Beyond the Pages of Ashbury

 My husband has been an invaluable help to me as a writer, but my oldest son is my biggest fan. Considering his age, I've been hesitant to allow him to read More Than Human. He has been the most enthusiastic about my book and he listened in on me discussing my ideas, plot and characters with my husband every chance he got. My son is an avid reader who reads high above his own grade level, so my book would surely be no challenge to him. Since I received my proof copy he has been begging me to read my book (LOL). I kept telling him that I'd have to think about it, as I was. Finally, on Christmas eve, I handed a copy to him and gave him the permission he's been dying for. Without a single second's hesitation this kid's nose was buried in the book. I hope he likes it. 

 Thanks to Facebook memories I was reminded that three years ago today (December 21) my husband found my notebook containing all of my story notes which went missing. Three years ago today (December 21) I officially started writing More Than Human. Seems like a long time to write a short 57k word novel. The thing is, I didn't write every day for those three years. Several times I walked away from it, leaving it untouched for weeks sometimes months at a time. Many people out there think it's easy to just sit down and start writing. Many don't take into consideration the simple and common issue of writer's block, the hurdle of sitting down to write only to be met with a blank, silent mind. In addition to my brain just not wanting to create this story flow, I'd often shut down due to depression. I couldn't find even the most minute energy required to complete the simplest daily tasks during a deep depressive state. In addition to writing and mental obstacles I

 Struggles of a Poor Author I am not a wealthy person. My family barely gets by. To even complete my book for publishing I had to rely on donations from friends. My sales have been stagnant and I'm beginning to feel that I've sold all that will be sold. I do not have the funds for expensive advertising  (even just $5 a day adds up FAST) and therefore, once again, rely upon my friends.  I've had wonderful support during this journey, but now when I need people to step up the most it is dwindling. I have a few loyal friends who share my work every opportunity they have, but if every single person who just "liked" my post could also share it, I could potentially reach an audience in the thousands. My drive to continue my story is not at risk; I am continuing the next book and the third. I just wish I could live comfortably, without financial worry. 

  "Author, Herbalist and More" In addition to being an author, I am also a mother, farmer and entrepreneur. My real passion lies in herbalism, which is what I've built my business on. Don't get me wrong, I firmly believe that Western medicine and natural medicine go hand- in-hand. If I break my leg, I'm most certainly going to the hospital. However, in non-emergency cases I turn to herbalism for treatment. I have psoriasis, for instance, that I can keep a better control over with my own homemade salves rather than expensive medication. Once in a while, the psoriasis gets really bad. I was prescribed an ointment that costs about $40 a bottle to treat. It doesn't really help. After doing some research I've come up with my own emergency treatment for aggravated psoriasis with incredible success, getting rid of it within 3 days. My asthma is another condition in which I have completely substituted medication with herbal treatment: mullein. This wonderful he

 "The Universe: A Cruel Mistress" It seems that my life is cursed with delays and teases. The most recent regarding the paperback copy of my book. I requested to receive a proof copy of my book to take a look at it and make sure there aren't any major errors and that it printed correctly. My copy will arrive on 12/7. This being my first time publishing, I made an error and the paperback was available to order immediately, before I approve the final publish. I quickly fixed that issue but not before 2 copies were already purchased. Today, December 1, one of the books ordered by a reader arrived. Of course. In what world would things actually work accordingly for me? Fun thing to add, my reader is shipping the paperback copy to me (there is a mistake that can easily be mended) and it will arrive on Thursday four days BEFORE my proof copy arrives. The only issue visible has been fixed and the book is now complete and officially ready. What was it that I mentioned bef

 "Patience" Patience is, admittedly, not a strong suit of mine. I cannot stand waiting for things to happen. It's six days counting down until I hold my first novel published in my hands. Honestly, I wish that I could just go to sleep and wake up on Monday when my book (hopefully) arrives. I'm more anxious about this than anything else in my life, and it's driving me crazy. Unable to do anything but watch the clock, the seconds ticking slower than usual, the days creeping by. Six days until I hold my book. Two-and-a-half weeks until my work is officially available to read. Then come the reviews. I have been waiting for this moment since mid-August. I'm fairly certain that I am driving my poor husband crazy with my anxiety. I know that riding shotgun through this emotional ride with me hasn't been too fun for him. I'm pretty sure he started screaming to be let off the ride a few months ago, but he's strapped in. 

 "Low Expectations, High Hopes" With More Than Human being my first novel, I honestly don't expect it to do well. I'll be happy if I can sell 50 copies. I hope that the series, as it continues and evolves, pleases the majority who read it. I have been warned and am prepared for the inevitable haters and backlash for whatever reason, but those negativities will fall on deaf ears. I look forward to honest criticism of my work. What did I do wrong? What could I have done better? This is all a learning process that I don't think ever truly ends. What I look forward to and hope for the most is not the sales, not the praise, but rather the inspiration sparked by my words. I look forward to fan-made art. I hope to see how my readers interpret my characters,  how *they* see them in their mind. That, to me, is the most exciting part about this whole thing. I do, however, dream that my book will become popular. Maybe not a New York Best Seller, but popular. I've