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| Proof that it's possible! |
But there must have been real magic at play. Nothing else explains how my story found itself rubbing shoulders with those written by some highly skilled and talented authors.
I achieved something that not all writers achieve. I'm obviously thrilled. But I'm also humbled because there are so many worthy writers who haven't yet been published.
And to that crowd of deserving writers still reaching for the dream I say this:
Don't you dare stop reaching!
Some get lucky right out of the gate. Others struggle years before finding success. And for a few, the accomplishment comes posthumously.
And I can hear some asking, "So which is this? An announcement or a pep talk?" I honestly don't think the two can be separate. Yes, I'm announcing that the anthology containing my short story is available. And that is proof the goal is attainable. So Do Not Give Up!
My story is called "Barnabas" and appears in Spells: Ten Tales of Magic. It's currently available on:
Amazon
Amazon UK
Smashwords
Congratulations, Jeff that's wonderful news. You should feel pleased and proud - you've been published!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Suzanne! It's an achievement that definitely brings a big smile to my face.
DeleteOh, it's out already? Awesome! This looks like it'll be a great anthology. Just added it to my wishlist! :)
ReplyDeleteI can't help but love seeing a pep talk mixed in with the announcement, too. It's too easy to get dejected as a writer!
It became available on Monday evening/night, I think. The "pep talk" is heart-felt. We see announcements all the time and wonder if we'll ever be able to do the same. This is proof that "yes" is the answer to that question--providing we don't give up.
DeleteHey,
ReplyDeleteWell done, mate!
You've been such a godsend to many bloggers these past months, so I'm glad to see you've received some encouraging news for you, too :)
Thank you, Mark! Good news is always welcome. My hope is to see many more such announcements from others--especially those who would be announcing for the first time.
DeleteCongrats on the achievement! And thanks for the pep talk, it was needed.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sara. Success comes when we persevere. Sometimes we just need to be reminded that it does come. We should never lose heart.
Delete"Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life - think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success. Swami Vivekananda"
ReplyDeleteYou got there, my friend. Now just stay there. Strands of Pattern comes next, along with many others. :)
Announcing the release of Strands of Pattern, Book 1 is definitely on my dream list. Persistence is the difference between dream and reality. Here's to persisting!
DeleteCongratulations!! I can't wait to read your story within the collection!
ReplyDeleteI picked up my copy of it last night. I am so looking forward to reading all the stories--yours included! Thanks and congratulations backatcha!
DeleteWoo! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Deniz! It's definitely "Woo time"! :-)
DeleteCongratulations sir! Not the last time we'll see your name on Amazon, I'm sure of it!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Adam! I appreciate your vote of confidence too! We'll all get there as along we don't give up. I'm sure of it.
DeleteWoohooo! And all the writers rejoiced! SO so wonderful when one of us succeeds. Hot damn,Jeff-- you wrote, and it's in print, and people will enjoy it. THAT is what it's all about. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThanks! "All" is a lot of writers! Must be party time! We should make it one to write home about, yes? :::ducking rotten fruit:::
DeleteI bought it; can't wait to read your story. Congrats.
ReplyDeleteI do hope you enjoy it, Richard.
DeleteI read it last night. Good story with a meaningful message. Good job.
DeleteRichard, BIG thanks for 1) reading it and 2) for letting me know how you liked it! (Breathing a big sigh of relief!)
DeleteCongratulations, Jeff! You and Cherie.
ReplyDeleteI and Cherie thank you, Alex. (I'm sure I speak for Cherie too.)
DeleteCongratulations! And thanks for showing that magic can happen. Now go back and keep working.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ken! (And you're welcome too.) On my way to comply, sir!
DeleteIt sounds like Jeff still needs someone to pinch him. Let's all pinch him. :-D
ReplyDeleteYou've written a fine fantasy story, Jeff, and I was delighted to include it Spells: Ten Tales of Magic.
Of course, this is just the start. We expect to hear a lot more publication announcements from Jeff Hargett before long. So don't you dare slacking off. ;-)
Everyone must have delivered their pinches via my wife. Thanks! ;-)
DeleteAnd thanks for the compliment, Rayne. No slacking off here. My wife doesn't permit that sort of thing. She's a wonderful supporter.
Now, time to go return those pinches. ;-)
You're blessed to have a spouse who supports and pinches. :-)
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