I had written a story... I think anyone can tell a story, and maybe even write it down. That doesn't make one an accomplished or published author. So where to from here?
After a little meditation (and a whole heap more driving...smile) I arrived at my destination having written another three stories along the way (Stay tuned for Angel Wings, Faery Dust and Other Magical Things: A Story about mermaids)
I decided I had best see if my stories were really as good as I thought they were, whether children would want to read and listen to them. A friend of mine has four children, all under 12 years old. I had promised faithfully to write to them when I left my old teaching post. I thought of how Beatrix Potter (also a teacher incidentally) wrote to her nieces and nephews, and felt I could fulfil my promise as well as find out the truth about my story.
As any one who has them knows, children are brutally honest and very harsh critics.
Why was I concerned?
The children loved my story, and so did their mother. In fact, my best and most beautiful friend threatened all forms of retribution if I didn't immediately publish and distribute these "amazing stories."
Now what?
I sat down one afternoon and conducted a google search for Australian publishing companies. Immediately I ran into barriers. For some I couldn't publish without using the companies illustrators, for others, my story was not the right genre, and the list goes on.
Remembering the mantra I drum mercilessly into teenagers I am attempting to indoctrinate into the world of algebra, ("Whether you think you can or can't, you're right") I had to keep trying.
So, I broadened my search to overseas companies. At the same time praying I would find someone who could match my enthusiasm and help me to meet my goals.
When I opened the site for Strategic Book Group...I knew both consciously and through divine prodding, that I had met the people I would work with.
Without further ado, I submitted my ideas for their consideration.
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