The Joy Of Being Published
By: William Foster
Preview and purchase Bill's excellent new mystery Buxton Chase. Thank you for supporting the authors of WordShack Publishing.
"I could have conceived and given birth in less time, as a man!" I said noticing a short puff of laughter escape the lips of the woman at the table next to us. She tried to be discreet, and I don't believe she was intentionally eavesdropping, but how could she help herself with all that was being said? Lynda chuckled too, yet was quick to assure me that publishing books is a long and arduous process.
We had gathered at noon that particular day in the food court of the mall we had been meeting at. It was the day after Thanksgiving and we were in a mall, without any intention of shopping! What were we thinking? The place was packed! We shared a Cinnabon pastry with the thick and gooey topping, a favorite of Lynda's that has now become a symbol of our relationship. I have told her that on publishing day we will have champagne and Cinnabons, a whole one each!
With all the time that has passed, and all I have been through to get Buxton Chase published, my emotions have boiled down to an enormous sense of gratitude. I mention in the acknowledgements and dedications in the book those close to me and those who were instrumental in the publishing side of the equation. Those individuals are more important to me than I believe they know.
Meeting Lynda was a chance experience, as I suspect many meaningful experiences are, which is why I look for such happenings and hopefully recognize a few when they take place. Lynda, is Lynda Blankenship, the American half of Wordshack Publishing. Ben Bernstein is the British half and to date we have not met, but I feel very connected to him as well.
If one has read my essay, Not For Us, it is understood what many new writers go through in hope of having a book published. If one is not familiar with the essay, let me just say that it was nearly impossible. Still, the day approaches, by the hour at this point, and much of the pain is replaced by elation.
My first meeting with Lynda took place a short time after I attended a seminar she had hosted, promoting Wordshack Publishing. Yes, we were in the food court at the mall, and, yes, there were Cinnabons. But with me on this day was a full copy of the manuscript, which I passed along to her. I left that afternoon not caring about calories, instead being hopeful that I finally would be given a chance. A few months later, I was told that Buxton Chase had been accepted, and the journey took a fantastic new turn.
Surprisingly, I was very quiet about what had just taken place, which is quite unlike me. But I suppose I had to know that it was all real before I made any announcements. Still, to this day, I can think of a few people I haven't told.
During the months that followed, there were galleys to be read and corrected, repeatedly (I have lost track of how many times I have read the manuscript), a contract to review and approve, and the beginning of a long process in developing the perfect book cover. And of course there were meetings in the food court over…you know what.
There were times when I felt the end would never come, were my patience was tested to the limits. I have heard that there are souls who possess great patience. Unfortunately, I am not one.
When I look back to the very beginning, I immediately think of the reasons I chose to write Buxton Chase instead of one of my other book ideas. Being set primarily in England, I believe the story will have an international appeal, which made the likelihood of wide marketing prospects a factor in the decision. And having been inspired to write this novel during a trip to the U.K., I felt that the beauty of the places my characters flow through would lend well to a visually rich film. During the process of writing, I allowed my mind to select the actors who would be best suited to the characters, being particularly settled on having Emma Thompson play the role of Sara Jenkins. Shame I have no way of letting her know how perfect she is for that part.
Additionally, Buxton gave me an avenue to weave into a story my belief in the power of intuition, along with the importance of visualizing where one is hoping to go in life. For the sharp reader, these themes are present as well as a good dose of symbolism.
To accept the challenge to write a story, or to venture to fulfill any dream, is the ultimate in believing in oneself. For those who are inspired to take a chance and blindly leap into an experience, I encourage you to do so. I'm thankful I did, and I now know the reward of perseverance. I hope my readers enjoy Buxton Chase, and I hope to soon have another story for others to enjoy.
