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.”
Congrats on your milestone! Wishing you all the best in the decade ahead. 🙂
Thanks Joanne. We’re both survivors 🙂
Congrats on your many accomplishments, Judy!
Thanks Becky! Time flies…
A decade of amazing successes! Congratulations, Judy. And thanks for all you do to give back, too.
Thank you, Pam.
Congratulations on your anniversary! It’s testimony to your resilience. Thank you for all you do for us debut authors, too!
Thank you Rhonda! I remember my debut and it was so exciting. I went to Bouchercon in Raleigh and met so many authors I’d long admired, and a few newbies that have done very well (like Ellen Byron).
Congratulations on your 10-year milestone!
Debra Bliss Saenger
Thank you Debra!
Congratulations Judy. It is a real pleasure to journey with you. Everyone has a story and I do enjoy reading yours. Good luck with your next book.
Thank you Doris.
Congratulations! I met you at Left Coast Crime in Vancouver. You loved my ring.
Hi Leanna, nice to see you here! LCC Vancouver seems so long ago now but what a great conference it was.
Congratulations on your ten years!
Thank you Lesley
I agree Judy. If one of my stories makes someone laugh or escape from their problems for a short time, I’m happy.
So true, Carolanne. Just knowing you and others read this post brings me joy. Thank you for following my blog, I think pretty much from the beginning.
It’s been ten years since my one and only book was released by Divertir Publishing. I’ve had a few short stories published during those years and I’ve taken more courses. Now inspired and excited to be back on a new project.
Thanks for all your help, Judy, much appreciated!
Follow your dreams, Amanda. They can’t go anywhere without you!
It’s still a wonderful life to be a writer. Congratulations on all your successes and those yet to come
And back at you Mike 🙂
Congratulations on a decade — and on still being standing through the ups and downs. Way to go, Judy!
Thank you Amanda!