My First Publication – Clio’s Curious Dash Through Time by Wild Ink Publishing

I’m officially a published author!

I can’t believe I just wrote that sentence, but it’s true. My middle grade fantasy short story, “The Scribe from the Lost City,” is out today in Clio’s Curious Dash Through Time by Wild Ink Publishing. This is the third book in the Magical Muse Library series. This is my first ever publication, and I feel like I’m living a dream.

You can buy your copy of this fabulous anthology everywhere books are sold, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Rewinding to the Beginning

When I saw the submission call for Clio’s Curious Dash Through Time in January, I knew right away I wanted to write for this anthology. First, Clio is the Muse of History in Greek mythology, and I’m all over anything related to Greek mythology. Also, I have always wanted to write a story about Atlantis, and since this anthology focuses on time and history, I was ready to take a trip back to 9,600 B.C. to when Atlantis sunk to the bottom of the ocean, never to be found. My story is a reimagining of how the legend came to be part of the world’s myths and lore.

After writing my story, I shared it with friends for feedback before submitting it to Wild Ink. I had never wrote a story for an anthology before, so I was super nervous and didn’t have high hopes. Imagine my surprise when I received the email letting me know my story got accepted. I definitely squeled and jumped off my bed like the comforter caught fire.

A Peek into “The Scribe from the Lost City”

My story, “The Scribe from the Lost City,” follows Sofia, a young scribe in the Record District, as she tries her best to save her home. Since the Atlantean kings have become greedy and hungry for power, Atlantis is no longer the utopia it once was. At the start of the story, Sofia prays to the gods, voicing how she wishes for Atlantis to go back to the way it was in the old stories. Amphitrite, who is Poseidon’s wife, visits Sofia on the beach and shares how the gods are angry. If the kings don’t agree to change their ways and make Atlantis a paradise again, Poseidon will strike the island at dawn. Amphitrite tells Sofia to visit King Atlas in the Royal District to deliver the message and do her best to convince him. Despite her best efforts, Sofia fails to make King Atlas believe her and her home begins to sink. The end of the story is my twist on how the legend of the lost city came to be one of the most famous ones today, and you’ll have to read it to find out.

The Publication Process

Since this was my first time experiencing the publication process, I found it super educational and enjoyed every step along the way. My story didn’t need developmental edits, so the ball started really rolling when I received the proof to approve line edits and request any final changes. Getting the PDF was the coolest because this was the moment when it hit me that this was really happening.

Another highlight of the journey was when the book went up for pre-order. I have never pre-ordered anything so fast in my life. Also, since I had a book officially set for publication, I was able to create my own Amazon author page. I literally lost my mind when I got my page approved and added the book.

Then, I had to wait, wait, wait, wait. I counted down the days until today, August 6. I was beyond excited to receive my copy, film a reaction video, and take a picture. Well, friends, I got to do just that.

Publication Day for Clio’s Curious Dash Through Time

When I woke up this morning, I couldn’t wait to get my package from Amazon. I put on my Wild Ink hoodie and tried to be patient. It felt like time was moving backwards—ironic, since this anthology is literally tied to time. Maybe Clio was messing with me. Who knows?

Anyway, when I finally got my package, I totally freaked out. Please enjoy this highly dysfunctional video of me opening my copy.

I was all smiles holding my book.

Also, special thank you to Emily St. Marie for doing an illustration for my story. She captured Sofia and King Atlas in the palace perfectly.

I can’t thank Abby, Brittany, and my whole Wild Ink Publishing family enough for making one of my biggest dreams come true. I’m so grateful to be published in Clio’s Curious Dash Through Time. Thanks to Wild Ink, I’m a published author now. Today is all about celebrating the release of this wonderful anthology and how far I’ve come as an author.