Eight Days and Counting…

To my utmost delight, The Unforgivable—my debut novel—will soon see the light of day when it’s released in all its glory. Okay, okay...while I try to restrain my natural melodrama (schmaltz), for once, on this occasion, I really want to let it rip. Because, in all honesty, the journey to publication has been a long one—not unlike many; a difficult road full of discouragement and seemingly endless impossibilities.

“When is it ever going to happen for me?” a publishing contract, that is. Sound familiar?

I heard, “You have to be published to get published,” so often I wanted to scream. Couple that with piles of rejection letters high enough that I could wallpaper not only my office, but the entire house with them. A few points in time even arose where I wanted to quit and I tried to walk away from literary pursuits altogether.

You know it’s a calling when you let it go, but it doesn’t let go of you.

Returning to my love of writing (that never left me), a very special day arrived—only I didn’t know it was special. Almost out of nowhere, a tip from a colleague led to my querying a particular publisher. That query led to a proposal, which led to a contract—and it all transpired in a relatively short amount of time. The publisher also projected extending my novel into a 3-book series, to which I agreed and signed. Looking back at the onset of “the day” I didn’t think anything out of the norm would transpire. Things had almost become routine, and it was just another afternoon. I had submitted. I had waited. Maybe I’d get a response maybe I wouldn’t. This day wasn’t any different from any other. But it was the one when God said, “Okay, now it’s your turn. Your time has come.” I think I literally hit the floor when I received the contract offer.

The funny thing is, while I explored the craft of writing in multiple genres, I’ve come full circle and find that my initial interest started with what became this book—well over a decade later.

Now the marketing journey resembles a scary rollercoaster with lots of twists and turns (good thing I’m fond of such things). I’m hanging on for the ride of my life while basking in His newfound blessings. A giant “Yippee” might even slip out on occasion…like right now…

Through clouds of doubt and stormy days, a rainbow—it still exists. Yes, I am thrilled to see the upcoming release of my first novel on April 1. In a sense, it’s like crossing a threshold, the point of no return, for which I’m ready. Not to mention grateful, humbled, and overjoyed. If you are reading this and you happen to be struggling to keep after your dream toward publication, be encouraged! You really never know what a day will bring.

One more thing to share… My book trailer that Risen Books produced can be viewed at the link below. I’d love to know what y’all (as they say here in Tennessee) think!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpYVOR9gEJo

A former contemporary dancer, Tessa Stockton now writes Christian political intrigue novels. The Unforgivable is her first book in the Wounds of South America series. http://www.tessastockton.com/