Wild and Wonderful Milestones – April 2024 Wrap

Wow, April was a wild month. From my first magazine cover to publishing industry milestones, so many incredible things happened all at once. I’m beyond excited to share some fabulous highlights.

My First Magazine Cover

Who is the cover girl for the spring edition of Heart of Indie Magazine? This Butterfly!

When Eddie told me I would be on the cover a few months ago, I totally flipped out. Somehow, I managed to keep this a secret. I feel like I’m at such a pivotal point in my creative life, so the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

For this issue, I did one of my favorite interviews, talking about my upcoming album, author journey, new adventure as a freelance editor, and so much more. Also, since I’m always a contributor for the magazine, I wrote an article on patience as a core quality for independent artists.

I can’t thank my Heart of Indie family enough for featuring me on the cover and for allowing me to share my story. I’m forever grateful.

This Butterfly Is On Submission

That’s right, friends, I’m on submission!

If you don’t know, submission is when an author’s agent sends their manuscript to editors at publishing houses. In short, I’m literally a step away from getting a book deal now.

Since signing with my fabulous agent last November, I’ve done four rounds of revisions. When I found out I was finally going on submission, I couldn’t believe it. I knew this was coming eventually, but I nearly burst into tears when my agent told me I was ready.

But wait, it gets better.

I went on submission the same day as the total solar eclipse, April 8.

Was this planned? Nope.

I don’t know about you, but this is too wild to be a coincidence.

Anyway, I’m back in the land of waiting and currently revising my other fantasy to help keep me distracted. Do I still check my email every two seconds? Maybe.

I’m so proud of this story. Now, with my agent in my corner, I’m going to take this next stage of the journey one day at a time. I know it will be a roller coaster ride, but I truly believe my editor is out there and I can’t wait for them to fall in love with my book.

The Wildest Wild Ink Publishing News

Yep, I love my puns. I’m serious, though. Wild Ink Publishing is a wonderful small press, and I’m now a part of the family in many ways.

First, I’m beyond delighted to share that I received my first anthology acceptance in February. My short story, “The Scribe from the Lost City,” will be published in Clio’s Curious Dash Through Time this summer. Keeping this a secret has been driving me nuts. I’m so glad I can finally shout about it. I already know I’m going to totally flip out when I have the book in my hands.

Next, I had the honor of writing a short story for Uncensored Ink: A Banned Book Inspired Anthology, which will be published in the fall. This anthology has such an important theme, and I’m so lucky I got to contribute a story.

The anthology fun continued when I got chosen to be the guest editor for another one, Prom Perfect: A Totally Dramatic and Wild YA Anthology, coming next spring. When S.E. Reed, one of my author friends and the lead anthologist for this project, requested for me to be the editor, I couldn’t believe it. Me? Editing an anthology? In what world? I’m so beyond honored. I can’t wait for this whole process. From evaluating submissions to editing pieces for publication, I know I’m going to learn so much and work with talented authors along the way.

Being involved with three anthologies at once is the wildest thing ever. I never expected this to happen.

And it gets even better.

I’m now a publicity intern at Wild Ink. Long story. Let’s just say I felt like I was in a dream. People in publishing always say when things are slow, they’re slow, but once they start moving, everything happens all at once. Yeah, I totally get it now.

I truly can’t thank the team enough for welcoming me with open arms. Through my adventures with Wild Ink so far, I have met the most kind people. I feel like I’m part of a special community, and I seriously can’t wait to see what’s next. I have already made friends, worked with talented authors and editors, and gotten to know Abby, the publishing house’s owner and a total ray of sunshine, through my weekly meetings with her for my internship. I’m looking forward to growing as an author and editor and learning more about the publishing industry.

April was truly something else. I’m so blessed for every opportunity that came my way this month.

On top of these highlights, ISSA Awards voting for the finalists took place during April. My Butterflies definitely showed up and supported me, and I feel so lucky to be surrounded by so many people who are following my songwriting journey. The finalists will be announced on May 2, and I’m so nervous. I hope I’ll get to go back to Atlanta this summer for the awards.

Also, Amethyst Ink Editorial has been a dream come true. I’m so honored authors are trusting me to edit their work. Write on Track and Literary Blend have been going amazing, too. Sometimes, I wonder how I manage to do all that I do, but then, I remember how much I love it all. I always find time for the things I’m passionate about.

I’m looking forward to what’s in store for me in May. Aside from my birthday, I know magic is waiting for me.