Friday, June 1, 2012

Blogiversary

Whew.....
Like seriously, whew.....

Dear beautiful readers,

One year ago, as of June 15th, is the day that I took the virtual plunge and published. 
Now with 9 books (9!!!!!!) under my belt and at least 3 more planned for the year, I'm am gobsmacked and flabbergasted and most importantly, humbled, by the events of this year in my life. 

I would never have believed this past year to be real if I had dreamed it. I was so scared of the outcome of publishing that I hadn't even told anyone in my family or any of our friends that I had even written a book, let alone published one. They were shocked to say the least when the news was delivered. Mostly it was, "Why didn't you tell us!"
Well, I had a serious case of 'Shy-guy' going on. An extreme case of 'Holy crap, can I really do this?' happening. An 'If I fail at this, I wish I had used a pen name' thing going on. You get my drift :)

But now, after all the absolutely fabulous readers and authors I've met online, and some in person, (my Plumes, Jenn, Gloria, Autumn, Amanda) I am so incredibly happy that I made the publishing leap. 
Would I do it all over again, even the sucky learn-as-you-go stuff that really, really sucked and stung? Would I read every review, bad and good, and open every email and spend every hour and late night up and away from my family all over again to make this work?
Easy answer!
Abso-freaking-utely!!!

I love you guys. 
I know people say that all the time and it loses its luster, but I. Really. Love. You. Guys. All of you! If I could meet you all I'd give you some bear hug action. Even the ones who don't like your book, you should thank them for the time they took to give you a chance. Not everyone will like your book, it's not personal. Everyone has books they love that others couldn't stand. There are people out there who don't like candy corn or Ryan Reynolds! I just can't fathom that, but it's a sad truth. And there are people who don't like your book. That's totally all right, but the ones who do sooooooo make up for it.

I appreciate you and all the little notes, comments, tweets and emails mean SO much. I try to get to them all, but if I don't it's just because I'm so stinking busy writing the next book :) Forgive me. 
This publishing thing has been such a blessing to my family and I can't thank you enough for the ones who took a chance on a little no-name from Florida.
I have no plans to stop writing. EVER! I found a job that I love and doesn't feel like work! I think it's a keeper. 

From the bottom of my lovey-dovey heart,
You rock my socks off!

Here's a little diddy that I send to you!




26 comments:

  1. Happy Anniversary!! I'm so glad that you shared your dream with us. I enjoy your books immensely. Significance was the very first e-book that I purchased when I got a Kindle. Your writing will always have a special place in my heart :-)

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  2. Happy Anniversary Shelly!!! You are an AMAZING writer and I love all of your books. You are right that not everyone is going to like them all (even though they should), but you can't let it get in your way. Thank u so much for sticking with it, because I have enjoyed reading everything you've wrote. Congratulations and keep writing :)

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  3. Congrats! you are beyond deserving it!! your books are awsome and Im always waiting for more! Significance was one of the 1st few books I purchased when I recived my kindle, and from that one book I was hooked!!!! Caleb Rocks!!!! *and often gets my hubby in trouble!*

    Ali

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  4. You seriously rock my face off Shelly!! I will always be star struck by you because you shine so bright. I feel so privileged to call you a friend. Congratulations on an amazing year. I look forward to all of your books in the future.

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    1. Girl, I luv ya something fierce!! :) Thank you!

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  5. Yea!! Happy Anniversary! Im surprised to know you only started publishing a little bit ago. You seem like such a pro!! Ive loved some, didnt others, but keep up the awesome (and speedy ;) work because it almost always puts a smile on my face!!

    *sends you cheerful thoughts and creative jucies to spare!*

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    1. Thank you! Cheerful thoughts always a must :)

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  6. I sooo LOVE you! Happy Happy Anniversary!!! EVERYONE should read atleast one of your AMAZING books!

    I get giddy when I see you have something new out! do a little dance and all :) I am SO glad I get to meet you this summer and I am so gonna Tackle Hug you... just a warning :)

    SupaGurl

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  7. Happy Anniversary! I so love your books!

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  8. congrats lady!!! you are one amazing person and writer!!!!

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  9. Congratulations Shelly! You really deserve your success. Even though I don't know you personally I can tell you are the type of person everyone treasures as a friend. You are warm and personal and approachable as an author. I've really enjoyed your work, but it's not the only reason I recommend your books. You love what you do and your readers and it reflects in your blogs, personal emails, facebook, and your works. I SO look forward to anything you create and you are the first author I recommend when discussing books. I work as a phlebotomist at a blood donation center so I get to see and talk to a lot of people. I don't get the time to comment on your books online as much as I use to, but I promise as a reader and a fan I will do better. Thanks again for what you do.

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    1. Not sure how to respond to this but with sniffles :) Thank you so much!

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  10. Happy Anniversary! Man a year ago Merrick walked into my life and I have not been the same. Every time I read one of your books I am taken on a vacation.

    Thank you so much for sharing your world with us!

    Love ya and keep on writing :)

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  11. Happy Anniversary!! I am so happy for you and all the books you have out. I still have only read Significance, but I have bought The other books in the series and can't wait to have a chance to get to them.

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  12. Happy Anniversary, Shelly! You're an awesome writer and just the coolest, nicest person ever. You deserve to be doing a job you love and doing it so successfully!
    To many, many, many more years of great books!

    Sam x

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    1. Thank you, Sam! From you this is an extreme compliment!

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  13. Congratulations! 9 books is an unbelievable achievement!

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  14. Congrats Shelly!! Thank you for your amazing books. I fell in love with your Significance series (and look forward to the last one). I've just finished Devour and Consume, so now I know you aren't a one-hit-wonder (or one-series-wonder). You can do it all. I wish you continued favor as you continue your writing endeavours. All the best ~ Jenny :)

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  15. Hi Shelly, I am are of those persons who hates candy corn and yes dislike Ryan Reynolds (I mean Ryan Reynolds , really please, no). Anyway you would be glad to know I love all your books(okay maybe stealing grace was okay, to be honest ) but look forward to more books from you. I cannot believe you accomplished so much. Ever since I bought a kindle for Christmas as gift to myself... I was looking for books to read that had great plot lines entertaining and had some sort of romance. When I found "collide" it was great. I never buy fiction books because I am always disappointed because the plot never delivers. I bought most of your books which is a miracle in itself. My sister loves the significance series, so you are gaining fans. Keep up the good work

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