| Essay Non-Fiction posted November 16, 2024 |
The road from idea to publication
We Did It
by Annmuma
About this time last year, in a random conversation, Terry Broxson mentioned to me the possibility of creating and publishing some sort of collection of stories. Terry’s Santa Claus, The Beginning book had been published and the excitement generated by the process, as well as the result, had his creative juices roiling.
My own first thoughts were, “Geez, Terry, doing some sort of shared publication would be incredibly difficult! What stories, what authors, what subjects, how would the communication work?" The list of challenges was endless!
An undaunted Terry did not mention the subject again for a few weeks. I guessed my lack of enthusiasm had cooled his as well. As it turned out, I just couldn’t hear the wheels turning. The next contact included his overflowing ideas for an anthology. Subject suggestions, authors, publishers, and costs were quickly crowding out any reservations I had about participating in such a project. Indeed, I began to wonder if I would make his final list of fellow authors.
First task, choose a genre. Next, choose a format and subject. Finally, search among the many talented Fanstorians who were active in posting Christmas stories. With Terry’s lead and guidance in making those decisions, the final list took shape and the real work – fun – began.
Lee Allen Hill, Diane Kenel-Truelove, Jay Squires, Ann MullenMartin and Terry Broxson
And the race was on, and here comes Lee up the backstretch, just as Terry moves to the inside.
Jay’s changed his phone number. Diane’s holding back, as I’m laying low in an effort to hide.
Just as the project is about to be scratched, for each other’s sake, we came together.
And when the contract was signed, it was all sunny weather.
12 NEW CHRISTMAS STORIES, AN ANTHOLOGY is now on the market and, despite the energetic and lively negotiations among ourselves -often initiated by Lee with his easy-going, non-brash style – just kidding! However, no physical harm resulted, and we all continue to be on speaking terms. Whether we all still listen might be debatable.
12 NEW CHRISTMAS STORIES can be found almost anywhere you might look for a book including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads or check out our websites: 12newstoriesofchristmas.com and annmuma-publishing.com. Or visit YouTube or TikTok for some entertaining videos featuring the finished product. Check out Terry Broxson on YouTube and you’ll find us all there. Jay and I attempted homey, old-time Christmas approaches. I get a few minutes with my great-granddaughter and Jay enjoys some hot chocolate with his daughter.
But for the real entertainment, Lee and Terry take the cake. “I Go Nuts for Christmas” and “Jingle Cat” are among my favorites! Terry as an aging sex symbol movie actor is a hoot that I can almost guarantee a laugh when viewed. To top all of us, Diane has an audio available where she reads one of her stories. It is super and I encourage you to check it out, along with all of the others.
What I am trying to say is: Self-publishing can be done and can be tons of fun. The five of us learned to work together, enjoy the humor and understand vastly different personalities--- some more unique than others, but we won’t pick on Lee right now! I am grateful to Fanstory and the opportunity to share time with and learn from so many talented writers. Tom and Terry shared meaningful conversations as to how our project could be a positive for Fanstory, as well as us.
I hope you will read our book – it is certainly timely! Christmas shopping has already begun at my house and, I’m thinking most grandmas appreciate a book to read with the kiddos. We need that down time during Holidays. You know, when the grandkids are visiting and bouncing off the walls. 12 New Christmas Stories can come to the rescue before we fantasize the prettiest Christmas lights of all as the taillights on the car taking them home. Moms and Dads need a book as well to offset those sugar highs when the kids eat too many of Grandma’s cookies!
Add a little hot chocolate to either scene and everybody slows down to hear stories they have never heard before.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
About this time last year, in a random conversation, Terry Broxson mentioned to me the possibility of creating and publishing some sort of collection of stories. Terry’s Santa Claus, The Beginning book had been published and the excitement generated by the process, as well as the result, had his creative juices roiling.
My own first thoughts were, “Geez, Terry, doing some sort of shared publication would be incredibly difficult! What stories, what authors, what subjects, how would the communication work?" The list of challenges was endless!
An undaunted Terry did not mention the subject again for a few weeks. I guessed my lack of enthusiasm had cooled his as well. As it turned out, I just couldn’t hear the wheels turning. The next contact included his overflowing ideas for an anthology. Subject suggestions, authors, publishers, and costs were quickly crowding out any reservations I had about participating in such a project. Indeed, I began to wonder if I would make his final list of fellow authors.
First task, choose a genre. Next, choose a format and subject. Finally, search among the many talented Fanstorians who were active in posting Christmas stories. With Terry’s lead and guidance in making those decisions, the final list took shape and the real work – fun – began.
Lee Allen Hill, Diane Kenel-Truelove, Jay Squires, Ann MullenMartin and Terry Broxson
And the race was on, and here comes Lee up the backstretch, just as Terry moves to the inside.
Jay’s changed his phone number. Diane’s holding back, as I’m laying low in an effort to hide.
Just as the project is about to be scratched, for each other’s sake, we came together.
And when the contract was signed, it was all sunny weather.
12 NEW CHRISTMAS STORIES, AN ANTHOLOGY is now on the market and, despite the energetic and lively negotiations among ourselves -often initiated by Lee with his easy-going, non-brash style – just kidding! However, no physical harm resulted, and we all continue to be on speaking terms. Whether we all still listen might be debatable.
12 NEW CHRISTMAS STORIES can be found almost anywhere you might look for a book including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads or check out our websites: 12newstoriesofchristmas.com and annmuma-publishing.com. Or visit YouTube or TikTok for some entertaining videos featuring the finished product. Check out Terry Broxson on YouTube and you’ll find us all there. Jay and I attempted homey, old-time Christmas approaches. I get a few minutes with my great-granddaughter and Jay enjoys some hot chocolate with his daughter.
But for the real entertainment, Lee and Terry take the cake. “I Go Nuts for Christmas” and “Jingle Cat” are among my favorites! Terry as an aging sex symbol movie actor is a hoot that I can almost guarantee a laugh when viewed. To top all of us, Diane has an audio available where she reads one of her stories. It is super and I encourage you to check it out, along with all of the others.
What I am trying to say is: Self-publishing can be done and can be tons of fun. The five of us learned to work together, enjoy the humor and understand vastly different personalities--- some more unique than others, but we won’t pick on Lee right now! I am grateful to Fanstory and the opportunity to share time with and learn from so many talented writers. Tom and Terry shared meaningful conversations as to how our project could be a positive for Fanstory, as well as us.
I hope you will read our book – it is certainly timely! Christmas shopping has already begun at my house and, I’m thinking most grandmas appreciate a book to read with the kiddos. We need that down time during Holidays. You know, when the grandkids are visiting and bouncing off the walls. 12 New Christmas Stories can come to the rescue before we fantasize the prettiest Christmas lights of all as the taillights on the car taking them home. Moms and Dads need a book as well to offset those sugar highs when the kids eat too many of Grandma’s cookies!
Add a little hot chocolate to either scene and everybody slows down to hear stories they have never heard before.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
© Copyright 2024. Annmuma All rights reserved.
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