“The temple bell stops—
but the sound keeps coming
out of the flowers.”
~ Matsuo Bashō (1644-1694)
(translated by Robert Bly)
…the sound of the temple bell
hums deep within me 🌸
Sweet people. I’m at the gates of cloud nine. And I have you to thank for the size
of my heart right now. I just don’t know how to show it—so I chose a short to
elaborate–though this is how I feel when my eyes open to a new day.
My late mother always told me that I always awoke excited, never crying—I still do,
and even more so right now. If you read that very long interview I posted the other
day, you’ll recall my response to #Q11:
I like waking up to a new day,
it fills me with gratitude,
fires me up.
I love being alive, breathing, and loving
waking up every day is my thing!
How can I not when life is a gift to open with care every day?
The short video:
Here is one question no one’s asking:
By now, you’re aware of my published story on Amazon—Wanted: Husband/Handyman
—how it came from an online self-publishing course (self–I was expected to do it all
by my self!). I had so much fun until we reached the last week. I had to publish! Some
of my peers published it on their websites (it still qualifies as published), but I chose
to brave it, get out of my comfort zone, and beelined to Amazon in a haze of worry.
(that is not cloud nine!)
It was not easy. I have so much respect for you who have. Wow!
In that course, I had polished and compiled six stories of equal length, but I needed
help with fonts and margins and what have you on my newly purchased Scrivener; the
work required to be uniform. Ultimately, I had to make a tough decision—chose one
story and, forwent the others— published it long after the course ended.
Almost all reviews I received on that story came from the course members, and I am
forever grateful to them. (Hey guys, if you’re still reading, Thank you).
It’s different this time.
This time I received professional help from the greatest person with excellent compile
skills and not to mention editorial excellence—you know her: Ingrid Wilson of
Experiments in Fiction. She’s doing the heavy lifting for me this time. Thanks, dear one.
And then there’s you—the bloggers of WordPress and ‘other’ website platforms reading
my words and regaling me with comments. Thanks from the bottom of my heart. Please
keep the enthusiasm alive until the book launches and beyond.
So, the book. I reached out to a small percentage of influencers I rub shoulders with in
the blogger sphere and have had my cup overflowing with love. Since the cover release,
you darlings have come through for me here and on the social media platforms. Thank
you so much. *touches heart*
So much in awe I am; so afraid to make this all about me by monopolizing your reading,
I’m barely holding back from exploding.
It is my moment to shine ✨ I know, but I don’t know how to do that. Is there room for
me “still” in this publishing business?
I hope so because if there isn’t, this INFJ, 🐢 turtle-spirit human has nowhere else to go.
I want the magic!
You will see more of me with my heart on my sleeve and vulnerable in the coming
weeks. Please lend me courage. I want to see this to fruition because I know there’s
magic at the end of that rainbow. Thanks so much.
I bless you all and wish you miracles.
(I know, even wishers of miracles get scared sometimes).
- It’s A Tanka, Dear Watson - November 5, 2024
- You’re Right, Watson: An American Sentence - November 4, 2024
- Whatsoever Is Lovely: November Is Lovely - November 4, 2024
So do I, a little bit of magic goes a long way.
May magic 🪄 come to you. Xoxo
It is not easy to self publish a book. Writing is only the half of it. Congratulations, Selma.
Thank you. One never knows how one will react until the wheels are turning. Thanks for the support. I bless you.
My prayers and best wishes are with you.
Yes. Yes, please. I need those. Xo
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Wishes are with you. Good luck. Go-ahead God with you. I will pray.
Raj. You are the best. Thanks for the encouragement. Your words have touched my soul. Thanks so much. Xoxo
You are most welcome, Selma!
HI Selma, congratulations on your self publishing exercise. I self published on Amazon for the first time in December last year. I’ve subsequently self published 3 other books. I have several books published through a small publishing house in the UK and that helped prepare me. Hats off to you to going it alone from the start. I’m not sure I could have managed it.
So excited for you, Selma! (yes, I am back for bit on WP after a little hiatus!) I did just share your cover on my IG story, I want to shout it to the world with you! 🥳
I’m so glad you are seeing your dream through. It takes courage to do that. (K)
All my wishes your way. Also, i love your Haiku.
Let the magic commence 🧚♀️ 🪄
I wish you magic, Selma, and am so excited for you! I’m almost to the finish line for mine, but I think next time, I may try a small publishing co. like you are with Ingrid. It’s a lot of work and fine-tuning. Anyway, Congrats! xoxo
A beautiful cover and title, Selma! Wishing you endless magic and strength and courage as you forge ahead – youve got this! xx
I am truly thrilled for you Selma..❤️❤️❤️
You’ve got this Selma… it’s happening so hang on to your hat! ❣️
Selma, You have already aced the writing! Working with Ingrid, you will ace the rest! And you will learn a lot in the process!