Signing books, 2015.

It’s hard to believe, but 2024 marked 10 years since I signed a contract to publish my debut novel. Traditional publishing can be slow, and it was a full year (July 2015) when The Hanged Man’s Noose was released by Mystery Writer of America-approved publisher Barking Rain Press. If you had told me then that a decade later I’d have two mystery series (seven novels), my own publishing imprint (Superior Shores Press) with four multi-author anthologies, two books on publishing (one an award winner!) and a handful of published short stories, I never would have believed it. But here I am, working on yet another novel (this one a standalone literary suspense), another multi-author anthology for June 2025 release, and far more ideas (including a Glass Dolphin / Marketville mashup) than time.

Of course, ten years changes a person, and I’m no exception. I’ve come to accept that I’m unlikely to ever earn what I like to call “Stephen King money” and it’s doubtful that Reese Witherspoon will ever select one of my books for Reese’s Book Club (though hope does spring eternal). What hasn’t changed is my belief in me, my stories, and the power of authors helping authors. It’s because of that belief that I keep writing, that I publish anthologies, that I started New Release Mondays, and now Introducing You To…

Ten years has also changed the publishing landscape. Self-publishing no longer carries the stigma it once did (at least in most circles) and there are far more independent publishers today than back in 2015. That’s both good and bad. Good because authors have lots of options. Bad because many authors will self-publish books that just aren’t ready, unwilling to take the time, or spend the money required, for good editing. Many small presses will also close shop in the next five years, leaving a host of authors “orphaned.” I know all about that. If you’ve read either of my books on publishing, you’ll know that it happened to me, twice. But, hey, as Elton John would say, “I’m Still Standing.”

And so, I’m celebrating ten years and counting. Here’s hoping for ten more. Because to quote Erica Jong, “When I sit down at my writing desk, time seems to vanish. I think it’s a wonderful way to spend one’s life.”