Divine Destiny is Taking Flight with PRP Press!
In early July I had the privilege of attending the Lexi-Con conference in Denton, TX. My friend and fellow Author C.A. Szarek called me up and said, "We're going to this." And because this is how our random relationship works, I registered immediately. As a first-timer, I didn't know what to expect. I had some reservations about my schedule. But there was this tap, tap, tapping in my brain that wouldn't leave me alone. I weighted the options. The price was great, but would it be worth the drive? It was a full weekend, so I knew leaving the hubby and midgets would take some negotiation on my part. But I learned a while back that when you get that incessant tapping in the back of your mind telling you to take action, it's best to go with it.And boy am I glad I did!
Mitch Haynes put on one of the best conferences I've been to in a while. All weekend I was surrounded by other indie and self-pub authors, marketing geniuses, book printers, and some of the nicest people I've ever met. I had the opportunity to have dinner and chat with publishers and editors. The classes were informative and small so the door for learning was wide open. Over the weekend I took pages and pages of notes. My head was spinning with ideas and inspiration. It was beneficial on a personal and professional level.
One of the best things that I took away from that weekend was a ton of new friends in the industry. I feel truly blessed to have been a part of it, and yes Mitch, it's on my calendar for next year! I think being a Lexi-Con member should be listed as one of my credentials. I survived AND got to see Mitch ride the saddle. Ye haw!
Another wonderful thing I gained from Lexi-Con was a publisher! Amanda Thrasher of Progressive Rising Phoenix Press was one of our guest speakers. The moment she started talking about various publishing options and how PRPP worked, I knew this was the cause for the tapping in my mind. Finally!
Not two months before Lexi-Con I was tossing around ideas with a few fellow authors about publishing companies and how I would set one up. Not to get filthy rich or make some big name for myself, but to pass on the knowledge and aid new writers who simply need a push in the right direction. There is so much raw talent out there and the industry has over looked it for too long. In true JoAnna Grace fashion, I would help them spread their wings and fly. Because what good is your knowledge if you don't pass it on?
Imagine my surprise when I hear Amanda saying the exact words that came from my lips. And if that's not coincidence enough, her company logo is... wings! Perhaps it was Destiny!
Those next days held numerous emails, submitting DD, more emails, and a large amount of prayer. But before the week's end, I signed on the dotted line and became a Phoenix author. Divine Destiny will be added to the roster of quality family books published at PRPP. It will be one of their first adult focused novels. Amanda and Jan are working hard to get this book out on my original release date. I believe the word 'miracle' has been used. LOL!
I look forward to working with PRPP in the future and am so pleased that they have the same vision of letting authors soar.
Moral of the story: 1) Attend Conferences!!!! I cannot stress that enough. 2) Don't ignore the incessant tapping, people! Go with it. Your willingness to open a new door can change everything. (and it makes the bloody tapping stop!)
Lovingly,
Jo
Me with Chrissy
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