I try to live my life in gratitude — my mother taught me that, to look for things to say thank you for. In doing so, I come to appreciate a lot of things that I have going for me. I have been blessed with the opportunity to take a talent and put it on display — I have been even more blessed with all of you who have supported me through this journey. I will never understand what encouraged you to pick up my books, but I won’t question it, I am moved by your support.
It’s been about a month since “Days of the Phoenix” has come out, and I think it’s the perfect time to say “thank you” for a few things that has made the book’s release such a rewarding experience:
- Thank you to Amazon for providing a platform for independent authors and writers to make their work a substantial product.
- Thank you to every best friend I’ve ever had — you, all of you, are in Simon Bellinger in one way or another. I’m sorry that distance has kept us from being closer, but I carry you with me every day.
- Thank you to my Attention Deficit Disorder — my brain is wired to be creative in a very special way and I try to embrace that.
- Thank you for people who don’t mind sharing their stories and experiences with me — while I’m not putting their details into my work, their stories will often inspire an ember of a story that is original; this works in culmination with my ADD.
- Thank you to everything that has ever made me feel anxious; after the book has come out, we can live in harmony and I know that I have just a little more control.
- Thank you to everyone who reached out after my Mom passed away. Truly, there will never be a time when I will read “Days of the Phoenix” and not think about my Mom, wishing I had just a few more minutes. Your outpouring of support was treasured and I’ll never forget you.
- Thank you coffee — you are delicious and make me smile!
- Thank you to everyone who read the book before it was released, your feedback was crucial and invaluable!
- Thank you to my Mom, who taught me to read.
- Thank you to you, for reading this blog and sharing in my victory!
Writing has been such a substantive and rewarding journey for me — I am grateful that I’ve been able to release more than just my first novel, and that I have the good fortune and resources to continue perusing something that makes me feel so complete.
I will see you on your next trip through the Millerverse!
