My Book Update …

If you’ve traveled with me awhile, you may remember …

I’ve been writing a book … for 8+ years at this point.

Here are past blog posts on the journey: HERE, HERE, HERE.

I’ve been quiet about it, but never dropped the project. I believe in it!

Publishing is not for the weak! I’ve had to find strength, perseverance, and fortitude mixed with a healthy portion of old-fashioned chutzpah. I never imagined the ups, downs, and tsunamis I would experience on the way to this book! I could write a book about that, but no one would believe it. When I recall it, I’m overwhelmed!

Did I feel like giving up?

Uhhhh, Yes, many times!

Would I?

No, I agreed to do it and believe God asked me to do this, for better or worse.

After a traditional publisher refused the project, I tried enlisting an agent. I got kind responses, but not a “Yes”. I feel bad till I remember over 100 publishers turned J.K. Rowling down before being picked up by one. Like I said, publishing is not for wimps.

I am writing this book for a family who asked me to put in print the journey their family has traveled. We agreed, at the beginning, that we would try for traditional publishing, but wouldn’t rule out self-publishing.

We are not willing to try for years on end to find a publisher. (I’m aging.)

So … after we tried, we moved forward with publishing on Amazon. Amazon has a print on demand product: books are printed as they’re ordered. To us, its advantages suited our goals.

I’ve been learning how to publish on Amazon. Of course, it’s more complicated than first appears. Everything is when you’ve never done it before. I’ve watched lots of tutorials and know more are in my future.

I’ve spent a lot of time formatting the book in a writing App called Atticus. Once again, I had to learn how to navigate this App and its features.

I was working on the “About the Author” page at the end of the book last week when…

The App went white! My book would no longer appear!!!

I thought the App crashed!

Immediately, I felt overwhelmed and started crying! As far as I knew, my book was backed up on the App. At least, that’s what I had been told. But, I could see nothing when opening my account.

My recourse was to email their support address on the website. I wasn’t at all sure anyone would answer.

It feels like you’re launching things into outer space when sending emails for help. Will it land on the right planet? Will the aliens respond? Will I understand their cryptic communication if it arrives? It feels like a Hail Mary pass with a questionable receiver. I had no option two to figure this out!

Several hours later, I saw an email come in … someone might help me!!

Hope SPARKED!

The several hours waiting for email support, I quickly enlisted a small prayer team. I desperately needed their support! My emotions were a mess. So many years and countless hours of writing, but also thinking about the project and educating myself on the process turned to white in a blink. My heart sank/broke/ shattered. Having faith in technology is misplaced. My only hope was God’s intervention.

After the fact, even my computer engineer Son-in -love, who works at Microsoft, said he was praying hard, because he was concerned if I’d get it back!

The support email asked me questions, made recommendations back and forth for 24 hours. “Karley” is my new best friend! Then, she informed me my book crashed within the app. So, they would have to send my backup file to the programmers. I learned a lot of new lingo.

Anybody know about Jason files?

I Gotcha!😉

I answered more questions and then trusted, in the future, someone would inform me if my book could be restored.

About 24 hours later, I had an email saying the programmers could restore my book!!!

Squeals of joy and praise erupted out of my mouth. My husband in another room instantly knew what it meant!! I, again, was in tears … this time, they signaled joy!!

Tech support did some more questions and instructions, but it was back!!

My book was ALIVE again! Thank God!!!

Thanks to Karley and the programmers. I literally sent them hugs and kisses!!

What is the future for my book?

I am closing in on edits and formatting. I then have some other things to do for it to go to Amazon. But, I am checking items off the list and hoping/praying the hardest things are behind us!

Hopefully, the next update will have a launch date attached and plans for a celebration!!

I will let you know! Praying it’s sooner rather than later!!

What challenge did you face this week?

I would love your prayers as I finish up this project. It is a story of God intervening on earth! I know it has the potential to impact lives.

Recovering and moving forward,