Thursday, October 16, 2014

Getting Ready for November

November is almost upon us and the thought brings me excitement. Not just because of Thanksgiving, but because November is when NaNoWriMo happens. What is NaNoWriMo? Well, I'm glad you asked! NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. During November, writers spend thirty days working toward the goal of writing 50,000 words. FIFTY THOUSAND. That's quite a lot to write in just 30 days. It's a ton of fun, especially when you have friends to help and compete with.

Last year was my first time participating and I loved it. While it was more than a little stressful trying to write around family gatherings and a little one, it was totally worth it. I cranked out 50K words and won. I wrote The Grey Curse, my debut novel, during that November. Some days I felt like I was on top of the world, my pen racing across my notebook as I poured my heart and soul out. Then, there were other days that I didn't think I could make it any farther. There were days that I couldn't get a single word from brain to paper. But I didn't give up. I kept going and I made it to the finish line with a "nearly" complete book in my hands.

I plan on participating again this year. Once again, my story will be Paranormal Romance, but this time, it will be about a Greek Goddess and a journalist who fall in love, despite the many obstacles in the way of their happiness. I hope that this book will be longer than The Grey Curse.




So, during this month, I will be getting ready for my "quest". 50,000 words in 30 days. That's quite a lot of work, in my opinion. I will be working on outlines, characters, etc. I hope to see some of you there. If anyone participating would like to add me as a buddy, my username is Krista Kelley. Easy enough to remember. Lol.

Wishing all my fellow WriMos luck and happy writing!

~Krista


Wednesday, October 1, 2014

A Little Thank You One Month Later

It's hard to believe that just a little over a month ago, my very first book was published. I am officially a published author and it feels...wonderful. I will admit, it has been a little stressful, trying to promote my book and get it out there for people to see, but it's wonderful none the less.

I never in a million years thought that I would be where I am. My dream has finally come true and I feel so blessed. There are so many people who have been an integral part of my journey and I just want to take a moment to thank every one of them.

Mom: Twenty-some years ago (tomorrow), you brought me into this world and have made me into the woman I am today. Kind, generous, loyal, and maybe a little crazy. You encouraged me throughout all of my endeavors, whether it be school, T-ball, Football, clubs, etc. You never once gave up on me and I am so grateful for that. I will always be Your Girl and I hope that I have made you proud. If it wasn't for you, obviously I wouldn't be here. Thank you, Mama.

Jerry: Thank you for everything, baby. You have been my number one cheerleader (Lol) and have been there for me every step of the way. When I felt ready to give up, you picked me up, dusted me off, and told me to keep going. You have been such a huge help, from helping with our daughter, giving me the time and space I needed to work, helping me with the book itself, and everything in between. That extra chair in my office has always been and will always be yours. Watching you sit there, trying to come up with some idea to help me...it made all the hard times working on this book so much easier. Knowing that you have my back, it lightens the load. I love you so much, honey.


Baby Boo: My beautiful, spoiled, sometimes cranky baby girl. Mommy did this for you, boo bear. I wanted to be the role model you need to show you that dreams do come true. Never give up on your dreams, no matter how difficult they seem. Mommy will always be here to remind you of that. Thank you for being a good girl for Daddy while Mommy had to work. Thank you for reminding me every day why I couldn't give up. I love you, baby.


Teri: My Boo. My Yoda. It was you that gave me that push to start writing again. I saw you following your dreams and you made me see that I could too. You have been there all along the way, ready to give me a kick in the butt if I needed it and to celebrate when I accomplished even the smallest challenge. You are my inspiration, my coach, and one of my biggest friends. Without your experience and guidance, I wouldn't have made it here. You're my best friend and a sister to me. Thank you for everything, Boo. I love you so much. <3


Karen: You were the first to ever see The Grey Curse. Before it was even finished. You gave me the hope I needed when you read it last November and put it on the Fast Track. Even though you were unable to see everything over yourself, you were still a large part in getting my book accepted and published. Thank you.


Jayne: Thank you for putting up with my craziness, my ignorance in the field of editing, and all of my questions. You made the journey of getting my book published fun. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, to sit down and go over things with me and for being my editor. I couldn't have done it without all of your help.


Victoria: Lady, you are pure genius when it comes to cover art. I absolutely love Selena and Decan's cover. Thank you! It is just perfect. You surpassed all of my expectations and brought my babies to life for everyone to see. I still sometimes sit and look at it, amazed. Thank you so very much!!


Breathless Press: Thank you for giving me a chance. For believing in this little writer mama. I can't think of a better publishing FAMILY to be a part of. Thank you!

And to all of my other friends and family who have been there for me and put up with my quirkiness. Thank you. Your support means the world to me. To my readers, you all are amazing. Thank you for taking the time to read and review my book. It means everything to me that people actually read and enjoy my book.

THANK YOU ALL!!

~Krista