So…when I decided a little over a year ago to sit and write a book I was really, like really secretive about it. I sat at the computer when my husband wasn’t around and I listened to the voices in my head yelling to get out…when no one was around. Then, I just had to get it out there; had to tell ONE person…I chose my best friend because she has always been the most amazing, supportive, encouraging person…she rooted me on no matter what the crazy occupation or dream of the week was. But what always sticks out in my mind — when I would write out a birthday card, an email to our friends or a letter to a teacher, she would rave about my writing. I always joked that she was my number one fan and when I wrote a book she would get the dedication. (Looks like I owe her that). So when I opened up and told her my dream of becoming an author, she did exactly as I suspected…cheered me on, boosted my ego and made me feel great about going for something I wanted. Then came my husband; he wasn’t as receptive, but only because he’s a skeptic by nature. It took him time (and the fact that my manuscripts did get agent/publisher interest) to think this was the real deal. But for a long, long time…up until a few months ago. Things were really hush, hush about my new “gig.” I tiptoed around the questions, “Why are you getting so little sleep?” or “Why’d you need that new home office, Jes?” or “Damn, you spend a lot of time on that computer.” I did this because I had a vision for my announcement. I wanted to be able to tell EVERYONE when the time was right…when I could say, “Hey, guys, I wrote a book and it’s being published!!”

One year, two manuscripts and a few chapters of a new one later…I’m still not published, but things are getting really real. My second manuscript got a lot more action in the query game and in the last week, I had a request from a publisher to revise and resubmit for a possible contract offer. When I got that email I felt like I was going to pass out. (I imagine I’ll flat line if I ever get the actual email that an agent wants to call to offer me representation). But after regaining consciousness, I did a few things…I emailed all my writer friends for advice, I called Mom, hubby and BFF and I started to panic.

In the last few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with Gail McHugh (author of Collide).I feel like I struck gold when I read her book…not only because it motivated me to try to be as good as her in telling the kind of story that stays with you; lingers and makes you think about those characters long after the book is done. But when I tweeted her to tell her how much I loved her book and that I was an aspiring author, she literally took me under her wing. In our conversations she has taught me some pretty amazing, eye opening things. And this leads me to why I’m even rambling on tonight…

I decided to start a a Facebook author page, as suggested by my new friend. This girl knows what she’s doing…she self published Collide and look where it’s at now. (On everyone’s lips and in everyone’s hands). But little did I know (I’m still learning the whole electronic world) that starting my author page, even though under a pseudonym, would let the cat out of the bag.

Friends and family are texting and calling and looking at me funny…”Oh, look it’s Edgar Allen Poe” or “Someone started a Facebook page under a different name with YOUR face!” That was the funniest one yet. But I can’t help feeling like an idiot…I have nothing to show for it. No paperback to hand to them and say, “Here. Have a look.” No publishing date in sight to say, “It’s coming out on XX. Stay tuned.” I can’t help feeling a little embarrassed when I have to try to explain (to the non-writer) everything that encompasses trying to make it in this crazy world of fiction.

So, in hopes of clearing the air to all those skeptics and confused friends of mine…this WILL happen. It’s not just some far fetched pipe dream and guess what, I need your support. I ask that you just back me up and believe in me…I want this…I want it real bad. Take a look at my blog page, my facebook page, share it…ask your friends to share it and look at it. Spread the word and just be patient. That’s the name of the game in this business, I’ve learned the hard way. I can’t give anyone an exact date in time, but I promise that I will see this one through. Faith Andrews is not just a made up name of a person with the same face as your friend Jessica…you’ll see her name on the cover of a book one day…I promise.