So, here’s the deal. I wrote a novel. It’s a young adult fantasy novel (with a little romance thrown in for good measure. Maybe more than a little.) It is the first in what will be a trilogy. I have "finished" the first one. Finished is in quotations because… will I ever really stop tinkering with it until it is published and therefore untouchable? Doubtful. I have started sending out query letters to potential agents. However, before I even began doing that, I had in the back of my mind that I would not find an agent or a publisher for this and I would need to e-publish on my own.

Do I think my novel is that bad that no publisher or agent would touch it with a 10-foot pole? Absolutely not. I love this novel more than I should. My main character is likeable, conflicted, brave, and completely unaware of who she really is and the potential she is about to uncover. The premise rests heavily on the sad state of the environment of our planet. There is wormhole travel to another planet. There’s a gorgeous love-interest with deep emerald eyes. There are aliens with… well, I won’t throw out any more spoilers just in case you want to read it someday. I’ll write more about the novel in another post.

My point is – I’m pretty happy with the novel. I’ve had several people read it and they thought it was good, too. I’m not so cocky as to think I’m the next JK Rowling or Suzanne Collins. But I think it’s a solid first novel.

So why have I already planned for failure going the traditional publishing route? Because I’ve researched enough to know that is the nature of the beast. ("The beast" being the publishing world.) I don’t know exactly what the numbers are, but I know that a discouraging percentage of people who send their manuscripts out into the Universe get a nod on their first try, or within a reasonable amount of time.

I’m not patient enough for that. I want to get my characters and their story out into the Universe sooner rather than later. And I have also done enough research to know that e-publishing has been extremely successful for some. If, in the end, I end up e-publishing a work of literature that I happen to be proud of and at least a handful of people out there like it, then that will make me all kinds of happy, too.

If I end up e-publishing – which I think is likely – I’ll need some kind of forum to promote the book. Voila – a blog is born!

Not only will this be a great way to connect with folks who may eventually want to check out my book(s), but I’m looking forward to connecting with other e-publishing authors out there.

So, hello out there blogosphere! Is anyone there? I look forward to hearing from you. Tips, tricks or ideas about blogging are all more than welcome!