say the least.

When I got my book cover and then my first round of edits from the editor, it felt even more real. I mean, a book cover with my name on it, how could that not be real, right?

I even held out in revealing the cover for a while after I’d gotten it…just because I still couldn’t believe one of my novels was going to be in print!

I was quickly snapped back into reality when I got an email informing me that the publisher who was going to publish my novel closed its doors.

Yep, you read that right. The publisher closed its doors.

Violet Midnight will no longer be published.

I won’t lie, I was sad when I got the news. Surprised at first, but then sad. I’d held off on really, truly accepting the fact that I’d be published until I had gotten my cover and first round of edits.

Now, I didn’t write this to get a bunch of “oh, that’s so sad or too bad,” comments or to start a bash session against anyone. I wrote this for a couple reasons.

First reason-to share the journey with you. Not everything always goes as planned in life, whether it’s writing related or not. Heck, I hadn’t wanted to be thrust into unemployment for over four months last year. . . But I was.

I just try and take each step as it comes. I fully trust in God’s plan. He knows what’s in store for me and my life. I’m just along for the ride.

Second reason-to encourage you. Just because there is a set back in your life, whether you’re a writer, or not, don’t give up. Never give up. I didn’t. In fact, you know what the best remedy is for losing a book contract like this?

WRITE ANOTHER BOOK.

Yep. I sat down and let the creativity flow, and from it, another novel bloomed. It doesn’t have a title yet, but the lead character is named Journey, and she has some wicked-cool powers. I pounded out about 75,000 words in nine days and now it’s sitting aside for some time until I go back and flesh it out. That’s the best remedy for a sad heart!

Thanks for walking along side me on my journey to publication. Maybe some day soon more news will come my way that will make us all celebrate again. But until then, I shall write on!