How I Became an Author

This is kind of an origins story.  Recently, my first book, "Wylie's Way" was published.  It is a children's book about a young pirate who want to be different than your average pirate: fighting, plundering, causing destruction, etc.  Wylie (the young pirate) wants to do good, he wants to show that he is responsible, hard working, and caring.  Many people have asked me how this whole deal started, so I thought I would share a little bit here.  Maybe this will turn out being a good catapult for my writing on this blog after a few years away.

Nearly two years ago, I first had an idea to write a rhyming story that could be used for the Wylie Way elementary curriculum in Wylie ISD.  I spoke to our Superintendent about my idea and he gave me an enthusiastic thumbs up.  So, I brainstormed and planned and wrote ideas out.  After several months (it took a while because I have a full-time job and our twin daughters were infants) I had a draft that I was ready to present.  I met with our Superintendent again, along with the Director of the Wylie Way and an Assistant Superintendent.  It was a good meeting.  I was very encouraged.  They didn't seem to be interested in taking what I wrote and applying it to the Wylie Way curriculum.  That was fine.  I was proud of what I had worked on, but I was a little shy about it.  Then the question came out: "Are you going to publish this story?"  I was a little surprised that they thought is was good enough for that, even though I had started thinking that would be an interesting path to explore.  I left that meeting with hope that one day "Wylie's Way" might be a published children's book.

It took some time to find the right publisher, but after some research and conversations with friends who had published books I struck gold!   I signed a contract with Clear Fork Publishing, after submitting a summary of "Wylie's Way" and having an "interview" conversation over the phone.  This was such a great decision!  Clear Fork has been incredibly supportive and has been tremendous throughout the process of turning my idea of a this young pirate who wants to do good into a real life published children's book.  I have been humbled by the support I have received and am so grateful to everyone who has helped me.

"Wylie's Way" was officially made available on May 17, 2017.  Since it came out nearly 3 months ago I have had two book signings, two book readings and I have sold over 100 copies.  One of the book signings was paired with a book talk at an elementary school in Midland, Texas.  I was able to read my book to the school's students and teachers and talk to them about how "Wylie's Way" became a book.  It was a blast!  I am hopeful that these opportunities to share about reading, writing and The Wylie Way with children will continue to present themselves.

Creating and imaging and turning blank paper into something for others to enjoy has been a wonderful experience.  As I was working on "Wylie's Way" I had more ideas for other books.  I have been doing some work on turning those ideas into what I hope will be more books for the children's library.  Hopefully, I will have 2-3 more published books in the next year or so.  I'll keep everyone updated on that journey here.  Thanks for stopping by and keep reading!

If you are interested in purchasing your own copy of "Wylie's Way" you can find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and at Clearforkpublishing.com.